Catching up in 2015

I am wayyyy behind on my blogging for a few reasons. For starters, it's been a busy winter and time for blogging has been scarce. And for another, it is hard to get out amidst the snow and sleet to find something picture-worthy to post!

Here's what I've been up to!

Wrapping up the living room "Wildflower" collage! I finally finished up the paintings in the living room Linda and I started Easter weekend 2014... took me long enough but I am so happy with how it turned out. Linda contributed the beautiful poppies and adorably delicious strawberries. Now I just need to muster the strength and creativity for my next work of art :)

Climbing outside (less so now than in the fall but you get a nice semi-warm day when the frost thaws and the rocks are clime-able... ) and enjoying this super cool hammock my friend Jeni brought. Honestly, the hammock-sitting can be just as enjoyable as the rock climbing.

Celebrating birthdays and enjoying the company of GREAT friends! So happy to have this friend state-side again (only to move across the country but still- its nice to be on the same continent :)

Doing a bit of work travel! I've been at my job for nearly a year now and have gotten to meet some really incredible people doing some much-needed work for the food and agriculture system in the one and only U.S. of A. The biggest trip was a visit to two of our grantees in Mississippi and Alabama where I got to see the movement taking shape in the Deep South and, more importantly, where I discovered my love for persimmons. 

Knitting! I learned to knit over the Thanksgiving break and so far have knit some scarves and a few hats. I've learned a lot along the way and my addictive personality has begun to show through, knitting into the wee hours of the morning and sneaking in a row or two between emails at work. I'm enjoying learning new techniques, discovering different patterns, and giving away my knitted items to family and friends.

And finally, enjoying the holidays with my beautiful family. Wrapping presents with Fluff, ice skating in Arlington, and finding that sneaky elf, Sebastian.

First Outdoor Climb

This weekend we ventured to Carderock to climb outside! It was a beautiful day to be out in nature, making new friends, and climbing rock faces! Mom, nobody was injured in the making of this blog post. 

Dream team getting the ropes situated :)

Ready for the test run!

She's a pro

Belay safety at its finest!

There I am! Made it to the top!

Holding on for dear life.... just kidding :)

Up, Up, and Away!

Coming down

I spy two deer coming to check out our climbing skills. 

By far favorite picture of the day. Jeni getting ready to tackle this wall, really checking it out and listening to the wall for secrets of success! Just dipped her hands in the chalk bag and little specks still dancing on the wind. 

It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.