America the Beautiful

When people say they want to go some place beautiful and then complain that they have to travel so far, I wonder whether they've taken some time to see our own country. Now don't get me wrong, some of the places in southeast Asia that I've seen in the last 6 months have been absolutely stunning but I have to take this time to highlight the beautiful Pacific Northwest. As some of you know, I spend a lot of time flying back and forth to Seattle to visit my "soul sister" and her husband. We usually take a side trip to visit our other dear friend down on the Oregon coast. This stretch of coast is amazing, truly breath taking...from what seems like an endless Pacific Ocean to the gorgeous headlands and the beautiful mountains. After spending good quality friend time in Oregon, we spent the next weekend hiking through Whidbey Island. Between the beautiful weather, the fabulous look-out points, and the wonderful friends, this was a perfect day (well minus what seemed like the endless Phish concert playing in the car...sorry DAL & JML)! Special thanks to my very bestest friends Darci & Jacob for letting me stay with them and showing me the beauty of friendship, love, laughing, vegetarian cooking, and the Pacific Northwest!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lturnof/SeattleOregonJul09#

Home Sweet Home

After 2 connecting flights, 1 screaming 15-mth-old baby, and 24 hours of travel, I landed safely in Seattle (with my bags, passport, and wallet...nothing lost or stolen in 5 months, yipee!). I filled out my entry card like I had done in so many other countries before and waited in line at customs but this time was different. I was in the local line staring back at the foreign line that curved around and around. I approached the customs desk waiting for the usual questions but this time no questions about where I'm staying and what I'm doing here...just a friendly smile and "Welcome Home, Ms. Turnof". My 5 month journey could not have ended any sweeter than that.

I will be on the west coast for the next month AND my iphone/old number still works! Looking forward to catching up with everyone soon!!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!