tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69866219215764597382024-03-14T11:50:29.349-07:00LifeCyclecircling back to a simpler lifeBrian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-25974702005476781312011-12-29T11:21:00.000-08:002011-12-29T11:24:19.650-08:00One Step Closer to Roughin' ItI grew up camping. Car camping. Every summer my dad would take a week off work and he, my mom, my two brothers and I would load in to the station wagon and head to the mountains or the ocean. I'm so thankful to my parents for those vacations because as I got older I learned that some people have never been camping. Also, as I got older I tried to make camping as comfortable as possible bringing many conveniences from home . All that has changed since my first bike camping trip, which really helped me learn to not overpack and bring only the necessities, the bare minimum, when camping.<br />
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Some people feel that car camping is not camping at all. To them camping means hiking in with a pack on your back and setting up camp where ever you feel like it. No designated camp spot. No fire pit. No porta-potty. No running water. Just the ground below, the sky above, and your essentials.<br />
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That type of camping has become more appealing to me over the past few years and for me, this trip that we went on in July was one step closer to that type of camping.<br />
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We drove up to Buck's Lake on a Friday after work, stayed in our car at a Pacific Crest Trailhead parking lot, then drove to Silver Lake in the morning and set up camp. Silver Lake does have designated camp spots but they are more remote than your typical campground. There are only 8 camp spots and the majority of them are spaced quite some distance apart. Each spot has a fire pit and a table. There are 'outhouses' but no running water.<br />
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After setting up camp, we packed our bags and went for a hike. When we returned we went for a walk around our camp, checking out our surroundings. Everything checked out ok (we saw no signs of any human eating wild animals) so I felt a bit more at ease. I've been living in the city far too long.<br />
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Camp....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Silver Lake on our way to the trail...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hike....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Climbing, climbing, climbing...nature's stair master.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Level ground. It was SO beautiful. And eerily quiet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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We found a little clearing near the edge of the ridge where we sat and ate lunch. It looked like someone had camped there recently.<br />
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Our view during lunch. Breathtaking. The lake in the far background is Silver Lake, where we started.<br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading back. It's all downhill from here...</div><br />
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The area around our camp...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Camp fun....</div><br />
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</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-9192094955902471852011-12-17T23:04:00.000-08:002011-12-17T23:09:15.022-08:00Summer memories ~ Rekindled Flame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We always try to go camping at least once during the summer. Some years we go only once, and some years we don't go at all. After taking that first trip this year, our love affair with camping was rekindled. We once again were in love with the crisp mountain fresh air, the clear sky, mountain fauna, wildflowers, fishing, campfires, and relaxing. People that like camping will say that it is relaxing, and I suppose in a way it is. But I actually think I do more while camping than while not. I hike hillsides to fetch wood for the fire, then chop it, and carry it back to camp. I go fishing, cook and clean. I am constantly busy when camping, but it's an enjoyable busy. This year's camping trips motivated Brian to seek out some additional axes to add to our camping gear. And to make us a wood carrier. The first picture is of both of those items. The others are of our second camping trip of the year at Deer Creek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The drive into the nearest town of Chester, CA takes about 30 minutes. The highway splits the Pacific Crest Trail, something that always catches our attention. We finally stopped, parked, and walked the trail a ways. Up to this point Brian and I had only fantasized about a back packing trip. We'd read stories of people who have hiked part, or all of, the PCT. I'm always so touched by people who have the courage for such a feat. In between the parking lot and the trail was a box of goodies left by a "trail angel". For some reason just seeing what's in the picture below brought tears to my eyes. There is something magical about back packing and trail angels, and apparently a desire to experience this magic myself. This whole experience led to a discussion between Brian and I about planning a back packing trip for our upcoming vacation in September. Even though it wasn't the trip we planned, we did go back packing. I'll share that trip in another post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjiosJu7lGw/Tu2Pmq_k6-I/AAAAAAAAA3A/MqBv7N1Se_4/s1600/2011-07-03+14.30.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjiosJu7lGw/Tu2Pmq_k6-I/AAAAAAAAA3A/MqBv7N1Se_4/s320/2011-07-03+14.30.20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-45316424158495064232011-12-09T23:51:00.000-08:002011-12-09T23:51:07.329-08:00Summer Memories ~ 1st Camping Trip of the YearWe went to Deer Creek in June for our first camping trip of the year. We fished, gathered and chopped wood, saw an Osprey for the first time. Saturday, we drove the 40 minutes to Mt. Lassen and there was still so much snow the road was closed after 10 miles in. We enjoyed this trip so much we went back 3 more times.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71wlTL-lbe0/TuMOBAbKAeI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/jjWkjXfew1I/s1600/2011-06-18+14.35.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71wlTL-lbe0/TuMOBAbKAeI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/jjWkjXfew1I/s320/2011-06-18+14.35.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxyjlin2J94/TuMOKdK2lyI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/BHale_Z8pKY/s1600/2011-06-19+07.13.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxyjlin2J94/TuMOKdK2lyI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/BHale_Z8pKY/s320/2011-06-19+07.13.09.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-84616734557672470982011-11-21T22:57:00.000-08:002011-11-21T22:57:21.832-08:00Summer Memories ~ Ride to Day on The FarmIn May, Edible Pedal organized a group ride to 'A Day on the Farm' at Soil Born Farm, a local, organic farm. The ride from Edible Pedal was approx. 15 miles, and mostly on the American River Bike Trail. Brian and I rode about 40 miles that day, and had a great time!<br />
