Backcountry antics and lessons in campfire cooking

Last Christmas, Taylor gave me a spiffy backpacking pack, and the poor thing has been overlooked all summer mostly due to weddings.

That pack has been calling my name, so we finally carved out some time last weekend and headed north to meet my bestie Emily and her husband Greg for my first backpacking adventure.

We divided the meal duties with the Lagreids, and I learned Lesson 1 about backpacking: There's no refrigeration like when you're camping, thus visions of three course dinners and full-blown breakfasts got the kibosh from Taylor.

While the boys were busy e-mailing back and forth about the hike, where we could and would camp, and most importantly fishing, Em and I focused on more important things like who would bring the white box wine and who would bring the red. Although both our other halves suggested we were foolish for packing in two boxes of wine, I think they were more than thrilled to partake in our happy hours and campfire cocktails.

We met in the town of Packard, Washington, at a grocery store. Em and Greg hopped in our ride, and we proceeded through White Pass and up to the Pacific Crest Trail where we hiked in just as they daylight decided to disappear. We landed at Deer Lake, and (guided by headlamps) found a pristine campsite. This sucker had a fire pit as well as carved logs for sitting and a great shelf fastened to a tree (which fit our boxes of wine perfectly).

Em and Greg whipped up spaghetti and roasted garlic bread for dinner, and Greg serenaded us with several guitar solos. He packed in his binder full of songs, and on the second night, I dabbled in a few duets with the guy. Taylor loved to tell me how the entire forest could hear my screeching.

We escaped the rain that first evening, but overnight and the entire second day and night we encountered nonstop rain. Taylor and Greg hung tarps to keep our site dry, and we had to keep moving our tents to avoid massive puddles. We picked the worst weekend to camp, but it didn't matter. We had a blast.

Saturday morning, the guys caught some trout, and we grilled it up for lunch. Em and I caught up on everyone and everything, and she took her traditional catnap while I kept the fire roaring for the fishermen. Taylor cooked up some jambalaya for dinner, and then we feasted on s'mores. Actually, I think I was the only one stuffing my face with melted mallows that night. Plenty of wine and several songs later, we hit the hay to attempt some rest before our hike out in the morning.

In true Kate fashion, I forgot to charge my rickety camera, so all I have are some snaps from the very beginning of the trip. Emily has some additional footage, including pics of our total score of a campsite, which I'll post later.

Emily and Greg are such a fantastic couple, and we loved how effortless it was to coordinate this last-minute trip. After dropping off the duo, Taylor and I made a list of must-haves for our next outing, and we're already planning for this yet-to-be-determined trip. We're thinking a winter snowshoeing getaway.

I must mention the Lagreids will be celebrating their first anniversary on October 2. I can't believe it was a year ago already. Here's to many more adventures and good times!

In desperate need of a fishing license, I made Taylor choose the IGA over Thriftway because it reminded me of Dismores in Pullman, and after all, we were meeting up with my favorite Coug couple.

Taylor and I enjoyed the scenery on the way up Highway 12.

I couldn't get my camera out quick enough to take a better snap of this little cafe in the middle of nowhere called the Huff 'N Puff. We must eat there next time. I bet they have chicken fried steak and other diner delights.

God's country.

Fittingly, we scooped up Em and Greg at Blanton's Market, another proud IGA.

The shenanigans begin!

Nice shot of Greg getting Em's pack all set.

We would have matching packs. Em asked me if I'd named my Cougar-color edition yet, and since I hadn't she blessed it with the name "Butch," the WSU mascot's name.

Greg gets Em set. Can't believe I haven't mentioned Emily's Skhoop yet. It's a snow skirt hailing from Alaska. She said women there wear them when they're cross country skiing or being active in the outdoors. It keeps you warm, yet ventilated. It's on my must-have list for next time. Such a fashionista, even in the great outdoors.

Couples' shots!

The Lagreids.

The final shot before the camera died...bummer it's blurry. 

Welcome to the family, Hazel Diane!!!!!

Fashionably late to join the party, little miss Hazel Diane DeVries came into the world Friday, September 16!!!

Although she was due about two weeks ago, she decided Friday would be the day. 

She is perfect with tons of hair and plenty of meat on her bones, weighing in at more than 9 lbs! She may have inherited some Benz height, too, because she was 22 inches long at birth. 

My sister and Jordan are doing great, and my parents are heading down to meet the new bundle this weekend.

