I spent some time with these beautiful birds...
The Loon is known for its haunting calls and striking black and white plumage and bright red eyes. The Loon is a large, goose-sized diving bird with long body that rides low in the water. It can fly at speeds approaching 100 mph. The loon will spend almost all of its time on the water, going ashore only for mating and incubating eggs. The loons generally mate for life and produce 1 to 2 eggs each season. Loons can live for 20 - 30 years.

At times the yin seems overshadowed by the yang – gale force winds leave a path of destruction and we are captivated by the drama. But these fallen trees have also paid back their loan of nutrients to the forest soil. Indeed, nature’s recycling community is already hard at work, albeit silently and without fanfare. To the varied creatures in our midst this tug and pull of winter is simply life and death, but even here the story is two-sided. Freezing temperatures filter those variants least adapted or most unlucky in their circumstances, making room for those better suited for the times. For as much as we may like it, mild weather plays little role in change; it is the extremes of cold and hot, wet and dry, which profoundly shape our world.

Sun or Rain. Dark clouds or crystal skies.
Sound or silence.
All.

I didn't blog much this past summer of 2008. My summer was filled with so much fun, so many great trips and adventures that sitting on front of the computer in the house would have been a waist of time.
In July 2008 I joined a friend on the Willamette River for a cruise through downtown Portland. We stopped off on Ross Island and I found a letterbox.

I turned 36 in September. I could not have asked for a better celebration with great friends at McMenamins Edgefield - Troutdale, Oregon

Ocean Side, Oregon.. 11-2008 What a wonderful weekend away to renew spirits, be creative and enjoy a new friendship.

While there I found this great cave that lead to a completely different beach. The Oregon Coast is truly a magnificent place.

Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is a new addition to our little family. He's just too cute for his own good.