It is May 2020 and the Queensland government eased some social distancing restrictions.  A neighbor, Lesley, and I planned a walk to a special spot at Long Timber.  Lesley explained, “Wally’s Grandfather preserved these places, the gullies he said were a refuge, and the ridges with tall trees were the bank account. If times got … Continue reading Walking to Palm Grove

I think I Found a new desk here at Ewan creek. I’m in awe watching the ripples of the creek. The crow caws the sky is blue above the trees. I’m trying another spot. An old log moss grows in its cracks serves as a backbone for the iPad Still searching for the perfect position … Continue reading Writing at Long Timber

I was going off to New Zealand but that’s been canceled by the corona virus. It made no sense to go there and be in isolation for 14 days when I was only going there for five. And then when I returned to Australia I’d spend another 14 days in isolation. I’m lucky to be … Continue reading Staying Put at Lamington National Park in Australia

As I helped Wally load the horses and gear up for competition I couldn’t help the tears that welled up in my eyes. Why am I feeling this way? Then I remembered the little girl who dreamed of riding a horse and taking it to the Minnesota State Fair. Dreams that were never realized since … Continue reading Back at Long Timber Again

I studied Japanese in college fifty years ago, but never made it to Japan. My friend Judy, was living there now, and it was on my way to Australia. It was even in the same time zone as Australia, so I could get over my jet lag while I was there. I replaced the Spanish … Continue reading Stopping in Japan in the Early Spring

I think Margarita's Guesthouse is the best-kept secret near the San Jose airport.  I only heard about it thanks to a chance encounter with Jimmy, a retired New York firefighter who sat down next to us on the flight down to San Jose. The lines on his face told the story of an interesting life. … Continue reading From Green to White via Margarita’s Guest House

The trees here in the cloud forest are amazing. Not just for their size but for the weight that they carry. I think they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. They are the home of many epiphytes, plants that live on their branches, but are not parasites, and do no harm. Many … Continue reading Living on the Edge of the Cloud Forest

Long ago, in my last life as a wife (It’s only been three years but it seems like a century ago since he died) the pink bag was for my dirty clothes. I made the bag myself out of sturdy pink cotton. Bob had a gray bag for his clothes. They were light and folded … Continue reading A Costa Rica Clothing Adventure

The town tourist map showed it was not far. My Lonely Planet Guide said it was not to be missed. So off we went on roads with bumps but no labels. We found a lovely bakery and had a snack. We'd made a wrong turn. I studied the map-I need to go the numbers that … Continue reading Reserva Santa Elena

    I left at home The memories so carefully stowed. Albums, children grown and flown   Husband who understood My every whim Loved me, bumps, scars and all   I look for family and friends To take me in their arms And love me as he did.   There are none to be found … Continue reading Grief Grows