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We spotted these wild turkeys right off the bike trail on our trip home. Had to stop and admire for a few minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL7sIDSGm1E/TstFTgIQyiI/AAAAAAAAAzo/Dw7bdTkKqjU/s1600/P5220765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL7sIDSGm1E/TstFTgIQyiI/AAAAAAAAAzo/Dw7bdTkKqjU/s320/P5220765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IDkM34gpGs/TstFVyA3GSI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Y21AY8FrVtk/s1600/P5220766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IDkM34gpGs/TstFVyA3GSI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Y21AY8FrVtk/s320/P5220766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-28837743959518380642011-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:002011-11-19T09:29:03.569-08:00trike progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gUmehu-Ik0/Tsfk1GL_LbI/AAAAAAAAAx4/GYAn-kShZV4/s1600/2011-11-13+16.08.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gUmehu-Ik0/Tsfk1GL_LbI/AAAAAAAAAx4/GYAn-kShZV4/s320/2011-11-13+16.08.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been getting a lot done on my trike project. Its almost finished except for a few small pieces that I need to make.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAAh8KHhEhs/Tsfk_PQjG4I/AAAAAAAAAyA/O2HdTcEm-YI/s1600/2011-11-13+16.09.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAAh8KHhEhs/Tsfk_PQjG4I/AAAAAAAAAyA/O2HdTcEm-YI/s320/2011-11-13+16.09.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I decided to go ahead and make a coroplast tailbox for it, Just need to make a lid and figure out how to hold it to the trike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZxadnBGUNs/TsflH53AItI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Z_IdaLBYN10/s1600/2011-11-13+16.10.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZxadnBGUNs/TsflH53AItI/AAAAAAAAAyI/Z_IdaLBYN10/s320/2011-11-13+16.10.08.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I'll be running 12v rear lighting that I made from some broken tail lamps out of various cars that I have worked on at my day job.Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-86726107127868801112011-11-10T06:22:00.000-08:002011-11-15T21:31:13.693-08:00Poler<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Poler is a pretty cool company making outdoor gear. I'm a big fan of the napsack, even though I don't have one yet. I'm not sure I would ever take it off. Check them out, <a href="http://www.polerstuff.com/">www.polerstuff.com</a>.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-14472524878203686642011-10-09T21:15:00.000-07:002011-10-09T21:15:33.835-07:00Electric assist cargo trikeI sold my car a couple months back, so Monica and I have been sharing her car and commuting on our bikes as much as possible. I've been trying to figure out the best option for me to live car free and be able to commute 40 miles per day. I've been riding an xtracycle with e-assist but its time for something more comfortable so I've been building this.....<br />
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The plan is to house the battery in the space behind the seat, below the top tube, and use the space on top of the tube for cargo, possibly build racks for panniers. The long term plans are to build a coroplast tail box and attach a front fairing.<br />
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This weekend I worked on the front steering booms and made the seat frame. The seat will be mesh fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-44647880425460628032011-05-08T22:10:00.000-07:002011-05-08T22:10:02.634-07:00Whole Earth FestivalFor the past 42 years UC Davis has held the Whole Earth Festival. It's an annual, weekend long event about 25 miles away from us. We went Saturday and saw Clan Dyken, walked around the vendor area (where we were motivated to make leather shoes and sew), ate, and became entranced by the drum circle and kept being pulled back to it. The whole event screams peace, freedom, love and makes me wish every day was a Whole Earth Festival.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This girl was very bendy and jingly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cob Making</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drum Circle Love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-33841191203994207052011-05-03T06:28:00.000-07:002011-05-03T06:28:23.808-07:00new cargo bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZvz21vKVtU/TcACVb7ITVI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/CDu_Gu74gOQ/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZvz21vKVtU/TcACVb7ITVI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/CDu_Gu74gOQ/s320/IMG_2367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ebBpjxq3g/TcACduOMoYI/AAAAAAAAAwU/NuwwP-70Zlk/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ebBpjxq3g/TcACduOMoYI/AAAAAAAAAwU/NuwwP-70Zlk/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've been working on a new cargo bike in my spare time. This one is built from two mountain bike frames, a broken pressure washer (the cargo platform), some new steel, and some scrap steel. I'm not happy with a few small things but overall its turning out pretty cool. I plan on using this for rolling advertisement for Carsick Designs. The bicycle film festival makes a stop here in a week and I'm hoping to have it on the road by then.Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-77648396538806644302011-03-29T23:04:00.000-07:002011-03-30T10:01:51.625-07:00Lazy Days of Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLoJtn0w7lA/TZLGLiTDcLI/AAAAAAAAAwE/i21OstVs6mM/s1600/P2260677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLoJtn0w7lA/TZLGLiTDcLI/AAAAAAAAAwE/i21OstVs6mM/s320/P2260677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Stretch......Yawn.....Stretch..... I'm slowly awakening from my winter hibernation. The shortened daylight and cold temperatures of winter took their toll on my motivation and desire to do anything but the temperatures are rising and the daylight hours have already extended. I'm so happy about this.<br />
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Sitting here late at night blogging, the only one up, I miss this. These past months, when the thought of writing a post crosses my mind I conclude I have nothing to write about. Which is still somewhat true but blogging is like most things. The more you do it the more you want to do it.<br />
