Quote of the Day: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Saturday we started the day walking along the beach in Seaside. It was gray, overcast and very cold. Alex wanted to try out his new wetsuit so he ventured into the water but soon came back out, not because of the cold but more because of how you feel in the ocean, by yourself without being able to see any depth below. Alex is training for a tri-athalon at Bear Lake and is putting the hours in swimming in the pool. I think it will help that the water is so clear in Bear Lake that it will feel a little like swimming in a pool. Joe and Alex rode their bikes from Astoria to Seaside on a road less traveled. They loved it. I wished I could have joined them but not quite feeling up to it. One of the hardest things for me is that I feel like I am not participating in anything that’s exciting, athletic or fun. Can’t wait to be part of the “fun” again.
Saturday night, we had such a great time celebrating my nephew, Matt Starley’s wedding. His bride, Kelsey, looked amazing and she is such a vivacious, happy person. The event was held at her parent’s home in Astoria where one overlooks the Columbia River. It was a beautiful, warm with no wind day. I came away from the evening with this great sense that they would make an amazing couple. The food was delicious and Matt is an avid hunter and fisherman. He caught all the salmon, shared by 200 guests, and found a chef in Astoria to prepare it. This chef served it either with a mustard sauce or pesto. It was fabulous. We ate oysters, sturgeon, tuna and salmon. The night before at the rehearsal picnic, Thom Starley, Matt’s Dad served his bear, goose, and elk pastrami. It was gone before I got a chance to sample it. Everyone stayed and danced into the night. I loved watching Matt, Kelsey and their friends have so much fun together. The most touching part of the evening was when Matt and his Mom, Lynne, danced and both had tears streaming down their faces.
We came away from this weekend really reflecting on what an incredible person Matt is. He is barely 25 and just passed his boards for his dentistry license. Monday would be his first day as a dentist in Medford, Oregon. It was great to hear him called “Doctor”. He was so gracious to everyone and because of his experience with his Mom and cancer, he was so darling to me. He looked me right in the eyes many times and really wanted to know that I was doing well.
It took us 15 hours to drive home but so worth it. I’m so glad that I got to see this part of my sister’s life.
Alyssa, Matt and Tess Starley
Matt and Kelsey talking with photographer 
No comments yet.