Amazing Strangers

So, back in August we went camping on the Olympic Peninsula. One of our stops was at the Oxbow Campground on the Hoh River. First thing in the morning we were taking a stroll with Ella and ran into a couple with a gorgeous golden who Ella immediately befriended. They were hysterical, rolling in the mud together on the river's bank. I attempted to take some photos of this priceless moment, but my camera decided to "malfunction" and I couldn't get any photos! Luckily, the couple, Suzy and John, offered to send me some of theirs, so we gave them our address and went on our way.

Well, a nice surprise arrived in the mail today... and here they are...

probably one of Ella's happiest and dirtiest moments yet!

Thank you Suzy and John!! We'll have to meet up for another play date some day!

Hiking Annette Lake

I took Ella to Annette Lake, a seven mile hike off of Rt. 90, about 45 minutes from Seattle. She had a blast racing up the trail, running with Val’s dog, Fife, splashing in the icy lake at the top and then tearing back down. Her endless energy never ceases to amaze me.

I love this photo... it really captures the essence of the day!

This is Fife, Val's dog...

Moving Right Along

October is one of the hardest months of the year for me... suddenly, something I've been putting so much time and energy into both physically and mentally for the past 8 months is over and I find myself constantly searching for things to fill its void (besides my thesis that is!). Playing fall league on Flücker helps. This is my outlet to throw pretty much anything ("dangerous overconfidence" is our motto), play any position and just relax and have fun. As if that wasn’t enough fun in itself… we also get to play on new turf fields almost always to music supplied by one of the members of the team, Xtehn (who also supplied the jerseys from his company 5 Ultimate.) Thanx X!

A few action shots...

and I finally get to play with Dave again!


Ella is always a good sport while we play, hanging out on the sideline and enjoying the endless pats on the head from passersby. I could swear she actually watches the game some of the time…

She posed like this on her own, I swear! Her red frisbee is one of her favorite toys and luckily, it's indestructible!