reflections

It has been a little over a month since Scott and Catherine were married and off to Provo to start their new life together. This has presented an opportunity for Fred and I to do the same. We had a short review of where we have been and how we have been feeling. Next we shared where we want to be and how we want to feel. Let me say that we have laughed more, been more aware of being kind and respecting each other's needs and letting go of getting stuff done and living more in the moment. I am aware that more of the change has been from within myself. My focus has been all about me and my wants and desires and what I deserve. I don't know when things switched into this new line of thinking, but it is a welcome change. I look at Fred and reflect on his goodness and the discipline he shows in how he lives. He has never faltered as I have been all over the page on my emotional roller coaster the last few years. I am so grateful that he has stood beside me even though I didn't acknowledge his efforts. I have experienced for myself and KNOW that we cannot change others - only ourselves. Let's figure out what we need to change about ourselves so we can have the life that we desire!

Baby steps into projects

I somehow found myself in my new pink room or more affectionately known as "Gayle's Thinking Spot" by Fred and pulled out the fabric and pattern for the drapes I intend to make someday. Well I got kind of turned off for now with that project, but decided to cut apart the cover to my serger. So I did start that little project. We will see if I can sew it together and have it fit like the orginal cover. Shouldn't be too hard....right? This was harder than I expected. Pin, un pin, pin, un pin....finally got it fit together in some form, but the fabric gets hooked on the thread on my serger....now I know why the orginal cover was plastic. Oh Bother.

Sugar - specifically homemade chocolate chip cookies

I'm curious.....is it just me or if you pig out on sugar before bed do you wake up depressed in the morning? I do.

Renewal for Health and Well-Being workshop

My good friend Blanche and I attended "Renewal for Health and Well-Being" yesterday at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island. We both saw the adverstisement in the Kitsap Sun. It was advertised as "Take a little time out of your busy life to reconnect with yourself. This inspiring workshop will re-energize your life and restore your passion for your work. Learn what self-care tools can support and sustain your health. When you're actively focused on your well-being and your work, you can care for yourself and those around you with renewed dedication, empathy and compassion."

This event was sponsored by Harrison Hospital so it was geared toward their medical staff, but it was good for any one. We had a lovely day. It is a beautiful facility.

Labor Day Outing

On Labor Day Fred planned a day outing for us. We walked on the ferry to Seattle and then walked up to the Lite Rail and rode that to the Airport. Just for the scenery.....then we took the Lite Rail back to Westlake Center and ate at the food court. We are into sharing one meal now. So we split a BBQ sandwich and both got caesar side salads. From there we walked up to the Freeway Park to check it out. It is a park that is above Interstate 5. This is where we took this self portrait. I'm getting the hang of posing....chin up and shoulder down. Then we walked down to the waterfront and wanted an ice cream. I wanted to share a scoop, but Fred had his mind set on his own. I got a chocolate scoop, but it was below par. Unfortunately, rather than tossing it, I kept taking another bite somehow hoping the taste would improve. It didn't. We sat in the front of the ferry on the way home and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It was a very nice day. I love Fred.

Farm Kitchen Saturday Breakfast

Today was a trip to Poulsbo for a Big Country Breakfast at the Farm Kitchen. After a hearty breakfast, we wandered around the fields to enjoy the flowers and scenery.

That's me - Peek a Boo from the corn field.

Lorraine pilfering flower seeds to grow in her garden at home. I totally supported her in this.

The address is on Pt. Gamble Road, but I was thinking Port Gamble so that's where I drove. We had to back track to get to the right location in Poulsbo. They serve a country breakfast the first Saturday of every month all year round. It was a fun experience. Very good food, but we did wait quite a while and it was very noisy in the eating area. You can sit inside or out in a party type tent. Check out their website http://www.farmkitchen.com/ They also offer cooking classes and other events. I want to go back and try the Rustic Breads in Ocotober.

Ross Lake Resort 2011

Here we are on the dock waiting for the ferry to pick us up and head home. I definitely did not take enough pictures. We had a wonderful time. Getting to know new friends, laughing, reading, eating and enjoying our beautiful hideaway at Ross Lake.

I made this grape salad and got fancy by garnishing it with strawberries.

Here is our dinner on Tuesday night. Sue made her spaghetti pie served with crusty bread and salad. Yummy and comforting!

Linda laid down to read for a while. This picture does not do justice for her bedhair hairdo. She was a good sport to let me take pictures. We all enjoyed a giggle. We love our Linda!

Here is our Southern Belle Sue. She was so happy to be able to wear this hat that she bought for her trip to the South to visit her son. He forbid her to wear this sweet hat because she looked too "touristy". Doesn't she look fabulous!

Lorraine was having a hard time staying warm in the early hours of wind off of the lake. It was actually kind of funny that on the other side of this little tree the other ladies were soaking up the warmth & sun.

Tuesday morning sunshine, beautiful scenery (i.e. the ladies of course), and good conversation.

Here we are gathered for happy opening!

Displayed here are the happys we received this year. The tradition of opening our happys first was honored.

Our supplies were condensed quite well this year. Two ice chests and three rubber tubs, plus our personal bag. We brought more supplies from our pantries at home so our shopping list was shorter this year. None the less, grocery shopping was still one of the highlights to our journey.

This year's Ross Lake Trip brought new faces to the lake. Myself and Linda Cunningham were the only real old timers plus Andrea Lewis who joined us last year. Andrea invited her mom LaDawn Smith, Linda invited Sue Bison and I invited Lorraine Butler to make up our group. I didn't get any pictures taken until the picnic on the way up to the Resort.