To start the year off on a positive note, Rich decided we needed to skip our usual Sunday activities of doing laundry, cleaning the house, picking up leaves, tackling home improvement projects, and a wealth of unsavory chores.

Instead, we got up early and headed to IHOP in Issaquah for artery-clogging, but very delectable omelets (mine was spinach and mushroom, and Rich chose chicken fajita) with toast (whole wheat for me, rye for Rich), and coffee. Large breakfasts can be very satisfying.

Our tummies, full, we headed to Snoqualmie Falls to snap a couple of photos and bundle up against the wind and cold. Rich also made a resolution that at least once a month we should go on a hike. Last year, he proposed once a week, we turn off the television and read. Well, for the first few months of 2011, I read and Rich… 

That’s another story.

After visiting the falls, we headed to the town where I snapped multiple pictures from the train museum. With overcast skies, the pictures turned out more monotone than desired so I color enhanced them using Photoscape.

Our next stop was The Summit at Snoqualmie Ski Resort. By the time we arrived, the sun had pushed through the clouds and the views were spectacular. It was fun to wander among the skiers and snowboarders, knowing I wasn’t in danger of crashing down a slope. I used to cross-country ski, but never truly enjoyed it. I’m clumsy and nervous on skis and was glad when I finally concurred winter sports aren’t my forte.

Rich, on the other hand, was a snowboard instructor for six years on Mount Hood. He became a confident, graceful snowboarder, who pines (even though he denies it) for the thrill of swishing down a slope.

After getting our fill of the snow, we head back to Issaquah, and had a mediocre, overpriced lunch at Cucina Cucina. Okay, Rich liked his pasta. I wasn’t impressed with my salad. And for the price, it would have been nice to have been given a slice of bread.

After a bit more driving around, we returned home, relaxed and invigorated to the start of a great new year.