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.

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!

Spanglish Sammies it is!

It's raining outside and definitely getting colder by the day.  Tomorrow I have to travel out of town...DISLIKE.  That coupled with the fact I got a call from a certain college gal crying because she has now submitted 2 rough drafts to her British Lit professor and he's asked her to come up with something new...poor thing!  Anyway, I just want to go home, crank the furnace up {I REALLY need a fireplace for nights like this}, set up the backgammon game and enjoy a good ol' Spanglish sammy with a glass of red wine!  Nothing like comfort food to make a {rainy} day better!

  

Have you seen the movie Spanglish with Adam Sandler?  It's fabulous!  If backgammon isn't your thing, might I suggest trying the sandwich while watching the movie {hmmm.....in fact, maybe THAT'S what I'll do! That is, if Mr. Big agrees?}

World's Greatest Sandwich
from Thomas Keller
makes 1 sandwich

3-4 slices of bacon
2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
2 slices of toasted rustic country loaf (pain de campagne)
1 tbsp of mayo
4 tomato slices
2 leaves of butter lettuce (yes, it's called butter lettuce)
1 teaspoon butter
1 egg

Preparation:
1. Cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels
2. Place slices of cheese on one side of toasted bread. Place in toaster oven or under broiler to melt.
3. Spread mayo on other slice of bread top with bacon, sliced tomato, and lettuce
4. On non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Fry egg, turning over briefly when the bottom is set (keep yolk runny)
5. Slide finished egg on top of lettuce, top with other slice of bread (cheese-side down genius)
6. Place sandwich on plate and slice in half, letting yolk run down sandwich

There's nothing like a good book when the weather starts turning and a fire, cup of hot cider and the couch beckon, so I just had to share this little gem...

I loved this story that crosses between past and present...a glimpse into the life of a single mom during the Depression, loves lost and found again and Seattle-past & present.  The book had depth and depicted 2 women of courage, grace and profound love.  An excellent read!

WIN TICKETS to Steelers v. Broncos!

I LOVE football!  I think I like it MORE the older I get!  So when I saw that Troy Polamalu was giving away his tickets I was ALL OVER IT!   Please forgive me for USING this space to win!  Maybe you should enter too!

Want to win 2 free tickets to the Steelers v Broncos SNF game on the September 9th? Troy Polamalu is giving them away. Check it out http://troypolamalu.lockerdome.com/articles/99992747

Peppers to Poppers!

Here's a recipe I modified from one I found on Pinterest.  These poppers were loved by even my pickiest pepper-hating hubby!  I used the Tastefully Simple products instead of messing with frying up bacon and onion...and I think they were more tasty than the original version!  Even better, they are just 1 point each if you're doing Weight Watchers!

Ingredients:
15-18 small sweet peppers (Costco!)
8 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese 
Juice from 1 lemon
1-2 T. Bacon Bacon! (Tastefully Simple)
1 T. Fiesta Party Dip Mix (Tastefully Simple)
1/2 T. Wahoo! Chili Seasoning (Tastefully Simple)
1 T. Onion Onion! (Tastefully Simple)
3/4 c. Panko bread crumbs
2 T. melted butter


Slice the peppers in half lengthwise removing the stem and any white membrane and seeds and arrange on a cookie sheet.  

Combine the cream cheese, lemon juice and Tastefully Simple products and stir to creamy.  Fill each of the peppers with the cream cheese mixture.

Then combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter and mix well.  Dip the filled pepper halves into the cheese mixture cheese-side-down.  


Then place the peppers back on the cookie sheet, cheese-side-up.  

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes until the crumbs are golden brown and peppers are soft.  Enjoy!

Freezer Meal Workshop!

