Our third and final close-to-home Sanity Staycation for summer 2020 had us searching for new hiking adventures south of Mount Rainier. And we found what we were looking for by discovering Packwood, Washington and the surrounding area.
The tiny town of Packwood, founded in the early 1800’s, has long been a jumping off point for Mount Rainier National Park. The first National Forest Service Ranger Station was here, and today most people make their living from summer tourists and winter skiers. But Packwood also was a logging community back in the day, and neighboring towns of Morton and Randle still serve in this capacity.
Moon Mountain Lodging
We loved the little cabin we rented at Moon Mountain Lodging, a collection of four cabins on a quiet and beautifully wooded piece of property about a mile from the town of Packwood. We stayed in the one bedroom Cedar Cabin and because of Covid, we used the small but efficient kitchen for all of our meals in the cabin. See this lovely spot here.
Packwood Brewing Co.
We got takeout one night at the White Pass Taqueria and it was amazing. And we visited the Packwood Brewing Company where social distancing was really easy on a week night. The beer was excellent and we played Scrabble while we drank our beer, and watched the giant elk walk right through the outdoor beer garden.
Elk
We have good friends who have a home in Packwood and we enjoyed one evening with them, and also played nine-holes with them at the members only High Valley Golf Course. Cutest little golf course I ever played at.
High Valley Golf Club with my friend Janet
We enjoyed four different hikes during our visit to the area and I recommend all of them;
SNOW LAKE – a beautiful hike with a bit of elevation but only about 4 miles round trip, the hike to Snow Lake just inside Mount Rainier National Park near Paradise takes you to a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by forests and hills.
Snow Lake
GROVE OF THE PATRIARCHS – anyone can do this easy and flat 1.5 mile loop trail within the National Park where 1000 year-old old-growth trees are a sight to behold. I’ve done this hike many times and every time I am dazzled by the majesty of it.
Grove of the Patriarchs
LAKE PACKWOOD – unfortunately we did this 9 mile round trip hike on a very wet and cold day, but we persevered through a beautiful forest trail that is well maintained. The lake used to house many Forest Service cabins and a handful still remain.
Lake Packwood Trail
SHEEP LAKE – the trail to Sheep Lake is easy and it’s about 4 miles round trip. The lake is stunning and we visited on a fall day when the colors were at their best. The trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and continues on past the lake for many miles to Sourdough Gap and eventually Crystal Lake. You can make this hike a full day or just a short hike.
Sheep Lake Trail
We did not continue up to White Pass Ski Area but it is about 20 minutes from Packwood and is a wonderful winter playground. Packwood is home to a handful of restaurants, bars, a wonderful bakery and one grocery store. There are many lodging options too. Learn more about visiting Packwood here.
Discovering Packwood Washington and the surrounding area turned out to be a perfect Staycation for us. I learned a lot about this area and hope to return again.
Holy Cow this book taught me so much. And the biggest thing it taught me is how important telling the truth in the beginning is. How important it is for government and science to gain and retain the public’s trust and be truthful. The truth was held back in the 1918 Influenza and it certainly was held back in 2020.
Fascinating in scope and presentation, Barry manages to present a hugely difficult topic in a way that any lay person can understand. The vast research done for this book, the amount of detail and insight is truly remarkable. Barry starts at the beginning and takes the reader (or listener in my case as I did this one on Audible) week by week as the virus spread from the United States around the world. Killing in the end at least 100 million people.
The 1918 epidemic was the first clash of science and a virus, at a time of war, a time of burgeoning medical science and a time of very poor leadership in the Whitehouse.
The what ifs are in the hundreds. But did we learn anything from this fatal time in our history? Apparently not.
Read it. It will truly help you understand what we are dealing with in the world today. Five stars for John Barry’s The Great Influenza.
The link below is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a comission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you.
I have had so many people ask me if I’m going to do a travel wardrobe blog post this fall. You might remember I have done this in the past two years when I was heading back out on the Grand Adventure. Both these posts from the past were really well received (see Travel Wardrobe 2018 here and Travel Wardrobe 2019 here). Well the Grand Adventure, unfortunately, remains in pause mode, but since you all seem interested I thought I would offer a different take on fashion for the Fab Fifties set. Let’s look at how to incorporate summer pieces into your fall wardrobe.
Summer to Fall on a Budget
I’ve dropped thirty pounds over the past four months and I therefore needed to purchase several new clothing items over the summer. Now that the weather has turned, I’m looking through my closet and still can’t find anything to wear. What’s a girl to do?
