tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317222954600960682024-03-13T09:16:11.368-07:00Digging Down SouthOne Archaeologist's Adventures in Food and the DirtSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-24962864968532677822012-04-08T14:31:00.000-07:002012-04-08T14:31:14.533-07:00Momentous Weekend with Poached Eggs!This has been quite a weekend.<br />
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To tell you about this weekend, I need to start with this week. I was in the Washington D.C. suburbs this weekend for work. The work was pretty routine for us, those cemeteries need mapping. We did get to go into the city on the Metro one evening, which was nice because I got to see my dear friend Matt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4FBZWLHEXKZlyPgbV_-XG92gMmMrGH_YleOec7iiensh6hyw1H9yfehpRAq2mtdPgrIR-6MVD-pzhKL_JRuAsuic3W_BWLZeVy8Yrak8iCMmPEbDNqQ5lINYKOlfk17LZgiKFSOJbqer/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4FBZWLHEXKZlyPgbV_-XG92gMmMrGH_YleOec7iiensh6hyw1H9yfehpRAq2mtdPgrIR-6MVD-pzhKL_JRuAsuic3W_BWLZeVy8Yrak8iCMmPEbDNqQ5lINYKOlfk17LZgiKFSOJbqer/s320/IMG_3486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This car is covered with seed beads (on the inside too). It is on display in the Museum of the American Indian.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXipOY0QaHdGQGQAoBHJX-9nDxy13RqMVQsENCJZVCIDr_inkbA6uKwYAI35WXsnSNZWpMDK0H0DBUkgVJwv1A9NDE1OtO6MoDfnX65zF76NTLbaAo7pB0_mGzD1flaKH1dJOvb9zIDQI/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXipOY0QaHdGQGQAoBHJX-9nDxy13RqMVQsENCJZVCIDr_inkbA6uKwYAI35WXsnSNZWpMDK0H0DBUkgVJwv1A9NDE1OtO6MoDfnX65zF76NTLbaAo7pB0_mGzD1flaKH1dJOvb9zIDQI/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello D.C. (sorry this photo is so bad)!</td></tr>
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After leaving the job, I started to notice my scratchy throat. By Thursday, I was fully sick. Fever. Sore throat. I blame the Metro. Dirty trains. My no-kid exposure, no public transit, hermit-like existence means my immune system is the straw house to this years cold viruses. By Friday, I felt a little better. On Saturday my fever was back. Where is the justice in this! Sunny warm weekend sickness is the worst kind of sickness.<br />
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I have spent most of my weekend on the couch. I have read three books and watched several hours of "How I Met Your Mother" on Netflix. Enough about my pathetic existence.<br />
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In a few hours of clarity, I went to the farmers market and made myself breakfast. This is momentous because I poached an egg! Amazing! Right?!<br />
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I have never been able to poach an egg before. I <a href="http://www.food52.com/blog/3180_perfect_poached_eggs?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+food52-TheAandMBlog+%28The+A%2BM+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">watched</a> this video and then I did it. I just did it. It was so good. I should mention I have failed repeatedly to do this in the past.<br />
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This is not so much a recipe as a suggestion. It is also something that I am not the first person to come up with. Asparagus and eggs! Shocking combination.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXUYoEOKCNlJds75_s_A9jKiFuH_LC4vJXXbGGu1ax9i7B_z9iUJD-TARFGbZowzUOCvTRfqBM1BkFhMbwCOhcxCkjScoNCrzXH1YjL7Yg3M-GH61jCXl76sri0iagNCdS9GYPmPHKWbn/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXUYoEOKCNlJds75_s_A9jKiFuH_LC4vJXXbGGu1ax9i7B_z9iUJD-TARFGbZowzUOCvTRfqBM1BkFhMbwCOhcxCkjScoNCrzXH1YjL7Yg3M-GH61jCXl76sri0iagNCdS9GYPmPHKWbn/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring in food.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spring has come to North Carolina. I got asparagus, green garlic, cucumber, strawberries, and pea greens. That's right, strawberries. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQNONXC0uBSthhHEcDKJ10L_ZKCxewkBJoTud3t6AMM3_uWRSHAjtCg72nxjruG4wwNR7dRgynUcf40za9d0eD0cm0EqDe5l-hXiOXXIPR6cdZkVcWv9qzvA48JiRhAcaeMZxDfLnbAvg/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQNONXC0uBSthhHEcDKJ10L_ZKCxewkBJoTud3t6AMM3_uWRSHAjtCg72nxjruG4wwNR7dRgynUcf40za9d0eD0cm0EqDe5l-hXiOXXIPR6cdZkVcWv9qzvA48JiRhAcaeMZxDfLnbAvg/s320/IMG_3499.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Delicious food.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Poached Eggs with Asparagus on Toast</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>This is not a recipe, adjust portions according to desired serving amounts</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Asparagus </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eggs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bread</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Olive Oil</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Parmesan Cheese</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. Clean and trim the asparagus. Lightly toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Broil asparagus for about 6 minutes, turning at about 3 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. Meanwhile, toast bread, then butter the toast. If you are using unsalted butter, I suggest you add some salt as you are buttering the bread. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. Poach eggs. I am not going to give directions for this because other people have done a better job than I ever could. <a href="http://www.food52.com/blog/3180_perfect_poached_eggs?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+food52-TheAandMBlog+%28The+A%2BM+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">This</a> is the tutorial that finally worked for me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. Place the asparagus on the toast, then top with the eggs. Grate some parmesan on top of the eggs. This is a great breakfast or lunch (or dinner).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCjmMJi7mdrJAqjvZ-rsIhkcipyTMAxJ39b2EhFJc0b_iH0_02reiXkIbZQsCQ6LaUjdcKMnSNGbw2Wc8Lz1VWZCwybo-KRr_6k6-LoRbe1T9wHccqleUiedajytICqItqwWCaq-q-yWs/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCjmMJi7mdrJAqjvZ-rsIhkcipyTMAxJ39b2EhFJc0b_iH0_02reiXkIbZQsCQ6LaUjdcKMnSNGbw2Wc8Lz1VWZCwybo-KRr_6k6-LoRbe1T9wHccqleUiedajytICqItqwWCaq-q-yWs/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4O2vXvAGdOaSpGdppTU3DNgHcYWsI6cHyDjtTPWQdhW5XeGOitLRtAnLfbKpFEj1xx6QsKI5qtUytqhO1PNsjBHkcqG4F38kThMs8ENq0R_8DiT9h5rUb8OOizHFLi2wZy20B7Yde-eA/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4O2vXvAGdOaSpGdppTU3DNgHcYWsI6cHyDjtTPWQdhW5XeGOitLRtAnLfbKpFEj1xx6QsKI5qtUytqhO1PNsjBHkcqG4F38kThMs8ENq0R_8DiT9h5rUb8OOizHFLi2wZy20B7Yde-eA/s320/IMG_3519.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max love the spring sun. He enjoys basking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-48381513387182504492012-03-27T13:39:00.001-07:002012-03-27T13:39:49.166-07:00Scrappy Miniature Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made another quilt (I know I am obsessed). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C93yBJfBfTW8CqPOhUsZ9Tfe1p1cmJeXG_6tv9OzLGjbft_dJRh7vIzZs3jchDX6GeLdH7r12nlLKSuIT1ZmAGzoxpV67Qi7m-CNsBtZE-t5bx4AULwDthUSb7MzGMWKtD6D3LXvngoK/s1600/IMG_3475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C93yBJfBfTW8CqPOhUsZ9Tfe1p1cmJeXG_6tv9OzLGjbft_dJRh7vIzZs3jchDX6GeLdH7r12nlLKSuIT1ZmAGzoxpV67Qi7m-CNsBtZE-t5bx4AULwDthUSb7MzGMWKtD6D3LXvngoK/s320/IMG_3475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This time I was inspired by the wonderful blogger <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/">here</a> who started talking using scraps to make more beautiful things. I liked the idea of using small bits of things you already have from other projects</div>
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This is a very scrappy little quilt, even the whites were resurrected from some other project.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRpHK__qUQ6AH4d3ZDQmKoOWzxmXafdajbtgxLzeMz-chbxoqZb5akmFE_M6pHRlY9RiKhjilSyf2rniiRDechaW6433KEX03KY-WrT4yZnaFn_hevmE_vJNzcke8xSe92qb3SPw3OIqO/s1600/IMG_3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRpHK__qUQ6AH4d3ZDQmKoOWzxmXafdajbtgxLzeMz-chbxoqZb5akmFE_M6pHRlY9RiKhjilSyf2rniiRDechaW6433KEX03KY-WrT4yZnaFn_hevmE_vJNzcke8xSe92qb3SPw3OIqO/s320/IMG_3479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It measures 22x22 inches. If you are a quilter (and care) it is just a simple half square triangle star with some sashing around it. I do love a good star. I decided to get creative in my quilting, because this is only the third quilt I have every quilted and I wanted to try something crazy, well crazy for me.<br />
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It is simple and small, but it makes me happy! I think tomorrow it is going to move to my office wall.<br />
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Third Quilt!<br />
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<a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2012/01/scrap-attack-quilt-along.html" target="_blank" title="Scrap Attack Quilt-Along"><img alt="Scrap Attack Quilt-Along" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0hgKUVMEtfE/TwNEoywwfuI/AAAAAAAAAtY/ezHbJ9hI6IM/s150/Scrap%252520Attack%252520150.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-71031088011438413632012-03-25T17:44:00.001-07:002012-03-25T17:45:23.074-07:00Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LXN0tt-0hP1tNfbWyJ2T1mW_36Fg0ZYAcehQ8fhrimqBt5s4-xwwQ0pcCTK5BfggvGBCKcDCXmRerW-GGHIGDIO1q8mDefj4eNOS6fhN8SWA7D829CXUnRGwRJi6A2rYAVj4jkXMKB-M/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LXN0tt-0hP1tNfbWyJ2T1mW_36Fg0ZYAcehQ8fhrimqBt5s4-xwwQ0pcCTK5BfggvGBCKcDCXmRerW-GGHIGDIO1q8mDefj4eNOS6fhN8SWA7D829CXUnRGwRJi6A2rYAVj4jkXMKB-M/s320/IMG_3412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hi there!<br />
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It has been too long. My fault.<br />
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I went to Tennessee and dug some stuff up. I made pasta (more on this later) and marshmallows. I made another quilt (I know I am obsessed, pictures coming soon). I drank some drinks with my dear friends as they celebrated their birthdays. My car had expensive surgery. I might have cried (about my car's health problems). It has sort of been a momentous couple of weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMAYuf3Hh0CLbhOHrDI89txHZ74RpdpL9Z2zVSPv9OAj5cWdN27mW9x5nG6B-UD5JVNC7PLJb-g1hvcdyZvdhV4HqnO2aXD4t1IExovhtTkBYVtGhIjkLRD_Hq_iM7joy9QHFcgNsbYqb/s1600/IMG_3436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMAYuf3Hh0CLbhOHrDI89txHZ74RpdpL9Z2zVSPv9OAj5cWdN27mW9x5nG6B-UD5JVNC7PLJb-g1hvcdyZvdhV4HqnO2aXD4t1IExovhtTkBYVtGhIjkLRD_Hq_iM7joy9QHFcgNsbYqb/s320/IMG_3436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7HuiRTbljfC2JTldCxQLfCNJZ3JU2BYQSsqq7CS96FCSpFWlwuTqdL_3eazfOE_c4RMLFP9X7d41SSuIBEDkvKackQ-YJC8MQ7VEsKvhyUz9ieeE3lrGEcbTosVXJ2Llz3jn1i6lg2Fj/s1600/IMG_3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7HuiRTbljfC2JTldCxQLfCNJZ3JU2BYQSsqq7CS96FCSpFWlwuTqdL_3eazfOE_c4RMLFP9X7d41SSuIBEDkvKackQ-YJC8MQ7VEsKvhyUz9ieeE3lrGEcbTosVXJ2Llz3jn1i6lg2Fj/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a funfetti birthday cake I made from scratch, cause I am way too cool for cake mix (apparently).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98akC9JNRFq8hj44G4XBCtCQfAkGovpNdunhpSE3n3MFY9t-kcxyWgW75Gz8NwGicVDamdwU5EMLZh_G37yNka24TT4a_KqsO7pAsGxGRAC9x7K0jN9iMPzazye7mNTDvHaJLmnfamsiT/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98akC9JNRFq8hj44G4XBCtCQfAkGovpNdunhpSE3n3MFY9t-kcxyWgW75Gz8NwGicVDamdwU5EMLZh_G37yNka24TT4a_KqsO7pAsGxGRAC9x7K0jN9iMPzazye7mNTDvHaJLmnfamsiT/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this bag as a birthday present for a special someone. It reminds me of sunshine.</td></tr>
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In a month I am going to visit my love. As part of my vacation, we are going to go on a week long meta-vacation to Belgium. My plans involve beer, frites, waffles, and sprouts (in my head, Brussels sprouts are just sprouts when you are actually in Brussels). I am sure we will do other things. Mostly it is a chance to relax with my love. It has been over a year since we got to take a real vacation together and, even then, I am not sure two nights in an inn after our wedding counts as a vacation.<br />
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If anyone has Belgium suggestions please help!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUJRd6DArgNywVe6LHYnPVN_5r0cA57gaUej42y2qdtYszVsprtMCNc6R42WZu-GcT47FQk5V2tIUq1Abd1SAIZhdCCnj3RalLopMJmKq44QmZIDncgIWCDYll-7D7Ksiovt6rCFalgKj/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUJRd6DArgNywVe6LHYnPVN_5r0cA57gaUej42y2qdtYszVsprtMCNc6R42WZu-GcT47FQk5V2tIUq1Abd1SAIZhdCCnj3RalLopMJmKq44QmZIDncgIWCDYll-7D7Ksiovt6rCFalgKj/s320/IMG_3455.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Max's idea of having his picture taken is attacking the camera strap (this is a photo shoot "out take").</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I also made cookies. I am not sure how to describe these cookies. They taste like chocolate chip cookies, but they have this vague coconut flavor that is just enough to make the you look at them twice. They are chewy and chocolatey and everything a chocolate chip cookie should be plus some.<br />
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They are comforting and exotic all in one bite.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNsHYArXMv76e_YY0LFbDv0TJ5I6vJgLpypXbpfCdOjqCd9N4iafYV_N825HXONj4OlorNHaft-lXS9zcWVYrW49b3T15V3dUdSrmjwJpPhpQJC1xzS7TKpPMm1cueSIg7pFJz9Qia9Hk/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNsHYArXMv76e_YY0LFbDv0TJ5I6vJgLpypXbpfCdOjqCd9N4iafYV_N825HXONj4OlorNHaft-lXS9zcWVYrW49b3T15V3dUdSrmjwJpPhpQJC1xzS7TKpPMm1cueSIg7pFJz9Qia9Hk/s320/IMG_3397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Oil!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
<i>Makes about 24 cookies</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
2 1/4 cups (300 g) All-Purpose Flour<br />
1 teaspoon (6 g) Baking Soda<br />
1 teaspoon (6 g) Salt<br />
3/4 cup (150 g) Granulated Sugar<br />
3/4 cup (142 g) Brown Sugar<br />
1 cup (227 g) Coconut Oil (melted and slightly cooled)<br />
2 Large Eggs<br />
1 teaspoon (57 g) Vanilla Extract<br />
2 cups Chocolate Chips<br />
1/2 cup Unsweetened Dried Coconut Flakes<br />
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1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.<br />
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2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.<br />
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3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugars, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla.<br />
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4. Add the sugars (wet bowl) to the flour. Then add the coconut flakes and the chocolate chips, stir until just combined. The batter should not be smooth.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7U-rRAnrZy7JPT5uDz7XLJ3gG-EJePAZxRoFovbleWsPlCInWOaguZfZXRWwno7tPShwh-oIyI1HX-W3JZlZ-x0KxPKk0Lu2SYgFoQnCV0YUAB23AWvXnRhOSbAxkfTOIDOYozfIRlDN/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7U-rRAnrZy7JPT5uDz7XLJ3gG-EJePAZxRoFovbleWsPlCInWOaguZfZXRWwno7tPShwh-oIyI1HX-W3JZlZ-x0KxPKk0Lu2SYgFoQnCV0YUAB23AWvXnRhOSbAxkfTOIDOYozfIRlDN/s320/IMG_3403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie dough. Why do you taste so good?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Scoop out golf ball sized balls (maybe slightly smaller) onto a parchment (or sil-pat) lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating the tray once at 6 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes and the move them to a rack to cook completely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqYKkP3YSQF_CAitDmNQZQqopXZdHEZZsycWvtdlVNexBbOA7700sqt45srwotBQ2f4EiPnoAJL2_KwfUMRbvHZCJCRYwNkYSteyRegQF24rmmquVggW808iN3Wkdg0QaK4tUt9K_Xvpp/s1600/IMG_3405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqYKkP3YSQF_CAitDmNQZQqopXZdHEZZsycWvtdlVNexBbOA7700sqt45srwotBQ2f4EiPnoAJL2_KwfUMRbvHZCJCRYwNkYSteyRegQF24rmmquVggW808iN3Wkdg0QaK4tUt9K_Xvpp/s320/IMG_3405.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to bake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLMcFD-CpT292At0UrNprL_FHMbuheGrFWmsoCszyqcQ045ymgFHZkgbt6o6KlZM7NmaMzCL88AIfJ8wxlYTywTR-1x1QF8V0g-17eowIRgRPLRf9gTMhQhvXbGJ5NAHvJlFlURXFsNpT/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLMcFD-CpT292At0UrNprL_FHMbuheGrFWmsoCszyqcQ045ymgFHZkgbt6o6KlZM7NmaMzCL88AIfJ8wxlYTywTR-1x1QF8V0g-17eowIRgRPLRf9gTMhQhvXbGJ5NAHvJlFlURXFsNpT/s320/IMG_3409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz8WkwPKraGkyWktx3_G2sO1sFlO1rGIhherhjNz-OHG7HHRiBPKnSl47yox443cMVTr1yoNJ9FhPR_bzmxDLVndzk3Xu4VBPm5HQv8_POagosefjMP-r7Ktu7YZeiY3BJSfzIIciarjI/s1600/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz8WkwPKraGkyWktx3_G2sO1sFlO1rGIhherhjNz-OHG7HHRiBPKnSl47yox443cMVTr1yoNJ9FhPR_bzmxDLVndzk3Xu4VBPm5HQv8_POagosefjMP-r7Ktu7YZeiY3BJSfzIIciarjI/s320/IMG_3413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to eat. End of story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-61470573566358196452012-02-22T18:18:00.002-08:002012-02-22T18:20:51.202-08:00Swiss Chard and Sausage Rigatoni + Real TalkI am going to get real here. I am sorry, you can skip to the recipe if you want.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43ALlcoT0RIpE0qBT-SbSeb3kFft-L_J_g3FuLmPgbaA1rk4eRQtk2uoLGBagdF4Mfqxj3Hy0lAmzpitytWXOkpyERDXpr54W3XLK_6iczAIEP5SlTAED-Fvq7Y5flzkbggQr3SIZwigL/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43ALlcoT0RIpE0qBT-SbSeb3kFft-L_J_g3FuLmPgbaA1rk4eRQtk2uoLGBagdF4Mfqxj3Hy0lAmzpitytWXOkpyERDXpr54W3XLK_6iczAIEP5SlTAED-Fvq7Y5flzkbggQr3SIZwigL/s320/IMG_3377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
I don't mind.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIEDjl5tyuWN6Z5wvhkrzOlk7-g0Rbxc0vJR2FBRnX8yTs44ZiDe4B6zssQOoRQrfpIP3OU1HD8oTv1ZdIwceIpWq-yFg8AYWwWBwjf9qv2xOdgHtctOVNd3dC32FVxtaLO1XR5wDcSe0/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIEDjl5tyuWN6Z5wvhkrzOlk7-g0Rbxc0vJR2FBRnX8yTs44ZiDe4B6zssQOoRQrfpIP3OU1HD8oTv1ZdIwceIpWq-yFg8AYWwWBwjf9qv2xOdgHtctOVNd3dC32FVxtaLO1XR5wDcSe0/s320/IMG_2307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
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<div>
Derek has been gone since the middle of September. He came back for two weeks for Christmas and we try to talk everyday. I am going to see him in 62 days (for two weeks). That is it.</div>
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Then he is coming home in 143 days. </div>
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I miss him more than I can say.</div>
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<div>
I am totally a modern woman. I am self-sufficient, someone who manages people (in small numbers), organizes travel, and drives long distances alone. I have lived alone, travelled abroad alone, and worked in foreign countries. I do not think of myself as co-dependent. Derek and I have totally done this before too. He spent a year in Germany while I was in graduate school in Denver. </div>
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<div>
Somehow this year is different. Derek is gone and I am empty. I get home from work and the house is empty. There are no cuddles in the bed before I go to sleep (except with the kitten, but that is a different story). Everything is very empty. </div>
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<div>
I feel like I should not feel sorry for myself. I have a great home, wonderful friends, a great family, an awesome job, and a very cuddly stripped kitten. I also get to have a full time Derek in just 143 days, tons of people are not so lucky. It's just that I am missing my love always.</div>
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When I busy with friends, work, and sewing it not a big deal. When I am not busy it is easy to be a little sad. </div>
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Sorry for the pity party. </div>
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<div>
Now for a recipe. This dinner makes me happy, in a way only food can. Derek loves this dinner too. </div>
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<div>
It is really easy and fast. Perfect happy food, plus if you use rainbow chard you get to eat a cheerful rainbow, which is nice on a cloudy day. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVb_fFbHjdG3B_-tTdhFjpLnMoGA0rhMsHpOqxulNSwCF10NjNn-rjgfaa98GSOyJBY5tBGnmECENZmrfodj5138gKMjXqKNkiBiq_7dc8u1DACx9QQ17LrrQfTtw1tWESB9yIgnNgH8o/s1600/IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVb_fFbHjdG3B_-tTdhFjpLnMoGA0rhMsHpOqxulNSwCF10NjNn-rjgfaa98GSOyJBY5tBGnmECENZmrfodj5138gKMjXqKNkiBiq_7dc8u1DACx9QQ17LrrQfTtw1tWESB9yIgnNgH8o/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>Swiss Chard and Sausage Rigatoni</b></div>
<div>
Extensively modified from an old <i>Real Simple</i> cookbook</div>
<div>
Serves 4</div>
<div>
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<div>
1 pound dried rigatoni (penne or ziti would work too)</div>
<div>
1 tablespoon olive oil</div>
<div>
1 pound chorizo or hot italian sausage*</div>
<div>
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced</div>
<div>
1 14.5 ounce can of vegetable broth</div>
<div>
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes</div>
<div>
1 bunch swiss chard, stems removed and roughly chopped</div>
<div>
2 tablespoons unsalted butter</div>
<div>
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated parmesan</div>
<div>
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt</div>
<div>
1/4 teaspoon black pepper</div>
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<div>
1. Boil water with plenty of salt and cook the pasta al dente according to the directions, about a minute less than the package directions. </div>
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2. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook it all of the way, about 7 minutes. Spoon off and discard the excess fat. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs9zPNOnJWHQ-Fv8SdVYkGRYNkowAuBXbYDKxlbxwJ_Yk6HbNTh66zgJTEld1zz-8Xw0vUmaLhNMiKWpiFUTrRTvQ6z1bILhrmuq0Rm3lfkZBFpMIDSPUXL_t38f1e6Oa4waJf-iO70mg/s1600/IMG_3359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs9zPNOnJWHQ-Fv8SdVYkGRYNkowAuBXbYDKxlbxwJ_Yk6HbNTh66zgJTEld1zz-8Xw0vUmaLhNMiKWpiFUTrRTvQ6z1bILhrmuq0Rm3lfkZBFpMIDSPUXL_t38f1e6Oa4waJf-iO70mg/s320/IMG_3359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking the pork. This is the best pork ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add the broth and red pepper flakes and bring them to a boil. Then, add the swiss chard, cover, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the butter and pasta to the sauce and stir until combined. </div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpsOS9lLB9ldQg79GNujhseqnVCBgUXGKlv4jfhnDVGq8IYI-iFGOv4BfCDb3FWXm2lO1jae6V8dZ7z6XJgO6oVYDJ4xt4H2wECjt9UoC9xdsTJpCTiymd8HO6sZCXcBz40kkuEAgmyZ-/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpsOS9lLB9ldQg79GNujhseqnVCBgUXGKlv4jfhnDVGq8IYI-iFGOv4BfCDb3FWXm2lO1jae6V8dZ7z6XJgO6oVYDJ4xt4H2wECjt9UoC9xdsTJpCTiymd8HO6sZCXcBz40kkuEAgmyZ-/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I have a kitty cat spatula. It makes me smile.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZSo-bCaILVVtaz75b0jefJOZpxsBcQ4ObzeARhnnt8do9K62alKevRYY9ktY1zLalw97ExrgLgXcxEITQ9EiF_oevIzhWPaty51_3B227pKD_uA2t0m31VSU-6xgQS14xlbLBI3dgtyj/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZSo-bCaILVVtaz75b0jefJOZpxsBcQ4ObzeARhnnt8do9K62alKevRYY9ktY1zLalw97ExrgLgXcxEITQ9EiF_oevIzhWPaty51_3B227pKD_uA2t0m31VSU-6xgQS14xlbLBI3dgtyj/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Sauce!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2XbuywFnZl-NCZQCtDDnsl1eXhHBZXMJM7uIvAlT3sAUiWcp1w5bAkZa5nfuguecYVDrdCAZyu6rj_ddMqX_WHWUQcFJWdnwj2ZLuXCK0aKSw_NOnWtD36DrJzP2oHQtMPrAlAuYvQTQ/s1600/IMG_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2XbuywFnZl-NCZQCtDDnsl1eXhHBZXMJM7uIvAlT3sAUiWcp1w5bAkZa5nfuguecYVDrdCAZyu6rj_ddMqX_WHWUQcFJWdnwj2ZLuXCK0aKSw_NOnWtD36DrJzP2oHQtMPrAlAuYvQTQ/s320/IMG_3366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Chard and pork sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
4. With the lid off stir the pasta and the sauce until the sauce thickens and some of the broth boils off. Stir in the parmesan cheese and salt and pepper. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFHjFvP7j_suwJJeHlTRS4OGh_1Ws4w36Kz9JsJEdauo1cwQCbtg9oh3vBJfVOqoyod661OF3Knz3fci0DS6zfQ-OK_OgvGkYQQIWbXRcvs1yK81kjCQoPU4owUH2KwfQODEkUVgWLoQc/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFHjFvP7j_suwJJeHlTRS4OGh_1Ws4w36Kz9JsJEdauo1cwQCbtg9oh3vBJfVOqoyod661OF3Knz3fci0DS6zfQ-OK_OgvGkYQQIWbXRcvs1yK81kjCQoPU4owUH2KwfQODEkUVgWLoQc/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it is time to stir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvZLKZ7FSBzmnKTjlhZW03wgUbTQXlTqJEvup9lQMAq6mcVXqShM1033unAyEPt4TgslMWEPB3TipPUymYMB4BTZvueQ2bLpQs3TNZE8OA7lKjh17o2AF-MW7GU1Y2kuHsIJmPn1eHFIg/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvZLKZ7FSBzmnKTjlhZW03wgUbTQXlTqJEvup9lQMAq6mcVXqShM1033unAyEPt4TgslMWEPB3TipPUymYMB4BTZvueQ2bLpQs3TNZE8OA7lKjh17o2AF-MW7GU1Y2kuHsIJmPn1eHFIg/s320/IMG_3375.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta combined!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
5. Serve. No cheese on top. This has plenty of cheese already.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v2x-FJxO8o2JGiIf-MOkqTjq8FeGLHd1vc9SbWminzHgoKtC_IC8yEmKz1q2VqaZV2JosIqc7g5BdOFn5Tvx_8mwATuYk2eRIRAlokjBvq8_38AW1yFAgdi5mCMOELRTkGnuC_i9WEXG/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v2x-FJxO8o2JGiIf-MOkqTjq8FeGLHd1vc9SbWminzHgoKtC_IC8yEmKz1q2VqaZV2JosIqc7g5BdOFn5Tvx_8mwATuYk2eRIRAlokjBvq8_38AW1yFAgdi5mCMOELRTkGnuC_i9WEXG/s320/IMG_3379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner. Wine. Always.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
*Please buy locally raised and antibiotic free pork. Smithfield is the devil. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSch2IUCw_VA4-IlvHfXvQNUOYTYq2t0oEZA3fWnHLVlax8miLWVyLjIZoq0fb0eZ8R7Ick9NdzjitOVNN9He9Bo-A5pxHJ2_UmIG0QrzF-XleSwBDXCoTSyYPgwKUnKZmuTM0IwwGepG/s1600/IMG_3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSch2IUCw_VA4-IlvHfXvQNUOYTYq2t0oEZA3fWnHLVlax8miLWVyLjIZoq0fb0eZ8R7Ick9NdzjitOVNN9He9Bo-A5pxHJ2_UmIG0QrzF-XleSwBDXCoTSyYPgwKUnKZmuTM0IwwGepG/s320/IMG_3358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork from <a href="http://archaeologistontheroad.blogspot.com/2011/01/cane-creek-farm.html">here</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-20599172592825479042012-02-18T08:48:00.000-08:002012-02-18T05:52:21.821-08:00Swiss Chard and Winter (in a manner of speaking)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IXhwIHAGYvDShPG9DDw1ZJUvdPel4Pw2iQBitcCZT0b_mdewkW4tv5mouDSwKWcccA3T4163Ecf63vZi38R1UzKD6LHQ2XRKO36_sYBIln8SJd1R6j5c47Uv4F0HF4fGJnRnk_I38rAO/s1600/IMG_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IXhwIHAGYvDShPG9DDw1ZJUvdPel4Pw2iQBitcCZT0b_mdewkW4tv5mouDSwKWcccA3T4163Ecf63vZi38R1UzKD6LHQ2XRKO36_sYBIln8SJd1R6j5c47Uv4F0HF4fGJnRnk_I38rAO/s320/IMG_3113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that swiss chard in that sandwich? Brilliant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is winter here in North Carolina.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaKcuDlcvsD4jHwYxwB-AFMX6g5JPav1bQRlr-Y6eQdxN1f9R4dF3FFZftS201Y7SLMeEHVgojLbi1f-GrvWdb54XhyRbhU1YqtSgwzIshjf0Zl349H6uR7aBIuOQ8OvxhmF3VXv46zbd/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaKcuDlcvsD4jHwYxwB-AFMX6g5JPav1bQRlr-Y6eQdxN1f9R4dF3FFZftS201Y7SLMeEHVgojLbi1f-GrvWdb54XhyRbhU1YqtSgwzIshjf0Zl349H6uR7aBIuOQ8OvxhmF3VXv46zbd/s320/IMG_3213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter is hiding just like the fuzz (sorry couldn't resist posting this picture).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, that is not exactly true. It would be more accurate for me to say it is February in North Carolina. Winter implies a certain amount of cold miserable weather, which has just not happened. I am okay with that. I have decided that if I can not ski I do not care for winter. All it does is kill my favorite vegetables.<br />
<br />
Except this year it has not! I mean, I am not eating tomatoes or anything, but certain winter greens have been coming to the farmer's market every week (that's right, we hippies in the south have a year round farmer's market). It is certainly not the bounty we get in summer. In February, I will take it.<br />
<br />
I have many favorite winter vegetables. I love carrots, brussels sprouts, squash, and I have even developed a soft spot for kale (prepared properly). My favorite is swiss chard.<br />
<br />
Reasons swiss chard is kick a** (this blog is PG, sort of):<br />
1. It is beautiful (I know it comes in rainbow and plain, as with most things, I prefer rainbow). I love bright colors and this is one vegetable that can give me that in spades.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpswgXj64_gaJyStW1YKBcvSApatgTp7mF5cVK_gs9XcDo6ubIAg2rNzboo3zwJOqjo-mmhhTWyO7ZDxsp7hTQNNxATY5nMSCcHqoHWpcwt5m3FY2P7E9VJuD8amnORPH6zCNcS91Cq3t/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpswgXj64_gaJyStW1YKBcvSApatgTp7mF5cVK_gs9XcDo6ubIAg2rNzboo3zwJOqjo-mmhhTWyO7ZDxsp7hTQNNxATY5nMSCcHqoHWpcwt5m3FY2P7E9VJuD8amnORPH6zCNcS91Cq3t/s320/IMG_3098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Chard! I have no idea why my cell phone is right there. I am probably checking Facebook or something else essential. A glimpse into my fascinating life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. It is versatile. Soup, gratin, tossed with pasta, sauteed with [insert favorite seasonings here], and many other applications all taste wonderful.<br />
<br />
3. It makes me feel healthy. I know that chard is not healthy when doused in cream, covered in cheese, or cooked with olive oil, but a girl can convince herself otherwise. This is a vegetable. Healthy.<br />
<br />
<b>Garlicky Swiss Chard Grilled Cheese</b><br />
Serves 2 to 4 depending on how much chard you get<br />
<br />
1 Bunch of Swiss Chard (I like rainbow, but it really does not matter)<br />
2 cloves garlic<br />
Olive oil<br />
Salt<br />
Butter<br />
Bread (I prefer sourdough sandwich bread, but a whole grain bread would be healthier and anything will really do)<br />
Cheddar Cheese (I like a sharp white cheddar, but make it your own!)<br />
<br />
1. Remove the swiss chard from the stems and roughly chop it into approximately 2 inch square pieces. Peel and chop up the garlic cloves. If you are a better person than me chop up your stems and use them too. I am going to save these for something else because I do not like the texture in the sandwich.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvMNSGndlGfLEc_YCvVlUfbcL_6fIxmNhenL_RN2Nhv4xeDRvEspPiJMMdl-VeLU9CMZz-QLSC9RM3MlgA2wd9A88_Mmj6ZJ2yFNi7E_Ew17v4IYo9UCIxdIG3SPhVHj5_6a-zGUA2akE/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvMNSGndlGfLEc_YCvVlUfbcL_6fIxmNhenL_RN2Nhv4xeDRvEspPiJMMdl-VeLU9CMZz-QLSC9RM3MlgA2wd9A88_Mmj6ZJ2yFNi7E_Ew17v4IYo9UCIxdIG3SPhVHj5_6a-zGUA2akE/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty chard and so beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. Heat a heavy pan to medium heat with about a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the chard, garlic, and a pinch of salt in the heated pan. Stir to get everything combined. Cook for about 1 minute like this then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook this way until the chard is tender and droopy (about 5 minutes). These will need longer if you added the stems. Remove the lid and let all of the water cook off. Take the chard out of the pan, but leave the pan on the heat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL44vQPz1fH2Q4TkluSzp__IDZu2E_MGLBJ8ryH3PJcL1KfgoWqRuKa9w243upQV_8ODkIhF4ToQIUBhzUnXoGJiB2NMNS_NKsIMRCss-znXlj1a9Vb-qiFyqzi3MVI5U1zLzfVyxx_45U/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL44vQPz1fH2Q4TkluSzp__IDZu2E_MGLBJ8ryH3PJcL1KfgoWqRuKa9w243upQV_8ODkIhF4ToQIUBhzUnXoGJiB2NMNS_NKsIMRCss-znXlj1a9Vb-qiFyqzi3MVI5U1zLzfVyxx_45U/s320/IMG_3103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKMa-yclAI70ImvuiImUAXVi6tJdvNkfkJyJDcxFjvnFliRRRs-V-uXc5uEbulPo0bCbXHYG9G1cwAgRLzQhNnkoMjRVq8_Ag7oolqg2M8MW0-Oaajtz7hYNYjFjwIyfoDzsXMuC2ClRA/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKMa-yclAI70ImvuiImUAXVi6tJdvNkfkJyJDcxFjvnFliRRRs-V-uXc5uEbulPo0bCbXHYG9G1cwAgRLzQhNnkoMjRVq8_Ag7oolqg2M8MW0-Oaajtz7hYNYjFjwIyfoDzsXMuC2ClRA/s320/IMG_3105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Take two slices of bread and butter one side. You can be as generous or stingy as you would like here. I try and straddle a very fine line between gluttonous and boring. More butter = more crusty deliciousness.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkeEpYL_s0mhT9LWvGAOwNq7HooDt66LYuqPLhoO9o5AjtOqWISaCyWu8n5xCHWz36dvtIEbvmf5I1DDU2mkYo5b2NfcHtUrJ8bjQQ7H5AUyE-L_0t0KLpix2TX_JxmamDCiK6PtBjIXB/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkeEpYL_s0mhT9LWvGAOwNq7HooDt66LYuqPLhoO9o5AjtOqWISaCyWu8n5xCHWz36dvtIEbvmf5I1DDU2mkYo5b2NfcHtUrJ8bjQQ7H5AUyE-L_0t0KLpix2TX_JxmamDCiK6PtBjIXB/s320/IMG_3107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttering bread. What's that Sarah, an apple cider? I am going to start calling it chef juice (thanks Gilmore Girls).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4. Slice your cheddar to taste and place it on the unbuttered side of one of your bread slices. Cover this cheese with a generous handful of chard. Add the other slice of buttered bread on top (butter up). Repeat process with all of the sandwiches you wish to make.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8kfNxcr_A5tl3xq7BiSfzjA3jQjyQGFqCSaUInXR03eYfty8xq1hEDee89Kinvba4YFY32A_YfiHH_nRA4rUQtTI5AFPzvrKRy1aldbUqgjXOPM7aM952ieX3DU5LwMysFyTVrYAlLKF/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8kfNxcr_A5tl3xq7BiSfzjA3jQjyQGFqCSaUInXR03eYfty8xq1hEDee89Kinvba4YFY32A_YfiHH_nRA4rUQtTI5AFPzvrKRy1aldbUqgjXOPM7aM952ieX3DU5LwMysFyTVrYAlLKF/s320/IMG_3110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembling sandwich.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Put this sandwich on the heavy pan. No grease necessary, remember the butter. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese has started to melt. Sometimes I use the lid for part of this time to speed up the cheese melting. Flip the sandwiches and do the same for the other side.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBLHWqYkcCJxOEo2_2yANgv5G-ijST4fV1QyJxuNk1LX1JOm_D3YYi0VDwlhFinqv81edQBmwi43Hk_SBWBuh_9FPHdgQkICo_NfuHylQY9LtXVSvpeAoNMRpB8bGBBc6St1IpmQuaom_/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBLHWqYkcCJxOEo2_2yANgv5G-ijST4fV1QyJxuNk1LX1JOm_D3YYi0VDwlhFinqv81edQBmwi43Hk_SBWBuh_9FPHdgQkICo_NfuHylQY9LtXVSvpeAoNMRpB8bGBBc6St1IpmQuaom_/s320/IMG_3112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwiches in the pan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Remove and serve with tomato soup, roasted potatoes, by themselves, the world is your oyster.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyacwf3TtZ9zzHtNgqma8dZHRzGeQljwLnWEVRfRHmhNkbXs0JOrfIOZE190EqVQCyMYLnxUo6vENrOu_xncfHyTJOqc2rkpCOcCR4eou3P_Mx1lACOndZbMy23SIYcG2xI0Icu4tRLfT/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyacwf3TtZ9zzHtNgqma8dZHRzGeQljwLnWEVRfRHmhNkbXs0JOrfIOZE190EqVQCyMYLnxUo6vENrOu_xncfHyTJOqc2rkpCOcCR4eou3P_Mx1lACOndZbMy23SIYcG2xI0Icu4tRLfT/s320/IMG_3115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Served with roasted potatoes. Winter dinner. Done. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-68128864944969860462012-02-17T23:00:00.000-08:002012-02-18T06:03:18.408-08:00I finished my Mom's birthday quiltI just needed to share these pictures because they make me so happy! Feel free to ignore the glimpses of my neighbors house and my crazy yard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-GlbxMAUv33LIsQv7kAiYpdjk2ZEoyhPmRsyHGnnIZXf1AEQ4SZm__iQ3f50n1cR44Okyn51m22lSbp6ZyFalTiuHQ-UDNprUcZ4J5Psk1qcRfyAvHWiJGms6wYXm96-nxZiIIVZXcd1/s1600/IMG_3348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-GlbxMAUv33LIsQv7kAiYpdjk2ZEoyhPmRsyHGnnIZXf1AEQ4SZm__iQ3f50n1cR44Okyn51m22lSbp6ZyFalTiuHQ-UDNprUcZ4J5Psk1qcRfyAvHWiJGms6wYXm96-nxZiIIVZXcd1/s320/IMG_3348.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This was the secret project I alluded to about a month ago. The colors are inspired by the winter sunrise as I see it through my rearview mirror while driving to work. Do you see it? Maybe not...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_LY6KtgN1OJTReLVBdpTIsK_y6Tnd3SxYFACZW7Uxo7A70l0gADFpRIcZwPL3Qw57_RjVyzEPFLe1ts5XWR7ugVQFsyVVcIjP2FtqJVEtObx7PiHHoTKBOjhx7zpS1O1eYFFUJhyDauu/s1600/IMG_3350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_LY6KtgN1OJTReLVBdpTIsK_y6Tnd3SxYFACZW7Uxo7A70l0gADFpRIcZwPL3Qw57_RjVyzEPFLe1ts5XWR7ugVQFsyVVcIjP2FtqJVEtObx7PiHHoTKBOjhx7zpS1O1eYFFUJhyDauu/s320/IMG_3350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love you Mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I cut, sewed, quilted, and embroidered. Now it is done. It is warm and soft and I hope she loves it as much as I do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv1m_La6jRwIns6Aiog0fS2asNqxM6yT3m_Nf-rTXtAKSClluQa2YokMpgI2cJQmfP0nY7t_yK_zHLjCadhEBxS6QiiTF7n7wSh8FyOw7vox5JW8MSJQdLrhJkQntam583ycqGKXKuUL2/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv1m_La6jRwIns6Aiog0fS2asNqxM6yT3m_Nf-rTXtAKSClluQa2YokMpgI2cJQmfP0nY7t_yK_zHLjCadhEBxS6QiiTF7n7wSh8FyOw7vox5JW8MSJQdLrhJkQntam583ycqGKXKuUL2/s320/IMG_3346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is hard to see, but the back is pieced from some of the same colors as the front.. Also, yes I have a traffic cone in my back yard, no I did not steal it. Uh, if you do not know my neighborhood it is a little hard to explain. Can I just say it is interesting?</td></tr>
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I put a lot of love into this quilt, now it is off in the Portland wilds. Second quilt done!</div>
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<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-54232324540339911742012-01-15T06:14:00.000-08:002012-01-15T06:18:54.902-08:00My List Accomplishments<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqYmLPhFR8VTN3bZPZBBmvuP1dllq8I-ekFydHtMhDGY6HoZ-wXkp-fDwI2qPOpZrtQiXg3PdXYBCcB4r8is_JUL3QoVbHsEQbIjjMdEW3VtKfHWj7AtN5VJI2ivNKRhyJ97BCKxkw03y/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqYmLPhFR8VTN3bZPZBBmvuP1dllq8I-ekFydHtMhDGY6HoZ-wXkp-fDwI2qPOpZrtQiXg3PdXYBCcB4r8is_JUL3QoVbHsEQbIjjMdEW3VtKfHWj7AtN5VJI2ivNKRhyJ97BCKxkw03y/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max has no goals, which I feel this picture demonstrates.</td></tr>
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Remember my list?<br />
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<div>
Okay, you probably don't remember. When my husband left to work in Germany for 9 months I made myself a bucket <a href="http://archaeologistontheroad.blogspot.com/p/2011-2012-my-list_24.html">list</a> of sorts. The goal was to force myself to live my life to the fullest, even though I was alone. I have not been recording it very well, but I am making slow and steady list accomplishments! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJypQaBEFF4oUwjzobt0FJqTDJDWX5LuiU4puWT3ESgUV8iz8qmQJIL-F59nKZ_4XoUDn2Lp2PyqHtrRmiYs7oNJPazLBsE6BWhWtDF9edEK2kquhmArEoLONBVqEbht949r4ie3F-PYGg/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJypQaBEFF4oUwjzobt0FJqTDJDWX5LuiU4puWT3ESgUV8iz8qmQJIL-F59nKZ_4XoUDn2Lp2PyqHtrRmiYs7oNJPazLBsE6BWhWtDF9edEK2kquhmArEoLONBVqEbht949r4ie3F-PYGg/s320/IMG_2807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That hole was so easy to dig, just like a big shovel test. </td></tr>
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<div>
<br />
I planted a tree. Do not worry arborists, I planted this tree in the fall when it was appropriate (I know all of my readers were deeply concerned). Her name is Wanda and she is a Brown Turkey Fig tree. I did my research (there is a Brown Turkey Fig tree up the street) and I know it will grown in my climate. It should also produce this summer, if I can manage not to kill it. She is small, but cute!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxTJvnETae-zNpCJcC-Ir1ja1hKT4EoOm08vdY1uiYpRjfwvEXvotRkg_-q_JPDtSOveq-4ikces8vX9cx9D3HOYgp8tO12kutiXTSlh9JXbD1OH_8FDKZCoBnHY41yLU7nXU5vhg423_/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxTJvnETae-zNpCJcC-Ir1ja1hKT4EoOm08vdY1uiYpRjfwvEXvotRkg_-q_JPDtSOveq-4ikces8vX9cx9D3HOYgp8tO12kutiXTSlh9JXbD1OH_8FDKZCoBnHY41yLU7nXU5vhg423_/s320/IMG_2825.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanda in the ground</td></tr>
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</div>
<div>
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Turns out planting a tree is just like <a href="http://archaeologistontheroad.blogspot.com/2010/11/shovel-testing.html">shovel testing</a>, meaning, I just had to dig a hole and put the tree in it. But, now I have a tree!</div>
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<div>
I went trail running last Saturday. It was beautiful and rewarding. The sun was shining and we were having a freakishly warm day (I mean in the 70 degrees Fahrenheit range). I liked it. Driving to run seems a little silly to me, so this will be a sometimes treat. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yp8aXTqg4Frelq4N6_Pp6o4q_FpgJcBxu5Hen5F0NVps7LfRfeWsuT2VmqOkQlkMdtjhgYuZqF9nMZBuU-9wk7TrZY7P-t3S_SgRSmgpMQu17kULpoy9clDgdC0TZiAHWuOl9dWBEINZ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yp8aXTqg4Frelq4N6_Pp6o4q_FpgJcBxu5Hen5F0NVps7LfRfeWsuT2VmqOkQlkMdtjhgYuZqF9nMZBuU-9wk7TrZY7P-t3S_SgRSmgpMQu17kULpoy9clDgdC0TZiAHWuOl9dWBEINZ/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is totally a posed picture, I did not bring my camera running silly!<br />
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Okay, I am saving the best for last! This is actually the reason I have been an itinerant blogger lately. I have been obsessed with quilting. </div>
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I can not believe I turned this fabric...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z_ivkDeDRaeFLIIVpg2fXjCpTghS1Da7xNnKh5WlnlC2F-_QSY9-jY_VLgfzo_3KMVwC7IIWjY_ItRL8bVTnRDX3YJNiu5MvmEnpxwv8UqIfUbpaAvAiHZPnsMlIdqa3Svw_iOE7GKmo/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5z_ivkDeDRaeFLIIVpg2fXjCpTghS1Da7xNnKh5WlnlC2F-_QSY9-jY_VLgfzo_3KMVwC7IIWjY_ItRL8bVTnRDX3YJNiu5MvmEnpxwv8UqIfUbpaAvAiHZPnsMlIdqa3Svw_iOE7GKmo/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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into a bunch of little squares,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQU3GfgogH-n3avDCCAnv5jKXHf0_5cQvn_d2LXPDGvSywOTNNFGo8XF0uTTZ2P_7QwxCYSKcWIbsi1So0UMynDKWEmcgXARSrxXsjDTSq3sJcmQ7JyRjMmEu_Q__kU1BL21JZLxV-cfT/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQU3GfgogH-n3avDCCAnv5jKXHf0_5cQvn_d2LXPDGvSywOTNNFGo8XF0uTTZ2P_7QwxCYSKcWIbsi1So0UMynDKWEmcgXARSrxXsjDTSq3sJcmQ7JyRjMmEu_Q__kU1BL21JZLxV-cfT/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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which I sewed together and added applique circles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n6liiKQbQUZSsgbFfbZxaMyLYeJdCmSMc8atPR8SS7m0DMF4g5ie4m1iu9ULOqMN89zJ6PXlDeZ7hrxJL6ey_370sgctub4CwirechU4jU6V_C5hwEFuJM7zFElQ_ZNmi7L72WwBUajP/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n6liiKQbQUZSsgbFfbZxaMyLYeJdCmSMc8atPR8SS7m0DMF4g5ie4m1iu9ULOqMN89zJ6PXlDeZ7hrxJL6ey_370sgctub4CwirechU4jU6V_C5hwEFuJM7zFElQ_ZNmi7L72WwBUajP/s320/IMG_3077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I trimmed the fabric,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B2QrdALP9sRpspDkgLG8wptgrDQ4gNK9L_Jqa54jm5yUblmJjb0Mpi_XgVS4DvclK342-rhQQMMmYuZ0bjXGZkzOv4hnBitvE9nHuayYffmYOT9n8GtMEtNDHskYzCEGlaL8MA1rrNQ5/s1600/IMG_3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3B2QrdALP9sRpspDkgLG8wptgrDQ4gNK9L_Jqa54jm5yUblmJjb0Mpi_XgVS4DvclK342-rhQQMMmYuZ0bjXGZkzOv4hnBitvE9nHuayYffmYOT9n8GtMEtNDHskYzCEGlaL8MA1rrNQ5/s320/IMG_3081.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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and added a border.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxlfRIfvy9nnFP74ZL1wTHq7YDwG-8itJeHApFIWUG8naiOf99r0txRv4-ZUsBruUSXQY4lNG5xGzezbN1Q_oellq03e7X4TpR_YywaXrKKrYHh2Vu9fNFc2Lpx9kp4GA_8lHhYKeHbIa/s1600/IMG_3119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxlfRIfvy9nnFP74ZL1wTHq7YDwG-8itJeHApFIWUG8naiOf99r0txRv4-ZUsBruUSXQY4lNG5xGzezbN1Q_oellq03e7X4TpR_YywaXrKKrYHh2Vu9fNFc2Lpx9kp4GA_8lHhYKeHbIa/s320/IMG_3119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And attached to a batting, then tried to add a backing. It turns out the cat loves quilting. It is the MOST fun thing a cat can do to slide across the living room on fabric. Tunneling under fabric is pretty fun too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-f07o-Cj86TpHJAx2LajnBCIDGyN3Es-p27EM5Z3qj9aoJMgDgu4RwhgXrZTS4CQSiGYzf5tYYLFxS_U1tu36uWnqefwK8tLawIGfEYSH1rIPss7dQjlGuWUC2JLmFhjLLrqcfHTtekL/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-f07o-Cj86TpHJAx2LajnBCIDGyN3Es-p27EM5Z3qj9aoJMgDgu4RwhgXrZTS4CQSiGYzf5tYYLFxS_U1tu36uWnqefwK8tLawIGfEYSH1rIPss7dQjlGuWUC2JLmFhjLLrqcfHTtekL/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sewing machines are less fun, but make great human hunting blinds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEmtAgHQmDHluqgQYHhiBIkZtbWHhpXv5UmjIvvUOziRIVwbTVaHbSAikQZbi0fm3Sx07ZK6kn8Ax33WKDhSsUKctYiNTrrR1keG76iH0nPtcL9aJBbD7SfQN_rXuK_7Z821XCNNSF2XN/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEmtAgHQmDHluqgQYHhiBIkZtbWHhpXv5UmjIvvUOziRIVwbTVaHbSAikQZbi0fm3Sx07ZK6kn8Ax33WKDhSsUKctYiNTrrR1keG76iH0nPtcL9aJBbD7SfQN_rXuK_7Z821XCNNSF2XN/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After some intense cat battles and some actually quilting, I got this! (full disclosure: it is not actually done, it still needs trimming and binding).<br />
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It is a beautiful and rewarding thing. There are tons of mistakes and little things that will bug me. But, I am a beginner. I have gained so much confidence in my sewing! The reason the binding is not finished is I had to start my second quilt (I do have a solid start on my binding and I will probably bring it when I have to go to Savannah at the end of the month). The next quilt is going to be a gift for someone and I am operating on a deadline.<br />
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Unfortunately, that person reads this blog. So, no pictures until after the deadline.<br />
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Back to sewing! Happy Sunday!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-72705594807659580312012-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:53:04.664-08:00What month is it again? Oh right, Happy New Year!It is January 1, 2012.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg2lGCNrIHQ/TwCM7ZUeKkI/AAAAAAAAB6M/A9tGIUaRle4/s1600/ChristmasCard2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg2lGCNrIHQ/TwCM7ZUeKkI/AAAAAAAAB6M/A9tGIUaRle4/s400/ChristmasCard2011.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<i>This was our Christmas card, which I sent out by email at 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Day. Epic fail. </i></div>
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What?!<br />
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I am going to start this post by apologizing for missing December. I am not even sure December happened at normal speed.<br />
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I am not going to try and explain the crazy. I will make a list. I like lists.<br />
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1. I worked. A lot. Let's see I think I was only in Tennessee and Georgia this month. But, oh the deadlines.<br />
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2. I made Christmas happen. I believe the holidays should be special and this was our first real, grown-up, "at home" Christmas. I got a tree, made stockings and cookies, wrapped presents, wrote cards (well, some cards), played music, and sort of nested. It was wonderful. I also watched the entire "Fireplace for Your Home" episode at least four times (it is on Netflix, check it out).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJTalCjstJ4/TwCMVGuwuyI/AAAAAAAAB5s/-4_cqMsJbE4/s1600/IMG_3125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJTalCjstJ4/TwCMVGuwuyI/AAAAAAAAB5s/-4_cqMsJbE4/s320/IMG_3125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I made these stockings. Including the embroidery. It was intense. But they sure do look good with Fireplace for Your Home. </i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RQOwXVUhMk/TwCNb-wp90I/AAAAAAAAB6c/UPsibiBzs3M/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RQOwXVUhMk/TwCNb-wp90I/AAAAAAAAB6c/UPsibiBzs3M/s320/IMG_3071.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i>The best baby Christmas Tree. </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nbz52VNdSk/TwCMw2cnngI/AAAAAAAAB58/_2M-vxz865w/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nbz52VNdSk/TwCMw2cnngI/AAAAAAAAB58/_2M-vxz865w/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i>Potica. A Croatian Christmas bread. </i></div>
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3. I started and (almost) finished my first quilt. It will not be my only quilt. This was a magical experience and I am totally hooked. I am going to write a real post about this, for now I just need to say this process appealed to me creatively and aesthetically.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql5svSiFbuA/TwCNuXoi2sI/AAAAAAAAB6k/N0uO3un0-Rc/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql5svSiFbuA/TwCNuXoi2sI/AAAAAAAAB6k/N0uO3un0-Rc/s320/IMG_3117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My quilt top. Clearly, I really like flowers.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
4. I have spent a great deal of time with my friends who have become my family here in North Carolina. Then Derek's mom and step dad came to visit for New Years and we got to see them too!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhQl3hg6Q0/TwEY79eArKI/AAAAAAAAB64/_njsBjwDS-M/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhQl3hg6Q0/TwEY79eArKI/AAAAAAAAB64/_njsBjwDS-M/s320/IMG_3044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Hi Julie!</i></div>
<br />
5. My true love came home for two weeks (which are actually not quite over yet). There have been many meals, laughs, couch cuddles, episodes of <i>Parks and Recreation</i>, and long cups of coffee. I will miss him a great deal when he returns to Germany to work on his research.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q04Ytgwn7AU/TwCMi91PfmI/AAAAAAAAB50/jzJnZLZafjU/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q04Ytgwn7AU/TwCMi91PfmI/AAAAAAAAB50/jzJnZLZafjU/s320/IMG_3157.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My true love with the skin of a salmon we cured. Doesn't he look so manly?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfhSdRUrmZ4/TwCM6GZ2OnI/AAAAAAAAB6E/UHmYIDJIb8I/s1600/IMG_3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfhSdRUrmZ4/TwCM6GZ2OnI/AAAAAAAAB6E/UHmYIDJIb8I/s320/IMG_3166.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i>Cured Salmon.</i></div>
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For now, I will just say Happy New Year! Welcome to 2012. It is going to be a great year. I know it.<br />
<br />
I am going to come back soon (I know, show it, don't just say it) to share some of my treasured moments from the past couple of weeks and talk about the food. Oh the food! I have a brussels sprouts recipe that will blow your mind, without ruining any newly created resolutions.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqukeMBEvwM/TwEYvCJiKFI/AAAAAAAAB6w/oO2Fex7ptLI/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqukeMBEvwM/TwEYvCJiKFI/AAAAAAAAB6w/oO2Fex7ptLI/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
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Much love to all.<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-26046544914514866752011-12-02T15:04:00.001-08:002011-12-03T07:06:53.914-08:00Pecan Pie for the Holidays<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0DNbriRv0oXvTJ2TW4piJqS10OFY0ufoW68ZEUUiu9qcD572ofeUIxGnwR1bQdpkwgwibGZyEoLkvCpZNGlWEVLwENoiT_9CgCy_6Ef98ifT8Vx45gsjbAGMZmQg19_IfkwvbqbuGGGn/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0DNbriRv0oXvTJ2TW4piJqS10OFY0ufoW68ZEUUiu9qcD572ofeUIxGnwR1bQdpkwgwibGZyEoLkvCpZNGlWEVLwENoiT_9CgCy_6Ef98ifT8Vx45gsjbAGMZmQg19_IfkwvbqbuGGGn/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am not the cool kid.<br />
<br />
I mean I had friends and everything, I do not deserve your pity.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEvDtFryiZIt1BNEhOusTYz5jxcu_QQgpNQ_bZNI-InRsrF2I1z8dPkqN3-jVAeFE-WbV7NYUP9J_JUNi7wI7ThB5yd6hLOV9XMD0RHyX8R4QALH0jv0tHfzqZ-QGszpR5qHgLNpkDsKg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEvDtFryiZIt1BNEhOusTYz5jxcu_QQgpNQ_bZNI-InRsrF2I1z8dPkqN3-jVAeFE-WbV7NYUP9J_JUNi7wI7ThB5yd6hLOV9XMD0RHyX8R4QALH0jv0tHfzqZ-QGszpR5qHgLNpkDsKg/s320/004.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I was in band, I had really good grades, my backpacking buddy was my dad, and I worked for the science department (for three years!). No one hated me (they really liked me when they needed help with their science homework).<br />
<br />
I am trying to say, I was not mocked. I just did not get invited to the cool kid parties (you know the ones with the booze).<br />
<br />
That did not matter at all, because I had a great group of girlfriends and did not need to be cool to have fun. I did not miss it at all. I did not even really know we were not cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XRrIS4DC2MA5BiqdRy3Dt7c9rjH9sZExalzh8DyIXcTg2uFl6-hK-ecHyPobCRkvx0eamNOpj8FE4k5DmtlQhQqScjdR6vwqQCnCpLExJ0NNKEE2zPwSasfQolx6VerHcEay-WlB5f4i/s1600/Backpacking_with_Janelle+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XRrIS4DC2MA5BiqdRy3Dt7c9rjH9sZExalzh8DyIXcTg2uFl6-hK-ecHyPobCRkvx0eamNOpj8FE4k5DmtlQhQqScjdR6vwqQCnCpLExJ0NNKEE2zPwSasfQolx6VerHcEay-WlB5f4i/s320/Backpacking_with_Janelle+018.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am saying this because my bestest high school friend came to spend Thanksgiving with me. She is amazing and beautiful. Spending the weekend with her was good for my soul.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhdqJygqd-mPWdstrT60Ld5VkaZoryOmmF4Yw1qFUow9ivcvdaM3z-aCrxrASYWuMhj0gdeUJf2nlYEHtXzW7FGlW52v5Uaz12d1rD3UuwLrRTm3QuIVvPhZoWqmjljEw-Py7tGIj3SIH/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhdqJygqd-mPWdstrT60Ld5VkaZoryOmmF4Yw1qFUow9ivcvdaM3z-aCrxrASYWuMhj0gdeUJf2nlYEHtXzW7FGlW52v5Uaz12d1rD3UuwLrRTm3QuIVvPhZoWqmjljEw-Py7tGIj3SIH/s320/IMG_3039.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I made this tart for her. It has bourbon in it (for the win). You should make it for your loved ones for this holiday season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoq4Zj8tSXWfZ3lbf9XWJhjW9Zm74tJ9c1TqJ-KCyTmMPVvIpN9Ms1DC2None6lJQr-1lHCtkQIF64W_yykaPuSwmfw-HScc9x_RHwyAfITKfvx6SFQT06RDweN2MgyzKUcdWHIxrB62u/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoq4Zj8tSXWfZ3lbf9XWJhjW9Zm74tJ9c1TqJ-KCyTmMPVvIpN9Ms1DC2None6lJQr-1lHCtkQIF64W_yykaPuSwmfw-HScc9x_RHwyAfITKfvx6SFQT06RDweN2MgyzKUcdWHIxrB62u/s320/IMG_3024.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Bourbon Pecan Tart</b><br />
from <i>Bon Appetit</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">1</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name">12-inch round<b> </b><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/11/the-great-unshrinkable-sweet-tart-shell/">tart crust</a> (I am going to just link to this amazing tart crust recipe that you should use for every sweet tart, this women is amazing)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">3</span> <span class="name">large eggs</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">1/2</span> <span class="unit">cup</span> <span class="name">(packed) golden brown sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">3/4</span> <span class="unit">cup</span> <span class="name">dark corn syrup</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">3</span> <span class="unit">tablespoons</span> <span class="name">unsalted butter, melted</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">2</span> <span class="unit">tablespoons</span> <span class="name">bourbon</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">1</span> <span class="unit">teaspoon</span> <span class="name">vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">1/4</span> <span class="unit">teaspoon</span> <span class="name">salt</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="quantity">2</span> <span class="unit">cups</span> <span class="name">pecan halves or pieces (I prefer halves)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name">1. Follow the directions on the tart crust recipe to completely bake the tart recipe. The crust should be golden brown. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDcB5eNNVEsFMIh46UNxnqmgZyPNI6ehwoeyCfG7r4GNZ5LX8ShQZT-PWcVXSXmoJ8KLinZwdzt2HDOIJlCReKjaYi-PD7PWcQDqjClin0S-PLW1tWsabiFftAJMsh3sHXK0tSiJZPczu/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDcB5eNNVEsFMIh46UNxnqmgZyPNI6ehwoeyCfG7r4GNZ5LX8ShQZT-PWcVXSXmoJ8KLinZwdzt2HDOIJlCReKjaYi-PD7PWcQDqjClin0S-PLW1tWsabiFftAJMsh3sHXK0tSiJZPczu/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="name">2. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Place pan with crust on rimmed baking sheet. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">3. Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar in a medium bowl. Beat in the corn syrup. Add butter, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Beat until these ingredients are blended. Stir in the pecans (do not use the blender for this).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiKprIDSCSn-HdyuRwF53l8ua_GrL2O92hTb3Up2341GGwL6s9g82OlA6KX9rWLJuwQDOwrZkJCgMggIotR2473it7wz7xvH9Ne4e-XOijCVZfwwemlH0uqr9xQGbw3uTB-h3LQHccIxM/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiKprIDSCSn-HdyuRwF53l8ua_GrL2O92hTb3Up2341GGwL6s9g82OlA6KX9rWLJuwQDOwrZkJCgMggIotR2473it7wz7xvH9Ne4e-XOijCVZfwwemlH0uqr9xQGbw3uTB-h3LQHccIxM/s320/IMG_3026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">4. Pour the pecan filling into the crust. Bake about 25 minutes or until the filling is set (I find this takes a bit longer for me). Cool tart on a wire rack for one hour, then remove pan sides. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">5. Eat warm or at room temperature. This gets stale (soggy) if you make it too far ahead. I would not let it sit for more than 8 hours.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0DNbriRv0oXvTJ2TW4piJqS10OFY0ufoW68ZEUUiu9qcD572ofeUIxGnwR1bQdpkwgwibGZyEoLkvCpZNGlWEVLwENoiT_9CgCy_6Ef98ifT8Vx45gsjbAGMZmQg19_IfkwvbqbuGGGn/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0DNbriRv0oXvTJ2TW4piJqS10OFY0ufoW68ZEUUiu9qcD572ofeUIxGnwR1bQdpkwgwibGZyEoLkvCpZNGlWEVLwENoiT_9CgCy_6Ef98ifT8Vx45gsjbAGMZmQg19_IfkwvbqbuGGGn/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-39271544046081563432011-11-23T15:58:00.001-08:002011-11-23T20:38:23.198-08:00This is the post where I talk about what I am thankful forI was driving home from work today mentally preparing for my long weekend and, as I was decompressing from a stressful day of work, I started realizing that I am really happy. I am not saying I do not have bad days.<br />
<br />
I am human.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaDsmCKxCJSgESXVqxMirbVuSSkP9UGHUpf0yjExTvd1XCNHmvBvpp9dJaIxRi2MjWh3eCHh2hnyfLnvNNvzHTC6FM567IOF20l-WOoOTn3XcE2royiM3U206xyBS8zCgY3TmyZcfllKu/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaDsmCKxCJSgESXVqxMirbVuSSkP9UGHUpf0yjExTvd1XCNHmvBvpp9dJaIxRi2MjWh3eCHh2hnyfLnvNNvzHTC6FM567IOF20l-WOoOTn3XcE2royiM3U206xyBS8zCgY3TmyZcfllKu/s320/IMG_2792.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Unlike him, and I am pretty sure even he has bad days.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
Generally, I have a lot to be thankful for. Every once and a while it is nice to think about these things. Also, everyone else on the internet is thankful for things right now and I am a trend follower. I hear it is a national holiday or something.<br />
<br />
In no particular order:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelVkkwga4JJBpQ2HDTysascd_nPYUKLtMX7Vd82vMOZB5PS2cy1Wp5DP1hSKB3S7pwXsSNY1wOOJepU5-TuW1VZilT1ggHqzGte2WIXfj1xVWrUMved6mGBeU2yAAGcynWqVNZ0z_VK3e/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelVkkwga4JJBpQ2HDTysascd_nPYUKLtMX7Vd82vMOZB5PS2cy1Wp5DP1hSKB3S7pwXsSNY1wOOJepU5-TuW1VZilT1ggHqzGte2WIXfj1xVWrUMved6mGBeU2yAAGcynWqVNZ0z_VK3e/s320/IMG_2860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. <b>My Parents</b>. They raised me right. I am lucky to have grown up in a stable house with two parents who love each other (I am not saying alternate ways of growing up are not valid and perfectly wonderful, this is just my life). They taught me, by example, what it means to live a good life. I knew what would make a good husband by looking at my Dad. Everyday, they were there for me. My parents were my drivers, coaches, and cheerleaders. They pushed me to succeed and were there to catch me when I failed. My parents were happy when I got my first B in high school, because they thought it would help me relax and enjoy school a little bit more. What great parents, what great people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6pbHnXeSOHgYBRdxMGZ_KA0_VMRsFi-PDS0K_xoFQLeErogFph3xRvizwd7aQG0-40GNmmOslzgTuaJNMWwF0_mh10HWqzbxQNzdW6RPFZBXMq9s2oOIHPy7vYLThTuKs70t2Sm2OJtd/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6pbHnXeSOHgYBRdxMGZ_KA0_VMRsFi-PDS0K_xoFQLeErogFph3xRvizwd7aQG0-40GNmmOslzgTuaJNMWwF0_mh10HWqzbxQNzdW6RPFZBXMq9s2oOIHPy7vYLThTuKs70t2Sm2OJtd/s320/IMG_2906.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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2. <b>My Wonderful Husband.</b> I love him crazy tons. He is my best friend. I know everyone says this about their significant other and it is probably why we all chose them as our partners... I can tell him everything. My life is better when he smiles. When I am sad, he works tirelessly to make my happy. Derek is gone this year and it has been one of the hardest of my (admittedly very cushy) life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT5ZvAVH6PXQ4xvyOWkScXS8f8nWbZC0AO69JWPPNcdVpJq-cJs6gpm8KwK9WqAljpUH8qXDDE3GydreeOGElIWnUudjKFfPnDELeaZpq9YB50xxGanE4c1viXtGIIAtryQ-LKN0wNTEZ/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT5ZvAVH6PXQ4xvyOWkScXS8f8nWbZC0AO69JWPPNcdVpJq-cJs6gpm8KwK9WqAljpUH8qXDDE3GydreeOGElIWnUudjKFfPnDELeaZpq9YB50xxGanE4c1viXtGIIAtryQ-LKN0wNTEZ/s320/IMG_1956.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. <b>Roommate. </b>I met Josephine as the result of a Craigslist search and she has made my life immeasurably better. I cannot imagine a better person to share my house this year while Derek is off doing research. She makes me laugh everyday. Today she left me a slice of chocolate cake. What a girl. I do not think either of us were looking for a friend this past August, but I think I found one. <br />
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4.<b> Friends.</b> I am so lucky to have my friends. I do not have family in North Carolina, but my friends have become my family. Last night John, Julie and I went to a local restaurant, sat outside, and listened to live Bluegrass. It occurred to me that there is no place else I would have rather been. How many times can you say that everyday, every week even? It was an evening that will be frozen in my memory for its beauty and camaraderie. I am never ever lonely. Tonight my friend Lindsay and I had a wonderful couple of beers at a local bar. On Sunday, Jenny and I took a cheese making class (more on that later).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc3kkTq1qXE/TpIxZTfzaQI/AAAAAAAAB2U/A7W9qwjyktk/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc3kkTq1qXE/TpIxZTfzaQI/AAAAAAAAB2U/A7W9qwjyktk/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>What is Julie doing here? All I know is that John is laughing.</i></div>
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5. <b>Job and Coworkers. </b>I am so lucky to have a job that challenges me everyday. I am learning so much. There are things I easily do today that I did not know how to do last month. My confidence is also growing. I am so much more independent and self reliant than I was just a year ago. The people I work with make my job a daily joy. They make me laugh, cringe, and squeak in mock outrage. You name it (except it will be real outrage if you put balls on that truck, you know who you are).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VpAxtuIaGeqG5zBnKA4b0QYYP9inoCvUF3DCXbS3aWKtoHKhGerxSkRNFSvusKs45D2DQasc8TwMXawDit2_3epPnzYobtrjuPmIh8_rF21v6d7yCZnfy-rlSSFmgjzsJH39FCZ1wnoc/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VpAxtuIaGeqG5zBnKA4b0QYYP9inoCvUF3DCXbS3aWKtoHKhGerxSkRNFSvusKs45D2DQasc8TwMXawDit2_3epPnzYobtrjuPmIh8_rF21v6d7yCZnfy-rlSSFmgjzsJH39FCZ1wnoc/s320/IMG_0525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. <b>Food and Farmers. </b>I was making dinner tonight and it occurred to me that when I see my food I do not just see ingredients, I see farmers. This sounds so corny, but I can honestly tell you that only three ingredients in my dinner came from greater than 50 miles away (chile powder from New Mexico, salt from the ocean somewhere, and parmesan cheese from Italy). For the record, I had roasted potatoes with sautéed cauliflower, topped with homemade paneer (with local milk), and home cured bacon (local pork). I am so grateful for the people who get up everyday and milk the cows, graze the animals, and tend the fields. You are heroes to me. Your food nourishes me and makes cooking dinner something to look forward to everyday.<br />
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<i>Who is that shopping? She looks good.</i></div>
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7. <b>Kitten.</b> He greets me at the door everyday when I get home from work. He is my little spoon at night time. He is my constant, my lovable fuzz.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EmCFb6E8-ygSUVlnTJTrsx3lEnqAkoT5vmEtw1Rg8qASWZ50XiXZ5SpcJAOA9Mwx6bIUGnQd3Nt7KcyVA2Jk524I5NEwAK2exr72P8xp2L9wjLhp7As2nAskocGUGuYLP-33Dkyu_M9_/s1600/IMG_2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EmCFb6E8-ygSUVlnTJTrsx3lEnqAkoT5vmEtw1Rg8qASWZ50XiXZ5SpcJAOA9Mwx6bIUGnQd3Nt7KcyVA2Jk524I5NEwAK2exr72P8xp2L9wjLhp7As2nAskocGUGuYLP-33Dkyu_M9_/s320/IMG_2129.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div>
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<i>He really sleeps like this.</i></div>
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8. <b>Anyone Who is Reading This</b>. Thanks for reading my random thoughts. Writing them is fun, having someone else to read them makes me feel really special. You are my friend (even if we have never met). </div>
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9. <b>The Universe, the World, my Backyard.</b> I know this sounds awfully corny, but I am so thankful to live on our beautiful, perfectly flawed earth. I believe this is a pretty big miracle because of all of the millennium of evolution and all of the happy accidents that created the environment in which I am happy and thankful in right now.</div>
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Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you all gluttony, good friends and family, and good day!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-26843821463413041082011-11-13T12:59:00.000-08:002011-11-13T14:14:43.511-08:00Penne with Creamy Tomato-Chipotle Cheese Sauce on a Lazy Sunday<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBnGHSxZsMn81iwyHxRez3JFWq4rQ5QaWi0nGrgDHCiHn5hATMkInZ9Bf8mZ4choaTIyWkEasBPWtqChQYAtxTaKZdmkdNlgnCsnYxvp2pxvkyhgU-srdKvy00UMTQOACsTjtbQbu42AI/s1600/IMG_2952.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVJssoXzRunQBf1W2XR8an4Af_0fkyeG00q007PCyXycV6wmjTxC6Qi0lpjXyOcm39mZXScK16PfB3BRVlN2Px3yLvVyOxLtbtromasNnUFFes0X6nmyqUsW5kZ-f0jCrzyamIfMZW4Vh/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVJssoXzRunQBf1W2XR8an4Af_0fkyeG00q007PCyXycV6wmjTxC6Qi0lpjXyOcm39mZXScK16PfB3BRVlN2Px3yLvVyOxLtbtromasNnUFFes0X6nmyqUsW5kZ-f0jCrzyamIfMZW4Vh/s400/IMG_2958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674606066768347298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUTVoqhqdGyr3FRdr9OVt6zuo3VdTXx4mQxlIHYmGyqfcoEGSmaGkpPctrpI60qgsnjjzrjguOTyl46DUMD-WeCkvHVthxjCO5bS9TNom-RNm3xzuEBn2G3iioWrPn0fv-q5oyDl5BXsH/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div>It is Sunday. <div><br /></div><div>It is cloudy outside. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to Nashville tomorrow. For 23 hours. Total. That is the whole trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>How did I decide to spend this day?</div><div><br /></div><div>There were many things I should have done. I should have cleaned the bathroom, paid bills, raked leaves, and done a million other things tormenting me from my to do lists (note the use of the plural). I did do some of these things. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNzHaFVw78ymHGkN073RepYvanUUQ4QP8TSrWrBDpKnqeZoxT-1pPZX6T5Ktatdo6S6QQC8ti6EYeesqrXsptEP1-77q5UKHYNmGTrJs04QfK4_4hMDvrP8TOV7HcDpcQfaljy4YgA-N0/s400/IMG_2932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674593442486191810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, I needed a break. You ask, "how did you decide to take this break?" I made pasta and watched a made for TV movie (starring James Van Der Beek, no joke) with Max on the couch. Don't judge me about the movie.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNihkcs4tHh7f9kvC_L51BjLLswlxVzADN6ycTnh1AugdSsaTfWZYbnqJMSH4XSXCL1wFQEywqAXqRVhfsq1TYHVN26DB4y2t4CV37KUeFq76ab8oSwDUbSQpmXihq0FCzd-mTPe2WwCgR/s400/IMG_2916.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674590200253328802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>This pasta recipe is perfect for happy comfort times. It is fast and simple. This is one of the pasta sauce recipes that taught me that pasta and sauce belong together. It is smokey, hardy, and creamy. So satisfying. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to think pasta sauce came out of a jar. You open a jar, heat up the sauce, boil the pasta, then you serve pasta and sauce at the table. It turns out that pasta tastes better when it is finished in the sauce, then it absorbs some of the sauce and flavor. Sauce does not need to come in jars all finished. It comes from ingredients, ingredients that do not necessarily need all day to cook. Not necessarily complex. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUTVoqhqdGyr3FRdr9OVt6zuo3VdTXx4mQxlIHYmGyqfcoEGSmaGkpPctrpI60qgsnjjzrjguOTyl46DUMD-WeCkvHVthxjCO5bS9TNom-RNm3xzuEBn2G3iioWrPn0fv-q5oyDl5BXsH/s400/IMG_2924.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674590202444139442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>This is it. Pasta + ingredients = pasta in sauce. </i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Penne with Creamy Tomato-Chipotle Sauce</div><div>modified a little from<i> A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen</i> by Jack Bishop</div><div><br /></div><div>2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil</div><div>4 medium garlic cloves, minced</div><div>2 small chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced (these exist in almost every grocery store)</div><div>1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce (from the jar)</div><div>2 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes</div><div>salt</div><div>1 pound penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta</div><div>2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves</div><div>5 ounces feta cheese or a fresh goat cheese</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJd5EY10ZwpOHNA6uzko5lELUQuNaJwy2WzWkDPsKyRlp_MsGifw1tjsSfC1fgRLgoqcT0BCXiq0RaVR9ID0LuTJVzald8QLbnxEsRaihyphenhyphenBvBX60-4VaT6z1Jiz9EA0uXClBclD1Ym7_2/s400/IMG_2944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674596448905478818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. I have always heard that the water should be as salty as Mediterranean... I am not sure I ever remember specifically tasting the Mediterranean, but I think the water should be salty because it seasons the pasta and then you need less salt later. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS83xVWoOqlzlGArigTcN0EhRT6Hfa90UuNnm_R2IJNJxs2RF5EOE2C9hWIJwXCYZKa6QULD87IHyMSbpfbO1AHZqygXXqTMGDnNPmzYtQQ0KM_tHFf4kMBk2UX9aPHUjtCIynXbORjYy0/s400/IMG_2929.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674592719503626498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Garlic and chipotle chiles are really all it takes to flavor this pasta. </i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is warm, add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic should be golden and delicious smelling. Then add the chipotles and adobo sauce. Cook this until fragrant (about 1 minute)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBk9aJ2BVj6lDkn_stIyVGLV8SXQPfwsRg7BTh5FF4NaDw0itFNrG3SBs_LS6vIMAyM7Aa-B_eu_Bv4_2perm2kJxHFEaSoUGYIeOftmhEKSQBmx1oRFenM_Xp7wPdSO1cAPRvVTDjjXo/s400/IMG_2931.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674593436198628018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh3IULL5HizRtYC2xuIKaqubqpqFG0VGJiVR4NVG6_pquXOBduQQAlpCeS8aG5D01jexeSsbJ0dUUeyg1-EIfAvKroixaHKQbaXGy4e8Ti6I5m6I83BripyiNyLdoH0Tw2esGOn25pmfC/s400/IMG_2935.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674594202356600626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>3. Add the tomatoes and a three fingered pinch of salt to the chiles and garlic. Now we have a sauce! Bring this to a simmer and allow it to cook for 15 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRUatwudAwVsBmsDjWB0PQ-oUvFS1hedZ9C69Yl03SZ2brmdjUHgokT5pB3U5iWzXMkFLDIQPJ5iChcHNxSq6UJJ-9nU6toF1Z9l9FlNiw7YcbTTmSGTJcu9mRaxIfHf4GftKoRP-Aulg/s1600/IMG_2926.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRUatwudAwVsBmsDjWB0PQ-oUvFS1hedZ9C69Yl03SZ2brmdjUHgokT5pB3U5iWzXMkFLDIQPJ5iChcHNxSq6UJJ-9nU6toF1Z9l9FlNiw7YcbTTmSGTJcu9mRaxIfHf4GftKoRP-Aulg/s400/IMG_2926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674592722208326610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><i><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>These are home canned tomatoes. Derek and I spent hours making these this summer. When I opened up the can, it smelled like summer again. Was it worth the time? Questionable.</i></span></div></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgpH8OHwfq90k7pZ9h4hmT3OsDl2fGyUoP3wVYjbKq1ofbe21aH2H1kRZTSPihgUIqYtA7FoqpnCv1LQgdwtD7pZw8JBsjnZemnIeS83ZuK_M51NnO2M4rNhfrCutKefqjTjjJKEX9eD6/s400/IMG_2938.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674594210542889314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>4. When there is about 10 minutes left for the sauce, add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package says. You want it to be too undercooked to eat when you drain it. Trust me. Before you drain the pasta reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. Crumble the cheese into the sauce and combine. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir it up. At this point, I usually add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of pasta water to the pasta and sauce. This helps get the sauce evenly distributed and the starches in the pasta water help thicken up the sauce. Stir the pasta constantly into the sauce until the pasta absorbs the sauce and the pasta is cooked to your taste. Stir in the minced cilantro. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRSIbQyCk_hCBLke9Iy4rKgesE_BoxaXXNotguV7wQaHU3ThlifnLZIhRFMw901RezBBE8Q_6mdcMJIrDJNCzrYUMWX0mWfHZ3CD-C7jYdY6OmmgssbR5DMYVMgNpH1VLHC5wrpjqzK1W/s400/IMG_2945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674596451121551042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pasta water is miraculous.</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBnGHSxZsMn81iwyHxRez3JFWq4rQ5QaWi0nGrgDHCiHn5hATMkInZ9Bf8mZ4choaTIyWkEasBPWtqChQYAtxTaKZdmkdNlgnCsnYxvp2pxvkyhgU-srdKvy00UMTQOACsTjtbQbu42AI/s400/IMG_2952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674606072926834546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div></div><div>6. Eat! Preferably with Van Der Beek and a kitten. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpa5mxLGmxdBsHZmr44HNQCIukVvkyQl1Uz6E0sQswCpyq8USASqAMscQfADcWZtvpyr22aLFJUhHwM-mY5VujJAaL3mqGlUdB3QUeTCwcdfKd-8JN58RNH1_SXrqVz-0srKvfdIZO8eN/s400/IMG_2960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674607094659773474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">P.S. - His forehead is really huge. What a <a href="http://www.jamesvandermemes.com/">man</a>.</span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-50178805862911241102011-11-09T19:03:00.000-08:002011-11-10T15:34:47.701-08:00Sweet Potato Dumplings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZN0N91Iv0q-17yGr7-5XjM0e7KHhEHijas8jDuzqD1zx281ir_p8UvIN9VZ-_cfFZhOTNheKkcsmnBwPAHGeQsOUGXxdaW_U-iiKrw1nSdhAXO1y3KWiDAIMx9-0Nf1dW19tfaB0zbTJ/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZN0N91Iv0q-17yGr7-5XjM0e7KHhEHijas8jDuzqD1zx281ir_p8UvIN9VZ-_cfFZhOTNheKkcsmnBwPAHGeQsOUGXxdaW_U-iiKrw1nSdhAXO1y3KWiDAIMx9-0Nf1dW19tfaB0zbTJ/s400/IMG_2852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673513134792589378" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">My life is really pretty simple most of the time. I get up in the morning, go to work, work, come home from work, cook dinner, watch Netflix, read the Kindle, and go to bed. With no Derek on the continent, my life has gotten even simpler. No one cooks complicated meals for themselves, me included. If they say they do, they are lying.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Then sometimes (okay, a lot of times) I go away for work. As I have mentioned before, October was really complicated. I was on the road. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>When I get home, I just want vegetables and home cooked food. My friends want to see me and they want to go out (very flattering). Sometimes, I make them come over and cook them my vegetables, the more the merrier. Right? </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFFisx7ETGTEOBVSO4id2O1DsAfpS_C7oeo3CRK515c8Xvn9Xk6hUVf0cFlJCLHH97Nc0z_67jeE6NWWeeYWYqtwToesH3iUIkB0gsY_qkLxe74f2HGnqpAeKXb4FZCVG7lwLyLM5tbGf/s400/IMG_2842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673493978148355042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>My recipes have been gathering dust at home. This might be because every time I get home I have about 4 things going bad in the refrigerator. You could say mold and decay are inspiring me to figure out recipes to use decaying food. This is my real life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last week I made my friend come over, and I made dumplings. Inspired by the sweet potatoes under my counter. I am proud of this recipe. These were real good. They are vegan too. That was not on purpose, they just did not need animal protein. True.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVv9E9lZLFnsSlbf4YpY17fnB24s8pc5E1ulMM8PPVfSphug6mg6mnTuxpfJFX1xJ0UulHTpPMxNJcNu__F5bpybsrNEVFx_r22iJJRWTeRNI-aru_SriWg2rXP5fJZJp5SX-KaImtgtx/s400/IMG_2830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673198542686839426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sweet Potato Dumplings</b></div><div><i>Makes about 20 dumplings</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>3 small sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes</div><div>1 jalepeno, minced</div><div>2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced</div><div>1 teaspoon red chile powder</div><div>squirt of sriaracha sauce (to taste)</div><div>dash of soy sauce (to taste)</div><div>dash of fish sauce (just do it, leave out if you really want to be vegan)</div><div>1/4 teaspoon of salt (I used a little less)</div><div>Wanton wrappers (your grocery store probably sells these)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sauce:</div><div>1/4 cup soy sauce</div><div>1 heavy squirt of sriarcha (to taste)</div><div>2 tablespoons (approximately) sesame oil</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskUQPV_j6hwj5wmy16QyKZGLNCVbCJy5pvuHkZWTxjwUNwm0UbtN9zsNvELFp7w5Qz6ih1lKK1v2XM5v_Xr2iqQMB5OlOeaC61ciTz3PSMVQKv20A3LytG-dEDYSLcD9qJAd23ynZGmdI/s400/IMG_2839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673199520317057490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the sweet potatoes to the boiling water. Boil until they are soft (about 10 minutes). Drain the water. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzh_hNZbuBooFq_l4GFCWAC1fxG4dxHt5U3x1CQM3GozJJ9h2zRKG_pSALXws80WIiz_BJuaxbli-KfDshV4qbnIrEnWZ3WwNYOXvS4O-c7FMIPExdJBYlg_EDgT4xYUOjaKY50siwaE3/s400/IMG_2831.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673198553861208418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, garlic, jalepeno, red chile powder, sriaracha sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mash the potatoes using a fork, potato masher, or pastry blender (if you are me).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMWg-x22xD2UcGHF7abcFcMauTtXqcZZSI5w6ph6n5Mtji30EfRx-8gUQ2mml-vrOnkziXwWe8gzpbhBrBBOmzJI64MiNXfVhz0RXjzUA5Fgkw-cDBnO38qkFxVvL7TM7PWzZRIJ7ADen/s400/IMG_2841.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673199525932979058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>3. Open the wanton wrappers, cover the open package with a damp paper towel so they do not dry out. Fill up a small bowl with water. Remove one wrapper, put a large dollop of the potato mixture on the wanton. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUklEDMbFSkyaXF-jMGuKBHtZCQhYeWm_8nXYSiYcDo4n_Jxjl2kgzlHP7S6p5tKBE113HWmN8h4WyxpcoNybPwTx9pP2B-5GkM6775dsXqzo_lSRrwH9RM9W7Mc13K4ZEqY80eSpdkXa/s400/IMG_2845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673496718137974418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>4. Wet a finger and coat the edges of the wanton wrapper. Bring all four of the corners of the wrapper together and pinch it closed.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefnyW2fI7iFuo4llQJlkfAk4Vb8TEBe6Igekz2D6POhrlIINf_dQ_M3ANk99r2a44XDNqHQS2zSG_MCbzu335-nsWqeZbTRWOXAOv51THhWeTKcMJGqR3ZXO9CARr7bew6uohYjQGWqYA/s400/IMG_2846.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673496722724845554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>5. This is where you have to make a decision. Do you want your dumplings steamed or pan fried? If you want the dumplings steamed it is now time to heat up your steaming apparatus. If you want to fry them heat up your frying pan to medium with about a tablespoon of canola oil in it. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-5214mJKa664srX_8HwYLtGfpDyAD_EoCjK7Utg57wUtxRcko65Cq0JIPyvcjtDcDv-J6MlbMBcEzNEBmWro5PFhv95oyZUs5EdKCMlPZlB1Kvr6Evazs2MR3R0Rv6qYY1bt9v8eNmXr/s400/IMG_2844.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673493983474646290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>6. When you have finished making all of your desired dumplings (this should make about 20 dumplings), add the dumplings to the frying pan for about 1 minute. Then decrease the heat to medium low, add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan and cover it. Cook with the lid on for about 5 minutes. Remove the lid and finishing browning the dumplings. I like to rotate them to get all of the sides crispy. You can also just eat them with one side browned.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxUcnoR5rk9JvLBRIH_bG1bc3Yl8l0OI70XdXH6hLm8eaJfkmYjkS4_bsjCd-xAmjFUE8RUuILHwI7VYNqh5ybBuqJr1WogYGp9GueQAs8iWi9JuAnSrviaAKApxxP9j8tuQxbFoIhsvC/s400/IMG_2851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673498041648893426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>7. If you are steaming the dumplings, put them in the steamer for 5 to 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>To make sauce: Combine soy sauce, sriaracha sauce, and sesame oil.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00PDZUGCc_wTv3TU-WGAFCmFQFakmdI8-Yg9l1ejV66LQLf3CdKXss9Vmwz8Nv8T0rXfPHJPYD2cgbJ6wj6hBoQoIpZGCXNUwMqJZz7iLEU2QWGaspI1H4ucBeU6g-hVJmdrzeKBL-ypr/s400/IMG_2855.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673498044819427202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-1466075337946659882011-10-25T17:48:00.000-07:002011-10-26T16:52:20.465-07:00Corn Maze!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG2dMXyIVgsg6qclB_RNkRR8cPyGDw5ZcNFoq0bBHV3zwDx4z9b44DYmOONeHWGpBthQ0CjoiNsOkA6ONiBytTFIFwgCdBvb1dlSQlOS9Ri14XHBZEGJNMQ45QUHBEUj9zoLzv9ezBQpI/s400/IMG_2594.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667597930870735490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div>Hello loyal readers!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have had a crazy October. Allow me to list the states I have worked in this month: Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina (x2), Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland. Oh yeah, I also went to a conference in New York State. I think I have been home for a week. Not that I am complaining. I have gotten to work on cemeteries, in the city, in the country, and at both prehistoric and historic sites. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been a little sleep deprived and my kitten hates me, well, he will get over it and I will catch up at some point. I will won't I? Right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Before I left for my epic journey, I gathered up some of my dear friends and went a corn mazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>After a thorough internet search I selected McKee's corn maze outside of Hillsboro. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBdY92qbR_Pk1guTyV3oHe8BXWVwBnWWHEjMarwovIJ7xdyEmpdhmOJTzkQ2uPHp8uPprFDtiuh1GAMHZvWFk1MWTM4dBb6n1iCgdhiydoxoLVZOqzwsvgDWrcAXYvVCNtwCW83_SNKi-/s400/IMG_2592.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667597928343015842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div></div><div>None of us had ever done this corn maze thing. Here we are at the beginning, ready to head off a journeying..</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1_g9JVpQonLbjGJnZZ5UAjcvQcUWss8dgtrmr7b-UNboJmmVkum8SKi_lzB9tVjE7vl8CudTD9JPw-wj8wJXIFBAOca97bEy-A-TXuQqt7UnOvvFrDYMC_Iyywi22yfa3OFas0Lb4RdR/s400/IMG_2599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667599521901634914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">First we had to go on a tractor ride, hehe!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6LF3NSylI66ML4abb9Ab6xvYVHmzICT9hTBFBbfVFfRuGMtrVdiYVf_NAEhFkKT83fYhK3pBKrpsPcXKlA5go6-6iXQ5FsuWJKmPDGsF_oHXiwuP4rWmPq9a2GxAyAgrI7aKv-cJG5gA/s1600/IMG_2596.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6LF3NSylI66ML4abb9Ab6xvYVHmzICT9hTBFBbfVFfRuGMtrVdiYVf_NAEhFkKT83fYhK3pBKrpsPcXKlA5go6-6iXQ5FsuWJKmPDGsF_oHXiwuP4rWmPq9a2GxAyAgrI7aKv-cJG5gA/s400/IMG_2596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667599517929062226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div><div>When we started, we were each given a ticket. In the maze there were stations where we could punch the ticket. The goal was not just to get out, but to complete your ticket. The record was apparently about an hour and a half. 1.5 hours, for truth. This is a grown-up maze. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92aKgVHQ8IRbkje_jJbT7C6D7dRYMWfLENws1MmuemAAVetqufSOZJXamr9_w4-73QIYOTDrU3tNkLUWTk-vppTHzCqeVKSFl2Bib-n5LcT11EdcpsypADjYwgmytbTN_Y4CKSFFjhae3/s400/IMG_2604.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667605262762607314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">They have a maze for babies too. Remember the good old days, when life was so much simpler?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9AyVK0lKQTZPI_zs2jbx5VwGp0apo32E62drT7TVgzc7GXRJpv3rCNEwNfaQJ7jP0iqskxwgI3ndoSHQy5ovQRdKaW1VqhhC48Shoq2MDfLpExhGgHXesmaQTK8cMqxtiLonj2GuJCMW/s400/IMG_2600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667602253740304562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div>We felt we could handle the whole twelve acres. We came in with a plan, in retrospect we probably over thought the maze concept. We also did not account for the randomness of the whole punch stations. It turns out that only turning one direction really will only get you to the exit, not the punch stations. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiS8lwjEkr6gyFYKEsUkCrXqauCg_vy762i2pzVC-x7e6_qzixBSJQ_vzsp3QDfDgOVronkrNk4InltNwP9p083-Y17y-pZnEgglqH_D_NO8Q4SnzZc5-5BPqoFY4AuBTDwmz3NLWnr5s/s400/IMG_2601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667602259138808498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Julie looks a-mazing (sorry, had to do it).</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div>We got through the whole maze in about 20 minutes! Whoopee! Except, we only had 3 punches. Then, we turned around and started looking for punch stations.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYzqiggxGRPNk6jb0eSk-zcYTVJcajSRwra9wx65U_J0ACyNCMVoNqvbaDq4273XXau1kkhb6izGCfjkmirBLrnPkrZa0mAS_Mjj8wTcDwc5FjawkYq80XYYBdGGf9RP57sDFtJ4ujXsP/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYzqiggxGRPNk6jb0eSk-zcYTVJcajSRwra9wx65U_J0ACyNCMVoNqvbaDq4273XXau1kkhb6izGCfjkmirBLrnPkrZa0mAS_Mjj8wTcDwc5FjawkYq80XYYBdGGf9RP57sDFtJ4ujXsP/s400/IMG_2608.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667605267715344722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Josephine is so jaunty looking in this picture.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div></i></div><div>At this point, things started getting frustrating. We were retracing our steps and sending out scouting parties (no joke). When we found a punch station we would get all excited! Energy renewed!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then the sun started going down. We started getting hungry. Who knew you should pack food and water for a corn maze?</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I could tell you we persevered and finished the maze. We has to stop. It was time to eat.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8v9wsfmVBn0C3USmB2xub3j97bKtVrGozGtyMy5ol_YrhPbip09nBtS5NdSVp0W0-BH0p1qaQcH-ZkHG6pKN4p7hP8goNca3MKm4QMD7vCe7iM8IT09bRgdRZkGEwoAihfdSZk48Pf37/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8v9wsfmVBn0C3USmB2xub3j97bKtVrGozGtyMy5ol_YrhPbip09nBtS5NdSVp0W0-BH0p1qaQcH-ZkHG6pKN4p7hP8goNca3MKm4QMD7vCe7iM8IT09bRgdRZkGEwoAihfdSZk48Pf37/s400/IMG_2610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667607019953513826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a>I was feeling a little bad about this until I saw all of the other tickets. Most people gave up after 3 or 4 punches. Wusses! </div><div><br /></div><div>This was totally a value, about 3 hours of entertainment for only $8.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYzqiggxGRPNk6jb0eSk-zcYTVJcajSRwra9wx65U_J0ACyNCMVoNqvbaDq4273XXau1kkhb6izGCfjkmirBLrnPkrZa0mAS_Mjj8wTcDwc5FjawkYq80XYYBdGGf9RP57sDFtJ4ujXsP/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style=""><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyT_yyZf1yxIkeGprwHRwdhLWTuXF7VHZU6Zn4U2kP98TFk1VQzbLu7VlndOJg5_rAy8qtRvJsJ093UjIi9YXwrbDrY-IOhfeDMOas9UOfGifljerExQEKwe8mcFK9MsPQPQIUGPvGgtP/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyT_yyZf1yxIkeGprwHRwdhLWTuXF7VHZU6Zn4U2kP98TFk1VQzbLu7VlndOJg5_rAy8qtRvJsJ093UjIi9YXwrbDrY-IOhfeDMOas9UOfGifljerExQEKwe8mcFK9MsPQPQIUGPvGgtP/s400/IMG_2612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667607024017078034" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Success?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9AyVK0lKQTZPI_zs2jbx5VwGp0apo32E62drT7TVgzc7GXRJpv3rCNEwNfaQJ7jP0iqskxwgI3ndoSHQy5ovQRdKaW1VqhhC48Shoq2MDfLpExhGgHXesmaQTK8cMqxtiLonj2GuJCMW/s1600/IMG_2600.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: left;">Somehow wandering amongst the corn stalks managed to feel both wholesome and creepy. It seems like a lot of scary movies involve corn fields. Farms seem so wholesome though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">List item checked off for the win!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBdY92qbR_Pk1guTyV3oHe8BXWVwBnWWHEjMarwovIJ7xdyEmpdhmOJTzkQ2uPHp8uPprFDtiuh1GAMHZvWFk1MWTM4dBb6n1iCgdhiydoxoLVZOqzwsvgDWrcAXYvVCNtwCW83_SNKi-/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-66814494374032329682011-10-08T10:38:00.000-07:002011-10-08T13:02:46.605-07:00Homemade Ginger Syrup + Gin and Ginger Ale<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhAKz8YhZFiX2rNdKRlwZXKj97bAsHLXwKmelV9hgJu5lEEAWUUReFO_Ya8ZZKNLVeodbfKhxMyEltikzX5gzhKF6NzO1BCiUuLWguRlshyphenhyphen46q7zRy7CC05NeOSujytDd1ORQdQUQF1s9/s1600/IMG_2654.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhAKz8YhZFiX2rNdKRlwZXKj97bAsHLXwKmelV9hgJu5lEEAWUUReFO_Ya8ZZKNLVeodbfKhxMyEltikzX5gzhKF6NzO1BCiUuLWguRlshyphenhyphen46q7zRy7CC05NeOSujytDd1ORQdQUQF1s9/s400/IMG_2654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661213229888573698" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3uu8C5IAFVbI3mDsF6ab_XWTu71xZurYwE9GpdBBv65QcE_UUa4HUpcrzIbhyPyLVm0-g0CO_Ro-iel-C-5-4EiXNpaUGCTlPL1n41_oAqkWrZa4KFJTihOJkvYALgXfqE9NSuF_omRN/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>This week has been intense. I was on the road again.<div><br /><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div> <div>Let me give you the quick version of my week. Monday, I drove to Mobile, Alabama. That is a long way away from North Carolina. I should know. Then on Tuesday there was work to be done in Mobile. Work ended and then I drove to Washington, Georgia. There was approximately 2.5 days of work to be done in Georgia and then I got to go home last night. It was epic. There was stress to be had. I managed to get yelled at, piss a number of people off, and get a wicked sunburn. The job got done. The parking staff of Mobile may be shooting darts at my head as you read this. meh.</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I needed a drink when I got home. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkJawPQ_kr69NWqNK0vaMXim6ZDhk5hdXNd_HHrdcTNUBOD3G8kTjzt_ie7ILImrUMfBNfjOrFXNUz1hvIwQoTAY8GbYSfZsqGrvbo3t8wkuko7LpAQixojTc16AVMZG_L5ZpffTWt5sJ/s400/IMG_2644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661212573866480706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I recently discovered my current favorite drink. Did you know that combining gin and ginger ale was extra special delicious? </div><div><br /></div><div>I used to hate gin. It smelled like cleaning solution to me. Except then I tried it again, it did not taste bad anymore. This may be related to my sudden distaste for rum. As I matured (read, started buying nicer alcohol), I realized rum was too sweet and gin started to taste just right. Then I heard about this magical combination. Ginger Ale? Yes please.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because I am me and I do not like that corn sugar stuff/the packaging ginger ales come in, I have decided to embark on my own ginger adventure. Well, we also got some ginger in our CSA (community supported agriculture, not confederate states of America, silly) box. That was a sign, clearly. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3uu8C5IAFVbI3mDsF6ab_XWTu71xZurYwE9GpdBBv65QcE_UUa4HUpcrzIbhyPyLVm0-g0CO_Ro-iel-C-5-4EiXNpaUGCTlPL1n41_oAqkWrZa4KFJTihOJkvYALgXfqE9NSuF_omRN/s400/IMG_2631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661211355123809490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Homemade Ginger Syrup</b></div><div>This is a pretty simple recipe, that could be modified many fun ways. I basically made it up, but do not give me any credit. It is simple syrup+ginger. </div><div><br /></div><div>1 root mass of ginger (more ginger = stronger syrup)</div><div>2 cups granulated sugar</div><div>2 cups filtered water</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Chop up the ginger. I did not peel mine because it was fresh ginger from the CSA box, but if you buy ginger that has been sitting around the grocery store for who knows how long I would peel it before chopping. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Add ginger, sugar, and water to a medium sauce pan. Turn burner on to medium-low and keep on heat stirring occasionally for 30 to 40 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCj3giWlERqPvVSXhSM8fQNzqpOHiImTAKHDFFlWaNi0YDPVtR2mZdt0DK5E3AH2arbzkdbnhZySf55qSm8AuUgXHEoBZZmBNSg2n08xdr37Clq3P-kSFFK3tVbm9vcTAU9BTUzKRcQEE/s400/IMG_2636.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661212004814072786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>3. Turn heat off and leave the ginger in the syrup to infuse for another 30 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Strain ginger through a sieve. I covered mine with a piece of (non-fuzzy) cloth, 'cause I fear chunks. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoAaKJlxAXlUJFwwuS4i40Pj_itskZp5LFumiTLm5qJUS0Gbo5lKVoAHq1gIQfN-ORvNPnSXakKCPsy5LOUz2g-D9dLjRQe9pzm5S_ex9vKHVk9wjfhmXibqEXco9qqWshlOyB0pNTlVr/s400/IMG_2640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661211994373169954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>5. Now you have syrup! This can be added to tea, stirred into cocktails, mixed with sparkling water for soda, it is a personal decision. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3MO0HLRWRGrsxMM3VXTlnLwBpa2WWxOZhkbljoinEbAUHkRMnfdpu8G7DomrcE6e0L_4TI6guO2eTi7b0Cw7tMMGK-k5gTycgHv6LCZQrJbuyl8VpepSz66gjWadICIRyRxF16SjaSFI/s400/IMG_2642.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661212564887668098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I prefer to mix my new favorite cocktail: one part gin, one part ginger syrup, top off glass with soda water<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">If I </span></span><s><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >have limes in the house</span></span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span>am feeling fancy I squirt a lime wedge in. Then I drink it through a straw. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcCNYkTTWpuvCba5o_WHsT4kjIdc3BUnu3PsWMy-auiUo6IAk7pd668gS5n3mMYvU2nA99_hBj1WXKGzxAsjEkuy4iTK_B90ldf15lnd3RHgGnbF3Hanw89IX_5qqiPF_egd_rSzKy5x5/s400/IMG_2648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661213235864127794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div>Life is good.</div></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-38374250726965297042011-10-02T18:59:00.000-07:002011-10-03T19:33:11.557-07:00The Carrboro Music Festival<span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658341533049921346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbKB3KgWaC1kVd2JtRCm99tQahnKlm23eeLke3_SvOyLaup29MIJviDNontk6Cbq0BggN0-lkbdk2gaUZsP1PHVMADzXC3NmE-tiN1JqKbKFUl0GWUngOyvdWdKVtgo-FOTCmzvDKb2je/s400/IMG_2576.JPG" /></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span">Have I ever talked about how much I love my town? The town of Carrboro was established in 1911 and today the population is about 16,700 people. People talk to each other. There are lots of public spaces that are always full of people living together. We have two bike shops and three coffee shops (possibly more). Sidewalks are full of people walking. It is actually kind of hard for me to describe the way people in this town have managed to create a beautiful, walkable community full of babies, dogs, bikes, the young, and the old. You will just have to visit. </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span">Once a year the town closes down and all of downtown turns into a stage. </span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1B74OuLksdCa5ePhxUqjxu-vOuK8MTrzl4FmlngYleQhLpCrNSV6zteeXA9i71k3mC0yNEnrx5wJu6cX-jANTx0g9olgVZmOowkkkFsVqzUGyYrfIPzkWLTi9wL1-cBXN0RBuCFcR7cH/s1600/IMG_2585.JPG"><br /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yuA0EF2h87tI5W5YO03zT6G-Fe8Ibl29Vz4JXEm4cmUYvjXt-qBFb11VxDZNeqhZiC0cAFzBt9QgAlCs_POhfEII4UlLS05praY8sNlC4cgg1-dN4Zz_-aDN7KVLHiqJZEKi9MwnHv8d/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG"><br /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX3dGytN9dDoWT8GL-dT4vuKvMuU5O5qtkmR1kjOAGz57MktLT1NzF9ib6200eFNbWKJquKBrNhJ8mDa1RSLZCFlg062oktt6Jed8sGTxUahR3ZX1KDemH-MRYD3HKFe2i3IdZ5OByqlU/s1600/IMG_2584.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658342400986455858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX3dGytN9dDoWT8GL-dT4vuKvMuU5O5qtkmR1kjOAGz57MktLT1NzF9ib6200eFNbWKJquKBrNhJ8mDa1RSLZCFlg062oktt6Jed8sGTxUahR3ZX1KDemH-MRYD3HKFe2i3IdZ5OByqlU/s400/IMG_2584.JPG" /></a>180 bands play on every street corner. Some on real stages.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtkXza56dedDq1IixrznIp2vakkB7qjQy7Rc5gO3_J65-RQ-dqTG7m-oF959Zx2FoKKIdKsDoIdVZGHqgr-GL3Ux8jENhCH4SK_nX96ZsDYZZ-rVCqtwShjbGMF8kMay3b26OMTlzd0Fq/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658342389721199890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtkXza56dedDq1IixrznIp2vakkB7qjQy7Rc5gO3_J65-RQ-dqTG7m-oF959Zx2FoKKIdKsDoIdVZGHqgr-GL3Ux8jENhCH4SK_nX96ZsDYZZ-rVCqtwShjbGMF8kMay3b26OMTlzd0Fq/s400/IMG_2582.JPG" /></a>Some in parking lots.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VObC1tQySt0CaimtLSgZ8idAq0O1HNPjOGBXy1reef3UoObQ0x7hvKjPMOoL3aiJZjmkDXuVNwE6H6_3xKjy0dNIttB8bbzU4y8hNG1eCq29BhdiseEODlrH6634CE3sSuu_LPB5qd11/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658341539161845122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VObC1tQySt0CaimtLSgZ8idAq0O1HNPjOGBXy1reef3UoObQ0x7hvKjPMOoL3aiJZjmkDXuVNwE6H6_3xKjy0dNIttB8bbzU4y8hNG1eCq29BhdiseEODlrH6634CE3sSuu_LPB5qd11/s400/IMG_2580.JPG" /></a>Or in front of stores.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbKB3KgWaC1kVd2JtRCm99tQahnKlm23eeLke3_SvOyLaup29MIJviDNontk6Cbq0BggN0-lkbdk2gaUZsP1PHVMADzXC3NmE-tiN1JqKbKFUl0GWUngOyvdWdKVtgo-FOTCmzvDKb2je/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSDwbLjPrKLmdT4P-p2l-D2RniWFU124qfSoI33MLykewYeCqyVGtmm_O0_9J2t_vrMWuGWX3GtyOoL6ZFYJUcPxjf83iUuUrkweEdoP4XXXVun-vcsoddc5ZAqQUQrhz-f0a1ZAvDHyj/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658340771281491810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSDwbLjPrKLmdT4P-p2l-D2RniWFU124qfSoI33MLykewYeCqyVGtmm_O0_9J2t_vrMWuGWX3GtyOoL6ZFYJUcPxjf83iUuUrkweEdoP4XXXVun-vcsoddc5ZAqQUQrhz-f0a1ZAvDHyj/s400/IMG_2571.JPG" /></a>Or in the farmers market town square. That is where I buy my vegetables!<br /><br /><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658338194230808818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0q4ifNeBh_VrJI76w3v9wfhv42C2N2iG1DxDTAaikGv8JwvA3gnGcVrMHv-ZGiNuDBkaEXI9ke5bQPdT02WLNhJAiU891vS4z70KatacRkFpGvCRzf1g84QwC2if6lEV-B73ah1_Q9jX/s400/IMG_2559.JPG" /></span></div><br /><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">And at restaurants.</div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"></span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>The music ranges from country, blue grass, rock, pop, soul, Latin, and everything in between. Every band had an audience and there were almost always people dancing. The best part it that the whole thing is free. It starts at 1 pm and goes until almost midnight. </div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bUHNG_lKxfhNxzThbFgStffOV27F21oPmOYyVpcN2dAtaQuVZWK3lNB6UVD1JHyQM26_Ov9yaGSXOC7T_vms-IiWi41aRxBS0hOPHAMqPe5VIk2miZloB1zIt-cUBuyZxxPv-EMalhck/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658338929144875506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bUHNG_lKxfhNxzThbFgStffOV27F21oPmOYyVpcN2dAtaQuVZWK3lNB6UVD1JHyQM26_Ov9yaGSXOC7T_vms-IiWi41aRxBS0hOPHAMqPe5VIk2miZloB1zIt-cUBuyZxxPv-EMalhck/s400/IMG_2564.JPG" /></a>We went downtown and got some milk shakes. Then walked around to listen to the bands, it was beautiful outside. It was wonderful to wander from stage to stage and watch the town party together. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I think we heard five languages being spoken. This is quite a town. The police officers were directing traffic with a smile. We were even encouraged to jay walk. By a cop. In Denver, she would have given us a ticket. In Carrboro, she laughed and told us to hurry up and have a good day.</div><br /><div><u><br /></u></div><br /><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6SdHUHBLdEgXqqxqVG7-OSGz-404_uN6nB7HmfNQuWI31V2kMeUd9pSDDtNijGD4MzHTA0aQntcVvXY9MZOG1tSp8KReLVexz4KuZ8mIVvxRhcWm8bnYjjkIJBeyLYgLOYjCl7kcJahK/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658338920228838402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6SdHUHBLdEgXqqxqVG7-OSGz-404_uN6nB7HmfNQuWI31V2kMeUd9pSDDtNijGD4MzHTA0aQntcVvXY9MZOG1tSp8KReLVexz4KuZ8mIVvxRhcWm8bnYjjkIJBeyLYgLOYjCl7kcJahK/s400/IMG_2562.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>The road became a canvas. </div><br /><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6SdHUHBLdEgXqqxqVG7-OSGz-404_uN6nB7HmfNQuWI31V2kMeUd9pSDDtNijGD4MzHTA0aQntcVvXY9MZOG1tSp8KReLVexz4KuZ8mIVvxRhcWm8bnYjjkIJBeyLYgLOYjCl7kcJahK/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0q4ifNeBh_VrJI76w3v9wfhv42C2N2iG1DxDTAaikGv8JwvA3gnGcVrMHv-ZGiNuDBkaEXI9ke5bQPdT02WLNhJAiU891vS4z70KatacRkFpGvCRzf1g84QwC2if6lEV-B73ah1_Q9jX/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9Exqi32MrwB-IwoavQtGZQmXSBqKOmVNI9D4DPwUjZEtukvQodWyZQozXTM4U8jv3p4LqFCl1nTU2PvrtoqA7zrH0XCneBXIJqQhVQgm9Gm09TlXsaSKjTjbPm_zMrUeGbTsbhbdQlts/s1600/CMF_InflatableToy2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658338179929821346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9Exqi32MrwB-IwoavQtGZQmXSBqKOmVNI9D4DPwUjZEtukvQodWyZQozXTM4U8jv3p4LqFCl1nTU2PvrtoqA7zrH0XCneBXIJqQhVQgm9Gm09TlXsaSKjTjbPm_zMrUeGbTsbhbdQlts/s400/CMF_InflatableToy2.jpg" /></a>There were toys for the children. What does this look like to you?</div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZtxtf6hUZyZgaKAlDy9shUkzuOS2gGncOnF4K0xUHAFX6-3GOutff7QYzOZyaJ3g2ByhGjv95SI7zB80TzSYc-uqoGMBXhF5iND6YUPUAAZJg37cd8Wt8-mug2IZo-N5Vn15wBKAXOdB/s1600/CMF_InflatableToy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 377px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658337729929486194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZtxtf6hUZyZgaKAlDy9shUkzuOS2gGncOnF4K0xUHAFX6-3GOutff7QYzOZyaJ3g2ByhGjv95SI7zB80TzSYc-uqoGMBXhF5iND6YUPUAAZJg37cd8Wt8-mug2IZo-N5Vn15wBKAXOdB/s400/CMF_InflatableToy.jpg" /></a><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span">Never mind. Don't answer that. </span></span></div><br /><div><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658343176633551266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yuA0EF2h87tI5W5YO03zT6G-Fe8Ibl29Vz4JXEm4cmUYvjXt-qBFb11VxDZNeqhZiC0cAFzBt9QgAlCs_POhfEII4UlLS05praY8sNlC4cgg1-dN4Zz_-aDN7KVLHiqJZEKi9MwnHv8d/s400/IMG_2586.JPG" /></span></span> <br /><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The town was full of children. Dancing children, climbing children, it was a family affair. </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><br /><div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658343183268561074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1B74OuLksdCa5ePhxUqjxu-vOuK8MTrzl4FmlngYleQhLpCrNSV6zteeXA9i71k3mC0yNEnrx5wJu6cX-jANTx0g9olgVZmOowkkkFsVqzUGyYrfIPzkWLTi9wL1-cBXN0RBuCFcR7cH/s400/IMG_2585.JPG" /></span> <br /><div>Events like this make me reflect on how lucky I am to live in such a community. It makes me think that despite our differences, our similarities are really more remarkable. With just an ounce of acceptance and a little bit of music, life is pretty good. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br />Sorry this post is so cheesy. This is really how I feel, sometimes walking around town causes me to burst into a spontaneous monologue about how wonderful it all is. True story, I am just a cheese ball at heart.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-61117050865000109072011-09-30T21:55:00.000-07:002011-09-30T18:56:03.852-07:00Friendship Bracelet Making Party<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfk1x1DQLs8F3zMU2IGjb4raZBWWuAmFgD62Mkpn-7MToZ9c3sPlxptpTPmKsYzc9Y6XyTe3j3hvGcvF3tIFJXWO-8qEc-lxdA5F47xDbhmFhzhfgWaIpbh4doNHKZ9RMu6mXpTivcHy3/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfk1x1DQLs8F3zMU2IGjb4raZBWWuAmFgD62Mkpn-7MToZ9c3sPlxptpTPmKsYzc9Y6XyTe3j3hvGcvF3tIFJXWO-8qEc-lxdA5F47xDbhmFhzhfgWaIpbh4doNHKZ9RMu6mXpTivcHy3/s400/IMG_2542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658310037415232274" /></a></div>It has been awhile since I have posted. Sorry. I got sick, then I had to go to South Carolina. There were dead people to find. It is what I do. <div><br /></div><div>Before I got sick and went to South Carolina, I had a friendship bracelet making party. </div><div><br /></div><div>I invited my girls over and we watched an awesome movie. We drank delicious beverages. It is called a Moscow Mule (ginger beer, vodka, mint)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHLxGD7Hbvm7SziXBmACsX6RFLeihAiz84y-YYlvEZUeMkNuj1IutEZNoPW5_gz2eVMX-IEuJXnBP_94BC0E8j5U7pJMSGXu1yKS83CvCZG-JuetjzgaWdLXyk7l7fAFZ3HWdJrFo5u6d/s400/IMG_2548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658329040639382450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">I made mustache straws. They made me laugh.</span> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKvYktWIiAR1ckT4bRy3At1rZGaPknBDTUonKqcnUSWm4N7ZzhVUrcdl58bNK6bDC-NM0An_LCY309yKel0mhLKpWDCRbT-pXn6wBQsTg9wL0enhyphenhyphentw5kdOgoV0vgckFuD0s0-9z1Kat6/s400/IMG_2546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658319223856205010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I look good with a mustache. Right? Mustache for the win.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWSoReefhDVmpg1d-Leu7ocBM0-7LOD_elBfcINYZmyxnI9XB2p1nMZ3RCVqLCh6LeU06esfaHvYSS9ec9tHgqACZ1JQz_cDZWU6c5Rjkvp_fbQ9QVIIH1eH8fI4A1MzlUZEUlv79AHW5/s400/Sarah_Mustache.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658329805318740210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></span></div><div>After we all had beverages, we got to work.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQNkH7_H2tuC1Bhr_bwMhZhWOXDpwOMRhbwbvXI6Ne7wz6Nc0AR9-TisO0lFnF2y87F4MKm5d0-Uj2O9R8ZaKGZQ6Az-VE8Qj3dw2sT_g_AHGLzxxx5sHPOwv2BppEvNB-R19kh0csPsx/s400/Makingbracelets2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658329808822666706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Look at this focus. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPrjhEsduBzq-_Oo_DMGRqyHir9aE1-f9ycYbpXVFffvcH-ieah9zNdYeH12wYGsbEYnN7DeT3wO5qQT3azQMt6NCrS9E2SribboTWp-mFNkMKhD3guqSLRdF92YRr8KQmI-JtHFCmx50/s400/Makingbracelets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658331896802386434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Even Max got in on the action. He really likes friendship bracelets. It is a little bit of a hazard to have him around.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJc9jL2dVacxue-NCQ4DAZTZ94XwsDH6pwbLsCY6wdIGoU4M_XKuA6hNUlBevkz6mxI8rDslSdEa_jOu3DrkdSgLa6p89QKahlYj8xuDEdt_dMRadFel47Rl6yS44qRdNu7UFKRaJzsyO/s400/Maxandfriendship.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658330615479402162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div>Bracelets may have been lost. Cat casualties are a problem.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QfwWw9IG4cKB15f6IemSSso1HY_M8GFGCXG9ftmxm_yH-T8CsDL3AdeU94RCvt-tngkPb-EQlEvTzJn3oJnWpziYgEIK97gVJPCUswlXLDH_ceyZv-h3RqIsp6WNKBk-2KAUPSyOD24o/s400/IMG_2540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658331023449834658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">To sustain us throughout this work, I made <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.food52.com/recipes/13806_sea_salt_and_caramel_popcorn">salted carmel popcorn</a></span>. So easy and tasty. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>It was really fun to kick back, chat, and make some pretty bracelets. The skills came right back.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-74324358611297486402011-09-20T20:31:00.000-07:002011-09-22T17:33:17.803-07:00Fennel Pizza and My Favorite Pizza Dough<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM8Wj0t2lRMM8dLxj-QKT08ohx0zw_sYRSVMGf4dhyphenhyphen4NlRLg4A-nXlWTBp27J9Wzr9QgSvRmOlk4rctDG25clLEM3Btg2XcYhAP_7qHlwAoEP4OOgPZtQRZSn9SHZw55p2KzsvogNiiQT/s1600/Finished_IMG_2508.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcN6Br0jeAJuarRln4He1nmdp4c4B-AsNG3qaRsCgd453SjZX9u8ZCwTy2xrH07wc0aaMGNjVieOCNkhM5QQmghRsx0j_owmL1b_UtiQnnNrj6vKAFj19FtsOOVQTzoODqWz9Spd_rau4e/s1600/slices_IMG_2510.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcN6Br0jeAJuarRln4He1nmdp4c4B-AsNG3qaRsCgd453SjZX9u8ZCwTy2xrH07wc0aaMGNjVieOCNkhM5QQmghRsx0j_owmL1b_UtiQnnNrj6vKAFj19FtsOOVQTzoODqWz9Spd_rau4e/s400/slices_IMG_2510.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655334606197050994" /></a></div>This is a great recipe. But it is not what most people think of as pizza. This pizza would probably disappoint your typical kid. This pizza has not met a tomato. There is a little bit of cheese, but no mozzarella.<div><br /></div><div>It is delicious. When Derek was preparing to leave for Germany I asked him what he would like to have for his last American dinner. His instant response was, "fennel pizza." Now this is not an American recipe, I am not even sure it is an Italian recipe. But, I love the boy so I just smiled and we made pizza.</div><div><br /></div><div>The dough is pretty delicious and we use it for everything. Sometimes we just have to many leftovers in the fridge and we make a pizza to put them on (this is not a joke). We are really good at pizza. Not to be too egotistical, but sometimes when we are eating pizza at a restaurant, I realize that our pizza is better. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Pizza Guidelines:</b></div><div>1.)Hot oven. Pretty much as hot as your oven can go. Then let the oven preheat for about 10 minutes after it says it is ready. </div><div><br /></div><div>2.)Think light. Our home ovens can not handle too thick of a pizza. If the crust or the toppings are too thick they will not cook all of the way and you will have soggy pizza. </div><div><br /></div><div>3.)Pizza stone, optional. The pizza stone really helps you get that crusty crust and it helps the oven maintain that temperature. But you do not need it. This recipe requires no special kitchen gadgets. </div><div><br /></div><div>These recipes were published by Jim Lahey in his book <i>My Bread</i>. We love this book, every recipe we have made from it is great, his basic bread is the best. I have written about it <a href="http://archaeologistontheroad.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-love-bread.html">here</a>. You would think that this book would just be about bread, but it has a whole chapter on pizza. None of his pizzas are traditionally what we think of as pizza, none have sauce, most don't have cheese, and they usually have only 3 or 4 ingredients.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Basic Pizza Dough</b></div><div>not modified at all from Jim Lahey's <i>My Bread</i></div><div>makes two 9 x 13 pizzas or four personal pizzas</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>3 1/4 cups (500 grams) Bread Flour</div><div>2 1/2 teaspoons (10 grams) Active Dry Yeast</div><div>3/4 teaspoon (5 grams) Table Salt</div><div>3/4 teaspoon (about 3 grams) plus pinch Sugar</div><div>1 1/3 cups (300 grams) Room Temperature (about 72 degrees F) Water</div><div>Extra Virgin Olive Oil</div><div><br /></div><div>1. In a a medium bowl, stir together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the water and stir using a wooden spoon or your hand for at least 30 seconds or until blended. The dough should be wet and sticky. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature until it has more than doubled in volume (about 2 hours). </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Scrap the dough out of the bowl using a rubber spatula onto a well-floured work surface. Gently form into a rough ball (it will be sticky). Cut this ball into two (if you are making two large pizzas) or four (for four small pizzas). Space them 4 inches apart and cover with a moistened kitchen towel and allow to them to rest for 30 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Now you can form the balls into pizzas or freeze them. To freeze, coat the inside of a plastic bag with olive oil and put ball inside. They should keep about a month in the freezer. If you want to wait to use the dough, they will keep for about a day in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Before use, defrost frozen dough in the refrigerator and let it sit on counter for 30 minutes to warm to room temperature.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_1m4vyKtKtt0EFlvRXub-NNYwH3gyuZsEl14AcqOeBL5Ty5XGeBzYM1FcL1l4f9x2ZMtijuopiqbksikkkPQT66wKBmScrOqBi8L9YQLpQpJqFYAq7bXxYRB2XpXGtcYkuOvGQBAsSKa/s400/IMG_1976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655338778345762674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>4. To form the pizzas, oil a 9 x 13 inch rimmed baking dish (no pizza stone, although I do use a baking stone for a lot of my other pizzas). Use a fair bit of oil on the pan and spread it out evenly. Invert the dough onto the pan (preferably with moist side of the dough down on the pan). Using your hands, gently pull, press, and stretch dough across the pan. It should take up all of the pan evenly. Sometimes I used my oiled rolling pin to spread it really evenly. Try not to let the dough rip, if you do, press the holes together.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR2umnaSceIrWTrKBAdfcl1iJsbTPMG_d4tTJhiHbyXIzKmPA2ZjM9ntZUow1ah4JDK3P7N3u6Y26RO5BYEyWeOK9HLMne_GwfM7VI9hPHoocS0mE4g4oo99ppgMBRPZntR-J-CFCW0p7/s400/IMG_2503_sharp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655335752902772450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>5. Now top the pizza with fennel topping (or whatever you want).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM8Wj0t2lRMM8dLxj-QKT08ohx0zw_sYRSVMGf4dhyphenhyphen4NlRLg4A-nXlWTBp27J9Wzr9QgSvRmOlk4rctDG25clLEM3Btg2XcYhAP_7qHlwAoEP4OOgPZtQRZSn9SHZw55p2KzsvogNiiQT/s400/Finished_IMG_2508.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655345131268239730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><b>Fennel Pizza (Pizza Finocchio)</b></div><div>from the same book as above</div><div>Makes enough topping for one 9x13 inch pizza</div><div><br /></div><div>2 medium (650 grams) Trimmed Fennel Bulbs</div><div>1/2 cup loosely packed (40 grams) Freshly Grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano Cheese (see note b)</div><div>3/4 teaspoon (4 grams) Table Salt</div><div>1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) Freshly Ground Black Pepper</div><div>about 1/4 cup (about 60 grams) Extra Virgin Olive Oil</div><div>The pizza dough from above</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (hot!), with the rack in the center.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Use a knife or mandoline to cut the fennel into really thin slices (1/16 of an inch), don't cut your fingers. You want about 7 cups of sliced fennel.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p5vUKrl0_dzVn_bKNF1StvzFODx9tCyZy5pTZCCkDN_nLNBZVoRXAOM2v7w8LpDx1FxGTdGGL0tEQITRPwMrcbK_8KQF_y9aqUIJNGPRv_Slsnb5kz-kTxqduRkvs4qrNI-poxGE1Zbo/s400/Fennel_IMG_2496.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655333103878329970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div>3. Put all of the fennel in a bowl and toss them with cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnK7Vy6p_7J3Tl6RPQLYOlxRv5Jqyf0sPUtw-SNnV23EpTP0BEk9B_YymEFf1R5kLRNX4rNt56GmB_msKTITpbTku1-NUnYK7QAN6GxkRRcOUJaCmuC6d4S_y46TlGalWrYJP_MGfPIdD/s400/Topping_IMG_2500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655337858124989138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div>4. Spread the fennel mixture over the dough, going all of the way to the edges. No crust on this pizza. In fact, you want the topping to be slightly more thick at the edges, because the outside tends to brown more quickly. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. Bake for 30 minutes, plus or minus 5 minutes. I find that mine is done at 25 minutes, but my oven is hot. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IBWVT61Johc0D_W8AOY4JA4AA3iKCkJQWDEpaOpMKZ6wgAk3SXNjn3Tsj8lAFfjmzd8CEQG-LaXB_pxxDJMsBT_1leFaGHI5otIejipQu1ecLxkmfUZhsfa0yVkfW9QGNIkKQodS1h6M/s400/IFinished2IMG_2507.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655333475104495506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Note a: I have used this dough for lots of pizza types. When I am making sauce containing pizzas I tend to use the pizza peel and stone. I just like them that way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note b: I think this pizza might work without cheese, if you are avoiding it. If you are avoiding cow dairy, I think a hard goat or sheep cheese would work. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GDZqu0r9xNo6uYlu1AsY4W3NHczIHOKHpOV6MvUI7mxWYSQ_L8ZEWbylzZgiLelftIRyfcCd9X-cFtRhaItXWW4xueGoIgPJmMK4rMHHr2cuvHAX822hNAnoJREavnD9ksIWs_tDLo0-/s400/Dinner_IMG_2514.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655337232238069410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-23923060889958931762011-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:002011-09-15T13:30:34.875-07:00My List<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIj7R36AxFfmCjeSB3pBGmsDpkF2fVU1dYM5lA_xpKdipvGNiSCj6F7gv8fSDYQz6SItTOX5gYcUdvf9tb-8jtKsUy1mVP_f5LfuQwdIQxxHtWM0hf9n8hWjY79M0IireJj4HgUqiz7xL/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-iYceMxX3GKlbRTHv5H0AZNN45hkw5E6sxmXFGVuhalEe4HOK92KfUaP-uJkjfrIy36x2B0D3XZeMlVpG7FtPl6Pz_vf-szTikGRV8nRnjroFLo_r5vQra0e3rYWqswpEh3v9Rw3zL7A/s400/IMG_0487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652685253734981698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-iYceMxX3GKlbRTHv5H0AZNN45hkw5E6sxmXFGVuhalEe4HOK92KfUaP-uJkjfrIy36x2B0D3XZeMlVpG7FtPl6Pz_vf-szTikGRV8nRnjroFLo_r5vQra0e3rYWqswpEh3v9Rw3zL7A/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div>Thank you friends for all of your great suggestions! I am very excited about my list (and my year). </div><div><br /></div>1. <b>Pancetta. </b>That is right, I think this is the next step up from bacon. We shall call it advanced bacon. It hangs up to cure.<div><br /></div><div>2. <b>Backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains</b>. I want to go somewhere and sleep in the woods. There will probably be jelly beans, beef jerky, and canned beer. That is what you eat when backpacking.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <b>Make a quilt.</b> On my sewing machine. Probably a small one. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>3 new restaurants outside of Chapel Hill.</b> Get out, experiment, try new things. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. <b>Cooking (or baking) class.</b> There are things I can learn, for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. <b>Concert in town. </b>This could happen more than once, inspiration may strike.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. <b>Picnic.</b> You know, I am sort of too lazy for picnics. You have to make food, then pack it, then go somewhere. Why not just eat then go to the place? But not this year. Bring. it. on.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. <b>Friendship bracelet.</b> This could happen soon. Stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div><div>9. <b>Trail running.</b> Sometimes I run on roads, I need to branch out.</div><div><br /></div><div>10. <b>Volunteer with REI.</b> I will help build the trail I walk on. </div><div><br /></div><div>11.<b> Dance class.</b> I am not even sure this is possible. I will look into it. </div><div><br /></div><div>12. <b>Kayak.</b> I have never done this before. It seems like fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>13. <b>Go to Saxapahaw</b>. This will include hiking and probably duck fat fries.</div><div><br /></div><div>14. <b>Climb to the highest point in Orange County.</b> That is North Carolina (not California). It is not very high.</div><div><br /></div><div>15. <b>Plant a Tree. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>16. <b>Jam exchange with </b><a href="http://blog.muffinegg.com/"><b>Rachel</b></a><b>. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>17. <b>Play poker.</b> This I used to do in middle school, I am grown up now. I still think I will not play for keeps. I am not that grown up. </div><div><br /></div><div>18. <b>Make a piece of art.</b> Maybe painting, perhaps collage. We shall see how my muse moves me. </div><div><br /></div><div>19. <b>Happiness list.</b> My mom suggested this one, make a list of things I am happy about. Can do.</div><div><br /></div><div>20. <b>Go to scrap exchange in Durham</b>. I have never been there, but I like strange stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>21. <b>Make pasta</b>. All of the way from semolina flour to noodles. </div><div><br /></div><div>22. <b>Have a mustache party</b>. With paper, not hair. Hair has been done. Plus, I can not grown a mustache.</div><div><br /></div><div>23. <b>Swimming</b>. Lap swimming, not playing in the water. </div><div><br /></div><div>24. <b>Go to a festival</b>. Probably a close one by one. I am pretty lazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>25. <b>Go to a museum</b>. One with art or old stuff. I have not been to any of our local museums. For shame!</div><div><br /></div><div>26. <b>Salted chocolate covered caramels and Homemade Marshmallows</b>. Enough said.</div><div><br /></div><div>27. <b>Forage persimmons</b>. This is a long story. More later. </div><div><br /></div><div>28. <b>Visit corn maze</b>. I have never done that. Sounds spiffy.</div><div><br /></div><div>29. <b>Make a paper crane</b>. I could never do this as a child. I am now a mature adult, who can follow directions much better. </div><div><br /></div><div>30. <b>Go to or host a wine tasting</b>. Then I can say more than, "I like it" or "Icky." Girl has got to have goals. If I host it, I might even have to do research. Right on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, time to get started. The list may be a little fall heavy, but I will make it work. This weekend might be a big one!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIj7R36AxFfmCjeSB3pBGmsDpkF2fVU1dYM5lA_xpKdipvGNiSCj6F7gv8fSDYQz6SItTOX5gYcUdvf9tb-8jtKsUy1mVP_f5LfuQwdIQxxHtWM0hf9n8hWjY79M0IireJj4HgUqiz7xL/s400/IMG_0551.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652685715913617682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-74465747026582854082011-09-11T14:47:00.000-07:002011-09-13T06:24:09.607-07:00Gute Reise Derek!<div style="text-align: left;">My love left today. He is off to Germany to make research happen for his dissertation. I love him very dearly and saying goodbye today was terribly hard.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqV8GQCPYPOL2oxHjdeV_LoCmL_Nzgy2fjZjcKyhByc8dHWrR6g9lQV2XlVssTA74zIQj7knzAUYuyxnhXjdSPOuZMpCjYb2SwIAdpbKPNzOh7lT2G2eGHCWZiSSPNqHv7jGRNi8RTrLk/s400/IMG_2447.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651223626276056162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>It is never easy to say goodbye. It is definitely not easy to say goodbye until Christmas. I cannot even think about the rest of the year. Thank goodness for Skype. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>We have been having/attending many celebrations and events over the past couple of weeks. We wanted to do one last pork shoulder, one last time at our favorite restaurant, one last trip to the taco trucks, you know how it goes. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHdpaHBBUjJXS2KBYeIcQJ98I4ZHbjqdYxrs5lNdgJ4FaZKfHhZudD23Pj8Ex2cRD2_mDvhgwmOh0T8wkSOdauKHvCWOPS-LdsFxQ9hNcGTXAlpV3PIpQ6UBOkPwE9w7hAn6OPlMIw_Hv/s400/IMG_2418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651229552718481682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>One last trip to Fullsteam. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div>Speaking of this, I am going to do a post about Derek's last United States dinner soon. Fennel pizza deserves its own post. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a busy couple of weeks. Then, I took Derek to the airport and when I got home it was so quiet. Too quiet. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2mj9CSJbXdSdK2OLL_QlIHbBjG6anmSNgkcP8zx6Pd3-6H846iJWqgj2TIBVxtN6xx4BXPhvYFjUm2NM3TZZ58vy5rYkwufFOXuWYv5oQaT1eBaV3fRRgPBflUoVFaAq1DMub-QFlufd/s400/IMG_2463.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651229550950764290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>One last smoked pork shoulder. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I am going to miss that boy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not a wallower though and I intend to keep myself busy for the next three (really ten) months.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am a list maker and I am going to make a list of the exciting new things I want to try in the next year (307 days, but who is counting?) and get out of my comfort zone a little. Not that I need Derek away to step out of my box, but I need goals so I do not think too much about Derek being gone. I am thinking a I will make a list of 30 goals, get it 300 days?</div><div><br /></div><div>In order to really get out of my comfort zone, I want help making this list. If I have any readers (Mom?), would you help me come up with suggestions for my year? If they are feasible, I promise to do it and document my efforts here. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is what I have so far:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Make pancetta. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Go backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Make a quilt. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Try a 4 new restaurants outside Chapel Hill (I have no idea where the number 4 came from).</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Take a cooking class. </div><div><br /></div><div>6. Go to a concert in town. </div><div><br /></div><div>7. Go on a picnic.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. Make a friendship bracelet. </div><div><br /></div><div>9. Go trail running. </div><div><br /></div><div>10. ?</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, I have nine so far. Help me out friends! I will think on this a bit and hopefully come up with 21 more... with your help? Please?</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-59240686312154512242011-09-05T11:20:00.000-07:002011-09-05T15:11:21.730-07:00Fullsteam Ahead for Great Beer!<div style="text-align: left;">Hello loyal reader (readers?) of Sarah’s blog. As you can undoubtedly tell from the third-person use of Sarah’s name, there has been a change from this blog’s regular programming. I, Derek, have taken over for one guest post. That means no archaeology, but the South and food – well, <i>Bier als Nahrungsmittel</i>, as the Germans would say – will remain. I should also warn you that this going to be a long post. Give me a soapbox and I will go on and on.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Today I want to share with you a mixture of my passions: German history, food in the “new South,” and, most importantly, beer. These themes all came together in a tour of an amazing brewery in Durham called <a href="http://www.fullsteam.ag/">Fullsteam</a>. But before I can get to the tour and photos, we need to go back in time, as well as take a slight field trip to Germany and the development of my deep, respectful love of beer.</p></div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYqiZ7-6NrnyI4cJR3HxvMd8jJV4hZqbFg8xJJW-wu9r0AnJM1R_AhG16ViOKRLAQQg67amQkPEULOc6IubOZFL4W6Pyp6rc09HZcTR8EFX-B9Cx_x5TAovILo_hip8apJ7omThR_L78-/s1600/germany_map.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYqiZ7-6NrnyI4cJR3HxvMd8jJV4hZqbFg8xJJW-wu9r0AnJM1R_AhG16ViOKRLAQQg67amQkPEULOc6IubOZFL4W6Pyp6rc09HZcTR8EFX-B9Cx_x5TAovILo_hip8apJ7omThR_L78-/s400/germany_map.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648943945336419746" /></a> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>1234</o:Words> <o:characters>7037</o:Characters> <o:company>UNC Chapel Hill</o:Company> <o:lines>58</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>14</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>8641</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Known as the "Land of Breads" (eat your heart out, France!), Germany is also a land of beers.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think that like most 18-year-olds, I arrived at college with a dysfunctional view of beer and alcohol in general. Basically, beer was the means to the end of getting drunk, which was itself a means of navigating the semi-adolescent, semi-adult social relations in college. What never really entered into the equation was that beer itself should be enjoyable. In fact, like most Americans I had the vague sense that I should like the taste of beer, but I actually did not care for it. I was willing to put up with the taste because beer offered something I did like: the connection between pleasant drunkenness and sociability. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As it turns out, part of the reason that I did not care for beer was that the beer I was drinking was not very good. Coors, Bud, Miller, and Pabst are all inexpensive staples at college parties, and I think that it is telling that the “light” versions of the major beers are most popular, with the exception of PBR. They have the least flavor, meaning that most people will drink them because they don’t really taste like beer. Think about it: college students (particularly men) are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">supposed</i> to like beer, and they like the effects of alcohol, but flavorful beer can be off-putting to neophytes. There is a reason why you can hardly taste either hops or malt in lights beers, as well as why they are so carbonated and finish slightly sweet. They are adult sodas. Alco-pops like Smirnoff Ice or Mike’s Hard Lemonade just admit what everyone else keeps secret. (On this note, you should watch the eye-opening documentary <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326194/">Beer Wars</a></i> – just don’t let the slightly annoying narrator put you off.)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cER02LS0R7YJalbPJob7wzsMvWuTnDFn-ViUpUq5RsDZA1yCqhprAeWg4AWq2UXZ-sK1SD1YE0S_CD0xst8-S2ynSBgzweyKm1vxTXxhviJOIe3Sw6DLcK6qY8kPjaEd6-cGbfZspYqZ/s400/CokeCan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648947733804474818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>The fundamental difference between this and Coors Light? Less than you might think...</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">What does all of this have to do with ze Germans, you ask. Well, like everyone else on the planet, I knew that German beers were supposed to be good. For the most part, they actually are pretty tasty. The reason why people like them is that the Germans are very good at producing lagers, which they first developed and popularized (based on the German verb "to store" which has to do with how they are brewed) and which all of the mass-market beers in the US cynically imitate. Lager beers tend to have crisp, clean flavors that are not overpowering. When made correctly and consumed in the right circumstances, they are sublime. They are also very welcoming beers for those who do not want an overpowering drink; for instance, when I was younger and first encountering German beers in Germany. When lagers are made cynically…well, you get Miller, Bud, PBR, Coors, Schlitz, Ice House, Natty Light, and so on. And do not for one second tell me that you could taste the difference between Coors and Natty Light in a blindfolded test, because there is no way you can once brand-loyalty has been eliminated. There is not enough flavor for either to be distinctive – that is the point of their beer and why they have such non-beer-related ad campaigns that support them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MATU2D6bgoNDU55zbzqEYCCc04p-HUE4zDGUK0tf2zezMh5YiXxgh3renr7-FyhzZCwNobF9bPeneJ7bKsF2BSU5fSLxi4nlzA6nfa00d8wR17mpZqSXbADCxMiSVtTGniHNHK7Mlgo3/s400/table_ingredients.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648955502947338866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>See the hops, barley, and other ingredients on this table? You can hardly taste them in mass-market beers.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">German beers are good because in typical German fashion, they decided to subject it to some rules. In 1516 the Bavarians introduced the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Reinheitsgebot</i> (say it with me, “Rine” like shine, “heights,” as in tall places, “ge” like get without the t, and “boat,” but with the vowel slightly clipped). The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Reinheitsgebot</i> was a “purity law” for beer that decreed that beers had to be brewed with only barley, hops, and water. So, the delicious German <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Hefeweizen</i>-style does not actually conform to the law because it is a wheat beer, but apparently it was tasty enough to eventually warrant an exception. By outlawing adulterants, the Germans kept nasty preservatives and other additives out of their beers, which meant good, “clean,” tasty beer that also needed to be consumed while relatively fresh because only hops acted as a preservative.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd55gkiE4cyMWpeUcAxY7GfEOp8cpO7gog4h2JxeAuwk3vaoE-91NkaPz9xE-HXMY1R9ePRRHV7Xk-Kl7wDXYNXxmckB40XmZpU_3e8BIYaO9SFN_NSNJHqePnCn7k3lGVp_v1zi6QW8R/s400/Weissbier_DBB_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648949428555174482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Delicious, German, and wheat-y, but not actually allowed by the Reinheitsgebot.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Reinheitsgebot</i> is no longer in effect because European courts deemed it as anti-competitive and a barrier to freed trade within the EU, but many breweries still work within its constraints as a point of pride (and, to be honest, probably as marketing). As a result, mass-market German lagers are better than their American counterparts because they do not use adulterants such as rice and weird preservatives, and also because they still seem to take some sort of pride in what they do. There are exceptions – I am looking at you, Becks – but that is the general idea.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://beerme.com/graphics/brewery/1/1609/9137.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 270px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>This stuff, on the other hand, is great!</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sadly, just as the constraints on German beers had the benefit of producing a nice base-level quality, they have also harmfully narrowed the horizon of German beers. The fun thing about the explosion of American craft beers is that people who started as homebrewers are a little more willing to experiment. Sometimes that turns out poorly, but it also leads to really neat beers. Dogfish Head in Delaware is a <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/11/24/081124fa_fact_bilger">classic example</a>: they have fun beers ranging from their India Pale Ales, to nearly Paleolithic and other historic styles, to a pumpkin beer that manages to not be cloying and disgusting. Here it is again worth noting that problems really arise when brewers are cynical and go for the lowest common denominator of fizzy, alcoholic pumpkin pie rather than pumpkin beer. This sort of cynicism is also manifest in certain super hoppy craft beers that are more a product of a hops arms race than the effort to create good or interesting beer (Dogfish Head also gets points here because they manage to balance their IPAs even as they get really hoppy). In any case, an IPA is already pretty out there for most German drinkers and brewers, so imagine the horror they would have when confronted with a brewery like Dogfish Head that brews with pumpkins and even the sap of a Central-American hardwood tree.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://www.fullsteam.ag/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/near-final.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 192px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>What's this? We are getting to the point of this long-winded post?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">As part of a series of “goodbyes for now” to the South while I get ready for 10 months of research in Germany, a group of us went on a tour of the Fullsteam brewery in Durham. We got hear all about the history and production processes of this young brewery from their very charismatic founder Sean Wilson. They have actually been using a second-hand German-made system, and I like to think that is very appropriate. It nicely encapsulates the combination of the care and dedication to standards from the German tradition with the American craft beer tendency to try new things. It does not hurt that they also have a fun beer garden for enjoying their product, local food trucks to keep away the hungers beer can’t satisfy, and that they are taking part in the revitalization of a part of Durham and maybe also foodways in the South.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCoh3532pGJKNuevSn_fwuIIjClfQiBHqK3wwsQZ-OZu33czYXC1-_XrDV5c7lIg33O5ow5Fvhg22vckjyA1XIn_sMlDOYY2445oTNGm7RyWkZqrC0vpTRtfFYGqt0GY6-y2e-CWs_WJE/s400/tank.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648955497912703298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>See, I told you they use German equipment.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHh4oEPL8F2IRs4N6Ci-XZ3qkt-6v_hhb6754FXRr_nMCzOGRCGmAbsXPPPWL3gUYfHZPwrGuWBO2qlxLiBX9xHOwX7czrKexAso4iXD4mwxk4-o0IlDQkM-y2tZ4oLs6BpcavCcu4jn3/s400/tanks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648955507967715714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sean Wilson (in black) talking to us amidst brewing tanks</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9W0G4lUEOXQdTn6Z5ASrxkr8Yp0nlNhtFDrNV86uKJh8ihXIdokJVMzEsyhi5juwgA5zKTZeok8hi4kU5VmiMVn6p5ZPI3HvnmN9VVChDfbrYcamIC1aqBmowRCYtP4eOyOJ44Ilkcy_/s400/sean.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648953646280403842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sean spreading the good word in the outdoor portion of the beer garden.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">We really hope that Fullsteam is successful because they are doing the very things that make Dogfish Head wonderful, but they are also brewing with a great “new Southern cuisine” approach to local traditions and ingredients. But they don’t use tradition as a crutch. Take their Carver Sweet Potato Lager for example. They brew it in lager style, but they also use local sweet potatoes in the mash, which produces a subtle, interesting variation on that sort of beer. It would also be unthinkable under the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Reinheitsgebot</i>, which is why the Fullsteam people talk about having a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Neinheitsgebot</i> (it rhymes but is sadly gibberish in German). They also brew a “cream ale” that is an old southern style containing grits. So, what might seem like an additive to cheapen the beer when used cynically actually helps to produce another subtle, pleasant shift in what beer can be. For the most part I oppose using rice in beer, but when someone loves beer enough to try a New Orleans red beans and rice homage, I say go for it. It may not taste very good, but at least you gave it a shot. The other great thing about their style and dedication to exploring ingredients is that, as they like to point out, it connects beer back to its agricultural origins. Beer is made from food, and is actually food itself. Just like we are now supposed to think about where our <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma/">meat</a> and <a href="http://bittman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/15/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-immokalee-fla/">tomatoes</a> come from, maybe we should think a little harder about our beer.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7vswA1fJSY1DaVrS6dK4pagCXw2xzHrPu5jPu_wEzlGB4QlZnbZmeRP5_AlQHYDaNkx1-o3DpM8VS8w56eKMv7ldcNn-GMRTmOtu75r2EvFeeQI20Wzw9ot_TPk_ZvmNR5w0Giq0v9ni/s400/tiny_tank.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648955513092818274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>This modified keg was the humble origin of their brewmaster's first Fullsteam lager.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QUiVWlA09SdFIl6xgopJDJm-7sIkoAVGZRmqRFKU38HjPWeobEogfMEnXLnHgulw6qmKyPg8t07zpNeNr7-i_ShWfTJ3YQCBHXi36wgWr0WdqX0JOSK2PzOwcK3Zi0L3vZxE9UpOZLsG/s400/tiny_glass.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648955510072910306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Awesome taste and awesome backwards "F".</i></p> <!--EndFragment-->Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-9316158241115481562011-09-04T07:28:00.000-07:002011-09-04T11:54:31.092-07:00In Which Sarah and Derek Got Lost on Mount Olympus (A True Story of Recklessness with a Happy Ending)<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoAnTwIPf4U0wY1_K51zXntdT-3yuK13RtFEIKqtWcvP3CiYpgO7OMKoo6aesbLiYAcGzWfjo6_ia2O9wyMtF_XAZNVXlCpYKv2hpsMYhl7drw09AUdmUYgzlpWktTUl5GA3LltuCWG0a/s1600/Thessoloniki+047.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XOYFJ7-XF7TISSgfitqn6ksDxxac42Acq2PtaVWfi9SvgPNkqVZNLVA7dwlQldEnWOtIz7K0ne7n0m_pg9OztUw7BaY7K48kvNUwMKkbZ66PkQRwlIe77TVhQgsb1DY62Q7L45MKRzPF/s1600/Thessoloniki+034.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XOYFJ7-XF7TISSgfitqn6ksDxxac42Acq2PtaVWfi9SvgPNkqVZNLVA7dwlQldEnWOtIz7K0ne7n0m_pg9OztUw7BaY7K48kvNUwMKkbZ66PkQRwlIe77TVhQgsb1DY62Q7L45MKRzPF/s400/Thessoloniki+034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648547431105330946" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is story time. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away (a galaxy some people might call Greece), little (read: naive and silly) Sarah and Derek were studying abroad in Athens. We were having a great time and developing our consciousness' about good ingredients and tasty food. We were also learning stuff. This story is about neither of these things. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4v0WuN2M4bQ5I2CRXfpewVOHJENeGCLAQftgaoYPkKq-FkmxJSJw9OD8BFVyfPgabmxFZqA7RaOs7hqmTwZwXzVNmEUARqzFqGhH2WuLjbzKM-Z9dG8oKh7TMwOydkfuy_qBX6iH8mF2/s400/Thessoloniki+072.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648549539158280210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One weekend the entire study abroad program was shuttled to Thessaloníki in Northern Greece. There we were forced to endure hours of tours of historic sites in one large group. It was excruciating. After one day of this, Derek, a dear friend whom I shall call Tom (not his real name), and I decided to leave town and go hiking on Mount Olympus. You see, we had a guide book (the name of which will be omitted), this book implied we could do a short hike up to the trailhead from the village, eat lunch, and come back. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVSqh_oMPH1YsWwCl_NmdoZkhmnemGrjbXW0ROgmRBxLKkzO9A8ZWDImSrowMKHAsK9xtjPO6s0vP2nioEP2YK-02Rs6tg0Tiyq0tUqRNdF_3RCdAj1IqAmXJ6RCOOQ_ZIWiq0jT8YYiZ/s400/PICT0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648546841336076354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, bright and early we eagerly jumped on a bus to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Litóhoro. Did we pack a lunch? No. Did we bring tons of water? No. It was described as a short hike. We were going to have a nice walk through the woods, see some pretty views, end up at the trailhead for those who want to climb the mountain, have lunch, and turn around. I swear the guide book said the hike was about 2 kilometers. It also said there was a restaurant at this trailhead. We knew we did not have the time or equipment to climb the actual mountain. We were just happy to be on the mountain.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoAnTwIPf4U0wY1_K51zXntdT-3yuK13RtFEIKqtWcvP3CiYpgO7OMKoo6aesbLiYAcGzWfjo6_ia2O9wyMtF_XAZNVXlCpYKv2hpsMYhl7drw09AUdmUYgzlpWktTUl5GA3LltuCWG0a/s400/Thessoloniki+047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648548643042061138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here is little Derek holding a frog. </span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the village of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Litóhoro, on impulse, we stopped to buy some bread and cookies (Greek cookies remind me more of animal crackers, not necessarily a sweet dessert...). Then the three of us found the trail head and embarked. It was an awesome hike. The trees were beginning to change and the trail had gorgeous vistas from which to appreciate the fall colors. It was a sunny and brisk day, not hot or cold really. For much of the hike we were walking along a beautiful stream, with frogs and idyllic bridges. It was also a really hard hike, we were going UP, for serious. I mean we were on a mountain. We passed an abandoned monastery and beautiful little shrines. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52m9P510YfbtbJ3i3puY8vgcou0C-4S-CN782nU0SFwONneiVS7IskFGVGQUW9gTRnlDP-WvV8XqoGGyH5zUkBHYvEvNJnU4zq-3TtiuVIAPblB1AcrT78sLJJ7WDltgQdunxam9B4Q2P/s1600/PICT0003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52m9P510YfbtbJ3i3puY8vgcou0C-4S-CN782nU0SFwONneiVS7IskFGVGQUW9gTRnlDP-WvV8XqoGGyH5zUkBHYvEvNJnU4zq-3TtiuVIAPblB1AcrT78sLJJ7WDltgQdunxam9B4Q2P/s400/PICT0003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648545898572114658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Shrine</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFjmxifGdJjE0VfrcfcV9iJM8SMareSVsWdLQu_X57QeCGHwxiNHo8BmZoajR2eig7IQEvUPL9xPx59HbCH3Td2wXlGF-_kp7_Q3h89VAnrqaJVdDLk6nhF192rPOz1LMBKMOQ3bugdb/s400/PICT0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648546467772939234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKMFTA3v79-BawK7W38stafjhHHIoHQoUgUQWIChPVutcQeUY0DgbW_STngR-zi7sPQ5jf9qgz43WctUKPzixeClfIUiVbEqdSOaMb3U8dS1qklltELqsIHf4VRvpBDBdd9oanR87_6KP/s400/Thessoloniki+082.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648549541997568834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Derek and another shrine.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">At some point we realized we had clearly hiked longer than 2 kilometers, we were still in the middle of the woods, we were running out of water, and we were hungry. It was lunch time. We were nowhere near the restaurant. Also, we did not have a map, GPS, or cell reception. Basically, any of those newfangled hiking toys. At some point Tom pointed out he brought his sleeping bag and we could all huddle under it for warmth if we needed to spend the night on the trail. Needless, to say we were headed to a bad place mentally. The guide book was NOT helpful... according to it, we should have arrived already, have had lunch, and be preparing for our downhill hike. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8rndD-DKxuxYqYTn4g9cWOMS60d62bR_0pYLMi2aTy3-4AyZDSYhyphenhyphentcxPskMwPQrdanm8YtrTa2CDshtQtWBsBBJE6oJUJY9UGctB2WcSPOQyvKZ8C4zr_t5DZHyOSjILMbGNHK9glsW/s400/PICT0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648546845926265298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Abandoned Monastery, something to do with Hitler, we were never sure.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">At about 3:00 pm, after about 6 hours of hiking, we emerged at the parking lot for the actual Mount Olympus climb. We had not seen a single person all day and all of a sudden we were in a parking lot full of climbers and tour busses. Immediately, we filled our water bottles at the fountain and noticed the restaurant was closed for the season. Perfect. Really hungry, remember. At around noon we had started rationing the bread and cookies. We realized that if we turned around to hike back down we were going to have a situation on our hands. No food and it would be dark before we got back to the village and the bus stop back to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thessaloníki</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. This was particularly true because the trail was in a little valley, which would lose sunlight even earlier. We had cell phones, but no reception and really no one to call. We started asking the tourists and tour busses if we could have a ride back to the village. No dice. No room at this bus or any bus. Really? No room... it is a bus for goodness sakes. But, we were in no position to argue. There were no taxis to call, no rescue in sight...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADVU5IUc_PIx8E3kZj_sN5Az5VVXJQJKILblTAbZYJJxqlIb0kA0aJG8qnpBJzi3OLfs_T0cvofiIoCaTTriGHmkp4dtUoE4s2rw5HT7OnfvsCGVgQtzLy7O752N2Cm_Pfb2J7wsZYHd3/s400/PICT0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648550391308523074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Closed restaurant...</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKStAuyRylDk4Ogt8dvS-BekboQXrV-alzwiD1r70HbPAfPey_VJRD4Rf4mIauOiq_chj1xspUddGdc2YZHKWm3hqWOZAG7DE9X30bGILLQ6tbXUKyuT_wvnGFxGxMrxyVZ8UsXaIUjOU/s400/PICT0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648551185589172338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">At least there was water. Did not know or care if it was potable.</span></span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I like to think we did what anyone would have done at this point. We figured we were less likely to die by the side of the road than in the woods. Okay, die is an exaggeration, but I was not interested in turning this into an overnight trip. We decided to hike back along the road. I should point out that we had no idea if this walk would be shorter or longer than the trail, we just decided it would be better. After about an hour of walking along the road we realized that it might be longer than the trail and we were still hungry (I know a day with only bread and cookies is not starvation and that many people in dire situations have endure far worse, but we were hungry...). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The brilliant plan to solve this problem was to hitchhike. Because we were all good middle class American kids raised in the late 1980's and 1990's we were trained that hitchhiking would result in immediate death and dismemberment. Therefore, we were wary of taking the next step, but it seemed like the only logical solution. In order to prevent our inevitable murder we tried to check out the vehicles driving by before we would stick up our thumbs. If you have ever hitchhiked before you know this does not work, by the time you have ensured that the driver is not wearing a hockey mask their car is long gone and has not bothered to check out their rearview mirror to see your thumb. After failing a number times, we decided to throw caution to the wind and put our thumbs up without looking. In fact, we forbid ourselves from any even turning around. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To our surprise, the next vehicle to drive by pulled over immediately. Even better, it was a small van and probably had seats for the three of us. With extreme nervousness, we ran to the van's open door and discovered.... about 3 nuns and one monk. Okay, chances of murder have diminished. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A word on Greek Orthodox nuns and monks. Part of their practice of faith requires them to be extremely charitable and hospitable. It would have literally been against their religion to not stop for us when they had room. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We were feeling pretty good at this point. Safe ride! We were not going to be some news story about murdered American students! No cannibalism in the woods! What an awesome hitchhiking story! Weren't all of the lame people still touring Thessaloniki en mass going to be jealous of our adventure!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHN3Qwku0_3rtWHvYQXR0fBvGDz7siwxQXBinYMv-aeKTNrrby6ca-hhxpI3yVuhvIjCR0Yxw0KEG9F1XSE_rQXWzKgjDd1MjP_FH8liYZLJ4xmUtf-owiNN_dNFrlFmfye4O1h-PVRiO/s400/PICT0023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648550392830181474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Real Mount Olympus trailhead (I think)</span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Well, at this point the adventure had only started. The nuns and monk spoke little English and, while were were learning modern Greek, we were not that great. We communicated we would love to dropped of in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Litóhoro so we could catch the bus. They told us they needed to stop somewhere and return a key. Okay, fine. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqjTt9c1hP_gCGuFp2yHG7PFJVvj1T8BIlWpd8w06jm4MdkvcCVDe-ZKxijvibCGnmxT_R3fSJPeIdy9UtXSTnrkpFAkjYrB5quhBFKOBrfkjgvW_FLuerSTVpd91Nkk6Ya0oC1tmQJ-b/s400/PICT0025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648551184258572290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Look at all of these cars at the Mount Olympus trailhead parking lot, no ride for us though.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After returning the key, there was some discussion amongst the nuns of how to get to the village (which they had not driven through on their way to Mount Olympus) and the three of us Americans watched them make a wrong turn. We were too polite to point it out or maybe we thought they knew a shortcut. Soon it became apparent that they were tourists too, visiting from another part of Greece and they had no idea where they were going. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They communicated to us that they had made a wrong turn and would take us back, but it would make them late to another appointment and would we mind just tagging along? Then they could take us to a bus stop. At this point they fed what suspiciously looked like their lunch (that hospitality thing again) and we shared our rationed cookies, which they seemed to like. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTNpQPWOxf9ZuJnDKh1Yw_IzzqxsJpM9PTxFth2Bh4kOXrEEClMp2pK_8QFUBIhirP7qFSX5qg-plcesoYy_q_2Vt8gVeGvLLOFag054q6l00e4VGJyloC0Cs0pRhXnjn6i0s2VB40lWq/s400/Thessoloniki+067.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648549528176655890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They asked us, hopefully, if we were Catholic. They could could from our pale faces and light brown hair that we were not Greek and, therefore, not Greek Orthodox. I am assuming they thought Catholic was next best thing. When we told them we were not Catholic, they, hopefully again, asked if we were Protestant. At this point, Tom tried to explain he was spiritual, but not religious. While he was frantically trying to find the word for spiritual in his language dictionary, I interrupted and told them we were Protestant. Remember, language was a challenge. I am not sure agnostic or indifferent was in their world view.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pretty soon, the nuns and the monk started arguing and it was clear they were lost trying to find the place of their next appointment. I promise, the monk stopped the van and said, "if you women don't stop arguing I am going to turn this van around!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Actually, I do not know if he said that, but he might have, he stopped the van. The monk has not said a word to us at all. He was not much of a talker. We later learned he was from Mount Athos, a famously strict order of monks, not much interested in the outside world. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj7xI_i1NCik8R83Oi2onYqhbQfgExCvxbgMzcUl0aNScxaWriOF9h9Ws-Mg4ot_uUtYs4tZ-9zYGhrZEV6FQR3PzqKkOzsHgSBtBawPbhyphenhyphenIidnrNsJFP5oYFEWoxCUlkM-G80yce6gz_/s400/PICT0034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648547429245484370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The nunnery.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After consultation with our American (English!) guide book, the nuns agreed on a course of direction. Eventually, we ended up at a nunnery in the middle of an agricultural field (middle of nowhere). They made me wear a skirt over my pants (girls in pants = bad for God). We were told to hang in the courtyard of this nunnery while they went on a tour. It turns out that nuns on vacation visit other nuns to see their digs. I am not sure why the monk was there because he did not seem to be having any fun, maybe the nuns needed a chaperone? We hung in the courtyard, someone fed us some cake. Best tasting cake ever, remember we have not eaten anything substantial all day. They had some sort of mini-zoo, which we admired. There was a pretty garden and a small gift shop. No other tourists though. Some Jesus stuff, but nothing major. We did not even see that many nuns, maybe they were all visiting with the people we had come to think of as our nuns. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOY5R3V7gbRWo2ZbSyHhNOR1vicBV2U-pmshItARDrz-9jQaORiFar1NOXF3wMs6BmyOrkigBsl6yxgamYECben4vYZNRXRC50LJTvSm2acQHYbX_G9VK36uilZDyz2MvZsc0r-ha-lgF/s1600/PICT0028.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOY5R3V7gbRWo2ZbSyHhNOR1vicBV2U-pmshItARDrz-9jQaORiFar1NOXF3wMs6BmyOrkigBsl6yxgamYECben4vYZNRXRC50LJTvSm2acQHYbX_G9VK36uilZDyz2MvZsc0r-ha-lgF/s400/PICT0028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648551197076952082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nunnery courtyard.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></span></div></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mkDQLgUYb_flfCRVkwuG72y4huCsEobGwCC9uj6m3VYhq2SD8HY5dlbpTbtraeFi5Z1I25sehXVJh4iYBcy3UXIRFJK84VK8tiUZSo8adhSTEG-q9kG2TtL9zRJvuIou_ocHz-jAJSEN/s1600/PICT0033.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mkDQLgUYb_flfCRVkwuG72y4huCsEobGwCC9uj6m3VYhq2SD8HY5dlbpTbtraeFi5Z1I25sehXVJh4iYBcy3UXIRFJK84VK8tiUZSo8adhSTEG-q9kG2TtL9zRJvuIou_ocHz-jAJSEN/s400/PICT0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648551196763412002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pretty garden.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></span></div></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E6C2hyphenhyphen3o5Xik1M4-2AE5GsdjhIFZgLTJOX1Nyjy_lzDUhr20qnr3wMgQrv2x0qn1oFkjNA8CoaLYiFwRAYiLGUX6FIxX1TGQIGAF7Hs8VvIdPeAGkaiwWoXcKlXndNDtpUPgnZ8jBv9h/s1600/PICT0030.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E6C2hyphenhyphen3o5Xik1M4-2AE5GsdjhIFZgLTJOX1Nyjy_lzDUhr20qnr3wMgQrv2x0qn1oFkjNA8CoaLYiFwRAYiLGUX6FIxX1TGQIGAF7Hs8VvIdPeAGkaiwWoXcKlXndNDtpUPgnZ8jBv9h/s400/PICT0030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648551191125725234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lots of space, very few nuns. But who knows?</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89pukeYH1zpK4IutZ3YNZiv4fv6wQrAw97kkVC9bpCXNFbPH8m7b9c9ydu-v0WWCimt1WipeIvpmzR6NTHBRZCtqcETN_kqTLeQWtkwRYczzJaSqHnI1OzjVRGACUMQ6O4D4N-xaow3KN/s400/PICT0035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648552744872910386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Place where we ate our cake. Great view.</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It took them a long while to do whatever they were doing, but they came back and the monk said (in Greek), "come on children." These were his only words to us in the entire five or so hours we spent together. We had many awkward conversations with the nuns, but the monk was not a talker. We jumped in the van and we all drove off into the setting sun. They must of gotten directions from the local nuns, because they took of to a bus station in a neighboring town so we could get a bus back to Thessaloníki.</span></span><!--StartFragment--></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQ-Jw_neJZ5RbiUhOXU4h9L3uwnaVkGqc_5rhDJ5nfeSIUa4BRgA5V04JAnJv9koLgp3A7IfdnPMrq82nlubaYpUpVJGmex8c89DDYwNAhsMRlaJeju01GNpwqsc1MDT3Wg9WMG5rQyMH/s400/Van_sunset.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648550384847741074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Van looking off into the setting sun.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When we tried to offer them some cash, as a donation to the monastery they refused with conviction and they left us.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We were able to catch a bus almost immediately. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I think this story has some morals:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1.) Buy a map. Ask the locals about their trails. Do not use the Rough Guide to Greece as your sole source of information (oh damn, I said I was not going to reveal the name...).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2.) Always bring a sandwich. Do not assume the cafe will be open in the off season.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3.) Don't bring one sleeping bag for three people. Even if you need it, you do not want to use it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4.) If you hitchhike, make sure nuns pick you up. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5.) It is embarrassing to take pictures of nuns. Even if you want to.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And they lived happily ever after. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The end.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw3ibZTHDnTJ8xzSNGZyo6ivsqddh8QRDJWi-JaJ_CUbuo3Ny3dku215C-L_uGQuUPvbxhBRDFzrkvt45hOGPOkYuXwPsIy1hbG9RkYgCSNryVBch0-g1MVOYpioCqqCn5RLC7KG1ox3L/s400/Thessoloniki+066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648549530812479122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-59846413350273132752011-08-30T21:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T18:05:26.017-07:00Sarah and Derek Go to Asheville<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Vjthc4Mvq9N8vLZ4EKxkXEVKvicMFlsGiZQJilBd2N8K8l8nql4LSYeC1TZPS1V9QthWbfWHcJK2aZNHJK4R9DRGPEwETQtjJaf1Q47G0TVG-kz6816jZAbuf1AkFNxVB3u6Jnpe6wLE/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><i><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Sometimes even Derek and I get tired of cooking. Sometimes we get hot and bored with our entertainment options. It is too hot to do so many things we enjoy outside. I know we are wimps.</span></div></i><div><div>
<br /></div><div>We just had to get out of the Piedmont this weekend. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>On a whim we decided to head west to Asheville. I figured Asheville offered the whole package, mountains to hike in during the day and delicious food to feast on in the night. We were right.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Vjthc4Mvq9N8vLZ4EKxkXEVKvicMFlsGiZQJilBd2N8K8l8nql4LSYeC1TZPS1V9QthWbfWHcJK2aZNHJK4R9DRGPEwETQtjJaf1Q47G0TVG-kz6816jZAbuf1AkFNxVB3u6Jnpe6wLE/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646811669589021010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>You know that phrase, "dance like no one is watching"? There were a lot of people in Asheville doing just that, literally and figuratively. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBg5cL59Zup1X0Ukgpjy7xBEJgP-7f462KxOjWYs6P6SPUzdn1NgqCQqheNjW9WBsRwCK_l9mLKfOiQBOGPZ1mdxPXNg1GqFM2N6O7dBFMeRcb-PwmWG1x-QGTK_vWWx8k_v5JfLFtvkP/s320/IMG_2277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646807956107978034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This woman is dancing. By herself and for herself.</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>There was live music on the corners, a drum circle in the square, art galleries, and interesting restaurants. There were people just dancing to the music. Just because they wanted to.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjnYcTvCxGOYn9CvUwLRpy3AvtLxVkFgD18lK6N0C2OwZebfMi5pWwpabYsbAI4AeZ-z1chNaWnZ8gR1PJ7H1xmUdR9GPZFYusCmbObHSvIaA3u2oY3uJwsraGpG5VutdtMuwz9t3uKlM/s320/IMG_2269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646806549530515378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Largest drum circle I have ever seen. I don't seek them out, so there could be larger.</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Now, I am pretty sure Asheville has embraced this reputation and the tourism department loves it. The city manages to seem real and very livable regardless of all of the tourists.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W106ejopJTdJkwkaaJQARDN1MBMyMGq2hI7lMySFF0zx1e_9zVA32qM0xP-an4x1cck9yBX45tqEQU00tUD1vp8cHF8I-f4Dk5yAt86utSw4vfKme89OGsXfWjhMpewq-g-oaoA7h8qP/s320/IMG_2280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646809739795520098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the hike we set out to do.</i></div><div><i>
<br /></i></div><div>Plus the town is sitting right in heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Great hikes, beautiful vistas, you know, that kind of thing. Derek and I have a record of <s>bad hiking decisions </s>interesting adventures. Maybe our most epic adventure will be another blog post. Let me just say here that on Saturday we turned a 3 mile meander to see some waterfalls and have a picnic lunch into a 7.5 mile climb up 2,000 feet (trust me, I know, I brought my GPS and calibrated the altimeter before we started). </div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjal7LVkvNvsvFvFUg9LCrXdF5Czb9IUWRxpMLOSifiB_F4ByIrl46Nj3jkbCT0siB8_ZzQ9SAM6SEZ4E8mpJPIZU5GccUZCo8VtCkPVOKpWx95Q6E4CfI_2zg99x5evdWxVBgc523hNd6l/s320/IMG_2308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646811663639197906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I conquered that valley and I am proud.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlH4uJUgFIlkEb329_Lat4CBmHii8ahaVR95HM6T8j2QDTv9bqdZEa-le535kzvKtZE5ZTnrdKJi82I4E7JXohVymb0iQCKhS5lp2rrn9BYkLophCudNs_KJS5z38mDPrKqDdtOn8bMPV/s320/IMG_2309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646810742277201506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Derek on a cool little bridge. He is mad 'cause we are lost.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyBQRUlFKPaDS04VDb3NZN0lTdlLj3l2NJIOwHCzwnb4r4IioHQE-8ByaCL2r9dRwmnGuHMZwVAXKbrVWqfrdsqf_J84MOleCoST_ToaSsDy3BxrrXnPTJcJJ2815AdOGQmgiMZ9M1OBR/s320/IMG_2298.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646809743905103602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Most of our lunch was Appalachian grown, except for the chips from Virginia.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_bus_s12KVf4yIOCiH_hCF-eDbz8GfYjJ2P3dVFhT99RhDYuH4mwZrlR9GnPKPXwvHTI_uAqx_f6G4tz2ABx40UapdUeuAs8nkIDcjha34aNHY2uqf60SClWIg7X4asv-s2Rkr3m0CHH/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646810735853617602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lunch. Best sourdough ever (I don't care if you live in San Francisco, your bread will not taste this good unless it is eaten on a mountain top)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></div><div>It was fun, we saw some pretty stuff, had the trail pretty much to ourselves, and felt we earned our dinner. Fortunately, after that one time (information to be disclosed at a later date), we had plenty of water.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFex-aIr4ni5GKfrnX9L1z8nAMtx1JwCldrub0hsWx_tCE-AizdplL8ynB82XYVfeFUUfwpwqp-5oZBewc2obbSOT_Ng2vrznHlZXz0PJGAORkvxz5Ajum0AFQQ6RvWVBrI0erdniiMibw/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646807961338318578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>After hiking we went to a delicious dinner. Then we went and had some tasty beer. Then we got some chocolate cake. Yes, it was that kind of weekend. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhB0OJEC7J5j2fPk4RwFTE25wSPq5yUf22Wlfmj09OlfKR3Yjo6P92ktPG0uCkNA70z12P1tKSSFa-nEEKjU0xxzprdC5oA5RXELJDhI53iOjyZfdNo6JdVpE_VDIuDqRTwEuEwTqA1dE/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhB0OJEC7J5j2fPk4RwFTE25wSPq5yUf22Wlfmj09OlfKR3Yjo6P92ktPG0uCkNA70z12P1tKSSFa-nEEKjU0xxzprdC5oA5RXELJDhI53iOjyZfdNo6JdVpE_VDIuDqRTwEuEwTqA1dE/s320/IMG_2268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646806547102476194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><blockquote></blockquote><i><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Cats climbing a light post on the "Cat Walk"</i></span></div></i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>It ended the next morning with us sitting outside and sipping coffee and eating freshly baked bagels with cream cheese. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAXCSl2Y4gyo-rRSSC93E4vKW47joCyUAt_PK_-Q3FeYwIhDSb72PdEliXbp8dRWfGDRKRF_WRQQbrgDD-0BRt-orok5KHfiOZAap9azIr6MUDIDhNvV0IW3bQCBCdgwU9e3y9GYbprkk/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646813420426971714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGYFd8Nd7x9JRIrM8H-IrfDiXsvNlRwnyCfxCrtfHO6OEt3TdvTdI5LHJzyaLTPJhA837rT3kwA3ut9FJIFZKggDA3f6HPvPAc5-OW2KZFBBzEpj8p6PcXYtMbnzQ4g5Iy65qD7gDOKwE/s320/IMG_2315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646813423622054834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>This place no longer had shoe shines, but nice sign!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-82537279981946841402011-08-21T08:44:00.000-07:002011-08-21T09:58:23.634-07:00What, I Thought this Blog was About Archaeology?<div style="text-align: left;">It has occurred to me recently that I have not written about archaeology in a long time. People might visit to this blog and say to themselves, "she says she is an archaeologist, but she offers little evidence to support this claim. Mostly she seems to eat and spout nonsensical philosophy."</div><div>
<br /></div><div>That is, if anyone actually visits this blog.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3Kcyd4Kt1_peCraNk83O4D-0vKbiPS1bzteBZVeYlF9ACW6PukTWMhlqcX1_eLu4HOfPtGlykSXtBCZj0QGGpaAj4GdkPp03m-SbrDI0Ayrk8gc5oSpfg7m7h0mTXspoqMkh5ah9CEEi/s320/PICT0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643349478026001410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>I was just a baby archaeologist in this picture (taken 6 years ago) not much has changed since then. I even still wear that vest. Maybe I am smarter?</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have actually been doing a lot of archaeology lately, one might say I spend roughly 40 hours a week "doing" archaeology in some fashion. Actually, it is probably more than that 'cause I often read about archaeology in my spare time. I went to Charleston and looked for people in a cemetery using GPR (see <a href="http://archaeologistontheroad.blogspot.com/2010/03/swainsboro-ga.html">this</a> post for an explanation of that GPR stuff). I have been writing a bunch of reports and making some pretty maps. I am good at making maps, it is kind of one of my things.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHPdCP9VQPzxtH9r45aT-GcbsAudg0e8sFOfnC-6AcXUjYh2qehscTJeJADpMX8-i-Wu7cFFLIAGPHW3Rp4-R8zFb6Jask33vTG88WYLuqKK2crtDn3tjDRYbeUFu7CAoKmAKpXYnOogy/s320/IMG_0485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348215071052914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>The problem with an archaeology blog is that we archaeologists are kind of a secretive bunch. We are also not that trusting. I do not trust the people of the great internet world to not use my work for evil. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-z8Qb1gs2yKmXOzbSS2iqYc2RVc7_DFmk0rtJH9vmxMnCzDHXa21GYxhLIP-hZm-Y51sXibHL1A08YTrGOlLrvE0McZoSu6k-dbRJFfT0N-rJlOoU_nMX3z1jkMKjlHml2EFK9GCo0UG/s320/082006+010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643349474545269650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>What is evil you ask? I will make a list:</div><div>
<br /></div><div> </div><div>1.) <b>Looting.</b> Looting is very evil and a huge problem. Not just a huge problem for people in far away places and at famous sites. It is a huge problem in places like central Tennessee. Back in the day (I mean about 1,000 year ago), people were often buried with prestige items such as jewelry and ceramics. These are apparently valuable for resale. Just look on ebay, it is sickening. Bearing in mind, that many of those things for sale on ebay involved the destruction of a grave, that was somebody's great, great, great, great, great-grandparent. Looting is happening in your backyard. Looters are organized, they are contributing to an unethical global trade in antiquities, and they use legitimate archaeological work to help them achieve their ends. My secrecy is in part to avoid inadvertently helping looters. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZXKABcz3tJsl_NBgE52w8RwLtgabP6-cXOuhebBs0OAnr83Pgfgk1uGoJBKuC3lGelfFsHsd2HoxkYfmL9QUiZx5r9TJPFYdLRHIueG1nUwYm3PldDyMnGnsPmCCcF5Ay7LcZt8JADh_/s320/P5160799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643351370664951170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>That pile of rocks in the foreground is a huge site in southeastern Utah.</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>2.) <b>Client confidentiality.</b> The people who hire us are often private corporations. Sometimes they are planning projects that are not public knowledge. We are often one of the first consultants on the site. I would not want to distribute knowledge about a project before it is made public by the people who pay the people who pay my bills. Insider trading is bad, just ask Martha Stewart. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>3.) <b>Intellectual property.</b> Often I am doing work for someone else's research. They pay me. They get first dibs on publication. End of story.</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Secretive bunch, like spies, only without guns or spying. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iSZPvxRVEEGSj9RBXTHXr35LfCI7BwYCxaxFQ9IrEKObMwayiGwGAIzh3614GB5nkrlXDtc11Rlgepb3IhIpEBQTKtxLE4p3YwjWaaou6ripPlgTylUHkO-2Do8FJKlCUSNOxklOqeg2/s1600/P5230010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iSZPvxRVEEGSj9RBXTHXr35LfCI7BwYCxaxFQ9IrEKObMwayiGwGAIzh3614GB5nkrlXDtc11Rlgepb3IhIpEBQTKtxLE4p3YwjWaaou6ripPlgTylUHkO-2Do8FJKlCUSNOxklOqeg2/s320/P5230010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643351368319629346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just doing my part to fit in with the locals (note the 10 gallon hat).</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>Technically, some information about archaeological sites are excluded from freedom of information act requests because they are sensitive. Looting is bad. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>We also cook a bunch and I like to write about that, because food is..... well, delicious. I also have no ethical qualms talking about making BLTs. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I6FskBh0T6F5JYJVB1jV6gd4p_abtnAJCoK1-lxDoNJl_PXn1KpKquc9viNgLUr4fOoToIfCFscz4uzKklTzj0bLtGxQoToJ01y5e85MNmtmZ5onWeCZi8E6d5HhAUADF2BYYU3kjqkV/s320/IMG_0768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643348218590575794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-78114497540177261842011-08-18T13:45:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:46:21.257-07:00Perfecting the BLT<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEzkqLxiHkrywemom1jReAH2d1daeA_xAGcPTUgglTCMIokW707QJdAlDFBRS00loeu9dT9ZnDSQJ7cGatkujAcM1Ckbtcakou7Dhpiyt4r-vAh9itmkLnvq2YMH4h9kC_7iezEnDx2G0/s1600/IMG_2206.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs5wrVdHLic5LsFdXw_qSZgS-mF5xogNQoQuxoaBNHycqXy6_sWShDszN3CWrL8gpztTBCYorC0-3ogJOcepu2MztrINQ-UE1YKQ29x60zQYuKUL0UKzOhmQm8TWqqEfcV9SgqvzA1bdC/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs5wrVdHLic5LsFdXw_qSZgS-mF5xogNQoQuxoaBNHycqXy6_sWShDszN3CWrL8gpztTBCYorC0-3ogJOcepu2MztrINQ-UE1YKQ29x60zQYuKUL0UKzOhmQm8TWqqEfcV9SgqvzA1bdC/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642309086704240194" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmluW5H4fQMKf9KjWlpiP80-yonQm2Ic4glpP7tRZ56wH0ZWz5XjdMKs0-GUO3b7ojk4hFuo9DfH8VnveOsTI4EmoWx0-zQ55LQA4VDwlBzc7jCbnYIKfXAvIi74nLk4olWORFfXn78s6F/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Remember Platonic forms from college?<div>
<br /></div><div>Plato talked about how the things we see in the world are really only mimicking the true Form (yeah, apparently we do capitalize that word in this context). These Forms are the blueprint of perfection. Perfection exists in theory and we recreate it imperfectly in the physical world. </div><div>
<br /></div><div> I know, I sound like a crazy person. I am probably totally misusing Platonic philosophy... I think about true forms of food a lot. For example, in Platonic philosophy there is a true Form of the tomato. When I eat a really good looking, delicious tomato in August I think to myself, "This is pretty close to that Platonic ideal." </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Really, I do think this. I know the honors program in undergraduate was a bad thing for me... </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmluW5H4fQMKf9KjWlpiP80-yonQm2Ic4glpP7tRZ56wH0ZWz5XjdMKs0-GUO3b7ojk4hFuo9DfH8VnveOsTI4EmoWx0-zQ55LQA4VDwlBzc7jCbnYIKfXAvIi74nLk4olWORFfXn78s6F/s320/IMG_2120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642304532925746178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I think Max the cat is very close to the perfect feline Form. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>I think a lot of food people think like this though, striving for the perfect dish or ingredient. I know that perfection is relative, but whatever! Allow me my musings.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Derek and I have a group of friends who have been pursuing some ideal food Forms together. By this I mean we have met a couple of times trying to perfect classic dishes. By classic, I mean those things you can get in any American diner.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvMC1srsUvWYUqRNy7934URUYHqfvm0WixPTHgtnnGHN-tC9NvDc_y2KryYCSzNR5Jal5pEW0uwDMRpE9ow2j9ts4JIwcJdftH_p9FjrZ-aIawy69oYmrZBxPWgiP1rib3wilCjCXIlNo/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642306976577440658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Earlier this summer we collectively made hamburgers. We ground our own meat, made our own ketchup, buns, etc. They would have made Plato smile from whatever cave he sits in (hahaha, philosophy humor). </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e6BDWQfnIbnNru3KmvuuInjV_Hg7ijbU6wAQDpo5i9VtzfydRDqspuGKiRX3WexVfTRElncoT1TGC056Je1k6RLpROl8H7Xr-ocCJf2aZdiQDdyeJBi8ebEOr_aSkLMBb-8vB719_nL-/s320/IMG_1843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642306987579612370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Those are some good looking hamburger buns, what they have bacon in them? Those are some GREAT looking buns...</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>This week we tackled the BLT. The acronym indicates bacon, lettuce, and tomato are the primary ingredient of this sandwich. We actually varied from this a little bit, so I am not sure it is a true close to perfect BLT, but we did make a close to perfect sandwich. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSRJUmMuveABE7SW2xxqqO4fJHZgI8or3s7CIrlQkYOyRn7qHBri8hyO1etrZAAKghFRI_FF80S2FpzOTRfGm6Hp75sAeH_DoJ1-W-Yzy0kWdufIhzE3oV5i6ruKYq3fLGJk1dZzihTv7/s320/IMG_2227.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642320384668094354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>I cannot really post a single recipe up for our BLT spectacular. Each ingredient has its own little story. I think I will just put up pictures of the festivities. Sorry if the pictures are a little yellow. It was kind of dark in there. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>The Crew</b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F4TV5gIPwDhrzcoGl3huAKw4ulRfyAsjvKgcSqjGZJqhWhQZqkXXnt5r40gnbg3Sl5yaJbx7IycOsbPV3R5brQKe32ZJ0i9RQpe-HG0hcpkQwCZOecimpCwIDy6wdjzefwsozMzeFdO2/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F4TV5gIPwDhrzcoGl3huAKw4ulRfyAsjvKgcSqjGZJqhWhQZqkXXnt5r40gnbg3Sl5yaJbx7IycOsbPV3R5brQKe32ZJ0i9RQpe-HG0hcpkQwCZOecimpCwIDy6wdjzefwsozMzeFdO2/s320/IMG_2215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642311615598303234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>David</i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBoFd0TmWityoX8emsLnwrq-5iFVW2BB21bezRbddg5FlTSr3hF3Z7K9iXDxIbbv_N_mg9ANcqTKfGNX2zq8OausdN13i-gtoZWTcfG55nhpxIBU2PvQ7IOiBldgZHgqx9x3-cn4lFIfr/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBoFd0TmWityoX8emsLnwrq-5iFVW2BB21bezRbddg5FlTSr3hF3Z7K9iXDxIbbv_N_mg9ANcqTKfGNX2zq8OausdN13i-gtoZWTcfG55nhpxIBU2PvQ7IOiBldgZHgqx9x3-cn4lFIfr/s320/IMG_2209.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642311611694450386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aaron</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMswgy37hkggoq7fV5gSLkY4W274qa8_eh27VUt67bYAH58fVn1M7kDeLhHrxPfVHNsyBB7EiuwhvBycCOBRLTBYwgABPkQFtVJ0D-rQJqc1vdk_eD1PvVwh5UG5wdlyTKtL0RPo9Pe5L6/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMswgy37hkggoq7fV5gSLkY4W274qa8_eh27VUt67bYAH58fVn1M7kDeLhHrxPfVHNsyBB7EiuwhvBycCOBRLTBYwgABPkQFtVJ0D-rQJqc1vdk_eD1PvVwh5UG5wdlyTKtL0RPo9Pe5L6/s320/IMG_2211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642310896325825810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Derek (also known as my true love)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>
<br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEdfPvTnfPqMsGvy9fltQ4vlqpxTC3K1VJosqdZ4GMhUPQdg3G-RIUnGh7t7gDTRzP94eKL4alAO34rSZP3xft4VW1HdT-hff4QieVU14KrWjBbrvzTyAzw0DWj2d7UwGj7jQaPUy876h/s320/Photonotfound2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642317002931971810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Jono</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEdfPvTnfPqMsGvy9fltQ4vlqpxTC3K1VJosqdZ4GMhUPQdg3G-RIUnGh7t7gDTRzP94eKL4alAO34rSZP3xft4VW1HdT-hff4QieVU14KrWjBbrvzTyAzw0DWj2d7UwGj7jQaPUy876h/s320/Photonotfound2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642317002931971810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">and me of course.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></i></div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>The Beer and the Lettuce</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEzkqLxiHkrywemom1jReAH2d1daeA_xAGcPTUgglTCMIokW707QJdAlDFBRS00loeu9dT9ZnDSQJ7cGatkujAcM1Ckbtcakou7Dhpiyt4r-vAh9itmkLnvq2YMH4h9kC_7iezEnDx2G0/s320/IMG_2206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642309092321418866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>This is red leaf lettuce and that beer is from Fullsteam, a one year old Durham brewery that Derek and I are obsessed with. To be fair Jono provided lots of other beer and Aaron brought wine.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>The Bread</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcukqw9khCgdWkwzHLJNGMvilSCMEeF44C42-xvCUG_pwq2wE7an2mPrAljfu4NhXMLuJ0Mr-AWKGq9JRYAvbY1A0Hi7gIaxH4Sf1c-T5L8Z9eg1Nb7oicGkXg1ijhhq2OqE0LXXlyNzR/s320/IMG_2210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642310887529437938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Actually, Derek and I made Pizza Bianca. Sliced in half this is a delicious sandwich bread. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>
<br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fOjS4HqXHXRIUNJAkFEpljo_czQ8tQnIGhtm0BUVH-2nM8AbDec3T8wYuEwNUmvf72hAc_IJ2T3kCAW9BU6stSDWjXb5VsBByk27esiOaSbGmODgP7ElP0vJ5dOEajWe4wzftrMR95Y3/s320/IMG_2223.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642314250976068754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Maybe we also lightly pan fried the inside in bacon fat.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>The Bacon</b></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh65nDS0Hbcz__ejhlgZzsvjFUwhJ4NUBOuQpVYsOmd1-moWa5BUn8SurqlCQ22nCJnm-Mo8O9lUpSBTdb83Q6X8cyNBnK9gvQqClACs4j9lVqHF2dQE-3cMybtG64oj87ZR3s3dSsoP5/s320/IMG_2214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642312423670252962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">David made this! I feel like such a bacon proselytizer.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkod_knfykQjFxOo3XCb2UXySMOVNT2lDXPCZUbtncDQKW0pGqZtUTvEjZ2ChRAgpO2cGgP4wUW_SUScglLB-MISvpxFIfcIlrKBi8YkFq-5FrI0O8BuGLUnxJnrbbb84PGG30a2uqjuiR/s320/IMG_2226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642320375623816130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Fried on low heat until just starting to crisp, not too crispy though.</span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></span></i></span></div><div><b>The Tomatoes</b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdLc6MHa9Md_wdlM4-IKac5Sg6dZ1mZHAfafL03frOMW5e37shukrWd6BoaB2VkjwXs2OOQkC8zj7X6_I7YgBQrPeYdV3uIKJmrkrZD2gVVZEtH0Eyk41sA5jXr0zobyuzAu7AJ7_FKVz/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdLc6MHa9Md_wdlM4-IKac5Sg6dZ1mZHAfafL03frOMW5e37shukrWd6BoaB2VkjwXs2OOQkC8zj7X6_I7YgBQrPeYdV3uIKJmrkrZD2gVVZEtH0Eyk41sA5jXr0zobyuzAu7AJ7_FKVz/s320/IMG_2208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642310884155183538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I actually have no idea what kind of tthese are. They came in our CSA, so the red kind..</i>.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Condiments and Sides</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVMr4TQ8wkdOyFaSDg5RLkM9-Wrmb3qALhjNHIJQrGkLJzgVP7EQ7yhb6aVGoPqra_Nvs1Pt4D0KXe0q3Wv_V2mXcpK2CkksWgGnZHB8HsTIy-HzidlIcV4lP5HLYCViJl3EaOngQv7Ej/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642319612738047986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aaron and David made Aioli </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3lYaPlOHmkUn2PQKuiRDnHBzd1uBFS0G9AJsANnytlWB9yXKOvwmcsTa6YRTQBfyj6itebQlGay2_8S0xYlyr08AUhNee4HjuVmEGQaSr88gXML_XuVl6aYwde41Lg4FtTLdVG2aY0uJ/s320/IMG_2224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642318780217772626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aaron's ratatouille</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy24Swj9bj-Dl4qZ_fJ_OByPwhRXI5dk3VTiWWDkzejyHFsi6GcknWsT724-3OddYGLaJt3IWDTl0lPmlY25z-OU2waYoTmyfA2dAb3yY_QFfUmm4WHG3pXuqkHoNtfeXZPdv7plKuK_Ck/s320/IMG_2225.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642319616915924098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>David's Green Bean Salad</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfzkfHrnlxSK_hpa9h0xPa-aOa2oOHNXen8lZ3sVxZF5bXvjFv07hUsEVD1W4Ly_t0V5v5KYM5RLgsuBdvs6UV5orcscfhyphenhyphentdOo1UdczG91ze9JJhzst1yJEoqQoZeM4vryJuStISTOHt/s320/IMG_2222.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642318770834516658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yes, those are roasted Hatch Green Chiles in the foreground.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Perfection</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExsXemXEPbfmSzUqm04y-9wIjJXv6u0XfQhqTkIsfZOwg3dExfRht1asvF732aojo21wDsJjLklS-rC5rTrVoO4KObjLLi7NVIryK1Bka5HdwEJ9Hu_s5X5i7bQCzzU93SYeY_iNT3xR6/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExsXemXEPbfmSzUqm04y-9wIjJXv6u0XfQhqTkIsfZOwg3dExfRht1asvF732aojo21wDsJjLklS-rC5rTrVoO4KObjLLi7NVIryK1Bka5HdwEJ9Hu_s5X5i7bQCzzU93SYeY_iNT3xR6/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642321011506372226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSRJUmMuveABE7SW2xxqqO4fJHZgI8or3s7CIrlQkYOyRn7qHBri8hyO1etrZAAKghFRI_FF80S2FpzOTRfGm6Hp75sAeH_DoJ1-W-Yzy0kWdufIhzE3oV5i6ruKYq3fLGJk1dZzihTv7/s1600/IMG_2227.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0M-Tt4nkMETdTKLoj1M62aua9iM2IOZvyet3AtobqzpqK4dgPDg8mAJxN_HNpastjzeBvSPq6Oi0QHXwOfZkfofdW3YTIWX9ckGmdVt9sn7Xv_TleelIwKYKZNvGo8hgDGMCP-rkdZxO/s320/IMG_2229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642321013641090786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Do not judge me for my glass of wine and glass of beer. That is totally normal. Do you ever notice how many of my food photos have some sort of alcoholic beverage slightly in the frame? Oh dear...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Thanks guys!</span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731722295460096068.post-28619357448878319952011-08-11T14:20:00.001-07:002011-08-15T15:57:26.236-07:00Gnocchi and Comfort Food for Dark Days<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglL_Cp0HifapjWm3si8jnk_xfJphh3l5L_T69u72-Z8aAcho9ruAaErh7oCU2T1xoBcJp6sR36teafgNkqJWuQpDLafE1ovHGWgjgGTu7XGMkC8ohgShJZpYWQY0ZO5YoWREry6OyfzJ2p/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglL_Cp0HifapjWm3si8jnk_xfJphh3l5L_T69u72-Z8aAcho9ruAaErh7oCU2T1xoBcJp6sR36teafgNkqJWuQpDLafE1ovHGWgjgGTu7XGMkC8ohgShJZpYWQY0ZO5YoWREry6OyfzJ2p/s320/IMG_2188.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641216446893278722" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv3KAoxHXad6Sz__bXjQG9aXdgMniGi6rriPtlFqElBN_1J_dvoi-5oqERl6JBlFHNRBGgTy-5rMBHx0986DKtlyrLX3v6EjqtKJ8k71QRTRrw7rk4IaptktanxFEaeoi75M6_nsMie1M/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We will all have terrible days. To clarify, I do not mean days where you spill your coffee, are late to work, and spend an hour on the phone with the credit card company.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I mean those days that are so dark you wonder how everyone around you is proceeding with their everyday lives. Days where you just want to curl up in a room and cry alone. Days that are never forgotten. Usually these days start normally and then you get a phone call. Then it seems like nothing will be normal again. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I am young and am fortunate to have a fairly limited experience with tragedy. I do not know anyone (of adult maturity) who has been untouched by dark days. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have never felt like cooking on my few dark days. But food is a tangible reminder of life and eating has always been an important part of grieving. I believe a home cooked meal of comfort food is the best thing a friend can do for someone in deep grief. These home cooked meals do not have to be presented on the dark day, they can come at anytime. Most people who are grieving do not want you to forget about their loss. They want you to tell them you know they are in pain and that you love them. This might be a day after the original darkness or on the anniversary the following year or the year after that. They do not need to come with expectations of socializing unless talking is needed. Sometimes filling a fridge or freezer and leaving is all that a person needs. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>A dear friend of mine just experienced a profound loss. I am going to skip the details, but I decided to show my love and support through dinner. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Comfort food is hard in the summer. I asked a bunch of friends what their favorite comfort food is last night and they almost in unison replied, "homemade macaroni and cheese." I have a hard time making something like that in August. I decided to run with the cheese and starch themes though. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4icN8owTUTOpAzKP8G0faVWkxxA6UPxNyyaAj5J6VdcJLj4gPcjAx-KHUfrIUm0QeWpVkxipeZ8wMjRebvJJquWcaqI3wcssMv2345g0XckrIy8IVj_9IcTgDMTK75k38WEwmVkDjnHU/s320/IMG_2161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641209514168374706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The result is this ricotta gnocchi with pesto sauce. We have tons of pesto this time of year. Basil seems to be very happy in the August heat and I know of no better way to eat vast quantities of basil than with cheese, garlic, and pine nuts. These little gnocchi are actually pretty easy to make and feel a little lighter to me than the potato varieties. Then all my friend has to do is boil the pasta and toss in the pesto sauce. Dinner, comfort, and a reminder of how much she is loved.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I doubled the recipe and we had this for dinner tonight, just in case you are wondering where the pictures are coming from...</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Ricotta Gnocchi</b></div><div>serves 3 to 4</div><div>modified slightly from <i>Gourmet</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>2 cups whole-milk ricotta</div><div>2 large eggs, lightly beaten</div><div>1 cup grated parmesan cheese</div><div>1/4 teaspoons grated nutmeg</div><div>1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more flour for sprinkling</div><div>
<br /></div><div>1. Mix the ricotta, eggs, parmesan, and nutmeg together until they are smooth. Then add the flour until you have a slightly sticky dough. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAad6_sjmnVyN_hqSLLB5UZWm_JCI5O39boyuZKhBnMYvh_gC9noI_269LBnIWtuUe6Gd1eafiSs4wIySOARdhwMi3GQrXmRU_5F8E7j85krMdcCNDfZPtliIhnCl03rwMBi5PGSnwiprX/s320/IMG_2163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641209517897402018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OkJvc7DLGjcY4Sxbek65XMhLrHZOtHi_2jsJJR5fY099EwrY2n4hKOdkUGcjVNZKV-uUHVplRzYZwcoEMc_l1NyHVZUpKaChJdhQGtc0sSPic6tTaplIqg3-1JHKp7cbJ8otDUo9UM-k/s320/IMG_2166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641210108584049826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLiOSc5XBvAw0jxKTHMQhOnyRLsH6sIiw1ZH8Kd0xSTLjV5FoMeQzvgSh2eJ0KIZ0SVppdflRypWjfG2QVkbOZR5HqUvTFsBYlZgMFsEuT9YWX1SJ9WklVgigLSZf_rh9HQbqq9c6CM2s/s320/IMG_2169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641210111808447074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>2. Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into two balls. With lightly floured hands roll each ball into a 1.5 inch diameter roll.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKx9qDBDJLMtRl1s00eYOi4BwBDlaXTgU0fo4XrFfvHM4YqX4rWceOWdpl1GZf_8_3oUgk_p_Chinuo7Z9ZUtRWMzwBz-pcuIOCZcw-RyUJCg0Yb6bTHUh_4_sVWWPN8uwKMynQfJCsPGJ/s320/IMG_2170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641215059167748962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>3. Put the rolls on half sheet pan covered with some parchment paper, cover those rolls and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCgBAotq2Or6vpW8LBuueED07Z46iVY5sqIV39kOw_gklvEFtQP9X5fJzXFifeFJohCh70dCZ5imVfj-iDWr-Mk5buZHlzeDe2ZPUSNzsv3hnZ3zKoXAZ2zoQq3TYp9a7RrRYOYvky4mH/s320/IMG_2173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641215065822340882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div></div><div>4. Cut the rolls into 1 inch gnocchi dumplings.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv3KAoxHXad6Sz__bXjQG9aXdgMniGi6rriPtlFqElBN_1J_dvoi-5oqERl6JBlFHNRBGgTy-5rMBHx0986DKtlyrLX3v6EjqtKJ8k71QRTRrw7rk4IaptktanxFEaeoi75M6_nsMie1M/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641216445307153298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>5. To cook the dumplings, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi in small batches (about or a third at a time). Cook for 3 minutes, pull out using a slotted spoon and put them in a strainer until the whole batch is done.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurks1YKWhx0rm9idvcbvZNbpp-fhG53gO4W34BoHF3gzu7wAehpPFzq5J3bG9G7_v3n90NYTGfOVqkDzpG6GIdDDooVFg362JQrThdop3Ehw8Jww5wv3XG5_fTS2ZcQCXTH7BxI9V7zKU/s320/IMG_2186.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641220399957497154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>There are a couple of ways to serve these gnocchi. We made a pesto sauce, but you could just brown some butter and and herbs in a large skillet and then toss in the cooked gnocchi. A simple tomato sauce would also be good (I want to try <a href="http://www.food52.com/blog/2380_marcella_hazans_tomato_sauce_with_onion_and_butter">this</a> one). Honestly, these would probably also be good with some olive oil drizzled on top. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here is our adaptation of traditional basil pesto because it is summer, it is hot outside, and if we do not harvest our basil plants at least once every two weeks they get grumpy.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Basil Pesto</b></div><div>Adapted from <i>The Joy of Cooking</i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>2 to 3 cups "loosely packed" fresh basil leaves (as much as you would like really)</div><div>3 cloves of garlic</div><div>1/3 cup pine nuts (you can use less, we usually do because these can get expensive)</div><div>1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese</div><div>1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil</div><div>salt</div><div>black pepper</div><div>1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>1. Toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat. Heat until the nuts just start to get aromatic then remove from the pan immediately and allow them to cool to room temperature. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A3vMr2rTnWXnyifAPpdbgTq5qU-ONpMxXWCwAQs-Jgb7CdPWiVy_7bRNxKLvQYDqd-SxLJlT2I-_tXbRLQ2t1FWt9J7zTTbUQ2ToR7yJLN3u3e14vI8ZYmKhbUo9SPmUGLF5TY6BaPaC/s320/IMG_2175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641217034484823954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>2. In your food processor* pulse the peeled garlic cloves until they are pretty fine. Add the pine nuts and pulse 2 to 3 times, just to get the pine nuts started.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0rxABvO8dPTZoeusl3Hla6zopNlFZv0iZ_3NifQkHhwky5BCYyFQOFAD-dEvKL8Ou6eq0uBuFrbtWx_IZcbLAEeJnPkcdih-nNgTOdTnIhBahhDOcoDmm-aQr6-GVWEHC-xQl98sCx44/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641217826615957442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div>3. Add the cheese and basil leaves (stemmed, washed and dried) and blend until pretty pasty in consistency. Do not blend until you have a syrup though. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvJTdIysDgdaRTbe47zvYfCK1btSr-JvGTIDNwFXPTiTCWiQ7GPhi_9falNnWVNeW3j8F6-gBsJtJdAfc2o3Z2eClo-530NUnfTs01AK1y_2cTv5gsJPZqeRoWbXWSoiwiDfal-3czgv0/s320/IMG_2180.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641217819921582194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>4. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream while the processor is running. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>5. Scrape pesto into a bowl, taste it and season appropriately with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice if you want to make sure it does not brown. We did this for transport to my friend. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRgkq1ziybBsV3wOzGUWud4q_HUu2bxDFvMj6BePmzuZOCcbOKJMYlPo13nI37EwMgdaJUyN4Kvb4aS6JGjYScO_U3-MtDeb5L769aLAAgtoA-GeZdRHrjfkwA61_oPTat4PJXanPDVVL/s320/IMG_2185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641220396213924402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;">
<br /></span></div><div>6. Stir in pasta, spread on bread, or eat with a spoon. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>*We love our food processor, in the summer it is basically a pesto making machine. We have gone through about three different food processors over the past 6 years because I was too cheap to invest the serious money to get a Cuisinart full sized love machine. Let me say for the record, those big Cuisinarts are worth the cash. The little imitations do nothing for me anymore and have been discarded. However, if you do not have the funds or inclination to own a huge food processor you can chop your ingredients really small or use a blender. The little imitation things will do the job too. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4mnFEI4uG4nH7bf13Nj5Z9yzqEhRNWxjjbLV9ALimBs_us_9A4We57zYbpxpsSlS7iPAK71AqGmE5vGDQx-5lYy3g3Co8v-LLUTgULbacbd6CpZuviUMJsEDs-0u3ZdCTT7PGLq9Nf6J/s320/IMG_2174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641217030616946866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08561901626933226152noreply@blogger.com1