I can’t believe it’s already fall.
・・・
OCHI
Ochi has had a big summer — he learned how to paddle board and how to backpack!
We’re so excited to know we’ll be able to take him on all our adventures.
We think he’s fully settled into both his new home with me and Ryan, and at Ryan’s parents’ place out in Parks.
WORK
Fire season was a lot slower than usual, which was awesome because it mean that I had time for some more summer adventures.
And, also, my work computer died, so I spent a good amount of time this summer jumping through hoops to get it repaired, and then to get a loaner computer, and then eventually to get a new computer.
When I wasn’t dealing with my computer issues, I did a few cool non-fire-related things this summer. First, I was able to coordinate and host a media tour of the Cinder Lakes Apollo training located on my forest, which was really cool.
I also finally got to check out the Lava River Cave for work.
Hi it's me.
— Randi (@RandiMShaffer) September 11, 2024https://t.co/co63sF2h9w
Other than that, I had my first experience at fire camp, which was a ton of fun.
I also did sneak in a typical 14-day fire assignment down on the Tonto, which I just wrapped up.
TRAVEL
Like most summers, I try to avoid travel because of unexpected work commitments that might pop up. However, I was able to sneak in a long-overdue trip home to Chicago!
FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY
RYAN
Ryan’s big news: He got a new truck!
Ryan sadly totaled his Tacoma on his way down to Blue Ridge from Kendrick Cabin after hitting an elk, but he was able to upgrade to a new Ford F-150. He’s been obsessed with the “Avalanche” color way since Ford debuted it – and my family (my parents are Ford retirees and my brother is a Ford employee) is almost as excited as Ryan.
DINING + FOOD
I’ve had a few recipes on repeat this summer. Ryan and I have both been obsessed with this grilled peach and burrata salad.
I’ve also made these lemon butter cookies a few times now for various potlucks and events, and both gazpacho (with crusty French bread) and cold zucchini noodle caprese have been summer weather dinner staples.
I also recently posted my recipe for black rice grain bowls, which are heavy in my easy-to-take-to-work lunch rotation.
HIKING + OUTDOORS!
Since work was slower than usual this summer, I had time for a lot more outdoor fun than usual.
In addition to a few trips out to Lake Mary, I was able to sneak in some paddle board excursions in two new-to-me locations: Watson Lake …
…and the Colorado River.
I also squeezed in a “backpacking” trip out to Kelly Canyon in the middle of the week a few weeks back.
I also saw my first rattlesnake! I snuck in a few quick hikes during my recent fire assignment, and while I was out there, I saw a few snakes.
HOME
Our vegetable garden is still (barely) kicking. I posted about our overly-ambitious summer planting plans back in April, and then updated you all about our struggles with hail and rodents in July. We’re harvesting a ton of zucchini and shishito peppers, but everything else is struggling a bit.
Other than that — I accidentally flooded our apartment in August (whoops) when the washing machine broke.
I’m also excited to park my butt on our couch for the next few weeks because it’s knitting season.
BOOKS, MOVIES, MUSIC + TV SHOWS
I’ve been reading. Here’s the recap of everything I read in June, July and August. I’ve been on a travel memoir kick lately.
I also recently discovered “Degrassi: The Next Generation” is on HBO, so I’ve been re-watching that.
I also, of course, binged “Dark Matter” in its entirety and went on a tangent to anyone who would listen about how good it is.
FITNESS + HEALTH
I ran my first 5K at altitude here in Flagstaff!
— Randi (@RandiMShaffer) July 25, 2024
It wasn’t an official timed race, but it was a step in that direction.
MISC.
What else?
If you’ve been here for a bit, you might know I started a 20s-30s Meetup group here in Flagstaff a few years ago. I’ve taken a step back from it simply because I don’t really need it anymore. I’ve been really lucky to establish some great communities here in Flagstaff over the past few years.
I’ve been keeping pretty busy at my yoga studio.
・・・
I’m really, really excited for this fall! I’m heading out next month on a six-week trip to northern India for my 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training, which is going to consume so much of this season. Other than that, I’m really excited for a few more things that are going to be happening in the coming weeks.
And… it’s football season! I’m a Detroit Lions fan and I say it every year… but this is our year! My brother and sister are currently in town and we’re on our way to the Lions v. Cardinals game in Glendale today.
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