Canning Ketchup

Boys. Boys. Boys. Boys.

2012-02-07T19:39:00.002-06:00

This about sums it up.

Little fingers everywhere.

Painting. Eating. Picking. Playing. Fighting. Hugging. Hitting. Baking. Bathing. Sleeping.

I'm happy to report we all survived. We may have even thrived!

Tonight I'm enjoying sitting in my quiet little house. Doing whatever I want.

*Which may or may not be watching videos of them and missing them.

*which means it is

We made those Harry Potter wands out of paper, double sided tape, hot glue, and paint. Mister-8-year-old taught us how to do it. And I have to say- it is surprisingly easy and awesome.

**Those wands may have caused me to leap around the basement shouting out spells.

**which means I did

Also... please send some extra prayers out for my girlfriends daughter Kaiya. Today she was placed on the transplant list for a new heart. Follow her story here. Please send them lots of positive thoughts as they head down this new road!

Have booze. Will travel.

2012-01-31T14:14:00.000-06:00

Next adventure begins at approximately 6am tomorrow.

Caring for 4 boys, ages 1 through 8 until Saturday.

Let me clarify that... 4 boys, ages 1 through 8 and a half.

And I can't wait! Comfy clothes, baking cookies, movies, pj's, and I haven't decided if I should share with their parents that I packed two bottles of wine.

Why oh why didn't I get the 26 ounce travel flask we found in New Orleans???

Hey y'all

2012-01-26T22:56:00.000-06:00

I forgot to tell you I was going on a work trip.

To New Orleans.

Recap!
Here's what went down.

I toured the French Quarter.
I know the French Quarter is where Mardi Gras really goes down. But I had no idea it was a party year round. Holy moly. Do not take your children.

I saw a parade.
I was in the French Quarter for less than 20 minutes before I saw a parade, multiple brass bands, and smelled urine in the streets.

I toured a convent.
That's right. I went to New Orleans and toured a convent.

I toured a cemetery.
Lafayette Cemetery. Did you know those tombs are actually cremating the remains inside? Literally. Thanks to the heat and humidity of Louisiana. Takes a year and a day. Then they add more bodies. I also learned a free walking tour is the best walking tour. College students are awesome.

I saw plantations.
I learned lots of facts. I can't remember them now. But I remember they were beautiful and the stories regarding the slaves were shocking in many ways. It made it seem like it wasn't really that long ago...

I saw "baby" oak trees.
They call them "live oak trees." As opposed to dead oak tress? I asked why. It's because they are non-deciduous and never lose their leaves. Huh.

I saw giant 300 year old oak trees.

Giant 300 year old live oak trees. Oak Alley. And they made me tear up.

I may have seen a ghost.
That may have been why I teared up when seeing the live oak trees, from her porch.

I ate.

And ate.

Fresh seafood, muffaletta (the original muffaletta), more seafood, and beignets. Warm fluffy donuts covered in powdered sugar.

Oh and I worked a little.

But just a little.

Other things: I learned about voodoo; saw the Garden district; rode the St Charles street car; successfully hailed a taxi with my leg; saw an insane amount of amazing art; drank daiquiris; heard every genre of music played live; saw Lake Pontchartrain, the lake that flooded causing all the damage during hurricane Katrina; learned the South doesn't consider New Orleans part of the South, nor does New Orleans consider itself part of the South; saw the Superdome; saw famous peoples homes; ate barbeque oysters that melted in my mouth; drank bourbon; stepped over vomit in the street; laughed and laughed and laughed with my sister; learned the difference between jambalaya and gumbo; heard a family story from a cab driver that ended in necrophilia, didn't see that one coming; learned how jazz began; walked through the park where jazz began; saw resurrection ferns; used the phrase "you all" (not quite ready for "y'all" yet) in one of my classes and it felt right and natural; toured the Civil War Museum and walked out feeling sick and kind of wishing I hadn't; reconfirmed my belief that adding the porch onto the front of the house is one of the best decisions I have ever made; oh, and I was warm and my skin felt great because it was in the 70's with 90% humidity. Take that suckers.

Fashion advice

2012-01-14T20:03:00.000-06:00

When in doubt.... pop it like it's hot.
The collar, I mean.

My own personal Nurse Curse

2012-01-09T01:56:00.000-06:00

*disclaimer: I am not a hypochondriac*

The Nurse Curse is a known phenomenon.

Nurse Curse defined: when a nurse has a medical procedure, or enters a hospital as a patient... if something can go wrong... IT WILL.

I also suffer from what I like to call Nurse Curse Simplex Type II. (Not to be confused with Herpes Simplex Type II. I repeat: NOT to be confused with the HERP.)

Nurse Curse Simplex Type II defined: any time I get a teensy tiny sliver, or small skin laceration... until it is completely healed... I live in fear it will turn into a raging bout of MRSA, I will receive weeks of heavy duty antibiotics that will do nothing and I will end up losing a limb.

Related: Good news- my recent miniscule sliver wound is healed! Hooray! I can keep my arm!

Ah the joys of nursing.

MRSA = Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Requires major antibiotics for treatment. You could lose an extremity people. And I'm pretty sure most nurses are covered in it.

One final effort

2012-01-04T11:27:00.000-06:00

Lessons learned in the two attempts I have made at making pureed soups.

{Roasted potato and Buttercup, see below}

1. I don't like them. Rephrase: I prefer to order them in restaurants.

2. I am successful at making homemade baby food.

A... Amazing

2011-12-31T11:23:00.001-06:00

I grew up in the 80's. And pretty much since then... yes... for 25 or so years... I have had Kermit the Frogs alphabet song randomly pop into my head. Only problem is... I can only remember the first part.

A... Amazing.... B... Beautiful.... C... Creatures Dancing...

and then I can't remember any more. I will randomly sing these short lyrics to myself and think...
Oy! I wish I remembered that song!

Welcome to 2012 people. And a little thing called YouTube.

I did a quick search and found this... which wasn't what I was looking for... but was a sweet surprise. It also confirmed the fact that I have loved rap music since I was a tiny child.

Then I hit gold....

Thank you Sesame Street and Bobby McFerrin. For making it awesome to grow up in the 80's.

I'm ready for 2012... I think it's going to be AMAZING.

Happy New Year to you all! Bring on the blessings!

And yes. I will be learning the lyrics to both of Kermits songs. Done. And done.

Poodles, a Bichon and a new toy

2011-12-28T09:01:00.000-06:00

Poodle #1

Poodle #2

Zoe

And a sweet new camera.

Look out photo tutorials. I'm about to be all up in your business.

Hell yeah

2011-12-26T19:46:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:44:00.000-06:00

{Insert your own happy/twinkling thoughts here}

.... well done. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Merry Christmas!

A day in North Dakota

2011-12-23T23:36:00.000-06:00

I went a little crazy with the instagram today.

Wait. Let me rephrase that.

I documented my day with instagram. It was a good day for it. It started by riding along with Dad... and... well, let me just show you. With further descriptions from me, of course.

{Good morning from North Dakota}
Up before the sun.

{Good morning from the biodiesel plant}

ND is all about "energy" production these days. Strike oil much?

{Good morning from the prairie}
I love living in a metro area, where everything is just so convenient.
But every now and again, I must GET OUT. To the openness.

{Good mid-morning from the grain elevator}

Aw, a grain elevator will get me every time. Although this isn't my hometown grain elevator, it IS a grain elevator. Didn't everyone grow up near a grain elevator? Good grief, I'm a town girl.

{Hello from the land of perpetual growth}

Also good grief. I remember wishing and hoping for Minot to get an Olive Garden. For years. Years. When something new was built, it was in the paper weeks, months in advance. Now the town is booming. Literally. They actually refer to it as the "boom times." And yes. There is now an Olive Garden. And a Jimmy Johns. And numerous hotels. And houses. And...

{Hello from the land of FEMA trailers}
On top of the oil boom, this summer was the FLOOD. Still a disaster.

{Hello from my adolescent years}
Have we talked about the family business yet?

{Good afternoon from the barnyard}

I think cows are cute. And I'll admit it. I love the smell of a barnyard.

{Hi from chores with Dad}
I use the term 'chores' loosely. As in... I hold the gate open. Or closed.
Or just lean up against it. And take pictures of the cows.

{Hi there, from the sauna}
Enough said.

{Good evening from Relax-ville}
Although I don't really find puzzles relaxing. I like to swoop in at the end and find a couple of pieces. Helps me to feel like I was a vital part to the whole process. I do however find that Chelada relaxing.

{Happy after dinner time from Mom's peanut brittle}
She makes the best peanut brittle.

{Good evening from Bridesmaids and the fireplace}
The part where she drives the car back and forth trying to get his attention.
The time where no one is driving it. Cracks. me. up.

{Good snacking}
Golden oreos. Loooooove.

{Good night}
Good night.

8 hours

2011-12-20T20:05:00.001-06:00

A few stops for the necessities. Coffee. Chips. Coke.

Driving.

More driving.

All for Mom's roast beef.

And 10 days in front of this.

Not too shabby. Not a bit too shabby.

Commence vacation

2011-12-18T21:29:00.000-06:00

Whew. Work dictates life sometimes. And I am officially off now for a nice little stretch.

Ok.

Nice BIG stretch.

Here's to:

time off

holidays

being home

Mom and Dad

sleeping at night

a beer

reading

blogging

poodles

kids

leg lamps

and a (sure to be awesome) road trip with my sister.

Merry Christmas to me!

And you :)

Little ladies

2011-12-09T20:01:00.000-06:00

Just because they're super duper ridiculous cute.

Fall visitors.

Christmas recital.

Cutie patootie.

I speak the truth.

Tis the season

2011-12-03T20:39:00.000-06:00

It's snowing outside and inside my tree is a glowing masterpiece.

These dumplings are pretty spectacular too.

Dumplings by Mom

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 and 1/2 cups flour

pepper

Combine all. If it's not damp, add more milk. Batter should be wet. Not soupy, but clumpy and wet.

