Travel to a new area opens both eyes and minds. It builds perspective and empathy. It can even build fitness. At least that was the idea behind my recent bike-and-boat trip to Croatia on the Adriatic Sea -- my 3rd overseas trip involving bicycles and 2nd involving both a bike and a boat. But this … Continue reading The Adriatic By E-Bike – Pt. 1
Every choice has consequences -- often several levels of them -- and the challenge is to imagine those consequences in advance. This certainly applies to house-building. Less than a year ago, we began building The Cabin at Many Moons. Many choices later, it continues to come alive. The nerves (electrical system) and vital fluids (plumbing) … Continue reading Third-Level Effects
That's what a niece said after Mom died and left a gaping hole in our family fabric. "Now what?" So, it's 2024. Now what? So we didn't enter a recession in 2023 as many predicted. Now what? So we are entering another presidential election year. Now what? So I've lost people close to me, feel … Continue reading Now What?
Most people don't talk publicly about doubt, but I believe it's common on a big project or adventure. (And, for some of us with busy minds, it's a constant companion.) Doubt, like embarrassment or shame, is a natural emotion that is lessened by sharing. So, I'm sharing. I have doubts right now about this building … Continue reading Doubt
Happy Freedom Day! Isn't that a nicer way to think of it than a date on the calendar marked by fireworks and parades? Freedom seems like a simple concept. But it's not simple at all. In the U.S., Independence Day (usually called simply "July 4th") represents freedom from British colonial rule. That's simple enough. But … Continue reading Freedom Day!
It's the most densely populated country in Europe and each household owns about four bikes. So it got crowded at times, especially in town squares and at intersections. But everyone was so polite, giving way to each other. I guess you have to be when you're packed closely together. We who live in the urban … Continue reading Biking Holland (Pt. 2)
Holland is flat, they said. Biking there will be easy-peasy! Well, um.... They aren't big hills, it's true. But after fighting strong winds for hours -- 25-30 mph, sustained -- they felt big! The conditions were uncommonly rough, our guide said. (If you haven't biked for more than a few minutes into a strong headwind, … Continue reading Biking Holland (Pt. 1)
What comes to mind when someone mentions Holland? Tulips, canals, famous artists? For us, today, it meant sailing. After helping the small crew raise three huge sails, we felt our three-masted schooner rock gently underfoot. Soon we were scooting briskly downwind with a following sea. Texel, here we come! Texel is an island north of … Continue reading Sailing Holland
No, I wasn't ready. Is anyone ready to lose their mother? Yes, she was 101. But, no. I still wasn't ready. That's because, until the day of her sudden collapse on Jan. 23, Lempi (Lee) Wilhelmina Simontaival/Simonson Hanson was animated and sharp-witted and funny...and very much loved. And, because I still had so much to … Continue reading ‘Bye, Mom….
Bare branches. Cold winds. And a resilient Christmas cactus. As I prepare to spend Christmas alone - not unusual for me -- I'm noticing things more. That's the thing about being "on the outside, looking in." (Which is how I often feel, especially at holidays, and I know I'm not alone there.) You notice things … Continue reading Noticing…
For Many Moons 