Apple Cup UW Victory!

Go Dawgs!

Bow Down to Washington,
Bow Down to Washington. Mighty are the men who wear the Purple and the Gold,
Joyfully we welcome them within the Victor's fold.
We will carve our name in the Hall of Fame,
To preserve the memory of our Devotion.

So, heaven help the foes of Washington,
They're trembling at the feet of mighty Washington.
Our boys are there with bells,
Their fighting blood excells,
It's harder to push them over the lines than pass the Dardanelles.
So Victory's the cry of Washington
Our leather lungs together with a Rah! Rah! Rah!
And o'er the land, the loyal band,
Will sing the glory of Washington forever!

Hi, I'm Layne!

Baby barking at the Cougs.

Brenna & Noah celebrating behind us at the game. 

Viv celebrating in Cle Elum.

Miracle Whip: A New Thanksgiving Tradition

On Thursday, Brett and I hosted our first holiday.  When I proposed the idea of hosting Thanksgiving this year, Brett's face became dark and serious. 

 

"You know we are going to have our first holiday argument," he said. 

I responded, "Why?!  Should we go to Cle Elum instead?!" 

Brett gently stroked my hand and said, "Baby, I love Miracle Whip on my turkey sandwiches." 

Gasp.  I kindly replied, "GROSS! I hate Miracle Whip!" 

Agreeing to disagree in regards to Miracle Whip, we announced our intent to host Thanksgiving.  It was our opportunity to showcase our amazing wedding gifts and Brett’s sensational cooking.  At the risk of bragging… we NAILED IT!

The menu:  Brett brined and roasted a 24 pound bird to perfection and his mashed potatoes were garlicy goodness.  My dad prepared his decadent cranberry and mandarin orange sauce and world-famous dressing.  Auntie’s devilled eggs and green bean casserole nearly stole the show. 

Momsie blew the skeptics away with citrus and marshmallow yams and pumpkin cream pie.  Tara and Tanner contributed asparagus/ham skewers and crescent rolls.  Add that to my baked brie, macaroni balls, and cranberry/mango chutney and you’ve got yourself one heck-uva Thanksgiving dinner!     

The guests: My family has always be fun, fun, fun, and it just got BIGGER!  Erin and Greg stopped by to share the laughs and chocolate toffee squares.  GOM arrived with whitty commentary and love advice. 

GOM:  Do you have a special lady in your life?

Tanner:  Um.  Huh?

GOM:  Well, then enjoy them all!

The laughs: After dinner, we played Things (a board game we received from Sarah Rafuse).  Laughing so hard we were crying, gasping for air in between laughter sobs, and memories we will hold onto forever. 

The message:  Thanksgiving challenges us to take the time to embrace our gratitude.  A bone crushing hug from Auntie Caren.  An inside joke with my Mom.  Uncle Chuck cuddling Harper.  Clever words of wisdom from GOM.

On this Thanksgiving and every day, I am thankful for my family.  My family that I was born into and the family that I chose. 

To my husband, I am grateful for all that you are and all that we will become together.  Even if that means we have to keep Miracle Whip in the refrigerator.  Ew.

 

Thank you for making our first Thanksgiving as husband and wife the best Thanksgiving of my life.  Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!         

The Mustache Gene on Day #22

Yes, it is a great mustache.  But, it is still a mustache.  My still-so-handsome husband on Day #22: 

Poor Tanner didn’t inherit his father’s facial hair gene.  Nice effort, Tanimal!   

 

Only three days to go, so please remember to donate… http://mobro.co/BrettR

The Seasons

A few months into our relationship, the Love of My Life and I visited Vancouver, Canada.  A highlight of our trip was visiting Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.  http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website/

During the spring, visitors enjoy the emerging blossoms and vibrant colors of the gardens.  Like all living things, those blossoms wilt and the colors fade.  Our tour guide described the garden in the season of  “death and decay”.  However, Brett and I were amazed at the richness of the garden when we took a closer look.  The colors had changed, but remained decadent in gold, orange, brown, and even purple. 

Similarly, grape vines transition from bountiful berries to dried leaves during the winter season.  And a few weeks ago, we experienced them first hand.   You may recall that Brett and I love Yakima Valley wine country.  http://undertheoldwalnuttree.blogspot.com/2011/04/bliss-weekend-in-wine-country-part-1.html

This particular trip was dedicated to my brother John and his girlfriend Jill.  John is more than a brother, he is a roommate! 

John and I first shacked up in 2007 in an apartment on Lake Washington.  In 2008, we purchased our home Under the Old Walnut Tree together and remain co-owners.  John really is a great roommate for the following reasons:

1)      OCD Tendencies

He’s a total germ-a-phobe, which makes him a hygienic and sanitary roommate.  WARNING:  He will spray you in the face with Lysol if you enter our home with a cold.  It’s offensive, yet beneficial. 

2)      Tool Abundance

John works for Milwaukee Electrical Tool, allowing him access to the best tools in the business.  He generously shares his tools with Brett and patiently instructs on their usage.  WARNING:  Our home is cluttered with gigantic boxes everywhere.  Everywhere!

3)      Hank

John’s 11 year old lab-mix is my favorite Ramquist.  He is a big snuggly furry human Sparkle Bunny.  Watching Hank and Harper play is a little slice of heaven.  WARNING:  There is Hank hair on everything we own!

4)      Food

Normally, John nourishes himself with protein shakes, canned tuna, and cottage cheese.  But, if you are lucky enough to catch him when he’s not counting his carbs, he is an amazing cook.  He doctors-up my favorite Top Ramen into a delicacy.  WARNING: His mustard sardine concoction will make you ralph. 