Drop by spoonfuls into simmering pot of soup. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

That's not chocolate.

2011-11-29T07:00:00.001-06:00

I was recently spending some time with a girlfriend, let's call her Brenda.

Brenda and I were enjoying a treat. Chocolate Peanut Butter bars. Delicious.

Cakey. Chocolatey. Peanut buttery. Good.

We had finished our treat and moved on to discussing other important topics as we frequently do. Probably something about the current health care crisis. We are professionals after all.

I was making some comments and talking with my hands, as my hand came in front of my face I saw a leftover chunk of chocolate on the corner of my thumb.

So I did what came naturally... stopped everything and said... "oooooooo chocolate."

As my tongue hit it I realized....

"That's not chocolate."

It was indeed... one of Paul's eye boogers.

Let me now share with you, that Paul's eye boogers are not dry and crusty, but wet, slimy, stringy, snotty, and black.

And now I can aso tell you this....

... salty.

Really really salty.

Ew.

If you can handle it... here's the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar recipe. Beware of renegade chocolate chunks/eye boogers.

And for the record, I did not eat it.

If you're quiet... you can almost hear him laughing...

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
by... Pinterest :)
1 package plain yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 eggs
1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 Tblsp butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup coconut (optional)

*Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
*Combine cake mix, melted butter, peanut butter, and eggs. Press into a 9x13 inch pan,
reserving about 1 1/2 cups of the mixture to crumble on top.
*In a small pot, melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla (and coconut if using).
*Spread chocolate mixture over the mixture pressed into the pan and then crumble the 1 1/2 cups of reserved cake mixture on top evenly.
*Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
*I think this is best after being refridgerated a bit.
*Warning: be sure it's chocolate before you lick it off your finger.

Pie for one

2011-11-24T17:54:00.002-06:00

There is a slight dilemma in my home.

I had to work Thanksgiving, so I made a-day-early thanksgiving meal for some family and friends... including a chocolate cream pie.

A delicious, scrumptious, creamy, chocolate cream pie.

After all the prepping was completed, the bird was in the oven, the stuffing was closely resembling Mom's, the pie was chilling, I came down with a nasty 24 hour stomach bug. Not pretty.

So the meal was cancelled. The food slowly made it's way into the fridge (have you ever tried to carve a turkey while ill?), I alternately sweat out my entire fluid reserves or froze. And slept. A lot.

The household dilemma? A fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers that only I can eat... including that decadent chocolate cream pie. And I'm not the slightest bit hungry.

Happy Turkey Day to you all! May you be well and stuffed tonight :)

Chocolate Cream Pie

from The New Best Recipe aka The Bible

(Remember: The Bible can be a bit persnickety, a bit long winded in the directions, a bit specific, but it's never failed me yet.)

Crust:

16 oreos

2 tblsp butter, melted and cooled

Filling:

2 1/2 cups of half and half

pinch salt

1/3 cup sugar

2 tblsp cornstarch

6 large egg yolks, at room temperature

6 tblsp cold butter, cut into 6 pieces

6 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

1 tsp vanilla

Topping:

1 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream

1 1/2 tblsp sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

For crust: Process cookies in food processor with 15 one second pulses, then run until crumbs are uniformly fine, about 15 more seconds. (I told you this cookbook is "particular".) Put in bowl, drizzle with melted butter and mix with hands. Put in 9 inch pie plate and press into shape of pan with hands, coming up along the sides as well. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Then bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Filling: Bring half and half, salt and 3 tblsps of the sugar (not all of it!!!) to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir together remaining sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk the yolks in medium bowl until thickened, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle cornstarch mix over yolks and whisk until glossy, about 1 minute. Do NOT combine yolks and sugar in advance. Temper yolks with half and half, then whisk the yolk mixture into the half and half. It should thicken in about 30 seconds. Return to simmer, whisking constantly until 3 or 4 bubbles burst on the surface, about 15 seconds longer. Note: this all takes place in less than a minute. Just a friendly heads up for you :)

Remove from heat. Whisk in butter. Add chocolates and whisk till melted. Stir in vanilla then pour into crust. Press plastic wrap directly on filling and refrigerate until cold and firm, about 3 hours or overnight.

Topping: Beat cream and sugar in a chilled bowl till soft peaks form, add vanilla and continue to beat. Spread over pie. Serve. Or stare at it longingly in your fridge waiting for your tummy to feel better.

Cooking with goats

2011-11-15T19:35:00.000-06:00

Yes. I'm going back to the whole "sleeping at night" thing... but seriously. Seriously. I am really really reaaaaaaaaaaly excited to sleep tonight. At night. In the dark. And then, you won't believe this... then I get to wake up... wait for it... wait for it..... in the morning.

ALLELUJAH!

In honor of my droopy eyelids as of 6 PM- I give you a ridiculously easy and delicious appetizer. The plethora of options for this are endless. And the ease-y-ness is right up my alley. Except I don't have an alley. And I like that. So I guess it's right up my ... um ...

It starts with goat cheese. Then some type of tomato spread/chop/whatever you want. Then some form of basil. Grab some crackers and wham bam goodnight ma'am. For real. At 7 PM. Goodnight.

Even-A-Goat-Could-Make-It-Goat-Cheese-App
mildly adapted from Shutterbean

1. Open a log of goat cheese and smack it on a plate.

2. Dump some sun-dried tomato-y stuff on top. The possibilities are endless here. Grab a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, dice them up, put them on top along with some of their delicious oil. Or you could dice up some fresh tomatoes. I like to keep things reeeeeeeeal simple. Buy-a-jar-simple. See below.

3. Throw some form of basil on top. Again with the endless possibilities. Chop up some fresh basil and sprinkle on top. Thaw some of the frozen pesto in your freezer and get it on there. Basil. Make it happen. Some way, shape or form.

4. and Done. Unless you want to get fancy. You could always toss a handful of pine nuts on top too. But let's not get crazy here. We haven't slept.

Serve with crackers and some type of spreading device. A knife? If you forget the knife just use the crackers. Try not to forget the crackers.

Here's what I like to use for the tomatoes- it's a Sun-dried Tomato Spread... in case you can't read. I need to go to bed. Just know this... it's delicious, it has jalepenos in it, and it'll last through multiple logs.
hehe. logs.

Have I mentioned I haven't slept?

If only Paul were a man...

2011-11-08T12:03:00.000-06:00

Roasted potato.... eh

2011-11-06T01:29:00.000-06:00

It was all so promising.

Roasted potatoes. Cauliflower. Shallots. Garlic. Fresh herbs.

It looked so pretty and flavorful.

When it was finished, it was... eh.

So we took a nap instead.

A mustache makes everything fun.

2011-11-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

Morning coffee...

Even a chokehold...

Alright. Alright. It's a modified chokehold.

But just look how dignified she is with her stache.

She's obviously having fun.

Do you dare....

2011-10-31T19:21:00.000-05:00

to trick or treat here?!?!?!

I would never have been able to do it as a child.

but it's just more proof....

...this porch was destined for holiday decorations.

Happy Halloween!

Comfort food.

2011-10-29T15:41:00.014-05:00

Sometimes you just need it.

My number one choice would definitely be macaroni and cheese.

Or a Totinos party pizza.

But... since I'm apparently an adult now, I feel like I should avoid the pizza party.

So my third choice would be tomato soup.

Not homemade tomato soup.

Campbells.

With crackers. Lot's of crackers.

And grilled cheese.

Again with the damn adult situation... I just cleaned out the garden and had an abundance of tomatoes sitting patiently on the counter.

So I guess homemade tomato soup it is.

I needed basil for the recipe. Rather than having to pay $3 for a tiny branch of fresh basil (adulthood once again) I remembered the frozen pesto I made from the garden that was also patiently waiting at home. (Alright, adulthood isn't so bad.)

And neither is homemade tomato soup.

But Campbells will always be in the cupboard for emergency situations.

I am an adult for cripes sakes.

Cream of Tomato Soup from Ina Garten

3 Tblsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups chopped red onion (2 onions)

2 carrots, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 pounds fresh tomatoes, *blanched, peeled, roughly chopped (5-8 tomatoes)

1 1/2 tsp sugar

1 Tblsp tomato paste

1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves or 3 ice cubes of frozen pesto :)

3 cups chicken broth or stock

1 Tblsp salt

2 tsp pepper

3/4 cup cream

Heat oil in pot over med-low heat. Add onions and carrots and saute till tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, sugar, paste, fresh basil (if using pesto just add at the end), broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40 mintues. Add cream. Then use an immersion blender to process to smoothness you like. Or use food processor. Or blender. Or nothing if you like it chunky. Reheat to serving temp. Add pesto if using. Make a grilled cheese. Devour.

*Peeling tomatoes: Bring large pot of water to boil. In another bowl, put ice and top with water. Drop tomatoes, one at a time, into boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Using tongs, remove and place in ice water bath. Allow to cool briefly. Remove from water and skin should peel off easily. Bam. Done. Now go can some tomatoes too.

This morning...

2011-10-22T18:27:00.001-05:00

6:45 am Finish my tenth 12 hour shift in a row. Feeling good.

7:00 am Drive home. Enjoy the drive with the windows down. Looking forward to a day off.

7:04 am Arrive home.

7:05 am Greeted by poodles. Have a loving session.

7:06 am - 7:20 am Feed poodles. Play in the yard with them. Give Paul a pill.

7:21 am Have a genius idea to open the blinds so when I wake up after what is sure to be not enough sleep the sun will be shining in the house. Ahhhhh. Smart I am.

7:22 am Pull on string to open blinds. Blinds break in half and crash off the wall.

7:22 am Stand there dumbfounded holding tangled blinds in hands.

7:23 am Get the giggles.

7:24 am Go to bed.

I guess I'm getting new blinds.

Who's counting?

