Tale from the Cridds

What does Jefferson do?

2009-11-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

Since our product is getting closer to completion, the shrouds of secrecy are beginning to lift and we're now allowed to discuss what we have been working on.

What I do for work

This recent post summarizes what I spend most of my time on. It is turning out very well and has the potential to radically change electronic software distribution models for rich client applications, especially for trial scenarios.

Camping in the Olympics

2009-11-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

On a whim, we decided to spend the last warm enough clear enough weekend to go camping at our favorite Olympic National Park. It is getting too cold/cloudy/rainy for adventures like this now that winter is here. So, to properly send off such a fabulous summer/adventure season, we packed up and boarded the ferry.

The key goals of the plan were to 1) watch sunset from the hike to Hurricane Hill 2) camp at the nearby Heart O' the Hills campground 3) wake up early enough to 4) watch the sunrise from Hurricane ridge visitor center and 5) race back to get to church services in time.

We had success with everything. The sunset was a little too cloudy, but it still threw interesting colors everywhere. It got really cold at night. My sleeping bag was plenty warm, but my exposed nose froze. I'll need to come up with a solution for that which does not involve suffocating.

The one big letdown for you fans is that I put way too much trust in the Auto-ISO of my cheap old camera and it made the wrong decision for just about every shot. It picked much too high ISO and many pictures came out very noisy with ruined colors. Some salvaged ones are here.
The images are still vivid in our memories at least.

From Olympic campout Oct 2009

doodling

2009-11-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

To get me through General conference as a kid, my parents would let me draw while it was going on. Getting the details right on Lamborghini's, spaceships, and various battle scenes would keep me behaved during the sessions.

In many respects I haven't grown up much.

Older people speaking slowly at a pulpit still does not capture my complete attention and I need to find something else to do to keep me from misbehaving. So, I got a book on how to draw flowers from the library and tried it out last general conference. See if you can match up these images with the source pictures. These are all from pictures we took at various gardens. enjoy

Sources:

No, we are not dead - just too busy livin'

2009-11-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Apologies to the folk who, unaware of RSS reader conviniences, eagerly checked this blog daily only to be disappointed with lack of new content. We hope you've learned your lesson.

Don't assume we haven't been doing anything since the last post as the truth is quite the opposite with adventures every week(end). With Vanessa back in school for the busiest semester yet and me with big work deliverables coming up we spend the valuable free time we do have together and not writing posts. But since I get a free hour from daily savings switch this morning, I'll see if I can bring this blog up to date.

Some noteables from the rest of summer -
Earlier in the year we tried to hike to Lake Serene but had to turn back due to blocking snow on the trail and I forgot my hiking poles. We returned and made it all the way (just shy of 30 switchbacks), but unfortunately clouds blocked the best views this time. I guess we'll need to go back again next year.

From Rest of summer 2009

By recommendation of some friendly fellow hikers at Lake Serene, we hiked Mount Pilchuck the next week. It is a rather prominent peak with 360 degree views of the Cascade range and Puget Sound. Or, at least it would have such views if there was not a thick cloud all around it. The whole hike was in a thick fog expect for the very end which was a few dozen feet above the clouds. So, we had 360 degree views of clouds in every direction save for a few near rocks jutting out. I would have preferred views unobstructed by clouds, but it was still a great experience and somewhat surreal. We found a nice rock to sit on and eat lunch while looking across the endless expanse. A small fire lookout tops the mountain. The top is a steep pile of large rocks and it looks like the lookout as well as the rocks will tumble over with the next breeze. Cool place

From Rest of summer 2009

We were invited by some of Vanessa's aunts and uncles to get together in Lincoln City Oregon. It was a beautiful weekend and the food was superb. We played at the beach, toured the delicious Tillamook factory, and also went to a lighthouse on the coast.

