Cold misty morning, hot Jasmine tea

I don’t have much time to write today, because I’m leaving for kung fu in a few minutes. Iwanted to post a couple of pictures from our trip to Cougar Mountain yesterday. I ended up running about four miles and walking another two. Along the way, B. left arrows for me made out of sticks, so that I could find my way, which I thought was very sweet. :)

I didn't make it as far as I had intended, because the trails were very muddy and there were quite a few hills and valleys. It was beautiful though. The trees were covered with moss and parts of the trail ran alongside Coal Creek. I felt like I was in another land, especially as it was a misty foggy morning and I enjoyed the time roaming the woods by myself.

Afterwards, we stopped to have lunch at I love Pho in Bellevue. "It’s good Pho you!” With some hot jasmine tea to warm us up and then delicious soup with lots of vegetables, it was the perfect place to stop. We found out that the owners of I Love Pho are on a mission. I found this on their Web site:

Our purpose is to introduce everyone to “Pho” (pronounced like “fuh”), which is a delightful soup that is aromatic, flavorful but light all at the same time. Pho as defined is a clever way to provide daily nourishment. "A healthy one-bowl meal for your breakfast, lunch or dinner simply anytime of the day..."
It all began in Vietnam when the country was divided into north and south. The North Vietnamese desperately scrambled to find ways to fulfill their hopes and dreams of a better life. So, with their staple food in mind, they began to serve Pho. The popularity spread quickly and Pho soon became Vietnam's national food.

There really is no right or wrong way to eat Pho. The preparation in itself is enough to define what gourmet cooking is all about. Pho is made with wholesome natural ingredients which brings a delicious and consistent taste each and every-time you eat it. When served, our Pho comes with a side dish of bean sprouts, lime, chili pepper and basil. Every bowl of Pho can be made different and unique to accommodate your taste buds.

By the time we got home, it was close to four and I was very, very tired (it must have been from running in the cold air). I did a few hours of reading for school—although, technically, I’m reading a book that’s not scheduled until Module 6 or 7. Then, we had a nice dinner of sautéed spinach and roasted pork stuffed with apricots and prunes, watched Clerks II, and tried to go to bed early.

The book I'm reading--Getting the Love You Want--is actually very interesting (I was surprised, can you tell?) and I wanted to get further into it before next week when I will be working with clients who are coming in for couples counseling.