The purpose of this page is to challenge me to open my eyes and truly see the world which surrounds me. So often we trudge though our daily routine, too busy or preoccupied to notice the little miracles happening all around us. I hope to capture, through the lens of a camera, glimpses of my sometimes mundane but glorious little world. I will attempt to post one snapshot each day to share with you. Enjoy!

Monday, April 15, 2013

February 28, 2013





We have had rain on and off for most of the day. During a break I took the pups out for a short walk and got this shot. Moss grows quite well in these parts. It must be from all this lovely rain.
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 27, 2013





Spring flowers are blooming all around us. The bright splashes of color are a welcome sight!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 26, 2013





Gig Harbor has some very nice paved run/bike trails available throughout and around town. We've been using this one (the Cushman Trail) quite a bit due to its proximity to our hotel. Today, the boys and I decided to combine a dog walk with an interval workout for P.E. The 8% grade is great for the legs and the benches are perfect for upper body and core. Great job today guys!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 25, 2013





Another sunny, crisp day. While out on a walk I came across these low lying shrubbery flowers. They were hiding under the leaves. Kind of like a treasure!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 24, 2013





Dave and I took the pups for a long, hilly walk along the Cushman Trail this morning. The temps are fighting their way up and the rains have dissipated so there are lots more people and dogs out lately. I'm also seeing more signs of Spring! Here is a pussy willow tree with fresh buds and petite blooms. I love the old barn in the background.
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 23, 2013





A beautiful, crisp day to spend with Jordan Cutter strolling around the UW campus and soaking up the sun. After the informal tour we went for lunch and a little shopping down at the U Village. It was a wonderful day to get out!
Seattle, Washington

February 22, 2013





The rains have returned. The challenge of the day has been timing the puppy potty runs. They don't like this wet stuff. Ha!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 21, 2013





The boys and I pack up the gypsy wagon and headed north to Gig Harbor again. This shot was taken about a half hour after our Burgerville lunch while traveling along Interstate 5. All three boys were in full out burger and special sauce coma naps with sleepy pups warming their laps. Quiet ride the whole way.
Somewhere close to Woodland, Washington

February 20, 2013





The pups haven't had a real back yard to run around in for over month so they were so happy to be here. Digging, running full out and chasing after plastic golf balls for a good half hour. They, of course, needed a nap after all that playtime.
Vancouver, Washington

February 19, 2013





After a morning at Starbucks to get school work accomplished, the boys and I headed over to Ikea in Portland. We're on the lookout for things to help fill the new place in Gig Harbor, but this visit needed to start with lunch. I though the notation 'not actual size' was funny because the way the boys were talking I think they could have put away a dog this size!
Portland, Oregon

February 18, 2013





I love the look of these birch trees. The peeling white bark is a stark contrast to what I'm familiar with.... regular, chunky brown.
Vancouver, Washington

February 17, 2013





Since (husband) Dave is on travel for work this week (brother) Dave invited us down to his house to break up our time in a hotel. Thank you! It's nice to have a change of scenery and do something different. Here, the boys are at the golf course fishing golf balls out of the creek. I think we may need to work on that swing......
Vancouver, Washington

February 16, 2013





Not one, but two of these buses pulled into the parking lot of our quiet, sleepy hollow hotel last night around 8pm. Apparently there is a wrestling match to the north and a cheer competition to the south. After an hour of unloading and checking in, things settled down and all was surprisingly silent by 10pm. Breakfast this morning was quite sparse after 50 teenagers had gone through.
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 15, 2013





Living in Hawaii meant slippers and board shorts year round. So, for almost 3 years we had no need to buy sneakers and long pants/shirts. Since the sun came out today we decided to venture out to do some shopping. Zach and Nate pick up some jeans while Sam got some snazzy new tenni runners. Now I just need to teach him how to tie those laces!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 14, 2013





Happy Valentine's Day!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 13, 2013





I came across this little guy completely by chance. I was trying to get a good shot of the moss (which I didn't get!) when I saw him slithering along. He's about the size of my pinkie fingernail!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 12, 2013





A chilly wind has kept us close to home, hotel in our case. Even the pups aren't interested in spending much time out of doors. These primroses are in tall planters just outside the door to the back lobby closest to our rooms. We haven't venture very far beyond that point!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 11, 2013





Even in the middle of a move and all the shake up, we're still doing our schoolwork. Sam and I are in a testing phase again so it's review and study time of previous materials. Here's a shot of Sam studying away..... Levi's helping him out!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 10, 2013





Gorgeous sunrise while out walking the pups this morning. I think I'm gonna like it here!
A big Happy Birthday wish to my father-in-law Bob Cutter. I hope you have a special day!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 9, 2013





