"Coast"ing thru the weekend...

Sometime the end of the year, our Texas family shared a Groupon featuring our favorite little piece of heaven on the Washington Coast. Imagine our surprise! Needless to say my interest was peaked and I signed on for our own Groupon updates, all the while keeping a close eye on that discounted weekend in heaven. The timing wasn't quite right. We had a new grand baby to meet. However, I did find a special for one of the other four Olympic National Park lodges which did work.

Fast forward... New year, new grand baby, new month and we were headed west after work. We've discovered a comfortable place to stay along the Columbia River just east of Portland. It fits perfect into our itinerary for leaving town after my Friday shift, provides a great night's sleep and puts us 'nearly' there for our morning departure.

Mt Hood was missing from view when we crossed the river from Oregon to Washington confirming the bleak forecast for the weekend's weather. No matter. It's part of the coastal charm. We packed music, books, deck of cards, rain gear AND wine!

We met up with our DIL and oldest granddaughter for lunch. Family news and catching up between bites. Debbie has always been such a good friend. Granddaughter Andrea is gorgeous, owns her own home, has a great job working for the State and SINGLE! Seriously she doesn't need her Gramma finding dates as she has a very nice gentleman in her life - but I'm just sayin'...

Our trip to the coast was met with patches of rain as we expected. Lake Quinault Lodge is 30 miles closer than Kalaloch but just as quaint. Its nestled about 2 miles off Hwy 101, in a small, sleepy community which I'm certain is buzzing in the summer months.We had a cozy fireplace room with a balcony overlooking the lake.

We made reservations for dinner as encouraged after we unpacked. We added our jackets and set out to explore the immediate area around the Lodge.

There are several trails in a variety of lengths. The weather was trying to clear. With my hubby's still gimpy ankle we didn't stray far. We scooted along the edge of the lake and found a small water fall as well as a nice camping area. There were several trails we want to explore this summer including the 4 mile nature trail.

We returned to the lodge, surprised to see it much fuller with folks playing cards & chess, putting together puzzles, reading by the main fireplace and socializing. We ordered a couple of adult beverages and followed suit.

Dinner at a table for two, looking out on the lake as the sun set over the mountains, was delicious. Mike had salmon and I had prime rib.

We focused on our weekend away from home but our children were on our minds.  As the day wound to an end we were back in the room enjoying a warm fire, hot shower and comfy bed.

Sunday morning we were greeted by sunshine on the lake as we started our morning with a vigorous hike before coffee after 10am. I can't recall the last time we both slept in that long. Coffee and homemade banana muffins in our room for breakfast and we headed out to explore.

Naturally we had to stop at Beach 2 to visit Nan and Papo. It's also a good spot to recall memories of Uncle Ric and Rex. . As we approached the beach I watched a bald eagle landing where the snow run off blended into the ocean. It wasn't long after we were joined by a circling female 'balden' eagle (a Tate-ism).

From Beach 2 we headed for the closed campgrounds. The Or-Ida Shaws are returning for their 9th year this summer. Despite the winter storm debris we were able to walk thru and check out our adjoining sites reserved in January. I think we have some good sites. Plenty of room for the WA-Shaws too!

We did some further 'research' on the beaches with a cup of coffee. The sunshine was warm but the wind was brisk.

We circled Lake Quinault on the way back to the Lodge, exploring some graveled, narrow, terrain with muddy roadsides that dropped severely on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Dinner and drinks back at the Lodge. A new choice for dessert... Bananas foster. Ok so I'm not a banana connoisseur. Once in awhile a nearly green banana with cereal is consumed. This was a walnut tuille... A bowl which looked like burned sugar. It held ice cream, sliced banana and a caramel sauce. The combination was different odd not my favorite. Honestly except for banana splits or banana pudding how does banana end up in a dessert, let alone an overpriced splurge. I kept thinking "this is a dessert that would be created in an Iron Chef competition where the chefs learn bananas are the mystery ingredient". (Comment attributed to the time spent recently with our daughter as I've never watched those shows before...)

But despite the bananas we enjoyed our meal and the weekend in total.

The sunshine carried us home. Our departure was acknowledged by Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, all standing tall and white against a brilliant blue sky.

We stopped at Centralia Deli and picked up lunch to share with our oldest grandson, his wife and our two adorable GREAT granddaughters. How blessed are we?!  They moved from San Diego to Seattle this year and we finally met our beautiful Greats.  It was great to catch up with Adam and Alexis as well. 

