Kathryn Louise

January 7, 2024

January

9 – I had a 90 minute massage with cupping (my first since Missoula!) and it was heaven.
10 – Daryl and my 14th anniversary!
14 – Three years at Taproot Theatre Company
15 – RoadCompany recording
17-26 – TTC tech weeks
26 – I saw Deb Perelman (of smittenkitchen) and J. Kenji López-Alt at Town Hall Seattle with my friend Lia.
27 – A Woman of No Importance opens at Taproot
Whole30 year three
Books read: Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner, Smitten Kitchen Keepers by Deb Perelman, A Bend of Light by Joy Jordan-Lake
Bag nights (sleeping bag nights; camping): 0

February

4-13 – Ski n Soak Vacation!
- 7 – Ski Look Out Pass with approximately four other people. I had a GREAT private ski lesson!
- 8 – Got lunch with my friend Katie then walked to campus and chatted with folks for a couple hours. I discovered my resume is posted as an example in the back hallway. ❤️
- 9 – We ski at Lost Trail with Brian and Caitlin. Such a fun day at my favorite place to ski! That night we head to Jackson Hot Springs for the evening.
- 10 – After Brian and Caitlin made us breakfast in our cabin, we parted ways. We go soak at Elk Horn Hot Springs on the way to Georgetown Lake area.
- 11 – Ski Discovery Ski Area. Another beautiful day and great day of skiing!
- 12 – We stopped in Missoula for the day and I got to spend time with my favorite Clare
14 – Taco date with Annie
18 – Ski at Blewett with Daryl, Mike, Micky, and Riley
23-26 – Wintergrass Festival in Bellevue. I got to run lights for ten hours of shows and attend the rest of the festival weekend for free!
Books read: Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson, La Gringa by Carmen Rivera, The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson
Bag nights: 0

March

2 – Riley and I go on a nice long walk with Anya at Magnuson
5 – Ski at Blewett with Daryl and pups
9 – Daryl, Mike, and I attend a recording of LiveWire at Town Hall Seattle
14-23 – TTC tech weeks
18-19 – Blewett ski camp. We went on a fun night time tour by moonlight and headlamps.
24 – As It Is In Heaven opens at Taproot
25 – Solo date to Boundless at PNB. “Wonderland” by Penny Saunders, “Black on Black on Black” by Alejandro Cerrudo, and “Let Me Mingle With Thee” by Jessica Lang. The Saunders and Cerrudo were among my favorite contemporary works I’ve seen in a really long time.
Books read: Hidden Figures by Margo Lee Shetterly, The Wind at My Back: Resilience, Grace, and Other Gifts from My Mentor, Raven Wilkinson by Misty Copeland
Bag nights: 1

April

- 1- Taproot Gala at Triple Door. Daryl got to attend this year!
- 4 – Daryl and I start a four week bouldering class at Halfmoon Bouldering
- 10 – Tea date at Friday Afternoon with Clare and Patrick
- 15 – Steazy day of skiing at Blewett with Daryl, Mike, and the pups
- 16 – I got to visit my dad at a coin show in Tukwilla
- 20 – Youer did an event with Kula Cloth at Halcyon Brewing, around the corner from work. Anya and I met up there, and I ran into a lighting coworker as well. Daryl joined and then we shifted gears to go see A Midsummer’s Night Dream at PNB.
- 26 – My business cards arrive and I got to represent Taproot at the Cornish senior design portfolio showcase, so I got to give some out immediately.
- Books read: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, The Hello Girls: America’s First Women Soldiers by Elizabeth Cobbs
- Bag nights: 0

May

7 – Hike Wilderness Peak Loop with Daryl and Riley
9-18 – TTC tech weeks
19 – Jeeves Takes A Bow opens at Taproot
20-21 – Ski camp at Artist’s Point with Daryl, Danielle, and Riley
24 – See Jeeves with Daryl, Anya, and Ross
26-28 – Weekend in Spokane
- 27 – We see Lord Huron at the Spokane Pavilion – wow! What a concert!
31 – I give my two month notice at Taproot. Back to being a freelance babe.
Books read: Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz, The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban
Bag nights: 1

June

1 – Lighting Designer for CCBdance at BASE Experimental Arts
4 – Daryl’s birthday! Skin up to Naches Peak and then have a fun ski back to the car.
8 – Worlds To Come at PNB
11 – The Highwomen & Tanya Tucker at The Gorge with Annie!
17-19 – Ski camp weekend in the Goat Rocks Wilderness
27 – my birthday!
28 – Mariners game with my parents
29 – Daryl and I went out to dinner with my parents at Ivar’s Salmonhouse to celebrate our birthdays and my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary!
Books read: Happy Place by Emily Henry, Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita, All The Pretty Places by Joy Callaway, A Country You Can Leave by Asale Angel-anjani, The Bones Remember by Sara E Johnson, Thinning Blood: A Memoir of Family, Myth, and Identity by Leah Myers, Gilded Mountain by Kate Manning, Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P Manansala (Adult Summer Book Bingo)
Bag nights: 2

July

5-13 – TTC tech weeks
6-16 – Daryl on a High Pointing/Missouri trip
14 – The Hello Girls opening night – the first, and last, opening night I attended while on staff!
15 – Sydoney, Jeff, and Carissa were in town from Portland, so I spend the day tourist-ing with them. I love when the cit shows off for friends.
27 – Another Kula event at Halycon
28 – Last day on staff at Taproot!
29-30 – 11th Annual McIver Float with the Beech Haus fam
Books read: Lone Women by Victor LaValle, Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea, Tanya: Poems by Brenda Shaughnessy, Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call by Claudia Friddell, Never Say You Can’t Survive: How to Get Through Hard Times by Making Up Stories by Charlie Jane Anders, Witches by Brenda Lozano, Cat Brushing by Jane Campbell, Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson (Adult Summer Book Bingo)
Bag nights: 1

August

5 – After living here for five Augusts, we attended our first Lake City Parade
8-13 – Montana Vacation!
- 10 – Hike St. Mary Peak in the Bitterroot
- 11-12 – Hang out with zero obligations at Kreis Pond
- 12 – See our friends Rob & Nola (and pupper Gabe)
16 – See The Hello Girls with Daryl, Mike, and Ike
17 – After 4 years, 8 months of weekly (then every other week, then monthly) therapy, I was graduated to “as needed”! I’m so proud of myself and the really hard work I have done.
19 – Daryl flies us to Harvey Field for brunch
21 – First day of school for Last Drive To Dodge (stage manager)
23 – Riley and I take a long walk with Anya in the Arboretum
25 – Daryl and I drive up to Vancouver to see Vance Joy. The concert sounded good, but we spent 97% of it in line for food.
26 – Received my business license, so I’m officially Kathryn Louise, Theatre Magic Maker!
29 – Lia and I got brunch in a cute old Craftsman. I completed my Adult Summer Book Bingo card.
Books read: The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst, Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, The Lake House by Sarah Beth Durst, Swan Songs by Lee Scott, And Yet: Poems by Kate Baer, The Stars Are Not Yet Bells by Hannah Lillith Assadi, Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King (Adult Summer Book Bingo)
Bag nights: 3

