A small area in Thurston County, western Washington, contains a treasure – a native grassland prairie. This region, maintained by many volunteers and the Center for Natural Lands Management, is being meticulously restored through prescribed burnings, planting native plants, weeding, and careful soil management. And, it is open to visitors one day each year. (AContinue reading “South Sound Prairies, Western Washington Grasslands”
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Walking Towards
So this is what it means: no time like the present – do it now before you change your mind – if you stand still you’ll freeze – no time to waste. There is wisdom in each saying far beyond the obvious; available to anyone willing to think for more than a moment. Of courseContinue reading “Walking Towards”
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Bill and I recently returned from a few days at one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the west coast – Cannon Beach in Oregon. I’ve been coming to this charming little town since 1998 when a close friend recommended the town to me. Her family has a summer cabin here (built in theContinue reading “Cannon Beach, Oregon”
“I’m not dead yet!”
It’s been a long, trying few weeks but the worst is over (referring to post of March 21). All test results were either negative or low-normal, and that’s a pretty good sign. Although I’m not seeing much improvement yet, I anticipate it coming soon. And, as Monty Python succinctly stated, “I’m not dead yet!” InContinue reading ““I’m not dead yet!””
No Variations on this Theme
I was thinking about my dad’s phrase – “Don’t worry, it always gets better” while listening to my doctor last week. I’ve held that phrase, and dad’s tone of voice, in my mind for most of my life. In fact, I can’t remember any difficult times when his voice and that phrase were absent. ButContinue reading “No Variations on this Theme”
Beautiful Days
The past week or two have offered days perfect for long walks and easy hikes. Visiting my favorite places here in my corner of our lovely blue planet – a few botanical gardens, a beach, and neighborhoods – has offered the beauty of late winter/early spring days. From the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in FederalContinue reading “Beautiful Days”
Willapa Hills State Park trail
Just outside the charming small town of Chehalis my family and I met up with one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington state. On a classically beautiful early spring day, all things came together for us – my son’s first day of vacation since 2020 (the hospital he works in has been struggling withContinue reading “Willapa Hills State Park trail”
A Winter Garden, Part 2
The month of February is a very busy time for me and Bill. Our birthdays are eight days apart and this is the month we met 50 years ago, so we combine those dates to make the entire month celebratory. In addition, we’ve continued weekly walks through the Washington Park Arboretum. In my free time,Continue reading “A Winter Garden, Part 2”
A Winter Garden, Part 1
A garden in winter. What descriptions come to mind when you hear that sentence? Cold, damp, and dark? Lifeless, or mostly so? Bare trees, mushy plant residue, saturated soil? Or lumps and bumps under a layer of snow? All can be accurate to a point. But, in truth, a winter garden often is a vibrantContinue reading “A Winter Garden, Part 1”
Simple Beauty in Complex Days
Last year, as the year before, was difficult, complicated and at times very painful. But within each day, no matter how troubled, resides a moment or two of quiet peace. Our challenge is to find these points in time and cherish them as they move from the immediate to the distant. I wish for youContinue reading “Simple Beauty in Complex Days”
While I Was Gardening 