Hello and happy Saturday!
We awoke to snow this morning- AGAIN: My goodness. I hope we are done with snow.
A message to Snow:
I like snow falling
But not on April 26th
Spring is here Please Leave
While we were eating breakfast I thought the light coming in the house (reflecting off the snow) was beautiful so once we finished our Saturday morning tradition we took a few minutes soaking in the sunlight and enjoyed being on the warm side of the window.
Mucho Grande news- we were able to celebrate Tim Mahoney's birthday a Fogo De Chau this past Friday afternoon. I must say, going there is like falling into a Dr. Atkin's dream. It was so much fun! We all turned our red/green coasters over at the same time- then WHOOSH- wave after wave of juicy, delicious meats started to overwhelm our table. In no more than one minute we were all pushing cuts around to make room for more. With just one minute of our coasters being green, we had to make a unison retreat to red so we could start consuming the bounty that was on our plates. Round after round we went until one at a time we threw in the white flag (by placing your napkin on the table). I am proud to announce that I was the last remaining and still had room for 11ths. Something about that place just allows me to utilize all 4 of my stomachs.
I didn't need to eat for another 20 hours...
and we have been making some delicious breakfasts
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Why I blog
Good times!! I got tagged by Rachel to answer these questions...1. Why did you start your blog? We started our blog because we loved feeling connected to our friends and families by reading their blogs. We thought "what a great idea" and we started one.
2. How did you come up with your blog name? We thought it was funny and used our last name and it made us smile :)
3. Do your friends and family know about your blog and what do they think? To be honest, I don't really know what people think. I think they like to read it and can see what we are up too. I hope they enjoy it!
4. How do you write posts? We write posts when we have time and feel like we have something to share. Other times we write so we don't forget the past!!
5. Have you ever had a troll or had to delete unkind comments? No...so far so good
6. Do you check your stats or care how many people read your blog. If you care how do you increase traffic? Sometimes, this is really new for us so we are just getting started. It's really fun to see if anyone is reading the blog. We just love that it keeps us connected.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Dinner, Dancing Shoes and a Missed Sunrise
This weekend has been full of fun, food and dancing for Isaac and I. It started on Friday night with an amazing dinner made by my friend Tamra, oh my the dish was incredible! Greek chicken, some crazy good green beans and a creamy risotto. Tamra and Dan are getting married the end of May and we have been teaching them some dance moves for their upcoming wedding reception. It was perfect...the living room was set up like a dance floor, I felt like I was in junior high again doing dance moves for the neighbors! They looked great, I can't wait to see them on their wedding day!
On Saturday night, we went to a wedding of some good friends that are in our couples group that meets every other Tuesday night. The wedding was beautiful! They even had a 20 piece swing band! The music set the mood for a great party. I wore the wrong shoes...dancing was not comfortable that night but oh so fun. Hey, after a glass wine the dancing always gets more comfortable :)
I'm on the hunt for a good pair of dancing shoes. We have bought a couple different pairs from local dance stores, worn them around the house and all to no avail we had to return them. So Zappos.com here we come! Isaac likes open toe, I like peep toe; decisions, decisions, decisions. The key is to get a shoe that is not only comfortable to wear, spins well with just enough traction and looks hot on the dance floor. Wish me luck!
On a side note, I got to sleep in this morning until 10:30 am!!! That is the best gift...I can't tell you the last time that happened. A big thanks Ann and Tim for watching Eliana for the night, she's always beaming and so happy after spending time with you!
On Saturday night, we went to a wedding of some good friends that are in our couples group that meets every other Tuesday night. The wedding was beautiful! They even had a 20 piece swing band! The music set the mood for a great party. I wore the wrong shoes...dancing was not comfortable that night but oh so fun. Hey, after a glass wine the dancing always gets more comfortable :)
I'm on the hunt for a good pair of dancing shoes. We have bought a couple different pairs from local dance stores, worn them around the house and all to no avail we had to return them. So Zappos.com here we come! Isaac likes open toe, I like peep toe; decisions, decisions, decisions. The key is to get a shoe that is not only comfortable to wear, spins well with just enough traction and looks hot on the dance floor. Wish me luck!
On a side note, I got to sleep in this morning until 10:30 am!!! That is the best gift...I can't tell you the last time that happened. A big thanks Ann and Tim for watching Eliana for the night, she's always beaming and so happy after spending time with you!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The best waffles- EVER
So, you've probably read that we love breakfast on Saturday as a family. I bought a Belgian Waffle maker for such occasions. I researched and found a highly renowned recipe. It takes a little while to make but follow the directions and you will not be let down. The recipe makes about 6 waffles.