I really thought Stef was having a boy, so I was doubly surprised when I received the news "it" was a "she"...and we're all pretty pumped to start picking out dresses and bows. Elizabeth said she freaked out and went straight to the mall to buy girlie outfits. (This coming from someone who has two boys.)

Congratulations to Stefanie and Jordan! Welcome Hazel...you already have a lot of nicknames and a whole lotta love coming from your aunties, uncles, and grandparents.

Love, Auntie Kate

Letter to myself

Dear Me,

Have patience.

I could end this letter right now, but wouldn't that be boring?

I'll elaborate and say...have patience for the future and all things unknown. Sure you thought you'd be in a different spot in life right now, but did you have a vision for what that'd be? No. Not really.

You always thought you'd be an editor at a magazine, but you tried the journalism path, and its cutthroat nature didn't really suit you.

You certainly never saw yourself as a coach, let alone a college coach, but there you were, skirt suit and clipboard in hand for two years.

Balancing the demands of a graduate program you loved dearly and managing the tasks of your coaching job proved to be a true test of your multitasking abilities and endurance. You made it.

Along the way, you ran in some races, overcame a serious case of heartbreak, traveled, became best friends with your mom, started reading again, reconnected with some genuine friends, cooked, baked, ate, went broke, and most importantly, fell in love all over again.

I'd say things pretty much worked out for you, wouldn't you?

Don't ever forget you had an outstanding summer this year! After graduation 2.0, you lived a dream life, which consisted of twice-daily workouts, cooking and eating incredible food, traveling all around the country to your friends' weddings (including two trips to your so-called second-home), soaking up all the sun the northwest sky had to offer, walking/talking/errand-ing with your mom, trying new things like Bikram yoga and yogurt!, laughing and loving any and all things with Taylor, experiencing family loss as your grandpa passed and gain as your brother married the love of his life, sitting on pins and needles waiting for your sister to head into labor on Labor Day (still waiting on this one...), networking with outstanding professionals in the Portland area (really learning and understanding just what job will be right for you when it comes along), being able to enjoy local events and happenings, and checking off all the things to do you'd been storing up for two years as an overworked, underpaid graduate student.

You're refreshed. Your mom never wants to hear you're stressed or worn out ever again. You've done your fair share of gallivanting around, and you're ready to be contributing to society yet again.

But yet, you're frustrated. You're slinging groceries right now, instead of writing and editing professional pieces of literature or business copy. It's okay though. It's just an in-between gig. A stepping-stone. That's what people keep telling you, and that's what annoys you. "I already went through this phase once before...back when I was 22." You can keep responding in this way, or you can hold your head high and take comfort in the fact that your life always seems to work out.

You're going to look back and laugh. You're going to want to delete this post the minute the dream job actually comes calling. It'll probably be sooner than later, and you'll be embarrassed you spent so much time complaining.

Don't let the things you can't control overpower those you can. Namely, your attitude. Enjoy the work that brings in your paycheck. The people you work with a friendly and kind, and everyone knows you love food--and you can't forget to mention the fact that you get a discount!

Your dad loves to preach the quote: "Sit back and watch life like a movie." Maybe it's time you took a deep breath and did just that.

"...the many paradoxes of happiness: we seek to control our lives, but the unfamiliar and the unexpected are important sources of happiness." Thanks, Gretchen Rubin. I'll keep this quote in mind, too.

Just have patience. Life just keeps getting better, and like always, the little hiccups serve as great stories and experience for future endeavors.

Now go and enjoy the day and your random grocery store work schedule, which permits you to indulge in a run and your favorite boot camp, as well as lunch on the couch in front of your Food Network friends.

Sincerely,
Kate

The year of the wedding: Fort Worth edition

I headed back to my beloved Texas last weekend for the quickest trip ever. There was no way I was going to miss the wedding of Jenny and Mike!

I became friends with the couple back in 2008, so although we haven't had the longest-standing friendship, it's one I know I will treasure for years to come. They are part of a great group of friends from all over the place, connected by the one and only Austin.

I like to think I was adopted by Jenny and our friend Andrea (one of the beautiful bridesmaids) as we all dated guys in the same circle. Although only Jenny and Mike remained an item (queue that Shania Twain song...), the friendships between Jenny, Andrea, and me just seemed to get better with time. Funny. That's just like wine...and isn't it funny how wine and cheese dates proved to be one of our favorite shared pastimes? Some days--well, most days, I wish I could teleport to Austin to join the ladies for happy hour or a Bachelor/Bachelorette viewing party. Our little gaggle of gals also included some other pretty fabulous women, including Fernanda and Emily (remember Emily's gorgeous wedding?), both whom shared in Jenny and Mike's joy at their Fort Worth wedding. We had such a fun time reconnecting, all thanks to the happy couple.

