Raindrops On A Saturday Morn'...

Summer Time...

"Aaah Summer, I love thee so!"

These first two pics were taken during one of my (very slow at the moment) runs... I'm still on the juicing plan (it feels like juice is coming out of my ears!) so I don't have that much extra energy for running at the moment. I do feel more energetic however! {smile}

I've lost the four pounds I wanted and seem to be stuck at that weight right now. Oh well, my main reason for following this plan was to gain a more positive and healthy attitude towards my daily cooking. I'm planning more meals on the basis of vegetables and I also want to make a weekly (or maybe even a two weekly) meal planner to keep the stress out of things. We'll see how that goes, but that's the plan!  <wink>

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Last weekend we spent an afternoon of fun at the lake (Lake Washington) at a friend's house. The water was waaaaaay too cold (for me) to swim in, but both kids went in nevertheless. Master C. had his first lesson in water-skiing (he did awesome!) and afterwards he and Miss M. spent some time on the paddle boards. How glorious! Below are some impressions...

Mount Rainier

Miss M.

Master C.

So I've been loving my new I-phone and especially all the photo editing options. (as you can tell I sometimes go a little overboard with the effects!) I'm using the Snapseed app. I must admit the main camera is staying in its bag for now...

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So yesterday we had a little bit of a get-together with Little Bit's Tuesday Ladies (as we call ourselves) at one of the Ladies' house. On our way to her little barn next door, I spotted these two beauties and she said I could have them!!! We will bring the pickup truck to get them this weekend, Yay!

One of the horses she owns is a 31 year old mini- horse called Gem and he truly was a gem! How cute is he?!

OK, it is time for Miss M. and myself to go out into the Valley once again to do some Blueberry picking this morning, can't wait!  {smile}

Masticating Madness!

No, it is not what you're thinking!  <wink> Last week I have purchased this awesome masticating juicer: the Omega 8007. You can basically throw in anything and it makes juice out of it...

I've started  a juicing plan with Joe Cross (the free 15 day juicing plus plan) and am currently on Day 4 and still alive!  (Ha!) The first 5 day days you're still chewing (but only on veggies and fruit) and the next 10 days you live only on liquids. We'll see how that goes, but so far so good!

And just to be clear: no coffee, no dairy, no meat, no gluten etc, only veggies and fruit... (I want my cheese!!!)

The fun part is that my sister (at Pike Street) is doing it with me! We're keeping each other posted via 'whatsapp' and keep on sending each other tasty pictures of our juices and salads.

I definitely had some head aches on Day 2, but they have disappeared again and it does feel like I have some extra energy flowing through my body. (always a good thing right?)

The recipes have been surprisingly tasty, although I must admit that too many carrots in a juice is just not my thing... I will keep you posted on my progress...

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In the mean time I'm still spending some time on my knitting, although that has been put on the back burner a little bit, because of all the work and time the juicing is taking. Here is my "Lady Cardigan":

Mud, Mud, Mud!

Good cause shoe collection after the race for those who
didn't want to deal with the messy and smelly clean-up!

Ha, this past Saturday three friends of Miss M. participated in a Mud-Run right at walking distance from our house. (Remlinger Farms) The weather was absolutely fabulous: (it has been that way for the last two weeks or so, but today things are changing...) full on sunshine but also with a nice breeze.

I had never been to one of those races before (it is a 5k run through the mud and with many crazy obstacles on the way) and I have to tell you, my face was hurting from all the laughing!  {smile}

Great times!

Sunday was Graduation Day at our school and Mr. G. always has to hand out the diploma's etc. since he is Head of High School. I always attend since it is such a happy occasion. Next year it will be Miss M.'s turn to step on to the podium! (what???!)  <wink>

That was about it for now. I'm getting ready to spend a few hours at Little Bit again. The temperatures have been dropping a bit so I think some more layers of clothing are in order. See you later!  

PS: Today 25 years ago was the day that Mr. G. and I met each other for the very first time!!!! Look at how young we were... {smile}

Panorama's in The Valley....

Click! to enlarge....

We've been having indescribably delightful weather over here with lots of sunshine and excellent temperatures. (around 75F / 25C) Just perfect really! {smile}

Yesterday, after 2 1/2 hours of sun and dust and fun kids at Little Bit, I returned home via my favorite Cow Road (as we call it) and these were some of the views I encountered...

Some old barns and farms are always an extra bonus...

And this is what I had at the end of all that loveliness: a glass of Pastis! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Early Morning Knitting...

Look at my fabulous knitting spot this early morning! The sun is shining, it is nice and cool; just a perfect start to the day...

My cardigan is coming along nicely, just a few more (about 5) inches to go before I can start with the three-quarter sleeves. Taking my time...

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Last weekend we dug up our old French drain around part of our patio (by hand, I have touched every single rock in there!) and re-made the flower bed. It is looking mighty fine...

Salvia 'May Night' and Firebird Penstemon
(French drain on the right side of this picture....)

Salvia

Ribbon Grass 'Strawberries & Cream'

Beard-Tongue 'Red Riding Hood'

Today is Miss M.'s last day of finals and then the long summer holidays will be there. We haven't made any big plans, but definitely some smaller ones. It will be wonderful for sure...

Camilla