Prayerful, Productive, Positive and Personal Week 3

Thursday, February 28th
I wish I could say I've held myself to task but honestly today was just another day at work. Steady. Projects. No complaints. No productivity either. I'm thankful February is a short month. I know folks who have stepped up their work out challenge or added a creative task to their days this month... Me, you ask? Nope. Like a named Chinese New Year, I've declared today as the official end of the month of The Slug. You should see my 'To Do' list for March!

We hit the road tomorrow after work. My bag is packed, and the rest (camera, deck of cards, iPod, book and wine!) is organized on the table for loading.

Friday, March 1st
It's a good time to reflect as we drive along the Columbia River gorge. The stars shine brightly in the sky. The river is a vast span of darkness across to the other side where a long train stretches out across the landscape. A good reminder of the season we are honoring. Be prayerful. Be productive. Stay positive and remember to be true to your own person.

Saturday, March 2nd.
Sometimes a day starts out with a bright outlook and in the blink of an eye (or the ding of a text) your entire life changes. It's how you handle the changes that can make or break you. Of course this is 50 plus years of heartache, anxiety and experience speaking. I looked for the positive. Sometimes excuses are just that - excuses. Ask for forgiveness. Move forward with as much trust as one can muster. Toss aside anything being put in your way that is meant to cause more pain. Work with what you have control over. And pray.

Sunday, March 4th.
We enjoyed God's creativeness today. Our personal day. The beauty of the vast ocean. The majestic bald eagles soaring over head. Moments of contemplation and prayer on the beach in memory of our family who have passed on.

Monday, March 5th.
Wondering how our family is and anxious to speak to every one again. Being out of range was a test in trusting prayer for guidance. We stopped to share a meal with our oldest grandson, his wife and meet our two sweet great granddaughters! How's that for a positively personal day!

Tuesday, March 6th.
Today wasn't much more than a restful day. Productivity took place though not volumns. Laundry is caught up.  Bags unpacked. House organized again.  Even made soup for dinner.  Spent the morning with our favorite five year old. He has a cold.  And the way I feel right now I'd say he's sharing again.  Oh well.  If I got a few germs while cuddling with him on the sofa so.be.it.  It was my personal moment!

Wednesday, March 7th.
Back to work which means productivity at it's finest...  (stop giggling). Had a great morning relaxing with our favorite five year old before going in to work. 

Public Service Announcement

I don't care what has happened - don't mess with my family. Not my Grands, not my Children nor their Spouses, not my Husband. Be very careful when you are toes to the line.

Mistakes are made. We wish choices could be undone. No one is perfect. I can only pray there is a learned lesson once and for all.

Apparently it needs to be said - DON'T deliberately set out to hurt any of my family. It's childish and unproductive.

End of PSA.

Prayerful, Productive, Personal and Positive - Week 2

Thursday, February 21st.
Productive.  Today was definitely a productive day at work.  Ten hours kept me busy at the Charge desk, sparing you the details, while the procedures rolled in and out of the Operating Rooms. We wave at the little guys being carried in with crocodile tears in their eyes and send an encouraging smile to anyone still alert enough to make eye contact.  I enjoy my job and somehow whenever I feel lacking or epically frustrated, someone steps into my day and says just the right thing.  Today was no different.  While I was recognizing my coworkers for effort they made, they in turn encouraged me.  At the end of the day, I seldom regret taking this job and making this change in my life. 


Work attire - Jealous??

Friday, February 22nd.

Positive. Tonight we had dinner with our oldest son.  He is back in town prior to a long stretch away at school. It was nice not to feel rushed and just enjoy a meal and visit.  His work keeps him away from his wife, son and the rest of us for so many weeks out of the year.  I do miss just being able to talk to him.  Perhaps this was as much Positive as it was Personal.

Saturday, February 23rd.
Positive and Personal. Today Papa and Drahma Deb enjoyed the company of their favorite five year old.  We had a movie marathon.  Dinner in front of the TV.  Blankets tucked around our legs.  I've been slowly adding to our movie collection after years of giving away DVD's to kids.  I just love spending enjoying life with a five year old.  His sense of humor, outlook on life and pleasure he shares always brings a smile to my face.

Sunday, February 24th.
Prayerful. I spent a lot of time today silently praying for my family.  There is so much to be thankful for right now.  The special moments with our favorite five year old.  The birth of our healthy newborn and his delightfully happy parents.  The success of our newlyweds and their career paths.  The ability to learn new skills and expand the experience of our oldest son and early stages of a new business for our DIL.  There is always family drama.  No family is immune.  Sometimes the drama is more serious and heart breaking to everyone - those involved and those on the outside helplessly looking in.  I'm praying for peace and guidance for all.