*Edit 4/14* Wow, these are even great two days later! I froze the remaining waffles (after proper cooling) and brought them to work. 30 seconds in the microwave to warm them up and one session in the toaster to crisp them up- they smell so good, it made my entire cube row hungry! Speaking of, I think I am going to have another one with my salad for lunch...
Please let me know if you try the recipe or if you think you have one that is better!
Belgian Waffles
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 egg whites
• 2 3/4 cups warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled to lukewarm
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm milk. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of the warm milk and the melted butter. Stir in the yeast mixture, sugar, salt and vanilla. Stir in the remaining 2 1/2 cups milk alternately with the flour, ending with the flour. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks; fold into the batter. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat the waffle iron. Brush with oil and spoon about 1/2 cup (or as recommended by manufacturer) onto center of iron. Close the lid and bake until it stops steaming and the waffle is golden brown. Serve immediately or keep warm in 200 degree oven.
Whipped Cream
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine the cream, sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip to stiff (but not grainy) peaks. Chill until using. Use within one day.
*Edit 4/14* Wow, these are even great two days later! I froze the remaining waffles (after proper cooling) and brought them to work. 30 seconds in the microwave to warm them up and one session in the toaster to crisp them up- they smell so good, it made my entire cube row hungry! Speaking of, I think I am going to have another one with my salad for lunch...
Please let me know if you try the recipe or if you think you have one that is better!
Belgian Waffles
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 egg whites
• 2 3/4 cups warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled to lukewarm
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm milk. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of the warm milk and the melted butter. Stir in the yeast mixture, sugar, salt and vanilla. Stir in the remaining 2 1/2 cups milk alternately with the flour, ending with the flour. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks; fold into the batter. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat the waffle iron. Brush with oil and spoon about 1/2 cup (or as recommended by manufacturer) onto center of iron. Close the lid and bake until it stops steaming and the waffle is golden brown. Serve immediately or keep warm in 200 degree oven.
Whipped Cream
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine the cream, sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip to stiff (but not grainy) peaks. Chill until using. Use within one day.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Official diagnosis- Spring has an identity crisis
I finally have some time to sit in front of a computer and let it all soak in. We were going to climb El Capitan but made a last minute change of plans because of the longer approach, deep snow pack and my lack of physical conditioning we opted for a shorter approach to a mountain that would offer multiple route options and a much short approach- about 3 miles vs 6. Beehive Peak here we come!
My flight from Minneapolis was a great flight. I sat next to a dear couple heading out to see their son and his new baby along with celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. One thing stands out from our conversation during the flight- they found out they were going to be grandparents the day the baby was born 2 weeks ago. Their son's wife went to the doctor not feeling well and left the hospital with a baby! She was 35 weeks pregnant and did not know it... I paused after hearing that and formed a question I think many of you are probably thinking- how could she not know? My better judgment got the best of me and Nicole would have been proud. I did not ask the question to which there was only one answer. After my slight pause, I just nodded and said "oh". Whew- that was close!
I landed in Bozeman and gathered my luggage- a 46.5 lb snowboard bag and my climbing back pack. Total I had over 70 lbs of the lightest gear available to carry around. A quick call to TJ had him heading out to the airport to pick me up. I gathered my bags and moved outside where the sunny 50 degree weather was a pleasant welcome to this traveler. I took off my shoes and socks, leaned against a tree, tipped my Tilley over forehead and soaked in the Bozeman sunshine for the next 10 minutes.
When TJ arrived we threw my bags in the back of his truck and headed off to Beehive Peak. No time to waste, we needed to get into the mountains! We arrived at the trail head around 4:00pm and got ready to hit the trail. The weather was perfect, probably 40 degrees and sunny. Two dogs, Ruby and Jetta, a brown and black lab, became our companions. We didn't know whose dogs they were or where their home was. All we knew is that they followed us. We pushed up the trail at a slow pace. There was a boot track to follow but my snowshoes kept sliding off it on the side hill traverses which nibbled away at my energy stores and my positive attitude. Fortunately, I have way more positive attitude than energy so I was able to keep going, albeit slowly, towards our first camp site- about 1 mile from the mountain.
The first morning was a beautiful day and we set out for the base of the mountain to get ready for a summit attempt the next day. The last mile took only 3 or 4 hours to travel. We arrived at a nice rock outcropping and I started to set up camp while TJ went further up the mountain to dig some snow pits and see about how much avalanche danger we were going to have to deal with.
