Day Trip: Visiting Peace Arch Historical Park

The Peace Arch

It’s not an understatement to say that finding fun activities in the midst of a pandemic can be challenging. Enter the day trip. I love taking short drives to visit new places and thankfully there’s plenty to see in our area.

Recovering from COVID-19: 56 Days Later

Ya girl is feeling MUCH better. 

Finally.

I can breathe a sigh of relief because the last vestige from COVID-19 is gone from my system. (For the record said deep breath is most certainly happening at home, not in a public space.) A recent chest x-ray confirmed there is no longer any inflammation in my lungs. I’m back! Highlights of recovery include: being able to belly laugh without coughing, taking our dog for a walk and sleeping through the night.

I Survived: My Experience with COVID-19

Image by Vektor Kunst iXimus from Pixabay.

Earlier this year I read about the novel coronavirus spreading in China and thought it was only going to be a matter of time before it came to the U.S. I rightly assumed Washington state would be one of the first to get cases. On January 20, a 35-year-old Snohomish County man tested positive for COVID-19. Snohomish County is just north of Seattle, which is in King County. From there I was on high alert; watching every press conference Governor Jay Inslee held and reading as many articles as I could. Then the number of cases rose exponentially at Life Care Center in Kirkland, a nursing and rehabilitation center. I’m asthmatic which puts me in the vulnerable population group. As I watched the crisis grow, I would soon become infected with COVID-19 myself.

Seattle Snowpocalypse: Surprise Snow Snares Sistah in the 'Burbs

The park in our neighborhood.

(Note: The title of this post is courtesy of my husband)

As I write this, I’m looking out into our yard from the dining room windows. Several inches of snow blankets the ground and it’s quite beautiful. The bare tree limbs are now coated with a fine white powder. It's as if they're wearing crisp white tuxedo jackets and are ready for a swanky affair. My favorite aspect of snow is how quiet everything becomes. The stillness is peaceful and reminds me to slow down. I become hyperaware of everything – from my surroundings to my breathing.

Taking the Plunge

Marina Park in Kirkland before the annual polar bear plunge.

Today I immersed my body into the frigid waters of Lake Washington. I joined a good-sized crowd of people who decided to start 2019 with the same thing in mind - a polar bear plunge.

I have an idea about what you might be thinking.

Hiking up to Heather Lake: the longest 2.3 miles ever

Heather Lake

This weekend Jeff and I ventured further north past Granite Falls, Washington to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for a day hike to Heather Lake. Since our dog Frankie is always up for an outdoor outing we brought her along as well. Heather Lake is a lower elevation high lake (or valley bottom lake) at the base of Mt. Pilchuck. It’s also part of the larger Alpine Lakes system of the Cascades. Because it's a popular destination we crossed paths with dozens of people along the way.

The knot is tied

The best feeling is when you look at him...and he is already staring.

My favorite picture from our wedding day.

Earlier this year Jeff and I tied the knot, promising to be with one another till death do us part. If you're thinking, "Wait what?!?! When did this happen? I didn't even hear about your engagement," you're in good company. We only recently told our family. And by recent I mean last week. Delivering the news in person was important to me so we shared the news when my family came out for a visit.

Interviewing Isabel Wilkerson

Isabel Wilkerson (left) and I after her talk at SAM. Thankfully I had lipstick in purse to put on.

 

When I moved to Seattle I never imagined the opportunity to interview the author of one of my favorite books, “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson, would present itself. Because of an exhibit at Seattle Art Museum (SAM) earlier this year it all came together.

Birthday gratitude

I've officially turned a year older and rather than be solemn about the occasion I'm celebrating. Dinner, cake and cocktails with people I love. In past years I haven't always met my birthday with welcome arms. This year feels different.

The splendid tulip fields of Skagit Valley

On the drive up I-5 to Skagit Valley I was pretty psyched to see the much talked about and photographed tulip fields. Since I wasn’t able to take time off during the week to see them Jeff and I woke up early to beat the crowds and the rain. The closer we got to our first stop, Roozengaarde, the more excited I became. The tulip festival is a driving tour but Roozengaarde is one of two places with display gardens you can walk through.