"Explorer Spirit…Servant Heart…"
Sep 20th, 2022 by leigharev2
A few days in Manzanita with us! Moments and memories to share are especially valued as the next chapter in all our lives begin. Fabio and Esperanza recently sold their house and will be traveling Spain for a few months before deciding where to land next.
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
This is the story of two friends. Upper Elementary/Lower Jr. High best friends to be exact. Kim and I spent after school together pretty much every day at her house. So many memories revolve around us pretending we were Ann and Nancy Wilson from the band, Heart. (She was Ann, I was Nancy). We would play their albums and sing in her den, putting on rock concerts to an audience of zero. We would take a break and have popcorn with lemon pepper.
We lost touch over the years but Facebook provided an opportunity to reconnect online. I learned that she lived two hours from where our Oregon property was and had talked about meeting up someday.
The opportunity presented itself in the most magical, serendipitious, way. The band Heart by Heart, (with original Heart members Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier) were playing in Astoria, the town one hour south of her and one hour north of me! I threw it out to her to reunite and see the show together and she took me up on it!
Her husband, Kevin, joined us and we had sushi at Tora Sushi Lounge, then we spent the night singing all the Heart songs we used to know so well! It was a beautiful way to reunite!
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
My cousin, Robyn (‘Robbie’), her DH Dan, and daughter ‘E’, rented a place in Cannon Beach for a few days. We got together for a day and explored the area a little. Hug Point. Short Sands. Early dinner at El Trio Loco. I loved catching up and getting good one on one time with them!
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
A few run/walk through Manzanita…
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
Alex had to stay behind and either serve at Bayside (or do homework, I don’t remember), so the three of us went to the Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival. The idea is great, albeit pricey. You buy a ticket to get it, then still have to pay for quartered sandwiches. On the positive side, they were really good and unique. Provided some good ideas to make at home. On the downside, the lines were really long, and it was really hot. Still, we enjoyed what we were able to get and then get out of there. I’m glad we went; not sure if I’d go again due to the heat.
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
Catching up with sole sisters is always a gift. Some walked with me three miles. Some ran five. Some joined for coffee after.
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
David and I spent some time in Manzanita alone and left the boys back in Cali. This whole parenting young adults is such an odd time in this thing called life. A shifting of expectations, roles in relationships, etc.
David and I went to the Astoria Farmers Market and picked up some glass coasters, a wine bottle holder, and a couple coffee mugs. We then walked the riverfront. I really enjoy this walk. Even better with my beloved.
Sep 19th, 2022 by leigharev2
Grandma Margaret joined us in California for a couple weeks over Easter. We stayed close to home and got out for a few short outings. One was to the local nursery in Loomis. We walked a little every day. Shortly thereafter, Sara, Charlie, and Baby L. came for a few days. Too bad timing did not work to have us all together, but Sara had a commitment that tied her to visiting on a specific timeline. Always a blessing to have family around!
Sep 17th, 2022 by leigharev2
When Ryan turned 16, we had plans to do a day trip to San Francisco. But, Covid squashed those plans. Fast forward two years and the opportunity to celebrate Ryan inSan Francisco arrived for his 18th!!
Of course we had the”whatever you want to eat” breakfast (not on the same day) tradition…buffalo wings, spicy Takis, pineapple, and a watermelon drink.
We arrived in SF mid morning and went to the beach….
We drove up to Twin Peaks, but we were socked in with fog so no view. Then on to Japantown for lunch…
On to the Kittea Cafe. You have to reserve your time to hang out with the cats!
A little time at one of the malls in Union Square and a boba tea break…
Last, stop Chinatown and dinner at the iconic R&G Lounge!
I love you Ry-Guy! Happy 18th! Welcome to adulthood and I know you will take this world by storm! <3
Sep 17th, 2022 by leigharev2
A dream come true. Michelle and I have been planning this trip since we were little girls. We originally planned to go on a cruise to celebrate our 50th birthday and 50 years of friendship. But as that time approached, we decided to go to Ireland instead. A few issues with cancer and the covid restrictions delayed the trip by two years. But we finally did it! 21 days in Ireland. A bunch of my photos are up in the “cloud” some
Days 1-4 (3nights) DUBLIN. Lodging: Kilronan House. Dining: The Bleeding Horse (my favorite fish and chips ever). Stag’s Head Highlights: Sweny’s Pharmacy. Vintage Tea Tour. Trinity College/Book of Kells. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Guinness Storehouse. Jeanie Johnston.
We picked up a car on day four and headed to Kilkenny. Stopped at Powerscourt Estate, and Glendalough on the way.
Days 4-7 (3 nights) KILKENNY. Lodging: Butler House Dining: The Left Bank, Kyteler’s Inn, The Cat and The Fiddle
Highlights: Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Center, Rothe House, St. Canice’s Cathedral
Days 7-10 (3 nights) KILLARNEY Lodging: The Lake Hotel Dining: The Lake Hotel
Highlights: Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey, Farney Castle, Rock of Cashel (from a distance)
A surprise hit of snow derailed our plans to visit the Rock of Cashel. We were able to get close to it, but decided to head out before the roads got too bad. Muckross House does not allow photos inside. So much beauty.
Days 10-12 (2 nights) DINGLE Lodging: Bambury’s Guesthouse Dining: The Boatyard, The Little Cheese Shop
Highlights: Self guided Rick Steeve’s walking tour of town, hike to Hussey’s Folly, Dick Mack’s Pub, Bumblebee 1000 VIP Drive, Dingle Peninsula Guided Tour
Day 12-14 (2nights) DOOLIN Lodging: Doolin Inn DINING: Gus O’Connor’s, McGann’s, McDermott’s
HIGHLIGHTS: Cliffs of Moher, Burren walk near Doolin Pier, Kilmacduagh Abbey, Sean’s Bar (Athlone)
Day 14-16 (2 Nights) WESTPORT Lodging: Woodside Lodge DINING: Matt Molloy’s (Drink only), Sage, The Pantry and Corkscrew, Wyatt Hotel (Drink only) HIGHLIGHTS: Kylemore Abbey, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Westport
Day 16-18 (2 nights) DERRY Lodging: Bishop’s Gate Dining: Bishop’s Gate, Dungloe Bar
Beverage: Lizzie O’Farrell’s, The Gweedore Bar, Peadar O’Donnell’s Highlights: Derry Guided Walking Tour (both the walls and the Bogside), Museum of Free Derry, Museum of Resistance (no website), National Museum of Irish Country Life
Days 18-20 (2 nights) BUSHMILLS Lodging: The Causeway Hotel Dining: The Nook, The Bushmills Inn
Highlights: Dunluce Castle, Giants Causeway, walk from Giant’s Causeway to Bushmills town
Day 21 (1 night) TRIM Lodging: Highfield House DINING: Don’t recall HIGHLIGHTS: Trim Castle, Riverwalk to Newtown Momuments, Marcie Regan’s Pub