Miller on Draft

Healthy Eating

2012-02-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

My friend Betsy went on a Paleo eating plan over a year ago and along with her intense exercise program at CrossFit, lost a lot of weight. She doesn't eat the plan all the time anymore, but she is going on a 30-dayChange plan, similar to the Paleo and asked me if I wanted to do it with her.

Well, of course my first response was no. It means eliminating sugar, processed food, grains, legumes, dairy and white potatoes. Basically you eat meat, fish, eggs, tons of vegetables, some fruit and some healthier fats. And while I pretty much eat this way for breakfast and lunch most days anyways, I have issues with extreme plans. I want to be healthy, but I want to balance health with enjoyment. And I enjoy food. However, I have this once in a lifetime event coming up, and I really want to look and feel good for it, so what could 30 days hurt? But having to plan a healthy dinner each night, in the midst of work, working out, homework, being with Pat, wedding planning and whatever else comes up overwhelmed me.

Then I found a website that had a listing of 30 Paleo Crockpot recipes! And now I'm coming around to this 30 day plan.

As practice, this weekend I made Boeuf Bourguignon, kale chips and instead of mashed pototoes- mashed cauliflower.

These are kale chips. Kale mixed with a bit of olive oil, chili powder and salt, baked in the oven. A crispy snack that is healthy. No, it doesn't taste like a potato chip, but I didn't feel grease oozing out of my skin either.

I steamed the cauliflower before pureeing it with roasted garlic. Yes, I even roasted my first garlic clove.

Since Pat gets to wear a kilt instead of a wedding dress, he's not on the eating plan. Okay and maybe he stands at his job all day too. However, the food was easily transferrable to placing ontop of pasta.

This is the plan: http://whole9life.com/start/
And here's where I'm gettting my recipies:
http://hollywouldifshecould.net/2011/11/a-month-of-paleo-crockpot-recipes/

It's good to try new things, right? If I start Monday Feb 13th, I'll complete it on Tuesday, March 13th.

Trip to Marietta

2012-02-16T13:07:00.000-05:00

I went to up Marietta, sans Pat this time, for some quality wedding planning time with Mom.

When I arrived, Grams came over to visit....apparently we have similar taste in the colors we like to wear!

Grampy bought himself a new car.....a RED Volkwagon Bug! Quite different than the Taurus and Buick that he's had for quite a while. I got take it for a spin- it has a lot more pickup than either of those- no wonder he bought it!

Then we went dress shopping for the upcoming showers and rehearsal dinner. The store was incredible...I was waited on. Quite different than the mall or consignment places I usually shop at. I felt like a princess...although I still don't think orange is my color.

Sarah came by to say hi. Sarah is Mom's friend, but also the mom of Carrie, my friend and the flower creator for the wedding. Sarah is one of the best smelling women in the world, there lots of other great things about her too, but that's the first one that I always experience when I see her.

Grams tried on a jacket.

This color of this dress was beautiful on Mom, but I looked a little too pale in it. And, well, it may not quite be my style.

Pretty Morning

2012-02-15T12:55:00.000-05:00

Caught a lovely view off the back deck.

Chili

2012-02-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

January was a great time to pull out the crockpot.

First up: Chili. It looked nothing like the chili you see most places, but it was full of lots of flavor.

Stock

2012-02-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

Pat combined all the leftover turkey carcasses from Thanksgiving, Christmas and a few extra chicken remains to create a very thick, lovely stock

New's Years Meal...

2012-02-12T12:32:00.002-05:00

NewYear's came quickly after Christmas.
We had pork with greens, potatoes & sauerkraut

Potatoes get such a bad wrap. There just not that good for you, but isn't this one just beautiful!

Almost as beautiful as the greens!

And the great sauerkraut, why do I only eat sauerkraut once a year?

Christmas Cooking & Fun

2012-01-25T06:23:00.001-05:00

Pat and I went to Johnson City for Christmas this year. Pat was fortunate to get Christmas Eve and Christmas off. So we went over Friday and had one of my favorite meals, all appetizers and snacks!

Then on Saturday, we made the big meal. Standing rib roast, asparagus, green been salad, rolls and....homemade smoked trout dip.

Room for everybody

My last Christmas as a Miller! Although probably lots more pictures with Mom & Dad.

Ben was with his Dad, but the girls squealed quite a bit for presents.

We pulled names for adult presents, so you would think there wouldn't be so many under the tree, but apparently we all had fun buying things for the girls.

It was fun to have so many people in one place for a couple days.

Spaetzle & Weinerschnitzle

2011-12-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

Spaetzle, a German dumpling, in the making.

Herbs added

And lemon zest

Wow! and that was just a Tuesday!

Pea Soup

2011-12-24T13:46:00.002-05:00

It's so creamy and delicious. Every winter I'm surprised again at how good it tastes.

Santa came to Asheville

2011-12-15T13:12:00.000-05:00

My friend Eileen's husband plays Santa each year for the family day for kids with disabilities. This year Eileen, Mista and I joined in as his elves! It was held at the Agricultural Center on the fairgrounds. The place was packed with facepainting, bingo, a bouncy house, a fire truck and lots more activities.

It was really fun to see the kids get excited about Santa. Some had lists a mile long, others said they wanted "toys" for Christmas. Some were way to shy to get near Santa.

I'm fortunate to have such great friends and fortunate in so many ways!

Dashing Thru the Snow

2011-12-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

I got to play Donna Jo in the Asheville Community Theatre Production of Dashing Thru the Snow. It was a great cast and really fun show. The show was about a Bed & Breakfast that has a Christmas theme all-year long, located in Tinsel, Texas. The four scenes of the show were four different groups of people coming to the inn. In my scene, my brother, Hoyt, surprises me by trying to get our two feuding aunts to reconcile. One of the aunts is obsessed with cleanliness and the other has knit each of 23 afghans.

Chimney Rock

2011-12-11T12:15:00.001-05:00

After all the Thanksgiving eating, it was time to burn off calories, so we headed to Chimney Rock.

The view from below...we're going to all the way up there?

