There is something in me longing to no longer feel compelled to express my dismay and disgust with the current US President. I have held it in four years. Soon, it will fade. Not soon enough, but soon.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatusI believe this is a Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius (Juvenile males have pale greenish-yellow eyes/Cornell)
For the past three years I have made every effort to express my social opinions in other arenas, as I know not all my followers see things as I do. However, after the events at my nation’s capital January 6, 2021, I am compelled to offer my poetic take. Those who do not like political opinions – you have been duly warned!
In mid-March, Creighton, Jello and I were enjoying time at our condominium at the Breakers in Long Beach, when Washington Governor Inslee, issued a stay in place decree. We compared the coronavirus case-count/death-count for Clark County (145/8) and Pacific County (0/0) and decided to stay right where we were.
While the weeks and months spun out, we felt blessed to be in this beautiful wide open expanse of marshes, dunes and beach. Winter faded to spring, bringing a wide array of migrating and nesting birds to the area.
Walking to the beach and along the shorelines every day, I had many opportunities to photograph resident Bald Eagles. On rainy days I only had my iPhone camera, yet even with it I was able to get shots I liked.
On Memorial Day weekend, Pacific County was approved to open at phase two, and we headed back to Vancouver for the summer. In September, we returned to the Peninsula for extended stays and continue to do so to the present.
September, Brown Pelicans return from summer in the Arctic.Blue Moon Setting, October 31, 2020King Tide view from deck, December 13, 2020
Creighton, Jello and I wish you all good health and a year of hope and joy in 2021.
Wishing everyone safe harbor, as we navigate onward. Mask-up and stay safe.š¾
The iconic Santa Clause of my youth was captured in the Coca Cola advertisements that were always full page color, inside the back cover of Time & Life magazines. *”…he was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf….”
My mother gave me the Santa in the photo above in 1972. It is my most treasured Christmas decoration. She never would buy frivolous things like this for herself, yet she loved them, and she knew I did too. When I remove it from the original box, tears well. I kiss it, remember Mom, and put this Santa in a place of distinction.
The rustic carved wood Santa above, a gift from my hubby, gave me courage to try my hand at carving wood elves. The two I carved, below, were influenced by our visit to France (notice the nose!).
Over the years I’ve come to see many representations of Santa Claus/St. Nicholas from different cultures, and love them all; tall and skinny, short and round, woodsmen, monks, all elves with one goal – spread joy at the darkest time of the year.
*”As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky, so up to the housetop the coursers they flew, with a sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too.”
Sending greeting of glad tidings and the hope for joy in the future. Here in the USA, my friends and I are breathing a sigh of relief that 2020 is nearly behind us, and we keep faith that our new President and administration will help our nation heal, as we move into 2021.
*A Visit from St. Nicholas, Clement C. Moore
Wishing everyone safeĀ harbor, as we navigate onward. Mask-up and stay safe.š¾
It has rained non-stop today, so we are staying inside where it is warm and comfy this afternoon. There will be no viewing the “Christmas Star” for us!
Wishing everyone safeĀ harbor, as we navigate uncharted waters.š¾
Precious moments are those with family and friends, almost always beginning with hugs and ending with more hugs. Oh, how I miss that closeness! Family and friends are what make us who we are today.
Creighton and I with Jocelyn 2016, at Priest Lake, ID
Neighborhood Holiday Nosh at our home 2018.
Micah (grand-nephew), Lori (sister), and Molly (niece) at Long Beach 2017.
Diana (sister) and I, visiting our cousins, David and Duncan at Priest Lake, ID 2018.
Family birthday party at our home, 2019. Justin (grand-nephew), Jello, Marie (niece), Lori (sister) and Lynn (niece).
“When you hold your family tight around you, you’ll never be truly alone.” – Jennifer BettsĀ