Small rays of light, sparkles, bright spots. What are the things that can keep us going through the dark days of winter and the pandemic? When I look at the cover of the 2020 PTYC Roster, I am reminded of all the bright spot boat trips of the past, and that there will be more to come. In 2020, there were 3 new family members and we kept nearly the same board and officers to carry us through the pandemic. As eager as we all are to gather beyond Zoom, we still need to wait and see what events will be possible in 2021. With all this in mind, the Board decided to reuse the 2020 Roster. A bright spot for us, since the roster can be a bear of a project! We will provide some updated inserts to accompany your new 2021 membership cards when they are mailed out, and Ilona will work her magic on a printable 2021 membership directory to access on our website.

Another literal bright spot is that I am just starting to notice our daylight hours are getting longer again. With this very windy, wet, but mild winter, my garden seems confused. Little patches of brightness are scattered around, even at the end of January. The pink primroses are in full bloom and the yellow roses actually never stopped blooming. Here on our Marrowstone Island bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet, we watched pleasure boats pass by, mixed in with the usual container ships, tugs and barges over a sunny MLK weekend. In just a few short months, we’ll be ready to be out there too … but first, a haul-out for bottom painting. A shiny, bright boat bottom every few years is a must for keeping Rain Shadow in tip top shape. Continue reading →

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”
Mary Davis

It seems like a miracle that 2020 is finally coming to an end, but here we are!

Miraculously, scientists have worked at lightning speed to create the vaccines that are being distributed as I write this. I can finally see the light at the end of the long, long tunnel and a start back to normalcy. It won’t happen overnight, and I am continuing to do my part by limiting social contact, wearing my mask, washing my hands, and getting in line for a vaccine as soon as it is available to the general public. I am moving forward into 2021 with an attitude of cautious optimism and a goal to get out and move!

When Covid-19 began, we were heading into spring, a more conducive time to being outdoors. Now, as winter begins, we find ourselves typically more homebound and doing more inside activities. I am guilty of staying indoors during the darker winter months in any given year. My 2021 New Year’s resolution is to get out, get moving and explore nature this winter.  I think we all have to — for our mental health!

The Olympic Peninsula offers so many beautiful beaches and trails to enjoy.  We are lucky to live in the PNW where we have a moderate climate year round. Washington Trails Association’s website offers a plethora of Olympic National Park trails, whether you’re looking for a day walk or a vigorous, heart-pounding hike. Continue reading →

“Home for the holidays” brings to mind images of our family and friends gathering together, sharing feasts, giving thanks, and celebrating with our own unique traditions.  As a child, I remember special days at grandma and grandpa’s house with cousins, aunts and uncles.  As a young adult, home for the holidays meant my parents’ house, the hustle and bustle of meal preparations, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games on the TV. Now, in my senior years, it means our kids arriving home, bringing their own kids, to honor old traditions and make new ones.

This year, “Home for the holidays,” has a new meaning– staying home and staying safe.  We can find creative ways to stay connected to our loved ones and put a fresh spin on our beloved traditions- that could be sharing a slice of pie over Zoom, making sure the Menorah shines in the window for others to see or putting a stocking stuffed with toys in the mail. As we look to ring in the new year and the prospect of a vaccine glimmers on the horizon, we can choose to focus on staying healthy and keeping everyone safe. While not something we can wrap in paper or put under a tree, these are real and true gifts. Continue reading →