Winter Break Puzzles

Winter Break is the perfect time for puzzles.

(The more I look at that word, the stranger it seems! PUZZLES)

I spent some of my time off working on these cute wintery scenes:

Peep the Mickey holiday PJ pants 👆😄

Welcome, 2024!

I was happy to close the books on 2023. And now I cautiously look toward 2024 for some new opportunities and challenges.

Brad and I made it a quiet New Year's Eve and then awoke early Monday for our first hike of the year.

We stayed close and explored Metro's Scouters Mountain and then the nearby Happy Valley Wetland Park.

Mount Hood peaking through the fog:

Happy New Year, everyone! We wish you a peaceful 2024 full of love and joy 🎆🎆🎆

2023: Nos. 83 - 89

Final 2023 reading roundup!

No. 83 - Cheddar Off Dead by Korina Moss:

No. 84 - This is Your Brain on Birth Control by Sarah E. Hill: 

No. 85 - No Time Like the Future by Michael J. Fox:

No. 86 - How Y'all Doing? by Leslie Jordan:

No. 87 - The Case of D.B. Cooper's Parachute by William L. Sullivan:

No. 88 - Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor:

No. 89 - An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena:

2024... Let's GO! 📚

Year of Hiking 2023: 51 - 61

As usual, my goal was to hike or run 52 trails throughout the year - an average of one per week. I love the challenge of getting out and exploring! (52 Hike Challenge)

My personal goal is unique trails of at least 1 mile (usually much more!). I hit it Nov. 10 but still racked up a few more before the end of the year - 61 total!

No. 51 - Portland Heights Street Ramble, Oct. 31:

No. 52 - Killin Wetlands, Nov. 10:

No. 53 - Kilchis Creek Campground, Nov. 12:

No. 54 - Marshall Park, Nov. 18:

No. 55 - Silver Falls, Nov. 22: 

No. 56 - Waluga Park, Dec. 18:

No. 57 - Powell Butte, Dec. 21:

No. 58 - Cook Park, Dec. 24:

No. 59 - WSU Vancouver, Dec. 26:

No. 60 - Tualatin Wildlife Refuge, Dec. 29:

No. 61 - McIver State Park, Dec. 30:

Despite lots of life getting in the way, I still managed one more hike than last year!

Can't wait to start my 2024 challenge!

:)

Year of Hiking 2023: 48 - 50

October brought a few adventures, including a short backpacking trip to Mount Adams. The views were spectacular, and we had the whole place to ourselves!

No. 48 - Foggy Flat, Oct. 7:

We explored the trails above Moulton Falls and then watch salmon jumping at nearby Lucia Falls! 

No. 49 - Moulton Falls, Oct. 15:

And a short, foggy hike near Lewis and Clark College.

No. 50 - Riverview Natural Area, Oct. 19:

Two months to go and I've almost hit my 52-hike goal :)

2023: 76 - 82

October reading roundup:

No. 76 - The It Girl by Ruth Ware:

No. 77 - Shoutin' in the Fire by Dante Stewart:

No. 78 - Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson:

No. 79 - Trick of Treat Murder by Leslie Meier:

No. 80 - Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney:

No. 81 - Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen:

No. 82 - Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman:

:)