SpecDUCKular!

Darin and I enjoy going to football games. Darin goes to watch the game - what a concept. I go for the $8 beers and to watch the mascots. My favorite mascot? The Oregon Duck!

The Duck is very entertaining - he enters the game on a Harley as a pirate,Sports a wicked pirate costume - watch out Johnny Depp,Comes out in a Trojan Horse to impress and endear USC Trojan fans,And does as many push ups as the total Oregon score each time the team adds points to the board. I've seen this duck do 47 push ups in a row!

Nicke & Sara

Here are shots from Nicke and Sara's visit in November. It was nice having family around. We spent a day in the Leavenworth starting with lunch at Pavz.

We spent some time at the petting zoo. Sara's very good at her animal sounds, so it was particularly funny watching her with the farm animals.She really liked Jake. He loves kids, so they made a good pair. Ben's not so interested in kids. He's good with kids, but he can take them or leave them where as Jake can't get enough. If Sara could fit Jake in her pocket, he'd jump in for sure.We watched the Steelers on Monday Night Football. Darin showed Sara how to be a good Steeler's fan - complete with a Terrible Towel. Nicke and I were quite amused watching Darin that night. He would get the first half of a swear word out, and then quickly change it to something like - apple butter or kelly clarkston!

Mullet Mania

I consider myself quite fortunate to have observed three mullets in the wild recently - and all at football games - what a shocking coincidence!

October 31, 2009
Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans
Eugene, Oregon
I didn't even notice this mullet until after half time, and he was only two rows away. At first, out of respect, I considered just letting this one go to continue living a good life in the wild. Then I got one good look of the stripes on the side, and that was it - I raised my camera and bagged that bad boy.
I think I did a good job capturing this mullet in all its glory. But, more than being proud, I am humbled by the kill. One note of interest - his snack of choice was chili dogs. Makes sense. I spent the rest of the game with my eyes peeled making sure there were no others in the vicinity.
November 28, 2009
Apple Cup
Seattle, Washington
When Darin pointed this pair out I said, "HOLY SH*T - is that the elusive double mullet?" After careful observation though, I can't confirm to what extent there was some business in the front with this pair. There is definitely a party going on in the back. You decide. No snacking with this group - they were all football.

Norton Family Vacation

Shannon, Jacqi and Hayden recently spent some time with us. We went to Mazama for a couple days and enjoyed our first snowfall of the year. Brrrr!

Rather than taking Hayden hiking in the snow, we drove part of the North Cascades Loop. Hayden skillfully spotted the big, black train in Newhalem. He had a great time climbing all over and ringing the bell. He also saw his first deer in Mazama. He said we probably saw forty or fifty deer! :)

Lake Wenatchee Horse Riding

As a surprise, Darin took me horseback riding at Lake Wenatchee a few weeks ago. After the ride, he gave me a sack of carrots from his garden to feed to the horses. Here are the horses after the ride and before the carrots.

And here they are after enjoying a bunch of carrots. I think it's safe to say they LOVED them.

Geaux Tigers!

We spent last Friday night at the Huskies vs. LSU Tigers game in Seattle. The weather was nice, and the Dawgs played a good game. It was a good night for football!
The LSU fans were a real kick to watch. I've never seen fans sing and cheer their hearts out - they cheered along with the cheer squad most of the game - and at the same time, be so courteous and respectful to opposing fans. They also neatly fold their hands in their laps between plays. Okay, that's a bit of a stretch, but they are certainly reverently passionate about their football. I was very impressed. Good form, LSU fans!

L-E-A-P!

Okay - here are photos of the front yard from this year. This is the third summer since the plants were put in the ground. The third year in the post-planting growth cycle is called the "leap" year. I just love these trees and plants. Darin and I visit nurseries together (mostly since I tend to think that I can always find room to fit in another tree here or there, so Darin's the calm voice of reason) to check out plants. It's a good time and makes for great memories as we watch the plants grow. The dogwood in the photo below is one of our best finds; it was only $20, and it is growing into a beautiful tree! I love the arbor he built me (visible in the background); it's a simple, clean and absolutely perfect design.
The hydrangea is one of our favorite plants; I think we've been able to squeeze five into the front yard. I think I could fit a few more, though.I think I've decided that I really need an acre or so to plant. The only problem is that I think it would still be this packed.The plum trees have grown very well. You used to be able to see the fence behind them, and now it's barely visible. I see a good pruning in the near future for them.