stayed home from jeff and emily's dinner tonight. feeling rather crappy and thought it best not to inflict myself upon others. i am tidying up my house and my loose ends, which is always good.

this weekend was great. went for a no-trail hike with Uncle Jon, Linda and Miles (the hound) at a spot called Wolf Creek about 45 minutes west of Portland. We just took off through the woods and kind of followed the creek for a couple hours. Up 60 degree hills drenched with rain and muddy, ripping through the salal and oregon grape. Spotted some mushy chantrelles and a bunch of deer bones. Caught a couple of rought skin newts and collected some moss for a terrarium. Got back to the car at about 1:30 covered with mud, wet and happy.

Came home and identified the newt and found out that they are the most poisonous amphibians in north america. Subsequently Linda and I drove out to Sauvie Island and released them in the water way there. Didn't want to risk the kitties getting at them and I started to feel bad about having them in the tank. I am building a new terrarium that is looking pretty kick ass. Jon lent me a 20 gallon tank.... I think i will just populate it with local plants and spiders. I have enough as my giant garden spiders egg sack has hatched. Lots of litltle guys swarming my first tank. Pretty entertaining to watch. Die crickets die.

Had some friends over last night and cooked lemon chicken baked on top of bulgar pilaf. yum. Jeff brought over his guitar and there was some lovely singing. all in all a perfect saturday.

This morning I woke up early and called Chicago where the majority of my family is gathered right now for Caitlyn's baptism and Sarah's birthday. Wished every one well and then caught Orange County at a matinee. I dig Jack Black. The film was entertaining, nothing that I will remember in a year, but good for laughs.