2011-10-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

After 105 glorious days of sleeping at night.... tonight it happens.

Sing it with me now... circa 1989 and Soul II Soul....

Back to nights
Back to reality.
Back to nights
Back to reality.

However do you want me
However do you need me.
Hoooooooowever do you want me
However do you need me.

Hmmh. That's pretty much the extent of lyrics for that song.

Her

2011-10-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

I've discovered I love photos with the heads cut off.

Weird? Probably.

Do I care? Naw.

This is one of my favorites.

I love her. I love her kitchen. Her cooking. Her mom. Her family. And her kids.

Her giggle. Her humor. Her taste. Her attitude. Her opinion.

I could go on.

But seriously... look at that face.

And then go look at them here.

And then just stop and feel the love.

Epic.

2011-10-11T15:43:00.000-05:00

Oh. Oh hi there.

I'm still here.

I've been a bit preoccupied.

This...

.... has taken over my life.

Alright. Not really.

But it is a force to be reckoned with.

Epic. Hyperspace. Excellion. Whatever you call it.

I've been living/breathing/dreaming it for the past 3 months.

It creeps into almost all conversations.

It wakes me up in the middle of the night.

It has caused a level of stress at work I never saw coming.

But... it's giving me an opportunity to do things that I love at my job.

Like work days.

And sleep at night.

And teach.

And troubleshoot.

Even though my phone is full of photos like this...

Even though there have been long long hours, and tears and stress... it's been kind of awesome.

Bottom line: I had no idea what I was getting into. But I'm glad I did.

*Notes*

Epic is a computer charting system.

The number of ways you can use the word "epic" is actually epic.

When playing Words with Friends the word "epic" is only worth 10 points.

Epic will continue to rule my life until November 1st.

All future posts for the month of October were probably written today. My day off.

My theory on "the more you work the more you think you should work" is accurate.

I should be at work.

This post doesn't accurately demontrate the extent to which epic has ruled my life.

It's been epic.

Oy.

Happy Monday

2011-09-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

Wear some plaid.

Infused Vodka

2011-09-22T21:20:00.000-05:00

Strawberry. Yes. Cucumber. Yes.

What about Mango? Peach? Grape? And why didn't I know of this before????

My new go to girl for recipes is Tracy from Shutterbean.

Everything I've made of hers has been 1) easy 2) delicious and 3) using ingredients I already have on hand. I love when that happens.

These infused vodkas are a perfect example. Strawberry season is over, but if you quick grab a cucumber you can still have a cucumber vodka martini. It's delicious simply shaken over ice. The strawberry (my favorite) is ah-mazing with ginger ale. But of course, I have a thing for ginger ale. And tall bearded dudes. Not related to the vodka post. But true.

Take a quart jar and fill it with hulled strawberries cut in half. Fill jar with vodka. Good vodka. I like Shakers. Put it in a dark, cool area and leave it alone. Except once a day shake it up. On the 3rdish day strain it a few times with a cheesecloth and keep it in the fridge.

Same thing for cucumber infused vodka... peel and remove seeds from giant cucumber the neighbors give you, slice up, cover with vodka. Leave alone. Strain.

My new man

2011-09-20T21:38:00.000-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to... Ron Swanson.

Oh Ron. I love you.

Grilled Peaches

2011-09-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

I recently came into, let's just say, a large quantity of peaches. And I've been eating them daily. Tonight.... oh tonight. Tonight I will eat the last one. In my favorite style, sliced with cream. I call it... peaches and cream. Genius I am.

I also ate them plain. While standing over the kitchen sink.

I attempted to make a peach galette, but it turns out I have no skills when it comes to pastry doughs.

Mostly, I ate them plain or with cream.

But I also grilled them.

That's the peaches before grilling. Some have balsamic vinegar, some don't. There were kids dining as well, and they maybe don't want balsamic vinegar. Although they might.

Did I tell you about the time I was watching a little lady friend and she asked for ice cream "with that brown stuff." Of course I thought she meant chocolate syrup... I was wrong. She proceeded to say no until I pointed to the balsamic vinegar jar. That was it. I thought she was crazy... I was wrong again. It was actually pretty tasty. This is also the kid that loves sushi. And goat cheese. She's a smart kid.

Grilled Peaches with ice cream
Cut peaches in half. Remove pit. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or just some white sugar. Let peaches sit for a bit to soak up the sugary goodness. Grill cut side down about 4 minutes. Turn over and grill a bit more. Serve with vanilla ice cream. If you want to get all fancy up in there... sprinkle with some fresh chopped basil. Or skip the peaches altogether and just put balsamic vinegar on the ice cream. It's surprisingly good.

First frost

2011-09-15T22:01:00.000-05:00

There was a frost/freeze advisory last night. After a lady dinner date at our favorite dive bar, I was in the garden, in the dark, tucking the plants in for the night.

And rescuing the basil. Which included me, in my pajamas, mildly freezing, in the dark, picking approximately 1,824 basil leaves off the basil plant.

And then making pesto. Yum.

And then waking up to this...

Cozy!

Here and sadly gone

2011-09-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

The MN State Fair.

*Sigh*

I will now recap our adventures... via instagram...

First and most importantly. A corndog. But not just any corndog.

It's got to be from this stand. Don't be deterred by the line. It's worth it.

If you can't find it, it's next to the Big Fat Bacon. No lie.

Then, to cleanse the palate, a pickle on a stick. All swaddled in it's paper wrapper.

Then it's off to the barns for horses,

pigs,

and really really big horses. That is a tall dude leading that beast. I want a horse. Or a tall dude.

Next sidle on over to the midway for a ride. Where my cheeks then took 10 minutes to stop cramping from the laughing/pressure/blood rush to the head.

So then it's definitely time for a beer. And another corndog. This second corndog is eaten slowly, while feeling sorry for all the people around you who are not eating a corndog. Fools.

A little people watching.

Some wandering through the buildings, observing the ribbon winning produce, culminating in the viewing of the giant pumpkins. And a craving for fresh vegetables. Because at this point you realize you just ate two corndogs. (And a scotch egg.)

More people watching. Shall we discuss the fact that I saw a woman wearing one of these outside of the fair grounds a few days ago? Two weeks after the end of the fair. I didn't ask.

And before getting on the bus to return home, a peach.

*Disclaimer: More items were eaten/beer drinken than were pictured above. But we really did end the day with a peach.

**Yes, I know drinken isn't a word. It just felt right.

***Thanks to my lady friend for the golden opportunity to enjoy the day with her.

Hunting Season

2011-09-13T22:28:00.000-05:00

Today... she's in full hunt mode.

Did I tell you her kill count is up to 5 now? Oy. Another rabbit succumbed to the terror that is the backyard hunter....

Terrifying. I know.

Well, mostly terrifying for me... what to do with yet another rabbit corpse? Ew.

Today is the day that fall has truly arrived. And today she hunts. The squirrels are rampant right now, nonstop running around, hiding walnuts from the neighbors giant walnut tree. And teasing Debra. They do. I've seen it. They stay just out of reach, squeaking and twitching their tails. It torments her. She stays outside all day. Sitting perfectly still. Just watching. And waiting. Because she knows... to get them you've got to sneak up on them. And she knows how. Lord help me, she knows how.

Ew.

Happy Fall Y'all! It's hunting season!

*And happy discharge day to Kaiya! After 50 days in the hospital she will be home with her entire family together for the first time tonight. Congratulations!*

Out back

2011-09-12T23:34:00.000-05:00

The garden is in full production mode. Squash is starting it's annual escape from the fence. Where it will kill a section of the grass.

(But who cares?)

Some buttercup squash has already been harvested, and there are more just starting out. (Supercute.)

The butternut has some with just 2 curves, some with three. Huh.

(Try not to notice the wide variety of weeds growing beneath it.)

The potatoes. The potatoes are ridiculously exciting. I squealed like a kid when I pulled these babies up.

(Picture Harry Potter in Herbology with a Mandrake.)

(Except me squealing, not the Mandrake.)

And perhaps my favorite item of the garden.

The onions. (Besides the tomatoes of course.)

That "gardening" aka "crawling around on hands and knees getting filthy pulling weeds and sweating buckets while spazzing out over the worms which I know are good but still freak me out and hoping the red squirrels don't attack me" was definitely worth it. (Definitely.)

Baby Girl

2011-09-08T21:24:00.000-05:00

It's her birthday!

Yes. I celebrate my dogs birthdays. And by celebrate I mean, I sing them little songs about how much I love them. I give them lots of treats. I hug them. I blog about them.

So.... not much different from any other day.

Debra's had a great week doing the things she loves.

Relaxing in North Dakota.

Really relaxing in North Dakota.

And copying her brother.

Happy 7th birthday Baby Girl!

(Remember when you were this tiny?)

Speaking of baby girls... little Kaiya continues to do well! Crossing my fingers she (and her mom) will be heading home soon!

Harvest

2011-09-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

Let it begin.

Post Flood Tour

2011-09-05T17:46:00.000-05:00

The river is back within its banks.

The destruction is overwhelming.

Houses are stripped down.

To the skeleton.

Piles of waste are in front of every home.

Trailers were completely moved by the waters.

This home was completely moved off its foundation.

You see the water level on every home.

Neighborhoods are deserted.

FEMA trailers have popped up.

And levees are still being torn down.

After so much devastation... we did what was natural.

Got the giggles.

The Black Eyed Peas held a benefit concert for the city of Minot.

They raised $1.2 million.

I didn't attend...

but they officially have a new fan.

It's here!

2011-08-28T20:31:00.000-05:00

$3 hand-dipped glorious corndogs.

The best people watching EVER.

Fun times with a lady friend.

More to come on the great Minnesota-get-together.

But first, I have to digest my corndogs.

That's right.

Corndogs.

Plural.

Adele

2011-08-25T21:52:00.016-05:00

I went.

It was awesome.
Do we need to say anything more?
No.

Plumber crack? Yes please.