Taking Inventory
My grey hair has made yellow one of my favorite colors in my closet
So I spent one afternoon going through my closet, figuring out what I had that fit and styling my new summer finds with many of my old (some REALLY old) pieces I have held on to over the years. I used five different pairs of pants as the base to build an entire wardrobe that can take me right on into the winter and back to spring…and it may well be we are still here in the USA come spring.
Classics
I try as often as possible to have bright colors near my face.
My style may not be your style but I think the premise is the same no matter what your favorite fashion aesthetic is – build a new wardrobe from favorites you already own. I’ve always leaned a bit to the classics, rarely buying anything too trendy or the look of the moment. I do most of my shopping at classically tailored American stores that fit a women of a certain age including Talbots, J Jill, and sometimes Nordstrom or Macy’s. I bought some jeans recently that I love at White House Black Market. I might go check that place out again soon. But the point is, with a few classics in your closet you can mix and match throughout the seasons, including learning how to incorporate summer pieces into your fall wardrobe.
Color
Since becoming a grey goddess about seven years ago, I learned that my fashion and make up color choices needed to adjust to my new hair color. If you are one of the thousands of women who has let her hair go natural during lockdown I salute you. And now is the time to consider if your make up needs a change and are you wearing the right colors – particularly colors near your face. I wear bright colors a lot, but I also like black and navy with my hair color. I stay away from pale pastels, most tans and browns and only occasionally wear gray. Bright and cheerful works for me and my complexion and hair.
So let me share with you how I took five pairs of pants and created more than twenty new outfits. Here we go.
Black Jeans
Black Jeans Four Ways
I bought these jeans at White House Black Market and they are comfortable and fit great. I will be able to wear these in endless ways, but here I show you four different looks. Left to right –
1. Summer print blouse from Talbots tucked in with black belt.
2. Leopard print sweater also from Talbots but this sweater is at least 10 years old.
3. Black t-shirt from Target and covered with oversize polka dot blouse from Talbots that is about 15 years old.
4. Finally, this ruched top from J Jill I bought right before I started losing weight, and now I am swimming in it. But I like the print so cinched it up with a little side knot and I think it looks cute.
Navy Blue Linen Slacks
Navy Pants
I bought these lined linen slacks with a button detail at the ankle at J Jill early in the summer. I like the side zip fit and the length is nice for most of my shoes. Like denim jeans, navy blue slacks are a great wardrobe basic and I’m sure I will wear these a lot. Here I styled them five ways (clockwise);
1. Simple and comfy with this long sleeve striped t-shirt I got from Nordstrom this past spring.
2. Dressed up a bit with the darling short sleeve mint green sweater from Talbots
3. Looking all business like in this soft grey cotton blazer and navy/grey plaid scarf
4. I love this summer button down from Talbots in navy checked fabric, looks great with the navy pant and
5. Paired with one of my classic blouses I’ve had for years. This white button down is from Jones New York and the pink sweater is about five years old from Talbots.
Gray Blue Slacks
Grey Pants
I like these pants because depending on what you pair with them sometimes they look gray and sometimes they look blue. They are a wide leg short length. I’ve paired them with different shoes here but I kinda like them with the white Converse. Cute. Left to right –
1. Dressed up with black T-shirt from Target and a black linen blazer I have owned probably twenty years.
2. The denim jacket is a staple and I love it here paired with an ancient wine colored turtle neck and my black boots.
3. Chunky cable knit black sweater (circa 1999) with quilted vest and my new red hat my friend Lisa made me.
4. And finally, my favorite soft denim button down goes with everything, including these great pants.
Pink Pants
Pink Pants
There is no reason not to bring some bright colors (beyond fall orange) into your fall wardrobe and these Talbot pink pants are so cute and comfy I plan to wear them all year long. Here are four ideas to take these pants into fall;
1. Paired with a gray and pink plaid button-down from Talbots that is about 8 years old and layered with a black cardigan from Casalon at Nordstrom.
2. The Talbots mint green cardigan makes an appearance again with this pretty scarf.
3. My Jones New York classic white button down is here with this sage green denim jacket I got on clearance at Talbots this summer.
4. And finally I love this fun look with the layered Talbots navy blue checkered button down topped with this lightweight black and white stripped cotton sweater from Talbots.
Black Leggings
Black Leggings
Yep every girl needs some black leggings no matter what the season. And since I accidentally spilled bleach on my last pair, I bought these online from American Eagle this spring. I didn’t have much cause to wear them over the summer, but I sure will now that fall is here.
