Rainy Day/Winter Fun

Are you allergic to water?

Are you allergic to snow?

I didn't think so.

I love getting outside no matter what the weather has in store for me

Wind, Rain, Snow, Excessive Heat

as long as you're prepared, you can have a great time out there!

Here I am on December 18th, 2010

taking a break from kayaking in Newport Bay, CA

between the Coast Guard Beach and the Jetty

enjoying a little rain after playing in the wind and waves by the jetty

Don't let a little rain, wind, or snow stop you

from enjoying The Great Outdoors

Here are some more of my favorite pics

from cold/stormy/wet/snowy adventures

This is me enjoying my first real winter

(far from the warm winters of Los Angeles, CA)
on lake Taneycomo in Branson, Mo

I love warm and fuzzy hats
especially when they cover my ears!
: )

One thing I don't enjoy is being cold

but that can easily can be taken care of with the right clothing

Once I get moving
the kayak gets pretty toasty.

But be warned
if you decide to go kayaking in super-cold weather
wear Gortex/something waterproof
It's not the threat of falling in or getting rained on
that you need to be worried about
It's the possibility of sitting in soggy pants
because the condensation that collects on the inside of the kayak from your body heat mixing with the kayak sitting in cold water can create some really drippy-drawers.
Eeeew!
: /

This is me one NYE on Santa Cruz Island
enjoying some bubbly and treats after hiking all day in the rain

It cleared up just long enough to snack for about an hour
Enough time to take some silly pictures, and laugh at a huge crow
that flew off with a WHOLE wedge of triple cream brie
which weighed about a 1/2lb

I figured it would be a good thing to pass the time by taking silly pictures

I was in good company
20 year Tawny and some Bubbly

2nd night

still raining

What the heck

more snacks and more bubbly

Cheers!

Here I am on San Miguel Island

enjoying a super drizzly, super windy, ranger-lead hike to see the Elephant Seals

 

I'm right here, in the back

wearing the super-sexy outfit with the backpack, high socks and the skirt

; )

This is one of my all time favorite pictures

because it was taken on one of my all-time favorite adventures

backpacking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii

I look very happy here

because I was lucky enough to be able to pitch my tent

before the next really bad storm hit.

This was my first backpacking trip ever!
Here's an incredible quick google aerial video of the trail

: )

However

it turns out that I was there during the worst storm

Kauai had experienced since Hurricane Iniki.

This trip is responsible for changing my perspective
on my personal expectations, acceptance, pride, ability, and respect.

I encourage you to get outside
Embrace a little discomfort.
Face a fear.
Live.
Enjoy!
: )

Sweet Surprises Make Me Want to Bake Sweet Treats!

Every day should be a journey.

Tuesday, September 21st, marks the beginning of a new and wonderful journey that I am thrilled to share with Mister Andrew Calasanz.

The Man who has made so many of my dreams come true.

He is the most wonderful friend, passionate partner, and athletic inspiration.

He has provided me the love, respect, and security

to live our dream of a healthy, happy, and active life.

We have our small edible garden and an amazing kitchen where I can experiment with all the beautiful ingredients mother nature provides for us.

I am so proud to be the woman behind such a wonderful man and to have such a wonderful man who is willing to eat all the "experiments" that come out of our kitchen.

This is the beginning of an edible journey that I am happy to share with whomever is interested.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 21st

Baked Plums with Brandy, Brown Sugar, Ginger, and Lime. 

I baked some plums drowned in a bit of Brandy, Sugar in the Raw, Chopped Raw Ginger, and a squeeze of lime.
I browned butter and pie crust in the bottom of ramekins.
I filled the ramekins with the plums,

placed pie crust cut-outs on top, then sprinkled with sugar.
I baked till crust was crispy enough...I would have waited longer but I really wanted to eat one.

No, there is no recipe.

As with 99% of the treats you'll see here, I become inspired by what's in my fruit bowls, vegetable drawers.

I sniff, touch, and taste till I am satisfied.

I encourage you to do the same.

These sweet little treats were inspired by the wonderful surprise my wonderful man bestowed upon me at 6am that morning.

No, not a little box...I didn't even see that till after the surprise, since he happened to be wearing it before he gave it to me.

: )

I take even worse pictures of beautiful gifts.

Aquamarine and diamonds set in Platinum.

Everything I asked for and given to me by the Most Wonderful Man I Know.

: )