In non-travel mode--as we stay in the NW

This is our 1st winter in 8 years in Oregon. Each year we are either already gone or have left within a few days of the1st of January, but not this year. We are anchored here in Tigard at our son's home, downstairs in our little retreat that Frank has personalized to fit our needs. The weather has been fairly mild with only a few days of very light snow, and with less than a handful of rainy days.

A total knee replacement for Frank is on our agenda and finally we have a date, March 19th! Then there will be the 6-8 weeks of recovery and we are so looking forward to having this chapter in our lives behind us.

But in the meantime, as we all know so well, we only have the "present" and today that is here with family & close friends. It has given us unexpected opportunities to participate in our children's lives as needed. To spend time with each grandchild individually and discover & enjoy their unique personalities in this window of time in their and our lives. As well as spend quality time with longtime good friends, enjoying movies, plays, movies, dinners out & in, special events, hearing about their latest adventures and/or their personal sadness's, illnesses and being able to be with them at surgeries, celebrations, but more importantly being able to personally share in their lives 1st hand here.

As each of us knows there is a season for all things, and we know our season is here--but so miss being able to participate in those past experiences of years past.