random assortment

i'm sure you've heard that it's been the biggest storm in 80 years up here the last few days.

on monday, when the storm was at it worst we found ourselves together in a warm home...with random people along. it was a lot of fun trying to 'brave' the storm. cooking, baking and being together. here in vancouver we're fine, so maybe that's where the romanticism comes from. i know there are those who don't feel that way about the storm.

i had made plans for our friend bev to come over on monday. every so often she takes a day off work to come be with us. some friend, i know. she's one of those friends where you're baffled that you've only known them for 2 years....seems like she's always been in our life.

on sunday my cousin ashley came to stay with us while she's in between houses. it's been so great to get to spend time with her and get reacquainted. i'm sorry to say that it's been many years since i've even seen her.

jake heard that ashley was around and was in the portland area cutting down free christmas trees for everyone he knows. so he decided to come and hang out. but one exit from our house his flatbed truck that was carrying 20 christmas trees broke down. he and his friend chris had spent the morning cutting down christmas trees. yes, in the biggest storm in 80 years. in jake's words, it was the wettest he's ever been in his life. they were wet, cold and broken down on the side of the road.

once everyone was dry, fed and at the house it was quite fun. bev, ashley, jake, chris, mom, dad, isaiah, alaythia, matt and me. a random assortment of people together on a blustery day. soup, mom's famous cornbread and chocolate chips cookies....sometimes the severe weather can create a cool memory...like it did on monday.