Monday, February 25th.
Prayerful and Personal. Today was a day of rest.  In between resting I napped and prayed. 

Tuesday, February 26th.
Productive, Personal and Positive.  I love Tuesdays.  We spend the morning with our favorite five year old.  Even though he wasn't feeling 100%  (or because) we snuggled, read a couple books and colored pictures for his Tio.

I finally got out of the house...  mailed a package to our youngest family member and bought a birthday gift for our 2 year old Great-grand. Look at me being all productive! I'm embarrassed to even think how long I've been avoiding these things on a 'to do' list. Should I mention the gift is "belated".

Our youngest wanted to borrow my camera for a lacrosse weekend.  Of course I said yes.  Then realized we had plans for the same weekend.  No worries I have a back up camera and knew he'd be ok using it.  We had planned to get both boys new camera for their birthdays ths year.  Matt has such an artistic eye and got his earlier this month.  TK is involved with Lacrosse All Stars, using many media resources. So we decided to celebrate TK's birthday in February instead of May! 

We invited K2 to dinner so TK would have a chance to check out my camera.  After our meal, we sat with our glasses of wine.  As TK went through the camera bag he seemed impressed I kept my camera still in bubble wrap.  We let him run with it for a few more minutes and finally said "Happy Birthday".  He was genuinely surprised (as was his brother on his birthday).  Gosh it feels so darn good to share something unexpected but truly appreciated.


Wednesday, February 27th.
Positive. Today's schedule was fairly light at work.  I always enjoy the "social" aspects of catching up with my coworker (we job share), it was a good feeling to divide up the day instead of doubling up - allowing her an afternoon with her sons and me a easy-going morning with my favorite five year old.

Prayerful. Continued prayers for my family - their health, their happiness and well-being.

As my second week winds down, I feel a bit inspired to become very busy with a couple of projects on my 'to do' list...  Maybe the sunshine is healing my blues.

Prayerful, Productive, Personal & Positive Week 1

Thursday, February 14th

Positive. Today is Valentine's Day!  I've never been a big fan of the day because it seems like people go overboard buying cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts.  But because I'm trying to fulfill my Lenten promises I used today to deliver a special gift to our DIL.  She's talked about stepping in a new direction taking an activity with which she's very talented and making it into a small business.  Plus if I have a baker in the family I wouldn't have to make cakes any longer (not something I'm very good at nor do I strive to improve).
Oh I didn't leave out the other two girls in my life...  I found some really cute frames and shared my favorite bottles of wine with both.)

Prayerful. Tonight I pray for our southern Goddaughter.  She's struggling with so many things.  When she was younger her Mom struggled to protect herself and her children from an irratic father.  In our goddaughter's teen years, he felt it appropriate to push and pull with his daughter's feelings.  As a young adult he wants to buy her love and she's willing to accept.  Meanwhile she's receiving genuine, unconditional love from her grandparents and mom now and doesn't recognize the potential.  She lied to government officials about her home life, causing her own mom to be investigated.  Recently she lied to her mom about her personal life and returned to the pretense of attending school, driving, moving in with her dad - all the while sharing every moment of her personal status in social media. 

I pray our Goddaughter will find her way to accept  the challenges before her.  I pray she finds the strength to walk into each new day with honesty and integrity.  I pray she finds love for herself in her heart so that in time she will once again see and accept the love she has always received unconditionally from her family now.  I pray she realizes how many of her true friends are reaching out to help and not turn them away.

Friday, February 15th
Prayerful & Personal. Today I'm tired. Maybe exhausted. Two weeks on the road have caught up with these old bones.  I worked my scheduled 10 hours.  Tonight I did nothing. And it was nothing ALL for me. I caught up on many of the shows on the DVR wrapped up in a blanket. I have no plans to wake early, or use an alarm. I am praying tonight for my husband to heal. His ankle is swollen and he doesn't take care of himself. Tomorrow will be a quiet day for him too!

Saturday, February 16th.
Prayerful, Personal... Again.
I'm trying hard to walk away from my funk. Pity party. Table for one. What has me down?  I will vent in a very un-Lent way. Where have manners gone? What happened to common courtesy? We call people and leave messages- calls seldom returned. I text to share something or ask and wait, and wait. Most of the time I have to inquire if the news was received. I gave up my preferred calling because I won't hear your voice anyway. I rearrange my schedule or errands, hurrying around to catch someone and then they leave as soon as I arrive. If your schedule doesn't permit at least a few minutes more of your time then please say something and we can reschedule. I won't even address acknowledging other people. The thank you has passed on.  I'm disappointed in the "out of sight out of mind/I'll call when I need something" relationship. We make effort to visit and be there for important events. We care what happens and want to be a part of your life.  We'd love to hear your big news.  Yes I'm tired. I'm praying for energy and strength to pull myself together.