Beautiful!

We all made it to the top!

Mom & Dad

Taking lots of pictures!

Wish you were here!

Ms. Grace

Lee & Ben

I think they like to talk!

2011-11-24T15:48:00.001-05:00

For Thanksgiving, Pat is making two turkeys. The family got a smoker for us all to share (although it lives at our house for now). Pat practiced using it on two chickens- they were very moist and flavorful.

Above is the turkey in the smoker

The second turkey is being fried, but first it must get it's shots.

Then into the fryer!

It's getting hot in here! I can't wait to eat!

November days

2011-11-24T15:42:00.001-05:00

We got new neighbors and they are cleaning up the view!

Pat practiced smoking for Thanksgiving on a Chicken........I love eating practice chickens

More Kitchen

2011-11-24T15:22:00.001-05:00

We finally have a kitchen again!

WE HAVE A DISHWASHER! I soooooooooooo love putting dishes in it!

It was fun to get rid of the debris...and some basement stuff too!

More from Boise

2011-11-24T14:56:00.001-05:00

We said goodbye to Pat's parents as they went off to Branson, Missouri.

Anne-Marie's wedding was at the Eagle Golf Course- very pretty.

I loved the cowboy boots and variety of bridesmaids' dresses.

The next day between having breakfast with Bill, Gina and their family and dinner with Tim, we took in a tour of the old train depot.

Who is that?

Friends & Family

2011-10-14T23:19:00.000-04:00

I think they're related!

I should've gotten another with his Dad.

Uh...it looks like Ryan just passed gas?

Pat & Jimmy

McCall

2011-10-13T23:05:00.000-04:00

Pat & I drove up to McCall (aka, "the middle class Sun Valley"). It was a grey day, but it was still beautiful. A lovely town, but you still feel so remote. They have a ski mountain and lake...restaurants and bars....coffee and shopping....what else do you need?

Pat was a counselor at the Boy Scout camp.

Such a quaint downtown.

The drive home......

It's just so beautiful!

Placerville

2011-10-12T22:35:00.001-04:00

Pat and I drove through Crouch and stopped in Placerville. Where is that you ask? is that a metropolitan area outside Boise? Well, I think 13 people made it through the winter in Placerville, but it was almost the capital of Idaho.

And did you know that there was more gold found in the Treasure Valley (this includes Boise and the surrounding area) than in California and Alaska combined? That is what the nice guide of the Placerville museum told us....so it must be true.

Wow- I guess my job is cake

Our new kitchen look really fancy compared to this!

Yes, it is that beautiful.

Boise Football!

2011-10-04T12:29:00.000-04:00

It really is a blue field........

Warm ups

Beautiful views of Boise

BSU is what the marching band is spelling before the game

Here they come

Play ball

Is that Coach Pete? I can't tell from this distance

Pat & Jimmy

Tim, me, Pat & Jimmy

The sky box

Did I mention that I love marching bands? I always get upset when we watch the games on t.v and they never show the band.

So much fun

Lobsta

2011-10-03T12:21:00.002-04:00

One of the treats that Pat and I get each year when we visit his parents is a lobster dinner. This year making it at home was too much trouble, so we went out to the Red Lobster, which was much easier and delicious!

Because I can't resist taking pictures from the plane.

Engagment Party, Oktoberfest Style

2011-09-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

Our friends Kelly and Garrett threw us an engagment party with help from Mista, Michelle and Eileen. What better way to celebrate the joining of our souls than with tastes of Oktoberfest beers from around the world, pulled pork with sauerkraut and kielbasa, german potato salad and lots of friends we haven't seen in awhile!

Whose the party maker?

It's almost like a German beer hall

Because I have to pose

Uh-oh, Betsy is giving Selah advice

Allie and Gabrielle

Michelle and brand new Lexie

Kelly is excited

Two pretties

Two smilies

The new gang in town, be very afriad

I think this means "cheers"

We have way too much fun with green hats

Nathan & Emily

Awwwwwww

So much fun!

We are mighty Leprechaun Spies!

Nite-nite Caroline and all.

Appliances Arrive

2011-09-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

Range and refridgerator as well as pulls on all the cabinets.

Dishwasher

We're pretty much just waiting for the countertops now.

Corner Cabinet and Microwave

2011-09-25T12:43:00.000-04:00

The corner cabinet got doors

A pull out drawer and shelves! Isn't that beautiful?

The microwave arrived and was installed. It's definitely the fanciest microwave I've ever owned and it has a fan on the bottom over the range. Maybe now I can cook without setting off the smoke alarm.

Wednesday Kitchen

2011-09-14T19:59:00.000-04:00

The triangle cabinet has a door

and a shelf.

All the doors have the slow closers on them and the drawers have fronts too.

The big corner cabinet is starting!

Monday-Kitchen

2011-09-13T04:30:00.000-04:00

Came home from work on Monday.....and cabinet doors had appeared...

So beautiful!

And the butcher block has been shaved down....and there is a slit in the back for Pat's knives.

Wow.

Sternwheel Festival

2011-09-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

The best fireworks in the world are in Marietta, Ohio during the Sternwheel Festival.

You think I exagerate.....

Dad makes the city run (okay, maybe the Mayor helps some)

Sternwheel boats come from all over the region to converge for the festival.

The moon came out before the works started.

The whole thing was choreographed to music.

Even though I've seen the show many times throughout life, it still absolutely amazes me.

This picture doesn't show the amazing waterfall fireworks. In person, they were much longer and really looked like waterfalls - I think my mouth hung open for real.

And then there is the finale....

Monday progress

2011-09-05T21:03:00.000-04:00

We did a tiny bit of labor on Labor Day. We removed the oven and took out the shelf above it. Can't wait to see what happens this week!

Wednesday

2011-09-02T07:19:00.000-04:00

Then when I came home on Wednesday.......

WOWozers!

Electric, Water, Drywall & Paint

2011-09-01T07:43:00.001-04:00

First Pat removed the drywall that the tiles had been on and the drywall behind the sink.

