Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Weekend Medley
This is a forgotten video from a couple of weeks ago. Our little footballer.
Squash blossom recap:
Next time: more pesto, less cheese, more prosciutto.
Our new rain barrel!!! Thanks Casey for putting it together. As fate would have it a heavy thunderstorm blew in about half an hour after he finished installing it. It worked, in fact it overflowed. We now have 55 gallons of rain water to water our gardens and baby trees.
Gavin before bedtime.
Squash blossom recap:
Next time: more pesto, less cheese, more prosciutto.
Our new rain barrel!!! Thanks Casey for putting it together. As fate would have it a heavy thunderstorm blew in about half an hour after he finished installing it. It worked, in fact it overflowed. We now have 55 gallons of rain water to water our gardens and baby trees.
Gavin before bedtime.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
F is for Food and Family
Last night Casey and I finally watched Julie & Julia. Of course, now I'm on the hunt for a cheap used copy of Mastering The Art Of French Cooking.
One of my favorite and earliest memories of a well-prepared meal was actually from a visit to my Aunt and Uncle's house in New Mexico, many years ago. I couldn't have been older than 10. I recall my aunt and uncle smiling, talking and working together in the kitchen, my uncle wearing an apron, everyone else scattered around and carrying on until dinnertime was announced.
It was the taste of fresh green beans, steamed to perfection that left such an impression. They were brightly colored, still crisp, long, slender and fragrant - much different than the canned green beans I was used to. Those simply prepared beans left such an impression that I don't actually remember what else we ate! There we all sat, my cousins, my siblings, my parents, and my aunt and uncle. They were sipping white wine and had classical music playing in the background. It was a lovely dinner.
I realize to others my vivid memory of something as simple as steamed green beans may sound silly or unsophisticated, but I never forgot those green beans. Something clicked that day. "This is how meals should be prepared and enjoyed," I thought to myself. That experience planted a seed and a life-long appreciation for well-prepared meals. To this day I still prefer my green beans fresh and steamed as opposed to boiled. Though I'll never turn down a serving of slow simmered green beans with bacon and onion. A girl has to have her comfort food. I dedicate this week's blogging to my food festish and to the Julia Child who lives in every foodie.
One of my favorite and earliest memories of a well-prepared meal was actually from a visit to my Aunt and Uncle's house in New Mexico, many years ago. I couldn't have been older than 10. I recall my aunt and uncle smiling, talking and working together in the kitchen, my uncle wearing an apron, everyone else scattered around and carrying on until dinnertime was announced.
It was the taste of fresh green beans, steamed to perfection that left such an impression. They were brightly colored, still crisp, long, slender and fragrant - much different than the canned green beans I was used to. Those simply prepared beans left such an impression that I don't actually remember what else we ate! There we all sat, my cousins, my siblings, my parents, and my aunt and uncle. They were sipping white wine and had classical music playing in the background. It was a lovely dinner.
I realize to others my vivid memory of something as simple as steamed green beans may sound silly or unsophisticated, but I never forgot those green beans. Something clicked that day. "This is how meals should be prepared and enjoyed," I thought to myself. That experience planted a seed and a life-long appreciation for well-prepared meals. To this day I still prefer my green beans fresh and steamed as opposed to boiled. Though I'll never turn down a serving of slow simmered green beans with bacon and onion. A girl has to have her comfort food. I dedicate this week's blogging to my food festish and to the Julia Child who lives in every foodie.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Late Bloomer
Squash Blossoms: my next kitchen endeavor. Why have I never heard of these before this year?? Seriously. I guess that's not entirely accurate. I have heard the term before, in a culinary context. I assumed it was just another name for a fancy stuffed squash, boy was I in for an education when I looked up a few recipe ideas. It's the actual squash blossom, duh. Not even when I was traveling in Oaxaca did I run across them, and squash blossom soup is practically a staple. Oaxaca was lovely. Since I can't afford to travel like I used to, I could at least bring the world into my kitchen. Unfortunately I did not grow squash this year, so I'll be hitting up my squash growing friends and the farmers' markets for my tasty edible flowers...er blossoms. Check out this squash blossom pizza
or tamale recipe. YUM!
I've also ran across a few deep-fried, sprinkled with confectioners sugar squash blossom recipes. The only thing I have succesfully fried are okra. Squash blossoms seem far too delicate for my heavy-handed technique, but my curiosity is most definitely peaked.
PS...Smitten Kitchen key lime cheesecake was a success, although a bit too tart for my taste. Next time? Less lime juice.
or tamale recipe. YUM!