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Something new that we've experienced lately is wild meat. We were given wild boar, elk, and deer from someone we know who hunts. The wild boar (a smoked slab, breakfast sausage and roast) went first and we had the elk steak tonight. First time I've eaten elk and I really liked it.<br />
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Looking forward to the lazy days of summer.<br />
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MonicaBrian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-73472890643738792652011-02-11T23:53:00.000-08:002011-02-12T07:59:52.007-08:00Cargo BikesBrian recently got a larger battery for his e-assist commuter xtracycle and is just about finished with the battery storage box. He's really been wanting an electric cargo bike and actually started building it today. Once the bike is built his new battery and hub motor will be transferred from the xtracycle to the new cargo bike. We'll post pictures of the progress soon.<br />
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One goal we are working towards is to, one day, be as car free as possible. We are hoping to each have an e-assist bike as a car replacement. Not just regular sized bikes, but some sort of load carrying or cargo bike. Here are just of few of the bikes Brian has found while spending countless hours searching the internet. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH3aysIZ7Cg/TVY1MdXPOnI/AAAAAAAAAv4/VbDsdSiizHE/s1600/yellowbullitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH3aysIZ7Cg/TVY1MdXPOnI/AAAAAAAAAv4/VbDsdSiizHE/s320/yellowbullitt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a Bullitt and can be found here <a href="http://www.larryvsharry.com/english/index.html">http://www.larryvsharry.com/english/index.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another great cargo bike site can be found here <a href="http://cetmacargo.com/CETMAcargoindex.htm">http://cetmacargo.com/CETMAcargoindex.htm</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These cool bikes pictured below can be found at <a href="http://www.metrofiets.com/">http://www.metrofiets.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been seeing more and more long bikes, xtracycles, but don't see cargo bikes here in Sacramento. Are there any cargo bikes roaming the streets where you live?</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-90666746216390656422011-01-11T23:08:00.000-08:002011-01-11T23:08:15.623-08:00Jerusalem Artichoke a.k.a. SunchokeOn a quick trip to our farmer's market on Sunday morning to by our favorite organic brown rice, we stopped by the one and only organic veggie vendor at our market. Since it was late, late morning their few tables were mostly empty save for a few bins of potatoes and Jerusalem Artichokes. I have never eaten a Jerusalem Artichoke. Never even seen one. I'd seen the name before but that's about it. After learning from the vendor that they are super easy to cook and great in soups we grabbed some. After all, we were planning on making soup.<br />
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We don't regularly patronize the Sacramento farmer's market on Sundays partly because there are not many organic farms that come here. There are, on a good day, about 5 but most of them sell one specific item. Rice (and almonds and almond butter). Apples. Oranges. When I said earlier we have one organic veggie vendor, I'm referring to one who sells a variety of vegetables. I'm sure if I took the time to talk with some of the farmers I'd maybe learn that they use organic methods but just aren't certified. But it's usually so crowded (another reason we don't regularly go) that I feel like a pinball in a pinball machine as I bounce off of people walking through the dang place which leaves me feeling not too chatty. So, we only go when we are on a mission for something specific. Get in. Grab it. Get out. Ding, ding, ding. Wizard Bonus!<br />
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Our favorite brown rice is one of those mission items. It comes from <a href="http://www.massaorganics.com/">Massa Organics</a> which isn't too far from Chico, CA and from where some of our relatives live. I'm so thankful they make the nearly 2 hour trek to Sacramento when they do. I wasn't too fond of brown rice until I tried theirs and now I'm hooked. I don't know what it is that's different about theirs but it's damn good.<br />
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The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke">Jerusalem Artichokes</a> ended up being good also. They are easy breezy and delicious. Simply wash with a scrub brush (no need to peel) then chop and cook. To me they taste EXACTLY like the heart of a cooked, fresh artichoke. The best part! And without having to deal with all the artichoke leaves! So, if you haven't tried them before, buy some the next time you see them (or seek them out). C'mon, live a little.<br />
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~ MonicaBrian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-26567320335427199202011-01-08T23:49:00.000-08:002011-01-08T23:49:31.429-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlnz24KyPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/8d9-AuNhwG4/s1600/P1080667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlnz24KyPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/8d9-AuNhwG4/s320/P1080667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We have a new bike shop in town owned by the guy who owns a food-delivery-by-bike business here in Sacramento. He has been participating in Second Saturday Art Walk. We went tonight and he had these vintage touring bikes on display.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlkm4B0ivI/AAAAAAAAAvc/SJjJf7f9PmM/s1600/P1080664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlkm4B0ivI/AAAAAAAAAvc/SJjJf7f9PmM/s320/P1080664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlktfeCl0I/AAAAAAAAAvg/_DHviM2df84/s1600/P1080665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlktfeCl0I/AAAAAAAAAvg/_DHviM2df84/s320/P1080665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlkxvUZt0I/AAAAAAAAAvk/dnXgkOxOKs8/s1600/P1080666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlkxvUZt0I/AAAAAAAAAvk/dnXgkOxOKs8/s320/P1080666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It was difficult getting pictures of the entire bikes because of the crowd of people but you can get the gist.<br />