2011-08-23T18:23:00.000-05:00

I have bad lines. Pipes. Drains. Sewer. Not good.

The last time I had a plumber come out, he was what you would call "my type" and I was apparently having a good day since I kind of sort of maybe hit on him. Didn't work. But that doesn't matter.

So today when I went downstairs to start laundry and discovered a partially flooded basement, I immediately started thinking... which company sent the hot plumber??? Ok first I did some serious cussing. Then I started thinking of hot plumbers...

I remembered once I saw the name- and then the picture on their website confirmed what I head feared.

They prey on single women.

Look at this ad:

That man is clearly flexing. I'm pretty sure it doesn't take ALL your muscle strength to run that snake. They have power. Sure, sometimes they need a little help. But not so much that you have to PIPE OUT.

Ah well. I fell prey and I'm sure I will again. I'm a sucker for a tradesman. Especially in a blue uniform.

Gotta run, I've got a bunch of pasta and grease that needs to go down the kitchen drain.

Choke

2011-08-22T23:11:00.000-05:00

Don't choke. Try not to anyway. And read this book. Maybe.

I almost didn't. It was a close one for me. I read 3 chapters and then quit. Said no way. No can do. Not interested. Don't like the character. Don't understand where the author is going with this. Don't like it.

But I don't usually quit books. I can count on one hand... scratch that... one finger (get it???) the number of times I've quit a book. (Once, in case you missed that.) And this was a close one.

I pressed on.

It was... interesting.

It was written by Chuck Palahniuk, who also wrote Fight Club. Which, of course, I had no idea was a book. As I was reading Choke, there were moments I would literally grimace with the descriptions the author wrote. There is a flossing scene that thinking of even now makes me cringe. So logically I kept thinking... this would be awesome as a movie.

And BAM. It IS a movie!

And I watched it!

And it was so-so.

But! It was still awesome to see it all come full circle.

So what did we learn here?

Almost giving up on book + reading book + not knowing it was a movie + finding out it's a movie + watching movie = FUN x 2

This is what brings me joy people.

Books and equations.

Canning?

2011-08-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

Yes. Canning.

Always an interesting adventure. Once you start the process, there's no turning back. Must press on. Must move forward. No exceptions.

Even if... after doing a boiling water bath for the first batch, you decide to pressure can the rest...
...so you dump out the GIANT pot of boiling water to the level required for pressure canning...
...and THEN realize you have lost the teensy tiny rubber capper for the canner lid...
...thus no pressure for you. So you have to fill the GIANT pot with water and wait for it to boil again.

Maybe I did this today. Maybe not.

But I do have about 45 minutes to kill while I wait for some water to boil.

Maybe for canning. Maybe not.

Maybe this hat looks awesome on my sister.

Maybe it's Banana Republic.

Maybe we got it at a garage sale for $3.

Maybe I could care less about name brands, etc... but maybe I adore Banana Republic.

Maybe it's because their clothes just fit me.

Maybe in all the right places.

Maybe not.

Maybe these vegetables are being pickled today.

Have you ever had pickled cauliflower? It's oh so yummy. I've never made it myself- but I have high hopes for this batch.

Maybe I'll wait the necessary 2 weeks before testing them.

Maybe I'll let you know how it turns out.

Maybe.

*Thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers for little Kaiya. She is on the mend with excellent oxygen saturations!

Frankly

2011-08-20T00:29:00.000-05:00

He's begging for a blog.

(No pressure Kerry. Just do it. Now.)

Horsin' around

2011-08-17T22:57:00.000-05:00

Cheesy. But I had to do it.

Meet Enzo. The curious horse.

And this guy.

Whose name I don't know.

But I know we're in love.

Anybody know where I can stash a horse?
ps don't tell Paul....

*Please keep little Kaiya and her parents in your thoughts as she will be undergoing surgery tomorrow. A little hill in their roller coaster. Hopefully soon she will be gazing at her momma with those cute curious eyes!

Peanut Butter Pie

2011-08-14T02:09:00.000-05:00

I read a lot of blogs.

Family blogs. Food blogs. Art blogs. Book blogs. Garden blogs.

My first love was food blogs. Of course. I love food. Makes sense.

There's something awesome going on right now in the food blogging world.

Peanut Butter Pie.

It's everywhere. And for a special reason.

This sums it up best. But if you read any food blogs at all, I bet it'll pop up somewhere for you too.

I've not read her blog before, but I'm sure I will now.

And for the record... my next pie will definitely be Peanut Butter Pie.

Tash.... you're invited :)

Scaredy cat/poodle

2011-08-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

There was a thunderstorm last night.

I woke up around 2am to a poodle staring me down from the side of the bed. Scared.

He needed a little cuddling.

It's good to be loved.

And also better than waking up to a co-worker standing over you in full hospital gear, her face lit from below by medical equipment. Not looking at you, just standing over you while you sleep in your own home. Then you close your eyes and open them again... and she's gone. Creeeeepy.

Recap? Yes

2011-08-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

Why is it that when I haven't blogged in a few days, I feel the need to do a recap?

Do I really need an answer to that?

Moving right along.

Recap!

I went to a bachelorette party and had a ball. I can say that. I'm 33.

We cut up pictures of the couple to see what their future children will look like...

I got to wear a feather in my hair. And yes I took a picture of it in my bathroom when I got home.
And yes my bathroom has tropical leaf wallpaper.

I delivered these adorable keychains a co-worker made (well done Stille!) for little Kaiya's family.

Because she's a fighter. And she is. She's out of the PICU and one tough little cookie :)

I got a record player and fell in love with Charlie Rich.

I iced a friends ankle at our favorite place.

And I went to a new place where this was the wallpaper...

and the service was stellar. (I'm a sucker for good service.)

But the most important thing I did happened today....

...I sang happy birthday to my Dad over the phone.

Happy Birthday Dad! I can't wait to see you!!!

Get it?

2011-08-06T19:59:00.002-05:00

The silver bullet. In a letterman's jacket.

Baby Update

2011-08-04T23:25:00.000-05:00

Well lookey here. Somebody's awake.

Little Kaiya, with her teensy O2 tubing and dark eyes and Mom close by :)

I got to visit her and Mom yesterday with a friend. The whole time I was there I couldn't stop thinking about what they have already gone through. How far they had come. I can remember clear as a bell sitting in report eating the cupcake with the *surprise* pink filling inside! And here she is... gazing back at me with those sweet and curious baby eyes. I see it all the time and it's still unbelievable. This little one, even more so.

It was one week ago today that she had open heart surgery. What a week. What amazing progress! What a strong baby! It was so fun to see her doing newborn things... rooting for something to suck... and then crossing her eyes. Silly baby... She's adorable :)

Keep healing Kaiya!

*Side note*

Our excursion to see Kaiya taught me two very important lessons.

1. I occasionally spaz out for stupid reasons.

2. Gina is a horrible navigator.

Hope you enjoyed the gas station ice cream Jilanne!!!

Best Shower Game EVER

2011-08-03T16:59:00.000-05:00

I was at a bridal shower recently.
Perhaps the best bridal shower EVER for two glorious reasons.

1. They served Ree's iced coffee.

2. There was one game and it was the BEST BRIDAL SHOWER GAME EVER.

Ready? Is the anticipation killing you?

Everyone got a dishtowel, embroidery hoop, thread and needle.

During the shower each guest embroiders a design on a towel for the bride to keep.

I don't think there's anything sweeter.

Except maybe the fact that this was done at the brides soon-to-be-mother-in-law's own bridal shower 27ish years ago.

I'm a sentimental schmuck.

That was my little addition up above. Nothing fancy, but seriously... is there anything sweeter than personalized dishtowels from your wedding shower that you use for years and years and each time you dry a plate you think of the person that made it for you and how wonderful that time in your life was???

Nothing sweeter.

Except maybe this.

Oh wait. I already showed you that.

Stinkin' cute.

It's a dull ache...

2011-08-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

...in my uterus.

I want one of those.

Some favorites

2011-07-31T10:09:00.000-05:00

I know I've mentioned Pinterest before (and yes... I still call it Pee Interest), but let's just return to the topic.

I LOVE PINTEREST.

I have used the bookmark bar on my mac for years. See something online and think... yes. I need to do that. Eat that. Buy that. Make that. So I bookmark that.

And then I never do anything with it again.

But ohhhhh pinterest. Since using it... I have 'pinned' 30 useful ideas... and actually followed through on eleven of them! Let's review...

1. Actually made rice pudding for my sister. Maybe try that one another time. Not successful.

2. Ree's Iced Coffee. And I'm officially addicted. It is always in the fridge. ALWAYS. Success!

3. Essie Ballet Slipper nail polish. It's my new favorite. Success!

4. Green Salad from Shutterbean. Huge success. It spurred me on to making my own salad dressings and I've officially fallen in love with her blog. Success!

5. Curling my hair without curling my hair. The sock bun. Genius. I do it all the time. Success!

6. Smores stuffed chocolate chip cookies. Hugely successful. Surprisingly easy. Delicious. Success!

7. A nifty way to organize charging cables. Out of all of them, this might be my favorite. So easy and no more messy cords. Success!

8. I remembered these delicious chocolates when I wanted to send a treat to a friend. All because of Pee Interest. Success!

9. Rock a sweet head scarf. That's right. I did. And I'm going to do it again. Success!

10. Brussels sprout salad. So easy and so good. Date night with myself. Success!

11. Bling your blog. Adjust my html? Sure. No problem. I made new "buttons" (as they are called in the blogging world) off to the right. Quick links to my Instagram feed and my Pee Interest page. Check them out. Success!

Pretty impressive, no? Eleven new endeavors and 10 successful. I like it. A lot.

P.S. The correct term is brussels sprout. You can eat one brussels sprout. Or several brussels sprouts. Weird.
P.S.S Kaiya is having surgery this morning to close her chest, feel free to think some positive thoughts for her and her family. Hopefully they can hold her again soon!

