Summertime in Corvallis

Our first summer in Corvallis is not one we're likely to forget. Ever. For one thing, Ben was born. If that's not enough, it's the summer of settling into our home, planting our gardens and orchard, and beginning to explore the Pacific Northwest.

For me there's an added sweetness about this summer. It's the first time in my adult life to take a break from working. Oh my goodness it's fun! There is so much creative juice bubbling in this household because neither of us has to go off to a job. We're working all the time, but it's whatever catches our fancy and launches us into the next project. There's so much we want to do and we're doing it, step by step, as time, money and energy allow.

Next week we'll add another ingredient to the mix as we start taking care of Ben 20 hours a week so Maya can return to work part-time. It's so thrilling to think how bonded Ben will be with us through that much time together on a regular basis. We'll have that little baby out in the garden pulling weeds before you know it.

Among the many blessings of this summer is the opportunity we have to watch Maya and Eder as new parents. They are an awesome pair! Both are so fully engaged, alert, attentive, mellow, loving, affectionate and practical. And all that on not enough sleep! It is a pleasure and priviledge to be part of their support team.

Another summer blessing is the time we have with Aaron. He's only here for two months, so we have to compress all we want to do with him into that time frame. And right now he's gone to Colorado for a week to Sun Camp ( a rights of passage/wilderness camp for 10-16 year olds at the Shambhala Mountain Center). When he returns we'll be celebrating his 11th birthday with his friends here, John and Jen. Also riding bikes on the many bike paths in our neighborhood, swimming at the Aquatic Center, going out for gelato or homemade donuts at the farmers market. He's such a perky guy with good energy and a sense of adventure.

One more blessing I'll mention is the company we've had and will have over the course of this summer. My dear friend Valorie came the week after we landed here and skillfully led us into the world of gardening. My sister (Kissy/Stephanie) and nephews, Lucas and Matthew, just left after a good long vacation with us. My buddy Helen will be here soon and we'll head off to Portland for a WILPF conference. Our friends from Pacific Grove, Frank and Margaret, will be here briefly--just a couple days--to get a taste of Corvallis. And Courtney's friend Rosanna will stop by to see us on her way through Oregon in August. We're totally up for showing our friends and family around and even feel like we've been here just long enough to qualify as tour guides.

Oh yes, one more blessing. That Courtney is willing to pick up his camera and shoot each time I say "Wouldn't that make a great picture!" Here are just four examples. The top one is of Aaron leaping on our back deck with his cousins Matt and Lucas. The next two are of Maya and Ben relaxing in our living room. Finally Eder and Ben at a picnic at Willamette Park. Thanks, Courtney, for recording our first summer in Corvallis!

Lovingly submitted,
Valori