Drink of the Summer

This summer, we got the party going with margarita cocktails. They're a perfect combination with guacamole as we enjoyed our friends on warm afternoons on the deck.

For a pitcher of tasty (but potent—careful!) margaritas, here's my recipe:

1 cup Tequilla

1/2 cup Cointreau

1 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup agave

Ice

Salt (optional)

Add all ingredients to a pitcher with some ice, and stir well. If you like, salt the rim of your glasses. Fill glasses with ice and serve. Makes 6 servings.

A Dizzying View from Above the Trees

Last weekend, I had Brothers Tree Works remove a couple dying trees from around the cabin. They asked if I wanted to go up for a ride in their cherry picker. I quickly agreed--but I might not have if I knew how high it would go. The hydraulic crane quickly unfolded and I was hundreds of feet above the forest floor. What a frightening, but amazing view. This is probably how high hawks fly.

Here are a few pics I snapped while at the top. As always, click on the photos for a larger view.

Looking northwest above the trees.

This looks west. On the mountaintop is "The Maharishi Purusha Capital of the Western World," a meditation center. (http://www.purushacapital.org)

Looking down at the front yard.

Looking down at the cabin.

Looking straight down at the truck.

Shane from Brothers Tree Works.