"What nature delivers to us is never stale. Because what nature creates has eternity in it."

Hello, readers! I am sorry that I have been so absent on so many different levels. If you remember, I started a new job a few weeks back and I am just now getting used to the schedule. I've had to learn to manage my time all over again. Besides that, it is summer! With the amazing weather we have had, I've been spending most of my days outside.

I wish I could say that I am up to date on all the blogs and FB posts but, sadly I am not. I can't blame it all on the new job either. I think that since we have taken a break from aggressively TTC, I have neglected to read and comment on your blogs as consistently as I was. I hope that none of you take it personally and I hope that you know I am not doing it intentionally. I am always thinking you ladies and I am always praying for each one of you. I've just needed to re-group and focus on us for a little bit. I feel like that makes me seem like a poor multi-tasker and a bad friend. Ugh. I'm sorry.

***

We just got back from a camping trip on the McKenzie River. I had Friday off, so Mike took it off as well. We loaded up and headed out around 9:30am. When we got to camp we set up and took off to the Tamolitch Pool, aka Blue Pool. It was a 2 mile hike through lava beds and rich, green forest. It was hot and Zoie was super dehydrated. About half way through the hike she almost fell over. I am not kidding. It scared the sh*t out of us. Finally, we got to the pool and it was the most bluest of blues. The pictures do not do it justice. 

Saturday, we drove up the historic highway about 10 miles to Proxy Falls. This time we went up a little earlier; in the cooler part of the day. The hike was easier and only a mile and half. I was not prepared for the waterfall I was about to encounter. I was in awe in it's beauty! The trail had trees that fell, covering the path, so we had to find out way through foliage, logs and the river, to an opening so that we could have a clear view. I could have stayed there all day!

Sunday, we packed up and headed out on one last hike. This time we stopped at Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. There is a 3 mile loop that takes you to both falls and back around. I have been to those falls several times and I never get used to their beauty; they are so big and powerful. We spread Mike's dad's ashes below the falls last year so it was nice to stop by and send our love to him.

While we were camping I spent many hours staring into the flowing river, staring up at the twinkling stars and into the flickering fire. I spent many hours reflecting on life; the past, the present and the future. I was reading Inconceivable and there were several things that were written in that book that sparked thoughts in my head. I had so many thoughts that I even wrote down a list of blog posts I want to write some day soon.

I am still in a very happy place. I am content with where we are. I am very much a peace and this weekend helped me to recognize that. I have seen a shift in my attitude and outlook and I plan to continue down this path.... for as long as I can.

On the TTC front (or lack there of) I am CD 34 and DPO 15; so we think.  I noticed that I have tender breasts and low back pain on the left side. I am having slight AF cramps but nothing too bad. I don't know why but, I seem to have a lot of EWCM after ovulation up until AF; or at least close to it and the ovary pains on the left side are still coming and going. Last month my cycle was 43 days... we shall see what happens.

For now...

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience" 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Paradise Campground

Our  morning view

Blue Pool

One tired dog

She was pooped

Proxy Falls

Selfie

Sahalie Falls

McKenzie River

Koosah Falls