Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is almost upon us, and I find it's a very bittersweet thought. On one side I absolutely ADORE the fact that I get to sleep in, and hopefully do anything but think of computers, and Excel spreadsheets, and football games, reports, flight arrangements, hotels, rental cars, gift agreements, statements of intent.... I could go on. Not only can I forget about these things, but I get PAID to do it. The sheer joy is mind boggling. It's almost sinful. On the other hand, I know what it means. It means fall is coming, nearly here (the leaves are already changing, something I'm trying to ignore....). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fall. I love the gorgeous leaves, the crisp, cool air. I love pumpkins and squash, pomegranate. I love the way the sun light changes in the evenings, bathing everything in warm gold. But fall is fleeting, transitional, easing us slowly into the cold, bitter winter. Winter in Oregon doesn't mean snow softly falling, it means rain. Pouring rain, not accompanied by thunder and lightning, but fog. Maybe freezing fog or freezing rain. Winter in Oregon means no sun. It's a time when everyone burrows into their dens to hibernate until the end of JUNE, when the sun finally decides to show itself. When snow DOES decide to fall, it merely leaves a sprinkling. Possibly enough to barely frost the branches. This horrendous amount of snow shuts down the state.

So while I am excited for the weekend, deep down I know what it means, and so I am trying to enjoy the last remnants of warmth and light. Hopefully I will have some fun pics to post on Tuesday. Until then!

This is the snow that shut down a large part of the state. I know, I know, debilitating....

Paradise and Pirates

So we accidentally left our camera in Utah, and had to wait several DAYS to get it back. DAYS. Hence the late post about our lovely vacation. One cannot discuss the absolute beauty of Lake Powell without offering hard cold evidence.
Lake Powell happens to be my most favorite place on Earth. Where else can you cram all your family (and we have a big one!) onto one boat for an entire week, and not strangle each other by the end? Only there, the happiest place on Earth. A place where cell phones are out of service, work is a far off memory, and all the cares of the world are simply swallowed by a huge gorgeous lake, surrounded by deep red rocks. Isolated is one word that comes to mind, and in this context it is welcome, even enjoyed. As far as you know, the only thing going on in the world is boat rides, tubing, swimming, sleeping, eating..... In fact, we'd always joked that "the world could end" and we wouldn't know it. Well, we were in Lake Powell when 9/11 happened, and didn't find out about it until the next day as we were driving home. How odd, we thought, that the gas attendant at the lake informed us that they were all out of newspapers when we hadn't asked him for one. How odd, we thought, that the University of Utah decided to cancel their football game. It's the most beautiful, relaxing vacation, and I look forward to it every year.
We also spent the first part of the vacation at Caleb's parent's house with his brothers, sisters, and their kids. They decided to have a theme for the grandkids every day, and Caleb and I were in charge of "Pirate Day" with his brother and sister in law. We gave the kids bandana's, eye patches, and plastic swords, and Rob and Caleb led them on a treasure hunt. They even rowed them across the "lake of death" in their backyard to reach the treasure. We even had a treasure chest pinata, and I think all the kids had fun. If not, Caleb sure did!

Our lovely home for a week

A 30 foot hole we discovered, created by many years of constant rain dripping on the sandstone rocks

Caleb taking Emily on a wave runner ride

The pirates slowly make their way across the "The Lake Of Death"!

Caleb the Pirate!

Golden Fruit

Caleb and I recently returned from a two week vacation to our homeland, Utah. Rested, a bit sun-kissed, and slowly coming down from cloud nine after seeing family and friends, we were faced with reality - on Friday and Saturday we had the daunting task of re-stocking our tiny cupboard and fridge with food, because, you know, you get sick of subsisting off dry cereal and stale crackers. We successfully spent the most money at the grocery store than we've spent in the last YEAR of our marriage, (exacerbated by the fact that I was insanely thirsty. Did we really need nine cans of juice and a canister of Crystal Light?!). Saturday we went to Costco. Always a mistake. Why is it that you can't leave that wretchedly lovely place without spending at least $50 more than you intended to?! Cabe decided we NEEDED bacon-wrapped filet mignon and I conceded, because I found the ultimate prize. The insane, delectable, must-try-before-you-die gold kiwi. I've been craving the stuff ever since I left Australia, and this is the second time I've seen them in the States. Yes, I bought the 3 lb. box, and no, I felt no guilt. So while I sit in my stupid little cube, doing stupid little tasks, I can delve into my gold kiwi, and pretend that I am once again sitting on a public transport bus that is taking me on the most gorgeous ride, over the Harbor Bridge, past the Opera House, to the best job I ever had. A bridal consultant at my uncle's very posh, very famous "Abbey Bridal", right in the heart of downtown Sydney. And everything is okay for just a few minutes.

Sassy Zzzzz's

I got these lovely sheets yesterday at Target for only $20! Super comfy, and they'll look FABULOUS with my West Elm espresso quilt....when I get it. :)

This is where things start to get pricey, and I think of getting a new headboard, maybe a few fun throw pillows, drapes, art work.......


Caleb's not too excited about it being pink and flowery, but since he bought himself a new Stephen King book he's been dying to have, he relented and let me get my pink sheets. "They have sort of a modern chic kick" I tried to explain. This did nothing to appease him, until I mentioned they were his favorite kind of bedding material, jersey. We will soon be snoozin' in style!

Baby Owen

It's official - Baby Fever has completely consumed me.

This might be the most perfect baby - his little lips, cheeks, eyes, the way he LOVES to stick out his tongue... the way his chin quivers when he cries. Congrats Mark and Bridge! I'm so happy for you. Owen H. Solomon - that sort of has a general authority ring, doesn't it? :) Begging to come hold him starts in 3.5 seconds......