As Promised and More

Man, it has been a while...again. But, here are the promised pictures from my visit to San Diego. Uncle David and Aunt Noreen took us to this Mexican restaurant they have been going to for 11 years or something. They knew everyone's name, exactly what dishes to order, and tequilas to sip. Preceded by a round of Noreen's famous (and surely infamous at times) margaritas at their place made for an excellent time catching up with family with which we don't often get this kind of time. Most excellent. The rest of the weekend was also full of incredible food and romantic walks on the beach, in the city, and myriad adorable small beach towns around SD.

One day before I arrived for our special weekend together, Chip had a surfing accident, split his head open, and had to get seven stitches in the middle of his face....making it impossible for us to surf or get in the water at all aside from a skinny dip on the nude beach (which was also the best beach for running...our initial reason for going....I swear....it was pretty creepy otherwise). But, as it turns out, that was perfect cause surfing is sort of an independent sport and this way I got more time with my best friend.

We snorkeled and kayaked in Lahoya Cove. We didn't get to see the leopard sharks like Chip and Chris did the following weekend, but did catch glimpses of some cool fish, sea lions both on land and in the water, and of course, seals.

Chip's been home now for almost five weeks. Very nice. He caught the end of fall, which he reports was a nice change from the consistent sunny bliss of California. I am glad I got to share at least part of my favorite season with the family back together.





I have been blessed with the most incredible orchid in my life. She has more blooms than any I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying for more than only moments at a store. Aunt Noreen (orchid owner extraordinaire) turned me on to the fact that one of my favorite plants might thoroughly enjoy Portland's cloud filtered sun and humid climate. So far, SO good.





This last photo is just a reminder that Christmas is right around the corner. What happened to Thanksgiving? Well, Chip and I had about the most mellow long weekend together we have ever had. I committed to trying new recipes all weekend- I believe I fit in seven over the weekend (caramelized onions, baba ganoush, bourbon sweet potatoes, sage white bean dip, turkey enchiladas, warm chocolate puddings, and my personal favorite of the run- turkey phu). Next update will probably be the yearly summary. Until then....

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

-Howard Thurman