Spring 2018

Spring was especially beautiful this year. Perhaps it was just the contrast with the crummy winter, but I feel like every week brought a new wave of blossoms and delightful colors and smells. Busy season dragged on a little longer than I would have liked–I got stuck on an audit last minute and had to work an extra week or two past the filing deadline. I definitely could have used a cathartic end to the season, but I had to hold out a little longer. I was able to remain a bit more healthy this year; there was still a constant parade of junk food going around the office but I developed a nice little routine on the days when I stayed in Eugene. I would knock off around 4 or 5 and take an hour run along the banks of the Willamette, and then come back to work (where there was a shower). I could then put in a few more hours feeling nice and refreshed, and in jeans to boot! The 13 hour days practically flew by!

As soon as things quieted down I was able to really relax, taking some time off and working half days now and then. The weather was extra warm and nice and Josef and I got to spend a lot of time outdoors together. We added a nice wooden roof to his fort complex, visited the park often, went up to Dozer Days, made a couple beach trips, and attended a student exhibition at the Art Center. He also began taking Karate classes at a school here in town and it’s been really fun to watch him practice. It’s a great school, they are very good with the kids but gently demand respect and discipline at all times. That kind of firmness is very welcome, as he has a pretty soft life otherwise. He takes the class VERY seriously; I love the look of concentration on his face. At first his punches were more akin to a picture on the cover of a comic book, but he now jabs with speed and power. I’m so happy to see him putting his body to good use!

Josef has also become an adept climber. I wound 50′ of rope all through the laurel hedge out back and made something of an obstacle course for him and his friends to climb on. It eventually became passe, so I had to upgrade it to an “intermediate level.” He now is asking for the “advanced” course!

Looking through the photos below I am suddenly struck by how he is beginning to develop a sense of how to look “cool” in pictures. The growing awareness that others perceive us–and that we can influence that perception–is an awakening we all go through, yet like many aspects of human development, it’s not something I ever really about much until I watched someone grow….

Onwards towards a magnificent summer!

The embedded video seems to be broken, so you can click here instead for some videos