Another Rainy Day in Portland

Today is gray in Portland. Getting tired of the rain.
And so I decided to reminisce about a sunny time.
This photo opportunity occurred on my very first
trip to Hawaii.

Journaling reads:
Kicking back in a lounge chair, feet up, pina colada in hand,
waves rhythmically lapping at the beach, in quiet conversation,
afraid of breaking the mood of this near sacred moment,
a beautiful sunset is the perfect ending to a glorious day.

Hope this makes your day wonderful!

It's Not About the Weight

Isn't it interesting that you can set a goal and see it through but in the end what you accomplish is something totally different, something totally unexpected. That was the case for Drew when he was a senior in high school. He worked out nearly everyday in the gym, to get ready for football, to get ready for track, to get into the Pound for Pound club but in the end, while he accomplished all of those things, his gift to himself was so much more. His gift was knowing that he could see something through no matter how difficult. It was one of self discipline. And that, is a big one!

Happy Birthday, Nina!

Today is Nina, my SIL's, birthday. This photo was taken of her, center, with another SIL, Delse, hiking in Palm Canyon on our recent trip to Palm Desert, CA., as a part of our annual girl's trip.

Nina is the best. She is the ultimate organizer, the one who plans way far ahead, keeping us all on track. She finds the most interesting places on the internet, for Spas or housing or just whatever.

She is an awesome cook. Hearing her describe a dinner item, with a pinch of this and a dab of that, makes my mouth water. She uses stuff I have never even heard of.

She is an accomplished musician.

Our boys are similar in age and we have swapped child raising ideas over the years. We like tennis. We are beading buddies.

But mostly Nina is like a sister to me. She is family that I love to connect with as often as possible. I only wish we lived closer.

Nina,
Have a wonderful birthday.
I love you.

Elaine