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The owner offers bike valet, a safe place to leave your bike while patronizing the nearby restaurants and coffee shop (next door). He carries (and plans to only carry) local, handmade cycling caps, and bags including some Carsick Designs panniers. He has some big plans for his space and wants us to be a part of it which is super exciting. He is a big fan of bike touring and is talking about organizing touring classes to get more people involved.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlnrjXUc3I/AAAAAAAAAvo/uECIAarGaqA/s1600/P1080668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlnrjXUc3I/AAAAAAAAAvo/uECIAarGaqA/s320/P1080668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlnv87tPYI/AAAAAAAAAvs/EYENsUN8Qng/s1600/P1080669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TSlnv87tPYI/AAAAAAAAAvs/EYENsUN8Qng/s320/P1080669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-57332959544433904052011-01-01T01:07:00.000-08:002011-01-01T01:07:52.038-08:00It's 2011I don't care so much for New Year's celebrations (excessive drinking, gunshots, and illegal fireworks that misfire way to close to my house for comfort) or New Year resolutions. Every day is the beginning of a new year, really. Why wait to lose weight or save money or pay off debt until the New Year? Is it easier to measure time by starting something new on Jan. 1? Is it easier to look back on the previous year and be proud of accomplishments and think about ways to successfully accomplish the goals not achieved?<br />
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I do agree with the act of setting resolutions and a deadline to accomplish them. The thirst to learn and grow is extremely healthy and I hope my thirst is never quenched. My issue with New Year's resolutions is that people set themselves up for failure. People are pressured to set goals for themselves because that's what you are suppose to do, rather than being motivated from deep within. Another aspect to accomplishing a goal, in addition to setting a deadline, is taking the time to create a plan that addresses exactly what needs to be done to make it happen. I have a feeling isn't getting done by many New Year's Resolutionists.<br />
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To be forthright, I've never set a NYR and I can't recall ever knowing anyone that has, or at least that let me in on their secret. So maybe my take on NYR's is all a story I've made up to make myself feel better about the fear of failure and going against the norm.<br />
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One little word with so many different meanings....<br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;"><span class="orth" style="color: #3366cc; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">res·o·lu·tion</span> <span class="pron"><span class="symb" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">(rĕzˌə-lo͞oˈshən)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="pos" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">noun</span></span><ol class="sense" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-left: 1em;"><li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">A resolving to do something.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">A course of action determined or decided on.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion put before or adopted by an assembly such as the U.S. Congress.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><span class="italic" style="font-style: italic;">Physics & Chemistry</span> The act or process of separating or reducing something into its constituent parts: <span style="color: #226699;"><span class="italic" style="font-style: italic;">the prismatic resolution of sunlight into its spectral colors.</span></span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">The fineness of detail that can be distinguished in an image, as on a video display terminal.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><span class="italic" style="font-style: italic;">Medicine</span> The subsiding or termination of an abnormal condition, such as a fever or an inflammation.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><span class="italic" style="font-style: italic;">Law</span> A court decision.</li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><div class="sds-list" style="text-align: left; z-index: 0 !important;"><strong>a. </strong>An explanation, as of a problem or puzzle; a solution.</div><div class="sds-list" style="text-align: left; z-index: 0 !important;"><strong>b. </strong>The part of a literary work in which the complications of the plot are resolved or simplified.</div></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><span class="italic" style="font-style: italic;">Music</span><div class="sds-list" style="text-align: left; z-index: 0 !important;"><strong>a. </strong>The progression of a dissonant tone or chord to a consonant tone or chord.</div><div class="sds-list" style="text-align: left; z-index: 0 !important;"><strong>b. </strong>The tone or chord to which such a progression is made.</div></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">The substitution of one metrical unit for another, especially the substitution of two short syllables for one long syllable in quantitative verse.</li>
</ol>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-10778358300125562292010-12-08T22:28:00.000-08:002010-12-08T22:28:56.610-08:00Carsick Designs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TQB2ed29zNI/AAAAAAAAAvU/rsJzgC1v3GA/s1600/2010postcardfrontfinal-500x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TQB2ed29zNI/AAAAAAAAAvU/rsJzgC1v3GA/s320/2010postcardfrontfinal-500x336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We will have a booth at the Bazaar Bizarre in San Francisco this weekend, selling panniers, backpacks, and tool bags.Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-76040211229789900362010-11-13T20:39:00.000-08:002010-11-13T20:42:02.905-08:00Autumn bike commuting can be done<div>One thing I love about bike commuting is experiencing the transition from one season to another. I know winter is coming when I no longer wear my shorts and short sleeved shirt on my morning commute. I've learned that having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. When it comes to winter bike commuting for me that means long johns, wool socks, a wool long sleeved under shirt, my home made head band to cover my ears (made from the sleeve of a 2nd hand merino wool sweater) and some sort of wind breaker or rain jacket, depending on the weather. Or one of Brian's merino wool button ups that I've taken a liking to this year.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Wool has won my heart only within the past few years. I grew up hating wool. Having sensitive skin, just the thought of it made me itchy! But I've grown to love merino wool for active wear. It's warm when you need it to be and cool when you need it to be. It breathes and doesn't stink like synthetic active wear does. I do get a little itchy from the merino wool but it's only slight and it's only when cooling down after being hot and sweaty. And for me, the advantages far outweigh this little irritation that soon passes. If you are reluctant about wool as I was, start with something small, like socks to try it out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.</div><div><br />
