30 July 2010

Succulents


After much contemplation, I finally got around to picking out some succulents and potting them. I love the unique characteristics of each; so it made it very hard to choose just a few.

Here is what I ended up with:

Sedum Morganianum or "Burro Tail"
Kalanchoe Thyrsifolia or "Paddle Plant"
Senecio Vitalis or "Blue Chalk Fingers"

Did you know all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti?



28 July 2010

70 toes and seven smiles


What do you get when you combine seven cousins with sunshine, a park and a camera? A fun filled high energy photo shoot that kept me on my toes. There was cuteness and beauty, uncooperative, and cooperative. Those who just chilled and those who struck their best pose. But the best were the quiet moments, when they could just do what they are best at, being unpredictable and highly active kids.

















27 July 2010

Living near Paradise

Although Seattle is predominately known for its rain, most people do not stop to think about the positive force it has in shaping our landscapes. Paradise up at Mt. Rainier for example is the textbook example of why do not mind the wet stuff around here. The glacial melt, snow and rain combine to create the green, the meadows, and fresh clean air.

Standing at roughly 14,000 feet Mt. Rainier is deceivingly close in appearance when hiking around.

The sunny, clear day gave us view of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.

Marmots rule the area and in case you forget they will remind you with their high pitch shrill.

There was a fair amount of snow still on the trail, but plenty of footprints and signs show the way.



No matter the age, men like to climb whatever they can.


Mt. Rainier peeks out while on the Skyline Trail.





One of the two most notable events of the trip were we saw a fox and more importantly reconnected with an old friend from high school.

26 July 2010

43rd Festival of the Fountains


Last Friday, we were invited to attend a black tie event called the Festival of the Fountains at the Pacific Science Center. Since this was my first black tie event, I was super excited and debated all week which dress to wear. Since it is Summer I figured I could get away with wearing something other than black.....I don't really like wearing black anyways. Our evening, began with a walk down the red carpet, since no one was there to take our picture, it was a good thing I had my camera.

Upon arrival there were an assortment of hors d'Å“uvres from local restaurants to choose from. My favorites of the evening, were the shrimp with gazpacho and paella. Oh, how it would be fun to cook a meal in such large pan.


We had the opportunity to ride on a counter weight balanced bike, high above the fountain. Riding it in a dress and heels proved to be no easy task, so I will spare you the visual. However, it was a blast!!


It felt like a high school dance all over again minus any awkward moments of not liking your date as much as they liked you or having to hold a sweaty hand while you danced. It was fun to have a party to get all dressed up for and an evening of planned events.

Cameron's associate, Katie and her boyfriend Mark were great people to spend the evening with.

Cocktail hour was above, dinner was below and then dancing and dessert rounded out the evening back on top.



The menu was well thought out and Lisa Dupar Catering did a fantastic job. The mozzarella which looked liked pasta was a crowd pleaser.

Once the sun went down, there was urban stargazing (we were able to view both Venus and the moon), dancing, an outdoor laser show and changing lights aplenty.



The science center and IMAX were closed to the public this evening, so we had free run of the place. The butterfly house was the highlight of my science center experience.