21 Years (xoxo)

If you like reading about travel or romance, read on...

Gregg and I just spent three days in Victoria, B.C., celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary. If you've been a reader here for any length of time, you'll recognize the theme. We used to head up to Sooke Harbour House outside of Victoria, but it has changed so much during the years of our marriage that we don't go there anymore. Though I'm sure the food is still fabulous and the views and accommodations are among the best I've ever experienced, the atmosphere is not quite to our taste nowadays.

Here are the specifics:
1)  the owners expanded the inn, so now it accommodates many more guests than it used to do. It's not as cozy and quiet as it was when we first stayed there
2)  they have raised the prices beyond what we think is reasonable for the rooms that are desirable (above the bottom floor) - there is much less quiet and privacy in the ground-floor rooms
3)  they quit packing lunch for guests. The breakfast is wonderful, and delivered to your room, but the lunches and the loaner-backpacks were a big plus for us, when we used to stay for two nights and go hiking in the local parks and beaches. This is no longer offered
4)  we found the restaurant's staff to be increasingly pretentious. Sooke Harbour House has been very glowingly reviewed for many years for a variety of good reasons, but as the accolades poured in, so did famous people, and we became uncomfortable with some of the airs and graces of the newer staff.

If a few of these things were to change, I would love to return to Sooke, but thus far, they haven't, so we now stay in downtown Victoria, in a hotel that is part of a chain. It has everything that we want - and we can stay there for two nights at the price of one night at Sooke Harbour House. We drive up to Port Angeles early in the morning, park our car and walk to the first morning sailing of the Coho ferry. After settling in our seats, we enjoy the view from the ship during the hour and 45-minute ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca:

Looking back at Port Angeles and the Olympic Mountains from the Black Ball Ferry Line's M.V. COHO

Once the ferry has docked, we go through customs and then walk to our hotel via the waterfront paths. Here is the view from our room:

Looking NW from the hotel.
That's the Victoria Clipper cruising into the Inner Harbor.

Here is the view out the other window, to the South.

Our anniversary weekend always coincides with the Swiftsure sailing race, which we love. This year, it also coincided with a gala put on by the David Foster Foundation - THAT David Foster - the musical promoter, arranger, discoverer, also known as "Hit Man." The city re-named one of its thoroughfares in David Foster's honor, for all of the charitable work that his foundation does in Canada. There was a lot of excitement in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the grande dame of Victoria's Inner Harbour: police, security, big black Suburbans, a purple carpet and huge white awning, chartered buses, a Rolls Royce, Bentley and other fantastic autos...

Fancy cars lined up in front of the Empress Hotel

We do a lot of walking in Victoria - that way, the eating and drinking don't bring any guilty feelings! My favorite place to have lunch is a Japanese restaurant called Sen Zushi. Gregg loves to speak Japanese to the people who work there. We usually stop for a sushi lunch on our first day, and that's what we did on Friday, May 25th.

Then we walked some more, looked to see what was new around town, did a little window shopping, and went back to the hotel for a nap.

The concierge made reservations for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

I bought a cute new top (on sale) to wear for our anniversary dinner, as a surprise for Gregg. I wore a black skirt and leggings with one of my shirts and this new top (a vest with lots of hand-made details). Here we are at dinner, celebrating 21 years of happiness. We are thankful!

I had the most incredible soup of my life: fresh asparagus bisque with TRUFFLE oil on top - oh, my! Heavenly!

We walked back by the light of the sun setting over the harbour. It was a busy night before the start of the race, and with much David-Foster-related activity. There is a sort of festival atmosphere around the race, with magicians, street vendors, rides for children, arts and crafts, food for sale, and lots to see. We enjoyed it all as we walked along the waterfront and through the park to our hotel.

The next morning, we followed our tradition and ate breakfast in the hotel's waterside dining room so that we could watch the sailboats departing for the start of the Swiftsure race.

Race entrants heading out to Ogden Point (where the race begins). That arrow denoting Spinnaker's Pub is for later.

Then we walked up the shoreline to see them go out. They leave in "heats," so there are starting guns firing every few minutes. The town's inhabitants come out in large numbers to watch, with their dogs and children in tow. It's colorful, festive and friendly.

Sailboats lined up behind me (Olympic Mountains behind them) and the crowds gathered on Ogden Point

 After watching the race begin, we walked around the lovely residential neighborhoods nearby, enjoying many flowers in bloom in lavish cottage gardens, Victorian architectural details and lots of clever renovations. We visited a local farmer's market, stopped for a refreshing drink at our favorite coffee shop, did some more window-shopping, and then walked back toward our hotel. We walked 6 - 8 miles each day we spent in Victoria.

