Monday, October 27, 2008

Penny Pinching

On Saturday we headed up to Timberline on Mt. Hood for some very early season turns on Palmer Glacier. It was the first weekend of the season the lift was turned on, and there were a fair number of people doing quick lift-accessed laps (including our three friends Austin, Cara, and Aubrey).

Since we're doing our best to save all our money for this pending trip, Ashley and I decided to avoid the $39 lift tickets and hiked for our turns instead. I'm usually against hiking for groomers, but the cost savings combined with the workout (which we both sorely needed), was well worth it. The beautiful sunny day didn't hurt, either.

(Okay, I have to admit: we did poach one little tiny run from the Palmer mid-station after hiking to the top of the chair twice...)

Friday, October 24, 2008

Matchbox Cars

*Shamelessly stolen pic from Matchbox.com

Yesterday I asked the folks we'll be working with in Nepal if there was anything they'd like me to bring over from the states, such as clothing, med supplies, construction materials for Sanu's technologies, etc..

This morning I got a response from Boo Hess, Michael Hess' sister-in-law who is in Nepal this month with her husband, Peter (Michael's brother, who is the stateside director of NOH). Her report from the orphanage:

". . . As for your offer to bring items. One thing I have thought of as I watch the boys play, and perhaps the others will think of more necessary items, but I see some of the boys have a little Matchbox-size vehicle to play with. The toy is barely in one piece and usually is pulled along by a length of string found on the garbage-strewn road. If by any chance you have a little room in your bag for a few of these little toys, I think the boys who do not have one would really be pleased. . ."

Mom, watch out. I'll be coming home soon to pillage my old basket of Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Unexposed

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