Lighthearted Confabulations From Outside Our Tent: I can see clearly now...

If anyone out there is still reading this, you might knock me over with a feather. Sadly, this blog has not been given much attention over the last year because I've been wicked busy. That's good right? My pro sites have required updating/focus and my personal stuff has just sort of been sitting here waiting, crying and insisting I find time to post a few stories and happenings about life since December.

So, here she goes. We kicked off New Years by staying up until midnight. This is ground shattering news because normally, we wake up annoyed at the fireworks and commotion that is disturbing our rapid eye movement. But there we were, awake on a very cold night, hanging out by a bonfire with friends sharing laughs and hugs yelling "Happy New Year" and bickering about whether is was actually 11:59 or 12:00.

The winter continued cold and snow brought a couple of fun days cruising the hills on snowmobiles, skis and snowboards.
I went to visit the snowy owls for a second time this year and again found magic in their quiet, powerful auras.
My Uncle Randy and I hit the Skagit River one very cold, but sunny January afternoon to float down and watch seasonal eagles. I'd never done that and was happy to cross it off my bucket list!
The trail cam picked up lots of coyotes, bobcats and deer and it was fun to see what was lurking around the yard each week.
Found a beautiful little Northern Pygmy Owl in a tree- the second one I've seen in my life.
Vil turned the big 4-0 and made me promise not to have a party. So...instead, I invited a couple local friends to join us for a surprise dinner then a special home movie I'd created. It was a perfect, low-key way to bring him into ol' age.
Vil and I celebrated our 9th anniversary by going to see Cirque Du Soleil and splurged on VIP tickets. It was a wonderful evening highlighted by acrobatics, colors and stunning visuals. Of course, a having a stunning man on my arm helped too.
Last month, we were invited to attend a cougar collaring with our friend Brian who is a wildlife biologist for Washington State. I wrote about it on my pro blog and you've probably seen the pictures, but if not, here are some links. STORY HERE MORE PICTURES HERE
During this whole time, I continued my routine of hiking and walking 20 miles a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. I also spent disciplined days at my computer writing, both for Washington Trails Association and working on my manuscript with deadlines looming.

Then, some unfortunate news. On March 22nd Vil got into an accident and broke his right arm. We are very thankful he's alive and that the broken arm is the about the least of the injuries that could have resulted. Still, it was a very bad break with the radius in pieces and the joint all messed up complete with ligament tears. Nine days ago, he had surgery for all the kings horses and all the kings men...to put him back together again. He now has a permanent titanium plate and 10 screws holding that bone together and is off all pain meds, because... well...he's superman. He's doing very well post-op, but healing is a long process and it's been difficult watching him recover. We had planned a trip to Belize exactly 4-weeks from the accident, which had to be postponed. This too shall pass. Yesterday his PT told him that he'll be back out golfing before the end of summer and that made us both smile.

On a happy note. I'm in the process of getting signed for the guidebook of my dreams! I can't share too much now until my contract has been approved, but the verbal agreement is in place and I'm looking forward to what it will entail come this summer! I promise I'll keep you posted when it becomes public news.

Spring is here and first hummingbird of the season came to our window on March 23rd. I'd been waiting! The daffodils are blooming full and the warm weather has made the tree leaves pop. I've spent two afternoons in my personal bliss sitting on the deck, trying to ID bird calls, watching the sun set on the mountain and enjoying a couple of warm 70 degree afternoons.

Overall, life is great. Vil is healing. I'm busy writing. Spring is giving us new seedlings and new hope. We continue to feel blessed and loved.

That's the skinny from inside this tent, until next report!