A Short Sabbatical

We are heading back to our little cabin in the woods tomorrow for a family vacation--with what is left of our family. With only 3 kids in the car, you would think it would be a very peaceful, quiet drive. We'll see. I think the youngsters are worried that I miss all the crazy hubbub that goes along with a big family so they do their best to keep the noise and chaos level high. They are so thoughtful.

I'm looking forward to spending some time in the green, green greeness that is Washington. Hoping for a little rain even, just for old time's sake. Looking forward to some Burgerville --we won't get into any In'N'Out comparisons--it's all good. I'll pack up an extra suitcase of sunshine to share up there...maybe I can bring back a few clouds. I would bring back some apples but you know how California is about  fruits and nuts crossing  their sacred border...though they keep letting us back in.

PS The cabin is 'off the grid' so it may be awhile before we get back to civilization...don't worry I'll be back with an update on my garden before you know it!

Back to the Woods

We took a little trip to our old home state: Washington. It was an 18 hour trip with Andy and I trading off the driving--quite the marathon!
After living in our cabin for nine months, I was ready to get back to civilization.
But as they say: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

It was nice to come back as "visitors".

I'm determined to find the time to try out my Christmas present!

We enjoyed the 4th of July in a state that doesn't go up in flames with just the hint

of a sparkler.

My favorite cozy reading nook.

Ohhhh--this piano. Love this old piano.
Dare I say--more than the baby grand that holds

court in our home in California?

Many a cozy fire warmed us here through the winter.

There is something peaceful and calming about the natural

state of wood.

This table has once again become the gathering place for late night talks.

The beautiful kitchen that Andy created.

Luckily you can't smell the rotting corpse of the dead mouse that

crawled away into some nook or cranny and died.

Just one of the little quirky surprises that keep things interesting

out here in the wild.

Oh--and Shane turned 11.