Sunday, May 31, 2009

Belle

To Belle,
My kitty who was oh so sweet and fine
Sad that we were reunited for such a short time
You used to sleep on my pillow
And would always come to say 'Hello'
Now, I miss your life-force in my place
and I miss your tiny furry face




RIP, dear Belle. You are loved and missed. Thank you, Eric W., for being there for me. 4/15/09

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Business Time in LA

This past week, I spent two nights in LA doing some training for work. Though the training itself was unremarkable, it's nice that it feels like it gives me a little bit more job security in these hard economic times. The hotel I stayed in was very swank (not sure I fit in wearing my pig tails) but comfortable with close beach access. The most memorable part of the trip, though, was laying down in the sand and staring at the ocean while listening to some of my favorite tunes. I have not had the chance to visit the West coast since my return to the States until now. I also rode the irresistible roller coaster on the Santa Monica Pier.




My ride

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Working the Winery

Memorial Day weekend is a big weekend for wineries in the area as their doors are opened wide, drawing in crowds of people who fancy a taste or two...or ten. My sister works for this great little winery, Ken Wright Cellars, that produces truly fabulous Pinot Noir wines. So through her, I had the opportunity to 'volunteer' my time to help out for the weekend. I use the term 'volunteer' loosely, as I was handsomely rewarded with some of their very tasty wine to take home. My work consisted of greeting people as they came in, checking ID's and accepting payment. However, the weekend is most memorable for the quality time my sister and I got to spend together and for the new, really cool friends I made.



Come one, come all




That's the good stuff




Glasses patiently waiting to be filled with that fiery liquid




My adorable sister and I being sisterly

Monday, May 18, 2009

Mt. St. Helens Summit

A couple of weekends ago, I was reunited with my climbing friends for a group ascent of Mt. St. Helens. I've climbed to the summit of St. Helens twice before in years past, but never on the unmelted snow of the longer winter route and never before in a skirt. Yes, that's right. A skirt! It was Mother's Day weekend and it is tradition to climb that weekend in something with a swish.

The climb itself proved strenuous, almost 6000' of elevation gain. Amazingly, all 17 of us managed to mostly stay together and travel at a good pace at 1000' per hour. Needless to say, celebrating ensued upon reaching the crater rim with high-fives, sips out of the flask, and taking in the view of the surrounding mountains and the steaming lava dome.

Personally, it was great to hit the trail again with my climbing crew. I missed climbing with them last season immensely and am extremely happy to have the chance again.




17 hearty souls setting out on a summit climb at 5:30 a.m.




Climbing the ridge-line...




...and still more climbing




Taking a break while enjoying the view of Mt. Adams




Mr. Ice Man....he forgot his dress




Josh, Bob and Daniel (my former 2007 Mt. Hood summit rope team) looking dainty for the climb




K giving a high-five as she reaches the crater rim




A summit celebration




The steaming lava dome




Glissading down almost 4000'!!




17 hearty souls resting on the warm pavement and drying out after a good day's climb

Re-enter the Blogger

Well, what can I say? I've missed blogging. I've missed organizing my thoughts and my photos to share with those I care about. I found it to be a great positive outlet and one more way to connect with those far away from me. So with all that being said, I hope you enjoy.