Budget-Conscious Hiking and Nighttime Trauma

I will admit that I am usually the one worrying most about money. I'm the one who compares prices like her life depends on it and almost always buys generic and pulls a guilt trip whenever we think we want to go out to eat more than once a week. While he won't buy medium-sized eggs at the supermarket for ten cents cheaper, the fiance did indeed purchase an annual Northwest Forest Pass for us and probably saved us quite a bit of money for this year! I commend you, fiance, for your purchase of our newly acquired, cost efficient rear view mirror accessory.

The pass costs $30 and covers the cost day-use and entrance fees at all Forest Service sites in Washington and Oregon. Most trails that require a fee run about $5, so only six hikes and the pass has paid for itself! You can check out this pass and others at the Washington Trails Association website.

In other news, I had an episode of flaming stupidity near my bedside table last night. The lights were out and we were getting ready to fall asleep when I decided I better put some lotion on my hands. I have a great lavender-chamomile lotion that is really relaxing and perfect for sleepy time. I fumbled around the nightstand until I found a pop-top lotion dispenser, squeezed out a sizeable glob and began to rub in the "lotion." I had squeezed out quite a bit and had to rub it in up to my elbows. Halfway through my application, I noticed an unexpected smell, kind of menthol-minty. I yelled, "OH %$&* IT'S THE BENGAY!" and lept out of bed. The fiance succumbed to a bout of hearty guffaws before following me to the bathroom and helping me wash off the burning ointment. We ended up getting most of it off before the burn ensued, but I slept with a little burning ring of Bengay around my right elbow for part of the night. Lesson learned.

As for the cats: Iroh finally got his bath today and did pretty well. Now he is trying to lick away the evidence and dry out-this is the only time you will catch him seriously cleaning himself. Millie caught and murdered a fly and both of the kitties had some fun exploring the balcony and sunbathing this afternoon.