Bypass

2011-07-29T11:44:00.000-05:00

Kaiya came off the bypass machine around noon.

You know Kaiya, I've mentioned her. Yesterday, at only 3 days old, little Kaiya underwent open heart surgery. I am amazed by what modern medicine is capable of doing. Oh, you need a little re-wiring of your blood vessels? No problem. Oh, they are tiny little newborn vessels? Easy. Amazing. I am so thankful for pediatric surgeons, nurses and all the medical staff involved.

It was that sentence above, from a caringbridge update, that set my tears a-flowing. I realized what that little body endured, and once again was so grateful for the surgeons. When I read that sentence I realized I had been holding my breath for most of the day. What had her Mom endured? I cannot imagine.

If you would, send up a prayer that Kaiya continues to heal, remains free of infection or any complications, and surprises us all with her early discharge date!

CaringBridge.org/visit/Traynor

Also check out Ana's blog here for more pictures of Kaiya's birth day!

Legs

2011-07-26T21:34:00.000-05:00

I know. It's crazy.

But take a moment and just look at those legs. Really look at them.

How is that comfortable enough to be completely zonked out???

Birth Day

2011-07-25T02:44:00.001-05:00

Today's the day.

She's having a baby.

I'm thinking of her nonstop.

Praying for an easy and fast labor,

that will make her Mommy to two.

Praying for Kaiya, to be stable and strong,

just like her mommy.

And patiently awaiting her return to these hallways.

They don't seem the same without her.

UPDATE: She's arrived! Apgars 8 and 9!

Congratulations Jason and Jilanne!

Nights again

2011-07-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet.

It's like I'm normal.

I've been working a day shift schedule for the past 20 days.

(But who's counting?)

Me. That's who. I'm counting.

Last night was my first night shift in TWENTY days.

And today I woke up at noon. What the....???

I wanted to poke out my eyeballs last night. Or someone else's.

This is what happens when you don't sleep.

It's dangerous. Tears come at the drop of a hat. Nothing makes sense. Life is confusing. Simple decisions seem life altering.

So instead of sleeping, let's take an instagram tour over the past few days. Yet another example of great decision making. Blog instead of sleep. Genius.

Here we go...

I had a Jucy Lucy. At Matt's of course. With a PBR.

I floated in a pool. With a cute boy.

I went to my favorite place. With my favorite people.

I hung out with some buns. Really really cute buns.

I got an inservice in a car. It was fun. Laugh out loud fun.

I ate cherries and read. In the backyard.

And now I'm off to do the same. Well not really. Just of the reading. Hopefully followed by sleeping. Then another night shift. Then I sleep at night for 6 nights! (But who's counting?)

The End

2011-07-18T18:21:00.000-05:00

It's over. The only thing keeping me sane right now is knowing that soon I will be immersed in the Hunger Games movies. Also knowing that Harry, Ron and Hermione will always be available on DVD.

I cried.

Then I ate these.

Scotcharoos

From Mom

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1 and 1/2 cups peanut butter (crunchy!)

6 cups rice krispies cereal

one package butterscotch chips

one package semi sweet chocolate chips

Grease a jelly roll pan.

In large pot mix syrup and sugar just till it bubbles.

Remove from heat. Add peanut butter. Mix. Add cereal. Mix. Pour into pan and spread out.

In a bowl but chips. Microwave 2 minutes or until softend a lot. Stir. Frost. Cool. Eat. Die.

It's your choice, smooth or crunchy peanut butter. Crunchy for me! Also, I prefer these in a jelly roll pan, they get a titch thinner thus increasing the ratio of frosting to goey goodness. That's a good thing. You can also use a 9x13 inch pan- in that case you may only need to use half the frosting. Do what you like. But be sure you like what you do. Awww.... maybe I should write an inspiring children's book series in a coffee shop...
Maybe not.

Argh!

2011-07-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

Beware! The pirate of Big Sandy...

... has a mean farmers tan.

I was lucky enough to be able to go back to the lake this weekend.

It was relaxing, fun, refreshing, soothing, delicious, cozy, adorable and just what I needed. Ahhhhh :)

How to be awesome.

2011-07-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

ND Recap.

2011-07-12T23:19:00.000-05:00

A recap of the past few days.

1. Flood tour 2011

Whoa. Minot flooded. The water is still high. There is still a boil order in effect. FEMA is involved. It is a real disaster. It's hard to see. More on that later.

2. Dog trimming.

It happened. Thanks Mom.

3. Little chicks....

...were stalked by the fearless hunter...

4. A late night ATV ride to save some turkeys.

Temporarily save some turkeys. Hey. Turkey tastes yummy.

5. I'm still obsessed with instagram.

Did you know it has a 'feed?' And you can follow friends? Love. It.

6. Life lesson: When driving along and you see a sign that says "Reduce Speed 5 MPH" and this ahead, it does not mean reduce your speed by 5 miles per hour.

7. It means reduce your speed to 5 miles per hour. Because the road is flooded. Yikes.

8. I forgot my kitchen sink is out of order. It's a dilemma.

9. This is not a dilemma. It's simply natural.

10. I wish I were still home with Mom and Dad. And not because we left those S'mores stuffed chocolate chip cookies behind. Those of you lucky enough to live near your parents... do me a favor... appreciate it. Thanks.

Stuffing cookies

2011-07-11T22:04:00.044-05:00

Why haven't I done this before? It's genius. Delicious. And genius.

S'mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Because you can. So do it.

That is a s'mores stuffed chocolate chip cookie. An entire s'mores inside a chocolate chip cookie. For me, this has opened up a whole new world. A new fantastic point of view. No one to tell us no. Or where to go. Or say we're...

Do it. DO IT. It's a huge cookie and it's good. Gooey. Good. Oddly reminiscent of a s'mores poptart. In a good way.

S'mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie

from Picky-Palate.com

2 sticks softened butter

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

4-8 graham crackers

3 hershey bars

8-12 marshmallows, cut in half lengthwise

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

Combine flour, salt and baking soda in a separate bowl. Slowly add to wet ingredients. Add chocolate chips.

Assemble s'mores. Break graham crackers into 4 pieces, use 2 pieces for each s'more. Three squares of chocolate. And one marshmallow cut in half. Put a scoop of cookie dough on top and bottom of s'more. Then a scoop in front and back.

Mash the dough all around the s'more adding more dough if needed. No need to be perfect here. Just get it all in there. *Next time I'll probably use just one graham cracker and add more marshmallows.*

These are BIG cookies.

Put on prepared baking sheet and bake 15-17 minutes or until edges are golden. I made 3 per sheet.

Let cool 10 minutes on sheet before transferring to cooling rack.

The recipe said it would make 12 cookies. Maybe I just ate too much dough but I only got 8 cookies. Eight delicious, scrumptious cookies. I worried they wouldn't be as good the second day.

I think they are even be better. Win.

For Gina

2011-07-09T10:35:00.000-05:00

Drumroll please.......

Isn't she a beauty?

(Never mind that I now have to replace all the pipes in the house. Ah little house. I adore you. And your rusted out pipes.)

A special golden birthday

2011-07-08T18:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Paul!

8 years old on July 8th... happy and oh so handsome...

We are spending your birthday at your favorite place ever... Mom and Dad's. We've got big plans. Sitting. Playing. Napping. Surprisingly, today we threw hay bales. (Say wha???) Well, I did. You napped.

We took a different route home due to the flooding... and you got to ride in the front seat. It was cozy.

And you had your first encounter with a police officer.

Whoops. But now we know if you are going 10 miles over the speed limit.... the ticket is $10. Nice.

Happy Birthday my boy! I love you. Tomorrow I'm making you Frosty Paws and we'll do some more snuggling. Maybe play a little fetch. Maybe roll in the grass. Heavenly.

Happy July 5th?

2011-07-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

Ah yes. Good old July 5th.

The day that started out so great.

Mowing. Gardening... aka weeding. I've started calling it gardening because weeding sounds like it's not fun at all and guess what... it actually is. Who knew?

A visit from a friend. Smiles and giggles from a happy and oh-so-handsome baby boy.

Then an impromptu trip to the pool with my two favorite sisters.

This one... who touched the bottom of the pool in water that was as deep as my neck. Impressive, no? AND who went down the big kid slide all by herself. I cheered. It's true.

And this one... who clung to me like her life depended on it. Which I guess it did. But look at that face. I loved every minute of it. And heads up... she also touched the bottom of the pool. Multiple times. She may have also blown snot in my face. It happens.

Seriously a fun day.

Which ended with me freaking out that my house was going to blow up.... then sending this picture to Mom...

...and then calling her in a panic. Isn't that what all 33 year olds do when their water heater starts hissing and leaking??? Oy vey. Guess it's time for a new water heater. Happy July 5th! My house didn't explode!

Happy 4th...

2011-07-04T21:57:00.000-05:00

...from my basement!

Where the poodles and I will be hiding out from the fireworks. Snuggling. Reading. Sleeping.
It's a tough life with these two.... :)

Jam. Jam. Pie.

2011-07-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

I've canned ketchup.

I've canned tomatoes.

Spaghetti sauce.

Rhubarb jam.

And now strawberries.

With instagram.

And what the hell. A strawberry pie too.

I've been loving instagram for quite awhile now. But just last night discovered the whole "following" aspect of it. And I'm falling all over again. Love. It's a sweet as strawberry pie..... oy vey. I've been around too much sugar.

Strawberry Jam
adapted from allrecipes.com
Hey. Did you know that jam is the stuff with fruit chunks in it and jelly is the stuff without? And did you know that when you can jam at home sometimes it comes out perfectly mixed and sometimes it comes out with the jam on top and the jelly on the bottom? I didn't either. For the record- one batch was perfectly mixed and one was separated. And I'll eat them both.

