Friday... trip on a tank! ( well this is a few tanks but still alot of fun!)

       Over the next few weeks I am going to do a trip on a tank Camping style.

Kalaloch is one of the most visited areas of Olympic National Park.  Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula. They are directly off of Highway 101

There are two places that you can camp Kalaloch and South Beach. These two camp areas are the only two camp grounds on the southern coast of Olympic National Park.  Kalaloch is open year-round, and has 175 campsites, four of which are wheelchair accessible. Make sure to reserve as early on in the year as possible, as they fill up quickly and most are booked throughout the summer.  If you want to take the chance to drive out to Kalaloch without a reservation, You may get lucky there were several sites that opened up. Also it will help if you get there early and check in with the park ranger he or she is there to help you. 

The two spots that we had were B-11 and B-16 both were great one was for my parents and the Hub's and I the other was for my grandparents. B-11 was a site that they have used on many of the stays that we have had over the years as a family. They have been going to Kalaloch campground for over 55 years.  The site is nice but its really cold in the shade and doesn't get the sun and for the older or younger crowd you shouldn't camp in this site. For the Hub's and I  it would have been a perfect camp site.  B-16 was perfect for one tent and for my parent's fifth wheel. It was wonderful after going every summer from the time I was 5 years old I feel like this trip was the best time I have ever had.  Mainly because it is the first time that all five days were beautiful and sunny, there wasn't even a need for a tarp. 

Just an FYI, check out is 11:00 AM and check in is at 12:00pm.  When we got there last week our two spots that we have had reserved (sense January 2010) There were people that were taking their time to get out of our spots.  SO if you do go please have your stuff ready to check out at 11:00 it’s really the only thoughtful thing for you to do. 

South Beach, just south of Kalaloch, has about 50 campsites and is open Memorial Day to late September. It has no shelter and is perfect for the days that aren’t stormy unless you are in an RV. A tent with no shelter in Kalaloch is a huge risk. I know for me its not one I would take. 

There are many hikes you can take on the 101 near Kalaloch. What I love about it is that each beach from trail 4 to Ruby beach are so different and beautiful in all the different ways, but each need to be enjoyed on their own. So make sure that you take the time out to explore. Some of the hikes would be to hard for children to do, Our fur babies loved the trails. Except Trail 4 our girl fur baby was no okay with it. Hub's had to carry her up the hill the entire way.

The Kalaloch Lodge is amazing and so beautiful. I will be trying to do a review on week long visit to all the lodges on the Olympic Peninsula.  The Lodge is right on the beach, has rooms and cabins available for reservation. On the site they have a full restaurant & full bar, a beautiful gift shop and a store for all your needs.  I was able to get all the fixings for the bon fire at the beach

While we were there this time we went on three day trips on our week at the ocean. The first was to Forks, ahhhhhhhhhhh... I love forks for one reason.... EDWARD CULLEN! :) We went to all the twilight stores and had a Bella Burger at Sullys. It was such a fun day.  The next day we went to the Lake Quinault Lodge. The beauty and history of the lodge and the resort is so rich. It makes me feel like I am part of the in crowd in the middle of the movie dirty dancing. You have to go there and experience it for yourself to fully know what I am talking about. The third day we went to La Push. When we were there the mood was sad and somber, as we were just minutes from seeing a Coast Guard Chopper go down. We watched as they tried to re-cover the plane and the pilots. Being that my father and hub's are part of the Coast Guard made it hit that much closer to home. Our family kept all of their families as we drove back to the camp ground that night.

What you might not know is that the Olympic Peninsula provides some amazing sights of the pristine beaches and marine wildlife. North of Ruby Beach, the Hoh River creates a natural boundary. When hiking the coast, remember to check the tides. (current charts available at the Kalaloch Information Station). Certain areas may become impassable during high tides. It was so peaceful watching the sunset each night against the horizon, you truly haven't lived until you have seen the sun set at the Pacific Ocean.  

 So do yourself a wonderful favor fill that tank grab the tent and head on out to the pacific coast of Washington. If there are other places you would like me to check out and do a review please feel free to leave it in a comment and we will do what we can to get there.

Thankful Thursday.

I am thankful today for the place that I have to live in. It's beautiful and we have been there almost a year. This is the first place we have stayed longer then six months in at a time other then my parents house and our house we had bought. I know that I never feel quite like I belong anywhere. Its a crazy feeling to never feel centered. I always feel like there is a different place we should be. I know that it really get's on Hub's nerves but he gets me. Sometime I feel like until I am a Mom I wont feel like I am centered or full filled.

I love my job as a Nanny but feel like I need a job where I can make more money or at least do a craft that will bring in more money for me and the house hold. I know that there are lots of people feeling this right now in the world today I am not alone. I don't know why we had to go backwards. Hub's and I worked so hard to get our credit in order and our first house. We had it all but then I had to quit my well paying job and we went to a one income household. This is the shits. I miss going out and buying things I wanted not really needed. I know our credit is in need of some major fixing and we are plugging away the best that we both can.

What I am thankful for are the things we do have and the things we get to see and the places we get to go to. We are lucky to have a place to lay our heads at night.  That no matter how bad it could get Hub's and I have eachother always and that is a great feeling.  Now if I could just get that book written and sell zillions of copies become a #1 hit and maybe even made into a movie....with action hero dolls. I would be able to give back to all the people that have helped us when we needed it the most. :)

Yup that is what I am thankful for today!

Wordless Wednesday

July's blog challenge from bloggy mom's.

July blog challenge : What I want to be when I grow up.