Oooh, look you can see light through the exterior wall behind the sink.

Then the electrican came and set up the wiring for the dishwasher, disposal, microwave over the stove and added a new outlet. Afterwhich, the plumber moved the gas line for the range and cut off the piping under the sink for easy cabinet installation.

Next we insulated that exterior wall. That actually isn't a bad way to spend a Friday evening.

Then Pat and Marc put up new drywall and mudded it.

and sanded it.

and mudded it

and sanded it

Then Pat stepped on something really sharp....

or maybe it was just the lid to a paint can
as we painted the new wall the same red as the rest of the kitchen.

Maybe when I put together a "sexy house repair" calendar to sell in order to raise money for the next house project, the picture above can be August- ha!

and then......drumroll.......

the base cabinets could arrive! Look at that Super Susan- rather than climbing halfway into the corner to find that dish to put lunch in for work, boom, just spin and find. These show the interior of the cabinets, so that's not the stain color that will show on the outside.

We're going to keep the butcher block as part of the counter.

When you push the drawers in, they won't slam.

The triangle on the end helps add storage without blocking the door.

Starting work on our kitchen

2011-08-25T15:14:00.000-04:00

A few before pictures

Pat went out of town for work and I wanted to see if I could get one tile off of the wall.....by 1:00 in the morning they had all come off.

Then we packed up all the stuff

Pat took the chopping block off the cabinet so we could use the block in the new kitchen.

More destruction

Pat's Birthday #2

2011-08-24T14:47:00.000-04:00

Then on Sunday morning I suprised Pat with his birthday present, a flying lesson. As soon as we got there, he and the pilot got in the plane, Pat took the plane off and got to fly it around for a bit.

Pat's Birthday #1

2011-08-23T14:30:00.001-04:00

For Pat's birthday we went out to Ruby's, a barbeque place with cornhole, a game where you throw bean bags at a hole. It's like horseshoes, but with bean bags.

Then Pat opened cards from his parents, a present from Marilee, our new sous chef, Victor.

And two really cool calendars from Tim.

My Birthday

2011-08-21T14:29:00.002-04:00

Mom, Dad, Grams & Grampy came down for a fantastic weekend and then on my actual birthday Pat surprised me with homemade chocolates, flowers and a necklace for my birthday- how lovely!

Beach Trip

2011-06-02T08:12:00.006-04:00

We went back to the beach this May and it was lovely.

Sometimes you need time out of the sun.

Paella

Miss Zoe & Mimi

You don't want to know what those two are laughing at.

Jess's Birthday

Alive.

I think Pat likes Crab.

Clinging for dear life

Dead.

Crab boil!

Did I mention that Pat likes Crab?

Destruction

Key Lime Pie is next!

Cigars

Pat and I made a new friend the last night we were there.

And then he danced away as did the lovely week......

Pimento Cheese Chicken on Focaccia

2011-04-12T07:58:00.002-04:00

Brussel Sprouts and Mahi Mahi

2011-04-12T07:57:00.002-04:00

Pat's Take on Ham and Bean Soup

2011-04-12T07:48:00.007-04:00

What is better on a cold March Sunday than warm soup?

Soup with bits of fried pork jowls.

It really was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth

Engaged!

2011-01-18T22:41:00.027-05:00

Last Thursday, Pat texted me and said he had randomly gotten both weekend days off and that we should get out of town. So we found a great deal on a log cabin outside of Hot Springs and drove up after work on Friday.

The first two pictures above are of the view off of the porch of the cabin, named Hound Heavan Cabin (no we haven't gotten a dog yet, but if we did, he/she could stay there).

Friday evening we had a lovely steak dinner. There was a gas grill on the porch and we watched the moon from the hot tub. The cabin was small, but perfect for two people and it smelled like the cabin that Mom & Dad used to live in.

Pat looks happy doesn't he? okay, maybe taking pictures while there is grilled meat in front of him isn't really fair.

Saturday morning, Pat made the best french toast-ever, we watched the snow out the window and then we drove over to Max Patch....for a little fresh air.

Along the way we stopped to look at a waterfall, but it was frozen and not quite as amazing as the guest book had implied (perhaps because of the time of year). I say this because it retrospect, perhaps "we" had the waterfall as a possible locale for proposal and it didn't measure up, but of course I didn't know that at the time.

We got a blessing along the way from a very well endowed bull.

Then we arrived at Max Patch. It was a gorgeous winter day. Lots of people were skiing and sledding. Although when we got all the way to the top (hiking through a foot of snow was a nice work out), there was just the two of us.

I captured the views.......

hmm... he looks like pacing....does he have something on his mind?

what, me taking goofy self-portraits? something new and different

and then....right after this picture, Pat said, "It's time."

"For what?" I said worried about alien invasions and other sundry imaginings.

"To ask you to marry me."

OH!

Then he pulled out a ring, got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. And I said yes! It was magical, not magical like a fairy tale where pink and green lights surround us and carry us up into the sky. Magical, like it was really real and it was just the two of us on top of the world and the only thing I could see was him.

Then we had dinner in Hot Springs and another fun night in our cabin. Oh, and this was a road on the way!

Rocks in front of the cabin.

A picture for my mother of other rocks. Hi Mom! wheeeeeee!

Proportions

2011-01-18T20:35:00.004-05:00

I made dinner last week. I finally got the serving dishes right:

Starch Man & Leaf Girl were happy!

House Updates

2011-01-08T13:20:00.008-05:00

We refinanced the house and were able to get some money out of it to do a few things to the house. First up was repair the fireplace so it would work properly and not burn the house down. I was leaning toward gas logs, but Pat wanted a real fireplace and I admit, it is wonderful to sit in front of. It's beautiful, warm and mostly has created a great conversation space for the two of us.

Next up we replaced the furnace. The original goal was air conditioning, which is still to come once it warms up, but the tax break on more efficient furnances plus the age of our old furnace made it make sense to get this installed during 2010.

Both of the above were done just in time....

