This week in The Pearl – July 11, 2025


Thank you in advance for indulging me a bit of reminiscing. Just a year ago this week we were in the final throws of leaving La Thebauderie in Normandie. I am one of those people who tends to let events pass with little residue, yet if you have followed this blog you know that is…

This week remembrance and renewal


Yesterday, thirty seven years ago, we got married at the Ronald Methodist Church in Shoreline, Washington. For many years we have spent our anniversaries at the Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive in Bow, Washington. Last year was no exception since we were back in the US for a visit. But this year, now that we…

Back in the PNW


For those unfortunate folks who have never had the chance to visit Oregon or Washington, PNW stands for the “Pacific Northwest” – this is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of our world. Our journey from Avignon began on October the eighth, it took us to Dijon in the wine country of Burgundy, on…

Almost back to PNW


Tuesday afternoon our British Airways flight from Heathrow touched down at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. Tricia and I looked at each other and mouthed the words, “I miss Europe.” We packed carefully so as not to forget anything, yet we left a bit of us behind. My Friend Shirley will enthusiastically remind us of all…

Time in Oregon


We exchanged the warmth of San Diego for the cold of Oregon. Our first stop was Newberg to spend time with Alexis and Joe. We stayed at an Airbnb called “The Little Red House.” Apparently it has some historical significance, what I remember the most is that it was cold. It has been cold most…