This has changed from many different things while I was growing up. I know one thing that has never changed is the fact that when playing and dreaming of what  I wanted my future to be, It was the role of mother & wife, That is the one thing that has never changed.  I still want to be the best wife, which I try to be every day & I wait everyday to become a Mom. No matter what has happened no matter how tough times can be... I never go to sleep at night with out one prayer... Dear Lord make me a Mommy.

Over the years in school I wanted to be an actress, but I could never remember any lines.... a country singer but my highschool choir teacher said I had no talent. I beg to differ because I know I have talent still........ but because of this lady I can't sing in public anymore like year ago that I loved so much to do.

Then I had another teacher that lifted me up and showed me that my writing was important and I had a gift to write and it took me a long while as an adult to realize that I do have a gift and a passion to write.  I just started writing my first book I am so super excited to live my dream. I hope it will bring us to making my other dream come true. The adoption of our child.

At this time I am doing something that fills a void and makes me happy, I nanny a sweet little one we call her Buggie. Buggie is a joy to watch and I have had the roll as her nanny for a year and this job couldn't make me happier.

100..... & Kathy's charm giveaway!!!

Well I have hit 100 posts. Yeah!!! I am so excited and can't believe how fast it went. So in hitting that 100 mark I want to do a  blog swap & I would like very much to do a few giveaways over the next few weeks. I will cook something up for all of my wonderful readers. I would like to do more giveaways and hope that this will help make that happen. If you are a blogger that does giveaways or know how to do more giveaways I would love the input.

                                        We have our first giveaway for this celebration!!!
 I met Katy a few years ago and instantly felt comfortable with her. Kathy has a way about her that she just makes you feel special.  Her jewelry is as unique and beautiful as she is. 

Kathy McCullough, started her own business Kathy's Charms.   Each piece is  handcrafted jewelry and Kathy sell's them at home parties and at Tiptations salon in Poulsbo.

Kathy started her own business in April 2009,  She had gotten laid off at her job and was wondering what to do next. At that time her husband suggested making jewelry and selling it since that was her hobby for the past 16 years. At that time Kathy thought she would give it a shot.

So a year later she is still loving it and at times she seems still surprise herself with her Mad talent.

She also sell's her product's on facebook.  Posting pictures of her jewelry and if there is a item you would like to purchase just send Kathy a message with your e-mail and quantity and product discription and she will send you a invoice through paypal, it is very easy. Or if you live in the Western Washington section of Kitsap County she would be happy to deliver it to you. Also she is booking dates to hold Kathy's Charm Parties and I know I am booking mine for a fun time for the girls in August.

                                   This is what the latest giveaway is a retail value of $30.00
So this is what you have to do to win this......
Blog about this giveaway = 10 points
Become Kathy's charm's friend on Facebook= 5 Kathy's charms on Facebook
Pick out one thing you would buy from Kathy's charms & leave me what you would like on here= 15
Buy something from Kathy's charm's= 10 points for each dollar you spend.
Follow me on Twitter = 5 points
Follow me on facebook = 5 points
Follow my email feed = 5 points
Follow my blog = 15 points.
If your friends follow me on here and follow kathy's charms = 20

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday.............

This is one that I am going to make again and again. I hope you enjoy it as well. I first ate this at my Cousin Tony's house a few years ago and have never in my life ate anything at home as wonderful as his dish. I have order it whenever I go out to dinner. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 
  
  1. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  2. 1 medium onion, finely diced
  3. 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  4. 1 medium celery rib, finely diced
  5. 2 ounces thickly sliced pancetta, finely diced
  6. 1/2 pound ground beef
  7. 1/2 pound ground veal
  8. 1/4 pound ground pork
  9. 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
  10. 3/4 cup dry white wine
  11. One 28-ounce can peeled Italian tomatoes--seeded and finely chopped, juices reserved
  12. 1 cup chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
  13. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  14. 1 bay leaf
  15. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  16. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  17. 2 pounds penne rigate
  18. Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan until shimmering. Add the onion, carrot, celery and pancetta and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned, about 8 minutes. Scrape the vegetable mixture into a large bowl.
2. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the saucepan and heat until just shimmering. Add the beef, veal and pork and cook over moderately high heat until just barely pink, about 5 minutes. Return the vegetable mixture to the saucepan. Add the garlic and cook over high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost evaporated, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and their juices, the chicken stock, thyme and bay leaf. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover partially and cook over moderately low heat for 1 hour. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream and cook the sauce just until heated through.
3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well, return to the pot and toss with the sauce. Serve the pasta in deep bowls and pass the Parmesan at the table.

Make Ahead

The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and frozen up to 1 month.

Meet Me Monday.................

1.  What is one food you could eat every day? 

 I would have to say BLT's or if it counts fruit snacks! 

2.  Are you working the career you thought you would be when you were 18? 

Ummmm, that is a BIG NO! 

3.  What is something you wished you had done when you were younger and didn't? 

I won't answer this question or even consider it.  Because if I changed anything about my life before, I wouldn't have the most awesome Husband, in-laws, and the true friends that took 33 years to find.

 blessings that I have today.  I chose this path for a reason and I'm very happy with this reason.

(But, if I had to answer, it would be regretting it would be not saving my eggs when I had my 

 hysterectomy 

4.  What color are your kitchen walls? 

They are the same flat cream color the entire house is and I want to paint this entire house.

I will wait for a while more.

5.  Do you remember what your first favorite song was?

Yes the Car's song my best friends girl. Every time I would ride with my dad to the garbage dump we will listen to this and now every time I hear that song I think of my Dad and all the times I have been able to spend with him