</div>There have been quite a few occasions when I've thought "that would be a great picture" while commuting on my way to work. I've thought about carrying my camera with me but I'm usually running late so it's best that I don't. Brian took the camera with him this week. Here are a few pics he took.<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TN9UsvaD4GI/AAAAAAAAAvE/BYJUor6EzM0/s1600/P1010661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TN9UsvaD4GI/AAAAAAAAAvE/BYJUor6EzM0/s320/P1010661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">beautiful sunrise on a chilly, foggy morning commute</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TN9VHP_2teI/AAAAAAAAAvI/IGKEnssL-I4/s1600/P1010662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TN9VHP_2teI/AAAAAAAAAvI/IGKEnssL-I4/s320/P1010662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">even though traffic isn't so bad, riding is more fun than driving</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TN9WoKAmvfI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ZDjStOKi_ok/s1600/P1010661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TN9WoKAmvfI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ZDjStOKi_ok/s320/P1010661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">checking to see how visible the bike is</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A cyclist stopped Brian and asked about his green lights. The guy told Brian he was really noticeable, easy to see. They are two Down Low Glows from Rock the Bike and can be found at <a href="http://www.rockthebike.com/">www.rockthebike.com</a>. Another place to get similar lights is Bike Brightz, <a href="http://www.bikebrightz.com/">www.bikebrightz.com</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's help each other not be afraid of the dark and cold.</div><div><br />
</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-49364980519118587992010-10-24T09:48:00.000-07:002010-10-26T08:10:09.586-07:00Our new tiny home. On wheelsBrian and I went and picked up the Sportscoach yesterday. I have to admit I was uneasy about it all week. I kept asking myself "Are we making the right decision?" "Why are we buying a motorhome again?" "Is this going to be a money pit?" Our whole plan is to make our life simpler, less complicated, less cluttered with stuff, and I wonder if this is going to hinder that plan. Then, on Friday, I looked at pictures I had taken of it, and I was excited about it.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The moment I saw it yesterday I became excited again and those questions disappeared. What's the point on dwelling on them? It's too late. We bought it. It's ours. I have to remind myself that this wasn't a spur of the moment decision. We've been leading up to this for the past couple of years. Living full time in our coach and traveling is going to be a more enjoyable life than spending our days going to jobs that we don't like in order to pay for our home that is too big for us, and to pay for the useless 'stuff' we've managed to fill it with. A home that we don't get to enjoy because we spend our time working to pay for.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The seller and I took care of the paperwork while Brian attached the windshield wipers we had purchased on our way up to get it since the forecast called for rain. $35. And so it begins.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Brian was super nervous about his first time behind the wheel of a motorhome. He drove it for about 10 minutes on a test drive last week but this was going to be a 45 minute drive, on the freeway, in the rain. He did great and got us home safely. He parked it on the street, turned it off and opened our gate to back it into the back yard. When he went to start it again, it struggled and didn't start. Sounded like a dead battery. I thought "Oh great! Here we go. We just bought a piece of junk." Turns out it was a loose battery cable and Brian got it into our yard like he'd done it a hundred times before.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here are some pics. We will be doing some remodeling because we feel that some of it is "god awful" so stay tuned for the upgrades.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRX-8Ww5_I/AAAAAAAAAt4/CnHEkQru98o/s1600/PA170633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRX-8Ww5_I/AAAAAAAAAt4/CnHEkQru98o/s320/PA170633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The couch folds down into a bed.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYJoGh5XI/AAAAAAAAAt8/oSxbmFLseis/s1600/PA170634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYJoGh5XI/AAAAAAAAAt8/oSxbmFLseis/s320/PA170634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The captains chairs swivel around and the little table is removable and there is a larger table to be put in its place.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYUgppPqI/AAAAAAAAAuA/9bT-cGjuShw/s1600/PA170635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYUgppPqI/AAAAAAAAAuA/9bT-cGjuShw/s320/PA170635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"10-4 big buddy". Yes, we have a cb.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZw8QxIrI/AAAAAAAAAug/JYAl9YfKBw4/s1600/PA240660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZw8QxIrI/AAAAAAAAAug/JYAl9YfKBw4/s320/PA240660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRY1zxf0CI/AAAAAAAAAuM/1xEbzi7A3v0/s1600/PA240634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRY1zxf0CI/AAAAAAAAAuM/1xEbzi7A3v0/s320/PA240634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZAlDkV1I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/DRtUEPqbK0Y/s1600/PA240635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZAlDkV1I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/DRtUEPqbK0Y/s320/PA240635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZAlDkV1I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/DRtUEPqbK0Y/s1600/PA240635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYp-rsFZI/AAAAAAAAAuI/7WjbGf2AbEw/s1600/PA170638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYp-rsFZI/AAAAAAAAAuI/7WjbGf2AbEw/s320/PA170638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZMbYTnJI/AAAAAAAAAuU/6bGf3kfniB0/s1600/PA240638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZMbYTnJI/AAAAAAAAAuU/6bGf3kfniB0/s320/PA240638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYfdpTF1I/AAAAAAAAAuE/DlLufnTGfrk/s1600/PA170636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRYfdpTF1I/AAAAAAAAAuE/DlLufnTGfrk/s320/PA170636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that is a built in blender! There are other gadgets offered for it online like a food processor and coffee grinder. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZX0kppyI/AAAAAAAAAuY/J7JjUA2Iy28/s1600/PA240647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRZX0kppyI/AAAAAAAAAuY/J7JjUA2Iy28/s320/PA240647.