My cousin Erica and her family's home in Snohomish.
My drive into Snohomish was a dark and rainy one. Erica had given me directions to go the 'back way' in order to avoid rush hour traffic. This little drive took me on windy and very dark roads instilling in me the sure feeling that I was at any time going to run into the 'Twilight' cast at every turn. While I have never sided myself with team Edward or Jacob, I was feeling more than a little nervous but I finally made it! Erica and her family have a beautiful piece of property surrounded by lush greenery.
Erica and her family
For some reason I completely forgot to take any pictures during the days that I spent with the Buckleys - what was I thinking?? We had a great time catching up and Mark made us a yummy dinner of salmon that he caught.
After I spent a couple nights with the family, on my last day in Snohomish I was fortunate enough to get to spend some time with my good friend, Sara, and meet her adorable baby Isaiah.
Sara and Isaiah
Sara and I met when we were roommates at Whitman College and have remained close friends ever since. We have known each other for almost fifteen years. Her mother, Cheryl, lives in a charming neighborhood downtown in the oldest home in Snohomish. She was kind enough to watch the baby while Sara and I went to breakfast.
Arthur enjoying the sun in Cheryl's beautiful yard
The view from Chery's house - across the river you can see the lumber mill
Looking out Chery's kitchen window
Me, Sara, and Isaiah
After breakfast, Sara and I first picked up Isaiah and then a pie at a local bakery to take over to Karen Guzak's home. While there, I toted Isaiah around. He liked 'the view from above'.
Isaiah and me
On our walk back to Cheryl's we ran across a little er, um...cultural fabric? I mean really, what else are you going to do with a bunch of shoes? I have to admit, the fence was much more interesting for their creativity. :)
We'll call this installation: Shoe Planter on Fence
Close-up of: Shoe Planter on Fence
Isaiah, me, and Sara
It was amazing to see Sara and to meet her beautiful boy. I am so excited to get to know him as he grows. She has been supportive of The Trip and the Trade from the beginning, helping me to define my objective and goals and always motivating me to: look within, seek the truth, and go for it.
It was amazing to see Sara and to meet her beautiful boy. I am so excited to get to know him as he grows. She has been supportive of The Trip and the Trade from the beginning, helping me to define my objective and goals and always motivating me to: look within, seek the truth, and go for it.
Beautiful view on my way out of town of the mountains surrounding Snohomish
Although I did not have yoga or community service set up in Bothell, WA, my childhood friend, Audra, lives there with her family. I was not going to miss an opportunity to see them and their new beautiful home! Audra and I have known each other for almost thirty years. Mrs. Hauenstein paired us up in kindergarten stating simply, "These two are the most bossy in the group so they're a good match." Bless her heart, she was right (probably on both accounts) :)
Although I did not have yoga or community service set up in Bothell, WA, my childhood friend, Audra, lives there with her family. I was not going to miss an opportunity to see them and their new beautiful home! Audra and I have known each other for almost thirty years. Mrs. Hauenstein paired us up in kindergarten stating simply, "These two are the most bossy in the group so they're a good match." Bless her heart, she was right (probably on both accounts) :)
Audra and me
Audra and her husband Erick have made a most delightful child, Ethan. Audra and Erick are both dedicated and balanced parents and it shows in their son. E-town is one of my favs.
Me and Ethan
Ethan is one cool little character. Sometimes we just hang out...
sometimes we engage in meaningful conversation...
and sometimes ... we just hug the bugeezus outta each other!
Ethan is used to his furry little beagle Chewy so...
Chewy snoozin' on his bed
when I showed up with 90 lbs of Doberman - he wasn't quite sure what should be done. Being an inventive and motivated child, he gave it his best shot. First, he thought that maybe the best thing to do would be to stack pillows on Arthur's head. Although Ethan was as diligent with his stacking as Arthur was with his attempt to hold still, this just wasn't coming together.
Ethan and Arthur the pillowheaded Doberman
After much thought, Ethan finally had an idea. Perhaps Arthur would like a puppet show?!? Ethan set up his 'stage' while Arthur patiently awaited the fantastic show that was in store.
Ethan and his patient canine audience
Audra and I sat and laughed as Ethan said things (in his best sweet and convincing voice) to Arthur like, "Hey buddy, what do you think of this? How would you like to sit in one of these little chairs, huh?" Arthur enjoyed the production, put on solely for his benefit, as Audra and I chatted and caught up.
Audra, Ethan, and me
Mrs. Hauenstein did a good thing when she paired Audra and me. I wonder if she knows that we're still the best of friends? I should drop her a note...
After Audra, Erick, and Ethan left the house in the morning for work and school, I picked some vegetables out of the garden, made myself an omelette, packed up, and got on the road. Next stop = Portland!!!
Rainy drive from Bothell, WA to Portland, OR
