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.

Remember the {Lasts}

Someone once told me that we always remember the {firsts}, but always wish we could remember the {lasts}...like the last time your child will ever sit on your lap, the last time your husband kissed you good-bye, the last time you ate your grandma's cooking.  Well...I didn't realize last summer would be a summer of {lasts} and when it hit me it was, like most {lasts}, devastating.  Last year our youngest daughter graduated from high school.  She's a hard worker, just like her sister and brother, so they all worked diligently through the summer in preparation for the fall.  It was a whirlwind summer as we celebrated our first granddaughter's birthday and welcomed a new grandson into the world.  We also planned and executed a wedding in less than a week!  So LOTS of memories were made...but in that whirlwind I didn't remember the {lasts}.  The last night Katy crawled into bed before we retired to chat (she used to do that a lot), the last time Matt would call our house his home (he didn't come home this summer), the last time Treena used her maiden name, the last time I hugged my sister-in-law before she left (I couldn't have survived the wedding without her).  So this summer I vowed 2 things...be present and thoughtful in every day in order to recognize the {lasts} and plan one event where we can escape work and the everyday hassles of life to just focus on US as a family.  I'm sure I've already missed some {lasts} this summer, but I do try!  I'm very much looking forward to the next 5 days of focusing on MY family because time does NOT stand still!

Lake Pend Oreille here we come!