Mount St. Helens – Mark Petruska

Up Close and Personal With a Volcano

August came in with a rumble this morning. Tara woke me from a sound sleep to inform me it was “thundering out.” Before I could even question whether thundering was a legitimate word, it started thundering out. Woohoo! That woke me up. It was right overhead, too. That’s the best kind of thunderstorm. So. August. Months ago, in lookingContinue reading “Up Close and Personal With a Volcano”

Midnight Tacos are the Best

I feel like I’ve been shirking my duties in reporting all the fun things Tara and I have been doing lately. I apologize. I hate to shirk anything, especially duties. The past four days were hectic. We had wristbands (thanks, Tracy!) for MusicfestNW, an indie rock music festival that is Portland’s answer to SXSW, andContinue reading “Midnight Tacos are the Best”

No More Aloha Credibility

A couple of weeks ago, we had my parents over for dinner. The theme was Hawaiian, so I made kalua pork and chicken long rice, and as an added treat sliced up a fresh pineapple. Now, you’d think I’d know what I was doing, having been born in Honolulu and spending nine years of myContinue reading “No More Aloha Credibility”

Californians and Snow Don’t Mix

Sometimes, life’s little detours can land you in unexpected places. And once in a blue moon, a change in plans can save the day. This morning, Tara and I decided to drive up to Mount St. Helens. We’d been to Johnston Ridge last month, but decided to take the longer – and more scenic –Continue reading “Californians and Snow Don’t Mix”

Huckleberry Hunting 101

I loves me some huckleberries. If you aren’t familiar with huckleberries – and chances are, unless you live in the Pacific Northwest you’ve never even seem them – you are missing out on some seriously good stuff. Huckleberries resemble blueberries but are smaller in size and a bit sweeter. They only grow in very specificContinue reading “Huckleberry Hunting 101”

What’s That Weird Buzzing Sound?

$30 Paperweight I picked up the phone the other day to call my dad, and got a busy signal. That took me aback – when was the last time I’d heard one of those?! It occurred to me then that busy signals also belong on my list of things that are obsolete nowadays. Thankfully, becauseContinue reading “What’s That Weird Buzzing Sound?”