Scout Lake Again

Another weekend, another trip to Scout Lake. When we saw the other car at the trailhead we were worried, but soon the other group passed us going the opposite direction. It's amazing to have a lake to yourself around Seattle in the summer.

What Rebecca Says in the Middle of the NIght

"I don't want to go downstairs in the dark."

"I don't like the children's version."

"I don't like the people flying in the air."

Better Not to Ask part II

Of course, now there's sugar water dripping all over my kitchen floor. Maybe more oversight is necessary. (Also a piece of broken glass--where did that come from?)

But at least she is getting a rag to clean up the mess. As much as a 3-year-old can, anyway.

Better Not to Ask

Why is my three-year-old gingerly mincing down the hall, her back towards me, hands in front of her?

Because she's just come out of the bathroom, obviously hiding a cup of water she plans to use for candy experiments or something. If I call her on it, I'll have to scold her for maybe making a mess or something equally applicable. Best to just let her tortoise into the kitchen and continue on with whatever she's doing.

Fava Bean Follow-up

And another fava bean question. I posted my difficulties with fava beans on facebook, and all sorts of friends have chosen to weigh in with helpful advice. I have not heard from (or gotten comments from) some of these people for years! Why are fava beans such a hot topic?

I have gotten lots of good advice from said friends, however, which makes me more hopeful about trying them again if we get a batch next year. Best advice: cook beans, pods and all, until pods are caramelized, then eat the whole thing. No peeling stringy white membranes off each individual bean. Sounds worth a try!

Fava Beans?

We get a bag every year from the CSA. Every year I dutifully make them, enjoy eating them, but wonder how anybody could possibly stand to peel each individual bean more than once a year.

Pretend it's Summer

Even though it's 62 outside, we know that the rest of the country is baking, so we'll pretend it's summer with a lovely iced chocolate. Enjoy!

• 3/4 cup (180ml) whole or lowfat milk
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
• 4 ounces (115g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces, 175g) ice cubes
• 2 to 3 scoops chocolate ice cream or chocolate sherbet
• Lightly sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for serving

1. In a small saucepan, heat two-thirds of the milk with cocoa powder, just until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and drop in the chocolates, stirring until the chocolates are melted and smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Using a blender, mix the chocolate mixture and the rest of the milk with the ice cubes and ice cream or sorbet until completely smooth.
3. Divide into two glasses, top each with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

Scout Lake

From 2011 July Scout Lake Campout


K and I had a great time hiking & camping at scout lake, though the trail could use a little work. Yes, snow still reaches down to the lake in places.

Junk

Just spent the last hour stuffing down junk food. It never really helps, but for a little while you can pretend it's going to.

Rebecca Dresses for Summer in Seattle

Yesterday: shorts and mittens
Today: short sleeves, fleece hat, and scarf

Thank You

Pickpocket school?

This morning over breakfast, Alex confided that he was really excited for today's lesson at camp--on stealing.

Of course, he meant stealing basketballs.

The girl who won't take "no" for an answer

After Mommy refuses to sharpen both ends of her blue colored pencil, Rebecca asks for a plate for shavings, gets out her pencil sharpener, and busily begins double-sharpening the entire pack.

Quick Fix

For good days. For bad days. And for really bad days.

A Long Trip

Amazing views on a 25m rappell--a quick refresher for our more difficult trip.

On vacation we hiked and rappelled the Zion NP Subway, one of the jewels of the park. (Also a technical Class III/B canyon).

More photos on the Skeedattle blog.

Rebecca's New Travel Activity

"Look, Mommy! I'm sticking up my big toe!"

Words of Wisdom

As Alex pointed out at dinner tonight, "You can't have a taco without a tortilla."

In Hotels

Why is it that children, even when they haven't gone to sleep until 10 or 11 the night before, always wake up at 6 or 7 when they're sleeping in hotels?

Shut-eye

After extending our car trip several days and several hundred miles, I was getting sleepy, and leaned back to take a nap as we entered South Dakota. Laramie poked me awake to point out rock formations. "Don't go to sleep now," he said. "This is what you came to see. You can sleep in Montana."

Upgrade

Rebecca isn't satisfied with a mere four-wheeler. At first she thought she was riding a "five wheeler truck," but even that wasn't big enough. Now it's a "four hundred truck."