Wow time flies - and it has been over 2 months since this was updated! Crazy. Things have been busy as usual in our lives. Our friend, and fellow Jawbonite, Adam moved on in April after 6 years in Jawbone. We threw him a big party in mid-March, complete with crazy weather and lots of crazy folks...a'int no party like a jawbone party...things won't be the same around here with out Mims goofy laugh.
Adam and Kaola take the first load out
Winter staff enjoy a sunny day in the fort
I went back to NY for a visit at the end of March. It was great to see the family and meet the newest Ryan - Tessa. My Mom and I made it to Boston to visit my Aunt and Uncle who are moving to Atlanta in June.
Dinner with Mom and Aunts and Uncles in Cambridge
Baby Tessa
Baby Tessa
Duncan - the spitting image of my brother Tim.
When I returned to Oregon, the season was here. Seasonal staff moved in and the population of Jawbone doubled overnight. Before long, kids were back in the forest and the tree frogs were chirping - sure signs of spring. Joe has taken on the Facilities Director job here and is doing a great job organizing and steering the department. The Nellie's rebuild project is behind schedule, but progressing. It takes a lot to get building supplies back here!
5 trucks make 17 trips with concrete trailers - crazy day in the bone
Joe and I learned at the last board meeting that the board voted to approve my transistioning into the Executive Director position with Opal Creek. A transition plan will be crafted and voted on in July, and Joe and I will move from Jawbone at the end of the season in November. I feel so fortunate to continue to be able to work on behalf of the programs that are my heart and the forest that feeds my soul. I see big things for Opal Creek and am excited to embark on this next adventure.
We have missed central Oregon since we left 4 years ago. This opportunity allows us to return to the Bend area. It is as close to Jawbone Flats as Portland and represents a new market the organization hasn't had contact with. So, the next chapter begins.
Hope you are all well and weathering the stormy world smiling.
And check back again soon - I promise I will update more often!
Much love to you all -
Katie and Joe
When I returned to Oregon, the season was here. Seasonal staff moved in and the population of Jawbone doubled overnight. Before long, kids were back in the forest and the tree frogs were chirping - sure signs of spring. Joe has taken on the Facilities Director job here and is doing a great job organizing and steering the department. The Nellie's rebuild project is behind schedule, but progressing. It takes a lot to get building supplies back here!
5 trucks make 17 trips with concrete trailers - crazy day in the bone
2009 Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center Staff
Hoss, Jill, and Liam flew out for a week at Easter. They stayed in Cabin 7 and had a "grand" time as Hoss would say. We saw three seasons that week - winter, spring, and summer - sleet, rain, snow, and sunshine...springtime in the Oregon cascades.
Life is good. Opal Creek has been challenged by our current economic times, like many organizations and companies. Thanks to some smart planning, long term investments, and a solid board of directors, we are out of the woods for the time being and on our way to success.
Hoss, Jill, and Liam flew out for a week at Easter. They stayed in Cabin 7 and had a "grand" time as Hoss would say. We saw three seasons that week - winter, spring, and summer - sleet, rain, snow, and sunshine...springtime in the Oregon cascades.Liam and Connor put in a gray water system for the temporary laundry room
Hoss and Connor kicking it in the sunshine getting ready to go for a hike
Family portrait on the old truck...what tourists...
Hoss and Connor kicking it in the sunshine getting ready to go for a hike
Family portrait on the old truck...what tourists...
Joe and I learned at the last board meeting that the board voted to approve my transistioning into the Executive Director position with Opal Creek. A transition plan will be crafted and voted on in July, and Joe and I will move from Jawbone at the end of the season in November. I feel so fortunate to continue to be able to work on behalf of the programs that are my heart and the forest that feeds my soul. I see big things for Opal Creek and am excited to embark on this next adventure.
We have missed central Oregon since we left 4 years ago. This opportunity allows us to return to the Bend area. It is as close to Jawbone Flats as Portland and represents a new market the organization hasn't had contact with. So, the next chapter begins.
Hope you are all well and weathering the stormy world smiling.
And check back again soon - I promise I will update more often!
Much love to you all -
Katie and Joe
