Close Call

Last week at the riverhouse, Harper and I went for a walk through the woods on the north side of the property. We enjoyed all the little treasures along the way--Ferns that were burning bright green, velvety moss on the trees, the powerful and tranquil river and the smells and silence that follow a big storm. About thirty seconds after I took this self portrait and after we had moved 30 yards down the trail, a large tree limb came crashing down right where we had been standing. Thoughts of how I would have reacted when I heard the cracking limb, the dive for safety, the desire to protect Harper at all cost left me trembling (and running) back to the house.

Seems that I luckily avoided a serious injury...again. This was one of the first that threatened my girl. Scary stuff. The guardian angels continue to work overtime on my behalf. Thanks.

Harper's 1st Birthday

It seems that all parents so ambitious to start a blog for their child tend to drop off at about 9 months with their postings. Us included! The second that little monster goes mobile there is hardly enough time to pay the bills online let alone muse about the little one's ramblings.

So....we've been chasing this little bugger around and trying to keep her head free from scars. As my Ma Ebersold reminds me,"turn around is fair play" and Harper is full power the second her eyes open. Thanks for the sympathy Mom.

Aunt Loryn flew into Portland and we based out of the Riverhouse for the last week. Dad had to work for REI in Seattle on Harper's birthday so he left early with the big rig and the dogs to set up the demo and then the rest of the family took the rental car and came to the demo at around noon. Ben/Shirley/Mia also came to join the family and Ben and Ethan took their two little girls out on the water for a short paddle. What will we be doing in another 10 years?!

Instead of the normal operation of urban camping near the next day's demo site (E. Seattle), we got a room at an Embassy Suites and had a grand 'ol time celebrating Harper's birthday in the hotel. Karyn made a baby friendly carrot cake that Harper gave a few pokes of approval. As a harbinger of future birthdays, the rooms on either side of us hosted a crew of cackling teenage girls celebrating one of their birthdays. Dad promptly fell asleep, oblivious to the giggle squad on the other side of the wall. Karyn called the front desk and then finally phoned the room at 1 am before being awarded silence.