You Asked For It... Pictures of my Home!

From Top to Bottom: Looking out at Prince of Wales Island from the beach; Point D in early Fall on the south end of the island; A stormy sunset view from my house

A Time for Family

My first trip back to the "lower 48" was over the holiday break. I spent a week in North Carolina with family, and a week in Portland with friends. When I first got to North Carolina I found a sunny spot on my Aunt Rainslee and Uncle Bill's back porch and soaked in the rays. It was a warm 60 degrees and bright, my eyes squinting but welcoming the warm, red glow behind my closed eyelids.

It took me a few days to get used to being out in the "real world." I caught myself waving at every person and car I saw while driving, even on the freeway. It was then that I realized how nice it is to live in a place where everyone waves at each other... it's just an unspoken rule in the community. The best part about the whole trip was getting to spend time with my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. The pictures above are of us on Christmas Day.

My week in Portland was also enjoyable, as I got to rediscover my little city that I once called home for many years. I stayed with my good friends Jeff and Heather, who should really consider opening a bed and breakfast someday-- my, what hospitality! And Heather is a mean cook! I walked all over the city, for miles and miles, people-watching and poking my head into my favorite shops. One of the highlights of my trip was seeing my cousin Mike, his wife Melinda and their lovely children Tristan and Sequoia (in picture below).

I rang in the New Year with friends but made an effort to think about each and every person who has inspired and supported me throughout the years-- THAT MEANS YOU! I look forward to the future and wish all my friends and family good fortune and happiness this coming year and always!