I am being selfish. I should shake this weight off and do something productive or positive. I don't really think it qualifies as personal today but honestly it's the best I can do.  My treadmill walk is an escape... Plugged in to my iPod closes out the outside noise.

Bedtime:  Just a final note before bed.  I managed to find a positive note for the day.  We were able to take our oldest son out for dinner and give him his birthday gift.  I know he will put it to great use.  He has such a good eye and like our daughter said - we can always put him to work for us when we get our business up and running.  He was genuinely surprised and very pleased.  It always feels so good when you find something for someone special, and you know they'll truly be happy.  He definitely can use a reason to be happy.  So as I wrap up the day and head to bed, I'm sending up additional prayers for my children - that they find the answers in their hearts to the questions in their heads.

Sunday, February 17th.
Personal, Productive. It's been a quiet Sunday in our household today.  Slept in, laundry finished up, "To Do" list ready for the week, a couple bills paid and dinner on the stove.  We had a nice visit this afternoon from the Newlyweds.  They are so busy with their work schedules, working opposite hours.  It was fun to have a few moments to catch up with their life.

Prayerful.Tonight I pray for the new week to come.  May we continue to enjoy good health and find the time to be active enough to feel the success in our journey.  I am praying for my loved ones - that they enjoy peace in their hearts.

Monday, February 18th.
Productive. (Though clearly not as productive as the Newlyweds.)  I finally finished taking down the outside Christmas lights.  This is the task my husband was attempting to do when he hurt himself last weekend...  but I digress.  (Love you honey.) Everything is now organized in the garage and ready to be carried up to the attic until next Christmas season.  I'm ready for the week's menus too.  But honestly it's been an off day.  Maybe because I covered at work for most of the day instead of my normal Monday off.  I just didn't get my brain into work mode. Just go to bed Debra. Tomorrow is another day with more opportunities for successful P's.

Tuesday, February 19th.
Productive. Productivity at it's finest.  After a morning spent with our favorite five year old (always Positive AND Personal) I started out my afternoon with a couple of projects.

Naturally my afternoon had to include 45 minutes wogging on the treadmill. 

I made a big batch of chicken chili to share in tomorrow's Chili Cook-Off!

Finally, I completed my Benefits Enrollment for work and carried the last of the Christmas decorations up to the attic.  Both feet planted back on Terra Firma... and THAT Shaw, is how it's done!

 

Wednesday, February 20th.

Positive.  Happy Birthday to my Dad, who turned 77 years old today.  After a busy day I finally sat down and had a wonderful visit with him for nearly and hour on the phone.  It's been awhile since I've had the opportunitiy to just sit and talk without having one of have to get something done or run off.  It was special to have Dad to share what's been going on with our family - catch them up on the details of our three trips for Calder's arrival and what's going on here in town.  Sometimes a girl needs to talk to her Dad, no matter how old we are getting to be.

 

Happy Birthday Dad

 

Prayerful.  Tonight we are praying for our youngest granddaughter Mikayla.  She's 13 years old and was taken to the ER tonight in TN, because of migraine headaches.  She was fighting the flu recently and also has aches and chest pains.  Since I recently learned what migraines are all about, I'm feeling her pain and hope they find her relief - maybe one of those magic IV cocktails.  Nonetheless I hope it's resolved and she's back to her old self soon.

 

 

Ok, so the picture is a couple of years old.  But with the modern age of technology and pictures shared on Spacebook, instead of email or snail mail, we are definitely out of date.  It doesn't change the fact that she's very special to us.

 

Personal.  Today I participated in a Chili Cook-Off at work.  I felt inspired to play along when I don't normally particpate in these activities.  So that pot of chili I made yesterday was deemed worthy of sharing.  It did taste mighty fine if I do say so myself.  Guess What?  I won!  They told me the vote for the winner was a land slide!  Whodathunk?!  We now have a pair of movie tickets to use and a weekend coming up with no plans!  Perfect!

Prayerful, Productive, Personal and Positive

In January our newest DIL wrote here in her blog regarding 4 P's.  Something prayerful, something productive, something personal and something positive. 