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bathroom. Which will be getting a makeover.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMReAC4mITI/AAAAAAAAAuk/2Q9BqeARydI/s1600/PA170639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMReAC4mITI/AAAAAAAAAuk/2Q9BqeARydI/s320/PA170639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of built in storage and a walk way next to the bed which was a plus for me. Part of the counter folds up and makes a vanity. I don't plan on using that but it's a cool feature. I WILL be using the built in hamper though.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMReKX03FcI/AAAAAAAAAuo/nOIvGRXi2hY/s1600/PA170640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMReKX03FcI/AAAAAAAAAuo/nOIvGRXi2hY/s320/PA170640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMReVat8wSI/AAAAAAAAAus/9CtwWECYTRQ/s1600/PA240636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMReVat8wSI/AAAAAAAAAus/9CtwWECYTRQ/s320/PA240636.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bar with the door closed</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRej_Vn6UI/AAAAAAAAAuw/oTmBtmsPcGw/s1600/PA240656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRej_Vn6UI/AAAAAAAAAuw/oTmBtmsPcGw/s320/PA240656.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ice maker</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRew3BRX8I/AAAAAAAAAu0/SzLfXgu-uAQ/s1600/PA240658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TMRew3BRX8I/AAAAAAAAAu0/SzLfXgu-uAQ/s320/PA240658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bar with the door open. All mirrored inside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-79545099011682877142010-10-17T20:51:00.000-07:002010-10-18T09:03:54.900-07:00We've Come to a ConclusionBrian and I have spent the past couple years doing some soul searching and making some positive changes in our lives. Even though many things have changed (ride our bikes more, make healthier choices when buying groceries, no more tv to name a few) many things have stayed the same (same jobs, same house, same rat race). We've had numerous discussions about how we are not happy with our way of life. We feel like we are missing out on so much. We work 5 days a week and try to squeeze in some amount of real "living" on our two days off. The scales just don't balance out and we are working on tipping them. We've had many ideas on how to do this: We've thought about buying a rural piece of land and farming; we've talked about moving to Portland, OR; we've considered bike touring for an indefinite period of time; we've been intrigued by the thought of living in an eco community.....but there was always a feeling of reluctancy with each of our ideas, until.....<br />
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In July, on our way home from a camping trip to Buck's Lake we started up this discussion once again and came to a conclusion that we both felt comfortable and excited with. We decided to travel for an indefinite period of time in a self contained vehicle. After doing some research we decided on converting an old school bus. We actually did buy a bus about a month ago but got our money back after the DMV told us the title was suppose to be destroyed along with this bus. This got us thinking more realistically about all the work and money involved with converting a bus and we shifted gears and started looking into motorhomes. Long story short, we put a deposit on a motorhome this weekend. If it passes smog, it's ours and we'll drive it home next weekend. It's a 1983 Sportscoach. We are planning on doing some renovations just to make it our own. Here is a picture of the outside. More pics to come once it's ours.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TLvEE1JHZyI/AAAAAAAAAto/Non5mpzTUXQ/s1600/PA170645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TLvEE1JHZyI/AAAAAAAAAto/Non5mpzTUXQ/s320/PA170645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-59119410443498871072010-09-25T01:01:00.000-07:002010-10-12T08:59:51.257-07:00Summer, in a nutshellI posted my keirin track bike for sell on Craigs List....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2Q78TuxhI/AAAAAAAAAro/VY8TKRDW4CQ/s1600/P8160301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2Q78TuxhI/AAAAAAAAAro/VY8TKRDW4CQ/s320/P8160301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...and an old Schwinn that I converted into a single speed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2RznobNKI/AAAAAAAAArs/E73MVPAxk_k/s1600/P8190302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2RznobNKI/AAAAAAAAArs/E73MVPAxk_k/s320/P8190302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We had a yard sale and gave some stuff away<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2S2VBF3qI/AAAAAAAAArw/YmlokmOmd64/s1600/P8270302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2S2VBF3qI/AAAAAAAAArw/YmlokmOmd64/s320/P8270302.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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We visited Mt. Lassen....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2agw40LwI/AAAAAAAAAsM/g686kzESkX8/s1600/P8310381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2agw40LwI/AAAAAAAAAsM/g686kzESkX8/s320/P8310381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
...a creepy cave....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2cAgr-3iI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/Blu8ncZ9EUY/s1600/P8310487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2cAgr-3iI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/Blu8ncZ9EUY/s320/P8310487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2chOMuBrI/AAAAAAAAAsU/OQdkEgGWeto/s1600/P8310500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2chOMuBrI/AAAAAAAAAsU/OQdkEgGWeto/s320/P8310500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
...Dunsmuir, where we slept in a train car and walked under a waterfall...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2dkFVUN3I/AAAAAAAAAsY/CwB-g4RTAmQ/s1600/P9020565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2dkFVUN3I/AAAAAAAAAsY/CwB-g4RTAmQ/s320/P9020565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2d--ZYmfI/AAAAAAAAAsc/VhzgAa9-JG0/s1600/P9020564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2d--ZYmfI/AAAAAAAAAsc/VhzgAa9-JG0/s320/P9020564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the yellow car was our home for the night </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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...Mt. Shasta...