I’m soaked and my hands are getting numb despite my gloves and the rain poncho I’m wearing over my heavy coat. But the waves are spectacular as they come crashing into shore. It isn’t a king tide that can bring the really giant waves. It’s just a winter storm on the Washington Coast. High tide is nearly here, and I try to hold out a little longer to get a few more shots. Then in the distance I see the ships exiting the Columbia River, crossing the bar and entering the Pacific Ocean.

The month of January is especially known for gray where we live. The dark clouds and rain can really weigh you down if you let them. It can be hard to go anywhere or do anything. To get past this we go in search of green. Green moss, green ferns, and green grass. With all the rain it isn’t hard to find.

Fresh snow. Kids laughing and sledding down the hill. Cute store fronts and festive lights. It’s hard to beat Leavenworth at Christmas.

My family started making the annual trip at Christmas time a couple of decades ago following a family wedding. My mom was looking for a good place to relax and recover from the event. Little did she know we would still be making the trip these many years later.

 Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit more than Christmas lights. I love driving around town seeing homes lit up. I love going downtown to see the giant tree fully decorated for Christmas.

School events, church events, community events, and family events. Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, and Christmas decorating. The Christmas season is full of events, gatherings and “to do’s”. Most are things I love and look forward to all year. Some are not.

I can’t wait to…

I love Christmas trees! The lights. The ornaments. The smell. I love waking up in the morning to the scent of a freshly cut Christmas tree. I love sitting by the tree in the evening with a cup of cocoa in my hands.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and I have many things to be grateful for. Here are a few more things on my list.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and I have many things to be grateful for. Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to share a few things that top my list.

The parks, the waterfront, and my neighborhood. These are places I enjoy in my hometown all year, but in the fall, they really put on a show.