Have you ever heard of an event called the “Big Hurt”?  I hadn’t till recently and now I know why it has earned that name!  It is a grueling 4 leg race beginning with 16.5 miles of mountain biking, followed by 3 miles of ocean kayaking, 30 miles of road biking and ends with a 10k run.  Participants can race solo in Iron Division or as a relay team of 2-4 persons in the team division.   The Big Hurt originated in Port Angeles, Washington in 1997 and was an annual event until 2004.  It was resurrected this year to the delight read more….

Prosciutto Sage Chicken Skewers are delicious and one of those “never fail” recipes.  That is my favorite kind of recipe….there are no worries regardless of who is coming to dinner!  The prosciutto adds so much flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.  These skewers make great leftovers so I always plan to make extra.  The preparation is very simple which read more….

We celebrated our oldest granddaughter, Rylee Joy’s “sweet 16th” birthday this weekend.  It’s hard to believe that it was 16 years ago today that I first held that precious little bundle in my arms.   The feelings I had on that day are forever etched in my heart and mind.  That sweet little bundle has grown into a beautiful young lady, on the inside and out.  I couldn’t be prouder!

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Port Townsend is a quaint little seaside town located on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula.  It is known for its historic charm and many Victorian buildings.  Port Townsend is surrounded on almost all sides by water which makes it the perfect place for The Wooden Boat Festival.  The festival is an annual event in Port Townsend that is visited by thousands from all over the world.  My husband, Mike and I have lived on the Olympic Peninsula for 10 years and have never had the opportunity to go to the festival.  This year we decided it was time to check it out!

As we arrived in Port Townsend we decided to take a detour when we saw a sign announcing “organic hard cider”.  We had never tasted “hard” cider and thought read more….

Snickerdoodles are soft, chewy “melt in your mouth” cookies.  There are no special ingredients needed for these cookies.  I normally have everything I need already in my pantry.  That makes them a great choice when I decide to make cookies at the last minute.  They require no mad dash to the grocery store! read more….

We have found two great games that include everyone when our family gets together.  These games have proven to be fun for all, from Connor our youngest grandson of 6, to the most mature folks, Mike and I!   This weekend was no exception.  I’m certain our neighbors must have heard the commotion!

Pit was the first game on our agenda.  This game has been around for a very long time, it was published in 1904!  Just to put that into perspective, the Wright brothers flew the world’s very first airplane the prior December. read more….

Here we go again….another bittersweet moment in my life.  From my experience it seems these moments usually involve my children.  If you are a parent or grandparent I’m sure you’re familiar with these moments.  They usually involve a great new adventure or phase in your adult child’s life.  The moments when you’re excited or maybe even bursting with pride and encouraging your son or daughter to “go for it”!  But, at the same time inside you is the pain of letting them go once again.  It’s so very true that you are a parent forever…your roles simply change.

My husband Mike and I have been very fortunate to have all three children and six grandchildren living within a few  hours proximity of us.   But, this weekend our son Nathan and his wife Naomi began their  cross-country move to Pennsylvania.  They will both be continuing their education there.  They are so anxious and excited about this new adventure and all they will learn and experience.  It is exciting to Mike and I as we listen to their plans.  Oh, to be young again!   We are now tracking their progress across the country much like Santa Claus is tracked on Christmas Eve. read more….

If you’re looking for a homemade granola recipe I think you may want to try this one for delicious Orange Pecan Granola.  It is great tasting served with milk or on yogurt.  My husband Mike loves it…he eats it by the handful.  This granola is very easy to make, stores well and makes a great snack for the grandkids. read more….

Every year  on the third weekend of July thousands of people converge in the small city of Sequim, Washington for the annual Lavender Festival.  It is harvest time for lavender and it is in full blossom…the fields are absolutely gorgeous!   It is a busy weekend with festivities both in downtown Sequim and at the many lavender farms.

Sequim is located in the Olympic rain shadow making it the perfect place to grow lavender.   The first lavender was planted in Sequim approximately 20 years ago and there are now dozens of lavender farms across the Sequim-Dungeness Valley.  Sequim has actually been nicknamed the “Lavender Capital of North America”!   I’ve included a link to a great article if you would like to learn more about Sequim lavender. read more….