I love to cook, but sometimes life gets the best of me and I find myself at 7 pm standing in the middle of my kitchen wondering what to cook!  So last night I participated in a Tastefully Simple Freezer Meal Workshop.  The concept is simple.  You pay for the Tastefully Simple products through your local consultant and she gives you a list of groceries you must buy prior to the event.  In addition, there's some prep work that had to be done.  My prepping consisted of cubing 6 chicken breasts, slicing 6 chicken breasts into strips, browning 4.5# of burger, dicing a green pepper and finely slicing 6 oz of mushrooms.  It took me a little more than an hour.  So yesterday after work I excitedly loaded my cooler with my grocery items and supplies that Tracy had said I needed and ventured off to my class.  As I was preparing my meals, I got very excited about the "smells" coming from my ziploc baggies! I am only vaguely familiar with the Tastefully Simple products, but I have to say after doing this class I will definitely be using them more. In just two hours I had prepared 15 meals for the crockpot, oven or grill...and EACH of them looked delicious!  But what I'm MOST excited for is the opportunity to cook healthy, delicious meals rather than doing the "drive thru" option which is less-than-nutritious and expensive!

Fleischkeikle

Last night I found a NEW and {fAbUlOuS} use for my pasta roller attachment on my Kitchen Aid.  First I must tell you that my mother-in-law is a full German.  I am SO blessed to have her as my MIL...all of the old cliches about mother-in-laws just don't apply to Diane.  One of the things we ALL love about her is that she's a {wOnDeRfUl} cook.  We all have our favorites, but all of us agree that the traditional German Fleischkeikle is our all-time FAVE!  The recipe is quite simple, it's the TECHNIQUE that's important...and frankly, the most difficult for all of us daughter-in-laws and now grandaughters to perfect!  (I MUST say the only one who can TRULY make Fleischkeikle like Diane is her own daughter Nelle!)

Fleischkeikle  (totally unsure of the appropriate spelling...but it's pronounced flish-key-kla ....with a LONG I)

Filling
1 lb. burger
1/2 onion, chopped
S&P


Dough
2 eggs
2 c. milk
1/2 t. salt
4-6 c. flour

Mix dough together and knead until stiff dough forms.  Break into pieces of equal size and roll out to form a rectangle about 6" wide and cut into 6-8" squares.  Drop tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the dough and fold dough over to make a pocket.  Seal by using a small plate and making a half circle around the edge.    Flatten the pocket to make sure meat is flat and thin inside pocket while also pinching the edges of the pocket to assure a good seal.  Fry in hot oil 3-4 minutes until golden brown on each side.  Drain on paper towels and keep warm until serving.  Our family serves this with Grandma Millie's {FaMoUs} potato salad and Diane's AMAZING hot pickles..YUM!

OKAY...so back to the Pasta Roller Attachment on the Kitchen Aid...Last night we were running short on time, but I had already promised the family to make this VERY FAVORITE meal and then it hit me!  I could use the Kitchen Aid to mix the dough (dough hook) and then the roller attachment to roll the dough for the Fleischkeikle!  YES!  {angels singing!} It worked fabulously!  And a somewhat difficult meal (for me) might just come to our table a little more often thanks to the wonders of Kitchen Aid! (Didn't take pics for this one...I'm SO bad about remembering!)

Liquid Cinnamon Bears

Last night it was just Duane and I at home so we vegged out on the couch and watched a movie...can't even remember the name...might have been because we decided to have a "hot toddy" before we settled in.  Duane just discovered a new {spirit} aptly name Fireball Whiskey.  I believe the slogan is "tastes like heaven, burns like hell!"  Anyway, Duane mixes a shot of it with a pouch of apple cider, add water...and it literally tastes like liquid cinnamon bears..YUM!  We ordered some General Tso's and Fried Rice delivered and RELAXED! Oh! Just remembered the name of the movie...Seabiscuit...excellent pick!




  += CHEERS!