The current avalanche danger looked low so we prepared to start climbing the next morning. We started getting dinner ready and packing at about 5:00 pm. After 5 hours of cooking dinner, melting snow for drinking water, drinking said melted snow, and melting more snow for water to drink in the morning- we were ready for bed.
The weather changed during the night and a storm started to blow in- inside our 3 season tent. If you don't know what the difference between a 3 season tent (spring, summer and fall) and a 4 season tent (winter, spring, summer and fall) let me give you the cliff notes version. 3 season tents have mesh (mosquito netting) panels so air can circulate in the tent keeping you cool and comfy. 4 season tents do not have these panels because they let snow into your tent when the wind picks up and they have 1-2 more poles to support the weight of snow and hard winds pressing against the tent. Snow fell both outside and inside the tent most of the night.
When the first rays of light started to penetrate the tent we assessed our situation. We decided to go back to bed and see if the storm blew itself out. I prayed for the winds to die down and the snow to stop.
After about 45 more minutes of sleep I woke up to bright sunshine in my face. "TJ! Wake up! It is time to go!" I exclaimed. No response from TJ- he had ear plugs in to combat the sound of the wind on the tend and was burried too deep in his sleeping bag. "Hey" I said as I rubbed my elbow into his ribs, "wake up dude!"
No sooner had we started our climb as the weather decided it did not like being sunny and the storm returned. We figured we brought plenty of gear so we knew we could back to camp safely so we continued upward. I led the way up the slopes placing protection in the rocks as we went and belaying TJ up to me. At one point I was stuck 30 feet from the next available protection so we had to tie our two ropes together to give me enough length of rope to reach the safety of the rock. Did I mention that this was our plan? After bringing TJ up to me, I headed up the next batch of wallowing through knee to waist deep snow.
Ok, time for some reader participation. Stand up, bend your elbow 90 degrees like you are going to shake someone's hand. Ok, now imagine that your feet are on a snow slope so steep that while standing like this your fingertips are touching the snow slope. Some time you'll have to come out with me and see how much fun it really is.
Did I mention that it was snowing 1-2 inches per hour and there were gusts to 30 mph? I was smiling the whole time. This was the beautiful type of climbing when your eyelashes collect the falling snow and freeze together when you blink, you inhale not only air but snow, and shouting to each other is about as useful and a screen door on a submarine.
We worked our way up the slope and got to the ridge that would lead us over the sub peak and finally to the summit. There was a HUGE cornice overhanging the left side of the coulior- at least 10-12' tall and 50' wide- that is why we decided to go up the right side.
I sent off towards the sub peak along the ridge and found conditions to be much better on this side- the wind was stronger but the snow pack was windblown and firm. My crampons bit into the snow and pushed me upward. After a while I was about 50' short of the sub peak's summit when I knew it was time to go down. I had never stopped having fun until that point. I knew that all this new snow on top of the icy layer was setting up to avalanche. It wasn't a matter of if but when. Plus, it was getting later in the day, (about 3:30) and I didn't want to try to come down in the dark.
I have never had to abort a climb like this before due to weather and I always thought I would make the right decision when the time came. I am quite proud of myself for making the turn around and go down decision when I did.
I started decending, taking out the protection I had put in the rock as I went. I arrive back to TJ and said "it is time to go down"- he said "I was thinking the exact same thing". So down we went- using the rappel rings my mom got me for Christmas 2 years ago- thanks mom!
TJ wanted to ski the fresh powderery goodness that had fallen but we weren't too sure about the quality of the snowpack- so when in doubt- rig a belay! We tied the two ropes together again so he could ski 200' before I would have to stop him and pass the knot, then he could ski another 200' where he would build an anchor and belay me as I down climbed to him. The system worked beautifully and the slope did not avalanche. We were quickly getting close to camp.
When we arrived at camp the snow was still falling and the wind still howling so we decided to get out of the basin. Climbing or skiing was out of the question for the next few days as the snow settled and formed even more dangerous avalanche terrain.
We quickly set to tearing down camp and preparing ourselves for the 3 mile trek back to the truck. The details are few- we slogged through 24" of fresh snow, TJ with a 70 lb pack and me with my 45 lbs. I don't know what I would have done if TJ was not training for Denali. He definably took the lion's share of the weight. On the flat sections I could walk 20 paces and then I would have to stop and take a few breaths. I tried to keep myself to a minimum of 20 steps before taking a short 15 second break. I was struggling with the weight and the new snow. I guess sitting at a desk 40 hours a week doesn't quite cut it for training.
