If I cannot be out in nature, I do my best to simulate the effect. to create “an Oasis”. At my home in Vancouver, WA we have 10 tall evergreen trees, two maple, several vine maple and many shrubs that provide a welcoming home for birds. The sound of water is an essential, so I built a pond & waterfall 27 years ago. It has shifted and looks like a natural stream after all the years, and I love to sit out by it to read or write.

Spring through fall, as weather and temperatures allow, I like to sit on our deck with my morning coffee and in the early evening with a glass of wine. I clear emails, take care of other business on my computer, and read or write. The water fall is audible here, and sometimes it feels like I’m in a tree house.

After three months away from Long Beach, we made our first trip out this week. All the summer visitors are back at work and school, so things in our condominium are quiet – just the way we like it! Once all our supplies and gear are out of the truck and into the condo, Max, Daisy and I romp down to make sure our beach is still there!

Yup! Still there! I don’t even bother to bring my Panasonic when I’m walking with the beagles, however the iPhone 13 serves me well. It’s only when I could otherwise get a good shot of birds that it isn’t adequate. Below one of many flocks of Sanderling (and friends) on the beach.

Yesterday, after taking the beagles for their morning neighborhood walk, I went to the beach with my Panasonic. The tide was low, so there weren’t many birds, however a man down the beach had about 20 kites in the air, quite a feat and a fun sight! I’m guessing it is an activity that recharges his batteries.

Then it was time to take Max and Daisy for a real beach walk, which most definitely recharges them. They both get to bark as loud and long as they want, and Daisy has great fun challenging the charging waves!

Afterward, back to the condo where I get a shower, dogs get their bones and Creighton and I have wine, music, talk and reading time. It isn’t every day that we get a gorgeous sunset, and last night it felt like a blessing to have such a stunning end to our first full day back.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

A big welcome to Egidio for taking on the responsibility of hosting this weeks Lens-Artists Challenge. It takes a lot of energy and thought to develop the challenge theme, and even more to respond to all of us out here who take on the challenge. Thank you Egidio (hope I got your name right!).