September

11 – I found a Pilates studio I really like and start taking almost weekly reformer classes
11-21 – Last Drive to Dodge tech week. KCTS9/Crosscut was in the house recording a story on Andrew Lee Creech (playwright) and shot b-roll of me calling my first set of cues. Only slightly intimidating!
22 – Last Drive To Dodge at Taproot opens!
28-10/2 – Denver for Gab’s wedding!
- 28 – Flew to Denver (double masked!), then got dolled up for Gab and Brian’s wedding. We shared an airbnb with Lindsay and Tami. Such a wonderful day full of love and lots of hugs.
- 29 – Drove to Idaho Springs and spent a lovely day wondering. We drove up to Guanella Pass (11,670′) and absolutely felt the elevation.
- 30 – We drove to Hot Sulphur Springs and soaked at the hot springs. Set up camp in the city campground, then walked to the 2nd annual River Festival. On the walk back to our campsite, D tripped over a piece of rebar sticking up from the parking spot and dislocated his shoulder! I drove him to the hospital 17 miles away (that we very thankfully had driven by and commented on earlier in the day!) and the incredible folks at the ER got his shoulder reduced within an hour of him dislocating it.
Books read: Lady of Bones by Carolyn Haines
Bag nights: 1

October

9/28-10/2 – Denver for Gab’s wedding!
- 1 – We soaked at the hot springs for a couple hours before heading to Denver. That night we get dinner and ice cream with Aria, Jordan, and Jackie.
- 2 – We go to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs for the day before flying home that night
8 – My parents were in town for a coin show, so we had them over for dinner. I made a yummy asparagus prosciutto pizza.
11 – I start working my way through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
21 – Closing day for Last Drive To Dodge. I’m so thankful I was given the gift of stage managing this beautiful show.
23 – Michelle, Taproot’s Production Manager, and I were honored with the Melissa Hines Backstage Award at this year’s Gregory Awards!
24 – Boosted!
29 – We hike up Diamond Head at Blewett Pass and catch an incredible sunset
31 – Daryl and I see the Hadestown national tour at Paramount. WOW!
Books read: All That Is Wicked: A Gilded-Age Story of Murder and the Race to Decode the Criminal Mind by Kate Winkler Dawson, Starlink House by Alix E Harrow, An American in Scotland by Lucy Connelly, Murder Under a Red Moon by Harini Negendra
Bag nights: 0

November

6 – We make a trip to Astoria to see Jad Abumrad at the Liberty Theatre with Tammy
8 – Daryl’s friend Jenny came to down for a concert. We got dinner at Elliott’s Oyster House then got drinks at a speakeasy where we entered through a secret door in a bookcase!
11 – Daryl, Mike, Fisher, Ike, the pups, and I drove down to Portland and went to the Griz game with Liz. Definitely more Griz fans in the stands than PSU fans!
14 – Took myself on a solo date to see Little Women at Seattle Rep
16-21 – I get to spend the week working at Taproot: on book at tech for Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley, lighting hang & focus for Charlie Brown Christmas, checking folks in and being a reader at the Sister Act callbacks, and subbing at stage manager for Charlie Brown.
20 – Cascade Grotto hosted a screening of Subterranean, a caving film staring a couple of our Canadian friends!
23 – Poultry Day! Roast chicken with schmaltzy cabbage, bacon & leek dressing, butternut squash and white bean gratin, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry-raspberry pie. Yum!
24 – Go on a hike with Will
25 – Christmas tree hunting and a hike up Johnson Ridge
30 – White Christmas at 5th Ave. Daryl’s first time there!
Books read: The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts by Soraya Palmer, The Shadow Girls by Alice Blanchard, The Love Scribe by Amy Meyerson, And then She Fell by Alicia Elliott, Absolution by Alice McDermott
Bag nights: 1*
*a bag night because we slept in our bags on my parents floor 😆

December

5 – We see Audra McDonald at Beneroya Hall. She’s so incredible!
6-8 – Lighting Designer for Cornish College Dance New Moves at NOD Theatre
11 – Take myself on a date to see the proshot of Waitress The Musical in the movie theatre. Lighting Designer for one of the Acting Studio Christmas camps at Taproot.
13 – Daryl tests positive. We stay in different rooms, wear masks when in the same, set the air purifiers on high, and I move onto the couch.
21 – Michelle was selected as one of the December issue of American Theatre Magazine’s “6 Theatre Workers You Should Know” and I, and our COVID work, was mentioned!
22 – Daryl tests negative!
26 – At 4am, a neighbor work us up banging on the door and ringing the doorbell. There was a fire in our car port! Daryl doused it with the fire extinguisher while I called 911. Absolutely never thought I’d be thankful D had COVID, but it’s the reason we were home to put the fire out.
26 – First day of school for The Book of Will at Taproot (stage manager)
27 – Daryl and I go to The Nutcracker at PNB
Books read: Beer and Loathing by Ellie Alexander, We Must Not Think Of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein, How To Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix, A Deadly Dedication by Margaret Loudon, The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill, Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper, Unbound by Steph Jagger

Number of books read: 53
Total bag nights: 9
Taproot shows worked while on staff (Mainstage, Road Company, Acting Studio): 6
Freelance shows: 5
Theatre/Dance shows attended: 11
Concerts attended: 5

●2022●2021●2020●2019●2018●2017●2016●2015●2014●2013●2012●2011●2010●2009●

March 13, 2023October 5, 2023

Whole30 Recipe Round Up

I had intended on doing a post on my favorite Whole30 recipes while I was doing January Whole30, but life is such that it’s now the middle of March.

A friend is doing Whole30 right now, so I thought I’d use that as inspiration to finally do a round up of my 22 favorite Whole30 recipes – which I make all year round, not just in January.