I've also ran across a few deep-fried, sprinkled with confectioners sugar squash blossom recipes. The only thing I have succesfully fried are okra. Squash blossoms seem far too delicate for my heavy-handed technique, but my curiosity is most definitely peaked.
PS...Smitten Kitchen key lime cheesecake was a success, although a bit too tart for my taste. Next time? Less lime juice.
Small gestures
This is what I saw as I ascended the first of the big hills on my lunchtime run, today. It was just what I needed to bring a smile to my face, kick it up a notch, and remember that I run for fun. Thank you to the kind stranger for leaving a little bit of encouragement behind.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday Family Fun Day
Yesterday we took Little Mann downtown for the Farmers' Market and East TN History festival. The summer heat took a day off too, as the temps dipped down into the 80s and there was always a breeze to be found in the shade. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Rod joined us for fun and family time. We admired the crafts and colorful cut flowers, tasted tomatoes and drooled over fresh produce, ate yummy pastries from a local bakery, appreciated the live music and living history displays, and most of all really enjoyed watching Gavin have a great time. We feel blessed to have this happy boy in our lives. Lookin' forward to our next Family Fun Day outing, especially because it will probably happen during Grandma Kathy and Papa Don's next visit, in just a few weeks. They are coming all the way from Texas. Two grandmas and grandpas at the same time? Gavin is in for some serious spoiling.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Another belated Ten on Tuesday
Wow, has it already been a week since my last Ten on Tuesday? Here we go...
1. I won my first ever blog give-a-way!! I get $60 to use at CSN Stores. Sweet. Originally I blogged about wanting to give my bed a makeover, but the practical person inside me thinks I should instead invest in something that will intice would-be buyers to purchase my house. So with "modeling" my home in mind, I'll be checking out the "Home Improvement" or "Home Decor" stores. I know, not as exciting as a new pair of shoes or fun new bedding, but still this super cool surprise could not have come at a better time.
2. Earlier today I texted a status to my Facebook account along the lines of appreciating an opportunity to practice my diplomacy skills when faced with disgruntled constituents. Needles to say these last couple of weeks have not been without a few challenging moments.
3. I am in desperate need of haircut. Most days I feel like this:
But it's hard to justify the cost of this:
When I'm too busy spending money on stuff like this:
So, I end up just doing this:
or this:
One day, hopefully someday before this time next year, I'll be doing this:
And it will be magnificent.
4. While watching The Little Couple I was introduced to this cool place, Pinot and Picasso. What a fun idea!
5. My son injures himself daily at this point, multiple times a day on a really active day. He has bumps and bruises and scratches and it just breaks my heart every time. He's growing so fast!
6. If we're friends on Facebook you've already read something along these lines. Every time I see a Eat, Pray, Love preview I am disappointed as I don't get the same vibes as I got from reading the book. Makes me sad. I just saw one right now, as I am typing this blog. I'm sorry Julia, but I just don't think you're the right gal for this movie and the preview show you way too bubbly with that crazy laugh of yours. The character in the book seems far more pensive, reflective, almost like she was going out of her way to be an introvert. But here you are with your big beautiful smile and big belly laugh being the Julia Roberts we already know and not being Elizabeth Gilbert experiencing a self-seeking journey.
7. With August just around the corner I am reminded that Fall is not far behind. This heat is old news. I am very much looking forward to the crisp cool air of Fall. Come on Fall, I'm ready whenever you are.
8. My brother-in-law out in the Idaho wilderness...
9. Tonight I am attempting to bake one these for a team building event, tomorrow. I won't be baking the minis. I'll be trying a whole one, without the mangoes. Please ask the kitchen fairy godmother to pay me a visit and sprinkle some of that magic dust around.
10. I did it again. Started a Ten on Tuesday on Tuesday, but delayed its posting until Wednesday. Busy work days call for postponed blogging.
1. I won my first ever blog give-a-way!! I get $60 to use at CSN Stores. Sweet. Originally I blogged about wanting to give my bed a makeover, but the practical person inside me thinks I should instead invest in something that will intice would-be buyers to purchase my house. So with "modeling" my home in mind, I'll be checking out the "Home Improvement" or "Home Decor" stores. I know, not as exciting as a new pair of shoes or fun new bedding, but still this super cool surprise could not have come at a better time.
2. Earlier today I texted a status to my Facebook account along the lines of appreciating an opportunity to practice my diplomacy skills when faced with disgruntled constituents. Needles to say these last couple of weeks have not been without a few challenging moments.
3. I am in desperate need of haircut. Most days I feel like this:
But it's hard to justify the cost of this:
When I'm too busy spending money on stuff like this:
So, I end up just doing this:
or this:
One day, hopefully someday before this time next year, I'll be doing this:
And it will be magnificent.