From Rest of summer 2009

We have visited the gardens around here many times and enjoy seeing the variety of beautiful flowers. More pictures here

Oh and I guess we never posted about the best adventure of all this summer: the Alaska cruise! It was so much fun and we still think about it everyday. You probably have seen the pictures already from facebook. Here they are if you missed them

From Alaska Cruise 2009

Inside my head

2009-08-07T19:06:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I've written, and since neither of us have posted anything besides pictures and summaries from our weekend adventures. Well, this post will be blag-free (that's blog and brag mixed together, you can thank one of my siblings for that one).

I've been back in school now for almost a year. Next week is the end of my 4th quarter! I'll finish dental hygiene school June 2010. I must say, the more and more time that goes by in this program, the more I love dental hygiene. I am so happy to be able to teach people about improving their health, to see them making changes and taking control of their lives and to be gathering all kinds of information from some one just by looking in their mouth. One of my instructors likes to say that each mouth has a story, and that it's our job to read it and find out what the tissues are telling me. I love being in clinic and seeing my skills improve-how to handle the instruments, which ones to use, how to teach a 7-year-old about plaque and keep him still for a three hour appointment that ends with four sealants placed without the help of an assistant. Sounds corny when I write it and re-read it, but you know how good it feels when you find something that you genuinely enjoy doing and that you're good at? That's how I feel about dental hygiene.

Which leads me to my next point. This Summer I've had Thursdays and Fridays off from school, and have used lots of my time researching the health care reform. It started with an assignment to write to our state senators and representatives to include oral health care in the bill. Well, I am not an idiot, so I did an extensive amount of research trying to find out what EXACTLY is being proposed to find out if I wanted anything to do with the reform or not. I'll tell you, it is not easy to get the facts. I spent a few hours over several days looking at healthreform.gov before I finally decided that it's a bunch of hooey and was not really saying ANYTHING! Simple answer to my opinion: I am opposed to the reform.

All of this research has led me to some interesting sites. One that I like mostly because of the other links she posts is: redistrubtingknowledge.blogspot.com. This lady is from Seattle and really involved in going to and organizing rallies and protests in the area. In fact, I went to one a few weeks ago on a Friday during lunch time. I was nervous, but wanted to take a step out of my comfort zone and see what other people had to say. I met some great people who are not crazy, mad, yelling, loud protesters like I pictured. Unfortunately, I haven't been to a protest since, and really wonder at their efficacy anyway. Another site that I found yesterday is kirbytalk.com. He is also a local, and apparently has a talkshow every morning on AM570 from 5-9 am. I'll be checking him out more in the future.

I've been developing political opinions lately, which has been quite fun and fulfilling. Except for the fact that pretty much everything I see in the news is the polar opposite of what I would like to see happening. This is my chance to make a shameless plug for everyone who has not read it, to read Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. You will not regret it. Both Jefferson and myself would love to talk to anyone about it anytime.

In other news, my older brother is getting married tomorrow. I'm very happy for him and Megan, his almost-wife. I was recently inventorying our food storage and determined that we have about 4 months worth of food. Food storage is one of my favorite church activities. That and toll painting XD jk. I am preparing a lesson on organizing your home to present to my relief society sometime in the next few weeks. This should be fun because I haven't talked to any one from RS for months, since I serve in young womens. Anyway, I have been feeling quite out of touch with other ladies and hopefully this will make a difference. Then again, I have never in my life felt in touch with others. I guess even around church people I am different. I'm a pilgrim, I'm a stranger. But I have my husband. He is the best friend and support I could ever have, and I'm not just saying that to say it and be mushy. I also have my dental hygiene friends, my family and a precious few other friends. I'm content with that, and wonder if I really want any more or only think I do. I know that other people who read this feel or have felt the same way.

I went on a long walk yesterday, as I am want to do when I have tests to study for. I bring my notes with me and walk while I read and memorize. This has become a great way for me to exercise while doing school work. Also, I find it much easier to study while walking now than I do just sitting at home. While I was out yesterday, I found the blackberry jackpot. I stopped and ate a few, but unfortunately did not have anything to carry more home in. I'm planning to either walk there with Jefferson tomorrow or go back on my own sometime next week after finals are over. I love living in the Northwest! This has been then best summer I've had in a long time, and the weather has been fantastic. I'm looking forward with optimism to the winter, when hopefully our repair project will be going on, and to the coming year. Life is good, I have loads to be grateful for, I am happy with the work I've done to get where I am, and will keep working and making sustainable changes to keep moving closer and closer to perfection.

