So proud of me!

First yoga lesson down, a lifetime of practice to go!  Yoga was FUN!  I think I may have found something that works for me...that I feel good about... and the instructor was fabulous!  She said I don't need private lessons and I can just join a class.  I always thought I was flexible and she confirmed it!  Today she is taking my measurements and doing analysis on muscle mass and body fat and then we'll check it regularly.  She's also going to take me through the equipment and give me guidance on weights, posture, correct use, etc.  I'm SO excited to have a plan and MOVE!

MOVE-ing = YOGA!

So in an effort to improve my lifestyle whereby "exercise" of any sort is fairly non-existent, I've decided to learn yoga!  I signed up for 10 personal yoga sessions hoping that after that I can join a class.  I actually signed up for this three weeks ago but due to a minor surgery and travel for work, I am just today able to start and I have to admit...I'm full of FEAR!  Fear that I will look RIDICULOUS, fear that I won't KEEP GOING, fear that I won't be able to DO it!  Here I go...wish me luck!

MOVE ~ 2014

I'm afraid I am failing at my goal of being a "blogger"...that said, here I am!  SO this year instead of a New Year's resolution, I chose to participate in One Little Word with Ali Edwards whereby you choose a word that will be your focus for the coming year.  Ali says that sometimes you find your word, and sometimes it finds you.  For me, choosing the word was easy...and I'm not sure if I chose it or it chose me.  For several years now, Duane has wanted to sell our house...the bungalow we've been renovating for what seems like forever.  We all know this is my dream more than his, but he's been such a good sport.  Well, I've finally agreed...it's time.  This is mostly due to the reoccurring knee surgeries I seem destined to have until the end of time...three stories does not bode well for someone {blessed} with my knees.  In addition, Duane {and I if I'm being honest}, are simply tired.  We need a break from renovation.  So...my ONE LITTLE WORD for 2014 is {MOVE}.

Happy New Year!

Well hello there 2014!  I'm excited to begin this year with BIG PLANS!  First, I'm embarking on the One Little Word Challenge with Ali Edwards whereby you identify ONE WORD that will be your "theme" for the year.  In addition, I'm also enrolled in Brene' Brown's Gifts of Imperfection class with Katy and FINALLY, I've decided to do Project Life this year with Treena.  Each of these projects are SERIOUS in their undertaking...requiring commitment and time...but each has its REWARDS as well!  I'm hopeful they will lead me to a better understanding of myself, a better relationship with my girls and fulfill a creative NEED for me.  I'm just finishing up my December Daily (also with Ali Edwards) and I LOVE it!  Most of all, I LOVED that it helped me to FOCUS on making each day COUNT!  

Goodbye my dear friend

Today I say goodbye to my friend and companion of 14 years and my heart will forever be touched by his spirit.  Murray was the best dog a person could ever want and for that I am eternally grateful that he called my house home.  I will always love him for his gentleness and calmness.  This sweet old man could be trusted with any baby...they could pull his ears, examine his teeth, ride him, push him {and they DID}...and he would simply respond with kindness.  Even in these last years with failing health and fraught with arthritis, he would have spurts of energy and youthfulness that reminded me of when he was young and would chase after anything you threw...he wouldn't retrieve and return...just retrieve :) I think that's what makes this decision SO hard...those brief moments when he seems better.

As I sit down to write this entry, I reflected back on entries from the past and realize I've been preparing for this day for at least two years.  It  has been written that pain is transforming and compassion arises out of broken hearts.  Today my heart is {BROKEN}...but I also have compassion for his suffering.  I am sad that Murray will not lie on the throw rug by my bed each night as he has for the past 14 years...sad that he will not say good morning with a howl {although it's been a while since he had energy or the voice to do that}, sad that I will never again catch him {sneaking}out the driveway {again, been a while}...sad that I will no longer look for my shoes in the living by his spot...sad that I will not be able to look into his sweet brown eyes.  However, I am relieved that I will no longer have to witness the pain of him climbing the stairs...sitting down...eating...just moving, really.

