CHUCKANUT WANDERINGS

When my children were small, we use to pack everyone into the car on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and go on an adventure. After the children were on their own, on my day off, Gus and I would head out North, South, East or West to see what there was to see. We didn't call it going on an adventure, Gus named it "Piddling". I'm not sure where he got the name but it stuck. Even now when the children visit and we go off on parts unknown, we'll say we are "Piddling". To "Piddle" usually means you will see something you haven't seen before. You don't worry about destinations, it's always a work in progress, and when you come home, you feel blessed that you saw whatever it was that came your way.

So today on my Sabbath, I went Piddling. I saw the street sign "Chuckanut Drive". I thought what a great name! It must lead to someplace interesting with a name like "Chuckanut", and it did. The drive took me through farm fields with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains bordering my views. Then up a hill we went, which seemed to become more of a mountain. The road wound around with beautiful Madrone trees on the waterside and huge cliffs on the inside passage. The smells were lovely. I think there was lavender and other fragrant wild flowers and possibly the Madrone trees give off a lovely musty odor. As I traveled along, I would catch a glimpse of the San Juan Island. (I didn't know that was what I was seeing, but I asked someone later.)

When I came to the top of the Drive, I found myself in Fairhaven, a quaint town along the coast. There was a sign that said, "Ferry to Alaska". I didn't know you could leave this area and go to Alaska. It made me aware of in what a new place I live. There was a bookstore so, of course, I had to go in. It really had quite an extensive list of books and a very nice cafe, where I whiled away an hour or so. I also went into a "funky" kitchen store and saw more "gadgets" then even I could possibly need. You can get rubber poached egg cups. I can't imagine why it would make poaching a egg easier but who knows. Also, they had a fantastic garlic press for the nifty price of $50. I think I'll continue to bang the garlic cloves on the counter. The one item I did buy, because I have always wanted one and they were always too expensive. This was an "on sale" item and a smaller example of the standard ones, it was a "gurgling pitcher". Only $12, and I thought that was a bargain. You always need at least one of those - don't you? I finished my visit by walking down one side of the main street and up the other. It's a lovely town and I know I'll go back again some other time.

On my way back, I stopped and got my car washed, and so all in all it was a profitable and well taken "Piddle". I wonder what direction I'll try the next time? Any suggestions?

Summer Hurrying On

I was talking with my daughter today, she said that now she is older (30 years old) time seems to be really moving fast. I told her I knew what she meant - it certainly does seem to move quickly. Even this week went quickly. I was looking forward to Sunday, and now it's all over. What a wonderful Sunday this was for us at St. Stephen's Episcopal. We had two visitors from Virginia. What a lovely couple. The wife had just moved her mother to Regency. I told her we would visit and make her mother feel at home. Welcoming is what we do very, very well. When I think, I just moved here 5 months ago, yet I feel as though Oak Harbor has been my home for ever. This is because the parishioners at St. Stephen's Episcopal just gathered me in. You said, "We are so happy you are here to worship, serve, and preach the good new with us". The "with us" is the operative word. We are a community that serves together. How blessed I am!

I was also talking with Betty today. She asked about everyone and told me she misses all of us. She also said she felt as though this had become her church home and felt such love for each of you. She called me on "Skype". Skype lets you see the person with whom you are talking. She has her first dog. She picked up a lovely puppy. Of course, he's a cockapoo like Charlie. He's all black with a white beard and tummy. He is 11 weeks old. She is already madly in love with "Clancy". Clancy is the name she has decided to call him. Perfect, don't you think, for an Irish lass? So next March when she comes back, Clancy is coming to see his pal Charlie.

This week is a busy week. Our Wednesday evening Bible Study group is taking a field trip to St. Paul's in Mount Vernon to hear a talk about Jesus in the first century. All are welcome to join us, just meet in the parking lot at 5:00pm on Wednesday evening. The more we know about the Bible the more it becomes a wonderful tool for our spiritual growth. Please take time to read and discuss the bible in the weeks ahead. If you chose reading the Bible as a summer project, remember time is flying and it's never too late to get started. Come and join us also to discuss what you are reading and learning.

Don't forget the next Sunday is "Bring a Guest to Church Sunday". If you love St. Stephen's give others a chance to love it also!

Week of July 12th Proper 10C

Computers...computers...computers. I'm sure the first pilgrims to Whidbey Island didn't worry about how to communicate. They just shouted loud enough and their message was carried on the wind. God bless Virginia Wagner who has spent most of her time this morning showing me how to "blog". Charlie is completely disgusted with me, he's even groaning because it takes me so much time to do things on the computer. If he only had a thumb - he could do it instead! The cruelties of life for a dog!

This week is starting out lovely. The sun came out yesterday and word is it is coming out today. I'll be sure to spend time at my favorites place down at "Flintstone Park". You can see the marina and all along the harbor from that vantage point. There's a bench where Charlie and I sit and meditate small and pleasant thoughts about what it is like to live here.

On July 18th, I will be here five months. What I have learned in the five months is that Whidbey Islanders are warm, friendly, love to tell you about themselves and hear about you. The Island could use a good coffee shop cum bookstore with couches, good coffee, and lots of reading material. The Whidbey Island Coffee is the best! There is more to do on the Island then you have time to do it and there is something for everyone.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church parishioners are the best on the Island. They have great sense of humors, amazing faith in God, the fellow parishioners, and life in general. They are fantastic to the Rector and to the Rector's roommate "Charlie". Couldn't find a better church to share "amazing grace" with.

Hope your week is starting out as well as mine. Blessings.

Welcome to my new blog

Welcome to Whidbey Island Walks with Charlie and me. We are delighted to share our musings about his wonderful place where we live and anything else that strikes Charlie's fancy.