Searching for Serenity

I sat cross-legged, focusing on my breathing. Breath in. Breath out. My online yoga coach gently guided the practice and then said “search for your serenity”. My mind immediately jumped to one year ago, a time when the entire world was spiraling as a global pandemic began killing hundreds of thousands. As incongruous as it seems, my memories of April 2020 are some of the most peaceful and serene of any in the last few years. The exact image that brought me peace; remembering the pure contentment on Aspen’s face as we watched the sunset over the bay.

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Making time for fun in Bandon, Oregon

Just south of us lies the adorable village of Bandon, Oregon. Founded in 1873 by Irishman George Bennet who named it after his hometown in Ireland, this little town of just over 3000 features about 10 square blocks of fun with restaurants, shops, a brewery and more.

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Our 5 Favorite Fish Dishes on Oregon’s Adventure Coast

One of the prime benefits of being back on the stunning coastline of Oregon is the abundance of fresh seafood. Over the last couple of winters in Baja we’ve been spoiled with fresh fish but of the warm-weather variety. Back here in often blustery Oregon we are once again indulging in such delicacies as fresh crab and oysters along with several types of clams, tuna, and Pacific salmon.

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Settling into Small Town Beach Life

Life has taken on a comfortable routine. How long we’ll be happy with small-town beach life remains to be seen as we have notoriously itchy feet. But after nearly five years of almost non-stop motion, it’s fantastic to establish a routine. My favorite part~ how unexpected it all is. If you had told me 6-months ago that I’d be embracing life in a small coastal town back in Oregon I would have scoffed at the idea.

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Striving for Roots and Wings in Oregon

One of my favorite quotes from “Sweet Home Alabama” is when Reese Witherspoon’s character is told “You can have roots and wings”. This is a difficult concept for me. Those who follow our social media are well aware we followed the road back to Oregon and the questions have been many. In truth, we never planned on leaving Clio’s and the stunning Sierra Nevada’s early. We loved the managers and our co-workers and the chance to explore a new region. However, the truth is also that for two years we have been searching for a paying camp job in Oregon or SW Washington, something that is far harder than you might imagine.

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Just Too Good at Goodbye

We are somewhat experts at the art of Goodbye. Although these past few years have brought this even more into the forefront of the life we lead, it has been the case for a very long time.

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A Getaway with the Parents

What do you get your parents for Christmas? That baffling question that rolls around once a year, just about this season. By the age of 77 and 80, Jim’s parents have acquired everything they really want or need. In an attempt to NOT further clutter their house with stuff, last year we chose to, instead, present them with an experience. A weekend away at their choice of destination- the beach, Bend, Mt. Hood?

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