Breathable Rain Gear

Our winter was very rainy and since I had recently started hiking/walking (and spend many a rainy day at soccer fields as a soccer mom) I decided that I would look into buying some rain gear (jacket and pants).  When I inquired about my dog walker friend's rain gear, she didn't know what the name of hers was, but she was just more concerned that it was "breathable".  

With "breathable" as my criteria, I did some research.  I found a company whose fit, design and price all fit the bill.  

And of course, I bought my rain gear, wore it once and the rain stopped.  I actually wear the jacket frequently because it's a great wind breaker and despite it's light weight, it is surpisingly warm!  When I first bought my jacket, I had a hard time deciding if I wanted the red jacket or the cool lime green one. I chose the red one, but once I fell in love with it, I HAD to have the green one as well.  I wear them equally. 

Ok so here is my issue - "breathable".  What exactly does "breathable" mean?  Cause although I love my rain gear, I thought that "breathable" meant, you would not sweat in this waterproof material like you would in most rubber suits - but I am!  It's not unbearble and sweating a bit more couldn't hurt on the weight loss front. 

So what do you find is the difference between "breathable" and some standard rubber rain suit aside from style?

Hug a Tree

Today is Arbor Day
Founder: Julius Sterling Morton
1st Arbor Day Celebration: 1874 in Nebraska
1970: President Nixon proclaimed the last Friday in April to be National Arbor Day

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I do not have a green thumb but I do have a pretty wicked shutter button finger so I will be planting pictures of trees on this Arbor Day. 

Ok, it appears this tree may have suffered from my care, but really I had nothing to do with it's demise, but I love the look of it despite the lack of leaves.  This tree was at the top of a mountain hike I took.  It was clear and sunny as I started my hike (at the bottom of the hill) but when I got to the top it was foggy (typical of northern CA) and drizzly.  This is why we learn at a young age to dress in layers in this here parts.

This is another part of the same hike as above - notice the sunshine coming through the redwoods.  This is not much further down from where I took the "foggy" picture.

This is also part of the same hike.  How does a tree twist like that?  And don't you just love the moss covering?  This is a great summer time hike because it is under the trees (shady) the whole way.  Shade on Northern CA hikes = poison oak, however.  Thankfully, I don't appear to be susceptible to it - either that or I have been extraordinarily adept at avoiding the plant on my hikes.

Here is tree, more typical of the hikes I take - standing out in the middle of a pasture/ field.  It's hard to tell here, but in the foreground, there are some great purple wildflowers.  It won't be long before this green hillside will be brown.  Either way, I think it's glorious.

Isn't this an awesome mosaic tree trunk?

Here is some new growth on a pine tree - it practically glowed.

 If planting and pictures aren’t your thing, celebrate them in another way – Hug a Tree!  

That Instant

You know that feeling That Instant when you have just clicked the send button for an email you are forwarding to a friend with all kinds or remarks about the original email sender and and you realize you hit reply rather than forward.  Now that email is going to the original sender and not your friend – remarks and all!  Nooooooo!

You know that feeling That Instant when you have just hit the lock button on your car door and you and you slam it closed and you realize that the keys are sitting on the front seat of your car?  Nooooooo!

I had That Instant yesterday.  I am a photographer (hobbyist, not professional) I am my daughters “unofficial” club soccer team photographer.  I take pictures of games and their player card headshots for registering their team.  Registration is NOW.  The day before yesterday, the team gathered on a non-practice day and I drove 40 minutes to take their pictures.  All’s good.  Yesterday, I went to photograph my daughter’s  High School soccer team’s game.  I was preparing the camera – I wanted to make sure I had enough room on the memory card for the whole game so (yeah, you know where this is going) Click format card > Are you sure? Click Yes – I mean Nooooooo!!  And there is no turning back.  And they are gone in That Instant

Can you feel my pain?  Can anyone say “Retakes”?!

Keeper of the Bridge

This is a bridge I cross when I hike, but it's changed recently.

See...there...look closer...

Apparently now a Troll has taken up residency.

I will be sure to carry Troll Toll from now on

in case the Bridgekeeper insists on payment for crossing.

Don't You Just ♥ This Cow?