After a nap, we went out to dinner at an Irish Pub which features at least a dozen (I think it's closer to 20) beers on tap - many of them are local. They also have fabulous pub fare and a lot of locally sourced food, with live music 7 nights a week. I had a small glass of apple cider, and then a glass of red wine, while Gregg had a couple of pints of a local beer with his meal. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of setting my phone against my nearly-empty wine glass...don't try this at home! Gregg's pale blue shirt paid a high price for my foolishness:

Though our waitress brought soda water and lemon, the stains remain. My bad.
Gregg was very good-natured about it, even posing with this funny bear for my camera

As we walked back from dinner, we stopped down at the Swiftsure race headquarters' tent on the quai. They had huge computer monitors up, tracking the progress of the boats in the various races. It was fun to see how far they had traveled since departing that morning.

Next morning, a clean shirt, a hearty breakfast, and all is well.

The following day as we ate breakfast, we saw some of the sailboats as they returned from the race. The wind was very strong and there were whitecaps on the waves, even inside the breakwater. We saw a number of billowing spinnakers, and knew that the sailors were having some excitement out on the open water.

We took a walk around the harbour to the opposite side, called West Bay. On our way back, we stopped at Spinnaker's Brew Pub for lunch. We've heard about it for years, and have been curious (it was okay, but not a place to put on the list of "must-eats"). Here is the beautiful view from our table, looking back at the inner harbour and our hotel:

and here I am, happy to be with Gregg, and ready for our last lunch in Victoria.

We walked back to our hotel, picked up our bag, boarded the M.V. Coho for the States, went through customs again, and drove home.

It was a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful trip with no agenda, lots of rest, good food and drink, and many, many laughs. Gregg is the BEST traveling companion: he is easy-going, adventurous, fun, curious, thoughtful, funny and a super-packer. (That last quality is not to be under-rated, as I dislike packing intensely!)

We've been through quite a lot in our 21 years, going from two careers and no kids to one career and a stay-at-home mom of two beloved children; building a house and being swindled in the process; sharing a happy family life and then going through Katie's cancer journey, moving to Seattle and enduring her passing; transitioning to life back at home with one child living and one in heaven, and now to "empty-nesting."

I am so thankful to God for leading me to Gregg,

and to Gregg for all that he does to make our marriage a joy!

I looked up from my laptop and this is what I saw:

 ...in case you need a closer view:

Beautiful, classic wooden boats are coming to town!

I hope you have a "classic" weekend, too.

Beautiful Weekend

This week had gone by like a whirlwind. Since we returned from Spokane, I've been grateful to pick up donations of blankets for Katie's Comforters Guild from four different sources - three of them are exceptional quilts made of little squares of very old fabric, suitable for auction, not for patients. So I am planning a way to share them with the public, making them available for purchase to benefit the guild.

I made some delicious soup (ham with lentils, split peas, barley, zucchini, onion and carrots in a roasted red pepper & tomato base), cleaned the house and had two friends from high school over for a visit. We sat on our deck to chat, and then drove to town, to Paella Bar for lunch and Mora Ice Cream for dessert. We browsed around town and took photos on Katie's bench.

It's amazing to me, after 30 or so years, and all that has happened to the three of us, that we are each still deeply engaged in our relationship with God. Our faith journeys have taken different turns, and the fact that three women who met through church and youth group decades ago, are still deeply connected to things of the Spirit, and can jump in to discuss them with reverence after such a long time apart, is a great blessing.

My parents took us out to a delicious Japanese dinner on Friday, after which we joined friends at a dinner party (already in progress). Guitar music and "night cap" beverages around the fire pit were a great way to kick off the weekend. On Saturday, we hosted Gregg's parents for brunch, and in the evening, Gregg barbecued wild salmon for dinner. While we were eating, the cats decided to raid what was left over on the grill.

Later, we took a sunset kayak ride. Stunning vistas of color fading behind the mountains, seagulls sitting on pilings and calling out over the calm water, neighbors enjoying beach fires and the moon rising to throw its half-light on the water were the reward for our efforts.

Yes, that's me in my kayak

Whenever we get the boats ready to go, and when we return from kayaking, our cats come down to the bulkhead and walk on the beach. They wander around and into the action as if they want to go with us. However, when we put them in the cockpit of the kayaks, they scramble to get out!

