Saying Goodbye

On October 24, 2014, Brian and I headed down to Sierra Vista to say our final goodbyes to Dan, my brother-in-law's father.  He was not yet 60, and he will always be loved.  It was an emotional time, and the pain of his passing was even more bittersweet surrounded by the peace of the desert.  The butterflies danced and the grasses swayed and the mountains cast long purple shadows from the white afternoon sun.  It is Arizona in fall.  Bright.  Beckoning.  Beautiful.    

Flagstaff Getaway

Since we've been cooped up at home since we returned from our trip to Washington in July, we have been dying to get away.  I know...  Poor us!

With school starting at the beginning of August, (and for me a double dose - I'm in night school), the roller coaster ride has not paused for one moment until this weekend, when a four day break awaited us.  Knowing we have a camping trip planned for October, we took this opportunity to partake in something quick and easy for just the two of us.  Two days and one night in 70 degree Flagstaff.

May we recommend:

The Hotel Monte Vista

Riordan Mansion State Park

Arizona Snowbowl Summer Chairlift

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Pato Thai

Criollo

Fall.

Tomorrow is the first day of Fall.
I remember that it was the first day of Summer, just a few days ago.
We picked herbs and made a pizza.
I sat out back watching the sky turn while it cooked.
We made mint cocktails and watched a movie.

Postcard from NYC, 21st-Century-Style

How could I not post this video from my brother?  I'm not sure if I love the pancake taco or the yoga biking more.  THE.BEST.

Seattle: A Peak

Because wilderness isn't the only thing we enjoy exploring!

Little Langley

San Juan Island National Historic Park

It isn't a vacation for Brian and me if it doesn't involve a National Park.  I take my National Parks very seriously, (stop laughing),and right now the count is at 51.  Fortunately for us, the San Juan Islands, (a brand new designated National Monument), are just a quick hop, skip, and a jump from Whidbey.  Really they are about an hour drive and an hour ferry ride, but - close enough.  You might think that with San Juan Island being so small and so close to Canada, it wouldn't be worth the trip.  Well, you are wrong.  I loved it so much I even became a Junior Ranger,  (No, I am not kidding, I have the badge to prove it.)  For me, this is exciting stuff!  (No, really.  I'm serious).  And of course, it is beautiful.  Hello.  It's Washington.

Whidbey Island & The San Juans - #islandlife

This is our second summer making the pilgrimage to Washington State for some sea and sun.  My parents have a flat in Langley, a quaint little sea town on Whidbey Island - about an hour-ish ride from Seattle, via ferry.  As usual, our crammed itinerary was full of lighthouses, camping, clamming, and boats.  We extended this year's trip by two days, and probably could have stayed even two more.  Until next time....