First Kiss

Let's just say that Man did not try to hide his shock.

My Man is Crafty Too

There is some debate as to how we broke a bathroom sink, but nonetheless, we needed to replace it. It's been broken for months! But, we just hadn't found the right one for the space or for our budget.

Baja fixed that.

Our first night there, I saw this beautiful sink. By eyeball only, I thought it would fit in our tiny space. We lugged it around for two weeks, then as a carry-on on the plane. Mike had the counter cut & planed and the sink installed in time for Opening Day of Fishing! Look at that craftsmanship.

Lovin' it!

Things to Do Around OPI

Why would Man & Woman decide to get married so far away?

Wedding FAQs

Q: Where is the wedding?
A: At Olympic Park Institute (OPI), 111 Barnes Point Road, Port Angeles, WA

Q: What is OPI?
A: OPI is a non-profit educational facility, specializing in outdoor education. Kids typically spend several days exploring & learning about the natural world. There are historic cabins and a lodge built by Rose & Mary, who settled the area at the turn of the Century. OPI rents the entire facility for a few weddings every year as a revenue source. We are thrilled to support their programs!

Q: Where is OPI?

A: OPI is on the west shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, a half hour drive west of Port Angeles, WA.

Q: Is there enough room for everyone to stay in a cabin?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Sorry, canine friends will have to sit this one out ~ OPI rules.

Q: Can I pitch a tent?
A: Tent camping is only allowed in Front Country campgrounds, not at OPI. The closest FrontCountry Campground is Fairholm. The cabins are warm & worth every penny!

Q: Should I bring food?
A: The meals listed on your RSVP card will be served at scheduled times. If you are planning a hike, or strenuous activity, you might want to pack a few snacks.

Q: What is the cost of the meals?
A: All meals are hosted by the Bride & Groom.

Q: What if I have kids; will we have to share a room with a partier?
A: Cabins will be pre-assigned and directions will be given upon arrival. We will try our best to accommodate any special requests.

Q: What if I want to "Party Like It's 1999?" Will I have to be quiet around the kids?
A: See previous Answer. Late night revelers will be asked to keep it to the Lakeside Shelter.

Firsts

This is my first quilt

Mike & I were asked to be Godparents to our little nephew (Oliver). That warranted something special for the Baby Shower. With only 3 weeks, I decided to do something I'd never done before; make a quilt.

I wandered into a fabric store, told the lady I didn't have a pattern and I'd never made a quilt, and I had three weeks to finish it (plus, I'm planning a wedding). She gulped hard and got me started. Along the way, there were several strangers who helped me get through the details (You-Tube rocks!). Still, at the final hour, I didn't have the binding completed (the only hand stitching I had planned to do). I happened to be at mom's working on wedding plans, trying to move onto the quilt, but it just wasn't happening.

Mom wandered in, grabbed the quilt and began whipping (whip-stitch, that is). I finally joined her around 10pm and we stitched until the wee hours of the morning. I had a beautiful quilt to give Sunday for the Shower. It brought my sister-in-law to tears (heh heh, women are so emotional).

It was really fun to make the quilt & now that I've invested in all the toys (ahem, I mean tools), I hope to make some more!

My Work

Thought I'd share my daily work life with y'all, since this article was written (even though its a little dated). In the spring, when I'm not writing grants, or drawing up restoration plans, I'm doing this.... http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080322/LIVING08/383577402. It is warm-up for the summer months which is our truly labor intensive time.

Last summer, I got to design & implement this project. We called it "ExStream Backyard Makeover"

URBAN CREEK BEFORE RESTORATION

URBAN CREEK DURING INSTREAM RESTORATION

URBAN CREEK DURING STREAMBANK RESTORATION

URBAN CREEK AFTER RESTORATION - AIN'T SHE PRETTY

First Declaration of Love

Man is a quiet guy who gives thoughtful consideration to life before taking action. Woman shoots straight from the gut into action, without pausing much to think.