My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
I’m in Phoenix. They put my mother in hospice on Wednesday so my sister and I flew down on Thursday. She is hardly eating and drinking. Getting weaker, sleeping a lot. In moments of awareness she tells us she loves us. All four of us kids are with her and dad. This image is my dad holding her hand. We are each saying our goodbyes.
Here’s a little bit about the trip to Seattle. First off, the weather was wonderful, highs reached about 70 degrees and lows at night down to 55 degrees. No rain the whole time we were there. I ate too much.
The Vacation Rental By Owner apartment Marcee and John were renting was sweet. It sat up on a hill with a great view of Lake Washington. We walked each day on a flat trail around the lake but the walk included climbing up “The Hill” on the way back. I walked about 12,000 steps each day. The Hill was steep and long enough that this older man had to stop and catch his breath three times to get home. You will see in the photo two orange cones marking holes in the road. I used them as rest stops on the way up.
The walks along the lake were breathtaking for me. The area has such different and diverse plants than we have here in Colorado. The plants and density of them always amaze me. I experienced that when living in Ohio. I was always way behind everyone else because I had to stop so many times.
They had a small propane fire pit on the patio which did provide some warmth if the wind was not blowing. I actually thought it would be nice on my patio but we cannot have grills due to insurance issues.
I decided to only take the Fujifilm X-T3 and the XF35mm f2.0 lens. I was going for family time and did not want the extra weight and bother. It would also have distracted me from family time. So, this image is a major crop. Still not bad. I began to get more comfortable with the camera, its responsiveness and handling. The 30% increase in size and weight are no longer an issue.
I really enjoyed the time with Marcee and John and Sheree. I was also able to see a nephew and niece I’d not seen in about 16 years. It was so. good to see them and their families. The trip was worth. Have a few more days of self-quarantine to where I will feel comfortable around others. But, it is good to be home, even though it’s hot.
I took this image last night as storms moved through to the north and the south of us bringing heavy rain, lightning and thunder both directions. Surprisingly we stayed dry. Man, I love the beauty of clouds even though there can be a lot of damage from their power. They never stay the same, always changing.
I have been surprised with all the birthday wishes from family and friends. This is my 70th year or just over 25,550 days counting leap years. Thanks to everyone!
This afternoon I will be heading to my oldest daughters house for a BBQ and celebrate my oldest granddaughters college graduation. She was not able to walk for her graduation from CSU due to the COVID-19 issue. She has worked hard for this, changed her major three times and did the six year plan. Congratulations Abbie!!!!! I love you. ❤️
We are heading home today, back to the colder temperatures. I have enjoyed the family time except for all the food I was forced to eat. I have also enjoyed the wonderful weather they have here in Phoenix. Tomorrow will be my pre-op appointment, blood draws and more explanation on what to expect with the surgery on the 5th. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving !
Today is not only our Winter Solstice but it is my youngest granddaughters birthday. I know its hard to imagine this 5 year old with a totally innocent expression in the above image is 21 today. Happy birthday, Madie! You have brought a lot of joy to so many people. I love you!
We returned to home on Saturday evening after enjoying time with family over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had great weather in Phoenix and of course great food. What was most wonderful was all the laughter and conversations. 🙂
While visiting my parents during thanksgiving my dad gave me his father’s pocket watch. A treasure to me. It does not run but the hands turn so I may have it repaired.
I remember the cold winter mornings I would cut a slice mom’s homemade bread, toasting it in this exact toaster and smothering it in “real” butter. Well, mom made her homemade bread before we arrived for Thanksgiving. As expected I cut a slice about as thick as it would fit in the toaster and drowned it in butter. I mentioned how impressed I was that the toaster was still working. Dad then informed it was one of their wedding gifts which makes is almost 68 years old. I made toast every morning I was there. 🙂
A moment of anger can destroy a lifetime of work,
whereas a moment of love can break barriers that took a lifetime to build.
This morning is overcast and cloudy. One of those solid and flat gray skies with very little texture. The temperature is around 60 degrees so it is pleasant to be outside, walking or riding the bicycle.
I leave a week from today for 6 weeks. Will camp one night at Great Sand Dunes NP and and one night at Canyon Dechelly then on to Phoenix to spend the rest of the time with family.
This past Saturday afternoon I went to a BBQ at my oldest daughters home. They grilled up some elk burgers and brats. 🙂 Games were played, children and puppy dogs ran all over the place and lots of laughter was heard.
Chris and Cody supplied the meat while everyone else was asked to bring a side dish. Well that meant there were too many salads and deserts to fit on one plate so multiple trips to the table were needed. I found this young girl exploring all of the back yard, walking stick in hand.
As the sun went down I stood along the fence in their backyard with camera in hand and watched the colors. Nature was magically making art and I had a great front row seat.