Halloween Weekend 2011

Friday my husband and I met up with the same people with hung out with last weekend, and have a few more people join the group.  We enjoyed some food, drinks, and games of pool.

The real fun was Saturday!  My husband, three people from the group the night before, and myself, went into Seattle for a Halloween pub crawl.  We had to figure out some last minute Halloween costumes.  My husband went as the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, but sans rabbit ears.  I went as a metal/punk rocker.  It was our first pub crawl.  Basically there was a route mapped out and certain times to be at different bars in downtown Seattle to coincide with specials they were having.  The people and tourists of the area really got a kick out of the hundreds of people dressed in costume walking around midday in Seattle.  The people were very friendly and sociable, drink prices were good, and there were specials on food as well.  We ended the night listening to a Led Zeppelin tribute band and some more games of pool!

New "Friends" and a Hike

This past weekend was a ton of fun.  My husband met a couple of guys in a class he was taking and we got together with them and another couple on Friday night.  We were all new to town and looking to make new friends.  It feel kind of weird making new friends... In a way it's kind of like dating again... haha.

Saturday was uneventful, but Sunday was awesome!  I had been reading about the wonderful fall colors at Mount Rainier, so we decided to go for a hike over there.  It ended up being about a 3 hour drive from our home, and well worth it.  It was gorgeous!  The weather was awesome!  The hike was incredible!  We did a hike that was about 5 miles round trip, but it took us about 4 hours, which apparently is the average hike time for that route.  Anyways... I loved it!  I look forward to going back in the summer!  (Tire chains are required starting Nov. 1., for the only road that is open, most of the roads are closed Nov. 1-June 1)

After the hike we met up with the same people we hung out with Friday night for some chicken wings.  It feels weird to say, "we met up with some friends"... at what point does someone really become your friend...?  I still feel like I don't really know them, but I guess they're the closest things we have to friends here at this point.  :)  So... I suppose "friends" they are!

Nice Day Out

Yesterday my husband and I decided that we felt like going out and about.  We went to a little drive thru coffee place, then headed to check out a nearby mall.  After that we checked out one of the nearby lakes: Silver Lake.  It was very nice out, partly cloudy and nice and cool (almost cold).  Here are a few pictures: 

There is a path that goes around the lake and along it are several parks.  Across the street on one section are several restaurants; one restaurant is on the lake.  Next time we go back, we may try out one of those places, because they sure do smell good when you're hungry on a long walk. :)

The Festivities Begin

This past weekend was pretty fun!  Friday, my husband and I just took it easy, and watched a movie after dinner.  By the way, we enjoyed some freshly roasted NM green chile in our dinner!  My dad sent up some green chile, and I am currently still working on roasting it all, which is great because roasting green chile is my favorite smell!  Anyways...

Saturday, my husband and I worked out and then relaxed in the hot tub.  Afterward, we went to check out the trails at the Boeing Activity Center.  I am looking forward to going back to those trails, because we didn't get to do all of the hiking/exploring that we wanted to.  It is at the Activity Center that we discovered a flyer for the Everett Sausage Fest!

The festival was a lot like a carnival: food booths, carnival rides and games, and a beer and wine garden.  There were two stages with live performers.  This festival was the 35th annual one, and it's actually a fundraiser for a local church.  No charge to get in, and all proceeds went to the church.

My Favorite Time of Year

It's my favorite time of year (Oct., Nov., Dec.), and I'm so excited!   I am also looking forward to experiencing it in another part of the country.  Although, it would be nice if my friends and family were here too!  This week I am trying out two pumpkin recipes:  Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins with Cranberries and Walnuts, and Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes.  I made the muffins today, and they're not bad!  Tomorrow morning will be the pumpkin pancakes.  I finally received the green chile that my parents sent up today!  So I will be roasting some chile today too!  :)

I am also so excited about Halloween, that even though it'll most likely be just Carlos and me, I have planned our meals for Halloween (Halloween themed meals, of course).

Pumpkin Muffins, and they are actually already baked in this photo.

Changing Colors