hey i just saw your message about the hiking trail recommendation. i went last weekend and it was perfect. the weather held up and the views at the summit were incredible. we packed sandwiches and sat up there for almost an hour just taking it all in. the trail was a bit muddy in spots but nothing too bad. i think you and your group would really enjoy it. let me know if you want the exact parking spot we used. i took a bunch of photos but honestly none of them do it justice. the whole loop took us about three hours with plenty of stops. i am already planning to go back next month with my cousin who is visiting from out of town. thanks again for putting it on my radar. it was exactly the kind of day i needed. anyway let me know if you want to join next time.

oh i finally tried that pasta recipe you sent last week and it came out really well. i was skeptical about the sauce but it had so much flavor. i added a little extra garlic and a pinch of chili flakes which gave it a nice kick. my roommate came home while i was cooking and asked what smelled so good. we ended up eating it together with a side salad and some crusty bread. i think the key was letting it simmer longer than the recipe said. definitely making it again for dinner this weekend. let me know if you have any other easy weeknight meals i should try. i have been trying to cook more at home and your recommendations have been spot on so far. appreciate you sharing it.