Working Towards Wood Badge

Our Thirty-Third Anniversary

My husband, Phil, has been gone for a few days working on the first part of his BSA Wood Badge. This is something he's looked forward to for many years.

Even though it fell on our thirty-third anniversary, I was happy to have him participate in this important training. He has come home full of good stories, and with a sparkle in his eye.

We look forward to sharing his pictures.

Comments

Remembering Martha JuliRae Rank: A Tragic Loss and Cold Water Safety in Washington

A Tragic Summer Loss in the Pacific Northwest The sun has finally returned to the Pacific Northwest, drawing families to the beaches and waterways of Washington. As I listen to the news of recent swimming accidents, I'm reminded of a summer when I tragically lost my family on the water. Remembering Martha JuliRae Rank and Family My little sister , Martha JulieRay Rank, would have turned 62 this fourth of July, 2025. Rugged shoreline of Ozette Lake, Clallam County, WA She drowned at the tender age of 10 at Ozette Lake in Clallam County, Washington on July 11, 1973, along with my father, Robert Ray Rank (44), my mother, Joyce Merilyn (Black) Rank (44), and my brother, David Alan Rank (8). They never found my youngest sister or father. The Lasting Impact of Loss As the 50th anniversary has passed, I remember them with both fondness and sorrow. I never had the chance to share my adulthood with them or introduce them to my four daughters. My children and grandson missed out on the...

Darrington; Gateway to the North Cascades

A Trip to ArlingtonDarrington.com Darrington, Washington is home to the beautiful White Horse Mountain, rising 6,850 ft (2,088 m). Rising dramatically from the valley floor, this glacier-rimmed mountain features brilliant waterfalls, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Darrington's valley is a favorite hiker's and photographer's weekend destination just northeast of the Seattle-Everett metro area on Washington State's SR-530, along the north fork of the Stillaguamish River. It's right in the center of one of Snohomish County's most beautiful scenic drives, the Mountain Loop Highway. From incredible scenery to down-home culture, Darrington is a unique community. Growing from their "Tar Heel" heritage, one of the best parts of the town of Darrington is the many Grandparents that live near their grandchildren. They may even be the "golden" ingredient of Darrington. After any typical school day, it's just as common to see Gran...

Shannon's Birthday

An Ozette October It was LDS Semi-Annual Conference yesterday, and our daughters all came together to celebrate Shannon's 28th Birthday. She's a wonderful big sister and we love her dearly. Cassandra and Dave drove up, (they now live in Olympia,) and Francesca came from Marysville, too. We laughed together a lot and looked at our family pictures posted on Flicker , and videos on YouTube from our Ozette Lake weekend. The Ozette wood pile is now called, "Josh's Wood Pile", in loving memory of Joshua Stroud, December 12, 1986 - April 24, 2011. We pray this sweet young man may rest in peace until we see each other again. Josh spent a whole day chopping wood for the cabin and so enjoyed it. He also went fishing with Jory, paddling the canoe all over, and they caught a bunch of Northern Pike Minnows. We'll treasure our fond memories of him. It was wonderful to have everyone together for a few hours Sunday. As the girls grow older, we treasure our...

Stacey Mayer, Artist

Search This Blog