Rediscovering Leisure Time

Well, my Family and Friends -

After a month of bloglessness, I'm finally back with an update. This past month, I've been swamped with rehearsals. Woods was a huge show to put up. It's now opened (last Saturday) and I finally have some time free!

I've embraced the idea of sleeping in a bit more, and I've enjoyed having some friends over. Last Monday, I had a few people over for dinner. We had a wonderful evening, filled with laughter and LOTS of food. I made a salad with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, and pasta shells stuffed with potato pierogi filling (with fried onions and sour cream on the side). Andrea contributed a delicious chocolate pie, and Marley and Cassie brought over a homemade dessert pizza.

I've always enjoyed having people over for dinner parties. I like to cook, but don't do much when it's just me. I was reminded that "I'm not in Ohio anymore" when I looked around my kitchen to start cooking. I realized I had planned for 6 people, but only have 4 plates, 4 wine glasses, and 4 sets of silverware! Sturdy plastic plates and silverware it was. We had a great time.

Yesterday, I finally floated the Boise River. This is a great summer past time that I've never actually tried out. My friends Cassie and Marley called and asked me to be "spontaneous" and float the river with them. I was thankful to have my first float with them, as they are both experts on the river. I rode in an inflatable kayak with Cassie and Marley tied herself to us in an inner tube. The afternoon was surprisingly enjoyable. There are a few mini-rapids that you go down, nothing too scary, but you do feel the waves and get splashed a bit. I didn't take my camera, so no photos, but here's one of the river that I took earlier in the summer.

There was one scary moment of the afternoon. There are a couple of places where there are tree islands in the center of the river. You have to go to either side of them. One, we didn't quite make it around. Cassie and I both ducked and leaned to avoid hitting branches. Unfortunately, we both ducked and leaned the same direction and the kayak tipped. The river isn't that deep, only about 5 feet, but you definitely feel the current and the cold. Scary few moments as we worked our way over to the side where we could get back on our way. I credit myself with this mishap, as I was still learning how to paddle. Glad we all made it through, and I guess I got the full floating experience!

Looking ahead, Mom is coming out in a week. I'm really looking forward to having her here. We'll have a grand time. I'll be more prompt with updates with her here.

Missing you all!