That oh-so-beautiful mountain.

For five days last week, Susie and her BF, Matt, came to visit. They were great house guests and we had an excellent time sharing our piece of Seattle with them. We went to some of the standard tourist haunts (like the postcard-perfect Kerry Park) and also to some neighborhood hang-outs. We spent Sunday wandering the markets before it started to rain. Fortunately, they're both into playing games, so we hit Rock Band to create another mythical band, Beaver Fever (see marmot inspiration below).

Saturday was by far the best day of their visit, though. We woke early to a beautiful, sunny day and drove two hours south to Mt. Rainier National Park. We took an incredible hike, up and back down the Skyline trail. The trail climbed an elevation of nearly 2,000 feet and was a good workout. Closer to the bottom, we worked our way through wildflower fields that kept me stopping for photos. As we ascended higher, we found ourselves closer and closer to glaciers and amidst rocky fields. There was even snow along the way (snow angels!). The sky was so clear that Mt. Adams and St. Helens were off in the distance (and Susie got a massive sunburn!).

Besides drinking in the many amazing views, we were stoked to finally see a marmot! We didn't just see one... we saw eight. Marmots look like a cross between a beaver and a Himalayan cat (they have real puffy tails). They are so cute that I could have stuffed one right in my pocket. There was also a mountain goat lingering in the distance, blending in to the snow he rested in. It was a treat... and we were glad to finally share the experience with our visitors!


A beautiful valley to start our hike...


Wildflowers!


Matt hearts Mt. Rainier!


Up 2,000 feet higher--less grass, more rocks.


Susie at the high point of our hike.


Hiking through snow.


Susie, the snow angel.


Mt. Adams in the distance.


Stellar's Jay

And, Marmots!!!

So funny, it's true.

We went to a "super secret" comedy show last night where we thought we might see the likes of David Cross or Janeane Garofolo. While they didn't show up, we were treated to some lesser known names including a rather large fella originally hailing from Chicago. Although I can't remember his name, he told a joke that stuck with us. He relocated from Chicago to the Oregon Coast and gave us a comparison of how they differ. He said:

"When I was living in Chicago, I was like 'Oh, s*#@! There's a cop! Oh, s*#@! There's a crackhead! Now that I live on the coast, I'm like 'Oh, s*#@! Blackberries are in season!"

We can totally relate. But, there are a lot of crackheads here, too.

Want free art?

One of my girlfriends, Annie, recently started her own business painting scenes with monograms over them. They are great for kiddos. She's holding a contest until next Tuesday, September 2, for a free painting. If you visit her blog and submit a comment or send an email with an idea for a new theme, she might choose you to win the free painting. Here's the link:

http://www.pennypickles.net/penny_pickles/blog.html

They're super cute, so give it a shot! =)

Etsy jewelry picks: chocolate and aqua love.

So, I caved and actually purchased one of my picks--the blackberry necklace. I'm looking forward to receiving it so I can bake a couple of pies and look stylish while doing so. =) Here are some chocolate and aqua picks that I'm drooling over now...


If I could wear earrings, these porcelain beauties would be on my lobes.


I could easily settle for one of SofiaMasri's lovely pendants instead. And they come in a variety (!) of colors.


A lovely vintage piece from luxedeluxe.


Honey drops from UnaOdd.


Another yummy pendant (and great color combo!) from UnaOdd.

Visitors ahead.

Getting ready for a nice long weekend with Susie and Matt visiting. We'll be back after Tuesday!

The Amazing Race 13.

The new season of The Amazing Race starts on 9/28! Whoop! They announced the contestants today. Oddly enough, the CFO for Comic-Con is in one of the chosen pairs. I'm personally liking the looks of the nerdy, ginger-balled frat boy myself. Click here for more...

Sure, S and I probably should have submitted our application, but hey. Maybe next time?

Snow Lake.

We took a pretty sweet hike with Nathan on Saturday. It wasn't too long (six miles), but gained 1800 feet in elevation. Throw in weather in the high 90s... and the hike was bit of a challenge going up. But, after 2.5 hours, we arrived at Snow Lake.


A rocky climb.


Beautiful subalpine wildflowers.


Picnicking with a sweet chipmunk.


The gorgeous view from the top...


H&S at Snow Lake.


A special treat: meeting a pika along the way. He was tiny and adorable!


Heading back down with Nathan through an area affected by a rock slide...

It's already that time again!

Seems like the season just ended (it was only late May!), but Chelsea already kick off again today. The past two years have finished with a spot in second place, so this has to be the year. C'mon Chelsea!!!

Etsy jewelry picks: The Blues.

In celebration of the impending soccer season and our love for all things Chelsea (aka "the Blues"), I've chosen a few pieces that could totally glam up my game-watching attire. Edited to add: And... isn't it convenient that these colors also apply to our two other favorite teams: the Cubs and Colts!


Oh how I love thee, pennyglassgirl. Seriously, how is this only $20? I love her color combos and could easily eat up half of her items.


VerreEncore's lovely enamel piece. Matching earrings are available for those who wear them, too!


Mmm, cornflower from mudandmint.


Fun and modern (and reverses to lime green) from OrangePeelEnamel here in Seattle.

A weekend by the sea (or sound).

We spent last weekend across Puget Sound near Port Orchard, a town apparently known for a 1979 bowling massacre and current day meth problems. Fortunately, we saw nothing of the sort! Our little beach house was a delight and we relaxed with the water right outside our back door. We spent our time playing "kick around", retrieving the soccer ball from water landings via a provided canoe, drinking beer and "juice", eating great home cooked meals, and exploring a nearby state park and local farmer's market. Each morning, bald eagles and herons were fishing right outside our window. Saturday morning, there were three eagles all circling at once. That was pretty incredible to wake up to.


This says it all!


Just after we arrived to the house and its amazing deck...


A fishing heron on Saturday morning...


Our little house sat on a little patch of land as the tide went in and out.


A family of geese came to visit.


A late afternoon canoe journey.


Paul & Maria: aww.


Mr. Wise Guy heads a ball while holding onto his beer.


Paul & Jason on a drunken excursion to retrieve a ball later in the evening.


And a beautiful sunset to finish off the day...

Etsy jewelry picks: heavy metals.

More Etsy jewelry picks follow... this time, I chose a few metal pieces for your impulse buying satisfaction.


This pendant intrigues me. Chocolate & Steel will custom make one with your "favorite year". Seems like it would be a real conversation piece...


One of the many beautiful botanical pieces from Elizabeth Scott.


Playful bowtie from locallibrary.


What an adorable necklace... and it's on sale!

No clearance.

I had a follow up with the doctor yesterday. Instead of getting clearance to start rollerblading and driving again, he told me to hold off. He also recommended that I visit a physical therapist in order to get my brain working in conjunction with the rest of my body again. This concussion thing is way more complicated than I ever could have imagined! Fortunately, my short term memory is almost completely restored, but my equilibrium and ability to concentrate are still recovering.

On a happier note, we are going on a "Chelsea retreat" this weekend. =) We're crossing the waters to stay in a beach house with soccer-loving friends in tow. We're looking forward to a bit of down time before a crazy August takes hold.