Holidays

2011-01-08T12:29:00.019-05:00

Pat and I went to Johnson City to Marge and Lee's home for the holidays. My parents came down and Jess & Marc and their girls, Grace & Zoe came too there.

We put out stockings for everyone. Marge & Lee just finished their basement, so there was room for everybody and even a big screen tv and playstation. It was very cozy...but I also got a new pair of very soft socks and very soft sweatpants, so I could be biased.

There were only two kids there, but somehow Santa still brought quite a full sack full.

Opening the stockings...so much fun!

Brand new beds and blankets for the babydolls were handmade made by my Mom.

The glow of so many presents. Followed quickly by the sugar crash meltdown of all the being presents be opened. Followed by the slow, quiet playing with some of the favorite presents.

Matching nightgowns for Grace and her doll, Chrissa. Grace didn't take off her nightgown for two days, so I think she liked it.

Before.....

After

Way after......

We ended up staying an extra day because there was so much snow and ice. Then Mom & Dad came home with us and we exchanged a few more presents....old-school milkshake maker!

Go Boise!

2010-12-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

We are ready for the bowl game!

Fall Travels

2010-11-28T13:12:00.040-05:00

I have finally figured out how to get pictures off of my phone and on to my computer. So here are a few pictures from the Reds game that Pat & I went to with Mom and Dad in October and then a couple pictures from a lovely weekend in Greenville, SC where we went to see the band, Reckless Kelly in early November. It's amazing how a even a short trip can still make you feel so away from home and be such a nice refreshing break.

Reckless Kelly ia a band that Pat listened to quite a bit back in Idaho. They were terrific.

Yes, that is a mechanical bull & YES! I rode it! One more check off my bucket list. And with a little pre-advice from Pat, I did really well for a beginner!

These pictures are of downtown Greenville. There is a lovely river and park with waterfalls and walking paths that we enjoyed quite a bit.

A Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

2010-11-22T18:33:00.005-05:00

Last week we had a warm up dinner of pork tenderloin with roasted garlic sweet potato mash and herbed butternut squash with caramelized onions tossed in brown butter.

It was delicious, I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T08:04:00.002-04:00

Batgirl, Captain America and...a Disney Princess, came to visit us.

Maybe if I dressed up as Captain America every day it would buffer the work world a little more.

Porch Visitors

2010-11-04T08:02:00.009-04:00

Sitting on the front porch, playing dominoes,
we had some visitors.

There is one on each lamp if you look closely.

Aren't they beautiful?

October Food

2010-11-04T07:58:00.003-04:00

Grilled flatbread pizza

and homemade kahlua cheesecake with carmel on top.

Getting ready for the next show!

2010-09-15T21:53:00.003-04:00

Lylas is gearing up for our next show, "LYLAS Make Funny Long Time". We open tomorrow and I'm very excited! I can't wait to be on stage with an audience. We run Thursday through Saturday this week and again next week. I hope it's funny!

Boise 2010!

2010-08-24T20:45:00.023-04:00

Vacation summer of 2010! We got to spend time this summer with Pat's family and I got to meet several of his friends that I had only heard about.

We were so proud of how tightly we packed (no checked bags), but then we got a deal on a Yukon for the week...our luggage could have multiplied like bunnies and still would have had room to throw a party in the back of that beast. The best part of the car was the camera in the rearview mirror- hours of entertainment right there.

Pat's Dad, Doc, made his yearly lobster dinner. As you can tell in the picture, Pat had to really force himself into the lobster- ha!

Pat made the Burns almost-traditional Nesselrode Pie for dessert, quite yummy.

....and yes, lobster in Boise is very good.

Pat and I had lunch with his Mom and Aunt Marilee. I got to also have my own lunch with Joanne and see Marilee's home. It was terrific to get to spend time with and get to know each of them better.

Pat got to catch up with Miss Joe, a favorite employer of his. Then we went poolside with her and several of his friends. Boise is hot, but not so bad beside the pool with cheese and crackers.

The family birthday dinner was a cookout with Baskin-Robbins ice cream pie for dessert. Why did Baskin-Robbins have to leave Asheville? I want one of those for my birthday!

We played a bit of croquet on birthday night and then actually finished a game the last evening we were there with Doc and Joanne.

After the birthday dinner, we met up with Jimmy, Pat's friend who shares the same birthday, for the annual toast.

I also got to meet Pat's good friends Jon & Ryan and Jon's girlfriend, Susan. It was great to finally put faces with names.

While I hope to get back to Stanley sometime, it was very nice to be in one place for the whole vacation. I think it felt like a longer vacation with less traveling involved. I really enjoyed Boise. I went for a couple of jogs and it was boiling hot on the pavement, but there are so many pretty little neighborhoods to see and there were several less developed paths near streams and rivers. Downtown Boise has a similar feel to downtown Asheville in terms of restaurants and cultural activities. But although Boise feels like a bigger city, there is something about the big sky or maybe a western outlook that seemed more laid back, less competitive. Of course, I was there on vacation, so maybe I was just less stressed, but whatever the cause, I enjoyed the feeling of "just living" and not trying to get ahead or do it all right.

Birthday Part 1

2010-07-24T10:49:00.007-04:00

I'm such a giver......for Pat's pre-birthday present, he got an ice cream maker.....and then I got mint chocolate chip ice cream! Thicker and creamier than any ice cream ever before and the fresh mint made it pop. I really should give more presents.

Then on my birthday I got a drum set! I've always wanted to play and now I can go down to the basement and bang on them any time! Although, hopefully a few lessons will make it sound a bit less like banging.

Late June

2010-07-01T18:30:00.003-04:00

Finally! I've tried to grow raspberries for years. (Okay, I mowed over the bush one year). But look- real berries!

There are actually two different kinds of berries. One is much bigger and redder. The other is smaller, pinker and sweeter. Both are yummy though!

Early June

2010-07-01T18:19:00.005-04:00

Pat put up a new back gutter with some assistance from Marc.

I helped with the spray painting...now that I've spray painted everything else on the porch and deck, why not the gutters too? It matched very well and was so easy!

and in the front yard........