1. This oversized sweater with drop shoulder neckline is from Nordstrom but it is at least ten years old. It is perfect with leggings and booties.
2. Here I paired two summer sweaters – a polka dot sweater tank from Talbots and a soft and sheer cardigan from JJill with pearls for a easy but fun look for a special occasion.
3. My classic white button down with a few accessories is all you need.
4. I love this look because this color looks so great with my hair. This sweater is a bargain purchase at Costco and the scarf I have had forever.
Key Take Aways
I love fashion and dressing in a way that I look and feel good without being flashy or trashy, dumpy or frumpy. And I really love when I can do that on a budget. Building a seasonal wardrobe that includes tried and try and a little new is easy and fun when you start with the basics you already own. Once you have the tools to incorporate summer pieces into your fall wardrobe, it will work for all seasons. My biggest advice for Fabulous Fifties Fashion is to wear bright colors that complement your skin tone and hair, while staying away from large patterns. Loose fitting is better than skintight but not to the point of baggy like a tent. Always remember to consider your footwear (a critical component of looking put together) and your undergarments (invest in the foundation so your clothes hang like they should).
I am torn about this book. That doesn’t happen to me often. I usually know right away if I am going to love a book. Or if I am going to endure it. Or if, it’s just not worth my time.
During the course of reading Fifty Words for Rain I had all three sensations. I kept reading and here is what I thought, my book review of Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie
Japan 1948. A time of upheaval and rebirth in Japan but also a time where holding tight to the old customs, pedigree and aristocratic ways was epidemic. This is when we are introduced to eight-year-old Nori when she is abandoned by her mother on the front door of her grandparents mansion.
Nori, a “bastard” child, product of Japanese royal blood mother and a black American GI. Nori is a stain on the family name. She is hidden in the attic and does not leave the house for years. Until her half brother arrives and her life finally begins.
But her skin color, her hair and how she came into the world will scar her, and taint every aspect of her life, despite her brilliance both as a student and a musician. Her grandmother will torture her and shame her until the final pages of this book.
But despite her struggles and triumphs, love and loss, and deep tragedies that change her forever, Nori still returns to Japan and to her hateful grandmother.
And it’s the final chapter of this book that has me torn. Her final choices made me crazy. How could she? I felt she was weak in the end, despite her enormous strength throughout the book.
So, I read it through, enjoyed much of it, endured some of it, and hated the end.
***Three stars for Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie.
My current read The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett
We love it when you pin and share our blog.
The link below is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a comission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you.
Last summer we did a “remodel” of our new villa in the USA. It was actually less of a remodel and more of a refresh, updating the 1990’s villa with fresh paint, tile, floors, countertop, appliances and design. We did this without any large construction or massive structural changes. We were able to do it all in 8 weeks for around $20K. We did everything last summer EXCEPT the master bathroom. We saved that for this summer – DIY Bathroom Remodel.
Before with carpet
Arriving home from our world tour two months earlier than planned due to Covid, we launched almost immediately into our project of completely demolishing the old bathroom and beginning a DIY bathroom remodel – a 1993 bath becomes a 2020 showpiece.
DIY Bathroom Remodel
Given we were in no hurry and we wanted to save money, my husband tackled the entire job himself. We both were raised in do-it-yourself families, and we have had a lot of experience in this area. We have built two homes from the ground up and gutted and remodeled a third before taking on this Villa last summer. We kinda know what we are doing. So, here is what we did over a four month period to create the bathroom of our dreams.
Before
I’m sure in the early 1990’s this bathroom was pretty swanky. But nearly thirty years later it was out of date and worn out. Yes that is carpet you see in that photo. It was a thing in the 80’s and 90’s to put carpet in a bathroom. Not something I want anymore. So a complete demolition of this bathroom took place, creating a total clean slate to work with. We found someone on Facebook who came and took all the cabinets and sinks. The rest went to the dump.
Before tiny shower and pocketdoor
Before old cabinet Before phone booth shower
Before toilet cubby
Inspiration
Thank you Pinterest for all these inspiring ideas for my DIY Bathroom Remodel…while we were still traveling I began to save lots of pins to my Home and Garden file in Pinterest of the kind of bathroom I imagined for this space. The bathroom is not huge, about 8 x 15 feet, but big enough for just the two of us. Here are some of my most inspiring photos from Pinterest that I used as we laid out the design for this bathroom. (Follow me on Pinterest!)
