under the spell of a flower

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Someone got hold of her mother's underwear while I was folding laundry and turned it into a cape. Everything becomes a scarf/cape right now.

We went to the zoo with Joe and Kelly the other day. Such a good zoo here. I found a pink fuzzy thing running amok and befriended her.

By the way, this is a photograph of my meal this evening. Kale and polenta cakes with caramelized onions and potatoes and some shaved parmesan. yeah, wow. Wendy said there wasn't anything to make and then this came out of nothing.

I'll take some more of nothing much, please.

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bloom on demand

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We got away for the weekend to the coast.

It was a great way to celebrate the end of a long year for the Etter family.

To reflect on how far we've traveled recently on our path, and to connect with old friends.

Joe and Kelly came up from California for a visit with their kids, Riley and Robbie (and George).

The Barrios family rules.

Riley rules ten times over.

Violet had a word with Joe about the way things should be run.

Robbie rocked the house with some karaoke. He's 2 and half years old. Violet had a little crush on the cool, older boy.

Riley took such good care of Violet.

Ruca loved the beach action.

...and so did George. The rain came down in the late afternoon, somewhere around 4:20 or so.

What a beautiful way to spend the vacation.

May the new year bring many joys and successes, whatever that may mean to you!

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christmas in the new home

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This was our first Christmas in Portland.

and in our new home.

Paul and Taryn came up from Eugene. We also had Ashley and Trevor by, but I forgot to take pictures. You'll just have to take my word on that.

I also should have taken a photo of the wonderful meal that Wendy made, but I was so caught up in watching someone else named Violet. It was so nice to have family and new friends join us.

Next time I'll remember.

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