Today, Gregg & I drank coffee on the deck and then set out for Port Townsend. When our children were small, we used to take them to a lovely park, like a secret garden, called Chetzemoka Park. It's named for a native American chief, and it has everything one could want in a park: gorgeous views and beach access, play areas for children with great equipment for climbing, digging, sliding, spinning and swinging, a gorgeous flower arbor and a gazebo. It was so beautiful to return to this happy place.

Looking towards Pt. Wilson lighthouse from the beach between Fort Worden & Chetzemoka Park

We walked on the beach, shared a slice of pizza and a frozen, chocolate-dipped banana in town, and then walked to Fort Worden, another favorite park. Then we walked back to Chetzemoka via the beach.

Seagull with Pt. Wilson in the background

After dinner, we took another kayak ride, longer this time, to Lemolo Point. It is a privilege to live in such a beautiful place, to see fish jumping, a seal coming alongside our kayaks, majestic mountains rising over the trees, light reflected in saltwater.

In my kayak near Keyport

All of these gifts sustain us during the long, gray, dark, rainy winters. We savor every moment of sunshine!

Olympic Mountains with sunset, near Keyport

David tells us he is settling in well, and we are thankful for that. Wishing you a happy week!

"Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
...The Lord is compassionate toward all his works." - Psalm 145

Happy 58th Anniversary!

Today marks my parents' 58th wedding anniversary.

58 years is a long time to be married, especially nowadays.

I respect and honor their love for each other, their friendship, sense of humor and commitment.

They are best friends.

They argue, they disagree, but they share the same values, adore each other, and they still get a huge kick out of each other.

To celebrate, Gregg, David and I took Mom & Dad on an Argosy dinner cruise aboard the Royal Argosy on Sunday. It was about 95 degrees that day, a perfect day for a boat ride.

 Both of my parents LOVE the water, and anything to do with boats, so this was a treat for all of us. (We offered to send them on their own, but they preferred that we all go together.)

Last year, we took them on an Argosy cruise to Tillicum Village on Blake Island, where David works. This cruise was more elegant, with the meal served on board, and a (very good) live band for listening and dancing.

The boat cruised the waters of Puget Sound, over to Bainbridge Island, past Alki Point and gave us smashing views of the Olympic Mountains,

 

the sunset,

Mt. Rainier,

Seattle's skyline, etc.

It was great fun for all of us.

May you enjoy many more happy, healthy years together, Mom & Dad!

Congratulations, and

Happy Anniversary!

Christmas Ships and Cats

Last night, the Christmas Ships went by our house. This is an annual event that we appreciate and love very much. It is a parade of private boats, sponsored by a local yacht club, with Christmas music playing; Santa is on one of the boats. You can sometimes hear him laughing, "HoHoHo!" across the water.

It was raining, and very dark, so I used the flash.

I took more photos without the flash.

David took pictures of Latte and Liger. Latte was in one of his favorite spots, under our dining table. He likes to rest his chin on the rung of a chair.

Liger is our resident "Cat in Sink."

The Christmas Ships sail again tonight. If you live nearby, I hope you take time to look for them. It's a lovely sight.

Motorboat, Motorboat

One of the greatest sounds on earth, for me, is the sound of a cat purring. It never fails to make me happy.

When Latte and Liger are ecstatically happy, their purring sounds like our outboard motor, set on idle, in calm water. I LOVE that sound.

(The outboard motor I am talking about is in the photo above.)

This is one reason why I am a cat-person. Dogs have wonderful qualities, but barking vs. purring? I'm going with the motorboat.

[Lest you dog-lovers feel slighted, there is no need. Our friend Joanne came over the other night with her awesome Corgi (named Beamer). Beamer walked right into the house, and we gave him snacks; he did tricks and sat on the couch with me. And Beverly (Karyn's Yorkie from NY) came for a visit, and had snacks AND used her potty-mat, in our house. We like dogs; we LOVE cats.]

The Wooden Boat Festival 2009

Yesterday, we attended the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, which is an annual family event for us. It was extra special, since Gregg had been sick (food poisoning, we think) for two days last week, and he was finally feeling well enough to go out and do something FUN.

We met our friend Dave, two of his daughters, and friend Rick there, and walked around, admiring the craftsmanship of wooden boats. It was a perfect "Indian summer" day, typical of September in Western Washington.

We saw ships and smaller craft that have wonderful life-stories. Some are now used as teaching vessels, maintained by foundations or donations. Some can accomodate school groups, overnight.

You can see and feel history right in front of you, when you take time to learn about wooden boats. The craft is old, and the people who appreciate it are fascinating to me.

