Today Was a Good Soup Day

It was one of those days where we just did whatever! Ted, Chris and I went out for breakfast, and then we decided to drive over to Eau Claire to look at ice fising shacks. We decided not to buy one even though they were on sale. Besides all the sporting goods shops we visited today, we did find the new teahouse in downtown Eau Claire called "Infinitea Teahouse." We bought some new teas, which I'm excited to try. I wanted to try some white teas, so I picked out a few and will brew them tomorrow. Some of the white teas are better served cold because they are so light in intensity. It's all about the brewing time...that's what the store owner told me today.

We ended our afternoon by stopping by Bad Cat Bicycle shop in Menomonie. We had a good conversation with Pete, the store owner. As it turns out, Bad Cat bike shop has designated nights were bikers get together and spin together on bike trainers...just like my spinning classes at the fitness center. What a nice idea....it's just a bunch of cyclists that want to keep in shape during the winter months. They use spinning/training DVD's and have monitors set up in the bike shop. We found out that many new bike events are planned for 2009, so I hope we can get involved and meet some new cyclists in the Menomonie area.


I was hungry for homade soup tonight so I made a batch of creamy chicken vegetable soup. Gosh that hit the spot! On cold days like today soup hits the spot. Other than that, it was a typical cold January day...not much else to report. Stay warm everyone.

I Don't Like Meetings...Plain & Simple

I was able to get away from my workplace today. I had a Director's meeting in Eau Claire that dragged on and on. At one point I even lost track of what the other Director's were debating. Has that ever happened to you? I don't do well in meetings, mainly because I have to sit there without moving around....I hate that. Then to make matters worse, I had to sit next to a woman that couldn't sit still. For two hours straight she fidgeted in her chair and was always moving some body part. I think that's what you call adult ADHD! It was really BAD. I don't mean to be critical, but many times I almost put my hand on her leg or shoulder to calm her down. I was so happy to get out of there after the meeting.

It was one of those nights where we literally had to "throw" people out of the library because they wouldn't listen to our five minute warnings that we were closing at 5 pm. Of course that made me late for cycle class! Grrrrrr. Everything worked out ok, but I'm actually thinking about buying an air horn to sound our library closing. What do you think? Yup, it was one of those days today.

I'm Such a Whimp....Again

I don't know, call me a little crazy, but I thought I would try riding my bike on our lake just to see what it would be like. Not a good idea since we have about one foot of snow on the lake and my tires kept sinking into the snow! I would ride a little ways and then I'd bog down. I guess it didn't help that I couldn't find my new bike boots that my husband bought me at Christmas, so I just wore my regular boots. I felt like I had weights on my feet! I was really disappointed but at least I tried.

I used my mountain this morning that I normally use for communiting to work and trail riding. You really can't see the deep snow in this picture, but believe me it's heavy snow out on the lake.

Actually, it was a beautiful morning, a little foggy, but nice. Everything was so frosty since it was only 6 degrees when I tried riding....brrrrr! My son and husband warned me it would be tough trying to ride out on the lake, but I just had to see for myself. Call me whimpy....again!

A Timothy Update

I took a picture of Timothy last weekend. If you've been reading my blog since September, you'll know who Timothy is. This is his quiet time of the year! It won't be long, maybe 2 months or so and Timothy will emerge from the snow and cold.
Today was an ordinary day. I finished my day with my cycle class...only two people showed up. Where is everyone? Aren't people feeling guilt about their holiday weight gain? Don't they want to get in shape? Next week I will be involved in a "sample" night at the fitness center where all of us instructors will teach a 10 minute class...kind of like a demo class. I hope to attract some new people soon. Really.

Going Green? Read a Book!

Ok, I admit, I'm cheating! I had to update our library blog today so I posted a book review about the book "Gorgeously Green" and now I'm using it for my blog post tonight. I'll make this short...I enjoyed reading this book about going green. From the cover you can see the book is geared towards women since it deals with subjects like skin care products, make-up, exercising, body products etc. I especially like the authors chapter on eating fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. If you want to look at the bibliography record click here.



Today was one of those days were I was "stuck" indoors due to my job. I did take a 15 minute break to go get a java at the Internet cafe, but other than that I was stuck indoors. I also had a Library Board meeting tonight so I didn't actually get home until almost 7 pm tonight. I made a quick supper tonight of fresh zucchini, red peppers, cauliflower, onions, garlic and mushrooms. Of course I had to add my spicy red pepper flakes. I topped it off with freshly grated parmesan. Nothing is better than sauted veggies ( and lots of garlic) after a long day at work.

The Blind Munchies Project

These pictures were taken yesterday (Sunday Jan. 18th) in the Blind Munchies Coffeehouse. All proceeds from the coffee house go to help fund the Philippines & India church missions. The coffee house is run by the "Street Level" church group which consist of college students wanting to serve the Lord.

So the new Blind Munchies coffeehouse is starting to shape up. Here's a picture of the raised stage that will serve as a place for the bands to set up and play their music, plus it will be an area for seating during the normal week.

Here's a picture entering the coffee house, which is in the basement of the church. We have lots of places for seating and eating. It's very comfortable, but a wee bit chilly in the winter months.

Here's a picture of the front counter where they sell coffee, tea and other items like t-shirts.

Sacia was embarrassed to get her picture taken, but I took it anyway..... Sacia is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. You know the front counter is built up really high. When I go up to the counter to order coffee or food, I find myself raising up on my tippy toes....I feel like a little kid! "Excuse me, can I have some crayons please"!!!!!! Being short (4 ft. 11 ich) has it's disadvantages.

What a Treat!

I know Spam is high in fat, but this is one treat that Ted and I simple close our eyes and enjoy. Did you notice the picture? Spam "hot & spicy"? If you are a Spam eater, you would love this hot & spicy version. Ted special ordered this for me last week from the McIlhenny Company. This is the company that makes Tabasco. Not only did he order the special Spam, but he also ordered extra bottles of Tabasco (miniature bottles too), Tabasco mustard and Tabasco green olives. Do you see a pattern here? Have you finally figured out that I'm a spicy kind of person??? The spicier the better.

So tonight I opened up one can of spicy Spam and made CAMP FOOD! Camp food is a meal that we dreamed up years ago while camping when our kids were little. It's really easy to make and now we make it anytime of the year. Would you like to make camp food? Here's what you'll need:

One can of Spam

Idaho potatoes, scrubbed & cleaned (leave the skins on), cut into cubes

1-2 onions, chopped

1 can corn, drained (or 1-2 cups frozen)

Olive Oil

Wash and scrub potatoes, then dry potatoes with a paper towel. Set aside. Slice spam and cut into cubes, place in a fry pan and brown spam cubes. While spam in browning, slice and cube potatoes. Throw potatoes into the fry pan with the Spam, add some Olive oil. Cover with lid, remember to turn potatoes & Spam very five minutes. When the potatoes are half done, throw in the onions and corn. Continue to stir. Add seasoning of your choice. I used freshly ground pepper and Nature's Seasoning....you can use whatever spices/herbs you prefer. When the potatoes are soft & lightly brown, it is ready to serve.

It's a meal in one, Spam and vegetables...what is better than that?