Amy – ToadMama.com

April 17, 2019April 17, 2019

Three-week Celebration of Us

Today, April 17, is our 26th wedding anniversary. We have never really made a big deal out of anniversaries. Birthdays either. Not because we don’t think they are important. I think it’s more because there are now so many societal expectations around bigger and better celebrations of milestone events that celebrating in any big way sort of feels like giving in and becoming just another consumer in a society driven mad by consumption. Think about it, there are entire industries built on human’s desire to celebrate stuff. Greeting cards, balloons, flowers, cakes. I like all that stuff, but I like it best when it’s not expected, if that makes any sense.

This year was different. This year we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in what was, for us, a pretty big way. First, Mike and I flew to Hawaii for a two-week vacation. Then, we topped it off with an entire weekend hanging out at home with our three children. Today, our 26th anniversary sort of marks the end of a three-week celebration of us. Not just us, the husband and wife, but us, the family.

It’s been a journey for all of us, really. Full of various bumps, misdirections, obstacles large and small, with some mental and metaphysical challenges thrown in that were more monumental than I think anyone ever expected. But we have all persevered, and we all continue to grow. Some of us are struggling more than others, but that’s sort of to be expected. We are, after all, each in various phases or stages of our individual life’s path. But we still like and love each other, and I think we always will. That’s huge. We may not all be bound by blood, but we are bound by something. It could just be familiarity and a collection of shared experiences, but it feels like more.

We have all come a very long way from being the people we were in that picture to the people we are now.

It is not often that we all get the chance to just hang out and reconnect. In fact, I think the last time we were all together without significant others and offspring was in 2004 when we took a family vacation to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

It is fun to look back and see how far all of us have come.

None of us are exactly the same people we were back then. We have all grown so much since then, in so many different ways.

Mike and I have been blessed in so many ways. And we are very proud of these people we were each given as children to raise. They are each very special and very unique in so many ways. They have all grown into amazing adults.

We are so very glad they all chose to come visit and help celebrate our 25-year anniversary milestone. It meant the world to both of us, to all of us, really. Even when Mike and I are dead and gone, the kids will still have each other. Isn’t that what all parents want? Being a family, whether or not related by blood, doesn’t always guarantee that good, strong connections will be forged. That takes work, careful nurturing of spirits, and maybe even a little bit of luck.

I, for one, am happy and proud to be able to share my life with each and every one of these very special people. I love them all very much. Especially this guy.

Happy anniversary, Honey! Here’s to many more years to come. And thanks again, Shannon, Amy, and Eric, for wanting to come together to celebrate with us. It meant more to both of us than I suspect any of you will ever truly understand.

July 1, 2018

Kids Must Live a Little

Have you heard about this new concept of a “risky” playground? If not, check out this video.

I find it both interesting and sad at the same time. Interesting because it seems people are finally starting to wake up and realize the quality of life in our society has been declining in more ways than one. Things that seem relatively minor in the whole scheme of things, such as overprotecting, constantly entertaining, and thinking for our children, are bad. Parents are supposed to provide a solid foundation for their children, not hand-feed and guide them every single little step of the way into young adulthood.

We learn through failure. If kids aren’t allowed to fail, they’ll never grow into well-rounded adults. People may scoff at so-called “free range” parents, but I would rather see parents easing their children into independence than hovering and over-protecting them. It’s really ironic that it’s the helicopter parents who also let their kids run amuck, doing what they want, when they want, with little or any consequences.

I’ll get off the soapbox now. Maybe this “new” concept of allowing kids to learn for themselves is a sign of hope for society? Perhaps. I know one thing, I’m glad I’m not raising young kids in this day and age.

Thankfully, our children are all grown. Getting them all together is a rare treat. I think we did a pretty good job raising them. They all turned into pretty nice, interesting, independent people. They get along well, too, on the rare occasions that they’re all together.

