Vancouver, BC

I took this trip in January as part of a work conference, and it was supposed to be the first of many adventures in 2020.  We all know what happened next, but that being said, for likely my only trip out of country this year, I feel so lucky for the opportunity I was given …

Tuna Noodle Casserole

I have gone my whole life not even thinking twice about making a tuna casserole, and I'm pretty sure I have never eaten one either, but for some reason last week I had the most intense craving for it. Weird? yes, but I'll blame the isolation. I don't typically like canned tuna, but I found …

Christmas Soup

Ingredients 1 small yellow onion, diced 5 Carrots, sliced 5 Celery stalks, sliced 1 Cup Corn 5 slices Bacon, chopped 2 cloves Garlic, minced 6 Fresh thyme sprigs 2 Bay Leaves Salt and pepper 2 boxes Chicken broth 6 Chicken tenderloins, bit sized pieces 1 bag fresh Spinach and cheese Tortellini (or whatever kind you …

2019

I tend to see a pattern of two different points of view this time of year showing up on my feed. For some, January 1 is just another day, NYE has too much hype/always a let down, why set a resolution when you're not going to stick to it? For others it can be a symbolic …

2018

I've been reading the same book for six months and I can't finish it. I, for no reason, made up a rule that if I start a book, I have to see it through. Because of this, I am very careful about my selection. I read in-depth reviews, and no, not just critic ones, I …

California Coast Road Trip

"Why California?" they ask. "Bend is the bessststst." Yes, it is a special place, but you all are constantly complaining about Californians moving up there, so I'm just doing my part to even it out. It's pretty rare to be in a place in life with no real ties to a particular place, and the …

Glacier National Park

When offered to tag along on a trip to Glacier National Park for a week, I couldn't say no! Having never been to Montana, I didn't know what to expect, but coming from Oregon, the most beautiful state (I'm biased), I thought, how cool could it actually be? OK really freaking cool.     Our cabin was …

Tempeh Spring Rolls

  I like making things that don't take very long. If it takes longer than 20 minutes start to finish it better be Thanksgiving, or I don't want anything to do with it. I'm a speedy cook in general, which I'd like to give credit to my training, but in reality when I'm hungry I …

Layover in Seattle

I neither like nor dislike airports. I go, mind my own business, and it's typically a painless process on the way to an exciting destination. I left Las Vegas early on Cinco de Mayo, knowing I had an 8 hour layover in Seattle on my way back to Bend. I actually don't know why I …

Camp Sherman, Oregon

For our first overnight of the season, we wanted to check out Smiling River Campground in Camp Sherman, which is just outside of Sisters. It was recommended by Annie's sister, and did not disappoint. I hadn't camped out there yet, and was looking forward to scoping out a new spot. We don't usually get out …