[thirty first]

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Fifth never-before-seen AFI Top 100 movie watched this year.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: Third movie watched this year to make me feel strongly uncomfortable.

[thirtieth]

Two words. VOODOO DONUTS.  After hearing rave reviews of this confectionery over the years, we knew the long line wrapping around the fried dough and frosting landmark in the afternoon the day before was for something special.  We arrived first thing in the morning and bought a pink box full of sugary goodness.  B got the signature Voodoo Doll and a Memphis Mafia and I went for the Mango Tango and Miami Vice Berry (below).  In addition to their revolving case of donuts, I was impressed by the cruller chandelier (above).

The donuts gave us lots of energy to drive out of the city and hike up a trail in Bridal Veil.  We crossed forest floors covered in leaves and mud and jagged, rocky paths to reach the peak.

This beautiful landscape greeted us. 

♥ Perfect ending to a perfect trip 

[twenty ninth]

The second day in Portland was full of exploration and wander-ment (wandering + excitement).  We split a scrumptious crepe from the Saturday Market to start the morning off.  The rain began to drip down again, so we ducked into a sought after Stumptown Coffee.  Sitting at the bar drinking our hot beverages, we watched Portland life walk by.  When the rain let up, we continued our adventure by strolling through Powell's and the rest of the Pearl District. 

We also checked out NW 23rd Street based on the suggestion from several women.  It reminded me of Los Gatos, CA with its ritzy shops and outdoor cafes. This lovely apartment with whimsical architectural details was on the street and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos of it (see above).

[twenty eighth]

Our three-day vacation in Portland was magnificent.  We arrived in the late afternoon and walked into the rain for a dinner at a Lebanese restaurant.  Afterward, we chose to explore the nightlife of the city.  It was colder and wetter than expected, so we ducked into an indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf place (see below).  It was a novel experience complete with glowing skeletons, pirates and parrots! The rain let up once we left and Yelp helped us discover Bailey's Taproom.  I enjoyed a hard cider and B had a sampler - one of the beers was uniquely brewed with black tea!

[twenty seventh]

I took a trip to Trophy Cupcakes with a Trophy virgin.  I'd intended to try a Chai cupcake, but it appeared to be the intention of many others before me -- totally sold out.  Instead I tried the Neapolitan and got the Margarita cupcake for my B.  Both were adorable and yummytown.  

In preparation for a weekend in Portland, I bought a camera remote.  Here's my first practice test:

[twenty sixth]

 

Watching James Carville on Good Morning America made me think of his appearance on 30 Rock.  Giggles ensued.

[twenty fifth]

My collection of perfumes

[twenty fourth]

My 3-lb box of chocolate concoctions

[twenty third]

Chai

Progress during our Chocolate Making class! I went milk while B went dark and we dipped everything from fruits like strawberries and raspberries to pretzels and potato chips.  We went home with about 3 lbs of chocolate creations

[twenty second]

A faint reflection

[twenty first]

Research symposium at school

[nineteenth]

B's first experience with Chia seeds

[eighteenth]

Strawberries in May

A carton of fresh and vibrant strawberries, a sweet calendar design for May and a desire to play with aperture led to this photo!

[seventeenth]

Fettucini tossed in olive oil and garlic with cherry tomatoes and greek olives topped with parmesan.

I usually slather a homemade pasta dinner with store bought marinara, but the highlighted and popping flavors of the tomatoes and olives in the simple oil mix has made me reconsider the old standby.  By the way, I think this dinner was all B.

[sixteenth]

Mmm cheese! My inner Wallace (of Wallace and Gromit) indulged itself at the Seattle Cheese Festival.  It was my third time and the most overwhelming visit thus far.  After copious samples of dice-sized formaggio,  I had to quit somewhere in between smoked gouda and sharp parmesan.  I stopped sampling right before this picture, but I wish I could go back in time, pace myself and try each of these delicious displays.

[fifteenth]

May 15th, 2010 marks the day the biggest pancake ever poured, flipped and fashioned by yours truly was made.  A good 9-inch in diameter monster.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[fourteenth]

A string of beautiful days and another beautiful lake.  I learned how to make a daisy chain on this day.  That white blur in the left was a man playing with his adorable pug dog.  I've never seen a man more in love with his pet.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[thirteenth]

At the lake with mah boo.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[twelfth]

Hands down some of the best sushi I've had in my life.  The recommendations for Musashi's in Wallingford were definitely warranted.  Go for the smoked salmon roll, tuna nigiri, california roll (with tamago!) and spicy tuna roll.  A-flippin-mazing.  

Also, go with good company.  I did twice and it made the meal even better ;)

Originally written on 7.13.10

[eleventh]

Flocked outside after work and met B on a grassy patch.  Brought with me a couple summer reads -- A Very Short Introduction to Poststructuralism by Catherine Belsey and The New Kings of Nonfiction by Mr. Ira Glass.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[tenth]

I'm a big cheater :] I forgot to use my camera on May 10th, so here's another nice hike photo!

Originally written on 7.13.10

[ninth]

@ Flaming Geyser State Park

Originally written on 7.13.10

[eighth]

Mother's Day card construction. 

Originally written on 7.13.10

[seventh]

I was absolutely shocked to see this photo was taken so long ago.  I could have sworn it was only a few weeks ago.

This is an experiment in the abstract. 

Originally written on 7.13.10

[sixth]

An extreme case of procrastination.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[fifth]

Had enough of the food photos yet? No? Good.  Homemade chicken quesadilla -- I gotta make these babies more often.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[fourth]

Enjoying a nice dinner with my girl, J -- An awesome girlfriend who also brings her camera to outings and isn't ashamed to snap pictures of the fare.  This was the first time I ordered an appetizer as part of my main dish -- I had the goat cheese with pita and greek olives with a house salad.

It was raining cats and dogs when we arrived, so we were thankful to seek shelter in the restaurant.  We were planning to have gelato after dinner, but instead sat in my car for a solid five minutes as it hailed.  Oh, Seattle -- I thought showers were for April.  There better be some stupendously beautiful May flowers!

Originally written on 7.13.10

[third]

A sweet gift

Originally written on 7.13.10

[second]

B rolls out yet another most delicious homemade pizza.  Summer sausage. Spinach. Cheese galore.

Originally written on 7.13.10

[first]

Went to a lake park in PT and took lots of photos of the grasses at a snail's eye view.  I was happy to bring the fancy camera to capture some macro beauty.

Originally written on 7.13.10