Adding to my TO DO list

WOW!  What a CRAZY couple of days!  Monday morning my son, Matt, left to go back to college which is 8 hours away (Montana Tech).  Almost halfway through his trip he stopped for fuel and discovered his transmission was leaking oil...YIKES!  After several phone calls and much deliberation, Duane and I determined the best thing to do would be to take a car trailer to him with MY car loaded on it and give him my car and take his truck back home so Duane could fix it (he's handy like that :).  First Duane and Chuck (owner of said truck/trailer) had to rewire the trailer lights/brakes (they had recently been damanged).  This took 2 hours in the dark (and cold)...oh and did I mention Duane had been diagnosed with bronchitis and walking pneumonia JUST that morning?  (Add "take Chuck and his wife out to dinner for allowing us to use the trailer"..Thank God for good friends!)  FINALLY, we headed out.  Poor Matt had been waiting in his truck and taking short walks to stay within sight of his truck for the past 6 hours (he had his fishing poles, guns and other valuables loaded in the back so couldn't just abandon it).  So...I called ahead and found a hotel that would allow me to pay with my card online and him to check in on our behalf.  That done, I instructed Matt to lock all valuables in the cab of his truck and take a taxi to the hotel and call me when he was checked in.  He did and immediately call me with the question "how many stars is this place Mom?"...to which I answered that I wasn't expecting much for what we paid..."well, the tv is as wide as it is deep!"....sorry to disappoint. (Add "Educate Matt on when to pay for hotel with stars!")

On the way to Post Falls, Duane and I encountered an interesting convoy (acutally 2 of them) consisting of at least 5 police cars with lights flashing, an additional 6-8 passenger cars with their flashers on and 2 semis (one in front and one in back) indicating "WIDE LOAD, DO NOT PASS".  We couldn't see exactly what the load was but it was indeed "wide" taking up both lanes of the interestate.  Luckily they  pulled onto an exit overpass and let the traffic pass after about 10 miles of passing them at 35 mph. I attempted to take a pic of what it was they were hauling but this is all I got.  (But one has to wonder why it would require police escort at the front and end of it??)

We finally arrived at Post Falls around midnight and had Matt go with us to unload my car and load up his truck (in order to avoid dealing with traffic the next day).  The WORST part of that was unloading my car which resulted in it rubbing the front fender..OUCH!  The process went fairly smooth EXCEPT the atrocious smell of burning brakes when we got out (maybe that's what the jerking every time we had to brake was!).  So Duane added "rewire trailer brakes/lights" to the list for the following morning...could it get any better??

We slept quite well despite the lack of stars on the hotel sign (insert smiley face), of course that may have also been due to complete exhaustion and the help of drugs on Duane's part (Pick Up Prescriptions was crossed OFF my TO DO list before we left!).  So the next morning we slept in and missed the hotel-provided breakfast so we grabbed a bite at Zip's (a common stopping place for us when we're driving to Montana AND the place where the whole fiasco began...Matt noticing oil leaking from transmission that is)...and we were full circle!  The boys then proceeded to rewire the trailer lights/brakes after Duane instructed me on how to appropriately stand at the back of the trailer and holler when the lights were effectively working (apparently he was unimpressed with my commitment to "Words with Friends" while he and Matt ran back and forth to check lights!).  So with Matt behind the wheel of my NEW car and his truck loaded onto the trailer, we said our goodbyes once again...and headed out.  Add "Fix Transmission" to the list!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

There's nothing better than a big pot of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup on a cold day.  My favorite part of making Chicken Noodle Soup is the homemade noodles AND last year for my birthday Duane got me the pasta maker attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer.  Since we've been remodeling the kitchen for the last 7 months I had not had the opportunity to try it out...until today!   WHAT A DREAM it is...and I didn't even have to dry the noodles!  I'm so excited to use it to make homemade raviolis!

Darcee's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Stock
4-5 stalks of celery, diced (I use the celery leaves too!)
1/2 onion, diced
4 carrots, peeled and diced

Saute the vegetables in 2 Tablespoons canola oil.  I love the smell of this mixture....it's the essence of homey-ness!


