Dancing on the deck, much needed sunshine, and of course the lemon-aide with the obligatory umbrella.
There is nothing I don't like about cruising. Okay, maybe one thing....the day they end. Several years ago John and I went on our first cruise and we haven't looked back.
A day at sea is a day for lounging in the sunshine with nothing else to do but bask. John doesn't much care for basking. He finds other things to do like taking classes at the gym, going to the art auction, taking more classes and eating all the wonderful concoctions they come up with.
My idea of a day at sea is nothing. I want to lay in the sun, nap, dance on deck and listen to an audio book on my iPod. All of which I did.
Nicole and I did a fun thing but I cannot mention it yet. I don't want to spoil the surprise. More to come on that in a few days.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Much needed break
Yesterday Nicole's friend McKenzie flew into Wichita to spend a week in the sun with us. Nicole picked her up and the immediately went for some girl time....Tips and Toes. Mani / Pedi is a great way to kick of a fun vacation.
We love McKensie. She has been Nicole's friend for about 2 and a half years. McKensie was assigned to Nicole as her buddy at Special Needs Mutual. Even though she was only Nicole's buddy one year they have remained friends and periodically do things together.
We left after work last night to drive to New Orleans to meet up with Christian, Amanda and Amanda's parents, Sherry and Paul. We are all going on a cruise together. They actually flew in last Wednesday and enjoy Mardi Gras before hand and we are going to enjoy it after the cruise as well as THE SUPER BOWL!!!. Of course, John and I are happy about the Super Bowl this year as our favorite team is playing...49ers baby! They will play the Ravens. It will be a great match up. I hope we prevail.
The drive was seriously stupid. The first time Mapquest has let us down. We followed the directions exactly but instead of it taking us 8 hrs it took us 15 hrs and we were seriously frantic about whether or not we would miss the boat. Well, we didn't but we didn't have too much time to spare. When we return we will drive over to Dallas and head North. It can't be any longer and we can see some familiar terrain.
Let the fun begin!
We love McKensie. She has been Nicole's friend for about 2 and a half years. McKensie was assigned to Nicole as her buddy at Special Needs Mutual. Even though she was only Nicole's buddy one year they have remained friends and periodically do things together.
We left after work last night to drive to New Orleans to meet up with Christian, Amanda and Amanda's parents, Sherry and Paul. We are all going on a cruise together. They actually flew in last Wednesday and enjoy Mardi Gras before hand and we are going to enjoy it after the cruise as well as THE SUPER BOWL!!!. Of course, John and I are happy about the Super Bowl this year as our favorite team is playing...49ers baby! They will play the Ravens. It will be a great match up. I hope we prevail.
The drive was seriously stupid. The first time Mapquest has let us down. We followed the directions exactly but instead of it taking us 8 hrs it took us 15 hrs and we were seriously frantic about whether or not we would miss the boat. Well, we didn't but we didn't have too much time to spare. When we return we will drive over to Dallas and head North. It can't be any longer and we can see some familiar terrain.
Let the fun begin!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Our New Years Eve
I have not really kept up with how Nicole has been and her progress the past couple of years. I guess in light of last night this is as good a time as any.
While John and I were packing up to drive to KS, Nicole's leg looked more swollen and was more painful. I had taken her into the Burn Unit for a check on her leg a few weeks ago as it was very swollen, red, hot and painful. The nurse practitioner said all was well even though it looked like cellulitis to me. (No, I am not a Dr. but I am the mom and I have very good intuition.) John and I agreed I should take her to the U and have it looked at.
The ER Dr confirmed that it was cellulitis and immediately started her on IV antibiotics. Cellulitis can be a dangerous thing. I wanted to rant and scream about the nurse practitioner but I didn't although when they asked me why I hadn't brought her in to have it looked at I told them what happened with the nurse practitioner and I had felt at the time it was cellulitis but was dismissed. This Dr. was so nice. Listened to all I had to say and in the end said "Mothers know best". Yup. I whole heartedly agree!