Beef With Broccoli – This beef with broccoli is so, so good! I usually add sliced onions to it too. This recipe is really what made me a Coconut Aminos convert – we use it all year long. (iheartumami)

Shepherd’s Pie – I love the sweet potatoes on this Shepherd’s Pie. I have started doubling the meat and potato quantities for a thicker pie. (Whole30 book)

Stuffed Cabbage – I found this recipe in 2021 when a friend posted a photo of stuffed cabbage she threw together. I’ve never had stuffed cabbage before, so I’m not sure how close the sauce is, but it sure is delicious! I’ve become a person who really loves cabbage. (A Family Feast)

Roasted Root Veg with Curry Sauce – A delicious and easy way to add vegetables to a meal. The quantities of each root veg is super flexible – I just aim for the same total amount as the recipe calls for, in whatever amounts I have of each. The curry sauce lasts a surprisingly long time in the fridge; I want to find additional uses for it, because it’s so good. (Whole30 book)

Brussel’s Sprouts and Potato Hash – A long time favorite in our house, I made this for years before I ever did a Whole30. It is in regular rotation here. I usually add Aidell’s Chicken Apple Sausage as well. (Shutterbean)

Sweet & Spicy Hash – This is a tech week favorite because it makes such a large quantity. I am a creature of habit, so eating the same thing for breakfast for nine days in a row or so works well for me. Last time I made it I used 1/2 ground turkey and 1/2 Isernio’s Italian ground chicken, almost 1/4 cup of Guerra’s, and Cosmic Crisp apples – it was absolutely the best batch yet! (Whole30 book)

Korean Beef Bibimbap – A favorite all year long, we’ve even made this while camping a couple times (fun and novel, but there’s too many individual steps to really make it a good camping meal). I serve it with cauliflower rice during Whole30 and don’t miss regular rice at all. (Hello Fresh)

Roasted Garlic Soup with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes – Oh my. This is what all things should smell like. The recipe calls for 18 cloves of garlic, but I usually make it with closer to 30. The more garlic, the better! (Joy the Baker)

Beef Chili with Kidney Beans (sub mushrooms for beans) – This has always been our go-to chili (America’s Test Kitchen never lets us down), but the switch from kidney beans to mushrooms has really made it so much better. I sub half the weight of kidney beans called for with a mix of mushrooms (usually a “chef’s blend” or local collection for 1/2 and button or cremini for the other half). I love making chili baked potatoes with this. (ATK)

Slow Cooker Carnitas – This is one of our very favorite meals and I’m always so happy that it’s Whole30 compliant. Crisping the pork up in a cast iron at the end is really such a great finish. (BudgetBytes)

Hearty Vegetable Chowder – This is such a cozy recipe. I love how easy it is to get a lot of vegetables in with this one. (Cook’s Country)

Thai Coconut Curry Vegetable Stew – Oh goodness. This recipe is so good! One of the many delicious recipes in the great book Peak Nutrition, all about fueling your body for your adventures. (The Mountaineers)

Basil-Spinach Pesto – Such a good pesto recipe. I usually make a full spinach pesto, so it’s nice to have the basil in this batch. I put it on so many things: potatoes, meatballs, eggs. (Whole30)

Chicken Chowder – I’d call this more a broccoli soup with chicken and sweet potatoes than I would a chicken chowder, but whatever you call it, it’s delicious! (Whole30 book)

Sausage, Potato, Kale Soup – This is Daryl’s favorite soup. One day I’ll post my updates to the recipe, since I’ve made several adjustments over the years. The biggest change I make is I use ground Italian sausage (chicken or pork) rather than sausage links. This soup is so easy, delicious, and comforting. It’s not heavy, but it is filling. (SkinnyTaste)

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork – Man, I love slow cooker recipes. I especially love how easy pork recipes are – rub pork with spices (either full piece of meat or cut into cubes), add citrus and onions, cook. (Whole30)

Chicken Curry (sub coconut milk for yogurt) – One of Daryl’s favorite recipes to make. I’m always blown away by how easy it is. I think it is better with the yogurt than coconut milk, but the flavor is still absolutely delicious (it’s soupier with the coconut milk). I serve this over cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes. (smittenkitchen)

Chicken Meatballs – Oh these are so good. I usually double the recipe and freeze most of them. They are super easy to warm up from frozen. During tech weeks I eat a lot of mashed potatoes, chicken meatballs, and pesto (topped with eggs for breakfast and without for lunch). (Whole30)

Curried Chicken Salad with Cashews – I first discovered curry chicken salad when I worked at Coffee Girl in Astoria. This ATK recipe ticks all the boxes for me and I love how it tastes with Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo. (ATK Book)

Orange, Potato, and Kale Salad with Spicy Tahini Dressing – This was my very first favorite salad. We discovered this recipe when we first started using “social meals” and it is definitely in regular rotation. The recipe calls for chicken; I probably make is more without then with, but it’s delicious if you do add it. I recommend making a double batch of dressing so you can add more throughout the week if you make this for lunches. (Blue Apron)

Banger Sausage Patties with Sweet Potato Mash and Caramelized Onions – Everything about this is delicious, but the real stars are the sweet potato mash and caramelized onions. Another one that I double and then eat for breakfast with eggs on top. (Whole30)

Grain-Free Popcorn Chicken – Oh yum. This reminds me, I will endeavor to make another batch of these soon. (The Whole Smiths)

January 7, 2023

Year in Review 2022

January

9 – My friend HanaSara was in town from DC and we walked around Green Lake with pups
10 – Daryl and my 13th Anniversary!
14 – Two years at Taproot Theatre Company!
16-17 – Daryl and I ski camp at Blewett
19-27 – TTC tech weeks
28 – See How They Run at Taproot opens
I did Whole30 for the second time. I learned so much in 2021, I’m glad I took the opportunity to do it again.
Books read: Lost In The Never Woods by Aiden Thomas, I Love you But I’ve Chosen Darkness by Claire Vaye Watkins
Bag nights (sleeping bag nights; camping): 1

February

3 – Finished shawl that I started in April. I am not a fast knitter, but I’m really proud of how it turned out!
5 – Light Board Op sub for See How They Run
7 – Zoom with Emily (and baby Frankie) and Arina! I love them both so much and I’m always so thankful when we make the time to chat.
9 – LBO sub for See How They Run
12-13 – Ski camp at Blewett
16 – Daryl and I see See How They Run
21-25 – Midwinter Break Acting Studio Camp props designer
23-24 – Banff Mountain Film Festival at Benaroya Hall
- This was the first big event we went to since the start of COVID. I definitely almost had a panic attack at the start of the first night. I’m thankful for masks and vaccines and being able to feel air exchanges.
Books read: Hairpin Bridge by Taylor Adams
Bag nights: 1

March

11-16 – PLU tech week
13 – See Clare & Patrick were in town and we were able to visit one day while I was on break from tech at PLU, which is where Clare went to undergrad! I’m always so very happy when I get to see them.
15-24 – TTC tech weeks
17 – Pippin at Pacific Lutheran University opens (Lighting Designer)
- I’m really proud of the work I did on this show, but I also know there are lots of ways I can improve. I’m thankful I get to be a Theatre Magic Maker.
23 – Get permanent bottom retainer removed! My teeth are free of appliances for the first time since 1996!
25 – The Spitfire Grill at Taproot opens