Irmo

2010-06-04T07:22:00.012-04:00

On the way home from the beach, Pat & I stopped in Irmo, SC, where he lived from 4th-8th grade. We saw his elementary school

and his junior high school, which had been renamed to Crossroads Middle School.

We saw the Our Lady of the Hills church annex where his boy scout troop met.

Then we even saw an Adopt a Highway sign with his boy scout troop # 521 as the sponsor.

We also got to see the Dominos that Tim worked at while he lived there.

Then we drove through Pat's old neighborhood to see his home and the "pond" that he and the other kids played near.

Coldstream is the name of the neighborhood. It reminded me a little bit of Booker Creek where I lived in Chapel Hill as a kid.

Then we headed to Lake Murray to see where Pat and his Dad went boating.

What great fun to see part of Pat's history!

Beach 2010: Pawley's Island

2010-06-01T20:06:00.039-04:00

We had a spectacular time at the beach! Marge wanted a trip to the beach for her 60th birthday and luckily we got to help her celebrate. You may sense a theme...the beach..fun..and food!

We started with a couple days of Pat & I with Mom & Dad and Marge & Lee. Lee and Pat made a great paella and Marge made fruit with lemon curd dessert.

Then the next evening Pat made bacon wrapped shrimp. We also tried a special oyster that the fish man said was from the Gulf and may not be available again in our lifetime because of the oil spill. I wonder how many different kinds of fish the fish man says that about?
Well, they were good!

Look, Mom & I having fun in the kitchen...cooking! Don't see that every day. While I'm enjoying learning to cook, Mom and I share the love of eating gene more than the cooking gene.

Then after a couple days of lolling on the beach reading books, playing dominoes and maybe a little shopping, Betsy & Jess came with the kids. The beach is so much fun with kids!

Right off, we ended their long road trip with story time....I do love to dramatize!

The kids loved the ocean, well Grace and Ben loved the ocean and Zoe seemed to love rolling around in the sand, but she slowly tiptoed her way into swimming too.

Thursday, Pat and Lee spent the day catching crab and then preparing a crab boil with sausage, potatoes, corn. It was fantastic!

And what's better after a crab boil than a dance party?

Rob and Marc arrived on Friday, just in time for a side of beef that Pat carved into steaks and served with crab cakes for dinner. It was so rich and delicious, I never thought I'd eat again. There were leftovers for breakfast and lunch the next day and the steak was still amazing.

Our final dinner was great homemade pizzas made for us by Betsy and Jessica. Then we had a breakfast of all the leftovers.

We did actually go biking and walking too, but who wants to see pictures of that? Can't wait to go back!

Bye-bye beach!

Spring Food

2010-05-24T18:15:00.014-04:00

We went to the Herb Festival and got tomato and jalapeno pepper plants as well as basil, thyme, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, lemon grass and oregano herbs for our yard and back deck. I immediately ripped up some of the basil and threw it on top of tomatoes and mozzarella. Pat tossed a little balsamic vinegar on top. Sorry it's a bit messy, I was in a hurry to taste.

Then I got a wild hair one Sunday morning and decided to try cooking a shrimp quiche out of Pat's French cookbook. (My friend Jenny left a dish at my house and I decided now that I'm 34 to follow southern etiquette and return the dish full).

Okay, I got a little help. (Who am I to set a pan of wine on fire? no, really, I wouldn't mind making a few changes to the house, but I'd prefer not to have to upgrade because I burnt it down.) I learned how to make mirepoix, which is really just a lovely smelling base of carrots, onions & herbs. Then I pounded, boiled with cream and strained the shrimp shells. I had no idea shells could provide so much flavor. Mixed that with eggs, the shrimp and five pounds of cream...bon appetit! It was really good, if I do say so myself (Pat agreed). Sure, anything with that much cream would probably be good, but it was very nicely flavored cream by the time we finished with it.

I'm not sure I'm quite ready to work my way through the cookbook, but I might try another recipe.

Spring!

2010-05-17T20:02:00.000-04:00

Well...these are actually from April. I've gotten a little behind, but what a wonderful spring it is!

Mint Chocolate Mousse Torte Cake

2010-04-22T07:53:00.002-04:00

I think that was the name, but mostly, heavan. Better than Junior Mints and those are up there for me. Pat made it at work and brought a piece home.

Oysters were on sale at Earth Fare!

2010-04-22T07:43:00.001-04:00

Chicken

2010-04-22T07:37:00.004-04:00

I learned how to take apart and cook a whole chicken.

It was good.

St. Patty's Meal

2010-03-21T20:18:00.002-04:00

Corned beef, braised cabbage and potatoes. I love cabbage.

A Baby Shower for two!

2010-03-21T19:50:00.008-04:00

A ladies weekend in Marietta to celebrate the twins that are on their way! So much good visiting, good food and good celebration. Can't wait to meet Connor and Ethan!

Balancing Grace

Evan and Grace speaky speaky

Frog Legs!

2010-02-20T09:12:00.017-05:00

Pat brought home a surprise on Thursday night. I wasn't allowed to see the process (in order to not ruin the surprise or perhaps not to scare me from trying dinner), but he took pictures.

He seasoned, dusted them in flour and pan seared them. While they were finishing in the oven he deglazed the pan with white wine and sauteed garlic, tomatoes, fresh herbs to put on top of the legs. Topped it off with butter.

Apparently the legs were from older frogs, therefore not quite as tender as they could be, but they were very tasty! Here's to trying more new food.

More Snow

2010-02-20T09:03:00.006-05:00

We had a second big snow storm in January. It's amazing how quiet the neighborhood with the white noise buffer. I keep dreaming it will snow enough to have to stay home from work and stay in my pjs and drink tea while finishing my sorting of pictures project, but so far no luck! Perhaps spring will come instead!

Visit to Ohio

2010-02-20T08:55:00.002-05:00

In January we visited my parents and grandparents in Marietta. It was great fun and very relaxing. We tried the Buckley House's mediterrean food and Pat explained to us what we were eating. We caught up with several family friends. We even worked out at the new YMCA exercise studio in Reno-very nice!

