as I mentioned,

Day 3


started with a solo sunrise walk filled delightful surprises...






and as I wound my back to pack up and say goodbye to Denise I felt a pang to leave my lovely no-longer-an-acquaintance-now-a-real-friend. I also felt excited to visit with a long time friend whom I had never shared physical space with. So I waved a melancholy goodbye to Denise and Koko, we promised to see one another soon and I headed on my way.

If you cannot tell who I visited next from these first two photos...




then perhaps this one will give it away...


ah, yes, the ever-lovely Alicia Paulson...and her girl Clover Meadow (pictured here)...and her guy Andy. I have to tell you all that despite having been very sick and still not feeling well, Alicia insisted I come by for a visit. Which shouldn't surprise you if you read her blog, but was so very appreciated by me. We sat and shared all sorts of things about life and our work - a little girl talk thrown in. And if you were wondering...all three of them really are all that. Thank you, thank you dear Alicia for carving out some time for me and sharing your family, fantastic home and wonderful self with me. I am holding you guys to that trip down here so I can reciprocate very, very soon, ok?!

Yet again, the time for me to go came too quickly but, also again, I was excited to see the next set of dear friends...the Jenkins. It was a perfectly hot afternoon when I rolled up in front. We all hugged and squeezed and squealed, Ward sadly had to head back out, but then Andrea and I just plain settled in, left our cameras packed, and talked talked talked about everything under the sun. Until that sun started to fade, Ward came home, and they trekked me out to see the Falls. Because it isn't really a trip to Oregon without seeing some Falls...


We drove back home in the dark and talked some more until all of our eyes drooped and we could talk no more.

Day 4

I awoke early yet again and as the sun slowly rose, I took time to capture all sorts of delicious vignettes and corners of this place they call home...






this shot being a nod to Andrea's straws...oh, she always has straws...


we packed up the kids and off on another adventure to Cargo...


this place is SERIOUSLY dangerous for the pocketbook. we wandered aimlessly, separated, came back together...each choosing our own special treasure to take home. And then there was this treasure waiting for me around the corner when we walked out...


Ward met us for an old-timey pizza lunch downtown and then we all needed a rest...


but - hey - not done with Day 4 yet...Andrea and I headed back out to the lovely LeHappy


to meet the inimitable Jen Downer!

We spent wonderful HOURS visiting and comparing notes and giving pep talks and discussing how photography was the impetus of so much in each of our lives. We left our cameras sitting quietly that night but - never fear - I got some SHOTS of these lovely ladies the next day at lunch...