Hoyt Arboretum

We went back to Hoyt Arboretum this afternoon and followed a map which led to trails that I haven’t been on before. Amazing or not, I have been on most of them even though there are nearly 50 miles of trails in the arboretum and connecting Forest Park. Hoyt Arboretum is home to 1,100 species of trees from around the world on 185 acres within the Portland city limits.

Angel's Rest

The weather is clear and bright today, so we headed out to the Columbia River Gorge to one of our favorite hikes, Angel’s Rest. Just a quick trip out I84 to Bridal Veil and the trail head. It was busy today; every Oregonian was taking advantage of the dry, sunny day before getting stuck in months of rain. Casey was his usual excited self as we got ready to head up the trail. It is amazing that a 13# dog that is 12ish has so much energy! I had forgotten that the trail to Angel’s Rest is 2¼ miles UP! It is an elevation change of 660’ and I felt every foot of it. The truth is the burning glutes are so worth it when you get to the edge and look both up and down the gorge. It is incredible. The Gorge is beautiful from any angle, but from this viewpoint one can see how vast it is. How great is God that he not only created such beauty, but also a way for us to view it.

Weekly Hike

A while back, my husband and I would go for a hike each weekend. We would then send a photo of something we saw along the way to friends and loved ones. We have begun to do so again. This time I will also share them with whoever happens on this site. Today, the choice was a small state park within Portland, Tryon Creek State Park. It has a combination of asphalt and hard packed dirt trails that meander through a wetland area. It is under a canopy of trees, both evergreen and deciduous. Soft moss covers much of the trunks and the sun peaked slightly through the treetops and the clouds.

I'm back...

So, I am back finally. Since my last post, I have left a stressful job and been on vacation. So, it is getting a bit easier to see the bright side of things again. (Especially, since I got a couple of good leads for a new job today!)

Fall colors have always been one of my favorite things to see. The changes happen every year just like I expect them. Yet the views are so spectacular, I find a new thrill with each turn of the path. That is definately a good thing!

E-bay

Okay, so I like ebay. Actually, I am totally hooked on it! I can find all sorts of things that I never new I even wanted. Really, I never knew that I wanted that sculture from ancient Rome. However, I wouldn't buy the thing even if I could afford it. Where would I put it and what would I do with it? I suppose I could just sit and look at it, but that doesn't sound like much fun.

Really Funny Stuff

So this afternoon, following a 60 minute wait for a five minute doctor's appointment, I have been reading other blogs. It was a good afternoon for a laugh! Take a look at this one, it is great. I love the male perspective of marriage, but the whole baby thing is really true. There are some really funny looking infants out there that parents think are gorgeous!

Bad things turned good

• Being on hold FOREVER, but having a really helpful person pick up at the other end
• A dreaded meeting that turns into a positive visit with happy clients--twice in one day

Today's Top Five

• Hugs and the mom sound
• Dark Chocolate
• Books on CD
• Accomplishing a priority
• Closing a deal

I'm back!

Sometimes I get started on something new, then life happens and I am drawn away for a while. At that point, I tend to stay away and not return. The last week has been crazy. I figure I worked about 70 hours. The State Survey team appeared for our survey, staff quit, 4 people moved in and a number of people called for information. All of these are good things, in one way or another. I needed to remind myself of that several times between crying jags. All in all, it was a topsy turvy week!

As for a list of the positives during the week, here are a few:

• Sunny days
• Tillamook's Marionberry Pie Ice Cream with a waffle cone
• Making people smile!
• Crazy cards from crazy sisters!
• Flowers from my husband
• Still loving my job (and still having my job!)

Commuting

My commute is 17.5 miles of country road. It is really nice to have a quiet time to work the day through my mind and not deal with a bunch of traffic. This morning as I was finishing the last few twists and turns, when a doe slowly stepped out to cross the road. She lifted her nose in the air and tentively stepped into the road and carefully made her way to the slope on the other side. There was no one coming behind me so I was able to slow to a crawl and watch as the doe silently made her way.

She seemed to dance as she walked. A ballerina slowly completing a series of coreographed moves across a stage as the other dancers faded into the background and swayed with the music much as the trees did in the breeze. I wanted to leave my car and my worries to join her in the dance and move only with the wind.

It only lasted a few moments, but it is a relaxation I can feel even at the end of the day.