A Rainy Night

May 29th-- raining and 54 degrees this morning when it wasn't raining. A strange May with expectations of city-wide flooding. I've loved it and have been able to pull a ton of deadly grass off the hillside. We planted strawberries, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, peas, squash and they've been fed abundantly. There are now three patches of berries and I'm expanding the goldens-our favorites. It's a competitive jaunt to the garden to beat out Max, Annika and Holly who love the berries as much as me.

So....here is Jillian with her friends from Chicago, Jake and his sister Lauren. They built a fire and made s'mores. The sky was intensely beautiful

Jillian and I Visiting the Graves

A Kayak adventure On the NaPali Coast

In a nutshell, or ten short video clips, is our kayak trip along the NaPali Coast. Remember that I did this series for teaching The Odyssey, hence the continual reference to Tony as Mr. Martinez. The final video is back in civilization and the incredible view of sunset.

50 is Fabulous!

Tony and I spent four fabulous days in the surf and biking.

My 50th Birthday Photo

The artist is Keira and her work can be found at: peaceandpandemonium.blogspot.com
Wow. A third of the family got cut off!!! No explanation.

On the Precipice of 50

I've been thinking long and hard, (too long and too hard some might say) as to how I should spend birthday number 50. On the dark side of the moon, it is just another day; I've been getting closer to 50 for a long time and the day doesn't mean I am SUDDENLY 50. On the light side of the moon it is a hugely significant day. It marks a half century of a short life.

I've definitely decided not to teach that day, (maybe). Should I spend it alone in contemplation and resolution or in the presence of those I love. Should I spend a wad or let it be still.

Janita, my birthday sister, invited me to go skydiving and I've embraced that idea fully unless I am kayaking in the bay.

I only have a month left to decide. Time flies; it's already been 50 years.

Driving Miss PJ

For one solid year, from the day that PJ turned 15 and we beelined to the DMV to get her learner's permit, I drove around with PJ. And I taught her how to drive. Six months later from the day she turned 16 and became a legal driver, I am once again in the passenger seat. We've had a lovely day of cross country skiing.
"PJ, you can't accelerate when you're in the lower gears."

"Pj, you're coming down the canyon too fast."


"PJ, am I ever going to stop telling you how to drive?"

"Don't worry Mom, I've learned to tune you out."