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2enleQZMI/AAAAAAAAAsg/SZG9YCu21Vk/s1600/P9010505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2enleQZMI/AAAAAAAAAsg/SZG9YCu21Vk/s320/P9010505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2fBW7f-HI/AAAAAAAAAsk/7ae2VdrBXTE/s1600/P9010506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2fBW7f-HI/AAAAAAAAAsk/7ae2VdrBXTE/s320/P9010506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">we decided to go on a hike once we drove up the mountain and i was fascinated by this plant we saw along the way</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2gSGQ7LrI/AAAAAAAAAso/VfFGEsu2tPc/s1600/P9030619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2gSGQ7LrI/AAAAAAAAAso/VfFGEsu2tPc/s320/P9030619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2gvx28u2I/AAAAAAAAAss/3I5-3qhmc4I/s1600/P9030620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2gvx28u2I/AAAAAAAAAss/3I5-3qhmc4I/s320/P9030620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so glad to see there was a sign to teach me what this was</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2jYYhIxQI/AAAAAAAAAs8/RVAt2KFBYoU/s1600/P9030624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2jYYhIxQI/AAAAAAAAAs8/RVAt2KFBYoU/s320/P9030624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2hmmklX8I/AAAAAAAAAsw/7QCZzVFUkos/s1600/P9030626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2hmmklX8I/AAAAAAAAAsw/7QCZzVFUkos/s320/P9030626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2h5c1ygcI/AAAAAAAAAs0/2PktPjaldXo/s1600/P9030628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2h5c1ygcI/AAAAAAAAAs0/2PktPjaldXo/s320/P9030628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...and Mt. Shasta City where we drank from this natural spring...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2kY6jVC0I/AAAAAAAAAtA/MAfcBckJtXI/s1600/P9010516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2kY6jVC0I/AAAAAAAAAtA/MAfcBckJtXI/s320/P9010516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2ksz2kykI/AAAAAAAAAtE/pcgbWHL8P2Q/s1600/P9010517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2ksz2kykI/AAAAAAAAAtE/pcgbWHL8P2Q/s320/P9010517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...and frolicked through this enchanted forest...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">(unfortunately i didn't have my camera on the correct setting. these pictures don't do it justice)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2looeGUqI/AAAAAAAAAtI/qBrQ8SPwRQM/s1600/P9010520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2looeGUqI/AAAAAAAAAtI/qBrQ8SPwRQM/s320/P9010520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2mARsELoI/AAAAAAAAAtM/PTiNmmOTFrg/s1600/P9010528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2mARsELoI/AAAAAAAAAtM/PTiNmmOTFrg/s320/P9010528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...and roamed the streets where we saw this sign...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2m_mpVmSI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/qgXiDzPvd54/s1600/P9010512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2m_mpVmSI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/qgXiDzPvd54/s320/P9010512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...and the home of our most recent dreams. Thus, the craigslist ads, yard sales and giving things away. More on all that in a future post.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2n1Z0epBI/AAAAAAAAAtU/cpSboydQrG4/s1600/P9010515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TJ2n1Z0epBI/AAAAAAAAAtU/cpSboydQrG4/s320/P9010515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-63945234243520522142010-09-12T15:19:00.000-07:002010-09-12T15:19:26.720-07:00The Mags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TI1R00IQLhI/AAAAAAAAArg/Rgz5-pLLZWM/s1600/P9100629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TI1R00IQLhI/AAAAAAAAArg/Rgz5-pLLZWM/s320/P9100629.JPG" /></a></div>This is our seldom mentioned dog, Maggie. She is in charge of security, rodent control, and keeping the floor clear of crumbs. She is getting old and skinny but she is always on alert, even when napping in the sun.Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-39213199955127866152010-08-08T00:25:00.000-07:002010-08-08T00:26:52.745-07:00My anniversary PRESENT! How could I forget?As a follow up to my anniversary post, I want to share what Brian made me for our anniversary. It is a travel bag. I've been talking about wanting one for some time. Something just big enough to carry the necessities...phone, cards, keys. Being the awesome husband he is Brian made one for me. I LOVE hand made gifts! Especially from him.<div><br />
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</div></div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-89946810691468542652010-08-07T23:30:00.000-07:002010-11-13T19:06:42.322-08:00Salt and pepper shakersI use to have this thing for buying "cool" salt and pepper shakers that don't look like your typical shaker. I ended up with a couple of expensive, modern looking sets that are completely impractical. They are a pain in the rear to refill and don't hold very much. We don't use very much salt when cooking so I guess that was my reasoning to myself when I bought them. We've been buying S-n-P in bulk and have just been spooning it out of the bag because these shakers are such a pain. Well, that is a pain as well and today I had all I could stands and decided to make my own shakers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5IAbw-miI/AAAAAAAAAqI/H0XHkhjWm3w/s1600/P8070301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5IAbw-miI/AAAAAAAAAqI/H0XHkhjWm3w/s320/P8070301.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like the shape of these and they are so sleek and see through and the top is cut at an angle. The bottom looks like stainless steel (it's coated plastic)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5JkOJxCaI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/9UBQJEFA8Mo/s1600/P8070307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5JkOJxCaI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/9UBQJEFA8Mo/s320/P8070307.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...but this is how much it holds. You put the salt/pepper in the bottom and then screw it back onto the top. A cherry tomato doesn't even fit in the bottom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This set looks even more like stainless and they don't fall over. They wobble, like weeble wobbles. ("Say no more. I want them!") They don't hold much either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new salt shaker made using a jelly canning jar and lid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I poked holes in the lid using a knife</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5MrNzG7WI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0TSlQe0Nrzk/s1600/P8070320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5MrNzG7WI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0TSlQe0Nrzk/s320/P8070320.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It holds pa-lenty of salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5M41XOgJI/AAAAAAAAAq4/2bvHxMnQ5sM/s1600/P8070323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TF5M41XOgJI/AAAAAAAAAq4/2bvHxMnQ5sM/s320/P8070323.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even made a matching one for the pepper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure this will help me be more efficient in the kitchen.</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-21074737458319141312010-08-06T23:29:00.000-07:002010-08-08T00:12:25.425-07:00Happy Anniversary!July 13 was our anniversary. I drafted a post on the 14th but never completed it. Better late than never, right?<br />