Well, 3 IV bags of antibiotics as well as being sent home with oral antibiotics and hopefully this will get under control without too much more to do. She will need to be seen every few days to make sure we are on the up and not sliding back again.
While John and I were packing up to drive to KS, Nicole's leg looked more swollen and was more painful. I had taken her into the Burn Unit for a check on her leg a few weeks ago as it was very swollen, red, hot and painful. The nurse practitioner said all was well even though it looked like cellulitis to me. (No, I am not a Dr. but I am the mom and I have very good intuition.) John and I agreed I should take her to the U and have it looked at.
The ER Dr confirmed that it was cellulitis and immediately started her on IV antibiotics. Cellulitis can be a dangerous thing. I wanted to rant and scream about the nurse practitioner but I didn't although when they asked me why I hadn't brought her in to have it looked at I told them what happened with the nurse practitioner and I had felt at the time it was cellulitis but was dismissed. This Dr. was so nice. Listened to all I had to say and in the end said "Mothers know best". Yup. I whole heartedly agree!
Well, 3 IV bags of antibiotics as well as being sent home with oral antibiotics and hopefully this will get under control without too much more to do. She will need to be seen every few days to make sure we are on the up and not sliding back again.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
I am so lame!
I WANT to keep my blog up but it seems as though I can't seem to do it. I don't know what my problem is. I have made goals, let my self notes, set my alarm but to no avail it doesn't happen. I guess I will just make some blog posts now, try to do some catching up and hopefully be able to keep it going.
Monday, September 3, 2012
No Cell Phone Weekend!
Memorial Day Weekend! Just the thought of it makes me smile. I love everything about Memorial Day Weekend. First of all, it is a long weekend. The kind I especially like, with the holiday on Monday.,
Friday night, after the kids got off work, we packed our truck and headed out to Colorado to a cabin we rented for the weekend. The kids and I driving from UT and John driving from KS. Speedily we drove through the night so we could meet up with John as soon as possible. I couldn't wait to get him in my arms. With each passing month it is more difficult to be separated over the long, windy, endless road.
As luck would have it we arrived at the same place within minutes of each other. Ah, Heaven.
Our first stop was the Butterhorn Bakery in Frisco, CO. Great breakfast place with to die for blueberry croissants. They have skillets, pancakes and other delicious items but there is nothing like the croissants. (I wish I had a picture of them and of course the app that lets you smell them, too.)
Did I mention this is a NO CELL PHONE WEEKEND! That means no texting, calling, facebooking or playing games unless it directly involves all the other weekend participants. (We did take our phones to contact each other if we got separated, which did happen twice)
After unpacking our feet found us browsing in Breckenridge, CO. Oh how we love it there. Such a quaint ski town. We love the slow pace and little shops. Of course we had to go into the furrier. We always seem to find our way to a furrier shop. I love to try them on. All of them. All different styles, colors, lengths. No buying today, but, one day I WILL have a sheared Beaver car coat.
By not having cell phones to interact with it leaves plenty of time to cook great food with the ones you love. One of the meals we made was french dips. Not just any old sliced beef. Nope. One that has been cooked all day in the crock pot with fresh whole seasonings.
First I measure out the seasonings and make a rub out of it. Next I make a bed for my meat to lay on so it is not sitting directly on the bottom of the crock pot. I use celery and onions.
Next I rub the seasonings all over the meat and put it on the bed of veggies. I also add 1/2 cup of water at this point.
Friday night, after the kids got off work, we packed our truck and headed out to Colorado to a cabin we rented for the weekend. The kids and I driving from UT and John driving from KS. Speedily we drove through the night so we could meet up with John as soon as possible. I couldn't wait to get him in my arms. With each passing month it is more difficult to be separated over the long, windy, endless road.
As luck would have it we arrived at the same place within minutes of each other. Ah, Heaven.