Fernanda and her hubby John picked me up from the Dallas-Fort Worth airport in style as they were waiting at security. Who comes in to the airport these days?!! I felt so special! We went to lunch at the famous (is it famous?) Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth and then off to the hotel to get ready for the wedding. See what I mean about a quick trip? We watched as Andrea got ready for her bridesmaid duties (this girl has been in quite a few weddings, I might add), and then we headed off to a chapel on the TCU campus where Jenny and Mike got married.

The ceremony was just gorgeous, and let me ask a question: Who can hold back tears when Cannon in D begins to play? Anyone? As soon as I saw Jenny walking down the aisle, I felt the tears well up. After the vows, a couple scripture passages, and a big ol' smooch, we cheered as Jenny and Mike became Mr. and Mrs. Davidson--officially! Woohoo! The reception was pretty breath-taking, and of course my photos (again) don't express this sentiment well enough. It was very elegant, and I could feel the love, energy, and excitement Jenny put into the details of the celebration.

The morning after the big party, I headed to Austin with Fernanda. We lunched at South Congress Cafe, I got to visit with her baby boys, and we spent my remaining time at Whole Foods...ahhh...all of which gave me a quick Austin fix before jumping on an evening flight back to Portland.

Talk about a whirlwind. It was all worth it. I'm so thankful to have these friends in my life, and I love that no matter how long or short of a time I get to spend in Texas, I always rack up some great memories...and I usually pack on a couple of pounds thanks to the margaritas and migas!

With love to the happy couple!  

And now...without further delay...here are the attempted photos from my "it might be better if I used a disposable" camera.

The first church wedding of all the weddings I've attended this year. Loved that.

The bride was beaming!

Post-unity candle lighting.

Mr. & Mrs. D!

The beautiful 'maids (Andrea is far left).

Aaand I feel like such an ogre in this pic. John tried to put us in height order, but I told him I preferred to line up as though we were a candelabra. L-R: Emily, Fernanda, moi, Sarah (only the second time meeting her--she's just fabulous!), and Kara!

I forgot to mention the menu included a macaroni and cheese bar as well as a s'mores bar! Mmm.

I can't believe Fer had a baby two-and-a-half months ago. She is phenomenal.

Hot couple alert! 

Cheers! I maaay have committed this act one too many times that night.

The ballroom was stunning, and Fer really loved the lights!

The table names were locations Jenny and Mike have visited. They had a "modern Texas" theme and included their love of travel. Cute idea.

Andrea, me, and Fer.

This cake was absolutely amazing, and I couldn't get close enough to get a great picture. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Blurry moment...

I want this band for my next event that requires needing a band. Do you think they'd travel out west?

Brasilian kisses!

Andrea, Lea, and Sarah.

There are more pictures. Why? The Robot? Texas Tech fight song? WHY?!

Loved meeting the bridesmaid on the far left, Kathy. Such a hoot!

Cheers to the bride and groom!

And...I had to throw in a pic documenting the heat wave in Austin. It was 113 degrees last week. I saw some of the terrible fires in-person, and I am thankful my friends are safe. I'm also thankful I no longer work at the news because my friends still at the station have been working around the clock since Sunday. Pray for the people in Central Texas.

Yeah...that says 105 degrees. Yowza!

The year of the wedding: Los Altos/Palo Alto edition

This post goes out to a very special bride, a former Miss Laurie Gregg, now the proudest Mrs. McClure on the planet (second proudest, I suppose, because her mother-in-law seemed pretty darn pumped about the nuptials). Lo was so excited to become a Mrs., she could hardly wait to change her facebook status to "married," swap profile pics, and switch her last name. She even stopped mid-"...you may now kiss the bride" to take a pic of herself and her new hubby smooching. It was classic Laurie.

Laurie is one of the phenomenal friends I made while in college. We have a truly special group. The majority of the ladies were Coug swimmers, and whenever we get together, it's as if we just left each other. We always pick up right where we left off. I have fond memories of Sunday mornings in our disgusting party house on D Street, sitting in our Cougar-issued gray athletic sweats, sipping some seasonal Starbucks lattes (pumpkin spice or gingerbread?), chatting about the night before and all its happenings. We made some memories in college...oh, let me tell you. This wedding weekend took me back to those good ol' days, and it was exactly as I imagined: nonstop partying!