Speaking of getting along, or not… I have been meaning to share this picture with y’all for AGES. It took me forever to actually stop and take the picture, then it sort of got lost amidst the other clutter on my phone.

It’s not terribly far west of us in what I think is Culpeper County. We refer to it as the house with the “spite wall.”

You can only see one of the houses in that photo. The other is on the right-hand side of the wall, not far at all from that unsightly divider. The wall looks like it’s been there for quite some time. I imagine there’s an interesting story or two behind THAT one.

April 26, 2016April 26, 2016

Girls’ Day Out – Part 2

In my first post about the day-trip Amy and I took to Port Townsend (PT), I said I’d show you more pictures of the town itself, and how it looked from land. If you missed the first post, make sure you go back. There are some nice pics there, if I do say so myself.

The ride to PT was gorgeous. And it was beautiful sitting at the little waterfront cafe while we ate a small lunch and enjoyed an adult beverage or two. The town itself — at least the downtown area on and around Water Street — was chock-full of cool, artsy shops, interesting buildings, and other stuff that caught my eye. Plus, the weather was beautiful, even if it was a tad too much on the warm side for my taste (close to the 80s!).

The Pacific Northwest is supposed to have cooler temperatures!

Anyway… here are the images from Port Townsend I feel are worthy of sharing.

IMG_0449_Otter_Log — Otter Log on shore of Port Townsend Bay

There were lots of other cool buildings in town, too. Some with what Fuzzy refers to as ghost ads.

IMG_0454_Main Street — Along Water Street in Port Townsend

IMG_0403_Sign — Taylor Street at Water Street

IMG_0402_Sign — Close-up of sign (Taylor Street at Water Street)

IMG_0404_Water_View — Heading toward funky-cool antique shop on Taylor Street.

IMG_0405_Bunting — As seen from just inside doorway of funky-cool antique shop on Taylor Street.

IMG_0407_Sign — On side of building along Water Street (between Quincy and Taylor).

IMG_0409_Sign — On side of building along Water Street (between Quincy and Taylor).

IMG_0394_Old_Hotel — The Bishop Victorian Hotel on Washington Street

IMG_0391_Old_Station — Old garage on Washington Street.

IMG_0424_Waterfront Park — Part of Pope Marine Park on Water Street.

Amy and I both thoroughly enjoyed our girls’ day out, but we both wished that Shannon could have been there, too.

Moms and adult daughters should hang out more often, when you can be friends and don’t have to act like a parent. It’s sooooo much more relaxing and rewarding.

Shannon and Amy both turned into lovely young women. They are awesome daughters and all-around nice people, too. Most days. LOL.

We all had our ups and downs when they were younger — parenting is HARD work — but I don’t regret any of it. Well, I do regret some parts. In hindsight, I could have been a much better parent, but I was young and growing, too.

I am a very lucky lady. Any woman would be proud to be a parent of these two now-grown kids. Hubby and I really have been blessed.

April 26, 2016April 26, 2016

Fun with Family

Our time in Washington went by way too fast. But isn’t that always the case when you are enjoying yourself immensely?

Eric (youngest kid) and his wife Kelsey weren’t able to join us in Washington. Shannon (eldest) and her boyfriend, Chris, flew up from San Diego for the weekend. Amy’s husband, TJ, had to work during the day on Saturday and Sunday (he’s in the Army), but we did get to see him in the evenings.

We didn’t do a whole lot besides hang out and enjoy each other’s company both days. It was awesome.

We didn’t need to do anything, really, besides just relax, chat, laugh, carry on a bit, etc. It was perfect. Especially since we all live so far away from each other. I would never be one of those parents who insist that their kids stay close geographically just for the parent’s sake. I am a firm believer that your children, when they are adults, need to make their own places in the world. I do miss all of them, as does Hubby, but we try not to dwell on it.

I, of course, had to walk around taking pictures. Who else is going to document events like this?

Some of Joe's art work. — Some of Joe’s art work.

