Road Trip

Zipped our way east to St. Paul today to visit the Son and his sweetheart Trisha. Jumped back in the car and then we all headed on to Minneapolis to pick up our daughter Becca. I love family day! Spent the afternoon visiting REI, Chipolte Mexican Grill (we were hungry), Cook's on Crocus Hill and then ended with a quick swoop into Penzey's Spices.

I couldn't cook without Penzey's spices and herb mixes.....I use the herbs and spices almost everyday. The three small jars you see in the photo are heading to southwest Wisconsin in a couple weeks. My mom is now on a low-sodium diet due to her heart surgery, so I want her to try the newest favorites of mine. The cinnamon on the left is for one of my co-workers who was looking for a high quality and strong cinnamon.

Oh yah, Bike man bought me some pink Pedro's tire levers today. Guess who needs a lesson on changing a flat bicycle tire?

Who Doesn't Love Popcorn?

We love popcorn, don't you too? Several weeks ago I came across a very simple recipe for microwave popcorn that you prepare yourself. The best part is the skinny price tag for this tasty snack. A bag of popcorn kernels? $1.75!

Measure 1/4 cup popcorn and place in a bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil, or peanut oil and 1/4 tsp. of salt, then stir.

Pour the prepared popcorn into a brown paper bag. The lunch-size bag works great.

Put the bag into the microwave on a plate and cook on high for 2 minutes. Season with addition salt, if desired. Psssst, I'm going to make more popcorn tonight, but this time I'm going to sprinkle Herbes de Provence over the popcorn for a french twist!

Tip: Don't double the recipe amount since I tried that and the popcorn didn't turn out as well as a single recipe.

How Things Change

The snow was falling, the wind was blowing and the house was howling. Winter hasn't forgotten us. Having a wimpy day.....no outdoor anything! Bike man? Well, I think he's on a reading marathon. He's on to reading his third novel in three days! He also reminded me today that I will be drinking freshly roasted "iced" coffee. That means freshly roasted coffee beans in subzero weather. Now that's dedication!!!!

Guess Who's Coming Back?

Hosta Seed Pod

The bank sign said 49 degrees.....really? All I know is that the sunshine felt marvelous and the farm fields show signs of greening. But wait. It won't feel like spring after tomorrow. Winter hasn't forgotten us and a cold reality will slap us in the face beginning tomorrow night. Ahhhh, I knew Old Man Winter would return!

Late Afternoon

Another spring-like day here on Tainter Lake. Was able to enjoy this beautiful day after work. All I could think of was getting outdoors to breath in the clean fresh air. Another late afternoon three mile run while watching the sun set as I slowly trudged along. And to think last year at this time I was coming home after work to snowshoe out on the lake.....unbelievable. I'm beginning to think we really are experiencing a drought!

Winter Postponed

I'm so appreciative of this unseasonably warm weather here in the Midwest. My mental outlook is much happier and brighter without all the snow and subzero temperatures. Really proves to me how harsh weather can affect my overall mental health. I'm sure the snow will return and the below zero weather will be knocking at our door, but for now.....I'm smiling!

Did an awesome 3-mile run this afternoon and actually felt good. Getting back into running has been hard for me, especially since I'm not a spring chicken anymore!!! Thought about taking my mountain bike down to the lake, but the warm weather has made the snow on the lake squeeshy....makes riding much harder on the lake.

Special Note: talked to my mom this afternoon and she is getting stronger and stronger each week. It will be exactly one month tomorrow that mom had open-heart surgery. I am simply amazed at her progress for an 81-year old woman. She has a fighting spirit and a zest for life....well after all, she is a Marine's daughter!

There He Goes

There goes Bike man......again! I think he's turning into Mr. Social since he does his lake laps in order to visit the other ice fisherman. With lack of snow this winter, Bike man is enjoying his time on the bike. Me? Well, I was just happy to run my three mile route this afternoon after completing all my domestic chores.

Happiness comes in all ways. This young man was very proud of his dad's walleye catch. Just a great day to be outdoors. A little sun, a little clouds, some wind and a high of 32 degrees. Can't beat that for January!