Updates from beautiful Bend, OR

Well it certainly has been a while - almost a full year since this blog was last updated. 2009 went by in a blur of personal and professional transitions, and updating this fell by the way side. I thought it was time for an update. You may notice the blog title changed to Life in the Bone and Beyond. Joe and I moved on from Jawbone Flats in the fall of 09 and settled in Bend. We have truly been enjoying being back on the east side of the Cascades, among the Sage Brush and Ponderosas with the mountains in our back yard.

Joe now works in building maintenance for Mt Bachelor - a year round gig with a sweet view - can't really complain. Plus, a free ski pass for me is one of the perks. I have spent more time on the mountain this season than I have in years. And it has been awesome.

Jackie and I - our first day of the season
A beautiful day on the back side of Bachelor

Connor moved out to Bend in January to attend COCC and do some skiing. He has been living with us while he gets settled and enjoying central Oregon too.

Connor and Jackie ready to ski off the summit of Bachelor

I took on the Executive Director job with Opal Creek in October. It is great to still be able to go to the magnificent forest that provides such a contrast to our high desert surroundings. I feel very fortunate to still be working on behalf of such important programming and have been learning so much in the last 6 months. My brain is a bit over taxed some days, but happy.

We held our 3rd annual Thanksgiving in the Bone festivities again this year. Nothing like giving thanks under the tall trees.

Sara and I on Sacred Rock Thanksgiving morning

Murphy is excited he still gets to visit Jawbone and all his friends there. He gets excited when we turn on the North Fork Road - he just knows he is going back to dog paradise.

We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary with a hike in Shevlin Park - the park we got married in.

Hoss came to visit in January for Connor's birthday.

Hoss and Connor in Dry River Canyon

Life is good - we are working hard, playing outside often, taking advantage of all this beautiful landscape has to offer.

Jackie and Connor dog walking on the Deschutes River Trail

We miss you all and hope to see you soon. I will update this more frequently again, now that life has returned to some sort of normal - at least for now. Hope spring has sprung in your neck of the woods. Come visit us anytime!!! Much love, Katie, Joe, and Murphy.