He has suffered for too long.

Rest in PEACE my friend...I was blessed to know you.

Murray

B. July 30, 1998

D. July 22, 2013

Lake Pend Oreille

I hesitate to write this post in fear too many people will discover this hidden gem, but I just can't help myself! Last summer a friend shared her fabulous experience spending a week in a floating home on Lake Pend Oreille.  As mentioned, I had already vowed to not let the summer go by without taking a week for the family to spend together, so the floating home sounded like the perfect place.  Located in Bayview, Idaho, this little slice of heaven is ideal for its breathtaking views, recreational opportunities and good small town charm.  The community of floating homes is typically very quiet and indeed, it was very quiet the first couple of days we were there.  However, they are well known for their knock 'em dead fireworks display so come Saturday the little town exploded with people.  People came from miles around for the festivities.  One guy we met told us he had strung his hammock between two trees down the road on the advice of friends to not miss this event!  Boats are docked in front of the floating homes, as well as anchored up on the lake and the rv parks are booked months ahead of time.  We spent most of our days on the dock, enjoying the water and the sun.  Since we had two babies under two with us, we brought along a little kiddie pool and had it on the dock as well.

The adult children dove in the {refreshing...aka cold} lake, took the paddleboat for a spin or the canoe out fishing.  There wasn't much catching, but they had fun trying!  The more adventurous ones scaled the 8 foot high dock post and jumped from that {quite likely their bravery resulting from a few too many brewskies}.  We rented a boat for a day (this is the first summer in 18 years we've gone without a boat!) and needless to say, it was nice to see the hubby {in his happy place}. We partook in our favorite foods...steak with crab cakes, Mexican barbecue, scotcharoos, grilled homemade pizzas and fresh guacamole with chips; fought and made up like only families can do!; chatted; soaked up the sun; and generally just took a break from life...after all, isn't that what vacation is for?

Taste of Boston

A few years back my hubby and I had a little getaway to Boston...it was way too short and we can't wait for a reason to get back there.  Since food is my preferred method of exploring a new culture, it's not surprising I came back with two new loves...the {Dark & Stormy}~my first foray into bitters and the {Crab Cake}~a Boston favorite!  Recently, I had an intense craving for a good crab cake and sought to find a good recipe to make our own.  What's most important in developing a good crab cake is of course, good crab meat.  I'm a Costco fan, through and through, and they didn't disappoint {except possibly in price...$20/lb...ouch!}.  The second, and possibly just as important, is the seasoning.  Again, the old standby Old Bay Seasoning did just the trick!  

Finally, a must for me is a good red aioli.  There's no better accompaniment!  Biting into these little creations is simply DIVINE!

Crab Cakes

1 lb. lump crab meat

2 T. mayonnaise

1 t. dried mustard

2 eggs, beaten

2 c. panko bread crumbs divided 

4-6 T. butter

Combine first 4 ingredients and 3/4-1 c. panko and form into patties.  Roll patties in the additional panko for a crust.  Fry in butter until golden brown.  Serve with red pepper aioli and slices of lemon.  Makes about 12 cakes.  YUM!

Roasted Red Pepper Aioli  (from http://www.lifeasastrawberry.com)
Makes about 1 cup

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
pinch of salt (to taste)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 of your remaining roasted red pepper slices (about 1/3 cup)
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 cup red wine (I like to use merlot or cabernet sauvignon)
1 cup mayonnaise

1. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT mayonnaise in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.

2. Simmer on low heat until wine has reduced to a syrup-y consistency, 5-8 minutes.

3. Remove saucepan from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.

4. Pour contents of saucepan into a small blender or mini food processor and give it a good pulse to puree the chunkier ingredients.

5. Add mayonnaise to food processor and pulse to combine. Process until you have a smooth aioli sauce.

6. Refrigerate aioli until you’re ready to use it. This is also a great dip/sauce to make ahead of time. It will keep in the fridge for about a week.