Dundee

Lucky for us that we live 30 minutes away from Oregon wine county. In my opinion, it is every bit as gorgeous as California's more famous regions.

Sunday, we met my in-laws at the newest restaurant in Dundee for breakfast. Farm to Fork was amazing and we can't wait to go back. Sadly, we were finished eating by 9:30 which is too early for even us to wine taste.

Baskets

I love having an organized home. That somebody person doesn't quite embrace the organization orgasm as much as I do. Therefore, I had to find night stand baskets that he could easily slide his kindle and books into without a lot of hassle. Found the perfect solution from Home Goods for $7.99 a piece. I realize these are not drastic before/after photos ... but like I said, I love to organize and donate. Less really is more ... unless you're talking about orgasms.

Before:


After:


psst ... this is my nightstand. He puts up with a lot around here but think he might draw the line at flowers on his side of the bed.

Kindle

We've never been early adopters. In fact, we typically get on the bandwagon about the fourth for fifth generation. Last year when we discovered this new device called the Ipod (wink), we were over the moon. How did we ever travel without them? Screaming kids on plane, no problem! Annoying loud gym talkers at 5:30 a.m., piece of cake!

We each bought a Kindle last month and while that somebody person loves it, I have yet to fully embrace the reader and give up on books. While it's great to lay in bed and buy a book in less than 2 minutes, I miss holding a real book in my hands ... the smell of the pages, the cover photos, checking to see how much of the book is left to wrap up the story ... it's not the same to see a % at the bottom of the screen ... I need the visual. I think I'll keep my Kindle on reserve for traveling when you want the variety of several books without the hassle of actually taking multiple books on the plane. Meanwhile, that somebody person is on his fourth book in less than a month ... unreal for someone who typically considers himself a slow reader.

It's The Little Things

I have a friend at work who organizes several volunteer activities a month. She and a friend were hosting a family day on January 13th for low income migrant workers in our area. The day was to center around learning activities while also spending quality time together. There was a first aid station, a crafting table, family portraits and cooking classes available. I participated by donating 2 bags of yarn for the crafting table.

When I arrived at work the following day, she presented me with these adorable cards that some of the kids had made for me. It literally brought a tear to my eye when I read their sweet little notes inside. 2011 is the year for me to volunteer again. I took last year off and am realizing how much I miss it.


Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for other's?" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Day Hike

Living in the Northwest, we take every opportunity to be outside when the weather is dry. Sunday, we hiked through a State Park that is about 5 miles from our house. It was a clear day with mild temperatures around 53 degrees ... warm!