We had some mighty hot days here in Portland Oregon not too long ago. I was trying to move from my old house to the new house, in the off hours between work hours. I was tired and sweating.
A friend offered to meet me at the river and that was a great plan. I took a break from packing and was still dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, but when I spotted that water, I just waded right in. J waded in after me and we stood in the water and I unloaded all my worries for about two hours as we watched the sun drop to the horizon.
It was just what the doctor ordered.
Conscious Engagement 
We are heading for another weekend just like that. Maybe you’ll have a return trip. loved the photos. I have yet to see Mt. St. Helens. It’s on the to do list. Hope all went well yesterday.
Oh for heaven’s sakes, Marlene! I got the wrong mountain, ha ha! Thank you so much for mentioning that so I could correct it. It’s Mt. Hood, not St. Helens, and now I have edited my caption. There I was…. calling it my favourite… and I got the wrong mountain. I’m so silly.
So here’s why that happened: I now live next to Mt. St. Helens, as you know. Did you see it when you were here? I can’t remember how clear it was that day. Access to the National Monument is right there on I-5 across the river from me. I have been thinking about trying to get some volunteer work over there when life settles down a little. Now that I see Mt. St. Helens constantly (and Mt. Rainier often), I was thinking my favourite mountain might shift over time.
Yes, it’s a scorcher this weekend. Yesterday I worked a 10-hour overtime shift, so I didn’t get to experience much weather. Today I am driving a Jeep-load of teenagers to the Enchanted Forest to celebrate Tara’s 18th birthday! So I’ll get the shady forests of Salem today. 🙂
I hate to bust your bubble there kiddo, but once you own a home, life never settles down. :)))) I’m glad I was able to help unknowingly.
When is the actual birthday?? You are such a good mom to do that for her birthday. Enjoy the shade. I’ll be thinking of you, 🙂 Tomorrow will be better. Hugs to you both.
sorry for my late response. Tara’s 18th was Sunday.
Oh, I know you are right that life will never settle down. I have been wishing for a slow life since I was 22 years old, but it just keeps getting faster.
Nice photos and inviting comments
Great to have you here! I have watched the beautiful changes you have made on your own land, and now I am free to do a little landscaping of my own.
I miss seeing your blog and I can hardly wait till I have a steady routine again and get the chance to visit regularly. Your photos are always stunning and educational.
Beautiful! And it’s always good to have the lend of a friends ears and shoulder for a bit – I’m sure you felt refreshed on many levels! Moving is hard work – but hopefully for you this is it!! Your very own place!! ❤
You are right – it was refreshing on multiple levels. He and I were just having a conversation last night about how we both need to get better at leaning on others when we need to unload the negative stuff.
Moving is better when it’s into my very own place, that is for sure! Every frustrated frown ends up in a smile when I remember that. 🙂
More beautiful pics. You must be settling in
Thank you Derrick. I can’t help but take photos…it’s a health condition I think, ha ha! We are slowly but surely getting more settled. Even the cat is beginning to relax.
Very nice! It’s amazing living near water. I love being just blocks from the ocean.
That must be lovely. I didn’t realize you were that close to the water, but it explains how you are able to go to the beach so often. I lived near the water when we were all in northern California. I could hear the buoys from my back yard, and I loved the sound. Can you hear any from where you are?
Can’t hear the waves but we hear fog horns from time to time.
Yes, that’s what I was trying to say: the fog horns. I just love that sound.
Gorgeous photos, Crystal! I would have gone right into the cool water, too ! 🙂
There is something healing about water.
Oh, Crystal. You are so right using the word, “healing.”
Water is how we come into this world and it continually refreshes, quenches and gives us Life. Some churches like their baptism to signify new life.