We also rented a car for the trip, a Pontaic Vibe. Horrible blind spots, our extended test drive gave me the thumbs down. But it's fun to try out different cars!

Harrington Ham

2010-02-20T08:51:00.001-05:00

Our Christmas present from Pat's parents was a Harrington's Ham gift box- yum!

Snow Storm!

2009-12-28T10:03:00.007-05:00

We measured 8 inches, but then it kept snowing for another night. I think we got over 10 inches. It was beautiful. We lost cable for a couple hours, but kept our power!

A house up on Brucemont- pretty lights.

A house next door- lots of lights!

Pat in the snow!

My how high the snow is!

Who is that mysterious figure skiing down Brucemont circle?

Skiing so fast that my camera could only catch his dust!

Oooh presents!

I do cook

2009-12-27T18:45:00.004-05:00

Every now and then, when Pat's preoccupied, I do cook!

This is homemade mint pea soup (thank you Barefoot Contessa) and yummy bread!

Making Mom's Cooking

2009-12-27T18:41:00.004-05:00

What is it about the food that I (we in this case) grew up with that I so hated as a child, that is so satisfying now? During the week before the Lylas show, time was short. So as a departing Thanksgiving present, Mom helped me plan meals. Of course hard-shelled tacos with the taco packet flavored meat was a regular meal for both Pat and I when we were kids, but I don't think it ever crossed my mind to recreate this great American meal since I left home (a few) years ago (cheese and crackers is much more likely to cross my mind as a meal), but it certainly will again- YUM...and no wonder it was a regular meal as a kid- it's so easy!

I won't take pictures of it again, but it will be occurring more often!

Dinner with Mom and Dad

2009-12-27T18:36:00.004-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving, Pat made scallops and fennel & onion gratin for a nice dinner with my parents. It was awful, you wouldn't have enjoyed it at all (okay, it was amazing and I was sad there weren't more leftovers).

Thanksgiving

2009-12-27T18:23:00.004-05:00

So, I've gotten a little behind on keeping up with the blog, but here are some pictures from a great Thanksgiving dinner.

Mom and Dad came down for a great stay. We got to talk and catch up over several mornings of coffee and they got to hang out with the kids.

Thanksgiving dinner was at Betsy and Rob's house. They made two kinds of turkey and homemade sweet potato fries with pomegranate guacamole. Pat brought salmon mousse (brined and smoked at home) and bacon wrapped dates stuffed with spicy almonds.

Tsongus (the Alaskan Malamute pictured below) joined us (Pat likes him a lot and I like him when I visit Betsy & Rob.) Betsy & Jessica's dad, Harry, joined us along with their mom, Marge and her husband, Lee. The kids had fun at the kid table. It was great family time.

A hike with Marge & Lee

2009-11-21T10:44:00.002-05:00

Pat & I went over to Johnson City last Saturday afternoon. We had a great dinner with Marge & Lee and then on Sunday we all went on a little hike on a bald round near Roan Mountain. It was a beautiful day, a great view and a wonderful reminder of how little we really are.

Then Pat and I took the backroads home to Asheville. What a great life!

Hike on the Parkway

2009-11-11T16:07:00.001-05:00

Pat and I finally made it up to the parkway, at little past the leaf peak, but it was a beautiful day.

Friday Night

2009-10-18T17:39:00.000-04:00

Can't beat it!

Cincinnati

2009-10-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

Spent a weekend in Cincinnati with Mom and Dad...in September....

Got to see two Cincinnati Reds games.

Walked through German fest.

Got to heat hot dogs, cotton candy, frozen lemonade and the Reds won one of the games! So much fun.

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGalleryPhoto.asp?evgroupid=0&userid=Reds&gallery_id=1764985&image_id=18&pos=19

Benny

2009-10-04T08:23:00.000-04:00

An afternoon in Johnson City with Ben, Betsy, Marge and Lee.

A visit

2009-10-04T08:20:00.001-04:00

Mom down for a visit and Carrie dropped by the same weekend. Pat made extremely tasty enchiladas and we all made goofy faces. Then we got down to some serious woman talk. I would tell you what it was about, but then I'd get kicked out of the red tent!

More Healthy Food

2009-09-15T10:41:00.003-04:00

Thursday morning I had the Breakfast Burrito. Quite yummy, although cooking egg whites was interesting to watch. Lunch of chicken breast and sauteed spinach with onions and mushrooms was good. There is something very satisfying about a warm lunch. I skipped snack because I ran out of time at work. For dinner I grilled fish and veggies between the gym and going out to meet some girlfriends- it was so easy, fast and yummy. And I saved on eating at home!

Friday I had more burrito for breakfast. Lunch was Chicken Tacos with Drunken Beans. The beans called for two jalapenos but as I'm learning Gillian likes things spicier than I do, I went with one and it was good. The highlight of the day was the snack leftover from Thursday: Greek yogurt with cinnamon, honey and crushed almonds. It really tasted like ice cream, slightly thick ice cream, but ice cream nonetheless. I don't usually like yogurt but this was great. Then for dinner we made Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Veggies. I had been very much looking forward to shrimp with asparagus and peppers but it was bland...and I was beginning to get sick.

Saturday day I woke up with a full on burning throat. But I still made Healthy Eggs Benedict: aka wheat English muffin with tomato, spinach and poached egg. I don't think a creation without hollandaise sauce can be called Benedict, but learning to poach my first egg was fun. Breakfast was at noon and by dinner we were both roaringly sick. So we had fried jalapenos for "supper" in order to help us move the head cold down in my case and clear out his lungs in Pat's case. I'm not sure it worked, but it tasted great.

Sunday was a cheat day. Wheat English muffin with peanut butter for breakfast and subs from Jersey Mike's. I stayed home sick Monday. But grilled the final piece of meat: salmon, and mixed it with pesto and whole wheat pasta for dinner.