April

- 4-6 – Acting Studio Showcase props designer
- 6 – Assistant Stage Manager sub for The Spitfire Grill
- 7 – Daryl, my parents, and I see The Spitfire Grill
- 10 – Daryl, Riley, and I hike at O.O. Denny County Park and Saint Edward State Park
- 11-15 – Spring Break Acting Studio Camp props designer
- 14 – Sound Board Op sub for The Spitfire Grill
  - I have been listening for “Lights GO” for close to 20 years now, so it was really, really weird to listen for “Sound GO” for the very first time ever!
- 17 – Ski with Mike, Johnny, Mickey, GrandPaw, and Riley at Blewett
- 23 – TTC Gala at Triple Door
- 25-4 – NHHS tech weeks
- 26 – Get Invisalign!
- Books read: Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe

May

5 – Pippin at Nathan Hale High School opens (Lighting Designer)
- Yes, I designed lights for the same show twice this spring. I’m not sure if it was the best idea, but it was definitely a challenge!
7-8 – I5SAF Ski Weekend at Mt. Hood Meadows
- Can you believe the blower pow in that photo?! Whodathunk we’d get a powder day for the last day of the season?
11-19 – TTC tech weeks
18-20 – ASM sub
20 – The Nerd at Taproot opens
22 – Daryl and I go flying and see Doc, one of the last B-29 bombers
25-26 – ASM sub

June

4 – Daryl’s birthday! I make a delicious carrot cake to celebrate
9 – All Tharp at PNB
11 – Brandi Carlile at the Gorge! This is hands down the very best concert I have ever been to in my entire life. Wow.
15 – Whomp whomp, I test positive for COVID
26 – After 11 long days (most of which I felt completely fine), I finally test negative for COVID! Just in time for…
27 – My 35th Birthday!
- Yet again, I was going to have a birthday bbq, but alas.
Books read: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (I only wanted to reread books while down with COVID)
Bag nights: 1

July

2-4 – Greaser-McDaniel Clan family weekend in Trout Lake!
6-14 – TTC tech weeks
12 – Finish a shawl I started in June. I added to the pattern and I’m really proud of both the patterning I did and the finished product!
15 – Black Coffee at Taproot opens (staring Michael Winters aka Taylor Doose from Gilmore Girls!)
16-17 – Hike at Thorp Mountain Lookout
21 – I went in for an orthodontist appointment and was surprised by getting my Invisalign off early!
23-24 – 10th Annual McIver Float! This year we brought Saville!
25 – Clare and Patrick were in town, so we went over for delicious Indian food on the deck of their AirBnb
26 – Friends Aria and Jordan from school came to visit another friend, Emily. I was hoping to go hiking with them, but schedules didn’t work out. We did picnic at Matthews Beach though!
27 – Before we completely melted in the heat, Daryl installed our fancy new AC!
31-1 – Explore and hike around Salmon La Sac
Books read: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Bag nights: 4

August

1 – Hike into Thorp Lake
5-6 – My parents are in town!
- 5 – Have parents over and cook them dinner
- 6 – Go to Mariners game (we won!) and Black Coffee with my parents
7 – Kind of last minute, Daryl and I decide to find a place to watch the Blue Angels perform at SeaFair. We lucked out with one of the last available parking spots and last available beach spots at a park on Mercy Island. I’ve never seen the Blue Angels perform before (though I did hear them practice for SeaFair about 12 years ago when I worked in the Mt. Baker neighborhood).
8 – Sneak Peak at Taproot
9 – One of my oldest internet friends Stacy (we met on LiveJournal when I was in high school!) was in town visiting with her girlfriend (now fiance!). She invited me and two of her friends to all get together and declared that the three of us MUST become friends.
10 – Daryl’s friend Jenny from MO was in town visiting. I had a really crappy day at work, but spent the entire evening laughing!
12 – Road Company rehearsal Stage Manager sub
19-5 – Daryl in Montana for Scapegoat
30-1 – Road Company previews (Props Designer)
Books read: Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love by Kim Fay, Fear Thy Neighbor by Fern Michaels, Jane of Hearts and Other Stories by Katharine Weber, Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

September

2 – I took my first ballet class since graduating. I definitely cried my way through plies.
10 – The Bolt Creek Fire starts about 40 miles from Seattle. The AQI hits 172 at house.
11 – Hamilton at Paramount with Ashleigh and Mady!
13-22 – TTC tech weeks
21 – Betsey rolls over 100,000 miles!
22 – Teton Gravity Research ski film at The Neptune
23 – A Night With The Russells at Taproot opens
25-26 – Airplane camping at Point Roberts. On our way there, we stopped at Lynden Airport, which is an air park (so folks have houses right next to the runway!). We borrowed bikes from the pilots lounge and rode to a steakhouse, where I had the best French Dip I’ve ever had.
29 – Carmina Burana at PNB. Oh my god, truly incredible.
Books read: The Artist Colony by Joanna FitzPatrick, Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food by Ann Hood
Bag nights: 1

October

2 – Day Of Goddess for Kelly & Calder’s wedding. I’ve thought about using my stage manager skills for weddings for a while and I’m so happy I got a chance to help make Kelly & Calder’s day wonderful.
3 – Bivalent booster!
8-10 – Astoria for Great Columbia Crossing. I’m so happy I got to walk across my very favorite bridge with my very favorite parents!
15 – Smoke returns, AQI 153
19-20 – Shadow SM in preparation for subbing later in the month
19 – AQI 289
20 – AQI 314
21 – IT RAINS!!!!!
23 – Squak Mountain Hike
25-27 – SM sub for A Night With The Russells
28 – Uncorked at Taproot
Books read: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel

November

1 – Betsey gets new tires!
10 – This Season’s Canon at PNB. I could watch this entire program every day and feel very satisfied.
12-13 – Visit Will in Seiku. On Sunday we went out to Cape Flattery.
15-23 – TTC tech weeks
15-17 – Christmas Touring previews (Props Designer)
20 – Hike in Carkeek Park, see salmon spawning!
24-27 – Friendsgiving with Lizommy in Cottage Grove
- 26 – Hike Spencers Butte with Liz and Stella
25 – The Wickhams: Christmas At Pemberley at Taproot opens
29-30 – ASM sub for The Wickhams
Books read: A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde, A Raisin In The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Allen & Mike’s Really Cook Backcountry Ski Book by Allen O’Bannon