I couldn’t help but smile at Joey’s creations.

Meanwhile, back downstairs…

I’m not sure if that’s a Rose of Sharon tree (in their front yard), but it sure is pretty. Especially with the blue-sky backdrop.

Since the sky was so clear, I decided to borrow Amy’s car and drive about seven minutes to a place from which I know Mount Rainier is easily seen. I never get tired of seeing that mountain.

Yes, I zoomed in to capture that photo. The mountain is not as close as it appears. Also, I was sort of shooting into the sun, which is why the sky behind the mountain looks so gray.

Saying “the mountain is out” (referring to Mount Rainier) is the local way of saying it’s a pretty day.

When I got back to the house, I was tickled to see Amy sewing.

She apparently also favors using a machine that was built before she was born. (She borrowed the 70’s era machine from a neighbor friend.)

The Grand Kids - Brianna (15), Joe (8), and Gaige (12) — The Grand Kids – Brianna (15), Joe (8), and Gaige (12)

Joe did have a baseball game in the early afternoon, so we all went to watch. Brianna had lacrosse practice, too.

Interesting weeds. — Interesting weeds at the ball field.

That little guy LOVES baseball.

He’s very focused, can you tell?

After the sports stuff, Shannon, Amy and I did some shopping for lunch and dinner fixin’s, adult beverages, and some other local specialty items.

Then, after lunch, we got to sit outside and test TJ’s special beer coozies.

The hand-shaped coozies were fun, but wouldn’t a Sasquatch hand be REALLY cool to have? And fitting, given the area.

The next day, Joey made chocolate-chip pancakes for Hubby and I to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary.

We had to get a family photo or two. I’ve always been able to get the kids to pose nicely by letting them do a goofy shot or two at the end of the session. Chris wasn’t used to that. LOL. The goofy shots often end up being some of my favorites.

Later, Shannon and I decided to walk to the park to watch the sunset.

I absolutely love those orange azaleas, which Shannon and I saw during our walk to Sunset Park. Yes, that’s really the name of the park.

The sunset wasn’t anything extra-special, but we did get a nice view of the mountain bathed in the late-afternoon light.

Mount Rainier as seen from Sunset Park in Auburn

Sunset as seen from Sunset Park in Auburn

It wasn’t long after that when Shannon and Chris had to head to the airport. 🙁

All-in-all, it was a great weekend, even if it was far too short!

Hubby and I have certainly been blessed in so many ways.

April 22, 2016April 22, 2016

Girls’ Day Out

I’m sad that we missed the tulip festival we were supposed to attend — Spring came early to Washington this year — but thrilled that Amy and I got to enjoy a mini road trip together. Hours together in the car, on ferries, and enjoying a couple of adult beverages on the deck of a waterfront café then exploring a super-cute town gave us plenty of time to catch up. It was awesome.

Here are some pics from our journey to Port Townsend and back.

Restaurant at the Mukilteo ferry terminal.

Ferry pulling into the terminal at Coupeville.

Leaving Coupeville, view of Fort Casey and the Admirality Head Lighthouse.

Mike and I visited that very spot back in 2013 with our friends Annelies and Yves. Thank goodness Amy and I had MUCH better weather!

IMG_3486_Coast_Guard — View of Port Townsend from the water.

Those are the Olympic Mountains in the background.

IMG_3492_PT_from_Water2 — View of Port Townsend from the water.

IMG_3496_PT_from_Water3 — View of Port Townsend from the water.

IMG_3501_PT_from_Water5 — View of Port Townsend from the water.

IMG_0325_PT — View of Port Townsend from the water.

IMG_0327_PT — View of Port Townsend from the water.

IMG_0317_PT — View of Port Townsend from the water.

IMG_0328_PT — View of Port Townsend from the water.

The weather really was picture-perfect.

IMG_0336_Amy_on_Ferry_2 — Amy on the car deck as we prepared to disembark in Port Townsend.

