2025: Nos. 7 - 12

February reading roundup...

No. 7 - Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter:

No. 8 - It's Not Hysteria by Karen Tang:

No. 9 - A Batter of Life and Death by Ellie Alexander:

No. 10 - Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander:

No. 11 - The Crash by Freida McFadden:

No. 12 - A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham:

:)

Cheesy, Theater Date Night

Back at Christmas, we had a fun, story-filled visit with Brad's cousin, Deborah. She told us she was was playing the lead in the upcoming production of Arsenic and Old Lace at Pentacle Theatre.

So last week, we bought tickets and planned a date night in Salem!

First stop: cheese samples and dinner at Don Froylan Creamery. I recently heard about their award-winning cheese - and their quesadilla bar! 

Giant ball of Oaxaca cheese right inside the door!

After sampling the cheeses, I picked a nachos with Oaxaca and guacamole - and horchata:

Brad ordered a burrito with chipotle Aserado - and a strawberry Jaritos:

It was all so good! We were way too full to have ice cream or shakes for dessert. Next time for sure!

The place was also covered in rainbow and BLM stickers! Definitely try this next time you're in Salem.

Then we drove to Pentacle, which is in a gorgeous wooded setting west of town.

We still mask in crowds - for our health and the health of our community.

It's a very intimate theater.

Cousin Deborah!

It was such a fun play! We really enjoyed the performers, the script, and the set. Nicely done, Deborah!!!! 💕

Hawks win!

Brad scored another set of Winterhawks tickets from work!

I've had a Hawks jersey since high school. When they changed the logo, I retired my beloved jersey. Brad bought me this shirt several years ago - so glad I'm getting to wear it!

Great seats for the rivalry game vs. Seattle:

It was kids' night, and the place was packed with enthusiastic kiddos! We were sitting next to a group - and the kids had thundersticks (and little parental supervision). The people in front of us were less than enthusiastic. I wondered why you'd come to kids' night and then complain about the children! (There were tons of empty seats they could have moved to!)

Hawks win!

Brad won tickets to another game in March! Can't wait 😁🏒

Year of Hiking 2025: Nos. 1 - 4

For the sixth year in a row, I'm doing the 52-Hike Challenge: 

A hike challenge where you will gain physical fitness, mental well-being, make new friends, explore new places, and connect with family, friends and yourself through nature.

I use it as a prompt to get outside more - and explore new places. My own personal rules: I count unique trails/routes and each has to be at least 1 mile.

January started off strong. Can't wait to see what the rest of winter brings!

No. 1 - Tryon Creek State Park, Jan. 1:

No. 2 - River View Natural Area, Jan. 12:

No. 3 - Cooper Mountain, Jan. 19:

No. 4 - Kelly Butte Natural Area, Jan. 31:

Let's GO!

2025: Nos. 1 - 6

January reading roundup...

No. 1 - Lies She Told by Cate Holahan:

No. 2 - Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry:

No. 3 - Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke:

No. 4 - If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo:

No. 5 - The Inmate by Freida McFadden:

No. 6 - A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander:

:)

Let's Play Hawkey!!

Brad won Winterhawk tickets through his company's raffle, so Thursday was date night for us!

The Winterhawks hold a special place in our hearts: Our first date was a game in 1994!

I was glad the game was in the Coliseum, because Hawks games in the Rose Garden are just not the same! And in case you're wondering if they've upgraded the seats in the Coliseum...

They have not! 🤣

I've never sat this close to the ice... what a treat!

The game got off to a slow start, but the goals began racking up in the second period. We ended up winning 5-2.

The game was so fun - and full of nostalgia for me. I used to go to games with my dad when I was a kid. The game was fast-paced and high-scoring, and the players were very amped... LOTS of fights! (Including a big one after the final buzzer)

My only disappointment: They don't play the Zamboni song anymore 😭😭😭

What a fun night ❤

Congrats, Joseph, Esme, and Aleks!

Right before Winter Break, a handful of my students finished their requirements and graduated high school!!!

Congrats, Joseph!! 

Congrats, Esme!!

Congrats, Aleks!!

I am so incredibly proud of each of you! 💚🎓