Check, mate

Signs of the annual Teresa Tromp chess tournament. Today was filled with the game of kings and the game of the people, soccer.

On Pasture

I woke Thursday morning to hear the cows running about joyfully in the pasture just beyond the yard. Spring is officially upon us. The cows are out.
And here, the proud farmer takes in the sight of his herd on fresh grass.
This idyllic scene belies the realities of separating calves from their mothers a day or two after birth.

Spring Skiing

Perfect weather to enjoy what was probably our last ski day this season.
At Baker, skiers and boarders hike out-of-bounds ridges to get access to pure, unadulterated snow.
After a decade of skiing with a baby in a backpack ~ and, at times, a toddler in his arms, too ~ Hans is nearing the end of an era. Shortly after I took this picture, these guys took a tumble and Kai has the swollen, bruised cheek to prove it. But he takes great pride in re-enacting the incident.

Co-op Party

The Community Food Co-op holds its annual meeting here at the ferry terminal.
During the actual "meeting" portion of the meeting, I was distracted by the scene outside. The rain subsided, revealing a glorious sunset. Fittingly, as talk turned to embracing and uplifting this special corner of the world, a rainbow touched upon the golden glow of the city.
The highlight of the evening was watching four year old Rafe bustin' moves on the dance floor.

Washington Liquid Sunshine

This is what our yard has looked like for the better ~ ? ~ part of this month. It's, um, been raining. A lot.

This is what I looked like after my long Saturday run. It's, um, been raining...oh. I just said that, didn't I?

Run of the River

Last weekend Hans and I retreated at our familiar, beloved Run of the River (www.runoftheriver.com). It's a homecoming of sorts. While March isn't the most stellar vacation season, our time away was lovely nonetheless.
The doors were still bedecked in a winter theme.
We always stay in this room, "Enchantments", named after the mountains just beyond the inn.

Early morning mist rises above the Icicle Valley.
Run of the River is a few hours away from us, just on the other side of the Cascades. It may rain buckets it Western Washington (as it's been doing all month, and was the day this photo was taken), but a few hours east we can bask in warm sunshine.
I love ponderosa pines. They represent "dry and warm" to me: time with Hans at Run of the River, time with all my guys when we camp later in the year.
Anjou Bakery: Funny how some of the best places are in the middle of what is, seemingly, nowhere.

Golden Dragon Acrobats

Today we watched China's Golden Dragon Acrobats at the Mount Baker Theatre. Kids, don't try this at home!

Water Over Roadway

This weekend brought a rise in temperatures and several inches of rain: the perfect "recipe" for a spring flood, as the snow pack melts and heads down the mountain. Fortunately, the river didn't quite overflow its banks this time around.

This is what happens by our place when it doesn't flood.

Lenten Discipline...

...does not look like this.

Arrival

Social activism is fun!

Today the boys took it upon themselves to remind passersby of our stance against the planned casino. I was consumed with this (still ongoing) cause last summer. I wonder if I can smuggle these little guys on to the lawn of the White House with some anti-war signs? Now there's a thought...!

Garbage Happens

Wouldn't it be interesting to create stories about people based on their garbage? I just took this picture so I'd have something to post today, and I actually think it's pretty cool.

Storytime

Tuesday mornings mean preschool story time at the local library. Can it be that I once brought my "only" oldest to this? Now I watch Rafe and Kai enjoy their turn, and my heart hurts a bit, knowing how close I am to moving past this simple, lovely ritual.

Aquila

Dozens of eagles line the river this time of year, breeding and nesting. I came within twenty feet of this one before it took flight.

Random Acts of Kindness

Dedicated to the woman at the community food co-op who was so charmed by our boys, she insisted on buying them each a treat. She didn't want her photo taken; she wouldn't even give me her name. An angelic fairy godmother whose random act of kindness made my day ~ and my photo blog.

Pepper Sisters

Evolution

Happy birthday, you. Happy birthday, me.

Yes, again.

Hard to believe this is where we'll hike come summer.

Summer or winter, we can't resist Milano's on our way down the hill.