Jeep Nostalgia

Our Jeep Wrangler has facilitated many adventures.  We have loved it!  Whether we were exploring the back roads of Baja, trekking to Grand Canyon mountain bike rides, hauling tubes to float the Klickitat, returning to a trail head after a long ski trip, or camping on remote BLM land, the Jeep was a reliable workhorse for all that we asked.
After having a baby, we made the tough decision to own something a little more family friendly and safe.  We sold our sweet Jeep this summer...here's a look back on of some of our favorite Jeep moments.

Thanks for all the wonderful memories!

An Angel

On Monday, my friend Judi passed away.  She crocheted this darling sweater and gave it to me when Jonah was born.  In February, when Judi went on hospice care, I dressed Jonah up in his spring hoodie (which fit him perfectly) and we went to visit Judi at home and say goodbye.

Both of Judi's parents were talented artists who I had the pleasure of knowing through my position at the Art Gallery.  When Judi moved to the area to care for them, I got to know her.  She was a very special person and became my volunteer coordinator which allowed us to share a lot together over the years.  I saw her gracefully care for her parents and helped her curate retrospective shows of their artwork after they passed away.  Although Judi was always busy, she was never too busy to help a friend.  When I was pregnant, Judi helped me reupholster a rocking chair for Jonah's nursery.

It was heartbreaking to see Judi face her own debilitating health issues at such a young age, but true to her faith, she became an even greater pillar of strength for those around her.  

I will miss her very much.

She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend, a gifted fiber artist....and now an angel.

I am blessed by her mark on this world.

Farewell Peterson Prairie Guard Station

A few weeks ago we received a call that our reservation to Peterson Prairie had been cancelled.  

"The cabin has burned to the ground," they said.

The news is extremely sad, but particularly so for the many families like ours who have made a tradition of coming to the cabin annually.  We decided to drive out to see it last weekend.

It did, indeed, burn to the ground.  They believe a hot ember landed on the roof and started the fire after the previous renters had departed.  It is remarkable that the surrounding trees, out buildings, and even a nearby picnic bench were untouched.  This year has been a remarkable year for forest fires and I imagine that the Forest Service is very thankful that this incident was contained.  

There are many things we will miss, but at the top of the list would be having an adventure to which we look forward in the middle of winter.  The planning and preparation each year was a fun exercise -- factoring weather conditions, supplies, food, coordinating with friends, and tweaking things to accommodate children.  

We will miss anticipating the arrival of visitors, lighting the gas lamps at dusk, melting snow on the stove, skiing from the doorstep, the laughter, games, and discourse which build lasting memories, and enjoying the solitude and beauty of the winter woods.

I will also miss the irreplaceable hand tatted curtains, the original single-pane wavy glass, and the little clock that a guest made for the cabin. 

We left some flowers from our garden on the mantel.  And a note that read:

Farewell Peterson Prairie Guard Station

We will miss you!

(1926 - 2012)

In memoriam....

Minnie Mouse

1998 - 2012

I've been away from the blog world for a while now because it has been hard for me to know how to write this post.  Minnie Mouse is no longer with us.  She is buried beneath our plum tree which is just about to bloom.  The photos below are in remembrance of her many adventures and the joy and companionship she brought to our family.  We love you Minnie!

Thanks for all the support.

We miss you MM.

xoxo