4. While watching The Little Couple I was introduced to this cool place, Pinot and Picasso. What a fun idea!
5. My son injures himself daily at this point, multiple times a day on a really active day. He has bumps and bruises and scratches and it just breaks my heart every time. He's growing so fast!
6. If we're friends on Facebook you've already read something along these lines. Every time I see a Eat, Pray, Love preview I am disappointed as I don't get the same vibes as I got from reading the book. Makes me sad. I just saw one right now, as I am typing this blog. I'm sorry Julia, but I just don't think you're the right gal for this movie and the preview show you way too bubbly with that crazy laugh of yours. The character in the book seems far more pensive, reflective, almost like she was going out of her way to be an introvert. But here you are with your big beautiful smile and big belly laugh being the Julia Roberts we already know and not being Elizabeth Gilbert experiencing a self-seeking journey.
7. With August just around the corner I am reminded that Fall is not far behind. This heat is old news. I am very much looking forward to the crisp cool air of Fall. Come on Fall, I'm ready whenever you are.
8. My brother-in-law out in the Idaho wilderness...
9. Tonight I am attempting to bake one these for a team building event, tomorrow. I won't be baking the minis. I'll be trying a whole one, without the mangoes. Please ask the kitchen fairy godmother to pay me a visit and sprinkle some of that magic dust around.
10. I did it again. Started a Ten on Tuesday on Tuesday, but delayed its posting until Wednesday. Busy work days call for postponed blogging.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday Musings
Thank you to my lovely in-laws for keeping Gavin Friday night. Casey and I really enjoyed our date night/morning. On Friday night we went out to a very decent Mexican food restaurant. When you're way out here finding a decent Mexican food restaurant is hard. We enjoyed carne asada, enchiladas verdes and some super yummy Margaritas that went down a little too easy.
Later that night we had another couple over for cold beers and goood conversation, on the deck. Thank goodness for citronella candles. Saturday morning we slept in and then took an 80-mile motorcycle ride through the Smokey Mountains. I haven't been on a motorcycle ride since before I was pregnant, so that was a real treat for me. Casey takes his motorcycle to work almost daily.
Afterward Casey headed down south to where our offspring was frolicking in the pool and the sand box. I got to get all girly for a baby shower downtown, on the river. During my 8-5 I tend to get dirty or find myself in situations where heels and skirts would be entirely inappropriate. It was nice to put on some sparkle and spend some time with a group of lovely ladies.
Eventually I too made it down south for some quality time with the inlaws and my favorite boys. It was a great weekend, just what we needed. Casey made me laugh and smile and it felt like a real date!
Saturday was special for two more reasons: Miss Peyton Stephanie was born in Nevada and Miss Zora Lee was born in Arizona. Peyton is Gavin's newest cousin. Zora is the daughter of one of my childhood BFFs. We are super excited to welcome these two desert flowers into our hearts and family. Happy Birthday ladies! Gavin's other cousin, Carolina, will be born in the coming weeks, in Colorado. We love our little Western Women!
Sunday ended with a much needed trip to the grocery store and Lowe's, where I picked up my supplies for recaulking the bathtub. Doesn't that sound exciting? It will be nice to cross another task off our project list. Happy Monday everyone.
Later that night we had another couple over for cold beers and goood conversation, on the deck. Thank goodness for citronella candles. Saturday morning we slept in and then took an 80-mile motorcycle ride through the Smokey Mountains. I haven't been on a motorcycle ride since before I was pregnant, so that was a real treat for me. Casey takes his motorcycle to work almost daily.
Afterward Casey headed down south to where our offspring was frolicking in the pool and the sand box. I got to get all girly for a baby shower downtown, on the river. During my 8-5 I tend to get dirty or find myself in situations where heels and skirts would be entirely inappropriate. It was nice to put on some sparkle and spend some time with a group of lovely ladies.
Eventually I too made it down south for some quality time with the inlaws and my favorite boys. It was a great weekend, just what we needed. Casey made me laugh and smile and it felt like a real date!
Saturday was special for two more reasons: Miss Peyton Stephanie was born in Nevada and Miss Zora Lee was born in Arizona. Peyton is Gavin's newest cousin. Zora is the daughter of one of my childhood BFFs. We are super excited to welcome these two desert flowers into our hearts and family. Happy Birthday ladies! Gavin's other cousin, Carolina, will be born in the coming weeks, in Colorado. We love our little Western Women!
Sunday ended with a much needed trip to the grocery store and Lowe's, where I picked up my supplies for recaulking the bathtub. Doesn't that sound exciting? It will be nice to cross another task off our project list. Happy Monday everyone.
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