5)      Humor

John is not that funny.  Brett made me add this one.  WARNING: Most of John’s jokes are aimed at Jill or me.  We’re not laughing. 

6)      Our Wedding

Remember that retaining wall at our wedding?  That was John.  He served as the Forman for the construction project with five of Brett’s friends.  He patiently instructed the hard working boys on framing and concrete, while contributing his own blood, sweat, and tears.  Remember all that amazing food at our wedding?  That was John.  He spent countless hours frying chicken, stirring sauces, and grilling veggies.  All on the hottest day of the year.  WARNING: Brett and I feel eternally indebted for John’s service. 

John’s last great contribution as a roommate is his girlfriend Jill.  Your first impression of Jill will be baffling.  She is absolutely gorgeous.  Her beauty illuminates with her thick platinum blonde locks, flawless skin, miniature waistline, and striking blue eyes. 

Don’t stop there, I urge you to take a closer look at Jill.  She certainly lives up to her childhood nickname, “Jill the Pill”.  But, I truly love that Pill.  Jill is silly, quirky, imaginative, and intelligent.  She may whine and harp, but listen closely because her idea is likely to be smart and thoughtful. She infuses her intelligence with kindness and compassion.  She generously shines her love on children, her family, and dogs.  She has used her intelligence to graduate UW with honors, invent mobility equipment, and coordinate our wedding.  Remember that bossy blonde at our wedding (no, not me!)?  That was Jill.  She calmed my nerves, eased my stresses, and tolerated my mental instability.  Behind the scenes, Jill coordinated the ceremony, reception, food, drinks, and dessert seamlessly.  My lifesaver!

Thus, to express our gratitude, Brett and I planned a weekend away in Yakima Valley wine country.  On Friday night, one of our favorite couples joined us for dinner at Mojave at Desert Wind.  Brett and I always enjoy any time we can spend with Ryan and Janelle.  For the majority of the night, we were the only guests at Mojave.  The quiet atmosphere was so relaxing and so peaceful.  Great food, awesome wine, and amazing company.

On Saturday morning, the entire group headed to Chandler Reach for an amazing morning of touring and wine tasting.  Wine is apparently the breakfast for champions because we were winning!  

Reflecting on our experience at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, the winemaker explained that the vines no longer held grapes, but would be hibernating until spring.  The grapes had been picked, crushed, filtered, and stored in giant oak barrels in the cellar. 

After sampling wine from the barrel, we enjoyed a delicious cheese, meat, and veggie lunch overlooking the vineyard.

With full tummies and a thirst for wine, we visited Terra Blanca on Red Mountain and Vintner’s Village in Prosser.  Last year, we had a blast converting Ryan into a wine-o. 


This year, it was Jill’s turn.  She started wine weekend certain that she didn’t like wine.  She left wine weekend with a greater appreciation for whites. 

It’s only a matter of time before she moves on to the bold reds.  Bring on the tempranillo and grenache!

 

John is my brother, roommate, and fellow-wine enthusiast.  Jill is my kid sister, entertainment, and one of my best friends.  Together, they add color and richness to every season of our lives.   

   

  

Movember Day #15

Movember continues Under the Old Walnut Tree!  Although my husband is still adorable, he reports that his Trucker Mo is "itchy".  Because it is a good cause, I am supporting Brett’s mustache whole-heartedly.  However, between you and me… it’s kinda like kissing a stranger.  A creepy middle-aged stranger from the 1970’s.  But, he’s still adorable! 

(My Adorable Husband on Day #15)

Please remember to donate! 

http://us.movember.com/mospace/1636792/

Movember of Manliness

Our home Under the Old Walnut Tree was built in the 1940’s.  It started as a one bedroom, one bathroom mini-cabin, but has become our two bedroom, two bathroom home.  Owning a house that is 70 years old means maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.

Our Wedded Bliss may not appear glamorous, but our routine is richly rewarding.  We typically spend Saturdays on laundry and cleaning.  Between Brett, my Dad, John, Harper, Hank, Snow White, and myself, the housework seems bottomless.  Fortunately, as Newly Weds, we actually enjoy working together on these projects.  I am so lucky that my generous husband takes on the breadth of our household chores, but I try to contribute as much as possible.  Brett loads the washing machine, I fold clothes.  Brett cooks dinner, I wash dishes.  Brett vacuums, I Swiffer.  Brett cleans the litter box, I glare at the cat.  See!  Wedded Bliss! 

(Free shipping!)

In addition to our ordinary house work, we always have a project in the works Under the Old Walnut Tree.  This weekend was dedicated to winterizing the house.  Brett and my Dad replaced a weathered, drafty, and moldy window in our bedroom with an energy efficient new window.  Next, Brett stained and waterproofed our deck.  He created a non-skid paint for the ramp to prevent my chair from sliding on icy mornings.    

Lastly, he pained our front door purple.  Ok, admittedly this is not a weatherizing project.  But, I’ve always dreamed of having a purple front door.  After a long day at work, our purple front door says, “Welcome back, family!  Come on in to your cozy home!  I have fresh baked cookies and warm cocoa waiting!”  Thanks, Baby, for making my purple dreams come true.    

(Before)

(During)

(Purple!)

Like me, you are probably amazed at the amount of work Brett accomplished this weekend. The truth is that he didn’t do it all alone.  He had the assistance of his new mustache.  Mustache = Manly.  During the month of November, men around the country are growing mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, including prostate cancer. 

http://us.movember.com/

Brett has a special family connection to the disease and is dedicated to raising money for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.  The added bonus to Movember is that his mustache also makes him manlier.  The manliness allows him to complete all sorts of manly tasks around the house.  In the month of Movember we all win!

(Day #1)(Day #7)