Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. ~Napolean Hill
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Rainy Fall Weekend
*The rain clearing up and going to the market
*Watching the kids play in the mud puddles at the market
*Hunkering down on the couch and watching CSI:NY with Lindsay
*Playing table games and eating Moose Munch
*Getting the Tramps together (our Wii band) to play with all 4 of us; for FOUR AND A HALF HOURS!!
*Sleeping in on Sunday morning and eating a yummy home made brunch all from the market
*Going for a bike ride with Nick on the trail and out of the garage, off the trainer!
*Enjoying a relaxing evening chilling with my handsome, wonderful hubby
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Colors of Fall
I think I am enjoying fall this year more then any other. We are in love with the Redmond Farmer's Market and I shall cry great tears of sadness when it ends on October 31st. In the meantime we are spending each Saturday at the market consuming the sights, sounds, tastes and fun. It never ceases to amaze me the wide array of colors that are displayed at the market; through the people, fruit, veggies, crafts and more. I thought I would take my camera and capture some of the colors of the market to share with you! Obviously, Saturday was spent at the market and after the market we went for a pseudo unplanned hike down to Lake Washington through St. Edward's Park. Then in the evening we had a lovely time with Tim, Lindsay, Ashley & Kihana(Lindsay's sister & niece) eating way too much food and playing games.
Sunday was a big day as I finally, FINALLY followed through and bought a bike!! My new beauty is a 2009 Specialized Dolce women's entry level road bike. I'm completely in love and dying to get it out on the trail, Seattle of course is complying and dumping rain on us. I am therefore relegated to the garage and Nick's trainer. I am so excited to break into this new form of exercise and see what results I can get. I must admit that I am burnt out on walking/jogging and would like to try something new to refresh myself and be able to break up the monotony of walking. Don't get me wrong, I'll be back out on the 1/2 marathon circuit next year, with plans of completing the 2011 Disneyworld Marathon; but for now I will be bonding with my new Dolce! It will be a lot of fun to ride with Nick and with this bike I will be able to keep up (hopefully!).
After being all kitted out for the bike Nick and I enjoyed a lovely fall drive out to Carnation, WA, where Jubilee Farms is located. This is the farm that Tim and Lindsay have their CSA through. There were pumpkins everywhere! We weren't able to squeeze onto the horse drawn wagon, but rode in the tractor drawn wagon out to the pumpkin patch where we had fun watching Kihana experience the pumpkins. Nick and I enjoyed some fresh corn on the cob - divine!; watched the trebuchet launch a pumpkin from afar and took some more colorful fall photos.
Sunday evening was topped off by a wonderful, albeit short, visit from my parents on their way back home from my mom completing the Victoria Marathon. She did it in 5:10 - way to go Mama!!
Another perfect fall weekend for the books...
Monday, October 5, 2009
The weekend and my mama
I'm very much reminded of my mama this fall. I was standing in my kitchen yesterday putting corn up and was reminded of all that Mama has taught me. She's taught me how to cook (great way to teach math if you're homeschooling & also home ec!), how to pick out the best produce, how to can and freeze produce, how to care for flowers and tend a garden, but more then that she taught me how to be the woman I am today (or at least the one I strive to be!). My mama is such a lady - graceful, kind, compassionate and spiritual. However, she's not afraid to get outside and work in the garden, buck hay, work with horses and be a helpmate alongside my daddy. I strive to live up to her example.
Thanks Mama for all that you have taught me and showed me throughout my life! I love you tremendously!!
Catch Phrases
We were talking about this at work this last week and realizing that we have started using each other's words and catch phrases! I decided I had to blog about this topic because it really made me laugh at the things we say.
Aubrey - her two special phrases are "The End" and "Sad". The End is used at the end of a sentence or discussion when things are getting a little snippy or we should think about changing the subject. Sad is used after someone says something that is, ironically, sad or when you look into the face of one of our patients and their little lip is starting to pout out and they just look so funny and cute, but so sad.
Ruth - her special words are different since she is British. She'll say things such as, "Isn't that just delightful?", but in a sarcastic way. She usually says it after we're teasing her about her driving. "I can't be bothered", Ruth actually uses this after we tell her she needs a massage or she should clean out her car; she just can't be bothered. "Shut your face", not sure if this is nicer then telling someone to shut-up or not, but there it is.
Mine - "FABuLous!" Said very similarly to the lady that does the Orbit gum commercials. "SHUT-up", used instead of "are you serious?". Careful in using this one, may be offensive to some. "Wow" - said very blandly and slowly. Can be used in place of "I can't believe you just said or did that".