Framing, Plumbing and Electrical
Once demolition was complete my husband Arne began moving the plumbing. We moved the toilet about three feet, expanded the shower about four feet, moved the sink and changed the layout of the tub. Next a lot of time was spent framing the new shower and toilet cubby area where we had removed a wall and pocket door. He then did all the electrical adding some recessed lighting, chandelier and several new outlets.
Clean slate
Shower is gone
Framing of new shower area
Meanwhile Countertop Art
While Arne is doing all of this I am working with my friend and local concrete artist Laurie, as we begin to design a showpiece of a countertop as part of the DIY Bathroom Remodel. This is the second countertop Laurie has done for us. We worked closely together for three months on getting this beauty just right with the color and the texture that I wanted.
Once the plumbing and electrical was complete time to repair the sheet rock and paint. We used the same color paint we have used through out the rest of the house, a soft linen color by Behr called Authentic Tan.
Sheet rock repair
Shower frame in complete
Time to Start the Tile
Hands down the most time consuming and difficult task of all the bathroom remodel tasks the huge amount of tile in this bathroom was daunting. We purchased all the wall tile at Home Depot but made a special order for the magnificent floor tile from a local store called Advanced Flooring. We splurged a bit on the floor tile but the impact was worth it and we made up for it by using less expensive tile on the wall. By the way the wall tile is a larger style of subway tile that measures 12″.
Professional Tile Cutter
Shower floor goes in
Arne borrowed his brother’s professional-grade tile cutter and got to work on this big job. Once again, taking his time was paramount in the success of this project. When we had other things to do, we did them. We took days off to hike, golf and play. We took two weeks off to do our Road Trip (see it all here). And pretty much every other minute he was placing tile. Occasionally when I would be working in other parts of the house a few choice words would burst from the project…but my husband persevered. He even built the pan for the new shower floor.
Wall tile with detail
Giant projectI love the floor tile by Daltile
Celebrating the final piece of tile being placed
It Comes Together
Once the tile and grout were complete the beautiful tub was placed, and the vanity and toilet put in. All the plumbing fixtures in oil rubbed bronze came from Signature Hardware. The chandelier and light over the sink also went in. By the way, we ordered ALL OF THESE online to avoid going into the stores as much as possible due to the virus.
Finishing touches
Finally Laurie arrived for the placement of the work-of-art countertop…after lots of work on her part and consultation on my part, the size, fit and color were absolutely perfect. The countertop weighs about 150 pounds and she was really nervous as we got it into place…but it went smoothly and we could not have been happier.
Countertop arrives
With the counter in place Arne finished the final tile pieces to finish off around the counter, and installed the faucet. Next we placed our beautiful mirror and added two small cabinets for more storage next to the tub and over the toilet.
Beautiful mirror from reclaimed barn wood
One good scrub down of everything and then I began to decorate. Nearly every decorative item you see here I already owned, but I also added a few new and “new to me” pieces I had collected in the months coming up to this moment. I purchased all new towels and bath rugs and some storage bins. Finally, everything was complete exactly four months to the day from when we began the tear-out in May.
Pros and Cons
Doing a major DIY like this is NOT for everyone. Don’t tackle it unless you know what you are doing. But I know having a contractor come in and do all of this work would have cost us at least $50K. We did it for $14K.
So bright and beautiful
The biggest con for me was the dust the project created throughout the house and the reaction I had to the dust in my allergies and sinuses. I am so grateful that part is over.
I absolutely love everything about this beautiful space now and how it flows both in color and function with the rest of our new home.
Although we have every intention of continuing to travel as soon as we can, knowing we have this space to call home when we are in the USA has been such a relief for us. So thankful we made the decision to buy this property and turn it into the retreat of our dreams. No regrets.
Some Final Before and After Shots and Decorative Touches. Enjoy.
Before with carpet
AfterAfter
Before
Shower detail
Concrete CounterLIttle touchesShelves from WayfairI even love the toilet
Counter decorDecorePretty and functionalSo pretty
Thanks for following along on this DIY Bathroom Remodel journey with us. We plan to relax for awhile now.
I hope you saw my review two weeks ago of Leif Enger’s book Virgil Wander. Gosh I loved that book and was very intrigued to read more by this author.
If you loved Ordinary Grace, you will love Peace Like a River.
Written in 2001, Peace Like a River is the story of Reuben Land and his family and their small town life. Once again Enger’s character development is perfection, as we fall quickly in love with Reuben, his brother Davy, sister Swede and father Jeremiah – a miracle worker in Reuben’s mind.
