January 2020
It is a new year and I have some new intentions.  One thing I have been trying to do for some time now is to get back to blogging or journaling.  So now, I am thinking to do some type of combination with a daily photo.  We shall see how this goes.

January 1: Pacific Beach with Jamie.  I decided to take a plunge in the ocean with the other polar bear dunkers in the region.  the undertow was quite strong so I decided not to go out to far but the affect was still the same.  it was a lovely day with some sun and a light wind, not like the rain and strong wind on New Year's Eve.  Jamie's phone did a pretty good job of getting as far out as possible as I walked in, then coming back.

 

January 3: Vashon Island with Marcie and Charlie.  I made bread and pumpkin soup to take over to visit with them on Vashon Island.  The bread is one of my favorites, the NYT bread recipe with a little beer and white vinegar.  Steve Hecker shared it with me last year when I passed through Eugene and stayed with him and Kim.  I used a lovely tea towel to transport the loaf to Vashon, since it was still warm; the towel was a present from my friend, Jo McLoughlin in George, South Africa and it makes me think of her, of course.  After lunch we went to a Whim Whim Dance Co. workshop/rehearsal at the Vashon Center for the Arts.  very cool to see them practice and the director, Olivier describe the meaning of the piece which he composed.  We plan to go see the performance at Cornish at Seattle Center at the end of the month.  From there, we took a lovely hike to Shinglemill Creek. Very cool place off the Vashon Highway to walk down to the sound and back.  After seeing Fantastic Fungi, the movie, I am now more aware of mushrooms on my walks through the woods.




January 4: Teneriffe Falls, near North Bend.   I had been planning a hike with others but due to illness and other conflicting issues for others, I went myself.  it was a gorgeous trail with some rocky sections and boulder hopping in the last 1/3 of the hike, but then the falls were spectacular.  I really enjoyed going by myself and walking at my own pace.  I haven't been for a hike for a while and was concerned I was starting to feel a little out of shape, particularly on my right side.  I must be more diligent about strengthening that side.  I met many friendly people and dogs along the way so that was just fine.  There was a light snow shower in the upper end of the trail, and then full rain by the time I reached the car.  But the woods were so green with ferns and moss and the trail meandered next to the creek and falling water for much of the way.  I will definitely do this again.  And I think I will start hiking on my own more often.  it is a good way to be present in these beautiful places