December

3 – Snow!
7-8 – Banff Mountain Film Fest at Benaroya with one of D’s coworkers. Saw a friend from the grotto there on night two.
10 – SheJumps Car Control Clinic!
11 – Ski Blewett and cut down Christmas tree
14 – Kula Holly Jolly Potty Party at Halcyon Brewing
18 – CommuniTEA Book Club zoom with Friday Afternoon and Clare
20 – Snow!
23 – Ice storm
24-26 – Astoria
- 25 – My Dad and I visit my Grandma at the care facility and then I make Christmas dinner. It’s very weird cooking in someone else’s kitchen, even if it’s the same one you first made boxed mac&cheese in!
28 – Hike in Hamilin Park
29 – Hike in Meadowdale Beach Park
30 – Hike in Discovery Park. The Wickhams is officially the first show since See How They Run in Jan/Feb to not have a COVID closure!
Books read: A Snake Falls To Earth by Darcie Little Badger

Books read: 22
Bag nights: 8
Taproot shows (Mainstage, Road Company, Acting Studio): 13
Performances I worked as SM, ASM, LBO, or SBO sub: 16
Outside shows: 2

●2021●2020●2019●2018●2017●2016●2015●2014●2013●2012●2011●2010●2009●

October 30, 2022

Cozy Recipe Roundup

The weather here in Seattle has finally started acting like fall – it’s currently windy and rainy and recently its been cool enough at night to finally cozy up under our down comforter. Along with the season ushering in cozy bedding, it is ushering in the start of my favorite time of year: Soup Season.

A friend recently asked for cozy food recommendations and I realized it’s been a long time since I’ve done a recipe round up. It was interesting to look back at that previous list and see what I still regularly make and what has fallen out of habit.

Here’s 18 of my current favorite cozy recipes, perfect for when the weather finally turns brisk and grey.

Shepherd’s Pie – A recipe I found during Whole30 a couple years ago that I love even when not not doing Whole30. (Whole30 book)

Brussels Sprout Potato Hash – A favorite breakfast hash that is incidentally, also Whole30 compliant. I promise there’s cheese and carbs coming soon! (Shutterbean)

Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie – I’ve made this the last three years with turkey day leftovers. So, so good. The filling has the perfect consistency and the crust is hands down my favorite savory pie crust. (Joy the Baker)

Peanut Chicken Traybake – I saw this on an episode of Nadiya’s Time To Eat and then made it for dinner that evening. I try to keep gnocchi in the pantry specifically for this recipe. (BBC Food)

Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Cabbage – We make this at least once a month, if not more. The cabbage really just can’t be beat. (SmittenKitchen)

Broken Pasta with Pork Ragu – I’m lucky enough to have two dutch ovens (a gorgeous blue Lodge that we got as a wedding present and a self-braising cast iron one that my BIL gave me for Christmas a couple years ago). I take advantage of that whenever I made this recipe and always double the pork so I can freeze one of them for stressful tech weeks that always loom. (SmittenKitchen)

Red Pepper Pasta – One of our very favorite “social meal” recipes we’ve gotten. It’s a favorite when camping as well! (Hello Fresh)

April’s Virus Killing Soup – A dance Mom from my very first studio shared this recipe with me about ten years ago and I try to make it at least once a fall/winter. A single batch can easily be split into two freezer bags and servings for immediate eating.

Cheesy Veggie Choup – This soup is always a favorite – it was one of them I made for our Rehearsal Dinner Soupapalooza! I’ve updated the recipe a bit since I made that post.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup – This is another traditional post-turkey day recipe. I recently made it with a rotisserie chicken and that made it super easy. (A Farmgirl’s Dabbles)

Golden Coconut Lentil Soup – I made this soup all the time in college. The flavor is so nice and the lentils mean it’s packed with protein. (BudgetBytes)

Lindsay’s Corn Chowder – I got this recipe from one of my friends from college-round-one and oooooh it is so, so good. Last time I made it I used homemade corn stock and it kicked up the flavor so much. I recently learned a new way to roast fresh corn and I’m excited to try it in this soup next time I make it.

Sausage Lentil Kale Soup – I love how hearty this recipe is! The lentils and sausage make it super filling and the kale adds a really nice fresh bite. (RealSimple)

Veggie Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuits – I always keep bags of frozen veg mix in the freezer specifically to make this receipt. While it’s not exactly fast, it feels like a low energy, high reward recipe, perfect for busy days that need hearty leftovers for lunch.

January 30, 2022

Year In Review 2021

January

10 – 12th Anniversary <3

February

2 – First day of rehearsal for Daddy Long Legs! Definitely learned a lot about stage managing via Zoom – especially a musical.
7-8 – Daryl and I camp at the warming hut (with an incredible fire place), then Mike, Daryl, Riley, and I go backcountry skiing at Blewett Pass.
13 – Seattle got a beautiful blanket of snow. Daryl, Riley, and I went snow riding with Johnny and GrandPaw at Ravenna Park.
14 – Riding high on our snow stoke, we went urban skiing a second day at St. Edward State Park. Skied from the parking lot into Lake Washington! We end our Valentine’s Day watching Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Romeo et Juliette.
16 – I climb a ladder and focus an instrument at work!
22-26 – We record Daddy Long Legs. It felt so, so, so good to make theatre magic again!
27-28 – Daryl, Riley, and I ski and camp at Blewett Pass
We get 2 bag nights (sleeping bag night; camping)

March

9 – I visit the UM Stage Management class via Zoom. I really enjoy being an alum that is asked to speak to classes.
11 – Emily, Arina, and I spend a couple hours on Zoom together <3
12 – Daddy Long Legs opening night! Streaming openings are not quite the same as in person openings, but I’m so thankful we safely put on a show.
29 – Daryl, Mike, and I catch closing weekend at Mt. Baker. I can’t wait to ski there more next year!

April

- 2 – I got my first COVID-19 vaccination! I thought I was going to cry, but I was too giddy, I couldn’t stop smiling!
- 8 & 15 – Two nights of Blind Pilot live streaming from the Liberty Theatre
- 17 – I built a crate wall!
- 23 – 2nd dose!
- 24 – Taproot Theatre Company Gala! Virtual again this year, but we made it interactive with boxes of goodies that we hand delivered.