8 cups mashed strawberries with their juice
   (about 5 pounds pre-hulling)
6 cups white sugar
zest from 2 lemons
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

In large heavy bottom saucepan combine all ingredients. Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Slowly increase heat until you have a rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until mixture reaches 220 degrees. This takes around 10-15 minutes. Ladle into hot sterile jars and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Allow to rest for 24 hours. Any jars that don't seal, keep in refrigerator and eat eat eat.

A few words on this...
*Be sure you use a LARGE pot as the mixture will foam up at one point before calming down again... all the while boiling. Fun to see. Well, fun in my little world.
*Be sure you get it to 220 degrees or it may not jell. Then you have a delicious jelly/syrup which is just as delicious so never mind. Do what you like. If you prefer it to be jelled... you can do the cold plate test. *Cold plate test: Put a few plates in the freezer. After about 10 minutes of boiling, put a teaspoon of mixture on plate and put back in freezer for one minute. Run your finger through the jam on plate- if the line stays (it doesn't run back together) your jam is done and ready to can.
*I made two batches and it came out as follows:
   Batch one: 4 pint jars and 3 half pint jars
   Batch two: 3 pint jars and 1 quart jar
*Of course you don't need to can this. You can just store in the fridge and eat it right away.
*I hear you asking... who in the world needs a quart sized jar of jam??? My sister. That's who.

Dare I say it....?

2011-07-02T17:06:00.000-05:00

Is she my favorite author? It may be true....

Case in point... I started a Margaret Atwood book and this is the first paragraph...

"Out of the gravel there are peonies growing. They come up through the loose grey pebbles, their buds testing the air like snails' eyes, then swelling and opening, huge dark-red flowers all shining and glossy like satin. Then they burst and fall to the ground."
~Margaret Atwood Alias Grace

Dear Lord I love that woman. What she can do with words... with a book... HOW does she do it????

Weekend haiku

2011-06-29T16:16:00.000-05:00

Bear with me... this is my first haiku. EVER.

Sarah visiting

meant driving to Iowa

a weekend road trip.

Clouds were white and high

laughter was overflowing

wilson phillips rocked.

Vampire houses

green giants head is too small

we saw all these things.

The statue was there

we all posed for a picture

ray fondled a boy.

We learned some things like

ranch dressing is beautiful

twenty push ups win.

It ended with cake

but we'll make it continue

always words with friends.

A crazy river, potato, and squirrel

2011-06-28T19:40:00.001-05:00

The river has crested and is slooooooowly making it's retreat. Did I mention it was slow? I said it before, I'll say it again... I had no idea floods were such a slow process. It's like torture. Tornados, fires (that's really all I'd ever worry about I guess)... they are fast. Over in an instant. Floods = forever.

I've been a bit obsessed. As evidenced by the fact that I actually took a picture of the video I was watching on TV.

More than once.

A few times.

It's just... I want nothing more than to be at home. Hanging out at mom's with the news on in the background, not showering or drinking the water, just there. We were all set to go yesterday, but then water lines were breaking and... it's best to stay away.

So I stayed home. And today I did normal things.

Like forget to close the window while I ran into the store and came out to find this friendly lady being loved up by a fellow shopper.

Then I spent a few hours in this little slice of heaven. Weeding the garden is my new "thing." No radio. No phone. Just poodles. Me. And the occasional unnecessarily loud and a little scary red squirrel. Jeez. A couple of times I thought it was going to jump out and attack me. Those things are crazy.

Out of curiosity I dug up one potato plant that seemed to be failing...
and tada! A tiny little homegrown spud! Can you see it there? Don't strain you eyes... it's pretty minute. And might be difficult to spot past my shadow. Photographer I am not.
(Hm. Minute/small is spelled the same as minute/time. Our lesson for today. You're welcome.)

And then I spent 3 hours in the backyard still with no phone (say what?!?!?!) and finished a book. Now it's 7pm and I might just crawl into bed with another one. Gotta get up early... I've got this waiting for me in the morning.

Not brownies... or tobacco which it turns out coffee grounds in cold water smells like to me... but Ree's (we're good buddies so I can call her that) iced coffee!

Good night :)

Minot Flood

2011-06-23T20:34:00.000-05:00

Ugh. It's so unbelievable.

Minot is flooding.

For the last week I've said, "It'll be fine. They have warning. They can get out."

I know all those statements are true. But now... now I have a permanent lump in my throat. I'm scared. Nervous. Worried. All those homes. All those people. What if the water system is damaged? The sewer system? How long will it take to recover?

I have been obsessively watching the coverage online. Checking the current water level. Which is now at 1555.67 feet. Expected to hit 1566. It sill has 10 feet to go and it's already flooded.

Aside from checking the water level every 8 seconds, I've been obsessively calling or texting Mom. I want to go home. Be there. Not that I can do much. I just want to be home. Watching the water level slowly creep up and up... counting down the levees and dikes as the water breaches them. It's expected to crest in 2 days. I had no idea flooding took so long. Because Minot doesn't flood.
Tornados. Yes. Floods. No.

I moved from home in 2000. Eleven years I've lived in Minnesota. But I'm still from North Dakota. It's still home. I still introduce myself by saying, "I live in Minneapolis, but I'm from a small town in North Dakota."

Thank you so much for the calls and concerns for my parents. Mom and Dad are safe and sound, located on high ground, thank goodness.

My heart goes out to all of you at home.
I'm praying for everyone's safety.

A kid. A dog. And cheesecake.

2011-06-22T05:59:00.000-05:00

I call it.... "Kid on a dog bed. Dog on the floor."

Cause that's what it is.

Awwww....

That's Jacob. He's my boy. When I went away to college I cried not for my mom, not for home, but for Jake.

He's a special guy in my life. As is his family.

They came to visit this weekend and brought me this awesome bench. Which just happens to fit perfectly on the porch.

More seating! Wahoo!

Their first day here I made a cheesecake. It's good. Here's the recipe.

Caramel Cappuccino Cheesecake

From a prior neighbor who has since moved due to investing in their landscaping instead of their mortgage. Whoops. But the yard looks dang nice.

Crust-
1 and 1/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (one row of oreos-pulsed in food processor)
1/2 stick butter, melted

Filling-
2 tblsp instant espresso coffee granules
2 tsp vanilla
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel topping

Topping-
1 cup whipping cream
2 tblsp sugar (granulated or powdered is fine)
1/4 cup caramel topping

Wrap outside of 10 inch springform pan with foil.

In small bowl mix cookie crumbs and melted butter with fork. Press mixture evenly over bottom of pan. Refrigerate crust while preparing filling.

300 degrees.
In small bowl, stir coffee granules and vanilla until coffee is dissolved, set aside.
In large bowl, beat cream cheese with mixer over medium speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add espresso mixture, cinnamon, and caramel, beat about 30 seconds or until well blended. Pour over crust into pan. Bake in water bath* for 1 hour and 10-25 minutes or until set 1inch from edge of pan and center is slightly jiggly. Turn oven off, open door at least 4 inches and let sit for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, run knife around edge of pan and cool 30 minutes at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

Topping:
Remove side of pan. In chilled bowl beat whipping cream and sugar on high until soft peaks form. Spread over cheesecake. Drizzle with caramel topping.

*Place filled, foil wrapped springform pan in a large roating pan and pour enough boiling water into roasting pan to come halfway up springform pan.*

Adorableness at the lake

2011-06-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

I've been having some computer issues... no wait. Not computer. Router issues. Airport issues.

Not to worry. After almost proposing to the Apple help line guy (on 3 separate phone calls), today I was finally able to figure it out myself. Anyone hiring for IT?

So I'm back tracking a bit. Prepare yourself for cuteness....

Yeah. Adorable.

I went to the lake with these two sisters.

Yeah. Adorable again.

I love being with them. They remind me of that whole 'sister' relationship... they will always fight, but they will always be best friends. And they are super silly. And they wake up with adorable bed head.

And yeah. They. Are. Adorable.

I love going to this lake.

Sleeping in this bed.

In this room.

It feels like sleeping in a library. A dream come true. Perusing books right before crawling into a super comfy cozy bed? Yes.

Oh and did I mention these two?

An adorable baby boy and his trusty steed... Thor.

Who, let's not forget, we ran into as we were leaving... he was out making his rounds. Stopped and chatted with us in the street... then went on his merry way.

But perhaps my favorite part of the lake?

You thought I was going to say the food? It's definitely at the top. Grilled sausage and juicy chicken, delicious bread salad, grilled vegetables, corn salad, peanut pasta, and to top it off... homemade ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cake. Dohhhhhhhhh.

But perhaps my favorite part of the lake is hearing this tiny voice....

Most adorable fat legs. Ever.

Interesting Pee

2011-06-17T01:05:00.000-05:00

I have recently discovered and fallen in love with Pinterest.

How would you say that word?

I call it pee interest. Not because it has anything at all to do with urine, or because pee is interesting. It's only because my brain can't fathom the idea that there is any other way to pronounce it. It's a 'p' followed by the word 'interest'. P. Interest. Done.

I was only recently enlightened (thanks Kelsey) to the fact that the rest of the world actually sounded the word out and pronounces it pinterest. What? What is this crazy made up word? Pinterest? Not a word.
P Interest. Now that's a word.

Although now that I see it in writing and have said it over and over about 50 times.... maybe pinterest does may more sense.....

Nope. I'm sticking with Pee Interest.

Note to self

2011-06-11T03:39:00.000-05:00

Never get beef jerky dog treats.

Because every time you open the container you will have the same awkward conversation with yourself. It goes like this:

"Wow. Those smell delicious."

"It's dog food."

"But they smell like beef jerky. I love beef jerky."

"Don't do it."

"No one would know if I just took a quick bite."

"You would know that you ate dog food."

"I'm ok with that."

"Do NOT eat dog food."

"Ugh. Fine."

21

2011-06-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

Remember this lady?