Panoramas from Paradise and sunrise from Sunrise

2009-07-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

I wasn’t so keen on going to work Friday. Weekends like this past are what I save up vacation days for anyways. So, we threw together some last minute plans for camping and hiking in Mt Rainier National Park and away we went Friday morning.

We were very lucky to snipe a first-come-first-serve camping spot at the Ohanapecosh campground in the Southeast corner of the park – there were many adventurers who came just a little later, only to be greeted with “Campground FULL” signs. The size, privacy, and convenience of our spot cannot be denied. After setting up camp, we then set out for fun.

The plan was to go from Ohanapecosh to Paradise. We’ve been to Rainier NP twice before, but have never stopped at Paradise. Unfortunately, the main road connecting the two had been washed away and we had to travel a lengthy detour. Knowing that Paradise would be crowded, we took our time approaching and did some hiking in the Longmire area. By early evening, we made it to Paradise and were pleased to see that the bulk of the crowds had departed.

From Rainier National Park 2009

We hiked up to Alta Vista and then Panorama Point. The wildflowers were extraordinary. On the left of the trail lie the massive Nisqually Glacier and the deep gorge it carved that runs right up the mountain. The setting sun lit up the scene and the glaciers beautifully. I would have stayed at the Panorama Point until the sun had completely disappeared, but we had to leave earlier to find our way through the back roads back to the campsite. Vanessa did a great job with all the food. There is not much better than relaxing in Rainier National Park eating Rainier cherries (the lord of all cherries).

The plan was to get up early and see the sunrise from the Sunrise area. Well, we couldn’t get up quite early enough for that, but the Sunrise area was still astoundingly magnificent.

From Rainier National Park 2009

I sure love living here.
Be sure to check out more pictures.

July update - more flowers and mountains

2009-07-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

No thoughtful writeup, just pictures for you today

We found this interesting flower(?) at the botanical garden

Fourth of July weekend, we hiked Bandera Mtn and also visited Mason lake

From Bandera Mtn/Mason Lake Hike July 2009

Yesterday, we conquered Mt Dickerman. This was perhaps the most strenuous day hike we've done so far. Views were worth it.

From Mt Dickerman Hike July 2009

Olympic June

2009-07-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the delay as this adventure was actually the first weekend of June. We made another day trip to the peninsula as soon as we heard that the Hood Canal Bridge was reopened.

Our first stop was the visitor center atop hurricane ridge. To our delight, a new surprise awaited us at this oft-visited spot. The clouds only rose to around 5000 feet, and as we broke through the thick rainy cloud bank (the visitors center/trails are at around 5300 feet), a brilliantly bright perfect sunny day greeted us.

As you scan the horizon, you see prominent peaks piercing the tempestuous stew of clouds, which hundreds of miles away flows into the blue sky.

Unfortunately, the trailhead parking was snowed out, so we had to add a few extra miles on our hike. It was worth it – I’ve never seen the Hurricane Hill trail so empty. We only saw a handful of other folks. We felt as though the majestic views were all for us alone.

Afterwards, we visited some new spots: Lake Mills, Elwha River, Madison falls, and some new scenic driving.

At work the next week, many wondered how I got sunburnt from a rainy Northwest weekend. You can imagine my grin as I explained how my weekend was perfectly sunny - above the clouds.

The delay of posting is that our aging camera couldn’t handle the beauty of it all. The brightness of the sky/clouds contrasting with the mountain tops and forests was too much for it and yielded us a slew of under/over-exposed images. The brights are too bright, and the darks are too dark - evidence of the weak dynamic range. So, I employed my amateur photo editing skillz and tried my best to fix them. I’m pretty happy with how they turned out. I didn’t add anything that was not there; I just messed with brightness/contrast/saturation/color balance/levels.
Before

After

More pictures here. They are all similar – clouds, blue sky, deep valleys, towering mountains, forests – but how could you ever bore of those? And if you don’t think the mountains are actually that blue, come visit and I’ll prove it to you.

