Salad & Hikes

I saw a recipe for a blueberry corn salad. I know, it sounds weird but it isn't!

The last time I posted food photos, I got some emails asking for the recipe so here it is...

6 ears sweet corn (or 2 cans of drained corn)
1 c fresh blueberries
1 small cucumber, sliced
1/4 c finely chopped red onion
1/4 c cilantro
1 jalapeno, seeded & finely chopped
2 T lime juice
2 T olive oil
1 T honey
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Boil corn, let cool and cut corn off of the cob. Mix together the ingredients for the dressing. Mix together cucumbers, blueberries, onions, cilantro, jalapeno and corn. Coat with dressing. Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

As you may have recalled, I have been hiking around the Phoenix area lately. This was a recent hike I took about 5 miles from my house.
Gorgeous views of the desert in the early morning sun.

At the top of the trail I hiked looking down. A bit steep but not too bad.

I am enjoying the change in the exercise routine and getting outside, even if that day starts at 4:30 am to beat the heat.

Memorial Day Weekend

Our neighborhood had a pool party on Memorial Day weekend Sunday.
Hannah & Shelby had a lot of fun with the lei's.

Sebastian REALLY enjoyed the Cheetohs.

Neighbor Mike worked the grill. I loved his shirt. It said, "Paddle Faster. I hear the sound of banjos." AKA Deliverance.

Simon & Brendan got into the lei act too.

Soon enough it was time to get the kids in the car for camp. Hannah was GUNG HO but Simon was a bit more apprehensive. He has not ever been away from home for 4 nights.

Hannah found a spot in the van with some of the counselors and their iPod full of music.

Simon found a group of little boys to ride with....I am hoping he made friends with them and it made his first trip to camp a little less lonely for him. I haven't gotten the call to come pick him up so, he must be doing OK.

Hiking Pinnacle Peak

My girlfriend Sally convinced me to get up before the sun rises to go for a hike at Pinnacle Peak Park. It was an absolutely gorgeous way to start the day.
There were many beautiful views to be seen along the way.

I also splurged on a little "something" for me....a Camelbak hydration pack. It is a great way to carry water and all the other little things including my cell phone, my ID, money and my keys.

I don't know why it took me nearly 15 years of living in the desert to finally buy one.