The family finds itself on a cross-country trek in search of outlaw brother Davy, after a murder takes place. The journey include miracles and adventure and tests the family’s faith to it’s core. Along the way the family will befriend strangers who touch their lives and find peace like a river in family, friends, love and faith.
A beautiful story that will make you want to keep reading beyond the end. A remarkable plot with striking and indelible characters you will cherish.
*****Five stars for Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Read last week’s review of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.
It’s been a summer of a lot of fish for us and I am now feeling much more confident in the kitchen as I have learned fun and delicious ways to cook fish. My membership to the monthly Wild Caught Alaska Seafood delivery service has certainly helped with that. Having this beautiful fish ready in my freezer is convenient, healthy, sustainable and most of all delicious.
Today is the third and final blog featuring fun and delicious ways to cook fish, recipes I have either created on my own or taught myself from recipes I have found over the summer. I offer you a little bit of everything here today, from Thai inspired Cod to Ceviche from Peru and Walnut encrusted Halibut. Get cooking my friends! I’d love to hear from you if you try any of these delicious recipes.
Salmon Salad on Croissant
Delicious salmon salad
Whenever I cook a whole or half a salmon fillet, this recipe is one of our favorites to use for the leftovers. Although honestly we rarely have any leftovers. But we enjoy this salmon salad on croissants for lunch, hiking or even for dinner on a warm summer night.
6-10 oz cooked salmon, flake and bones removed
1/4 cup of capers
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 T dry dill
1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise mixed with some of the juice from the jar of capers
Salt and pepper to taste.
Mix together and let refrigerate for a few hours before enjoying as a sandwhich.
Thai Cod in Coconut Broth
One of our favorite recipes for cod or white fish. Check out our YouTube video here on how to make this delicious meal. BTW we post a YouTube video EVERY TUESDAY for Tasty Tuesday. We sure would love for you to follow us on YouTube.
Crunchy Rockfish Tacos
Rockfish in the skillet for crunch fish tacos
I wasn’t familiar with rockfish when I first received it from Alaska, but I have found it to be a pretty versatile, somewhat nondescript fish that is perfect for breading and frying. It makes good fish and chips and crispy fish tacos. Here’s how I did that.
10- oz rockfish, thawed and dried with a paper towel
Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup panko, 1 T cumin, 1/2 t red chili powder or flakes and salt and pepper. Dredge the fillets in the dry mixture.
Cook in air fryer about 6 min first side, turn over for 3 more minutes. Or fry in cast iron skillet in vegetable oil, set on paper towel to drain a minute before serving.
Salmon in Lemon Basil Sauce
Salmon with lemon basil sauce
Easy but elegant.
2 6 oz salmon fillets drizzled with olive oil and the salt and pepper. Let sit for a few minutes.
In food processor or blender mix together;
1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 garlic clove, 1 T fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pulse until mixed. Pour in small saucepan and bring up to medium heat.
Meanwhile cook salmon about four minutes per side in skillet. Place on plate and pour warm basil lemon sauce over.
Ceviche
One of my favorite foods from around the world is ceviche; it is so very easy to make, and healthy too. Here is how we did this on our YouTube channel for Tasty Tuesday.
Walnut Crusted Halibut
Halibut with walnut crust and shallot lemon sauce
I found this recipe on Pinterest and I changed it up a bit and made it for two people. Oh my did it turn out lovely. This is something you could easily serve to guests.
2 6 oz halibut fillets; salt and pepper them and let them air dry for a few minutes
Combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup finely ground walnuts, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Add 1 T melted butter, 1 T stone ground mustard, 1 T dry dill, 1 t lemon zest.
Place the halibut on greased baking sheet and cover with walnut mixture, pressing into the fish to get it secured. Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and then back in preheated 425 oven for 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile in small sauce pan heat 1 t olive oil, 1 T chopped shallots, 1/4 cup white wine, 1 T lemon juice, 1 T butter and 1 t dry dill (or fresh).
Pour sauce over fish for serving or serve on the side.
What does F.I.S.H stand for?
Well, ” fish is so healthy” of course! Especially when you are buying, cooking and serving wild caught sustainable fish. I have learned a lot about how to prepare fish these past few months and I now am confident in my kitchen when it comes to delicious and healthy fish meals.
I hope you too will try some of our favorites here, and learn fun and delicious ways to cook fish. Be sure to check out our Salmon Recipe Blog and our White Fish Recipe Blog from earlier this summer. Enjoy!!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