Add:
8 chicken thighs
Salt and pepper
and enough water to cover chicken (3-4 quarts)

Let simmer in stock pot for 1.5-2 hours.  While chicken is simmering, make noodles!

Homemade Noodles
4 eggs
3 c. flour
dash salt
1 T. water

Follow instructions for Kitchen Aid pasta maker...but if you're doing it by hand...just mix the ingredients adding flour or water to create a firm dough.  Knead for 5 minutes and then let rest for 15 minutes.  Divide dough into 4 parts and roll each part out.  Slice into noodle shapes or use noodle cutter (this is where the pasta attachment is REALLY handy!).

Remove chicken and separate meat from skin and bones.  Add 3 cups chicken broth to chicken stock and bring broth back to boil and add noodles to it.   The noodles only need 3-5 minutes to cook.  Return chicken meat to the broth. I like to serve this hearty soup with some homemade bread and honey butter!

Blue Jeans Friday

TGIF!  So MANY things to like about Fridays, but one thing I really enjoy is Friday = JEANS day at the office!  What is it about being able to step outside the normal dress code and wear jeans that makes us all so giddy?  Maybe it's the feeling that the weekend is upon us...we already have our jeans on!  Maybe it's that we get to {bend} the rules for a day.  Many times we have meetings on Fridays and on those Fridays JEANS are frowned upon, so for me it's the fact that not only do I get to wear jeans but I also don't have any "official" meetings to attend to.

On ANOTHER note, this morning when my alarm went off for the third time... {I'm a frequent flyer on the SNOOZE button}...I reached to turn it off and my screen went black but the alarm kept going.  So I'm half-asleep in the dark trying to figure out how to get the back off my phone so I can kill the alarm by disengaging the battery...(by the way, this took me weeks to learn and whenever possible I still just hand it to my teen daughter and plea for help)...Needless to say, my phone was left on the nightstand this morning..in pieces.  So as I was preparing to write this bog entry I checked out Google's stock photos with the keywords "Blue Jeans Friday".  

Now I'm a firm believer that things don't just happen..there's a PLAN.  What I came across was a fantastic fundraising idea where employees {PURCHASE} the opportunity to wear jeans on Friday for $5 and that money goes to charity (like $5 can provide 5 people in developing countries with clean water for 5 years!).  Check it out here BLUE JEAN FRIDAYS. What a GREAT idea!  And I didn't think BLUE JEAN FRIDAY could get any better! Sign me up!

The Litigators by John Grisham

I love to read...and I have an appreciation for many genres. One of my favorite authors is John Grisham.  At one point in my life I aspired to go to law school and I think reading Grisham allows me to vicariously practice law...ha! Last night I finished his latest book The Litigators.  It is a good read about a small "boutique" (dare I say, low class?) firm stepping into the big scary world of tort law.  He develops the characters well...although not so much that you feel it's overdone.  I'd recommend this book....and most of Grisham's work.  What "good reads" have you read recently?  What are you reading now?

A Warm Drink for a Cold Night

Tom & Jerry Recipe from my friend Chuck

I'm from Montana and in Montana warm drinks for cold wintry nights are a MUST!  One of my favorite hot beverages is the Tom & Jerry.  I love the creamy, nutmeggy, whipped, frothy YUMMINESS with just a little bit of rum {some people use brandy, but I prefer spiced rum}.  I used to be able to get the mix at our local grocery store, but it no longer carries it.  Just when I was about to give up enjoying it this winter, one of my ol' high school friends made mention of it on Facebook.  So when I inquired if he'd share his recipe and he obliged, I was thrilled.  What I think I love most about it is that he handwrote it...double bonus!  I love it when I receive recipes in the handwriting of the person sharing it...handwriting is such a lost art...and it's so much more personal!  So last night before I dove into my book (The Litigators by John Grisham...one of his better in a while), I prepared a nice warm cup of Tom & Jerry...YUM...and wouldn't you know it, I slept like a baby last night!

Yumminess in a cup!