Jury Duty

2009-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Everyday this past week for me included a lengthy visit to the King County Superior Court Regional Justice Center in Kent, WA. Instead of daily solving software design problems, I was to sort out an escalated insurance claim dispute. I showed up for jury duty Monday morning and by that afternoon the case had started.

Queue to the “oh, what a drag, I hate jury duty sorry you had to go through it” comments. Also, queue to the “let’s rejoice for our wondrous blessing of living in a country where we can be selected to serve in the judiciary system” comments. Maybe neither of these professors has ever served on a jury.

Allow me to share my own comments and observations. (Now that the trial is over I can say anything I want)

Over a year ago I performed jury duty by sitting in a waiting room for two days doing nothing of importance (and yes, that was quite a drag). This time, almost everybody was chosen for a jury panel for a trial. My group had 32 potential jurors of which 13 must be selected and the rest excused back to the waiting room. The judge introduces the plaintiffs/defendants and then starts a discussion/QnA session with all the potential jurors, with the intent to locate those who would not be fair and impartial.

I thought I would be excused because I serve on the Home owners’ board and we are in the middle of lawsuit against two insurance companies. The judge and attorneys questioned me about this and determined that I could still be objective. I was disappointed in one potential juror who was very obviously trying to get the boot by spouting off a bunch of vitriolic nonsense and empty progressive rants about individuals versus large companies. What an embarrassment of a citizen, I thought, as the airhead strutted out of the court with her nose in a fashion rag.

With the 13 selected, the trial begins. Witnesses are brought forth and questioned. The cross-examinations are particularly interesting and at times intense. It may be preferable to be a juror with the burden of deciding someone’s fate than to be on the witness seat with sharp attorneys drilling you, throwing out objections, with the judge’s careful eye scrutinizing everything. I would say though that the whole thing went very professionally.

Deliberations took about 4 hours, spanned across two days. I really wanted to take all the evidence and facts presented and construct an undeniable logical proof for the best verdict, but the truth is that you as a juror do not have all the information necessary. Instead, you have to put it all together with imperfect information – and that can be tough for a numbers and logic guy like me who needs all the data. When witness testimony directly contradicts another witness, you have to decide which to believe. I was worried that jury deliberations might be scattered, illogical, and ineffective, however, I was glad to be proven wrong. All the fellow jurors were well-spoken, objective, insightful, and respectable despite the fact that there were some great arguments and debate going on. It was a pleasure reasoning with my fellows to reach a verdict we felt was right.

I will help my country by periodically serving as the most objective, fair, and impartial juror I can be. How about you?

Quick post

2009-06-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've spent the morning uploading pictures to facebook, but know that not all of you have an account, so here is a sample of what is there that's not here already in backwards chronilogical order
Our spinach and lettuce are being very productive. June 16

A sunset view in Goldendale, WA where we spent this past weekend, June 11-14

Goldendale Observatory

Stonehenge, 15 miles south of Goldendale overlooking Columbia River Gorge

Geometric Shadows at Stonehenge

Maryhill Art Museum, about 18 miles out of Goldendale

Multnomah falls in Oregon on the Columbia River Scenic Byway

More Multnomah

Bridal Veil falls, along same highway in OR

Huge stump in Elwha, Olympic National Park, WA. June 6th

Hurricaine Ridge, Olympic National Park WA

Hurricaine Ridge, Olympic National Park, WA.

More pictures from Goldendale and the gorge are in our "online photo gallery" link.

Bridal Veil Falls, WA-style

2009-05-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

While living in Utah, I would often ride my bike on the Provo river canyon trail (or whatever it was called) when the weekend was nice. That trail passes right in front of the Utah version of Bridal Veil Falls. Taking a break there to touch the cool water was very refreshing for a roasting sweaty bike rider.

