Weekend

Really pretty hooked on our surf weekends, the days go as all days should go

Early morning coffee and fresh donuts

Paddling into the cold foamy water. The slap of the waves and the smell of neoprene in the morning sun. Focusing so intently on catching waves and riding waves. Watching the other surfers look so effortless and talented. Arms and shoulders refusing to make another paddling rotation. Waiting for the last ride to shore and hoping to call it quits on a good note.  Hands and feet so numb from the cold that it's hard holding onto the board and walking up the stairs.

Warming up on the sand with a good book

Hiking through the redwoods, checking out tide pools, running on the beach trail

Camping in the back of the car undisturbed and for free

Waking up and doing it all over again

Another flat

We made it last year without any flats on the trail. In the last three weeks we've counted eight, quickly making up for last year's streak of good luck. "A quick downhill" he says, "should take about an hour or so." Six flats and three hours later we made it back to the parking lot. I'd say we've paid our dues.

Lunch break

Working three twelve hour days has certain benefits. These benefits all begin and end with an extra day off. As Denver is still on the four tens schedule, I have a day all to myself. A day without any obligation to head out-of-town early and guilt-free as I've already put-in my working time for the week. There is nothing that makes my soul more happy then a day of production. A day of crossing items of of the to-do list. A day of baking, cooking, cleaning, organizing, yard work and furniture rearrangement. That long list of people we've been wanting to have over for dinner? I finally have time to prepare a meal and enjoy the fellowship of friends in the evening, without madly rushing around after a long day at work.

In the midst of all the list-making and accomplishing is my sister's lunch break. I had to talk myself into asking to join her the first time (My desire for accomplishing battled my desire for relationship) and now it's the highlight of my week. She's found this secret little spot on the Truckee river. A rustic landing of plywood at the end of a short, but very hidden trail. We have a full hour to sit there eating lunch, watching the water and the ducks and the ground squirrels in the pasture across the river. If the sun's out we'll throw on our swimsuits and catch some rays. Just the two of us, talking about life and laughing about such and such. I share some lunch, she shares her nail polish. I never know how long we'll get to live in the same town, much less the same state....I'm thankful that, for the time being, we can eat food together and enjoy the afternoon breeze. She's teaching me, gently and without admonition, about how to live life. How to work crazy hard but also take time to enjoy the small moments. How to do a little less judging and alot more loving. How to focus on the good parts of people instead of the yuck. How to gracefully embrace a new adventure instead of responding with fear and resistance. She's taught me that as much as my soul loves production it doesn't compare to quality time spent with the people I love. Lunch break? In her words, I guess it's my newest thang, yo
 

Easy on the eyes

We headed south for the weekend to do some mountain biking near Mammoth Lakes. The trails were in perfect condition and the cooler temperatures made the lower elevation portions and ridiculously long hill climbs surprisingly pleasant. The views keep getting better and better.

A bold move

We're really living on the edge here in the final stages of the carriage house renovation. This blue door is quite the rebellion from the usual white and grey palette. Who knows what might happen next?!

We heart Bodie

Family

With much happiness I can say that I have no horror in-law stories to share. My in-laws have been so welcoming and so fun and so kind from the very beginning. I can't imagine not sharing lives. Denver and I know how fortunate we are to consider his parents mentors, advisers, and some of our closest friends. The best part? After spending a few days together we feel incredibly refreshed, encouraged and a tiny bit invincible. (The diet coke and increased coffee uptake might have something to do with the invincible part) Regardless, if life gets you down...go for a visit!