The Creative Salad

Every Friday, David and a group of guys from work go on mountain bike rides. Recently they have gone on two night bike rides up Mount Saint Helena. The route that they have taken is more of an endurance ride than anything else and David noticed it was much easier for him the second time around. I think it’s so cool that they ride by the moonlight (and their headlamps on the way down). Pretty cool pictures!

After weeks of morning fog and clouds in the sky, yesterday we had our first rain of the season. It started raining Wednesday evening and continued through most of yesterday. Suddenly, in the afternoon, the sky cleared and I headed out on a walk. The freshly rained smell was heavenly — not as special to me as the smell of rain in the desert, but lovely nonetheless. Already, green grass is popping up all around, leaves are changing colors, and fall is on its way.

We’ve also recovered from our first head-colds of the season. I plan to stock up on zinc lozenges and throat tea for the coming months. This weekend we plan to hit REI during their fall sale — gotta buy David a rain coat and get me some warmer running clothes. It’s rather nippy in the mornings!

In response to the change in the weather, I’ve revisited my morning cup of tea ritual. I love savoring something warm first thing in the morning. I am hoping to break myself of my English breakfast tea addiction soon and branch out in a more herbal infusion direction. Any recommendations? What are your favorite types of tea?

Lately I’ve been working on all sorts of fun projects: several beading projects (mostly necklaces and bracelets—see the in progress stretchy and sparkly bracelet at left), a fuzzy mohair-merino scarf (the perfect fall project), and a small quilting project with fabric by Amy Butler. I’ve had such a good time sitting at my desk, with classical music or a Robert Jordan book on CD in the background, totally absorbed in my project. The hours fly by and I feel like I am accomplishing something practical, while having fun. I like focusing on a “me” project every now and then. I think it’s important. (And I certainly never had time for them in Colorado!)

Today David and I went for an awesome hike up Mount Saint Helena. We hiked through the forest up to the fire road where David night-biked with a bunch of guys from work a couple weeks ago. We then continued upwards and saw some beautiful views of the Napa valley. (I still feel so amazed by the beauty of northern California!) Afterwards we hit Taylor’s Refresher for lunch and milkshakes. I really love those walks that end with treats!

I’ve also recently begun revamping my tribute to Audrey Hepburn page. Check back for more updates over there in the coming weeks.

We had a fantastic time with David’s aunt and uncle last weekend. We visited four wineries and tasted countless first-rate wines, ate at two phenomenal restaurants in the Napa Valley, toured around, saw some giant redwood trees, and had a relaxing, fun time together. David even went to the Eagles game in San Francisco with Michael and had a blast! (Wonders never cease.)

This upcoming week Christana and I plan to hit another museum in San Francisco for free and I have several web projects to finish up. In the meantime, I’ve added more pictures to our Summer in California 2006 photo gallery. Enjoy!

For the first time in about 15 years, David has short hair!

We both love it!

I was surprised by how different he looks. I continually stared at his hair all weekend trying to get used to it and, let me tell you, it drove him nuts! :) I also took lots of pictures. Anyhow, I think he looks super hot!


We had a really fun and relaxing weekend: spent Saturday up in Healdsburg with Christana and Richard and yesterday afternoon at the beach! Also did lots of errands and cleaning — David’s aunt and uncle are visiting us this week!