This week, we decided to check out Washington’s Bridal Veil Falls. As with most of our other hikes, we didn’t know anything about it beforehand and I just pick it randomly from a map.

The forest part of the trail seemed different than those of our other hikes – many aspens and other deciduous trees were dominating instead of the evergreens. I’ll have to come back in autumn when the colors change.

Eventually, the trail forks to either a Bridal Veil Falls viewpoint or a much longer switchback-riddled climb to Lake Serene. Since we didn’t have my hiking poles with us, we decided to save my knees and instead go to the viewpoint. After a brief climb, we unfortunately discovered that the trail was impassable due to snow. So we went back and instead walked along the start of the Lake Serene trail and got some great views of some of the many falls before turning back.

We intend on returning with my hiking poles sometime so we can make it all the way to Lake Serene. Many people on the trail mentioned how beautiful it was and how it truly lives up to its name – a smooth alpine lake surrounded by incredibly sheer and tall granite cliffs. We’ll be back.

More pictures at the picture album

3 years of the Evergreen

2009-05-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

This past week brought with it the completion of our third year in Bellevue. Although we come from starkly differing origins (Texas/Nevada), we delightfully consider Washington to be our home now. Enjoy these three lists of three’s -

Some loves we have here in WA:
• Biking to work
• Limitless quality outdoor activities
• My sweet job

Disappointments
• Pikes place market
• Washington state flag. Who would want to fly that ugly thing around? I'm keeping my Texas flag.
• Condo Repair bill

3 things we’re looking forward to here
• Finishing the horrible floor project
• Summer adventure every week(end)
• Departing for the Alaska cruise!

Gratitude

2009-04-25T07:16:00.001-07:00

This week has been a roller coaster for me: not getting enough sleep, spending hours doing "business" (phone calls to patients, emails, printing stuff from blackboard) for school rather than getting assignments done, deep cleaning two quadrants in one appointment-let me tell you, that's exhausting!, worrying about this weird rash I have, not having the time or energy to clean the house before Friday when Katie and Anthony were coming over, not getting my part of the group project done, having the weight of a talk for sacrament meeting tomorrow looming in front of me, and not preparing for the midterms and research paper I have due next week-ahhhh!

I could not have gotten though this week without the support of my gem of a husband. He left me a tender message on Thursday when I did the deep cleanings and went to the doctor about my rash. Incidentally, the rash is pitoryasis rosea, which is of unknow cause and will go away on it's own in a few weeks. On Friday I got out of class a bit early, so I was planning to clean the house and start dinner then before our friends came over but when I got home, everything was done! How he had time to do that, I did not know, but he had cleaned the whole house. I realize how much I needed his help, when I thought I had to do all of this stuff myself, after all, it's my school work, my social planning to invite people over, my rash. I get emotional just thinking about it. He is my best firend, and continues to amaze me with how well he knows how to take care of me. Thank you!!

Birthday Hike

2009-04-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

View from "Rocky outcropping #3" Usually we stop at the first (here dotted with people) or second one.

Since one day of celebration just wasn't enough, and since it was high time to try a new hike, we hit the trails this past Saturday for a birthday hike. We were hoping to hike a 10 mile trail from Rattlesnake Lake off of exit 32 to Snoqualmie Point off of exit 27. The first part of this hike is not new to us, but the 8 miles beyond Rattlesnake ridge were new. Unfortunately, around mile 3 or 4 the trail was way too snowy for us and we wimped out. There were other people hiking it, but I was having a really hard time keeping my balance and not slipping. So yet again we were defeated by the snowy trails. (In February, we tried to hike Mt. Si and had to turn around because of slippery steep slopes--dan-ger-ous!) We'll have to try this again in a few months or get come crampons. We had a great time anyway and certainly felt the burn yesterday morning. You can see more pictures here.

