Skamania Lodge

With the sun making for a real spring-break, cashed in on a long overdue voucher at Skamania Lodge in the Columbia Gorge. It was an impromptu break on a sunny blue-skies day with hubby picking up from work in the middle of the day...felt like kids sneaking out. Beautiful hiking through bare, silvery aspen/birch groves watching turtles sunning on the dead logs and trilliums lighting up the forest floor, smores and rocking chairs by a crackling fire and salmon three meals a day made for an enjoyable jaunt. The "bridge of the gods" definitely lived up to its name with an ethereal haze over the river.

A surprise

Cooked up pav-bhaaji for a surprise birthday party after a long time. Remember to never use the south-indian brands of the masala.
Stopped in for a quick dinner at Bethany's table - LilC got down and close to the dog - zoey and followed it right under the tables - the asparagus with balsamic vinagraitte was a hit even with the kids.

Spring concert

BigC's dance school put on a show at the Spring Festival at the Walter Performance Center. Celebrated Sis and B's bdays at Imperial with sis getting carded. Duck meatballs with prunes had all 3 scraping the plate. If only the quail could have been well-fed, it'd have made for a great grilled bird.
Shivaratri had everyone gorging on uncooked fare at S/A's - mix of finely chopped fruits with light custard/icecream is always a winner with adults and kids.