We got out today and checked out Joint Base Lewis McCord. Since we left our Hawaii apartment furnished we are in need of some new stuff for the new place. All the boys want something like this. In order to get what I want I think I'll need to go shopping alone.
Tacoma, Washington

February 8, 2013





I was so excited when I saw these beautiful little flowers just outside the puppy spa. It's predicted to be sunny all weekend, I found a fabulous groomer for the pups and I met an amazing group of ladies last night who have welcomed me to the area. I feel so lucky and blessed!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 7, 2013





This is the view from one of our suites. Yes, that is sunshine! And it looks so warm out there. Notice I said "looks warm." We'll, it's still below 55* which is not what I consider warm. I'm not complaining though because I could be in the Northeast hunkering down for a little storm. I'll just sit by the window, drink my coffee and enjoy the heat through the glass pane and the view.
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 6, 2013





In between rain showers I got out for an exploratory drive around town. At one stop I found this colorful cabbage flower. I also spotted many bulb flowers beginning to sprout up. I can't wait to see what Spring brings!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 5, 2013





Ah.... the vehicle processing center in Tacoma. It seems like it was just yesterday when Jordan and I were here dropping off Maggie (the Super Honda) to ship her to Belgium. Today, Dave and I were here picking up his little white truck. It's a bit brisk for this Hawaiian native.... let's hope he adjusts quickly!
Tacoma, Washington

February 4, 2013





We had some sunshine and temps in the low 50's so I got out for a long exploratory walk with Dave and the pups. We found a great trail for running, walking and cycling. Just beautiful and wonderful to get some time outside!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 3, 2013





Yes, it's Sunday and my Sophomore is doing school work. Even though we home school and have a lot of flexibility, honors and AP courses require an exceptionally large amount of work. He'll be sitting for his first SAT exam this Spring and he needs to be prepared!
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 2, 2013





I don't know about where you are, but it's looking pretty bleak here. I'm not sure if Spring will ever arrive! Oh well, grab another mug of coffee, a good book and a blanket and snuggle up by the fire.
Gig Harbor, Washington

February 1, 2013





Aaawwww.... My new favorite appliance. Hot coffee or water for tea (or Ramon noodles for the boys!) available at all hours of the day and night.
Gig Harbor, Washington

January 31, 2013





Mole hills. I had to laugh when we saw these. Actually, I chuckled at Sam's reaction to the mole hills. You see, while living in Europe Sam had an ongoing feud with the local francophone moles. Under cover of darkness each and every night the pesky rodents would tear up our tiny lawn only to have my little guy storm out the backdoor and take up arms in the form of his kid size shovel so he could demolish any sign of their existence. If I had packed a shovel in our suitcases I do believe Sam would take up right where he left off before we moved from Belgium to mole-free Hawaii!
Gig Harbor, Washington

January 30, 3013





The elements aligned (no rain, warmer temperature and I'm not exhausted) enough for me to stroll around the hotel grounds and explore. Lack of color was a comment from a previous post so I was determined to rectify that. Within minutes and just steps away from the front door I was rewarded with these beautiful, bright budding roses.
Gig Harbor, Washington

January 29, 2013





 I don't think we're completely adjusted to the time change yet, but we're getting there. After breakfast and finishing school we all decided to go for a drive. The weather held out (no rain) so we got to do some exploring. This shot of some geese paddling around close to our soon-to-be new house.
Fox Island, Washington

January 28, 2013





The pups did well on their first flight but are exhausted! They're taking advantage of our sympathetic attitude by taking over an entire queen size bed for themselves. Life is good for the Cutter poodle boys!
I don't want to forget a big Happy Birthday wish to the best girlie Girl in the whole wide world!!! I can't believe I have a 21 year old! Love you Babe!
Gig Harbor, Washington

January 27, 2013





We're at the airport waiting for our flight to Seattle. This is NOT our plane, thank goodness! We're sad to be leaving our paradise home, but looking forward to the adventures ahead!
Honolulu, Hawaii

January 26, 2013





Since we are with out cars and Internet, we decided to walk to town ( a whole quarter mile) to check in. I've been holding on to a couple of gift cards for Lanikai Juice and Jamba Juice just for this particular lunch trip! On the trek back to the apartment I saw this and knew I needed to use bit today. It will be my last tropical flower for a while!
Kailua, Hawaii

January 25, 2013





Well, our household goods left yesterday, the cars were picked up today (thank you Boeing!), I cleaned the entire house for our new renters (thank you Julie Ramsden!) did some laundry and am now chillin' in our newly remodeled and nicely furnished vacation apartment.
Kailua, Hawaii

January 24, 2013







The pack out is finished and the movers (and all our stuff) are gone. The next task is getting the pups ready for the long flight. Here are the boy sitting with Remi and Levi while we wait for their health certificates.
Kailua, Hawaii