Archives for August 2011

August 10, 2011

Kiva Loan: August

8 down, 4 to go!

Can I just say that I love checking in on my Kiva loan portfolio? Of the money I’ve loaned this year, $52.49 has already been repaid. I’m in no real rush for repayment, but I love sending that money back out again. If I knew finance would be this much fun I might have reconsidered my major. [Ok, probably not, but it is exciting!]

due to modesty Ruqaya’s daughter is pictured in her place, photo from Ruqaya’s Kiva listing

This month my loan goes to a woman who not only lives in a country I recently visited, she also runs a business doing one of my personal hobbies: embroidery! Ruqaya lives in Jordan and supports her family by selling her embroidered garments and hangings. If you’ve ever taken on a embroidery project, you know that it is a very time consuming practice. Ruqaya is requesting money to invest in materials and tools that will speed up her work. I completely understand.

In other news, Kiva is in the midst of a drive for new lenders! Have you been meaning to give a Kiva loan? Are you super excited to lend a small amount of money that will make a big difference? Follow THIS LINK and sign up for Kiva before August 13! [I’m not just saying that because I get a t-shirt if 4 more of you do, it really is a good thing!]

xo, jill

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Filed Under: Kiva

August 9, 2011

Buntzen Lake

“I’m saying hi to everyone!!! …so they’ll think I’m just as friendly.”

The other day a friend and I took a hike up in British Columbia at Buntzen Lake. The scenery was beautiful and much like home.

Our little trip was quick. After the hike we had lunch at Boston Pizza (and giggled over not being “bro” enough.) Then it was back to the border.

Here it is worth noting that for the first time in history (and I’ve crossed that border many times), the Canadian official was kind of a jerk while the American official was as pleasant as can be. That never happens. We were puzzled.

xo, jill

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Filed Under: Canada

August 8, 2011

Blueberries

A comparative study.

Of all the joyful experiences I’ve had at home this summer, berry picking has been one of my favorites. I’ve picked raspberries, strawberries, cherries (though not technically a berry), and lots and lots of blueberries! When I first saw blueberries in the store I was so excited at the price that I thought I should do a bit of a comparison. Molly quickly agreed to be my correspondent from abroad.

Let’s take a look.

UAE
A 6oz box of blueberries will cost you 18.50AED. In dollars that would be $5.07, which breaks down to 84 cents per ounce. [I’ve seen blueberries as much as 24AED which would be $6.58 for a 6oz box or $1.09 an ounce. Ouch!]

photos by Molly

USA
A 32oz box of blueberries will cost you $4.98 (on sale at Fred Meyer) which breaks down to only 16 cents per ounce.

Of course, here you can always pick berries yourself which will cost you even less. And if you happen to know a sweet friend with blueberry bushes, you can pick as much as you want for the cost of some good conversation.

Unfortunately, those high prices in UAE don’t come with extra flavor. I was happy to taste blueberries this summer that actually taste like blueberries!

xo, jill

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Filed Under: UAE, USA

August 7, 2011

I’ll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

and it’s hey to the starboard, heave ho!*

I was lucky enough to be taken out for a little jaunt on a sailboat last week. My sister’s boyfriend is an accomplished sailor and she’s learned a bit as well. It was a great day to be out on the river even if it took awhile for the wind to pick up.

I don’t think I’ll get tired of seeing Mount Hood. Ever.

Here’s where I whipped Jana and Willy at rummy. [fib]

A nice sunset finished off our afternoon on the water.

Thanks, Willy!

xo, jill

*Fathoms Below

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Filed Under: USA

August 5, 2011

Tasting the fruit loop.

Delicious.

This past Saturday my mom and I set out for some adventure and sweet treats. Our first stop (the adventure) was riding the Alpine Slides on Mount Hood. I’d love to say that I whizzed down the mountain and left my mom in the dust… but that wouldn’t be the truth. The truth is that the “scenic track” is not a misnomer. I barely made it to the bottom of the slide where my mom was waiting for me. It was a slow ride. Our second run was a bit faster but not outrageously fast like one would hope.

Our second stop (the sweet treats) was cherry picking on the Fruit Loop. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile scenic drive in Hood River County through orchards, farmlands, and wineries. You could spend all day on the loop, but we just made one stop off the main path, Draper Girls Country Farm.

We picked rainiers and bings and picked up some beans and peaches too. There really is something about gathering your own food. It just tastes better.

We stopped in Hood River for lunch before heading back home. And that little cookie is destined to be my next baking triumph.

xo, jill

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Filed Under: USA

August 4, 2011

A day at the beach.

Cannon Beach.

Last week my sister and I spent the afternoon at the beach. Despite being a beautiful day on land, low lying clouds kept the water out of sight. Luckily, about an hour after we arrived the clouds lifted and the waves came into view.

Despite the chilly water temperature, people were still out playing and swimming. Oh, youth.

I wish I could say that these following pictures were as easy as 1, 2, 3… but… there might have been an extremely painful butt muscle injury in the process. Don’t worry. I walked it off… no big deal.