Alaska Range Sheep Hunt - 2009

We're back from our trip to the AK Range and we got a sheep! If you want to see the full album of pics we have from the trip, and weren't on the original email, shoot me an email and I'll get the link for you.

The First Tomatoes!

I harvested our first tomatoes last night! We have five different varieties growing in containers in our back yard. From the upper left: beefsteaks, romas, an heirloom tomato called a 'Zebra', cherry tomatoes, and yellow grape tomatoes. Yummy!

Lemon Rosemary Pickled Green Beans

Anna gave me a package of tri-color pole beans for Christmas this year and they're finally starting to produce (I planted them late, so they're a little behind!) This past weekend I was able to make our first harvest off of the plants - here's a shot of them - they're so beautiful!

Because Thor & I are headed to Alaska at the end of this week I decided to pickle them instead of trying to eat them all fresh. I used a recipe that came from the Sauvie Island Organic website. Here's a picture of the finished product (not a great shot, I know - but they actually look really neat!) and the recipe is below. I can't wait to try them this winter and see how they turn out! Hopefully I can talk Thor into learning how to make a good Bloody Mary to try these with (he's always up for the challenge of mastering a new mixed drink!)

Lemon-Rosemary Pickled BeansRecipe

Adapted from Emerill Lagasse, www.foodnetwork.com

Notes: The green and yellow bean varieties work equally as well. Emerill Lagasse uses this pickled green bean recipe as a condiment for a Bloody Mary, and they are absolutely delicious straight from the jar.

2 pounds beans

4 sprigs fresh rosemary

4 cloves garlic, peeled

4 (3-inch) strips lemon peel

2 1/2 cups water

2 1/2 cups white wine vinegar

3 tablespoons pickling salt

2 tablespoons sugar

Sterilize 4 pint-sized jars and their lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Evenly trim the ends of the green beans to fit the jars. Divide and pack the green beans, rosemary, garlic, and lemon peels among the jars.

Bring a large pot or canner of water to a boil.

In a medium pot, combine the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Ladle the hot mixture into the jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth, affix the lids and seals, and seal tightly. Process the jars in the hot water bath for 15 minutes. Carefully remove with tongs and set aside to cool. Let sit in a cool, dark place for at least 3 weeks before opening. Yield 4 pints.

L3's Petal Dress

This past weekend was my friend, Michelle's, baby shower. Michelle is having a little girl, and they affectionately refer to her as 'L3' right now since they're keeping her name a surprise until she is born.
Michelle made a sweet dress for her niece, Anja, so I borrowed the pattern and made this little petal dress for L3. It's the 6-month size and it looks HUGE! I have a hard time believing she will ever fit into it. The name of the pattern is Petal Dress & Hat Pattern and it's from Sew Baby.

Here are a couple shots of the dress I sewed up last week!

Packrafting with Megan & Sarah

Two weeks ago when we were having the big heat wave we took our friends, Megan & Sarah, packrafting on the Lower Clackamas. Here they are at the start of the float before they got wet.

Megan, posing for the camera. (She's a sports model, can you tell?)

The approach to the last rapid of the day.

Sarah & Megan running a rapid at the bottom of the float. Dang water drop is blocking most of Megan!

Me paddling through the same section of water.

Short Track #7 - 2009 - Season Finale!

Last week was the final night of Short Track for the season. The last night always includes a team relay and Thor biked the first leg of our 10-person relay team. He made the first few seconds of the relay video! Here's the link: http://vimeo.com/5332811 He's the rider in about 3rd place with the brown shirt, green shorts, and blue/red/white helmet on. Yay Thor!

The last night also meant it was awards night for the series - and I ended up in third place overall in the U-35, Cat 2 women's category. Here's a couple of shots of me on the podium getting my medal.

From the left: Lindsay Kandra (2nd), Brooke Mcdermid (1st), Me!

Me, goofing around with my award.

Thor & I post race - check out Thor's awesome helmet hair!

My friend, Lindsay, and I after our trip to the podium.

Thor and I are already looking forward to Short Track season next year!