The great grape event!

It was a rainy weekend in the Columbia Gorge this weekend and we have these out-of-control concord grape vines growing in our yard. So what's a girl to do on a weekend like this? CAN! This was my first attempt to can (or jar, in this case) anything in my life. So here it is...my first batch of Izzy's Organically Wild Concord Jam. I have to admit that I felt a little like Diane Keaton in the 1987 hit movie, "Baby Boom". Let's hope it sets right and doesn't turn into Grape Sauce.

ewww...that smell.

How to eradicate the smell of a decaying and stinky rodent in your house? There are a million opinions on the web...but the consensus is....
Wait it out. Gross. Thankfully, it's in the office and not in our bedroom or the kitchen.

Maine + husband = good

I am numb to Maine. Born and raised. It doesn't help that my job sends me to Maine every 6-8 weeks for work. But last week, I was in Maine with my husband and THAT made all the difference. It was only his 2nd time and seeing it through his eyes was fantastic. Here are some shots. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with us!

Checking in

It's been a long time since I blogged. Maybe because summer is zipping by and time in front of my computer is at a minimum. So here's a little update as to the goings' on with this step-mommy, wife, and traveler.

Update number 1: I got Lasik'ed! I am seeing better now than I have my entire life. I have 20/13 vision. Everyday I have to remind myself that this is really happening and that I don't have to take out my contact lenses tonight.

Update number 2: Our next vacation starts in about 5 days. Eric and I will be at the Felder Camp on Cobbossee Lake, Maine. We plan on eating lots of lobster, sailing, laking, beaching, hiking, and lounging. yesssssssssss.

Update number 3: Jace got his braces off and has been working his tail off this summer. He saved lots of money and we are so proud of him. The car shopping has officially begun. Within the next 90 days, my stepson will be the proud owner of his very first car. A late 90's Honda Civic hatchback, of course, with lots of bass, hot wheels and exhaust. (are you rolling your eyes, too?)

Update number 4: My big brother is getting married! Malcolm and Naoko are finally getting hitched this October in Chicago. We are really excited for them and can't wait to see how cool this wedding is going to be.

Well, I think that's it for now. I gotta go get my paddle-board on for the day. It's a calm day on the Columbia River and almost 100 degrees. Too hot to be on land!

Do I really need another sport?

YES!!! That's right and I am hooked. I love Stand-Up Paddling, also called SUP. I have done the snowboarding, skiing, windsurfing, surfing, mountain biking, and dirt biking. But this is it. It'll probably be the most expensive gear that I will own, but it's totally free after you purchase the board n paddle. I can just picture it now...me and my SUP board cruising around the pacific ocean, from Washington to Hawaii.

For any of you wanting to try it, look for a SUP class near you. Here's what you can do in the gorge. http://www.bigwinds.com/sup/faq/supper-club

Bingen to the Beach

We're back from 8 days in Gold Beach, Oregon. A FANTASTIC week of windsurfing contests, cook-outs, camping, hiking, and beach bonfires. I didn't want to leave.

CSA's and vacation take me away

My first week of my leave was a success. The reading has commenced. I am working on my tennis skills, I have started some home decorating projects, and Vit D intake is where it needs to be. A couple of exciting things happening this week. First, it's the beginning of our CSA season. If you don't know what a CSA means..it's Community Supported Agriculture aka Community Farm Sharing. So every Monday from now until October, we get a box of locally grown organic produce and fruit that was harvested that morning. It's from a delicious local farm called Dancing Moon Farms. I recommend checking into your local farms for your very own CSA. To keep the price down, we are splitting our load with another couple...since each box is enough to feed a family of 4 for the week.

The second exciting thing happening this week, is our annual trip to Gold Beach, OR. I absolutely LOVE this place. I think I have bragged about it in past posts. This year, it won't be such a sleepy little town, since the Wind Bash is back on. I can't wait to hit the road!!!