At our stopping spot to eat lunch before turning around. There wasn't even anywhere to sit :(

My Birthday

2009-04-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

So I turned 25 on last Wednesday! Yeah! Most of the day was pretty normal-just spent at school. When I was driving home I got a call from our cousin Katie, who invited us to go to the Mariner's game with her and her husband Anthony. We went and had a great time. I hadn't been to a baseball game for over 10 years-yeah I know I'm getting old-but it's the one sport that I can easily follow with out having to have the rules explained to me. It was a beautiful night and the Mariner's won, there was a grand slam and 400th home run of Ken Griffey Jr. hit.
Me and Katie with the Moose

Us at the game

I also got a package from my parents, which had a really pretty new skit and sweater, a sudoku handheld game and loads of candy. Awesome!!
They did a really good job taping it shut

A pitcure of my birthday bounty.
Thank you everyone for your well wishes, notes, cards and calls. I had a very nice birthday.

John Adams

2009-04-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we finished watching the HBO mini-series about John Adams based on the book by David McCullough. I highly recommend it. Not only did it tell a fabulous story of this Founding Father that I personally didn't know much about except his name, it also was a great recreation of the time period. John Adams was a man passionate about doing what is right and was not shy about speaking his mind, even to the big-wigs in France and England.

Most other movies that I've seen set in this era glamorize the living conditions or don't accurately portray all the details. But this movie was different. No one wore make-up (except as the characters grew older to make the actors look old); the men who were at the Continental Congress were sweating as the real Founding Fathers were that summer of 1776. There was mud and smoke everywhere, and they showed the people doing a lot of the day to day chores that were part of life back then. So, the production was great, as was the story.

I feel like I have a much better understanding of what price was paid secure the freedom found in the United States of America. I hope to find more sources of American History that are not afraid to tell the story how it was and not try to romanticize the facts. I want the facts and the truth and feel like "John Adams" provides just that.

Flower time

2009-04-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

From Bellevue Botanical Garden Friday:

From the Arboritum Thursday:

Good Changes

2009-04-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sunlight-a very welcome change!

About four weeks ago, I went running on a whim. I didn't expect to do this regularly because of the time it takes away from studying. That first day I ran 3 miles and felt like it was going to kill me. I am happy to report that since then I have been able to go running regularly. Last Friday I ran five miles and felt great! I have been keeping track of my routes using mapmyrun.com. It took me a little while to familiraize myself with the site and I still don't like everything about it, but I can track mileage and get an idea of how many calories I burned. Since that first run in March I have logged over 50 miles and 4,000 calories. Let's hope it starts showing soon :)

Another good change is that our weather is finally improving. Jeff actually got a bit pink from being in the sun yesterday while we played aerobe. I'm suprised to note how much more lively I feel now that the sun is out and the weather is a bit warmer.

In floor news, I am convinced that I want to put tile in the area where we had the wood and keep the living room just how it is with carpet. Jefferson is warming up to the idea of tile, but we still have loads of research to do including getting high quality tile and pricing the tile and the labor to install it. I am invisioning a tile that is terra cotta colored.

My first week back at school went really well. The schedule this quarter is very nice so far: All but two Mondays are off, as are Thursday and Friday afternoons, and various Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons off too. This is because we do things for some classes in small groups and the groups rotate weeks they have class. Works for me!

For pictures, these are from the Bellevue Botanical Garden from Friday.

Photo Shoot

2009-03-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Our friend Emily posted about photo editing, mostly cropping, last week. This got Jeff inspired to try his hand at it. Here's what we came up with Friday night.

Original

Color-changed so I don't look jaundiced

B&W crop

Sepia crop/my album cover

The good, the bad and the ugly

2009-03-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

The good: I finished Winter quarter so I don't have to study anymore until next week

The bad: Some of you know that a few weeks ago our water heater leaked causing a big water spot on the lady's ceiling downstairs. While we have that problem fixed, since then our wooden floor in our hallway has been getting more and more buckeled. It finally got to the point where we accepted that we'll have to replace the wood. Here is the current status of that project.

The ugly: Last weekend we scored on Craigslist by finding this beauty!

I know, it's an eyesore, but very functional which was our main objective. Maybe someday when we're rich and don't have all sorts of house projects and assessments we can buy a desk compsed of matching wood. But for now I am more than satisfied with this.

