In the Beginning

I have come to a time in my life when I need to set another goal. In the spirit of wanting to try something new and something that might take a little time and a bit of ingenuity, I have decided to dust off my "Best Easy Day Hikes in Orange County" book and my hiking boots from last year's pioneer trek and hike each trail in said book.

I will be starting with the beach hikes. It is still summer and hot and if you know me, you know I do not like the heat. ( Hate it if you want the truth.) The first and easiest beach hike in the book was completed several years back with my Cub Scout den (it is also the only hike that has been completed), so I'm starting with hike #2, the Upper Newport Bay Trail. I have invited friends to join me, you, my blog friends, are also invited. I will let you know who joins in. I am anticipating going alone, which is fine, but I'm hoping to be surprised.

I am still trying to figure out what my reasoning is for choosing this adventure; local, inexpensive, do-able. But I am beginning to feel an excitement of being out among the flora and fauna, exploring beautiful areas in my own back yard that I have never seen, despite the fact that I have lived in Orange County for 23 years. I am also sensing my life taking a big leap into the "really busy" description with the start of the new school year. I will need some recharging and resorting time, these hikes may be just the ticket. Wish me luck!

now, bring us some figgy pudding...

I am experimenting with a new fruit, figs. This summer a friend and I are watching over another friend's garden while she spends the summer on her olive and pomegranate farm in Casablanca. (Yes, the real one in Morocco.) Fortunately for me, her figs are beginning to ripen in her Garden Grove garden and so naturally must be picked. Otherwise they fall off the tree in a spectacular ploppy-smushy way that is not pleasant to pick up. Lindsey and I enjoyed our first harvest of figs, drizzled with honey, broiled and adorned with blue cheese, topping whole wheat cracker rounds. They were surprisingly delicious. Now the question: do you have any fig recipes I could try? You can send your favorite recipe or idea to my e-mail at kellioprice@gmail.com .

Pioneers

As our Young Women come to the end of the 10 Day Trek, this video takes us from our history to our future. I hope you enjoy it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2rV0ey6Op0