The Nature

So, I know that there is nature in LA, people go there to hike and get in touch with themselves, but I just don't get there to much. And I have really wanted to go day hiking in the northwest, so I could see a different, greener, more dense type of forest and- wow- I was not disappointed. We went to Multnomah Falls, just across the Columbia River from Washington. I mean, really, all I kept saying to my friend was "wow, this is like a movie..."- it was surreal and beautiful- see for yourself... (yeah, in that picture below with the dime, look closely- those little white things are mushrooms! crazy!)






Portland Days

I try to get away every November to do something fun and relaxing that isn't 100% related to work...just for a little break. A couple weeks ago, I went back to Portland to stay with my friend Jill...It was great, as always! I love going there- a little rain, some clouds, also some sun... some hail, too! We went all over town, to some shops (see Ink & Peat below) and, of course, lots of food- yum. This year, we had two goals- first was to use some of Jill's home-grown veggies to make pumpkin muffins and an amazing gratin with yams and Swiss Chard. The second goal was to see "The Nature"- that is a whole separate post, because it was so beautiful and amazing. I had a great time and love love love the Northwest- thanks Jill, as always, for making it great.










Idyllwild

We went up to a cabin in Idyllwild with a group from church a couple weeks ago. It was amazingly beautiful- so much of the beauty of autumn. The cabin we stayed was also just perfect for the weekend- it had so many original items from years ago that I had to take some pictures...