May

1-2 – Cascade Grotto Ape Cave Clean Up
8-12 – I was two weeks post-2nd dose just in time for Mother’s Day, so I drove home and surprised my Mama.
- 9 – My Dad and I hiked up to the Astoria Column, something we’ve never done together before. That night I watch PNB’s Coppelia, a ballet I have always loved, but I learned I’ve only ever seen the first act before!
- 10 – Mama and I meander our way from Astoria, down to Seaside, and then Cannon Beach. I’m always so thankful for time with her.
- 11 – I watch Bare Bait Dance’s Window Dressing. I’m thankful online streaming means I can watch my friends dance in Missoula from Astoria.
13 – We have some caver friends over for dinner. It feels good to slowly, safely start seeing people again.
16 – Daryl takes us flying up to Concrete and Bremerton. Such a beautiful day!
22 – We get the garden planted! Very excited about this year’s garden.
28-June 1 – Ski Diamond Peak
4 bag nights

June

2 – Daryl and I go to a Mariner’s game! We of course lost.
4 – My sweet love’s birthday!
12 – I design lights for Spectrum Dance Theater at the Seattle International Dance Festival!
14 – Clare and Patrick are in town to elope and we got to have them over for dinner. I of course made them a cake.
16 – After their wedding, we go out to dinner with Clare and Patrick to celebrate. I’m so happy we got to see them! I miss Clare lots.
17 – Kula Academy Whitewater Rafting trip!
19-20 – Cascade Grotto beginners trip to Lake Cave
- 20 – We meander our way home, stopping at the Johnston Ridge Observatory at Loowit.
23-30 – We almost melt in the heatdome.
- 24 – We see In The Heights at the movie theater.
- 26 – Picnic dinner at the lake.
- 27 – Daryl takes us flying in the morning. It is 107* by 4pm. I was going to have a birthday bbq, but the heat was just too, too much. We got one of the last air conditioned hotel rooms in the entire city for three nights.
1 bag night

July

16-18 – Annual McIver Float on the Clackamas River
24 – My friend Anya and I hike to Talapus and Ollalie Lake – exactly one year after I did the same hike with our friends from school, Brooke and Emily!
2 bag night

August

4 – I discovered nectarine caprese and decide it’s the only thing I want to eat for the rest of the summer.
7 – My friend Matthew and I see Theatre22’s Alice In Wonderland at Volunteer Park.
12 – I chop off and color my hair. Red headed again!
17 – Arina and Jesus are in town for Brooke’s wedding. I’m so happy we had them over for dinner. Lots of puppy play, delicious food, and hugs. <3
28-31 – We drive, bike, and hike in to a caving area with our friend Will. I love being outside.
3 bag nights

September

3-5 – After a brief interruption, we return to the caving area for a couple more days.
7 – Everyone at work is officially back at full time hours! Last day of the Seattle Public Library Summer Book Bingo – I read 24 books over the summer!
11-12 – We record the Road Company shows to have as streaming options.
17 – Taproot Theatre Company Uncorked!
23-26 – Liz and Tommy visit!
- 24 – We played tourist to the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens. Wow, I’ve never been to the Chihuly museum before – it’s incredible!
- 25 – We brave the crowds at Pike Place Market, manage to visit the Fremont Troll with no crowds, and then had an incredible dinner at The Shambles.
2 bag nights

October

1 – Riley’s 5th birthday!
4 – Daryl and I go flying
16-17 – Leaf Peeping at Blewett Pass
18 – We start rehearsals for Babette’s Feast!
29-Nov 1 – Cascade Grotto Halloween Cave-In down by Pahto
3 bag nights

November

3 – 600 days after we stopped tech rehearsals for Babette’s Feast in 2020, we pick back up where we left off!
12 – Babette’s Feast Opening Night! The first in-person opening night since January 2020!
14-17 – I go to Portland with my parents for my Mom’s surgery (she’s doing great!).

December

1 – Boosted!
3 – I visit the UM Freshman Seminar class via Zoom. I hope one day I’ll be able to visit in person.
5-6 – Daryl snagged us a last minute spot at Goldmyer Hot Springs. We were the only ones camping and had the place to ourselves!
9 – My friend Audrey and I see We’ve Battled Monsters Before at ArtsWest. So, so good!
15 – We have our work Christmas party/breakfast and then I treat myself to a little shopping spree at Nordstrom. I almost walked into a Ciara photoshoot three separate times.
16 – Daryl and I have a date night to The Shambles and then to see Babette’s Feast!
19 – Christmas tree hunting and skiing at Blewett Pass
21 – Chop my hair and get it colored again. I love being a red head again.
22 – We take Mike, Saville, and the kids out to see PNB’s The Nutcracker! I’m so happy we were all able to go.
24-27 – Astoria for Christmas (everyone rapid tested before we left Seattle)
- 26 – Astoria got a white Christmas, so we got to ski the Astoria Column! The Clatsop County Snow Riders Association meets again!
- 27 – We stop by Tammy’s and visit for a couple hours before slowly heading home on the very icy highway.
28 – Date night to The Nutcracker with some of the best seats we’ve ever had.
1 bag night

Total bag nights for the year: 18

●2020●2019●2018●2017●2016●2015●2014●2013●2012●2011●2010●2009●

January 12, 2021

Year In Review 2020

January

9 – The day before my first student loan payment was due I was offered a full time position at Taproot Theatre!
10 – Our 11th anniversary <3
11-13 – Anniversary Weekend
- 11 – Daryl and I skied at Stevens Pass and then joined friends in Leavenworth
- 13 – We finally get home after a 28 hour drive
20 – My friend Sydoney was in town from Portland and we got lunch
24 – A full theatre day: my final Spectrum Dance Theatre Frye Museum show and opening night of Steel Magnolias at Taproot Theatre!
26 – Daryl takes us on a flight around Seattle
We get one bag night (sleeping bag night; camping)

February

16 – Daryl, Mike, Elsie, and I went bowling!
21-24 – East Coast Trip
- 21 – Daryl and I fly to Philadelphia and then drive to the AirBnb in New Jersey we shared with Arina and Jesus
- 22 – Emily and Frank’s wedding!
- 23 – Emily and Frank hosted brunch at their house, then D and I drove to Philly and got dinner with Lindsay
- 24 – Daryl showed me around “his” Philly (the hospital he was born at, his Grandparent’s house, and his first job) and then I showed him around “my” Philly (the UArts buildings, my first job, my apartments)
26 – First production meeting for Chicago at Nathan Hale High School (Lighting Designer)
29 – Closing night for Steel Magnolias

March

5-6 – Rippin Chix ski camp at Crystal Mountain. I coughed from my post-show crud and joked “don’t worry, it’s not COVID.”
6 – Daryl starts working from home. Spencer and his lady friend stay the night while in town for a baby shower. There’s never enough time to to visit!
8 – Our friend Tom from Missoula was in town. We finally walked around Green Lake!
13 – It is announced at work that we will start working from home
19 – PNB of course cancelled their performance of One Thousand Pieces, but thankfully the Unions allowed them to stream it. Oh my goodness, it is so incredible. I really hope they bring it back once we can be in person again.
29 – I got tired of not having a spice rack, so I made one! Officially the first “Quarantine Project”.

April

- 21 – My new LLBean Boots arrive!
- We were under Stay Home, Stay Healthy orders, so I basically just made a lot of food.

