We slept magnificently after yesterday’s 7+ hour drive to Swan Lake. Waking up at Jean Erickson Walker’s beautiful home, we felt so happy to be spending time with our dear friend in such a peaceful setting.
Jean made us a delicious frittata for breakfast, and we enjoyed planning our day together, swapping stories about our lives and travels. Her warmth and energy set the perfect tone for our visit.
Jean had a couple of errands, so Janice and I took the opportunity for an 11.5-mile bike ride to a wildlife refuge. It was a dreamy day—75 degrees, blue sky, biking along the lake and through trees. We watched a deer scamper across the road, and Janice stopped to take a picture of a snake for Julie Lowe. It has been such an honor to spend time with Julie’s mom and reminisce about Julie growing up.
When we got back, Jean was napping, so Janice, Tad, and I sat out on the deck overlooking Swan Lake, watching fishing boats troll by. Soon, drowsiness overtook us, too—I tipped my cap down and dozed off in a deck chair, while Janice and Tad went back to nap in the motorhome.
Later, I went inside to find Jean on hors d’oeuvres before dinner. She is a marvelous cook, and we’re continually amazed at her ability to prepare incredible meals while engaging us in lively conversation.
Jean gifted us an incredible cookbook she wrote, filled with stories of their travels abroad and dozens of recipes, each choreographed with a memory or adventure. It’s a true treasure.
As we enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres, Jean prepared tuna filets, courtesy of a neighbor who dropped off a fresh catch that afternoon. Again, I’m in awe of how she cooks so gracefully while keeping us in conversation—I think I could only manage that with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!
After dinner, we settled in the living room and continued to share stories. Jean recounted how she and her husband, George, first met, and told us about their children: Cheryl, Julie, and Eric. She shared how Julie met her husband Chris, and we told Jean how grateful we are to have Julie and Chris as part of our Umpqua Watersheds team, and how much fun we have together.
We all shared stories about the twists and turns in our lives, and Janice and I reflected on how we found each other. It was a magical day, and we feel so grateful and humbled,, by Jean’s amazing hospitality.
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