Instead of doing Gillian's full plan for the second week, I'm morphing some of the leftover groceries into meals. This morning I had cream of buckwheat. Every time I try to eat completely healthy, I get sick. I'm not sure what this says. Perhaps just that a little more balance is needed. Or there are a million germs going around right now and everyone seems to be sick and it could've been worse if I wasn't getting as many nutrients as I have over the last week. I think having one day where you can eat whatever you want is nice. I didn't really eat everything that I wanted to on Sunday, because I know how much working out at the gym I'd have to do, but that sub was great.

So in conclusion, I'm glad I tried the plan. I do feel healthier and I want to continue that feeling. I like cooking new things. I also learned that having a plan works well for me, but maybe I should make my own plan that works better for my budget and schedule. I must say that I find it weird to write about every meal I eat on a blog. Maybe if I were doing the plan with a friend writing back and forth in support would make sense, but why would anyone care what I had to snack on today? Having it in public definitely made me follow through more, but I think I'll save the writing (and maybe some pictures) for really good meals.

Healthy Two Weeks

2009-09-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

So........one of the side effects of being in a relationship with an excellent cook and baker who enjoys savoring food as much as I do is....you guessed it, a wee bit of weight gain. Okay, I can't blame him, I just love food and do not love exercise as much. Therefore, in attempt to gain back energy and fight the age-gravity snowball, I am attempting a few lifestyle tweaks (somehow "tweaks" is less scary than "change"?).

I started with the gym. I have a friend who lost a great deal of weight by "promising herself to sweat every day." So, for the last two and half weeks, I've been going to the gym five days a week for an hour at a time. This has boosted my energy incredibly, however it has not automatically made my skirts fit better. That may be because it takes longer than two weeks to show changes, but I'm not a patient person.

So I started reading the Jillian Michaels, Master Your Metabolism book. This book is intended for people who are already working out at the gym and dieting and just need help balancing their hormones and food to reach their body's tip-top potential. I am not in that category. I hate the word diet. It just sounds like deprivation and makes me think of eating carrots foreeeeeeeeevvvver, which the thought of usually drives me to rebel in a very mature manner and reach for the cookie dough. I internally (okay, maybe outloud too) make fun of those gym bunnies who are always counting calories as control freaks who don't know how to really enjoy life...like I do. This is of course because I'm jealous. While I swear I have willpower in a few areas of life, my idea of living life to the fullest means no limits! The thought of not being able to eat something or having to work out to be healthy, makes me angry (as do other parts of growing up and taking care of myself). Of course the endorphins from exercise make me feel good. Of course I don't feel terrific when I eat a bowl of cookie dough....but I love the feeling of being free to do whatever I want. Unfortunately, in the "real world" this freedom (or the choices I have made with the freedom) has consequences. And for the time being I'm willing to face reality and change a few things.

The book really isn't about dieting. It is about eating real food (no corn syrup, low fat chemicals, no styrofoam carb substitutes) in a balanced manner. It also talks intensively about all the chemicals in our food and in our world that mess up our hormones and cause our bodies to not easily digest the food that we eat. Perhaps I will work on reducing those chemicals next month, but beginning on this past Tuesday, I started "following" her two week food plan to help restore my body to it's proper metabolic balance. (food plan sounds better than diet).

She very nicely includes a grocery list for each of the weeks. So on Labor Day evening I took my book and went to Earth Fare. Yes, I bought some organic meat, which I normally think of as excessive, but between watching the movie "Food, Inc" and reading her book, I gave it a try. I also picked up a few Ezekiel items, bread, tortillas...I had no idea there were that many Ezekiel items available. Flax cereal, flax seeds, Greek yogurt....I felt a little physical pain when the checkout guy told me how much it all was. And I hadn't even gotten any produce yet.

Then I went to Ingles to get produce (I bought organic meat, I couldn't do meat and veggies) and canned goods. After two grocery stores, several hours and a lot of decision making, I could not believe how much food was in my trunk. Two dozen eggs? am I training for a wrestling match? I skipped the pork chop, pork tenderloin, special natural sweetener, shrimp, bacon, turkey breast and prawns and I still couldn't imagine how, even with Pat's help, I could eat it all (or how my budget would feel when I told it what I had done!) But even so, I was excited to give this food plan a try and to get to eat a lot of different things than I usually do.

Tuesday morning: up and ready to make my berry smoothie. I chose to make the smoothie with frozen fruit that had been in the freezer for quite a while. So when I put the fruit and the yogurt, flax seeds, honey and milk into the blender, it didn't. blend that is. Then I went outside to start the grill for a couple pieces of grilled chicken. The grill wouldn't start. Now normally I would take these two "signs" to mean this was all a stupid idea and I should just have a pop-tart. But I had invested enough money into this endeavor that I wasn't going to quit. So I poured the smoothie into Pat's mixer, broke it up and then poured it back into the mixer to finish it off. I went outside to give the grill one more try and it started right up. The berry smoothie was great. The grilled chicken on a salad was a good lunch. The snack at 4:00 was carrots and humus. I was famished, I've never eaten so many carrots in my life. Luckily the hummus was strong on garlic, so I enjoyed it vastly.

Then I came home and had Thursday's dinner on Tuesday (crazy!) because Pat was off and might be able to help me make and eat Chipolte-Beef. It actually wasn't that hard, just browning and then simmering. However, I had not pre-read the part of simmering for an HOUR OR TWO. The carrot snack had disappeared somewhere in the middle of spinning class, so I added in a handful of pistachios while the simmering ensued. The end result of spicy meat on salad leaves was very satisfying. Then with the leftovers, Pat helped me de-spice the simmering sauce a bit and put it in the oven over night on low for an even softer meat dinner tonight.

Wednesday: This morning is a gym morning (they alternate between evening and morning workouts dependent on the class schedule). So I saved the Breakfast Burrito for tomorrow and had the second half of the Berry Smoothie. It tasted even better without all the fighting with the blender. I had made lunch of whole-wheat pasta with almond tomato sauce while the meat was simmering last evening. I got to come home and eat with Pat over lunch hour. Two thumbs up. Sausage in the sauce wouldn't have hurt it, but it was good. I'd make it again. Tonight's dinner was supposed to be the (afore mentioned skipped over purchase) pork chop, but we had plenty of softened meat. I had mine with salad, Pat's with rice. While the book doesn't eliminate carbs altogether, it does take them away from dinner so there is no sugar spike during sleep. I'm interested to see if I sleep better because of this.

