Restorative

Each September and February, a group of girlfriends gets together for the weekend. In September, it's a great way to close out the summer and make sure our connections are strong for the busy fall and winter ahead. There are nine of us now, coming from various parts of Oregon and northern California. We spend the weekend talking, eating, laughing, drinking wine, reading, occasionally knitting...nothing strenuous. Our weekend this year had the perfect setting: Lake of the Woods in southern Oregon. My friend's family cabin on the east side of the lake is the perfect setting at all times of day...

Just after sunriseEarly afternoon

Evening

It's a little piece of paradise, right here on earth.

Despite the fact that I never wanted to leave, I think I'm now ready to take on whatever the world throws my way this fall.

This time last week...

We were on the Oregon coast. Newport, specifically. Every year in late February, their chamber hosts the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. This was their 32nd annual, and we finally got around to checking it out. Because we like seafood. And wine. There's a definite Mardi Gras feel to the event...very festive. But then, how can you not be happy when you're sampling fresh crab, crab cakes (heaven on a plate), clam chowder, lobster and shrimp cocktail...along with approximately 80 different wineries from Oregon and beyond. No, I didn't taste from all of them. But, if I had to pick two favorites, I really enjoyed each of the Pinot Gris from Vitis Ridge and Sienna Ridge Estate. Crisp, and fruity without being sweet.

Overall, a very fun event. One hint: If you're claustrophobic, go before noon on Saturday or any time Sunday. I think the entire OSU student body was there Saturday afternoon.

This was also my first trip to Newport in about six years, and it reminded me how much I love the stretch of coastline that runs from Depoe Bay to Yachats. Beautiful.

Cape Foulweather

View of Agate Beach from our rental

Yaquina Head lighthouse. And yes, that is blue sky you see.

Hey, Birthday Girl!

Happy 150th! I've only lived here 27 of them, so I can't really call myself a native. But, I believe that being from the State of Jefferson makes me close to one. In tribute to our beautiful state, here are a few of my favorite places in and around Central and Southern Oregon:

Curiosity seekers along a float trip on the Wood River, Southern Oregon.

Evening in Fort Klamath, one of the most peaceful places on earth.

Our National Park gem

Mill Creek Falls, Southern Oregon

Sunset on East Lake

The Metolius River (Mt. Jefferson in background)

Beautiful, bountiful Hood River Valley

Sunset from the top of Mt. Bachelor

Deschutes River

Morning on East Lake

Smith Rock

While these don't begin to illustrate the diversity of our geography and seasons, I hope they at least have you itching to get out and explore one of the most beautiful states in the union. Happy Birthday, Oregon!