A Walk to the Ocean and, Of Course, An Elsa Update

My good friend, Pamela, called me this morning to ask me if I wanted to hike Tennessee Valley trail to the ocean. YES was the answer! I had been eager to get to the ocean since returning to Marin. One thing that was hard, while living in Oregon, was the great distance to reach the ocean. It is so wonderful to be back in Marin, to be able to hop in your car, drive a few moments, park at a trail head and in 2 miles be at the beach. We had a lovely walk through hillsides of blooming wildflowers. There was a delicious ocean breeze with the aroma of salt air and ocean fragrances.

Poppies, Lupine and Wild Radish Plants along the way.....
Pamela used my new camera to record my return to my beloved Pacific Ocean
Walking along the shore reminds me that:
God is big,
I am small,
He is in charge,
And that All is well.

Time has gone quickly since my last post. I have been spending a lot of time hanging out with Elsa. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know one another. Yesterday, while Em was at an appointment, Elsa and I got down on our tummies on the quilt and she spent a long time exploring my face... so many interesting nooks and crannies! As we lay there together she verbalized her sounds such as "ga ga ga" and I responded with the same language which would make her laugh. I'm very happy that no one was there to video tape this.... I might have been sent off to the looney bin. Elsa is a very responsive, well natured little person. She lets you know when she needs some thing loud and strong and then is quite contented as soon as you have figured out the need and have met it. I think she is getting to know that "Oma" is a push over and will be happy to show up and love her unconditionally.

Mom is learning the routines and is trying to get some sleep.... this is such a huge adjustment for everyone and things take time. Em (Porter) is a great Mom and Elsa knows that, too. I am blessed to be able to see them develop their relationship. Elsa's little face lights up when she sees her Mommy.

We continue to have warm sunny days and I am drinking in the sunshine.