This is our dear friend, Vern. Vern died today of stupid cancer. We’d like to memorialize Vern not only because he had a huge impact on our lives, but because he is a perfect example of how things can change so drastically in our lives and you really need to hug your loved ones…
On March 28, J & I will add our 14th state to our growing list of places we’ve lived: New Mexico!! Though our permanent residency remains in Colorado (made really official by changing our driver’s license and plates this week), we are heading to New Mexico for a 6-week contract job. This time around, we…
When I was researching writing retreats for my book on Te Araroa, I was completely overwhelmed by the quantity and variety of retreats offered. Some lasted just a weekend. Some lasted longer. Some were local. Some were international. Some included food. Some didn’t. Some included lodging. Some didn’t. Eventually I weeded through the mountain of…
If you’ve been reading this blog for a long time, or if you are my “real-life” friend, you would know I am a writer. I have a degree in English and spent the better part of my traditional career as a medical writer. I do a lot of freelance writing, too, for magazines, blogs, and…
After tucking 2015 into bed, J & I realized we’ve had quite a year. If you are a long-time reader, you know I love me some stats. I’m also quite wordy. For your benefit, I chose numbers over words for this post. 111 = Days we spent out of the US (mainly New Zealand,…
We said goodbye to our 2-month caretaking gig on that secret island today, but want wholeheartedly to come back someday. We are mountain people through and through, but there was something magical about seeing the golden honey and grapefruit sky sink into the ocean every single night. And, we never tired of watching and listening to…
J & I have created what we like to call a “life less ordinary,” particularly since 2011. We support this life of adventures by working seasonally ain the hospitality setting. And even though it’s only been 4 years and we still have a lot to learn, we’ve come a long way from where we started.…
We have settled in for our 2-month caretaking job on an island off the coast of New England. Some of you have been quite curious about this gig! There is only so much I will reveal on the blog and it is merely to protect the privacy of the island’s residents. They have entrusted us…
Last weekend, J & I met 3 other couples and their kids in Beckley, West Virginia, for our 15-year reunion as Holy Cross Associates (more on that later). The Holy Cross Associates, minus 2 members The Holy Cross Associates, plus spouses and kids I know you are wondering why in the world we would end…
We completed the sale of our house in Virginia! Our friend Van was so nice and gave us a bottle of champagne to celebrate … doesn’t matter that he found the champagne at the dump (which is why we didn’t drink it and just sprayed it around). When we sat down with the city officials…
So it’s pretty suffice to say that since we returned from New Zealand, we’ve had a black cloud following us around, or maybe it is just reality overcompensating for our 6-month escape. Someone said this line to us the other day and it just about sums it up: “Wish in one hand, shit in the…
If this week were not emotional enough, we have other bad news. Mr. McKinley passed away Saturday night. McKinley, who would have been 11 this June. McKinley, who was part of our Danville story as we adopted him in December 2004, shortly after moving to town. McKinley, who was my best coworker and kept me…
We’ve been in Danville, VA, since May 6. Danville, for those who don’t know, is one of our many home bases. Danville is a small town of roughly 40,000 people on the border of North Carolina. Manufacturing, tobacco and textiles were its main industries for much of the 20th century, with a key business being…
I plan to write more about our overall impressions and feelings about the Te Araroa, as well as some tips for people considering it, but for now, it’s just the facts. Anyone who knows me knows I keep track of as many trail statistics as I can! So here you go, the Te Araroa in…
As I said in my last post, we have finished the North Island (NI) section of the Te Araroa (TA), all 1686 kilometers (or 1076 miles)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a difference 65 days has made…a little tanner, bug bitten and muscular… Please excuse the excess of exclamation points. I simply cannot overstate my enthusiasm for finishing…
8 memorable, adventure-filled years married 7 times we’ve rented a moving truck (Penske rocks!) 6 cats fostered 5 zip codes shared (of legitimate places we’ve lived for more than a few months) 4 godchildren, 4 nieces & nephews and 4 From Good Homes concerts together (J’s favorite band – he probably is approaching 400…
Tramp [verb]: to walk long and far, hike, march or trudge. to wander about as a vagabond. to walk for sport or recreation To some (okay, most), backpacking means schlepping everything you need on your back just so you can get to a campsite where you’ll sleep on the ground and be eaten alive by…
Today is the last day RimRock is open. Let me start by saying we had a good time this summer. Overall. This week has been anti-climatic and deathly quiet compared with all the drama and challenges we faced this summer. Add to the fact that we let our SIXTH cook go last week (partly because…
The good news is J is doing well on his Shuksan expedition. He was actually able to call me from base camp! It’s cold up there, but he is getting some good practice on mountaineering skills. They should be attempting their summit Thursday night into Friday morning, so keep those good vibes coming. The bad…
Back when babies were allowed to sleep with blankets, I was born. I’m at the age that when people ask me how old I am, it takes me a minute to remember. There are some years that ask questions and some years that give answers, and this has certainly been a year that is asking…