That's Jilanne. We decided to throw her a little surprise party in my backyard. I've been lying to her through my teeth. Even taking that photo- I knew. She didn't. That's a hard thing for me to do. Anytime I talked to her, I was thinking... "don't say anything, don't say anything, she doesn't know, she doesn't know..."

I stalked the weather. It started with 70's and thunderstorms. That just wouldn't do. My house is not fit for large amounts of people inside. I've done it. It's not pretty. Think neighborhood chili cook-off in December in Minnesota. With a lot of curious neighbors that decided to roam the house. Including the basement. Let's not discuss what embarrassing things they may or may not have seen. Ugh.

As the day loomed closer the forecast turned to 'record breaking temps'. And that it was.

I couldn't be happier with how it all turned out. (Other than the fact that I feel like I barely talked to anyone and just ran around like a fool. Why does that always happen?) There were 19 adults and 21 children. And a sprinkler. And juice boxes. And the largest bowl of jello ever seen.

And cider beer. For Stacey and Traci and me :)

Sadly I have minimal photos of the event. Here is Gina practicing her fake arrival. We wanted Jilanne to be clueless until she stepped into the backyard. Nice work Gina. Nice work.

And here is Nash. One of my new favorite little people. His mom told him to wait there while she ran to the car. And that is just what he did.

And that's all I've got for photos. Not sure what I was so busy doing... refilling food, showing kids the dogs, making sure everyone had what they needed, oh and scraping dog s**t off Missy's shoe.

For more photos check out Ana's blog- thanks Ana!

My favorite part of the whole event had to be hearing the kids. A lot had never met before and so you'd hear a lot of...

"Hey kid! Kid! Want to play with me?"

"Let's go ask that girl if she wants to play."

Kids crack me up.

We are so lucky to work with such great women- thanks to you all for coming in support of Jilanne, braving the heat, and sharing your little ones!

Record breaking

2011-06-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Hi there. Here's the temperature outside.

I know. I know.
It's a bad picture, but you can make out the temp. 101. Hot.

Let's see. What to do when its a record breaking day? Have a record breaking number of kids over to run through the sprinkler of course. More on that later. But I will tell you it's pretty hilarious. Now I'm off to sit on my a** in the air conditioning some more. Like forever.

Paul Gilligan

2011-06-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness. Look at that handsome boy there.

So regal. So stoic. Paul.

I get asked a lot why I named him Paul, usually with a chuckle. That is the reason right there. Because it's funny. A dog named Paul :)

It was almost Kevin. But every time I thought of a dog named Paul I just cracked up. And so that's what it is. Paul. Paul Gilligan Evans.

He's at the vet today. Did you know they have vets that specialize in dentistry? Paul officially has an internist, cardiologist and dentist. Oh Paul. (I know. I'm that crazy dog owner.)

I have been so nervous for this day. He's going under anesthesia and I worried he wouldn't survive. Silly. They have anesthesiologists for cripes sake!

But it all goes back to his stroke. The day it happened they sent us home with his collar and Bear. Told us to wait for a call. He was going for an MRI (yes. I know. I know. Crazy.) and before we left they said one last thing...

"If it is a tumor, sometimes they don't wake up from the anesthesia."

Great. Ugh.

So I'm a tad nervous of anesthesia. For my dogs. People under anesthesia? No problem. They do it all the time. Come on. I'm no fool. But my stroke victim dog? Can't handle it.

Silly me.

Debra had her teeth cleaned a while back. So she's been hanging with me today.

She seems really stressed about Paul being gone today. She just can't seem to relax.

Sheesh.

1. Gilligan was what the breeders named him. I thought it made a great middle name.

2. It's wash the sheets day. Hence the situation up above.

4 days

2011-05-31T21:51:00.000-05:00

Huh. I feel like I haven't blogged in forever.

It's been 4 days.

Maybe it's because I feel like I've gotten a lot accomplished in those 4 days.

Maybe it's because I've sat around and read my book in the sunshine a lot in those 4 days.

Either way. It's all involved my iPhone. I promise I will stop talking about it eventually. But did you know that you can speak to google???? Seriously. Love. And it's actually accurate. My neighbor and I put it to the test. I said "burning ordinances richfield minnesota" and I'll be gol'durned it worked! Oh google and Apple. Let's get married!

Here's what's gone on in the *gasp* four days I've been gone.

1. Mom was here for a lovely visit. This included a lot of what you see below plus a sister and another dog. And now I know why I put things on my chest when I'm resting. My iPhone may be there even as I type. I am turning into my mother.

2. I went to a fun little baby shower with this lady. If you think she looks like a lot of fun, it's because she is a lot of fun.

3. I made punch for the baby shower and it was fantabulous. (pat myself of the back for googling that little gem) And true to form, without disappointment, my cohorts turned the adorable little "individual punch rings" that I worked for hours and hours to make (not) into individual cervixes. Cervices? Cervi? Either way. It totally does look like a cervix. About 3 cm.

4. I have been falling in love with my house all over again. This weather lets me use the backyard, which is totally private, and that blessedly wonderful amazing front porch. (cue another pat on the back) Even the garage seems bigger. Ahhhhh. Space. Open air. Funny that I choose this picture then which has no open air, but I adore this space between the house and garage. Those hanging lights are the first thing I did when I moved in. 5 years ago. Oh little house on the suburbian grid... I love you.

5. Paul and I worked very hard tilling the garden. Scratch that. Watching the neighbor till the garden. Hey. I took a portion of fence down at least.

6. The garden is planted! I love those teensy tiny tomato plants. They look so mini. After 5 years of gardening on my own I finally planted them with confidence that they will actually survive and grow and produce! Paul helped by coaching... he loves to garden.

7. I spent some time with a friend. We ate yummy cheese and drank beer in tiny glasses. Oh cheese and tiny glasses... is there anything better?

8. I made rhubarb jam. Do not judge me because it was finished by 9am. Ok. Judge me. I love that it was done by 9am. I am so most productive in the early morning. I can get a ton of stuff done, but come 11am I think it's lunch, nap, read. Supper, internet, bed. Ok. Some other things may go on in there but if they don't, well.. then they don't.

9. Peonies are my favorite flower. Hands down. And it's blooming time around here! I love the blue glass with them... which is just more evidence of my crazy glass obsession. I used to love that one for milk. It's out of the rotation now. I've moved on.

10. Debra would like you all to know this is her chair.

Not yours.

Not mine.

Debra's.

S***balls

2011-05-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

I am in love with instagram. Who knew my nightstand could be so... charming?

This was from the first night I spent with my iPhone. We were up until 3 am together. It was beautiful. I did important things, like find apps. Figure out how to set the alarm. How to use the camera. Which turned into me being confused by the video vs. camera. Which continued for a good 24 hours. This is what happens when you think you are taking a photo but... you're not.

And the next day... still confused...

I think I've got it now. Maybe.

What I do everyday

2011-05-25T00:09:00.001-05:00

Sit here.

Perfect place for lemonade and a book.

(Or an iPhone.)

What I did yesterday

2011-05-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

Opened my eyes.

Alright alright. I might be a bit dramatic, but seriously. SERIOUSLY. What was I doing without an iPhone for so long?

I'm in love. Deep, delirious, dangerous love.

That old orange phone? Pffft. Over it. So over it.

Here we are on our way to the verizon store to get activated and activated... if you know what I mean... mmm hmm. That's right.

And then there are no more pictures because I pretty much spent the rest of the day glued to it. I mildly panicked when I left the store and Mom called and I didn't even know how to answer the thing. But oh apple... you make it so easy. Anything I wanted to do, I just try it once, and BAM. Easy peasy. It works how you think it should work.

I think they call that "user-friendly."

Well friends, I'm using and abusing. All over this phone.

Another good-bye

2011-05-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

It's happening.... it's really really happening. I've finally made the decision. The big one. Without giving it away... let's just say it starts with and 'i' and ends with a 'Phone'.

WaHoooooo!

Today I said sayonara to my sturdy little phone and the photos it took. Lately, ok, let's be honest, since the departure of "the guy," I haven't felt like using my camera. It's been sitting idle. My phone has become my camera of choice. It's just always by my side. And always available. (Huh. Yes. I see the irony in that. Shall we analyze my choice of words? Nah.) Moving on...

Oh little phone with your grainy, fuzzy and old looking photos... I will miss you.

You captured a lot of moments.

Thanks little orange phone for all the memories. And I'm sorry it had to end this way. It wasn't you. It was me. I needed to move on. May you rest peacefully in your new owners hands. And may I have remembered to delete all my info...

Sheesh

2011-05-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

Note to self:

When gas is $3.99 a gallon, you will not be able to fill up your 22 gallon tank due to the pump shutting off at $75.

Sheesh.

Friends and Flight

2011-05-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

Friends. Laugh together. Make graphs together. Walk together.
And they tell you if you've got food on your face. Friends are nice.

Hooray friends! Let's make some Friendship Bread!

Find a friend that has some starter and convince them to give you a bag. Then proceed.
*If your dang friends don't have the starter, you can dang well make your own.*

Friendship Bread
I have no idea where this recipe came from, I got it from a friend who got it from a friend who... you know. Do not use metal bowls or utensils with this recipe.

Day 1: Do nothing.

Day 2-5: Mush the bag.

Day 6: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Mush.

Day 7-9: Mush the bag.

Day 10: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Mush. Take out 3 cups and place each 1 cup into three separate zip locks. Give one cup and copy of this recipe to three friends. (Hence: Friendship Bread. Genius.)

To the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well:

1 cup oil

1/2 cup milk

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl combine these ingredients and mix well:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 (5.1 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding (or two small boxes)

1/2 tsp salt

Grase two bread pans. Mix 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar in bowl. Shake into greased pans to coat.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix and pour into greased and sugared bread pans. Sprinkle extra cinnamon/sugar mix on top. Bake at 325 for one hour. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

Can bake as muffins or small bread loaves- bake 35 minutes.

