Sunrise

Joe and I celebrated four years of marriage by hiking around Sunrise, Mt Rainier. It was a beautiful day. I became quite enamored with all the interesting rocks, and ended up taking far too many pictures. Part of the trail was completely covered in snow, but it was a short part, so we braved it. It really helped that we were able to watch a family cross that part of the trail just up ahead of us. If they could do it, surely I could, right?

After visiting both Sunrise and Paradise a couple of times now, I think I can say with certainty that Sunrise is my favorite. It feels like you are so much higher up compared to Paradise. I think this is due partly to the fact that so many of the trails are along ridges. Besides, the Sunrise viewpoint (just before the visitor center, at the switchback on the road) has got to be one of the best views on Earth. We could easily see Mt Adams from there. It looked like someone held a mirror up to Mt Rainier. Breathtaking.

two years

Yesterday Joe and I celebrated our handfasting anniversary. Married for two years, together for almost seven. I couldn't have found a better man. I love you Joe.

kitty love

Proof that my cats like each other, at least when there's a good napping spot to be shared.*



This picture is my new desktop background at work. It has brightened my days this week, as my students have been especially challenging.

*Since the chair is normally slanted, and this picture was taken from directly above, it looks like the kitties are roughly the same size. Anyone who has met them will tell you that while Rosie (black & white) is an average-size kitty, he looks huge next to Tiger (orange), who is only 7lbs. It's amazing how perspective alters what you see.

the Barr-Hertels

This past Saturday I attended the wedding of two college friends, Everett and Alyssa. They were married in a huge, beautiful Catholic church in Vancouver, WA.




We all lived in the same residence hall at PLU. My husband and I started dating in college. Everett and Alyssa started dating after college. Two other couples we know and love met while at PLU and are now married. I am noticing a trend.

It was a large wedding by my standards (we had maybe 30 people at our handfasting), and there were an abundance of PLU-people, including at least one professor. There were also an abundance of fancy desserts.

I like how the one in front looks like it's wearing a wizard hat.

But anyway, I digress...

Aren't Everett and Alyssa a beautiful couple?


In contrast, here is a fairly typical picture of myself and my husband:

He likes to make funny faces without telling me.

That is one of the many reasons why I love him.