We are in the process of training Magnolia how to be a non-destructive member of the family. It is a daily battle of wills. She’s like a toddler, but one with claws and fangs who can leap six feet into the air. Dubious Advice From The Internet This is the first time I’ve had a […]
Archive for Musings
At this time last year, we were finishing up our two-month project of clearing out my parents’ home and preparing it for sale. And we were happily anticipating resuming our travels. Instead, we’ve been stranded in Florida for more than a year. After much (exhausting) discussion, we’ve decided to stay here for a while longer. […]
When Eric and I contemplated taking to the road full-time eight years ago, we had a cat. Spot was eighteen years old, highly opinionated, and her only outings in a vehicle had been visits to the vet. Much to our surprise, Spot adapted extremely well to traveling life. But when she passed away a year-and-a-half […]
Thank you, dear friends, for your condolences on the loss of my mom. Reading your words of support and kindness helps me as I adjust to the reality of life without my mom and dad. Helping my folks navigate the last years of their lives was hard. Still, it’s painful to realize that I will […]
My one-of-a-kind mom passed away the morning of January 1st. I’m sure, if there’s a heaven, that my dad was anxiously awaiting her arrival—and greeted her with a Manhattan. We talked a few days before she passed, the last time that she was able to speak. I knew something was different. She didn’t greet me […]
We hope today finds you cozy, finding some small moments of joy in the last week of this very unsettling year. For the first time, I recently really listened to the words of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Although it was written in 1944 during World War II, it certainly speaks to our reality […]
Wow. Is it really over? I hope so. I am deeply relieved to step off of this insane election roller coaster. It probably comes as no surprise to anyone who knows us that we did not vote for the incumbent. But this election has made me think long and hard about the state of our […]
A devastating wildfire raged two miles from our home in Ashland, Oregon last week. A swath of burned rubble extends almost 20 miles north, smoke still blankets the valley, and some of our closest friends are displaced. In Portland and Bend, our family and friends are suffering from the effects of nearby wildfires and are […]
I‘ve had big plans of writing about our last summer’s adventures for many months now. But life keeps getting in the way. Every day, I look at an index card propped up by my computer. It says, “How we spend our days, is of course, how we spend our lives. ~Annie Dillard.” As I push […]
Thank you, dear friends, for your great kindness in the loving and supportive comments you left in honor of my dad. During this time when we’ve not been able to gather with family and friends to celebrate my dad’s life and mourn his passing, your words have brought me comfort and lifted my spirits. I […]
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If you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, birding, art, music, quirky towns, good food, and good friends—you'll enjoy traveling with us. Join us as we explore the backroads of North America—we love company and comments!