The Truth Prevailed

Some may remember my post a few weeks back about getting a speeding ticket in a school zone. I decided to contest the ticket because I didn't know I was in a school zone. Yesterday my day in court arrived. I got there early and stood with my assigned group that included other speeders, DUIs, marijuana possessions, domestic violence offenders and suspended licenses. It was quite a crowd. I casually made an acquaintance with the man sitting next to me-he was another speeder. This was his 7th ticket in the last six years and this time he was sure he could fight it. I brought my poster with me showing I wasn't aware of the school zone because of the route I took.
He was impressed by my work, but felt I didn't have a case because the judges are really tough about speeding in a school zone. I began to question if I really did have a case, but was committed to tell my side.

I waited for over an hour for my turn and there it was-case #West Richland 599632. The judge first read the officer's report and asked for my reply. I said I was a recent resident of the Tri-Cities and had been in this neighborhood only once during school hours. I showed the judge my poster and explained all the pictures. She immediately said the case was dismissed because I was prepared with my defense. The prosecutor also said this school zone has some serious problems with not enough signs noting the school zone.

After the judge said the case was dismissed, I said "Really? I don't have to pay? This is the best day ever." She laughed and said "Welcome to the Tri-Cities."

I have learned my lesson and will never speed in a school zone again, but I was so proud of all the work I did and fighting was definitely worth it.

Back to Nature

This weekend we went camping with our friends to Mt. Rainier. We had a great time. It was raining when we got there, so we loaded the kids in our car with a movie while the adults set up camp. The rain eventually subsided and we had a great rest of the trip. We went hiking to some hot springs, Silver Falls and Grove of the Patriarchs. We roasted hot dogs, s'mores and had a delicious pancake breakfast. We can't wait to get back outdoors and do it again.

Silver Falls

Eating lunch together on our hike

Curtis and Natalie at the Grove of the Patriarchs

Fruits of Our Labor

This week we are starting to harvest vegetables from our garden. The wait has been worth it! Last night we each tried a radish from our garden. They were quite spicy, but good. Today we picked some snow peas to put in our salad for dinner. We only have a few, but they will be tasty. We can't wait for the rest of our veggies to ripen and be ready for harvest.

Grill Time

Now that summer is here, we have loved using the grill. It has meant new recipes and quicker clean-up in the kitchen. I won't mention how many hamburgers and hot dogs we have eaten in the past two weeks though. Here is one of our favorite recipes for Chili Lime Corn. Enjoy!

Chili Lime Corn

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel
3 tablespoons lime juice
1-2 teaspoons ground red chilies or chili powder

Mix all ingredients. Pull the husks down to expose the corn, but don't pull the husks off. Spread about 2 teaspoons on each ear of corn, pull the husks back up and grill with the husks on 4-5 inches above grill over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.