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We usually make a nice dinner at home for our anniversary but this year I wanted to pack a picnic dinner and ride our bikes to a park along the river. So we did just that. It was a week day and we did this after work. Wanting to be home before dark we didn't have much time to spare once we reached our destination and ate.<br />
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Dinner consisted of turkey, cheese, baguette.....oh no wait, that's right.... we FORGOT the baguette. Kale salad, potato salad, a nectarine, chips and root beer. Chocolate for dessert. The best anniversary dinner to date.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz5lzCMeMI/AAAAAAAAApg/CJ973jrXRY4/s1600/P7130029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz5lzCMeMI/AAAAAAAAApg/CJ973jrXRY4/s320/P7130029.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz6inH_TvI/AAAAAAAAApo/RP9zrTN_qWQ/s1600/P7130032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz6inH_TvI/AAAAAAAAApo/RP9zrTN_qWQ/s320/P7130032.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Carsick Designs bag serving us well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz635joYeI/AAAAAAAAApw/NFapBpSZ92c/s1600/P7130036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz635joYeI/AAAAAAAAApw/NFapBpSZ92c/s320/P7130036.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guy West Bridge across the American River</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz7KsPD1cI/AAAAAAAAAp4/JBTZseT3gPo/s1600/P7130037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz7KsPD1cI/AAAAAAAAAp4/JBTZseT3gPo/s320/P7130037.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The American River</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking West</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz7mZtsmWI/AAAAAAAAAqA/WuO8tuWAFxM/s1600/P7130042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TFz7mZtsmWI/AAAAAAAAAqA/WuO8tuWAFxM/s320/P7130042.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The American River</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking East</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-35971388413820039902010-08-04T23:01:00.000-07:002010-08-06T22:57:31.022-07:00The simplicity of campingBrian and I went camping at our ol' stand by last weekend, Buck's Lake. It's about 20 miles from the town where Brian grew up and it's the place we go when we want to go camping but haven't made plans to go elsewhere. We brought our bikes and went for a ride on Saturday, a long, hilly, strenuous ride that was mostly on a 4-wheel drive road. A ride that rewarded us with the most amazing views and surprised us with a variety of sweet aromatic flora. Camping and bike touring always remind me of how little I really need to live and motivate me to continue lightening the load of all the useless stuff in this house.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Brian lived in this structure 22 years ago when he worked at Lakeshore Resort. No running water, bathroom or kitchen. (the porta potty wasn't there back then) Now it's used for boat rentals.</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986621921576459738.post-86490092505896992542010-07-10T23:11:00.000-07:002010-08-06T13:40:49.299-07:00The beauty is always there<div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px;">We haven't been tending to the garden as obsessively as last year so things are looking <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">a bit</span> uncared for. Mostly the yard is just overgrown with weeds and grass, which to me is a weed. But, there are also other projects that we are wanting or needing to do as well, just sitting there. Waiting. So, there are times when I become overwhelmed just by entering the backyard, only seeing all the chores and unfinished projects. I've found that taking action, no matter how small, helps. As I was out weeding the other evening I actually felt myself begin to feel less overwhelmed and my perspective shifted to noticing all the bounty in the yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDlZlWHA8gI/AAAAAAAAAn4/uDOfHwaioS8/s1600/P7070316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDlZlWHA8gI/AAAAAAAAAn4/uDOfHwaioS8/s320/P7070316.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">what a mess</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our tomatoes (and grass) with jalapeno peppers in the outlining cinder blocks. In the background, our green house and compost bin which has a couple raspberry bushes growing next to it. Also, our lime tree which produced a massive amount of limes and was doing really well last winter, and then all of a sudden, froze. It seems to be making a come back but we are keeping our fingers crossed. We enjoy virgin mojitos with fresh lime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">the black pot in the foreground is our cilantro that's gone to seed. behind that is chamomile that has beautiful daisy-like flowers and a pleasant aroma, basil self-watering containers, nasturtiums, grape vines, and, our bed.</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">a beautiful red rose and the worm tea container with a dispenser </div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDlc934j4WI/AAAAAAAAAoY/A5-xBahKRKc/s1600/P7070319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDlc934j4WI/AAAAAAAAAoY/A5-xBahKRKc/s320/P7070319.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">the hibiscus trees are blooming...</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDldaw8dYOI/AAAAAAAAAog/YxlpCkQ4pEU/s1600/P7070338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDldaw8dYOI/AAAAAAAAAog/YxlpCkQ4pEU/s320/P7070338.JPG" /></a></div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">...and so is the mint</div><div style="font: 16px Times; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDldyk2W47I/AAAAAAAAAoo/LWaxZrEKlnk/s1600/P7070339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xMklTKut2-c/TDldyk2W47I/AAAAAAAAAoo/LWaxZrEKlnk/s320/P7070339.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even found all these little treasures</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a blackberry vine in the front yard that was here when we moved in. I usually dont water enough so we've never had berries. I've been watering this year because I wanted berries. These are the first of them. I'm thankful the plants aren't bothered by the mess. I think they are trying to tell me something.</div>Brian and Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129927958829884687noreply@blogger.com2