Lighthearted Confabulations From Outside Our Tent: 5/1/13

Where were we? Oh yes, I believe it was early April when we last left off. I was just listening to the song "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney and it really made me stop and pause a minute. It's only been 1.5 months since I last posted, yet so much has happened and life is really cooking by. I'm not sure how to "not blink", but perhaps logging some of the happenings in the form of a blog post will help me remember of life's happenings and might give you a side of entertainment for a few minutes, so here it goes (in random order).

1) "We heal." I was sitting in the waiting room knowing full well that at any minute the surgeon would walk out to fill me on the outcome of Vil's wrist/arm surgery. I knew that precise hands prevailed in the operating room, but the anxiety of it all was consuming me as I read the same sentence over and over in the book I'd brought to keep me busy. Finally the doctor came out in medical scrubs, showed me the xrays, gave me the update and answered all of my questions, including the one that was almost open ended and actually, in hindsight, rather ignorant. "What happens next?" He looked at me with kind eyes and said "we heal". Did he know that I too needed healing from the experience of witnessing the accident, then struggling with helplessness in watching V fight through the pain? The physical healing whisked us off to a rousing discovery of the art of identifying quality ice packs vs dime store fall aparts and knowing the length of time until they needed refreshed. Since the painkillers weren't helping the situation, ice and elevation was the drug of choice. Now, almost 8 weeks after surgery, his progress is outstanding and is showing signs of regaining full range of motion. I too have healed, repressed the memory of the accident and am thrilled to have the old V back!

2) "Wild Goose Chase." My Uncle Randy is easily as big of a bird-nerd as I am, so when I suggested the idea of traipsing three hours across the state to find the migratory sandhill cranes, he jumped at the idea. Off we went over the hills into the scrublands and deep into farmers fields located in the central/eastern part of our State. There they were, squawking and carrying on. These big giants are on their way to Alaska and stop over for a snack here in Washington. We also spotted northern harriers, american avocets, black-necked stilts, american kestrels, red winged blackbirds and horned larks. As we cruised through the dirt roads of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge I felt like a very modern and motorized version of Lewis and Clark, just out exploring.

3) "She's BACK!" Maya came for a visit and we enjoyed having the help in our yard! During her stay we had snow, hail and brilliant (shed the sweatshirt style) sunshine. We successfully landscaped the area by the hot tub and she was a giant help with figuring out what goes where! It came together beautifully and we will enjoy the fruits of her labor for years as we look outside or sit and soak. During her stay we did a little hiking and were invited to see the European Masters exhibit the Seattle Art Museum- a little play mixed in with the planting. We were sad, as always, to see her go home.

4) He's only old by calendar. Picture yourself turning 80 years old. Does the picture involve a walker or wheelchair? How about a clear mind and peppered with wit? I bet your image wasn't of yourself standing tall, hiking twice a week and in better health than your grandkids! Meet Herb. This guy is the hiking legend of Yakima and at 80 is the picture of health, vitality and youth. Seriously, if I'm anywhere close to this spry at his age, I'll consider myself lucky. It's an honor to know him and hike with him.

5) Deadline, check. The hard work of research and writing for my new book began over a year ago and was finished this past week. This marks a huge check on the timeline of my life and celebrates another completed goal. The book will be out in Spring of 2014 and will go through umpteen edits until then, but for now...victory!

Other tidbits:
Went to a National Parks Fund Auction...fun!
Went hiking with Roger Fisher from the band Heart...entertaining!
Hiked Black Canyon...scenic.
Went to find bluebirds in Bickleton (that deserves its own post and story which I'll share at a later time).
Saw the 1st bear of the year and have had several more sightings since- love!
Went up and down the ledge a bunch and one time made it up for the sunset- treat!
Visited my grandparents and uncle's grave in Seattle.

So, as the Mr. Chesney says "don't blink". Life goes by in a minute so keep your eyes and heart open for the most important things. 'till next time!