Crocheted Pom Pom Hat

I made a hat!  I used the thickest wool yarn on my shelf and the biggest hook in my satchel.  It was simple and quick to make.  First, I made a big rectangle, and then sewed the sides and top together.  Easy!  Then I made a couple of pom poms and stitched them on the corners.  

 It is incredibly warm and cozy!  

Hope your Wednesday was great!

Fruit & Veggie Roast

Root vegetables abound at the Ballard Farmer's Market these days.  Perfect for roasting!  I also included some bosc pears for the first time, and they were a delicious sweet addition to the vegetables.  

 Just the simple chop, olive oil, salt, pepper, and bake at 425 degrees F for 40-50 minutes, stirring at least once half way through the baking time.  

 A big bowl of this for dinner satisfies me!  Those purple potatoes were amazing, I must say.  So creamy with the slightest hint of sweetness.  

Happy roasting!  

Back to Leavenworth

Last weekend I went back up to Leavenworth with Daniel and my parents.  Of course, we brought along the dogs as well.  The fall colors were so beautiful!  

 Most of our time was spent inside the cabin cozying up on couches and watching movies, taking naps, eating snacks, and watching the rain fall outside.  However, we did manage to go on one trek up the logging road.  My dad extracted a sliver of wood from Daniel's finger that he got climbing around the gate on the way up the road.  

 Enjoying the view from the lower viewpoint spot.  This was the longest hike Daniel has done since his stroke, and he did great!  I see more hikes together in our future...

 He is the sweetest fall-decorated dog ever:

These last few photos were taken by my dad:

I'm not sure when I'll be at the cabin next.  I feel the need to schedule a trip there soon.  That fresh, mountain air is in my brain.

Oktoberfest Half Marathon!

Last weekend a group of family and friends ran the Oktoberfest half marathon in Leavenworth.  It was great fun to hang out together at the cabin.  

Here is less than half of the group pre-race.  Notice the smoky haze in the background?  I want to cough just thinking about that forest fire smoke in my lungs.

Little precious Sally:

Dad and I walked up to the lookout the morning after the race.  It felt good to loosen up my stiff running joints.

What a beautiful sight:  

Everyone crossed the finish line!  My time was somewhere around 2:30.  I haven't yet looked up my official time because I'm just happy to finish.  Speed is not usually a goal for me.  I just like being out there and running with a crowd.  

The fall colors over Steven's Pass were incredible! 

A quick stop for doughnuts at the Sultan Bakery on the way home is always nice:

I'll share more pictures from the cabin soon.  We went two weekends in a row!