Luck of the Irish

Blue skies and green children made for a great St. Paddy's day parade around the neighborhood.

Bravely going where no one has gone before

Lucy's preschool teacher is a gem. Just look at this art project where she helped the kids create their own solar system. Each planet was so carefully, spectacularly, and accurately created. It is truly a work of art.

And, speaking of bravely going into dark spaces, tomorrow my previously-unexplored left lung gets its first close-up! Could they make this look any less appealing in the brochure? Wish me luck.

An omen

This headline in today's paper is a foreshadowing. Yes, it looks like we might actually have some dear California friends join us in Oregon. And we couldn't be more ecstatic! Details to come as soon as things are officially buttoned up, sealed, signed, and well, official, for our pals.

Work and A Weakling Lung

This past Friday, I had the opportunity to fly down to California for an all-day meeting with one of my clients. It's a fabulous company and though I've been speaking with the owner and other consultants several times a week for a year now, I have never met them face-to-face. Until now, that is. The opportunity to do so was incredible! I feel so fortunate to be working on exciting projects with an intelligent and dynamic group-- all from the little sunroom of our home! It's such a wonderful, flexible consulting job that fits perfectly with my limited free time these days.

Following the meeting, I spent an amazing evening catching up with a few old (in length of friendship only!) friends over wine and spectacular views of the city. I wish I would have had more time to see all of my beloved California family and pals, but time did not allow for it on this trip. Definitely the next one!


Upon return to Oregon, my cough that I was ignoring for weeks became the cough I could no longer ignore. I developed a high fever Saturday night, and wasn't sleeping because my left lung was so tight. So, Sunday it was off to urgent care to determine that yes, indeed, that troublesome left lung that was damaged in my cycling accident is once again causing trouble. The radiologist confirmed that the xray shows pneumonia and my white blood cell count is a whopping 20,000. In the meantime, the antiobiotics and steroids seem to be helping. Today I saw a pulmonologist, and he plans to take a fancy little camera and explore my left lung next Wednesday (sounds just lovely, doesn't it!) to see if there is structural damage from my accident or a specific trouble-spot that would cause my lung to develop pneumonia twice in 15 months. Hopefully, he can also find a remedy so that this isn't an annual affair!

My mother has been an absolute GODSEND in caring for the girls so that I can rest and heal. There are no words to adequately thank her. Here's a small view: I mentioned to her yesterday that I was supposed to bring a meal to an ill friend on Thursday. So what did she bring with her this morning? A batch of lentil soup for my friend's family. Yes, she is a rock star.


Hopefully the next post will be cheerful pictures of sun and children...and a speedy return to good health!

Cherry Blossoms

Even though the calendar says it's February, mother nature clearly disagrees. The girls spent some time "fishing" at the park and admiring the cherry blossoms. Happy spring to all!

Sworn to Secrecy

Writing this post is perhaps the most dangerous move I've ever made. But, I trust you all, and I know my readership numbers are low. So, it's a risk I'll take.

Okay, here goes. But, before I tell you, you must swear to keep this secret. Deal?

There is a conspiracy happening here in Portland. A very well-designed one. One which leads everyone around the globe to believe that we have many gloomy, gray days. And very little sunshine. But, it's a rouse. I have a suspicion that it began as a bit of a prank to avoid overcrowding in this great place we call Stumptown.

As evidence, I will present the week's forecast. Pretty gloomy, isn't it?
Now, I will present the actual weather today.

You see what I mean? This has happened again and again. At first, I thought Portland was simply the landing spot for the most incompetent meteorologists in the country, but now I am in on the secret. And so are you. Just keep it under your hat.

But why am I spending my time on my laptop when the gorgeous blue skies await? Oh, that's right. They'll probably be back tomorrow. Just don't tell anyone!

Gusto

Lucy does everything with great gusto. She jumps in with both feet, embracing whatever task happens to be at hand wholeheartedly, whether she is simply choosing socks to wear for the day or coloring a picture or giving a hug. It's one of my favorite things about her.

Now check out this snapshot. This was what we witnessed last night as we tiptoed into the bedroom for one last tuck-in. Have you ever seen such an ambitious roll out of bed in your life? She even took her baby doll and the covers along for the ride.

Now, apparently, we can add "falling out of bed" to the list of things which Lucy does with gusto.