So, so far: yummy food, cooking new things is fun, lots of planning is needed, but once I get the recipes down, I think it could get easier. I'm not sure how I would have time to do this if I had kids, but I guess "you can do anything if you want it badly enough". I admit, on my way home from work, I felt sad that I wasn't going to have a sugary sweet treat when I got home. Or melt my brain into oblivious calm by diving into a bag of Fritos while watching tv. But dinner was filling and now it's bed time!

Homeward Bound

2009-08-09T23:13:00.003-04:00

After all that fun, we had to go home. We made it without any plane schedules being rearranged, but our bags didn't. They were brought to our door the next day though. However, when we got into the car there was a screw in one of the tires so we had to change the tire before leaving Greenville. We made it home safe and sound and somehow have even made it through going back to work.

We're already talking about our next trip though....maybe some place tropical!

Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lobsta!

2009-08-09T23:09:00.001-04:00

When we got back to Boise, Pat's Dad cooked lobsters! It was my first time attacking one, and it was awesome! The meat was delicious and what's not good about food dipped in butter?

Sun Valley

2009-08-09T22:59:00.005-04:00

We had a great night in Sun Valley. Sushi for dinner, roaming around town and then Pat ran into a couple of friends he had played pool with when he lived there so we played several round with them....yes, even I managed to get a few balls into pockets! We got a great deal on a hotel suite since it was between the summer and winter seasons and greatly enjoyed the pool after the camping.

The next morning we went to a great place for brunch. It was so homey and delicious. There were three different kinds of eggs Benedict!

This poster is an old advertisement for Kellogg's Corn Flakes. I like that it says: "All by themselves they have the coaxingest flavor."

This is the hospital we visited last summer. We enjoyed not visiting it this time.

A large moth skeleton.

Our room.

Stanley

2009-08-09T22:46:00.010-04:00

We made it back to Stanley on Monday.

We set up camp, got supplies and then headed out to the ranch. It was great to see the ranch again. Somehow the buildings looked smaller, but the views from the buildings still looked bigger than ever. We picked up Tiffany and headed into to town to have barbecue at the High Country Inn where Anne-Marie works this year. We ran into Katie who is back at the ranch too and we met several of the new employees from the ranch. Then Jason got off and we went over to the Rod and Gun (one of two bars in town). We had a great time catching up with them and hearing about the ranch this summer.

The next day we had lunch in town and then sat by the river all afternoon. Pat got some fishing in, but the fish weren't very cooperative and I read. I felt so amazed that Jesus had ever taken me to such a beautiful place, let alone for a whole summer where I also got to meet Pat. We went out that night with Tiffany, Jason, Andrew (the head chef from the ranch) and the girl who is the baker this year. We went to Redfish Lake and also got to see Dylan who worked at the ranch last year and is in the Redfish kitchen this year.

The next day we went to brunch with Jason at Smiley Creek and had one of the best chocolate shakes ever. Then we went down to the river and Pat fished off the rock that broke his wrist last year- yes! We hung out for a bit with John who worked in the kitchen with Pat last year and then took off for Sun Valley.

Boise

2009-08-09T22:14:00.015-04:00

The Burns Brothers

We arrived in Boise just in time for Pat's birthday on Saturday. First we met with Tim and Pat's friend John for lunch - during which we passed through the Basque Festival.

Then we met up with Pat's Dad to go for a ride on the boat....and a very refreshing dip into Lucky Peak Reservoir.

Saturday night we had a steak dinner with his family, followed by a night on the town with Pat's friend Jimmy who shares Pat's birthday. That's a not-so-great picture of Jimmy singing Karaoke.

Then on Sunday there was another family gathering, this one in honor of Brenda's birthday, who is Pat's brother's wife's daughter-in-law. Is that a step-niece-in-law to him? Who cares what it's called, it was fun to meet her and her husband, Caleb and their very cute son, Nathan. Kellena and Marilee were also there. Gina fixed a great meal with strawberries and whipped cream for dessert!

The handsome birthday boy!

The trip west

2009-08-09T21:55:00.019-04:00

We started our trip by driving down to Greenville on Thursday evening to spend the night and catch our early morning (6:40) flight. We drove through downtown Greenville because neither of us had ever been through Greenville before, which was a much cuter town than I had imagined and had a great toy store. Then we found a hotel and went for dinner at the Macaroni Grill. I don't think I had been there since I lived in Chapel Hill, but the whole crayons and wine on the table was still fun. Even if the food wasn't terrific, there was tons of it - we saved our leftovers for our 5am meal. Mushroom ravioli isn't quite as good at 5am, but it did the job.

We got to the airport with plenty of time. Which turned out to be good because our first flight was cancelled and they had rebooked us onto a 2p.m. flight, which meant we would not get into Boise till 9 p.m. We quickly asked if there were any other options, and got onto a 9:00 a.m. flight out of Greenville, but the next two flights, to Salt Lake and then Boise were stand-bys.

The flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake was so overbooked that they changed to a larger plane and we got on. The flight from Salt Lake to Boise was also overbooked, but two people took Delta's offer of $600 towards another flight and then two passengers didn't show up, so at the very last minute we got on and arrived in Boise around 5:00.

We picked up our gold Dodge Charger and headed to Pat's parents where we had pizza! We planned on just taking a quick nap and then meeting a couple of Pat's friends out on the town....but I woke up about 10 hours later!

The Greenville airport has an outdoor waiting area.

You can tell mid-air when you have reached the west, when you look down and everything is in perfect squares and irrigation made circles. The east looks a little more haphazard.

You can tell you're in a fancy airport bar when the chandelier is made out of beer bottles. Cool idea though.

This was a pot at the Greenville airport, but I think Mom created one just like it for Jessica's wedding.