Our first stop was the Butterhorn Bakery in Frisco, CO. Great breakfast place with to die for blueberry croissants. They have skillets, pancakes and other delicious items but there is nothing like the croissants. (I wish I had a picture of them and of course the app that lets you smell them, too.)
Did I mention this is a NO CELL PHONE WEEKEND! That means no texting, calling, facebooking or playing games unless it directly involves all the other weekend participants. (We did take our phones to contact each other if we got separated, which did happen twice)
After unpacking our feet found us browsing in Breckenridge, CO. Oh how we love it there. Such a quaint ski town. We love the slow pace and little shops. Of course we had to go into the furrier. We always seem to find our way to a furrier shop. I love to try them on. All of them. All different styles, colors, lengths. No buying today, but, one day I WILL have a sheared Beaver car coat.
By not having cell phones to interact with it leaves plenty of time to cook great food with the ones you love. One of the meals we made was french dips. Not just any old sliced beef. Nope. One that has been cooked all day in the crock pot with fresh whole seasonings.
First I measure out the seasonings and make a rub out of it. Next I make a bed for my meat to lay on so it is not sitting directly on the bottom of the crock pot. I use celery and onions.
Next I rub the seasonings all over the meat and put it on the bed of veggies. I also add 1/2 cup of water at this point.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Today I was thinking, "A goal I had for this year was to keep my blog up and I haven't kept that goal." Well, today I am post an amazingly fun activity Nicole and I did today.
Chili Peppers!
You see....Our Carlston family reunion is next month. We are having it in one of the most scenic areas. S*N*O*W*B*I*R*D
I am so excited for this reunion because for one thing, John and I have not been able to attend one yet. Another reason...This will be the first time in about 5 years that all of John's siblings will be in the same place. With 3 siblings living out of the state of Utah and 4 siblings in Utah it has been hard to get the whole pack together at once.
One of the nights, Sarah and I are making a Mexican feast for the whole crew. Carne Asada, Cilatro Lime Rice, Black Beans, Pico, rounding it out with freshly made tortillas. Getting back to the Chili Peppers. Here they are.....
They are so cute! These are actually Tootsie Rolls dipped in chocolate.
How are they made you ask? Easy - Peasy
First you unwrap midget tootsie rolls. I used 4 per chili pepper.
Microwave them for about 15 secs to just warms them so they are easier to mold together. Shape them to look like a chili pepper and then stick a small pretzel stick in the top for stem (don't break it off yet). Lay them out on wax paper. When you have made as many as you need, melt a package of Wilton's red chocolate discs over simmering water, careful not to get any water into the chocolate or it will seize. Dip the tootsie rolls into the red chocolate from the bottom to near the top so it starts to look like a chili, like so....
When these are all dry, (which take about an hour), break the pretzel near to tootsie roll but long enough for a stem. Melt a package of Wilton's green chocolate disks just like you did the red. Dip the tops in the green to make the tops of the chili's.
These were fun to make and at a tasty treat.
You see....Our Carlston family reunion is next month. We are having it in one of the most scenic areas. S*N*O*W*B*I*R*D
I am so excited for this reunion because for one thing, John and I have not been able to attend one yet. Another reason...This will be the first time in about 5 years that all of John's siblings will be in the same place. With 3 siblings living out of the state of Utah and 4 siblings in Utah it has been hard to get the whole pack together at once.
One of the nights, Sarah and I are making a Mexican feast for the whole crew. Carne Asada, Cilatro Lime Rice, Black Beans, Pico, rounding it out with freshly made tortillas. Getting back to the Chili Peppers. Here they are.....
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Morocco
I love Morocco!
Granted, I haven't been there but I love everything thing I have read, seen in books or on the internet, the food I have eaten and the music I have heard. And OH! the smell of the spices. That, in itself is worth wanting to go there.
Morocco! Just saying the name invites intrigue.