People who create and maintain wooden boats are not the same as people who buy fiberglas boats...they are a different breed. They are definitely "saltier," from what I have observed. I love that quality.

Festival-goers are allowed to go aboard the boats featured, with permission from the owners. It's always important to ask: "Permission to come aboard?" before taking off your shoes and climbing up. You can speak to the owners, read and learn about the history of each vessel. Many of the owners are proud of their boats, and are very happy to spend time telling you about their "lady" (boats are always referred to as if they were female). 

There were lots of adults and children dressed up as pirates for the festival; theatre shows were taking place in an open-air stage, sea shanties were sung by a live band in the open-air bar, food booths were full of a variety of delicacies, and there were demonstrations of "how to" do any number of things that would help you construct or care for your wooden boat. Children were able to design and build their own small, model wooden boats, with sails and rigging. A craft fair was held in town at the same time as the Festival.

The Wooden Boat Foundation and School have built two gorgeous new buildings. We toured them, and walked and walked and walked in the sun. We bought great-looking t-shirts.

We went on board one of David's dream-boats.

We admired the woodwork and style of many others.

We saw a young boy who had found a very nice place to relax.

The Wooden Boat Festival always reminds me of how simply we could live, as life on a boat involves ingenious use of space (and respectful and gorgeous craftsmanship in woodwork). It requires painstaking maintenance and loving appreciation of what has been made. It requires devotion to restoration and care, instead of disposability.

I can think of many wonderful things about sailors and their way of life. I'd like to live on a wooden boat someday, and sail it in the waters of Puget Sound - and some of Canada's portion of the Inside Passage. I'd like to fish, go wading, beachcombing, sleep on board and take photos. I'd learn to navigate, and would enjoy writing and reading, and relaxing with Gregg & David.

There is a lot of beauty in this world upon which to feast your eyes. The Wooden Boat Festival is a sure place to find some of it, and to get some salty air into your lungs, and your dreams.

The Wooden Boat Festival 2008

Yesterday, we went up to Port Townsend for the Wooden Boat Festival. It was a gloriously sunny, warm fall day (it often rains in June in the Pacific Northwest, but September is considered the last month of our summer).

Gregg got me interested in wooden boats, and the kids and I came to love going to this festival each year. Port Townsend is a funky, out-of-the-way town that is full of local color (we love it so much that we have discussed the possibility of moving there). There is plenty to see and do, especially if you are an artist, writer, hiker, boater or other creative type. There is a small art & craft fair in town during the Festival. Once you pass through the gate at Point Hudson, you can visit boat-building shops, talk to vendors of various materials, kits and designs, eat fun food, listen to live music (lots of sea shanties), see pirates (calling themselves "marine salvage experts"), build a toy boat, etc.

Wooden boats are different from other boats. They require A LOT of upkeep (love and care). Some of the boat designs are so beautiful that they make my heart race. The building materials and the way they are treated is just not seen often nowadays. I want our "next house" to be built by a boat-builder, using marine materials and finish. I'm not joking.

We got to see (and board) some wonderful boats, for example: Adventuress (a schooner that can sleep 35+ people), Martha (a boat maintained by a foundation, used for teaching groups), a historic tug, a Navy Captain's launch, Beetle-Cats, and boats built by famous designers such as Ed Monk and B.B. Crowninshield. I looked for Native Girl, designed by Canadian boat-building legend Allen Farrell, but I missed her.

Gregg favors re-fitted working boats (such as fishing or forestry vessels that have been turned into a pleasure boats). I like those, too, because you can see the imagination and creativity of the remodeler in his use of materials and space. Space is obviously at a premium on board a boat, so its effective and creative use is imperative. That's why I love the idea of having a boat designer work on my house...scaling everything down, simplifying daily living by thinking ahead.

However, one of my favorite boats is Olympus, which we saw in Victoria last weekend, as well as yesterday in Port Townsend. On Olympus, space is not at a premium; she is a huge yacht. David suggested that we sell our house, buy Olympus and live aboard. Here she is tied up to the dock:

and here she is sailing out for the Parade of Boats as the festival was winding down:

There was at least an hour of parading, when you could watch each boat under sail or power, running back and forth in splendor. It was peaceful and glorious.

We met our friend Dave at the Festival (the man who introduced Gregg and me; he also loves boats), with his youngest daughter & her friend. They came to our house for dinner after the Festival. Our David & the girls went into our woods to swing on the rope swing, and out on the water in our kayaks & rowboat. It was a great evening to sit on the deck, relax and watch kids having good, old-fashioned, fresh-air fun.