- Something prayerful.  It's pretty self explanatory.
- Something productive. Do something productive every day.
- Something personal. Make time for yourself.
- Something positive. Do something good for someone else.

Our son also added - something physical. (Not bloody likely...)

Her challenge for this season of Lent was to complete each of these tasks every day for 40 days.  I admire her goals.  I think they are wonderful and I aspire to be as good a person.

I've chosen to accomplish at least one P each day.  We have a lot on our plates right now and I'm juggling emotions daily.  It's important to try.  It's important to maintain.  It's important to be strong.  I think fulfilling my Lenten goals will help me focus on the importance of the Season as well as the positive things in my life right now.

Wednesday, February 13th

Prayerful.
Today I went back to work after a couple of very hectic weeks.  I will pray for my family members tonight.  Our daughter gave birth to our second grandson Calder.  He's healthy, happy and so adorable.  Tonight she went into the ER for a possible incision infection.  I'll pray for Calder's continued good health.  I'll pray Erin heals and for her husband Chris to have the strength to hold his new little family together. 

I will also pray for our son Matt, his wife Brit and our favorite five year old grandson.  I pray they know how much we love them and are here for them.

I will pray for our newlyweds as they sort out job opportunities.  I know schedule changes have been trying but know you two are strong and carry one another through the week.

Productive and Postive.
Today we ran a couple of errands after work.  We purchased our son's birthday gift. I'm very excited about the gift as I feel it's something he'll thoroughly enjoy and use in a very artful manner.  I was able to sit down and write the words in a card I've had on my mind for a week.  It's a special Valentine's gift for our other DIL.  I am hoping to encourage her to try a new adventure that has been in her heart. 

I suppose the laundry I washed counts for something too! 

He's Here!

Superbowl weekend.

When Erin first became pregnant she informed her unborn infant he should not consider making his arrival during a Superbowl game because Mom would want to be watching our beloved Packers.  Fortunately (or unfortunately) the Packers didn't make it to the Superbowl because the baby just didn't listen.

As her due date approached Erin went through a week long process of natural way to help induce her labor.
Creams, acupuncture, massages and finally a night in the hospital hooked up to pitocin.  It seemed whatever they tried he just wasn't ready to leave his warm little nest.

We made a trip to Moscow for the hospital induction and sat by the sides of the future new mom and dad. They spent the night in the hospital and then when the results were unchanged, they opted to go home and wait things out - and we headed south.

Saturday Erin tried to resume normal activities.  Her dear friend Lisa walked the mall with her, encouraging Erin and just being a sweetheart.

Sunday morning we got another early morning call - this time it was the real deal.  Erin had been in labor from the early morning hours.  They were heading for the hospital.  Papa and Drahma were back in the car headed north.  It was Superbowl Sunday!

The entire five and a half hour trip was frequented with text updates and phone calls.  As we approached the final leg of our journey, Erin said she was in the final stages and getting ready to push.  We couldn't get up the hill fast enough.  We arrived in time to have the labor and delivery staff preparing the room to transition from laboring to pushing.  Our daughter was going to be a momma in short time...  and the Super Bowl Game was about to start.

Erin wanted us to stay in the room so we found a comfortable place on a sofa at waist level where we could be encouraging and not intrusive.

Poor Erin pushed and pushed for 2-1/2 hours.  Little C's head was in the birth canal but twisted off to the side.  Despite the OB's attempts to help turn his head in the birth canal C just wasn't going to budge.  And though I know she didn't want to go this route, it was decided Erin would have a cesarean section.

The very efficient staff quickly prepared her for surgery.  I found myself comparing the situation with what I see on a daily basis at work and liked what I saw. It was comforting to see how competent everything was getting done.

Erin was wheeled away to the elevator which would take her up to surgery with Chris at her side.  Papa and I sat patiently nervously waiting for a safe delivery for both the baby and our daughter.

It seemed to take hours though I'm certain it wasn't even a full hour.  We heard the elevator bell chime and out rolled the nurse, the proud daddy and the cutest little bundle all swaddled in the bassinet.  I was instantly in love with our new grandson.

Welcome Calder Christopher Murray - born Sunday, February 3rd at 20:56 at Grittman Hospital in Moscow, ID.  He weighed in at 8lbs. 10oz and was 20-3/4" long.

We are so very blessed!

Those CHEEKS!

Proud Papa

Drahma has a new man in her life. 

Drahma's project - not quite done when C arrived but that gave me something to work on the following week when I returned to Moscow to stay with our newest little family of three.