Tooth Anatomy 101

2009-03-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

For those of you (parents) who have been requesting new blog posts, here is the best I can do. These are the teeth that I have carved so far this quarter. I have one more to go which I will have to do this week. Hope you like it!

this is my favorite creation--it's a first mandibular premolar.

These are some others: Maxillary central incisor, maxillary canine, maxillary first premolar and aforepictured mandibular first premolar.

And my nemisis: maxillary first molar attempts 1, 2 and 3. You can't see in the pictures, but the root on the back kept breaking off. The third one is almost done, finally!

Annual pass to Seattle Space Needle for two $29.99

2009-02-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

We thought this was too good a deal to pass up. Wanted to pass the word along. Happy Valentine's Day <3

One step back, two steps forward

2009-02-01T18:42:00.001-08:00

Recently we have enjoyed doing a lot of baking together. Now anyone who knows me knows that I have had my fair share of baking catastrophes. There was the time in high school when I was making ginger bread for my friends and I to make candy houses that I added salt to instead of ginger. Lesson: don't put salt in a jar that says "ginger" on it. Then there have been numerous times when I double a recipe and forget to add or double an ingredient. That never goes over well. Most recently I have added to my legacy with these beauties:

Burned blueberry muffins :( I got distracted by playing Lego Star Wars with Jefferson and didn't even register that the timer went off though it was sitting right next to me. I was able to redeem myself the next day by making:

Cheese bread and

Blueberry Buckle-find recipe here. We loved loved loved both of these foods-in fact we ate cheese bread toast for dinner every night this week followed by a nice helping of blueberry buckle topped with Tillimook Marionberry ice cream. That was decadent!

Cheese bread recipe is from "Taste of Home" cookbook:

prep=20 min+rising bake 350* for 35 min + cooling

2 cups all-purpose flour

2T sugar

1 package (1/4 ounce or 2 1/4 teaspoons) yeaste

1/4 tsp onion powder (didn't have so I used garlic powder)

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 cup milk

2 T butter

1 egg

1/2 cornmeal (didn't have so I just added more flour)

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

additional cornmeal

1. Combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, onion powder, salt and pepper. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120-130*F Add to dry ingredients. Beat until moistened. Add egg. beat on low for 30 sec, then on high for 3 min.

2. Stir in cornmeal and remaining flour. Stir in cheese-batter will be thick. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 min.

3. Stir dough down. Grease 9x5x3 in loaf pan and sprinkle with additional cornmeal (or flour) Spoon batter into prepared pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 min.

4. bake at 350* for 35-40 min or until golden brown. Cool for 10 min. Viola!! Please let me know what you think if you try either recipe. Until next time, so long.

Bill and Jolena got hitched

2009-01-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

(my dad, middle sis Hillary, Bill the Groom, Jolena the Bride, my mom and youngerst sis Miriam)

I know most of our fans have seen these pictures on facebook, but the occasion is still worthy of a blog post. My baby brother got married last weekend in SLC temple! We flew in the night before and had a wonderful time with all the friends and family who attended.

Me with youngest sister Miriam

All the Ashman kids-Hillary, me, Bill, Vince and Miriam

After their wedding

One of my trendy photography experiments

We were happy to be able to hook up with Jeff's family who is in the area. This is Leanna, Jon and Crystal, who I haven't seen since their wedding over 2 years ago. We had a lot of fun with you guys! Bill and Jolena are a beautiful couple. We are so happy for you guys and loved being at your wedding.

Chasing Waterfalls

2009-01-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

This past week western Washington has gotten a lot of rain, as well as flooding in the surrounding areas. Because of that we decided to visit two near by waterfalls. First was Snoqualmie falls. It's mostly a "drive there and look at it" waterfall, but very beautiful.

Second was Twin Falls in North Bend. It's a hike getting to Twin Falls, but well worth it yesterday as we had the entire place to ourselves and it wasn't even raining.Pictured here is the lower fall of Twin Falls.

A very fun outing after a week that has had a few less-than-fun times :)