Kim - when it's time for the discussion to end, rather then saying, "talk to the hand" Kim likes to use, "I say to you good-day".
I couldn't think of any phrases in particular that Nick says, however Nick and I both use movie quotes a lot in our vocabulary if at all possible. Just thought this was a fun experiment I would share!
Monday, September 28, 2009
FABuLous Fall!!
Inspirations for next year - although now that I've done some research I realize I might have bitten off more then I can chew!
Fabulous farmer's market produce - yum!
Farm fresh eggs
Beautiful fall flowers
Corn is finally here - sweet bi-color
Time to curl up with a good book - The Lost Symbol, An Echo in the Bone or Fierce Leadership
Time for soup - wrap your hands around a steaming mug of this fantastic Creamy Broccoli Soup (find recipes for following dishes at http://blog.beinhealthnow.com/)
Baked Oatmeal - great pre-made breakfast!
When you walk into the kitchen on Sunday morning and are greeted by this site, you know it's been a great weekend! Yes people, I do let my sink fill with dishes!
Have fun out there enjoying the bounties that fall has to offer; I'm looking forward to many more fall weekends in the Pacific Northwest!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Journeys
Life is filled with steps that take us along the journey; they may be forwards, backwards, up hills, into valleys, they may be hard or easy, the may take us along desolate byways or scenic vistas.
Right now I'm on the journey of weight loss - I've joined Weight Watchers and am loving the results! I'm on this journey with my good friend, Ramah, and am committed to reaching a healthy, happy place in my life. I have been using Weight Watchers recipes, but have also been borrowing from my friend, Emily's, webpage and her vast vegetarian/vegan collection (thanks so much!!). This year we've taken many journeys -backpacking trips, 1/2 marathons, vacations, journey to better health and more. I'm getting really excited about planning a journey for next year and that is to complete the Wonderland Trail around the base of Mt. Rainier. I'm hoping to put together a large group that would love to take 10-14 days and hike this trail next year around late spring/early summer or once the snow clears. I've made commitments before and kind of let them slip by the wayside, but this is something I really want to do and hopefully putting this out there for "everyone" to see will hold me responsible. As we approach fall I always become a bit more nostalgic, thinking of the past year and what's around the corner. Plus, fall always reminds me of hot cider, heavy quilts, walks through the leaves and poetry. It is so wonderful to curl up with a good book, a mug of hot cider and a book of poems (or any other favorite book). I thought it would be fun to see what journeys you all might be taking or have taken, so please post a comment sharing your favorite, most memorable, fun or whatever journey. Can't wait to see where you all have been or are going!
Happy journeying!
Sunshiney Days in California
I arrived in Sacramento on Friday, September 18, and immediately thought I was in the wrong airport. Having always flown Southwest Airlines I land in Terminal A and go about my merry way; however, I flew Alaska Airlines and landed at Terminal B and was completely lost - I didn't even know Sacramento had two terminals! Anywho I made my way to Terminal A, ate some snacks and read my book while killing time for Bear to pick me up. We spent Saturday evening visiting a fantastic little market called The Nugget (similar to Whole Foods or Central Market), making delicious taco salad and going for a 4-1/2 mile walk. Going to The Nugget made me realize why I love CA (besides visiting Bear!) - avocados for $0.99 a pound, huge tomatoes and other amazing produce! Saturday we drove up to Reno, NV, with a friend of Bear's to the Reno Air Races/Air Show. It was pretty spectacular and The Blue Angels were there to perform which is always fantastic! There were a lot of amazing airplanes and such, but it was wicked hot there and Reno is a very ugly little place in Nevada; however, I did get to add another shotglass to my collection as I was in the state long enough to "qualify" for being there.
On Sunday Bear and I went to brunch at the most delicious restaurant called Crepeville. I want them to expand to Seattle and I want them to be here by this weekend so I can go again! After stuffing our faces we headed to the mall and did some browsing before going to see a double feature of The Time Traveler's Wife (sorely disappointing compared to the book) and Julie & Julia (adorable, hilarious & poignant).
Monday was my last day in Cali and so we spent several hours at the mall, had our nails done, ate lunch and then headed to the airport. This is the first time I've ever had anyone paint a design on my nails - so much fun and so pretty!
It was a fantastic weekend of relaxation, visiting and enjoying each other's company. Looking forward to the next visit already!





