Sometimes, even optimistic people get tired and worn down

My optimism and zest for life remain, despite feeling a bit worn down the last week+ with...

1) our car broken into and ransacked a few weeks back and most of my flyfishing gear and flies stolen (it was all hidden in the car but they found it),

2) an IRS audit of our finances for 2014 and 2015 (close to 200 hours combined now providing detailed information; turns out we UNDERclaimed our expenses so things are looking good),

3) a car rooftop rocket (storage) box explosion at 65mph (nothing lost and no car accidents behind us in the wake of all the camp chairs blowing out),

4) a car door fire (mostly just smoke) from a stuck power window motor,

5) TurboTax incorrectly applying a health care tax credit we were ineligible for in 2016 (if you can't trust tax care professionals, who CAN you trust with your taxes?! maybe it's time to pay an in-person tax care professional),

6) a neighbor friend losing his life light (no matter that alcoholism ruined his liver, watching the life of a friend fade is still a challenge)...

and other various things.

Yet, despite all this - or perhaps BECAUSE of all of this - I feel compelled to live life abundantly, cherishing the wonder and beauty and fragility of it all. I am healthy, I am loved and have (do) loved, I walk this path with a marvelous and supportive partner, and life continues to amaze me every day.

We may lead a charmed life in many respects, but life is still hard. Always will be. All things considered, we're doing pretty well. Because we've got each other. And we've got YOU!

If you're so inclined, we would sure appreciate you sending prayers heavenward for us, shaking of sticks, rattling of bones, chanting, sending of positive vibes, whatever it is you feel inclined or compelled to do to channel good energy our way.

Because who couldn't use a little more goodness in life?! AmIRight?!

Thank you, friends! We sure love you - it's true. <3

Camping - the three amigos

Setting sun over our camp - site A19, Moonshine Park.

I tend to get some quiet time now and again. Or, at least, time away from the family and to myself (I often fill it with things, though). But Cat rarely gets some of her own time...and has been needing it. Time to spend without the chaotic distractions that are a part of normal daily life in Western cultures. So, after looking at our mad-crazy summer calendards, we planned it.

I decided to take the kiddos on a 2-day, 1-night camping trip figuring that'd give her a couple of days of much-needed respite. We headed over to one of our favorite local, coast range spots, Lincoln County's Moonshine Park. When it's hot in the valley, it's always 10-15 degrees cooler there along the Siletz River. And with plenty of beaches and river to play on and swim in, paved trails to hike and ride bikes and scooters and miles of prime summer steelhead fishing, what more could we ask for?!

So off we headed, with just a tent, blankets, some food, and lots of outdoor toys. We fished, panned for gold, swam in the river, built forts in the woods, hunted for mushrooms, rode our bikes and scooters, read books, cut firewood, sat around the glowing campfire, and watched the stars.

Papa, the water strider jumped out!

Nothin' yet, Papa...

Happily passed out on the way home.

And we just drank each other in until, at days end, the kiddos passed out happily in the car on our way back to mummy.

I so love my children. And my wonderful friend, spouse, and partner. And perhaps the best part - we came back to a rejuvenated mums!

Fanning the flames

Both our kids love participating in everything we do. Having a fireplace presents it's own challenges for the kids but we've worked hard with them to teach them what they can and cannot do around it. Little man loves to help with the wood gathering and with getting last night's coals ignited. This morning was no different...except that he had only partially changed out of his pajamas. Too cute...

Little Jeremiah gathering firewood.

Little Jeremiah in the wood wheelbarrow.

Little Jeremiah and Papa blowing on last night's coals.