May

4 – The weekend before we were technically allowed to start adventuring again, we went backcountry skiing at Yodelin
6 – Daryl and Mike built us three garden boxes
9-10 – We camp and ski at Yodelin
13 – We watch PNB’s 2014 production of Giselle
30-June 1 – Camp and ski at Mt. Adams
Three bag nights

June

1 – On the drive back from Mt. Adams, I start rehearsal for our Zoom Cabaret. Running a rehearsal via Zoom on an iPad hotspotting your phone while driving up I5 is *not* recommended
4 – Daryl’s birthday!
13-14 – We flew to Portland and then leap-frogged out way home. We landed at seven airports – including doing a touch-and-go at Sea-Tac!
20 – Daryl wanted cheesecake for his birthday, so I bought a spring form and made my first cheesecake! It turned out perfectly!
21 – First Chinook Pass ski trip of the year
24 – We road our bikes to a disc golf course and played a round while drinking Cold Smoke. It felt very “Missoula”.
27 – My birthday!
27-28 – Camp and ski at Chinook Pass
Two bag nights

July

5 – Ski Artist’s Point at Mt. Baker
14 – Becky and I go hiking. We attempted Mt. Ellinor, but neither of us had enough water and I didn’t bring enough carbs and totally bonked. Still a great day!
18 – We go flying over the San Juan Islands for sunset
24 – Emily, Brooke, Ollie, Riley, and I hike to Ollallie Lake. Always so wonderful to see school friends, but hiking with masks on it not comfortable.
25 – I took a watercolor class with Kula Academy. So much fun!

August

9-10 – Daryl and I got to tag along with Mike and Fisher on Fish’s first backpacking trip!
19-23 – Daryl and I backpack in to Crater Lakes for a long weekend
Five bag nights

September

1-14 – Montana for Scapegoat. We kept an eye on the COVID numbers in the everyone’s counties before we left. They were all below 10% chance based on the GA Tech Event Risk Assessment tool. We decided we were okay with the risk. I didn’t really relax about it until the end of the September when I knew we got away with it.
- 3-4 – Hike in and set up camp
- 7 – Snow day! We woke up to graupel, which turned into snow. I think we got 6 inches!
- 11 – Daryl, Brian, Caitlin, Riley, and I hiked up to the plateau and spent the day looking for caves
- 12 – Hike out and drive to Helena (and into the smoke)
25 – We have three plum trees in our backyard and I didn’t want them to go to waste this year. I made a trio of plum treats to share with our triplex neighbors
29 – We took a sunrise flight to Whidbey Island for breakfast
12 bag nights

October

1 – Riley’s 4th birthday
5 – Mike moved out
15 – PNB Rep 1. Watching the ballet at home is fun, but I miss going out to the ballet.
19 – Dropped my ballot off! I love voting!
22 – Watch UM’s Dance Underground. I love seeing my friends dance.
30 – I visited the UM theatre major’s Freshman Seminar as guest speaker!
31-November 1 – We went on a Larch March and didn’t see any other people. I love having nature to ourselves.
One bag night

November

6 – Watch Bare Bait Dance’s Kinetoscope Film Festival
7-8 – We fly to Orcas Island for the weekend. We hiked in to a beachside campground and had the whole thing to ourselves. The next morning we got brunch at Doe Bay resort, all by ourselves. Then we had a beautiful sunset flight home.
12 – PNB Rep 2
13 – Watch SDT Lyric Suite
26 – Even though it was just the two of us, I decided to go all out for Thanksgiving. I made my very first turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dressing, rolls, and, of course, pie!
One bag night

December

5-6 – Snow camp and some four-wheel driving
12 – Christmas tree hunting
23 – We flew up to Snohomish and Monroe for a little morning flight
25 – Daryl, Mike, Riley, and I went skiing for Christmas at Yodelin. So-so snow, but so much fun!
27 – Sunset hike at Saint Edwards
One bag night

Total bag nights for the year: 26!

●2019●2018●2017●2016●2015●2014●2013●2012●2011●2010●2009●

July 31, 2020

Adventures: Rippin Chix Ski Clinic

At the end of January my friend Theresa posted on instagram about an all-ladies ski clinic she was coaching at the beginning of March. I’ve been wanting more lessons, especially with a lady instructor, and so immediately looked into it. I couldn’t believe it when I realized it was the weekend after Steel Magnolias closed! I signed up immediately – well almost, immediately. It was a little pricey, but Daryl encouraged me to treat myself as a congratulatory gift for getting a staff position at the theatre.

The clinic, Step It Up and Steeps Clinic with Rippin’ Chix, was at Crystal Mountain Resort. I’d been there once, on a backcountry ski trip last spring, so I was really excited to ski two days in a row and stay on mountain at the Alpine Inn.

As luck would have it, Theresa was my instructor at the clinic! I was nervous I was in over my head, but being in a small group (I think there were six of us) with someone I know definitely helped calm my anxiety. And frankly, having people I didn’t know in my group helped me ski lines I wouldn’t’ve in the past.

The first day was a beautiful bluebird day. I, unsurprisingly, got a sunburn (and then spent way too much for the tiniest bottle of sunscreen at the on mountain lodge).

I decided to sit out the last run or two the group took – my legs were feeling really fatigued and decided it was smartest to listen to my body than try to ski more and get frustrated and/or hurt.

It snowed overnight, so we got some fresh pow for day two. I was excited to see what we were going to tackle! Theresa skis at Crystal often, so she knows all the good power stashes. We took some fun traverses to the top of some steep couloirs.

Definitely the steepest lines I’ve ever skied!

I’m really proud of the way I skied at this clinic. I pushed myself and I actually fell! Daryl has thought for a long time that I’d be a better skier if I fell more often, but I definitely ski like I’m afraid of falling. I blame it on my good balance from dance and my fear of breaking myself because of dance.

I fell five or six times, including losing my skis several times. Because I don’t have breaks on my skis (these beauties have super light G3 Ion LT 12 bindings with leashes), when I popped out of my binding, the ski came down the mountain with me, attached to my boot. I clearly slide down the mountain on them a couple of times. Ouch!

Days after this clinic, everything started shutting down due to COVID-19. Less than a week later, I started working from home. And, I think this was the last clinic Rippin Chix had for the season. I’m so glad I got to take this one! I’m already looking forward to skiing with those badass ladies next year (I hope!).

Today’s adventure took place on land stolen from the Duwamish and Puget Sound Salish.

June 7, 2020

Anniversary Adventure

I was originally supposed to have rehearsal on Saturday of our Anniversary weekend, but it was changed at the last minute, so we were able to get away for a little 11th Anniversary Trip to Stevens Pass.

We woke up early and made it to Stevens early enough to park in the top lot. Since we were there, we napped in the car for a couple hours and hit the slopes around 10am. So much pow!