Laurie comes from an abundantly happy, loving, and generous family. They love sports, vacationing, and making sure no one enters their house without a receiving a full glass of wine and a hearty hug. I doubt anyone has left their home without a side-ache from laughing. You can tell they enjoy each other's company and living life to the fullest.

The wedding was a three-parter. We got picked up from our hotel in Palo Alto in charter buses and were transported to the country club for the ceremony. We were met with glasses of champagne and a glimpse at the open bar and glorious buffet awaiting the conclusion of the ceremony. No one sat down for the wedding, but instead, we gathered around the patio while Lo and Jus exchanged vows. It was probably the quickest ceremony I've ever encountered, and as soon as it was sealed, the bride and groom grabbed glasses of champagne and toasted to the crowd.

After an outstanding dinner and many glasses of some pretty fine wine, we were again shuttled in those luxury liners to the Gregg home. What a perfect setting for a reception. Rows of white globe lights stretched from one end of the yard to the other. Lo's parents completely redid the flowers in their backyard to match the colors of the wedding, and they covered their pool with a giant dancefloor. The DJ, bar, snacks, and gorgeous cake had their own special nooks, and Laurie threw her bouquet from a balcony off of the guest room. Framed photos of past family weddings, Laurie trying on her mother's wedding gown, and some pretty funny Justin mementos decorated the hallways and bathrooms. The house and yard smelled beautiful, and much like other weddings I've attended this year, it seemed fit for a magazine spread. The Greggs thought of everything. We even got to take home green or beige pashminas to keep us warm after the sun went down.

And, just when we thought we couldn't boogie any longer, the charter buses showed up and escorted us to a Palo Alto watering hole where we watched many of the wedding guests and the bride attempt to ride a mechanical bull. Yep. We sure saw it all.

Before I end this post, I guess I should rewind back to the bouquet toss, because I forgot to mention I caught said bouquet. I'm a bit embarrassed, and for once not for myself, but for another of Laurie's friends who attempted to catch the flowers and accidentally toppled into the cake instead. Rumors circulated that I pushed her into the cake, but I'm sure there are some photos out there that prove I was in front of her and in no way could have committed such an act. (Sidenote: At the Sunday afternoon post-wedding barbecue at the Greggs' house, I had the chance to chat with this friend of Laurie's, and I assure you, there are no hard feelings. Second sidenote: I can't believe the Greggs hosted a post-wedding barbecue. Too gracious!)

The next morning, in true college rewind fashion, we woke up and went to breakfast to discuss every part of Laurie's wedding. It captured Laurie's spirit and her infectious love of celebrating just perfectly. She and Justin seem as happy as they were way back when they met. We are so thrilled and thankful to have been a part of such an amazing weekend. Cheers to the newlyweds.

The Ivy girls (AKA inhabitants of a really grimy duplex on D Street senior year of college): The bride, Katie, Em, and me.

Laurie's brother, Robert, and her cousin Chad from Texas. Chad and I go way back to 2008, when Laurie came to Austin for three hours. I will never forget the Sixth Street shenanigans with Robert, Laurie, and Chad.

Had to slip this one in there...Hobee's coffee cake. So thick and fluffy!

No caption necessary.

Lovely roomies Kayli, Chelsea, Katie, and Em.

Our reunion tour group.

My bestie Em and her hubby Greg. Can't believe their wedding was almost a year ago! Woosh. They're so cute.

There she is! Patty Gregg! Mother of the Bride!!!

DIY flowers. So pretty.

Thumbs up, Peter!!!

The answer is YES! We're all Cougs, and we all sang the fight song at the top of our lungs. 

With the most important person.

Greg tickled the ivories on our way out. "Kenzie! This one goes out to you!"

Welcome to the reception!

Dancing the night away.

Had to get a pic of Laurie trying to fix the running toilet in her wedding gown. "Move over lady, this is an easy fix!"

The cutting of the cake. (Notice how close I was. I never miss a cake opportunity.)

Terribly unflattering photo of me, cute of Sheena...highlights include the bouquet and the pashminas.

Post-wedding "tower" pour at the Old Pro in Palo Alto.

The bride on the bull.

No one wanted to miss this photo op!

The backyard sans dancefloor. Gorgeous.

These three alllmost missed their flight because we were having too much fun at the Greggs' house. Thank you Peter and Patty!!!