Welcome to the 'Hood

Mt Hood, that is. Sorry, I couldn't resist.



Saturday we took a drive around Mt Hood. What a gorgeous day of an outing. Sunshine, blue skies, fluffy white clouds, temps in the mid to high 70's. Perfect! And what a gorgeous mountain. So fun to explore our new neighborhood.



By driving around the mountain we got to see it from different angles and viewpoints. We discovered this lake (pic below)about 3/4 of the way around the mountain. Trillium Lake it is called, and tho I didn't see any trilliums we did see this beautiful vista. Lots of people were fishing on the lake shore or picnicing nearby. Tho its probably a good couple hour drive from us, we will be back this summer to spend more time at Trillium Lake.



We ended up in Sandy, Oregon for lattes and a movie, then wound down to Gresham for dinner at Olive Garden--mmmm! Living in the middle of nowhere doesn't seem quite so bad this week.

Til next time ....

Dreams & Car Rides

Saturday we got out of "dodge" and drove out into the countryside. Hubby and I love going on a drive and the joe-boy puts up with us. We explored some areas we hadn't explored and saw some beautiful rangeland full of sage brush and cattle. But the best part of our drives is our conversations. These can range from what the hubster is studying in his classes, current politics and the idiocy of our govt to how we're doing with the Lord and where we'd like to live when we retire. The later came up yesterday and we had a great meeting of the minds.

Before Michael's accident we often dreamed of having 10 acres with sheep,



goats, chickens,



assorted exotic birds like emus and ostrich, an orchard, a vineyard,



a large garden



along with a huge shop, alternative energy sources and lots of do it yourself projects. A gentleman's farm if you will, making it as self sufficient as possible. But after Michael's vision loss we put those dreams aside.

Yeserday we resurrected them. Now that we're 6 years into our life with Michael's vision loss we have learned better what he can accomplish and what he can't and where I can be his eyes for him.




It's fun to dream. We aren't making any sure and fast plans at this point, but if and when an opportunity presents itself, you just may find us out in the country somewhere.

How 'bout you? Do you know where you want to be in 10-15 years? At retirement? I'd love to hear where your ideal place on the planet is.

sat afternoon drive

Sat we decided to get out and take a drive. We have always loved going for drives and just becuz I’m the driver now that hasn’t changed. we are a bit limited in the hinterlands of Idaho as to where we can go that is a short drive away, but we decided we’d head north to sun valley. It was a somewhat cloudy day, but a great time nonetheless. Mike and I had a great conversation as I asked him: what spiritual gift would you ask from the Lord if you could have anything?

We hunted down the side streets to find the tulley’s coffeehouse---mmm, good! A decaf carmel macchiato and all is good in life.