Amy_in_PT — This waterfront café was a great spot for a lunch break.

PT_Ferry_Dock — Amy’s view from the cafe’s deck.

TNBridge — Tacoma Narrows Bridge with Mount Rainier (taken by Amy)

We really did have a great day out. It was good for both of us. I think Amy really enjoyed being chauffeured around all day. 🙂

I know I certainly enjoyed the company. I miss that kid, who isn’t technically a kid anymore, but who will always be one of my kids. <3

I’ll share some pics of the town in another post.

April 21, 2016

Whirlwind of Activity

Holy cow it’s been a crazy week. But GOOD crazy. Fabulous crazy, really.

A couple of posts ago, I said, “More adventures are on the horizon. Could it involve family, friends, a road trip, airplane rides, surprise visitor(s) , a voyage to another country, a boat ride? Or maybe all of the above? One never knows. I do know, however, that exciting times are definitely ahead.”

In my anniversary post, I meant to enlighten y’all a bit and reveal that we are in Washington, which is where that handsome, pancake-cooking grandson lives. But I forgot. Sorry!

I’m guessing if you follow my Instagram feed, you know — or have been guessing! — where I am. We are in Washington State. Our daughter, Amy, lives outside of Seattle with her husband, TJ, and three kids. Our daughter Shannon and her boyfriend, Chris, flew up from San Diego for the weekend. So we were just a son and daughter-in-law short of having a full house for our anniversary.

It was awesome having everyone together for the weekend.

PT_Trip — We drove this route counterclockwise.

Shannon and Chris left on Sunday evening. On Monday, while the kids were in school, Amy and I set off on a little road trip adventure, choosing to take the scenic route to Port Townsend (PT), a historic seaport town on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula.

I gave Amy the option of a fast, medium, or slow, scenic ride, with me driving, of course. I was very happy when she chose the scenic route, which involved two ferries and a quick visit to Whidbey Island, one of my favorite locations in the state.

It was really, really nice spending the day with Amy. I don’t get to see her much, since we live on opposite sides of the country and all. 🙁

While we were off on our girls adventure, TJ and Hubby went to the Lemay car museum in Tacoma. Then they went to the Army base to see TJ’s boat (he’s a boat captain). The guys seem to have enjoyed their day as much as us girls did.

I’ll share pics and tell you more about PT later. But first, there’s some other excitement.

Amy and TJ had to go away for a few days, so we are in charge of the kids. Which means we need to be here to chauffeur them around to various activities, make sure they eat, bathe, go to bed on time, don’t kill each other, etc. Hubby and I are both working remotely from here, unless something else comes up.

Most evenings are pretty busy. Wednesday (yesterday) was one of the few days only one kid had any place to be (Brianna had lacrosse practice), so I decided to escape for an adventure.

I drove into Seattle and took the Victoria Clipper (a passenger-only ferry) up to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada for the day.

Victoria is a beautiful city. I took LOTS of pics. But want to know what the highlight of my day was?

Happy hour!

Not just because it was happy hour, but because of who I got to enjoy happy hour with!

Darlene, aka Princess Scooterpie! We’ve been following each other’s blogs for a few years now. I’d been to Victoria previously, but was traveling with friends so wasn’t able to squeeze in a visit. This time, I was very determined to meet this cool lady in the flesh.

She’s every bit as awesome as I knew she would be. Our time together FLEW by. Hopefully, next time we’ll get a couple of days together, instead of two, too-short hours.

I took a ton of pictures in Victoria. It really IS a beautiful city. I’ll share more when I get back home.

But guess what? Tomorrow — Friday — Hubby and I get to meet some more moto-blogger buddies. I really shouldn’t wish my time away, but I have been looking forward to this for quite some time.

I’ll leave you with this for now…

IMG_0388 (2) — Sunset over the Olympic Peninsula

I captured that pic from the back of the ferry as we headed back to Seattle. It was a beautiful end to a fabulous day.