Gathering of the Wise Women who drink Wine

I came to Seattle in July, 1988 and went to work for Rainier Bank in their Community Development Department and then on to The WA. Community Reinvestment Assn.  As a result I met and worked for over 20 years with the most amazing bunch of women (and men) who were dedicated to creating affordable housing and opportunity for those people in Washington State who were low income or had special needs.  It was the best work I have ever done and I love and respect my "Posse".



My "Posse"



Last Friday night we had a gathering of the gang and we toasted and remembered two of our best who passed away this year.  Pat Williams and John Poling.  Both of whom would have loved the celebration we had in their honor.  It doesn't get much better than this group of wonderful women and the fact that they have always been supportive of me and made my life a better one makes me love them from the bottom of my heart.

Couch Surfing my way through the Summer

I am now settled in at Marianne's place in Federal Way, WA. and filled with gratitude that I have such wonderful friends and family that welcome me so graciously. 

On the way to Washington I had the pleasure of 2 nights in Carson City, Nevada with my niece Tracy and her dear husband Ed.  They wined and dined me and their guest room was uber comfortable. 

In Astoria, Oregon I spent 2 nights with my old friend John at his beautiful home on the hill overlooking the Columbia River.  John cooked for me and made me feel like a favored member of the family.  His home is so gorgeous and comfortable.  He told me the bedroom is now "Jude's Room". 

Then I arrived at Marianne's in Federal Way and am here for the remainder of July.  It feels like home and has everything a person could want.  This morning I did my workout in the gym.  The pool and hot tub are there when I want them.  Marianne cooks dinner for me, I have my own room and bath and the joy of her good humor and the fun of her little Yorkie, Oliver. 

Tonight I am invited to a gathering of the "Women of Housing" who I worked with for nearly 20 years here in Washington.  We are "whining" and dining and I am sleeping over so I can fully imbibe. 

What a blessed woman I am to have so many wonderful friends who make me welcome.  I hope to return their hospitality by encouraging visits to Arizona when the Northwest winter has become to long and too gray to stay. 

Sunbreaks are always available at Jude's house.

Walking the Beach in Moclips, WA.



Walking the beach in Moclips




Drift up close and personal



Can you find the knee joint?



Kites flying



Find the face

Driftwood just laying around

More driftwood

The surf at Moclips

Driftwood at Moclips

It is a life bird resting awhile, sorry I couldn't figure out how to turn the picture

Yesterday the rain stopped and it brightened up enough to inspire me to walk the beach.  Hardly anyone out there so it soon became a walking meditation.  The driftwood was amazing.  The colors and shapes that came about naturally would be hard to duplicate.  Kites in the air flying from the decks of houses behid the dunes.  Such a peaceful, beautiful place.

My Nesting Place , The Gull Wing Inn at Moclips, WA.

My sitting room

Over my King size bed

Clever use of glass panels

Shells from the local beach

Corner in Bathroom

Cute way to show off shells

Nesting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean

I drove all day yesterday from Astoria to Moclips, WA.  I made a few stops along the way to shop and lunch.  I arrived in Moclips and settled into my little cabin at the Gull Wing Inn.  I am now gazing out my window at the Pacific Ocean.  So peaceful and nurturing to my soul.  I am so fortunate that I can get away for the summer and get a dose of the sea and nature's green. 

Me

"Moby" gazing at the Pacific Ocean

The desert is a beautiful place in so many ways, I especially love the red rock areas of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon plus the low valley's blooming cactus and wild flowers.  But I think having grown up in the Northwest and Whidbey Island, that the sea is in my DNA.  So getting back to it means a lot to me and brings me such joy.

A valient attemp at Kite flying

Looking South from Moclips beach

Last night I was able to drive down on the sand and enjoyed watching a father and his little girl try to keep a kite in the air.  My SUV, "Moby" seemed to be right at home on the sand.  The place I am staying is perfect for what I want.  Short walk to the beach, hot tub outside my door, helpful, friendly proprietors, and nothing really to do but relax and enjoy nature.  I'm hoping to get my writing mojo running and get a good dose of rest after having made this long drive from home. 

The Road to Astoria

The Mighty Columbia

The bridge connecting Washington & Oregon

The view from John's Kitchen window

My "Hoodie" Soul Brother John

Sunset in Astoria

After my lunch with Rita I meandered my way to Astoria, Oregon to spend a couple nights with another friend of many years.  The trip is beautiful, I drove the road on the Washington side of the Columbia River and had to visit the historic covered bridge that I remembered from years past.  It is still there and still beautiful.  The road goes through some lovely wooded areas and moves away from the Columbia for a distance and then you are back along this mighty river until you get to the amazing bridge that takes you into Astoria.  The pictures say it all.

Thank you to my dear friend John for making me so comfortable and "at home"....I now have "jude's room" waiting for my anytime I want it in Astoria.  Can't get much better than that. 

Lunch with a dear, old friend

I woke up in this morning in Vancouver, WA. and it was pouring rain.  I packed up and found the restaurant where I was to meet my friend Rita for lunch.  Fortunately, there was a great coffee shop across the street so I got my morning latte and muffin, and read the local papers.  I met Rita at 11:30 and we shared a good, long hug.  I hadn't seen her since our class reunion 2 summers ago so it was a real treat to spend some time together.  The restaurant is called Beaches and sits right on the Columbia River.  We had a table at the window and the view was fabulous.  They had razor clams on the menu so my choice was easy.  Razor clams are a real treat and not easy to find.  These were delicious.  By the time we finished lunch the sun had come out and it was a beautiful day.  Rita was my Maid of Honor when I married in 1960, she is a very special friend.