Marrakesh! Another word of intrigue. Just the word lights me up.
Nestled at the foot of the snow capped Atlas mountains. Marrakesh beckons me.
The first place I want to hit when I get there is the souks. Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.
Sometimes I can smell what I think they will smell like. Spicy and musty, but not musty like mold musty more like intrigue musty. I can also smell animals nearby, food cooking and perfumes. At those times I close my eyes and can hear the venders hocking their wares, haggling with passerby's. I can see others sitting, drinking their tea (I hope that I am invited to sit and have mint tea with someone) and people watching like I would be doing. I would be in heaven weaving in and out of the alleys looking at the food and other items that are new to me but the place I am really looking for is the spices.
I am a spice hound. I love to spice things up when I cook especially with things that are not readily used or not found anywhere near where I live. When we moved 3 and a half years ago I was cleaning out my spice cupboard. I had 78 bottles of spices and herbs. There are not many I have come across that I haven't loved.
I think next I would hunt for a tagine. Or maybe 3 or 4. A tagine is a terra cotta cooking vessel. They have a pot/dish like bottom with a domed or peaked lid that one cooks in. I do not have one at this time but I so want one. Many of the dishes I cook I know would be so much better if only I had a tagine. This is the one I want first.....
Then, this one....
The first one is for cooking. The second one is for serving! How wonderful the food would taste if it arrived on the table served in this amazing vessel. Just looking at this vessel makes my mouth water.
And of course using the cookbook - The Food of Morocco by Paula Wolfert (once I purchase it) will be a gem in my collection. I do have the previous version but I cannot wait to get this one. Here is a link to her website
http://www.paula-wolfert.com/ There are recipes, articles and much more.
Ya know, Morocco is the first place on my Bucket List to visit. I have been many places and yet I haven't been here. I hope in the near future my number one choice on my list is lovely Morocco.
Granted, I haven't been there but I love everything thing I have read, seen in books or on the internet, the food I have eaten and the music I have heard. And OH! the smell of the spices. That, in itself is worth wanting to go there.
Morocco! Just saying the name invites intrigue.
Marrakesh! Another word of intrigue. Just the word lights me up.
Nestled at the foot of the snow capped Atlas mountains. Marrakesh beckons me.
The first place I want to hit when I get there is the souks. Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.
Sometimes I can smell what I think they will smell like. Spicy and musty, but not musty like mold musty more like intrigue musty. I can also smell animals nearby, food cooking and perfumes. At those times I close my eyes and can hear the venders hocking their wares, haggling with passerby's. I can see others sitting, drinking their tea (I hope that I am invited to sit and have mint tea with someone) and people watching like I would be doing. I would be in heaven weaving in and out of the alleys looking at the food and other items that are new to me but the place I am really looking for is the spices.
I am a spice hound. I love to spice things up when I cook especially with things that are not readily used or not found anywhere near where I live. When we moved 3 and a half years ago I was cleaning out my spice cupboard. I had 78 bottles of spices and herbs. There are not many I have come across that I haven't loved.
I think next I would hunt for a tagine. Or maybe 3 or 4. A tagine is a terra cotta cooking vessel. They have a pot/dish like bottom with a domed or peaked lid that one cooks in. I do not have one at this time but I so want one. Many of the dishes I cook I know would be so much better if only I had a tagine. This is the one I want first.....
Then, this one....
The first one is for cooking. The second one is for serving! How wonderful the food would taste if it arrived on the table served in this amazing vessel. Just looking at this vessel makes my mouth water.
And of course using the cookbook - The Food of Morocco by Paula Wolfert (once I purchase it) will be a gem in my collection. I do have the previous version but I cannot wait to get this one. Here is a link to her website
http://www.paula-wolfert.com/ There are recipes, articles and much more.
Ya know, Morocco is the first place on my Bucket List to visit. I have been many places and yet I haven't been here. I hope in the near future my number one choice on my list is lovely Morocco.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
