our 10th

It was in August, but I am still in shock that I have been married for 10 years. Heck, we've been together for 13. Aie. Child bride. Right.
One night, Mark was very concerned that I not go home alone. the reason is he had scattered roses and rose petals around the house:



We planned a little getaway since we hadn't spent much quality time together in a looong time. I like to call it our NW wine adventure.
Our first stop was Nevada City, CA. We had planned to stay one night, but weather was bad up north so we stayed another night. We found a brand new B&B called the Parsonage. We had a choice of room since we were the only guest and we chose this one since it was in the back and was right next to a little porch:

We hung out in Mt Baker for a few night too and did some hiking:



It was beautiful up there. Oh and we assisted in a helicopter rescue. We were hiking up and came across a couple in their 50s. They had driven up from seal level and thought they could strenuously hike with the husband suffering from heart problems. Darwinism. Anyway, the wife called 911 and this huge Coast Guard chopper was dispatched with Mark, as a pilot, giving dispatch info about the terrain and possible LZs. It was all very exciting and must have cost a fortune. When the chopper came in, we all hunkered down and covered up the "patient". They had left their ice axes on the ground nearby and either Mark or I threw them farther away just incase the rotor wash was really strong. In the end, I think it was pretty stupid of these folks to knowingly put themselves in such danger and then have to call in the cavalry to get them out of trouble. I bet they are the type of people who would sue a coffee shop because their drink was too hot.

In truth, the purpose of out trip was twofold, to celebrate our anniversary and wine taste across the Northwest. We had done a similar trip before so we were able to hit up some of our favorites. Like Walla Walla. We considered buying property up here. So many wineries in such a small area. At the airport alone, their are a dozen. The standout for us here was Woodward Canyon. We also joined the Tamarack Cellars Club. Oh and I can't forget Isenhower. We joined their club a year or two before and we stopped in a few minutes before the tasting room closed. One f the owners, Brett was there and he was very gracious staying late for us and opening up wines for us to taste that were usually unavailable in the tasting room. Of course we had to buy at least half a dozen bottles here. Here's L'Ecole Winery. Good stuff, great looking winery:


I found an almost perfect cappuccino on the trip: Vita Caffe in Olympia, WA.
I don't know if it was a full moon or the stars were lined up right, but the barrista at the time was amazing. Beautiful art and a creamy, rich flavor. We have been back subsequently and haven't had the same experience.

On of the last stops on this trip was in Sisters, OR. Love love love this place. Hiking, fishing, skiing. One fantastic restaurant.
We were going to stay one night and ended up staying four. I can't wait to go back. Who knows, maybe will end up there one day.

The cabins at FivePine

Knitting at the top

Mark and a view