Longmire Meadow

Kaaren and I walked the loop around Longmire Meadow this afternoon. Yes, I know it's not in the Tacoma city limits, but Mt. Rainier National Park is part of our Tacoma culture, and it hardly feels like leaving home when we go there.

We saw the signs of a great deal of beaver activity around the meadow's main pond. Mr. and Mrs. beaver were sleeping away this hot afternoon inside their cool water-access home, but they've clearly been busy.

Mt. Rainier National Park holds many delightful memories for our family. We praise God that this beautiful place is only an hour's drive from our front door. When Mr. Longmire first built his sulphur-spring spa here at the meadow, it took people days to get here, with the first leg by train, and the second by horseback.

My annual pass to the park expired last month, and I bought a new one today in faith that I'll be back soon!

Darkness & Light

My dear friend and Christian brother, Kent, accompanied me today as we walked 7th and 8th streets between Grant and Broadway. In close proximity we found lovely, bright homes like the ones above (7th and J), and spiritually dark ones exuding need.

Janet and two other ladies welcomed our prayers for them as they sat in the courtyard of Hope Guest Home; we encountered two other ladies who were loudly cursing each other as they crossed the street.

A highlight of our morning walk was meeting Claudia Mason, principal of Bryant Montessori Elementary School. She so graciously told us about Bryant and even let us peek at some of the precious children having their lunch. We wish the administrators and teachers of Bryant the best school year ever!

We also met some friendly tourists from CA who were walking to Wright Park and enjoying the beautiful day in Tacoma. They said they were thinking of moving here. We didn't have the heart to tell them about our 11-month rain festival...

Kent and I finished off our morning with an outdoor lunch at one of my long-time favorite places to eat, Greek To Me, on 6th and Division. If you've not yet tried their Greek food, don't hesitate! Try the Gyro or the Souvlaki.

Perfect Tacoma Morning

I see some spooky things on my walks, sometimes. I'm not sure I would want this 6th Avenue Griffin perched under my eaves.

Nevertheless, yesterday I walked the wedge of the pie between 6th and Division, from Sprague to J St. with my spiritual brother, Kent. It could not have been a more beautiful morning and we met some wonderful people. It was so pleasant that I decided to row part way.

One friend that we met in the beautiful garden at Tacoma General Hospital allowed us to pray for his mother, Barbara, who was recuperating from surgery. I also teased him about his "Cuban" cigar.

Kent and I made sure we stopped to smell the roses!

Then there's nothing like ending a morning walk at the Southern Kitchen (6th & Division)! Yes, the comfort food at SK is everything they said it would be. It's my new go-to place for beef brisket.