Reflective Tuesday

Simple things of beauty

The tide comes in gently to remind us, that change, is important

The barnacles feed, the starfish rejoice, there is a quiet solitude

That is not without power and force and emphatic consistency.

It’s a simple thing.  It happens many times a day.  Keyboards type, phones ring, dinners are prepared- and yet all the while, changing tides faithfully retract and advance.  Gently, yet powerfully.  Creating boundless seas of artistry and polish, reminding us to pursue our meaningful goals, albeit arduous at times.  For the sea serves as a docile reminder that dreams are not driven by clocks.  And promise of excellence is perpetually attainable.

-Tami Asars

Cold days..warm tub..

Thank goodness the back-breaking project would end with years of soaking in a warm tub!  Last week we poured the pad.  Friday's job was to lay the cable and wire for the electricity to the pad.  Additionally, we laid out conduit for a "someday" second garage.  The excavator was a must-have as most of our soil is stone.  Just the little hand digging we did was exhausting.  Here's the trench.Conduit is next....
Pulling wire requires patience, I found.
From house to tub...
Saturday was delivery day!  Snow had been falling all morning and we were concerned it would prevent the operation... but thankfully a cold rain started coming down right before they arrived.  This tub weighs 850 lbs empty.
I was holding my breath through most of this.  



After the tub was situated, I gave these guys cups of hot chocolate and brownies.  Poor fellas were frozen solid.
Snow fell heavy through the night.  It seemed the perfect backdrop for a great outdoor soak.  Note the step ladder- the 'tub dismount' proved interesting- but we managed.  Once the weather dries out and warms up a bit, we'll start construction on a deck that will go around the tub with steps up.  In the meantime we'll judge each other's scores getting in and out (with laughter).
Normally Mt. Si would be the backdrop... but not this day!


Happy warm feet!
At last!!!!

Today's view from outside our "tent"...

And for your listening pleasure...click play on the player below.

Our weekend project

So the story goes....

We were walking in town one night after dinner and strolled by a hot tub dealer on the main drag with amazing prices.  We weren't ready for a hot tub yet...we still had other priorities, but had intentions of buying one at some point.  With all the crazy adventures we partake in...it was only a matter of time before our aching backs and bodies insisted we oblige.  After all, in our last house 'the soak' was nearly a daily occurrence.

We checked out the hot tub deals and started researching prices and types.  If that dealer was having a great sale- maybe they all were.  Could it be that this ugly economy had made it the perfect timing?  We called around- it was true!  Deals to be had... like mad.  Two weeks ago we headed down to a dealer with our swimsuits in tow and "wet" tested several models.  Because of the price... our signatures ended up on the dotted line.

The final plan includes a 1/2 sunk hot tub with decking around it, some walkways, and some landscaping.  But for now... we had to have a place to put it!  Hence... our weekend project. They'll be delivering the tub next weekend, so we had to get the area prepped yesterday!!  What a giant job.  It's amazing what 2 people and one dog can accomplish in one long day!

Summit looks on...

First things first, clear the area with the excavator.  Level the area and add gravel to make it even.
Next... framing for a concrete pad and more shoveling gravel. (Yes, I did help... just had to snap some progress pics).
Next...rent giant messy concrete mixer from local rental shop.  And mix it up.
Dump concrete into excavator bucket, then strategically place into framing.  Smooth and repeat.
The whole messy scene...
Awww... a final product!  Now the curing sets in... and next weekend... our tub!!

Too early for Humming Birds...

Was it March or April when they returned?  I couldn't remember so I put up my feeders in hopes that the tiny, iridescent ones would show up hungry and find food.  I guess I was a bit early...I happened to look outside and catch this sunset on Friday night.  It had rained most of the day and the sun was trying to set in the mist.  Such a vision!

Summit's head tip

Summit has always had the cutest little head tip. He seems to try very hard to understand what we say and it wouldn't surprise any of us, if he actually understood it word-for-word.

They say no two snowflakes are alike....

On a recent snowmobile outing these beautiful little flakes landed on my goggle and helmet (I was taking a break and had them off).  I couldn't get over their detail and I was reminded that just as no two people are identical- no two snowflakes are alike.  When looking at the copious amounts of snow in the Cascades, it's really mind-boggling to think about that uniqueness- and also to think that these tiny, unique flakes came down quietly- one at a time to make a giant, sparkling snowpack.  Each has a very important job to do- as do people.  While we may have similar qualities, each of us is so unique and has much to offer the other!  

-Deep thoughts this Thursday, inspired by these tiny frozen crystals.

My Salmon Recipe

Years ago I created this recipe based on adding this and that and sampling until it was perfect. I wanted to create a sweet, zingy salmon glaze and found this to be quite delicious. Since Copper River Salmon hits stores in spring, I thought I'd share the recipe! If you try it- leave me a comment on how it turned out! * I sometimes cedar plank grill the salmon for an extra smokey taste- but preparing it in the oven works well also.

Tami’s Salmon Grillin’ & Glaze Recipe:
2 tsp. fresh grated ginger root
½ c. mayonnaise
3 tsp. lime juice
6 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. fresh dill weed

Salmon for two
Olive oil
Dill for basting
Lime Juice for basting

1.) Baste salmon w/ olive oil, dill weed and a hint of lime juice. *tip: You can also baste the fish with the above glaze and cook it!- Be sure to save plenty for the "sauce" after the fish is done.
2.) Sear until juices run clear (or BBQ)
3.) Wisk sauce ingredients above, and pour sauce over warm fish. Serve immediately and enjoy! Serves: 2

Museum of Glass

While Maya was here, we went down to Tacoma to visit the Museum of Glass.  It was interesting to watch how they create hand-blown glass pieces.  

This is a common sight from the backseat of Pup's truck.

The last picture here says it all.  

Snow Fun!

A new dumping of snow to the Cascades followed by a bluebird day is so rare- esp. during March!  We had to celebrate the new snow by heading up to play on the snowmobiles.  As usual, I took some pictures and made a movie. Click here for the movie.  Enjoy!

Signs of Spring & Plant ID help needed!

Even though we're still 3 weeks away, the beautiful Spring clock is ticking.  Today in the meadow I got an update on the progress of some of our plants.  The daffodils that Maya planted are really popping up nicely!  They are so hardly- the snow didn't seem to phase them.  Foxglove is on it's way to giving us those gorgeous blooms again too.  And... I need help with a mystery- any gardeners out there know what the last two pictures here are?  I planted seedlings in the meadow last fall- and these seem to be coming out strong from the wildflower mix.  It kind of looks like Rosemary- but I'm certain I didn't plant any down there.  Perhaps we'll get a surprise when it blooms!

Smells 
Kathryn Worth 

Through all the frozen winter 
My nose has grown most lonely 
For lovely, lovely, colored smells 
That come in springtime only.

The purple smell of lilacs,
The yellow smell that blows 
Across the air of meadows 
Where bright forsythia grows.

The tall pink smell of peach trees,
The low white smell of clover,
And everywhere the great green smell 
Of grass the whole world over.