*Make your own dang starter. But you better dang well share it:

1 package active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees if you do things like take the temperature of water)

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees.... )

In small bowl dissolve yeast in water. Let stand for 10 minutes. In another bowl combine flour and sugar. Slowly stir in milk and yeast mixture. Put this in a zip lock and leave at room temperature. This is day 1.

Billy Ray?

2011-05-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

Side effects of night shift work:

Woke up from a dream involving a personal concert in the OR waiting room by Paul Simon.

Then Billy Ray Cyrus came onto me. Big time. And Miley was riding a go cart.

*Billy Ray? What the??? I don't listen to his music. I don't know anything about Miley.
But he's got nice hands. In my dream anyway.
:) no wait... :D

Tis the season

2011-05-10T16:56:00.000-05:00

*Disclaimer: I use a gas grill. I know there are those of you out there who believe real grilling can only be done on charcoal, but here's the deal: I tried it once and had to finish the meal in the oven. I'm sticking with gas. For now.

It happened. The grill came out.

I don't grill year round. I was raised by my parents. And that should be enough to tell you that I know, every fall, you put everything away in storage for the winter. EVERYTHING. Tables. Chairs. Planters. Grill. Tuck it safely away from winter and snow and ice.

And then... in the spring... you bring it all out again. It's very exciting.

Really. It is. Being able to cook almost an entire meal on the grill means little to no clean up. Not to mention the whole anticipation-of-grilling-all-winter-and-then-actually-doing-it-and-oh-my-gosh-it's-even-better-than-I-remember thing. That's nice too.

This year the season was kicked off with good old burgers. And my new favorite thing... pesto mayo. Good Lord why haven't I been doing this for years??? Just take a little pesto that you made at the end of last season and mix it in with a few tablespoons of mayo and wham-o. Pesto mayo. Delicious on a burger. Or potatoes. Or probably even cardboard.

*Yet another disclaimer: I know. It's not basil season so why post this now? Because I'm just finishing up the last of my frozen pesto from last season. May the pesto be with you.

Pesto
1 and 1/2 cups packed basil leaves (preferably from your back yard)
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons toasted pine nutes
1/4 cup evoo
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

-Toast pine nuts in skillet- watch closely as they burn quickly. (I'd know. I've spent much time picking out the burnt ones. Those little guys are pricey!)
-Put basil, garlic and pine nuts in food processor. Pulse to combine. Drizzle in olive oil with motor running until blended well. Stir in parmesan cheese and some salt and pepper. Set aside for 20 minutes to let flavors blend. Bam. Pesto.

*To freeze: Put a dollop into each section of an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen remove and place in zip lock bag. Keep in freezer until ready to use. When needed just take a chunk out and set on counter for 15 minutes or so to thaw.
*Doubling this recipe will fill 1 ice cube tray.
*Store in refrigerator covered with evoo (prevents oxidation and discoloring- wow- I sound smart).
*Instead of pine nuts you could also use walnuts or almonds.

Yummy in mayo- pesto mayo!

Delicious in soups- stir it in at the end!

Amazing with pasta- A-MAZE-ING!

Mom

2011-05-08T20:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

Awwwww..... I love her. And it's a good thing too.

Because it seems I am slowly turning into her. I like that.

To the lady who taught me how to have a good time...

Happy Mothers Day!

Game time

2011-05-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

Sheesh. That last post still makes me cringe. This is why I don't discuss politics or issues at length. It always somehow blows up in my face. What I'm saying is... I won't be running for political office anytime soon. Let's get back to what I do know about... games.

It's time to play....

Guess That Body Fluid!

Let's see what we've got....

Hm... My first guess is meconium. Meconium stained amniotic fluid. (Sometimes it takes on a lovely green hue.)

Bzzzzzz. (You know, the wrong! buzzer sound.)

No? Alright. Let's see....

Vomit?

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Vomit.

Winner!

Winner?

Winner.

My job is pretty kick ass. Body fluids included.

a slight issue

2011-05-03T11:06:00.011-05:00

I wanted to post this on facebook, but I'm nervous.

Nervous because I don't want to be thought of as unpatriotic. I trust our government and their decisions wholeheartedly. I believe they are doing what they have to do and what needs to be done. I trust them. I am so grateful for our service men and women and all they do. Seeing someone in fatigues makes me feel pride for my country... I can't imagine how they feel. Thank God for them. But I'm still nervous.

Because I am uncomfortable with the celebrating. The rejoicing.

Martin Luther King Jr said it best....

‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

-Martin Luther King, Jr

Cue me with American flag flying and my hand on my heart :)

And now I'm off to grow a set and post it on facebook.

Good job me.

Update

Well now I feel like an idiot. Apparently I feel prey to a viral quote going around. Good job me (ugh). The correct quote is:

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

So whoever came up with the first quote above, thanks. I totally agree.

And thanks Erin for setting me straight :) Fo' realz.

What just happened in this post?

Is this what this day is going to be like?

Well alright then :) Press on.

Cheerio!

2011-04-30T04:34:00.000-05:00

I do hereby decree, unto thy own personal knowledge, in effect of employment heretofore whilst the majority of thee and thy kingdom rests has certain distinguishable favors.

What I'm trying to say here is... I was prepared for the 4am wake up call to attend the royal event because I work nights.

Hats! A real-deal princess! A kiss! (Two!) And a convertible!

It was worth it. I'll be cracking the champagne to celebrate soon enough. But for now, I'll effectively continue my employment whilst the rest of ye jesters sleep.

Graciously and with lots of hoopla and fancy words,

Lady Danica Evanston of Richfieldingham

How did they know???

2011-04-25T08:58:00.000-05:00

Today we head back to MN. Back to work. Back to my little house. Back to my yard where hopefully (I hope I hope I hope) the lilac trees are starting to bud.

During this visit I did one of my favorite things... went through old pictures, albums, boxes, and yearbooks. I'm a sentimental schmuck.

While I'm trekking 8 hours across the plains... yakking it up with my sister... and singing Alanis at the top of my lungs... I thought you might enjoy the irony that is a small town prophecy.

I found this little gem in the yearbook from my senior year.

How did they know???

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

I hope you enjoy some peeps...

time with family...

a smorgasboard...

and a nap.

Do you sauna?

2011-04-23T19:39:00.000-05:00

I do.

I think it's ingrained in my genetic heritage to enjoy a sauna. A steam bath. Whatever you call it. You sit in a room. It's full of steam. You sweat. Clean out the pores. Sweat. Talk. And sweat.

I can remember being little visiting my grandparents, which always included visiting some portion of Mom's nine siblings. At some point those siblings would go for a steam bath. I was certainly too little to be invited. I stayed behind with my cousins and Grandma. Which was definitely (in my mind) the most fun place to be. Making popsicles out of honey and snow. Playing on the black spinning chairs. But those aunts and uncles... I still don't know where they went, I just know they were taking a steam bath. A sauna. Somewhere nearby.

When Mom and Dad had the sauna put in I was secretly (ok, loudly) rooting for an outdoor hot tub. But they put in a sauna. And as they are adults I guess they get to do what they want. Cripes.

But I've changed my mind.

My DNA wins.

There's really nothing better than a nice hot sauna.

Especially with a relative.

Namely, Mom.

Flight #4

2011-04-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

Because they just make me happy.

Reunited

2011-04-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

27 days since I've seen my babies. But who's counting?

In honor of our momentous evening... I give you the chorus lyrics to "Reunited" by Peaches and Herb. Feel free to sing along. Thank you.

Reunited and it feels so good
Reunited 'cause we understood
There's one perfect fit
And sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited
'Cause we're reunited, hey, hey

Denver and Dad

2011-04-17T06:26:00.003-05:00

"That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Name that movie.

I can't help but think of that movie anytime I see mountains. And when I think of that movie I can't help but think of Dad. He laughs really hard at that movie. Even though he'll tell you he doesn't like Jim Carrey. He laughs and laughs and then I laugh at him laughing. It's a laughing good time. Possibly even a riot.

My dad is silly.

Below you will find a series of photos Mom has texted of Dad being silly.

Shower cap Dad.

Sombrero Dad.

Pretending-to-fall-asleep-with-his-new-fishing-rod-like-a-5-year-old-would Dad.

He loves birthdays.

He's cute.

And he can just whip up a ramp for your dog (seriously. He made this.) and have it overnighted to you if your dog suddenly has a stroke.

And one of my favorite things... he calls sometimes just to tell me a joke.

Then he laughs and laughs.

Then I laugh.

It's a laughing good time.... a riot :)

Temple Grandin

2011-04-16T06:01:00.000-05:00

Coincidences. I've looked at that word long enough now that it's weirding me out. Moving on.

Here's a teeny tiny one. (Coincidence, I mean.)

I use Netflix. I love Netflix. I'm usually really good about watching and returning. More bang for your buck. BUT.... I have been carrying the same Netflix movie around for approximately... oh my... since November. I've carried it with me on all these different travel assignments, back and forth on the plane, but never actually watched it. Since November. That's a little ridiculous.

So tonight I finally did.

Temple Grandin. That's the name of the movie and it's her story. I've always known who she was... but this movie put it all into perspective. I laughed, cried, and talked to the movie. Which was interesting since I was sitting in the lobby of a hospital at 3am. Talking to a computer screen in a quiet hospital lobby = awkward. But only for me. So it's all good.

The coincidence? The very end of the movie fills you in on what the real Temple Grandin is up to these days. She's a professor at Colorado State University. Get ready.... here's the coincidence.... I am in Colorado. I know, right!?!?!? Crazy. After all the time I've had this movie... I watch it in Colorado... where she lives. I like those little coincidences. Maybe it's because I grew up in a small town where coincidence, like your best-friend's uncle dating your math-teachers aunts father-in-law, who happens to also work with your cousin is just part of daily life.

Either way, check out this movie. And then let's only buy meat from processing plants that treat animals humanely. Please.

"Thank you."

*I am delirious. I need sleep.