December Saturday

I had a wonderful, busy Saturday yesterday.

Chris & I snowshoed along part of the Pacific Crest Trail on Snoqualmie Pass. It was absolutely beautiful--sparkly snow laid out in front of us, snowflakes falling down, & her great dog Coal stepping on our snowshoes. :)

Perhaps the best part of our hike was the incredible spider webs we found. Parts of web were dripping from the tree branches, snowflakes clinging to the invisible strands. It was nature's own tinsel!

In this photo below it looks like beautiful jewelry.

That evening, Levi & I went to our friends Kelly & Jerry's Christmas party. Here's the lovely hostess serving up some stuffed mushrooms. Yum!

Auntie Jen reading the girls their bedtime story.

After the Millar's party, we quickly changed to attend an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party at the Collins. Here we are in all our glory.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Happy week to all!

Christmas Clothing Swap

Need some new clothes for the holiday season? Or possible gifts for others (that don't mind cute second-hand clothing)? Need to make some space in your own closet?

Come on over to my place next Wednesday, December 13th. I realize this is a crazy time of year, but what better way to take a break than to enjoy some girl time, eat good food & drink, & have some holiday fun? *Blog girls (Aleah, Mandy, Amy, Katie, Bree, Jenny & Rebekah) I would love to have you over!

When: Wed, Dec 13th, 6pm
Where: my house in Kenmore, email for directions

Bring whatever items in your closet you no longer use (clothing, shoes, purses, scarves) & head on over to Kenmore for an evening of fun.
I have some very nice (hardly worn) leather & cashmere, which will go for a nominal price, & the rest is open for swap!

Let me know if you can make it!

Home

The tree beside me is lit softly,
red balls shiny & bright.
Snow falls thick & quiet,
Under the streetlamp outside.
Julie Andrews sings Christmas carols,
peaceful strains that sooth.
The kitties lie on the couch,
Snuggled & happy.
A fire crackles behind me,
both heat & comfort.
My bed awaits upstairs,
Warm & cozy.

Goodnight,
Goodnight.

Alternative Transportation

With the weather horrible, and me not wanting to drive anywhere I have taken the opportunity to experiment with alternative transportation in cold weather.

Option 1: Mountain biking in the snow.

This proved both effective and safe (while on the Gilman). I was able to get to work in about an hour. The problem was getting onto and off of the Trail. Sidewalks and shoulders were iced over and unridable. Those sections needed walked. However the trail was probably the safest place on the Tuesday morning commute. I passed 2 joggers, 3 walkers, and no one else.

Option 2: The Bus

While I am a big fan of public transit (I make the bike racks for buses) it is currently a horrible fit for my home to work commute. It is a mile walk to the stop. Today the bus was 25 minutes late (actually I think the bus before it just wasn't running). Once on the bus it is a half an hour ride to the stop. The stop is then another 1.5 to work. So basically the bus ride is 30 minutes and I only travel 5 miles. Uhggg.


What will tomorrow bring...not sure. We will see how the weather is when I wake up. I can say I am not in good enough shape to run to work, so lets just say I am considering other options.

Yes, I am a snowbunny.

It was pouring snow as I stepped off my bus this evening & headed home. By the time I got home, everything was white. And being me, I was completely giddy with delight! Levi & I had a grand time introducing the kitties to snow, especially Calvin, who looks hilarious when runnning through it! Then I had a lovely walk around our neighborhood. Happy snow to all!

SNOW!!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend in Spokane--ate lots of food, relaxed & watched movies, did some Christmas shopping, & got the Christmas tree! Our drive home today took a while as the highway was snowy from Ritzville all the way to the pass, but we're home now, watching snow fall outside our own windows. :)

Lois putting the finish touches on Thanksgiving dinner.

Trying to stay warm at the tree lot.

It's Bigfoot!!

Amusing ourselves while the guys cut down the tree.

It was definitely a smaller tree this year than many past.

We ventured out on Black Friday, for a new TV for the parents.

At the rest stop on our drive home.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Festival of Hope

The 28th annual Keystone Festival was a great success! The event raised over $10,000, all to support development & self-help projects both locally & in developing countries. All had great fun trying on accessories, eating pumpkin pie & learning about the organizations the festival supports.

The Heifer table broke records in a big way! In the 15 odd years that I have run the Heifer booth at this fair, the money generated continues to rise each & every year. At over $2,300, this year's came close to doubling last!

The Pacific Northwest has always been a community concerned about important issues such as global affairs, hunger & poverty, environmental protection & sustainability, social justice & peace. For years, I have watched people wander this fair, learning & donating, discussing & listening & as a result have seen my own concern & involvement grow. And each year I see that same growth of concern, involvement & activism in our communities.
This is what brings me hope.

My Keystone Heifer booth.

I thought it looked especially nice this year--fun to have the added additions of a few new ehtnic dolls.

Gloria & Rita at the bake sale table.

Mom & Aunt Beth enjoying some lunch.

Steve & Mom at the Northwest Harvest booth.

And me, working to "Heiferize" the Northwest!

OSU vs MU

Go Buckeyes!!!!!!

Hope to see you there!

A Festival of Hope

Come browse & Christmas shop, enjoy a tasty lunch & a mingling of cultures--all the while learning how the money you spend goes to support hunger relief & self-help projects, both locally & in developing countries.
Give a gift of hope.





Saturday, November 18th
10am-4pm

Sunday, November 19th
12-3pm

Keystone Congregational United Church of Christ
5019 Keystone Place North
(one block east of Meridian in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood)