She's Doing Great!

She's doing great!  Six months ago my mom had open-heart surgery and  I'm so happy with her recovery.  Physical exertion  is still difficult for her, but every day she is getting stronger.  Two more weeks and my Mom Moo will turn 82.  See the fountain to the right?  It stopped working several years ago, but today Bike man fixed the problelm today.  I insisted on keeping the fountain turned on this afternoon so we could enjoy sitting in the screen porch. 

 

One of our missions today was to visit the local nursery and buy tomato plants.  We actually bought more  plants than we needed, but I was able to plant all the tomatoes in pots.  The pots fit perfectly on my folks patio.  Because the weather was beautiful today, we spent all day outdoors.   It's so good to be home and enjoying time with my parents....family is so important.   

Weather is Perfect

Enjoyed our night with Kris, our guest this week.  Bike man and I made homemade pizza tonight....a perfect night with cool temperatures, no bugs and calm skies.

Visitor

Arrived home late tonight from work, but still managed to get a run in before my nightly meltdown.  Bike man decided to build a nice warm & cozy fire tonight, while we watched a documentary called "Fresh."   We sat in front of the fire and watched the whole documentary about sustainable food sources. .. I highly recommend this DVD.

We just happen to have an overnight guest staying with us the next few days/nights,  Kris S, is here to work with Bike man on his stream monitoring.   Kris is from Madison, WI and is the state coordinator for water action volunteers .  It's always fun to have Kris come and visit us here in the great north, however, she has to put up with our curious cats.  I'm sure the kitty cats will want to sleep with Kris tonight.....she's a new feline friend ya know!!!!

Tired-Out

We were in bed by 9 pm last night.  I guess the holiday weekend caught up with us, especially Bike man.  Helping out at the local speed boat race this weekend and cleaning up all the recyclables was a very large task for Bike man, his granddaughter Lena, Krista and myself.   I can honestly say I'm glad the holiday weekend is over, but also still remember the fallen veterans that died for our country.

A Working Day

When I first walked into Crystal's house this morning I thought, wow, look at all those road signs!  Little did I know this would involve into a group activity.

As a new Board Director for the Menomonie Market Food Co-op, this was my first all day retreat.  Our main focus today was looking at an expansion project in the near future. It was great to spend the day at our general manager's house, enjoying her hospitality, and her cozy home, which just happens to be a renovated church built in the late 1800's!  So cool......

  

Arrived this morning to freshly brewed coffee and a delicious buttermilk-blueberry coffeecake.....so tasty.   During our lunch break, we were treated to cauliflower soup, a fresh green salad with homemade dressing, salmon salad, couscous salad with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, deviled eggs and delicious artisan bread baked at the food co-op.  There is nothing like fresh food made from scratch!  

Took several breaks during the day, which gave me the opportunity to snuggle with little Frankie (Crystal & Bill's baby).  Frankie's a little snuggle bug.....seriously!

Despite the storms and all day rain, it was an awesome day with my fellow Board Directors.  As for the rest of the holiday weekend, I need to refresh and relax.  Hoping for some bicycle time tomorrow and Monday.

Sweet and Tangy

Rhubarb Muffins

Worked late tonight teaching another eBook class, so that meant I could spend a little more time at home this morning doing what I love to do......bake!  Before the storms arrived this morning, I went out into our garden and cut some more rhubarb.  I decided to checkout my favorite foodie blog, Carpe Season, and look for a rhubarb recipe.  I found a nice muffin recipe that used either buttermilk or plain yogurt.  This recipe reminded me of my childhood.  I grew up loving and eating rhubarb when I was a young girl, so it isn't spring until you cook up some rhubarb recipes.  My remaining rhubarb plant is getting slim, but will probably cut and freeze the last of it.  Oh, and the rhubarb muffins were delicious, especially when they were right out of the oven and still warm.  A muffin and a rich cup of espresso.  Can't get any better than that!   (thanks Liz) 

Happy Pink

Spring is progressing, and our gardens are flourishing.  The pink carp seems happy among the many hostas.  This is truly my favorite time of year.  Noticed lots of dragonflies tonight while on my run .  I think we are gradually moving into summer!!!!!