out west.

We made the trek out west sometime ago but we just now moved into a place of our own. Oh the housing woes, I won't even get into but finally we have a cute little Portland house that we are loving. It has a completely finished basement that is mostly carpeted except a little laminated flooring nook that is perfect for a...wait for it...wait...sewing area! I am still getting it set up, but I have been able to get the machine and serger out to take in a maternity shirt into something I can wear not pregnant. It felt great to sew! The house also has a backyard with a raised gardening bed so I have been studying up on how to be a gardener. The previous tenants planted spinach, kale, zucchini, and peas! whoot whoot! I added in some tomatoes and bell peppers. And then for fall plantings we are trying swiss chard, cauliflower, carrots, and more spinach. crossing fingers...now! Lills and I are really enjoying this new venture. I just wish I had appreciated the huge garden my mom had growing up. I remember being so annoyed when I would have to go out there and weed or water...sorry Mom! Anyways, so now that we have stuff out of boxes, Gregg started work, and the girls and I are trying to establish our new lives and routines together, I am hoping to get back to taking pictures and journaling here in this space.





Oregon strawberries finally came! Here it is July and I think the strawberries just peaked. We have eaten so many and made many batches of strawberry freezer jam. We also tried this unique recipe for a thai chicken strawberry salad. I omitted the fish sauce, that stuff smells AWFUL, I am sure it tastes fine in recipes but I just couldn't get over that smell so I threw out the first dressing I made and the salad is seriously fantastic!



also here is the prettiest cornbread ever! A friend of mine sells Demarle bakeware and I have been eying the sunflower mold for forever. You want one right?! Even Gregg was impressed with this presentation, although he just loves cornbread too.