Friday, August 16, 2013

Off to Tahoe!!



We're unplugging and heading to Tahoe for two weeks for some much-needed R&R.... Talk about "what feeds my soul." Tahoe is it!! My mom brought this adorable "happy vacation" card over last night. I love it! It sets the tone for kicking back and relaxing. Don't you think? One of my first stops after we settle in will be to get my toes painted... blue, pink, rainbow? I don't know!! 

I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

xoxo.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Savoring Summer Celebrations!


After shipping Sofia off to various camps the last few weeks so I could focus on Obliteride, I wanted to enjoy a fun, unscripted morning with her today, before she headed off to gymnastics camp for the afternoon. Geoff reminded me on his way out the door to "go with the flow" and enjoy the morning. Enjoy we did! 
 
Sofia woke up rested and happy after a big weekend, which was nice. I never know what I'm going to get! After saying good morning, she exclaimed "Today is Sharky's 4th birthday." Sharky is her adorable, child-sized stuffed great white shark that she sleeps with, among many other "pets!" I made her day when I asked her if she wanted to have a birthday party for Sharky. She's like me, she loves any excuse to celebrate! 

We decided to make pancakes, which are a big treat in our house. She requested extra special heart-shaped pancakes that we colored red, orange and Tahoe turquoise! She dressed Sharky up in a rainbow-colored tunic, and the three of us donned party hats. And we made Sharky a giant birthday card. We even sang Happy Birthday to Sharky! Oh yes we did. Cha cha cha!! 

I'm relishing these moments and also trying to catch my breath and savor summer. I hope to share some highlights from Obliteride weekend soon. 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Greetings from my Garden


Hi friends! I've been really, really busy working on an exciting project called Obliteride to help END CANCER at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center! Obliteride weekend kicks off tonight with a big party at Seattle's iconic Gas Works Park. I'm thrilled the weekend is finally here. I've been so busy promoting Obliteride and writing their blog that I haven't had much time for my own, and I've missed it. I hope to get back to writing more after a much-needed vacation in Tahoe after Obliteride!

In the midst of the craziness, every day I make time to tend my flowers. Watering my small garden every day brings me peace and calm. Here I share some my hydrangeas that seem to change color weekly. I also had a little fun with instagram and my favorite new app, PicFrame, for making photo collages! It kind of amazes me that I can get this great of photos with my iPhone. Love it! Hope you do too.



This one isn't from my yard - I snapped it on my walk in my neighborhood yesterday. The huge bush of lime green blooms grabbed my attention.

 

What's blooming in your hard? Hope to be back soon!


Friday, August 2, 2013

Dinner Club - Out!


Last night, our dinner club got together for a cruise. From Lake Union, we putted through Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut to Lake Washington, then headed east to our final destination, Kirkland.

Our hosts Peter (aka Captain Stubing) and Carly (aka Julie McCoy) were hoping for sunnier skies and smoother water (it was Aug.1 after all)... but we had a great time anyway! We had beer and wine and yummy cheeses, figs and crackers on the boat on our way to dinner at Milagro Cantina. Yep, Mexican theme again! I told you it's our favorite! 

Mark insisted on me taking a picture of him with three drinks in his hands again (see last post!). I think it's becoming his signature pose!



I followed his lead and kept things "classy" with a swig of rose right out of the bottle!



In all seriousness, it was a delicious bottle of Vihno Verde Rose. I had never had it before. It was light and effervescent. Pretty bottle too.



Oh geez, I can't believe I didn't get one picture of our captain in the boat. But I did get a cute picture of my hubby at the wheel! I think he liked it!



We spent a good bit of time talking about the upcoming Obliteride, as all of the guys on board are riding 50 miles next weekend! I love Carly's arm party, here.


Once again, Mark is hamming it up for the camera! I think he liked his fajitas! My shrimp tacos were delicioso!


Finally, here's our captain. I think he liked his tacos too!



It was fun to get out of our hood and over to the other side of the Lake. Although only a few miles separate our neighborhood from Kirkland, it feels like a world away and a true adventure. Thanks Capt. Peter and Carly for taking us out. I wonder what kind of adventure we'll have next time we are together.

Cheers friends!