Both times we returned to the car (lunch and once we were done for the day), Betsey was covered in snow. It just kept falling! We snagged fresh pockets of pow all day long and had such a blast.

Caving friends from Idaho were also in the area for the weekend and invited us to stay with them at an AirBnb in Leavenworth. It was very appropriately called the C+A+V+E. We had a really lovely evening talking with friends and soaking in the hot tub.

The next morning as we were all leaving, we wished Stephen, Cody, and Brittany a safe, long drive home. Usually when we’re together they have the short drive and us the long one, but this time they had a 7+ hour drive home to Boise while we were only two hours from home.

We regretted being smug about 30 miles later when the traffic was stopped on Stevens Pass. After sitting stopped for a couple minutes, we decided to try to get to the parking lot at the pass. We successfully made it and headed into the lodge to pass the time. We got chili at one of the bars and watched as the pass opened and closed several different times. We moved to a different bar that had football on and debated our options. Eventually the Seahawks game started and we decided to wait it out.

Around the same time the disappointing game ended, the highway opened back up (“for real” this time). We got back to the car and got in line to head down the hill.

We didn’t make it very far. We would move forward for a couple miles, then stop. There was traffic coming toward us, but we realized it was cars in front of us turning around. When we were about 3 miles from Skykomish, State Troopers officially started turning people around, but by that point Blewett Pass and Snoqualmie Pass (the other route home) were also closed. We decided to keep inching forward towards home instead of turning around.

We spent part of the night parked along the highway in a stretch where there weren’t any trees that could fall on us (we passed a car that was pretty smashed from a tree limb that fell). Around 3am we decided to start traveling toward Skykomish again. We waited in the Forest Service parking lot for about an hour while they cleared trees off the railroad (both entrances to Skykomish were blocked by a train).

We eventually made it to Skykomish and joined the approximately 300 other people also stranded there on the way home.

In the morning we ordered (double!) breakfast at the hotel restaurant, which was very thankfully open and able to make food with their generator (Skykomish was without power for nearly two weeks around this storm). We stocked up on the essentials for the rest of the trip home and spent some time exploring the airport area while waiting to leave.

They were caravaning cars west out of Skykomish. We snagged second in line for this one! There were so many trees down on the highway, it’s no surprise they closed it. I think it was several days before it was opened for travel again.

I finally believed we’d actually make it home when we reached the beginning of the traffic heading east! I think we finally made it home 28 hours after leaving Leavenworth. (And the joke was definitely on us – Stephen, Cody, and Britt made it home almost 24 hours before we did!) At least we’re not likely to forget what we did for this anniversary for a long time.

Today’s adventure took place on land stolen from the sdukʷalbixʷ (Snoqualmie), Tulalip, np̓əšqʷáw̓səxʷ (Wenatchi), and Yakama.

June 7, 2020June 7, 2020

Adventures: FriendsCaveGiving 2019

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite meal of the entire year. If I ever have to pick a last meal, I want a huge Friendsgiving-style spread. The more pies the better. (In 2013 there were five of us and six pies. In 2014: eight people, four pies, and one cake. 2015: three people, three pies. 2016: six people, at least one pie, and a very tiny puppy. 2017: pie for two.)

Our improvised table made from a table, a closet door, a side table, and a couple curtains.

This year we decided to turn Friendsgiving into a caving trip, which turned into nine of us from Cascade Grotto and Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto renting an AirBnb in a tiny Idaho town for a long weekend. Papbougie!

We all contributed to Friendsgiving dinner and then I organized the rest of the group meals (we were all responsible for our own lunch and snacks, but a different person or couple made breakfast and dinner each day of the trip). I of course made pie with bats for the weekend. (I also learned an important lesson regarding tapioca and salt.)

On Friday after everyone rallied, we piled into Daryl’s 4Runner and Caitlin’s sedan and headed up the mountain. While C-rex’s car made it further than we anticipated, it did get stopped by the depth of the snow. We all piled out of the 4Runner and then Amy and I helped Caitlin back down the road until she could turn around in a spot Brian shoveled out for her.

We all gathered down at the campground and made new plans. It was decided Daryl, Brian, Caitlin, and I would head back up in the 4Runner to see how close we could get to the cave. The rest stayed at the campground and started a fire.

Sierra showed us what a beast she is and totally rocked it all the way to the trailhead!

We drove back down to the rest of the group and it was decided we’d head back to the AirBnb and go caving in the morning. Unfortunately, I woke up with a migraine (and thought I didn’t have any migraine meds), so I stayed behind with Riley at the house.

While it was super disappointing to not actually go caving, I had such a blast! We’re already planning on FriendsCaveGiving 2020!

Today’s adventure took place on land stolen from the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla.

June 7, 2020June 7, 2020

Adventures: Cave Ridge

Last September (holy smokes how was that nearly a year ago?) we finally made a trip up to Cave Ridge with the Cascade Grotto. The day before was a Grotto meeting and one of the attendees was a Tennessee caver in town for work. She asked if there was any trips happening while she was in town and we immediately told her about the trip planned for the next day. We gathered her gear to borrow (both for White Nose Syndrome prevention and because she didn’t have camping gear with her) and happily welcomed her to the Grotto.

15 or so of us met in the parking lot and headed straight up the mountain. It was a gorgeous and hot day. One of the guys in the group ended up hiking up in his skivvies because the only pants he brought were fleece lined!

I mostly hiked up with the other lady cavers on the trip. It was the first time I’d been on any sort of trip with any of them. I’ve never been on a hike where I spend the whole time talking with other ladies. It’s always me and the guys, which is great, but it was really lovely to spend time in nature with other women. I need more of that in my life.

We met up with Maurice at camp. The night before he briefly joined us at Azteca after the Grotto meeting, but then hit the road to head up to Cave Ridge. Based on how hot it was when we hiked in, he probably had the right idea! Definitely a hike that is probably easier when it’s dark and you can’t see how little progress you’ve made.

Daryl, Mike and I mostly went on the trip for the hike, as we weren’t camping up there and had to head out before it got too dark. The clouds started to settle on the ridge, so we started our trek down.

At one point on the hike down I ran my shin into a rock I couldn’t see. It hurt, but not nearly as badly as I would expect based on the bruise it left! I think it was a week or two before the discoloration was completely gone. (I’m fairly certain if my shin bones are ever examined after I die they will be covered in dents. Between ladders and caving, I’m constantly bruising them!)

I can’t wait until Cave Ridge becomes accessible this year. Hopefully I’ll actually get in one of the caves!

Today’s adventure took place on land stolen from the Coast Salish, Duwamish, Tualip, and np̓əšqʷáw̓səxʷ (Wenatchi).