I couldn't resist...

Isn't it funny how we as humans impose our own emotions on our pets? For example: The remaining two chickens I have are doing fine, but I'm convinced they are sad and lonely without their sister. In reality, they probably already forgot about Rafiki (RIP!). So what does this mean? It means I went out and bought 2 baby chicks to add to our family....

Introducing, Poppy (a Rhode Island Red) and Noche (a Black Sex-link):

I got them yesterday at the Higby's feed store in Dixon, and oh my goodness are they adorable! Poppy was quite the loud one on the car ride home, but both have seemed to settle into their new digs just fine. Because they have spent the first 5-10 days of their lives being handled by people in the feed store, they actually like to be picked up and cuddled. Which is the best!

Vacation blues and good news!

It's my first day back, and I've already got the vacation blues. Most of you probably follow me on facebook/twitter/instagram, but in case you don't here's a recap of my crazy week of "vacation":

I started out my vacation by taking a quick trip to Truckee to have a "retreat" with myself that mostly involved strategizing for J. Jasper Events. I got to stay and visit with my friend Kim, which was a great added bonus. Though the weather was super windy, I still got to put my toes in Donner Lake:

I had to leave Truckee quickly, as I got a text from Paul that one of our chickens was severely hurt. Poor Rafiki was attacked by a raccoon who snuck into the coop. I had to bring her into the vet to put her down. I was crying a lot and was slightly embarrassed because, hey, she's just a chicken! But, she's my chicken (one of the first we got) and she's like a pet to me. We had a proper burial for her and some of the neighborhood kids said goodbyes. Emma even made her a tombstone:

Part of my "vacation" was catching up on J. Jasper Events stuff, because in case you didn't already know - I've quit my "real" job and will be working for myself starting mid-August! I am so incredibly excited and so happy to have supportive friends and family that have helped me reach this decision. So on Wednesday evening I found myself sipping champagne at the Fairmont Hotel, meeting with my clients who are getting married there in November. As I started driving home, I snapped this photo - it was a gorgeous night, the meeting had gone really well, and I was content.

I ended my trip in Santa Cruz, meeting clients, friends (old and new) and family. I also visited downtown SC (which I haven't been to in ages) and walked by my old stomping ground, the Red Room. This is where Paul and I met, so it always has a special place in my heart:

And today it's back to the grindstone. I'm excited to finish out the last 3 weeks I have here to move onto bigger and better things (i.e. making J. Jasper Events bigger and better!)

Weekend Rules

You may have already seen a few of these photos, but I wanted to share with them you anyway! This weekend was pretty awesome - I taught my first jam class through Lifecrowd in SF. We made a batch of apricot and a batch of strawberry jam. There were 6 participants, and I think all of them had a really good time! I'm still trying to find their photos online - but for now, Erin and Jenny's instagram shots will do (yes, a few members of LTD made their appearance):

Jammin'

I don't think you're ready for this jelly.

On Sunday, I was able to meet up with my dear friend, H. K. Hummel, who was in Sonoma County for a short visit. We were able to have a picnic with friends at Sugar Loaf State Park, take a walk with Coco, eat yummy snacks, and have good catch-up time. We were also able to squeeze in a few good shots:

Sonoma County view

Fancy an outdoor shower?

Best outdoor clawfoot around...

J. Jasper Update

I'm currently updating J. Jasper's blog, so I thought I would post some pics on here to show you what I've been up to.

This past weekend I got to work with Rebecca and Evan on their beautiful wedding at the Lake Merritt Sail Boat House. The skies were blue, the air was warm, and everyone was in great spirits! It really was a perfect day.

The I-do's

The views of Lake Merritt

But my favorite part of the wedding was the AMAZING backdrop that Rebecca created to hide the lackluster walls. She got her inspiration from here:

from 100layercake

Here's her creation:

Didn't she do an amazing job?? There were 4 of these panels - it really dressed the place up. Seriously, this girl worked hard. And to give Evan some credit, he built his own photobooth! That too was amazing - I didn't get any photos, but hope to post the "official" photos soon. Mazel tov, friends!!

Canning and Pickling 101

As you may have already seen on Facebook, I'm hosting (teaching) a class on canning jam and a class on pickling veggies for Lifecrowd next month! I'm pretty stoked to share my experience with other people that are interested in preserving the amazing fruit and veg we get here in CA. I'm by no means an expert, but I have been doing it for a long time so I feel like I know a thing or two about it.

In preparation for the classes, I'm perusing the internets for fun, simple recipes. A few blogs that I read have sung praises for this new book by Marisa McClellan called Food in Jars (based on her blog of the same name). For only $13 I think I'm going to order it - the recipes seem simple and easy to make. I will report my findings soon.

 

In the meantime, if you're interested...sign up for my Canning Fruit or Pickling class! They are doing a 2 for 1 deal right now, so 2 people can go for $15 each! 

Superfood Salad!

As I was browsing pinterest the other day and saw this yummy recipe for a "Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinegrette." Doesn't it look amazing?

Well I decided to make my own version of this, and here's what it looks like:

It's actually very different than the recipe posted above (but I was working with what I had in my fridge). Here's what's in mine:

• Quinoa
• Roasted garlic cloves
• Arugula
• Fresh corn
• Cilantro
• Cashews
• Dried cherries
• Cherry tomatoes

All mixed together with a dribble of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a whole lemon squeezed. Makes 2 delicious servings!

I'm Shannon, and I have PRGD...

PRGD = Post River-Guide Disorder

Symptoms: 

• Losing focus when the weather gets warmer
• You find yourself enjoying the smell of dirty wetsuits or poly-pro
• Your car and your clothes are way too clean
• Any song that reminds you of summer makes you wanna cry
• Hopeless daydreaming about quitting your "real job"
• You're thisclose from packing your car up and hitting the road with your dog
• Air conditioning makes you sneeze
• Dirt roads remind you of put-in

Causes:

•  Spending too many summers with your hands on the oars, feet in the sand, sun on your face, carrying heavy objects, living in your bathing suit, reading, swimming, talking about life with random strangers, doing dishes in the dark, hiking in the desert, sharing a house with your co-workers, eating deli sandwiches, and making life-long friends.

Treatment:

•  I'm still trying to figure this one out! Can you help me? (besides getting on the river, of course!)