Happy Fall

Happy Fall Everyone

Andrew started working on our side yard last weekend. We were able to mix and pour one little square of cement. Unfortunately, as much as we like to see our own elbow grease in our projects, mixing cement one bag at a time is too much for us. We are looking into options for speeding up this process. Anyone have a cement mixer laying around?

Also, we had our first fall time thunder storm. Teenie freaked out so much she climbed up on the kitchen table. I wasn't anywhere near her when she did this herself.

Andrew and I drove out to the Discovery Bay marina so we could watch the lightning over the farm fields in Stockton. Pretty amazing.

Trash in Space

My husband insists we must be part of the first trash heap sent to Pluto. His "Government" status is slowly trying to break my "eco" self into pieces. Here is the first attempt:

Hurst Trash In Space

Our Pre-Anniversary Weekend

Andrew and I decided to celebrate our two year anniversary over the Labor Day weekend. First, we drove through Napa and stopped at Healdsburg to browse the cute shops around town. We hit the Farmer's market first though!!!

After being a little to chi chi for our tastes, we got back on the road and headed towards Ukiah. We were fortunate enough to see a truck like this on the highway:

We then arrived at our destination. We chose Ukiah because Vichy Hot Springs is located a couple of miles NW of town. We had a great time walking around Ukiah's downtown. I loved the fact that most of the food is organically grown. We ate great food and yummy treats.

We spent all day Sunday at Vichy Hot Springs. It was sooooo relaxing and less naked-hippy than Harbin Hot Springs (our first anniversary trip). We went in the mineral pool baths, the hot mineral pool, and played around in the big, cool pool. After soaking for hours, we went on an hour hike to a beautiful waterfall on the property. There were frogs, newts, banana slugs, and bones to keep us interested on our hike. Here are some captured moments:

By the way, my Mom sees the Virgin Mary in this picture! I see a Jamiacan man!

On Monday, we drove over to Bodega Bay to enjoy some surf.

Happy Anniversary Andrew (technically tomorrow). You are the best husband a girl could ever want or have!

I've Been Baking

I think I am ready for Fall to start since I have been baking like mad! I have ventured into the world of bread making (from scratch). Nothing smells better than rising/baking bread.

I offered to make our neighbor's children's birthday cakes and they actually took me up on it! This is my first "kid" cake. It was so much fun to make and it is always fun to lick the spatulas.

P.S. I added Hello Kitty's pink bow after I realized something was missing.

Another Great Tahoe Trip

Once again, the Burton's headed up to south Lake Tahoe for their yearly summer vacation. Andrew and I drove up on Friday night to spend the weekend with them. We ate great food and enjoyed everyone's company. Teenie and LuLu even jumped in the lake with us for a refreshing swim. The water was actually the warmest I have ever felt it. Thanks Mom and Dad for creating great memories for us. Also, the canoe was out of commission this year so my father and I didn't get to take our annual morning canoe trips.

Here are some pics:

The gang (from left to right): Tom, Melinda and Snickers, Kristen, Lisa, her boyfriend Carl, Andrew and myself + the doggies

Teenie and LuLu tied up on the deck

Our pier

Gerri and baby James

Lisa and Carl playing the guitar

Lisa and Teenie loving one another

Meet Ty'Tiana

I recently got matched up with my "Little" through the organization Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the East Bay. I was on the waiting list for over two and a half years due to budget problems. I am so happy to finally have a "Little." She is great too.

I took her to a Family Fun Night at a park in Antioch. We had a blast doing crafts, walking near the water, and running through the huge sprinklers up on a hill (that was my idea). After 6 months, we can start doing activities with friends and family members so we will be "touring" Sacramento sometime soon. She wants me to take her to Hawaii and Africa so if anyone has any spare frequent flyer miles...hand 'em over.

Brentwood CornFest

Andrew and I set out to experience Brentwood's famous CornFest last Saturday night. We got there around 7:45pm so we could get a prime seat for the evening fireworks at 9:45pm, but there was a long line wrapped around two blocks. It was taking people and hour and half wait to get in. So we went home and decided to try again on Sunday.

We got in on Sunday and here are a few pictures of the CornFest. We rode rides, ate corn, shopped at the booths (I am pictured talking with a woman about cruises), and went on a carnival ride. Too bad Andrew didn't capture us eating corn, but they were buttery and salty (not good for the camera). It was fun and we will set out earlier next year to beat the crowds.