Beautiful sunrise on my way to Tacoma

Sometimes, the 3 hour round-trip gets me down. Not today. 3-6-2015. Way more beautiful in person as this photo is courteous my Iphone, which doesn't have the greatest resolution. You get the idea, though. Awe inspiring.

Thankful for the UPS Wallace Pool for serving me so well this semester. I get to swim up to 4 days a week. It's amazing. Especially with my varied bone and joint problems that prevent me from other WB sports.

While we're getting caught up, let's celebrate Tyler getting accepted to Western Washington University in Bellingham!

The student tour guide took this lovely snap of the two of us.

With any luck at all, Tyler will get a decent financial aid offer and be able to attend WWU. It would be a great opportunity for him. Hopefully, it will all work out.

Sidenote:
Just found this draft from earlier this semester. Sorry to post it out of order...

Week 5 is in the books for 2nd year of PT school at University of Puget Sound. Some highlights of the 2nd year so far:

• Swimming, rock climbing, handstands and pogo-sticking help me relieve stress.
• As of today, 10/3/14, I can do one full pull-up from straight-arm hang. My goal is 5.
• Rocked my Orthopedic Manual therapy first lab practical.
• Own a massage table (thanks Craigslist- $50) which helped me practice for aforementioned lab practical.
• Take Stephanie to and from school from the 512 park and ride.
• Aren't we a good looking bunch!

2nd Year, DPT class 2016

Winter hiking with the dog

12-22-14  New view from Peterman Hill hike from a new logging road,
down into Riffe Lake with Mossyrock to the west.

12-22-14  You can just see a white slice of Mt. Rainier, nestled between the dark clouds
below and the lighter clouds and blue sky, from Peterman Hill.

12-26-14  Pack Forest, gorgeous little stream on the 1000 road.

12-26-14   View from the top of Hugo Peak, Pack Forest.

12-26-14 "You want my profile pic?"

It's been another enjoyable semester at UPS, year 2 of the DPT program. I'm learning a lot. Didn't make time for my hiking or the dog which I feel slightly guilty for...so I'm trying to make up for it now. I did manage to swim and do the elliptical at the school gym while I was on campus. Just yesterday, the snow arrived so that will keep me grounded, unless I go up to where I can wear my new snowshoes. Tentatively scheduled for later this week.
Probably can't bring the dog.  She'll sink into the snow and get lost. 

Camp Smith

Randy on the shore of Walupt Lake

Baiting the crawfish trap

Beautiful view from the trail

Cooked crawfish

Dinner snack

View from the shore

Sunning myself on the rock after swimming out to it.

Randy snorkeling

Coming up for a visit

First solo camping trip in the past 18 years. We loved it. Caught some crawfish for a dinner snack. Slept next to the noisiest campsite in the entire campground; the cackle-queen. Took a swim today out to the middle of the lake (well, not quite the middle...) took some underwater photos which didn't turn out too well. In fact, my lifeproof case leaked; not enough to damage my phone, fortunately. We had a great time getting away from it all. No cell phone coverage, no dog, no kids. Nice and peaceful, mostly. Randy's rib was still giving him grief so we didn't hike that much.

Day 3 of the pediatric camp today at UPS.My camper didn't show up today. Made a great connection with another student while playing with legos. Will add pictures tomorrow. Was able to go swimming at King County Aquatic Center on Monday and will go again leaving at 4am tomorrow morning. I love going when the pool is set up for long course, 50m. The pool is so long, beautiful and challenging. Wish I would have made more time to go this summer, but the time just escaped me. They're shutting it down for 2 months for renovations. Sad day. Have not been hiking much lately. Have been teaching the SAIL class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Morton Senior Center. Have two weeks off for the peds camp, but will have the final two weeks of the program after that. I am so proud of my ladies and their accomplishments, especially one in particular. She had really improved. I know it will help her to stay active and independent for much longer. She's turning 80 years old next month. 

Hidden gem on the trail today.

 Forced myself to go hiking today because I said I was going to when I got up this morning. I waited until the temperature dropped and mostly stayed in the shade. Went 3 miles.

The trail was closed due to logging so I walked down the forest service road and found this beautiful spot.

Reflecting at the reflecting pool. Had no idea this place existed. It was definitely worth my time to hike on the rocky road which nearly caused me to trip, twist my ankles, slip and fall.

Hood Canal, across from Blue Heron Condos

 Woke up this morning and took a walk across the road bridge from Janna's condo. It was a beautiful morning. Warm and refreshing. Would love to come back and spend some time on the water with my family.

Sunny selfie

I do like the water and the sun. A lot. They make me smile ;) It was great to get away if even for just a day.