We made it back to the car around 1:10 am. 5 hours of hiking to go 3 miles. No land speed records were set this night.
Ok... well that is the first part of the adventure, there is still a few more days to go- I'll update when I get back to MN.
My flight from Minneapolis was a great flight. I sat next to a dear couple heading out to see their son and his new baby along with celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. One thing stands out from our conversation during the flight- they found out they were going to be grandparents the day the baby was born 2 weeks ago. Their son's wife went to the doctor not feeling well and left the hospital with a baby! She was 35 weeks pregnant and did not know it... I paused after hearing that and formed a question I think many of you are probably thinking- how could she not know? My better judgment got the best of me and Nicole would have been proud. I did not ask the question to which there was only one answer. After my slight pause, I just nodded and said "oh". Whew- that was close!
I landed in Bozeman and gathered my luggage- a 46.5 lb snowboard bag and my climbing back pack. Total I had over 70 lbs of the lightest gear available to carry around. A quick call to TJ had him heading out to the airport to pick me up. I gathered my bags and moved outside where the sunny 50 degree weather was a pleasant welcome to this traveler. I took off my shoes and socks, leaned against a tree, tipped my Tilley over forehead and soaked in the Bozeman sunshine for the next 10 minutes.
When TJ arrived we threw my bags in the back of his truck and headed off to Beehive Peak. No time to waste, we needed to get into the mountains! We arrived at the trail head around 4:00pm and got ready to hit the trail. The weather was perfect, probably 40 degrees and sunny. Two dogs, Ruby and Jetta, a brown and black lab, became our companions. We didn't know whose dogs they were or where their home was. All we knew is that they followed us. We pushed up the trail at a slow pace. There was a boot track to follow but my snowshoes kept sliding off it on the side hill traverses which nibbled away at my energy stores and my positive attitude. Fortunately, I have way more positive attitude than energy so I was able to keep going, albeit slowly, towards our first camp site- about 1 mile from the mountain.
The first morning was a beautiful day and we set out for the base of the mountain to get ready for a summit attempt the next day. The last mile took only 3 or 4 hours to travel. We arrived at a nice rock outcropping and I started to set up camp while TJ went further up the mountain to dig some snow pits and see about how much avalanche danger we were going to have to deal with.
The current avalanche danger looked low so we prepared to start climbing the next morning. We started getting dinner ready and packing at about 5:00 pm. After 5 hours of cooking dinner, melting snow for drinking water, drinking said melted snow, and melting more snow for water to drink in the morning- we were ready for bed.
The weather changed during the night and a storm started to blow in- inside our 3 season tent. If you don't know what the difference between a 3 season tent (spring, summer and fall) and a 4 season tent (winter, spring, summer and fall) let me give you the cliff notes version. 3 season tents have mesh (mosquito netting) panels so air can circulate in the tent keeping you cool and comfy. 4 season tents do not have these panels because they let snow into your tent when the wind picks up and they have 1-2 more poles to support the weight of snow and hard winds pressing against the tent. Snow fell both outside and inside the tent most of the night.
When the first rays of light started to penetrate the tent we assessed our situation. We decided to go back to bed and see if the storm blew itself out. I prayed for the winds to die down and the snow to stop.
After about 45 more minutes of sleep I woke up to bright sunshine in my face. "TJ! Wake up! It is time to go!" I exclaimed. No response from TJ- he had ear plugs in to combat the sound of the wind on the tend and was burried too deep in his sleeping bag. "Hey" I said as I rubbed my elbow into his ribs, "wake up dude!"
No sooner had we started our climb as the weather decided it did not like being sunny and the storm returned. We figured we brought plenty of gear so we knew we could back to camp safely so we continued upward. I led the way up the slopes placing protection in the rocks as we went and belaying TJ up to me. At one point I was stuck 30 feet from the next available protection so we had to tie our two ropes together to give me enough length of rope to reach the safety of the rock. Did I mention that this was our plan? After bringing TJ up to me, I headed up the next batch of wallowing through knee to waist deep snow.
Ok, time for some reader participation. Stand up, bend your elbow 90 degrees like you are going to shake someone's hand. Ok, now imagine that your feet are on a snow slope so steep that while standing like this your fingertips are touching the snow slope. Some time you'll have to come out with me and see how much fun it really is.
Did I mention that it was snowing 1-2 inches per hour and there were gusts to 30 mph? I was smiling the whole time. This was the beautiful type of climbing when your eyelashes collect the falling snow and freeze together when you blink, you inhale not only air but snow, and shouting to each other is about as useful and a screen door on a submarine.
We worked our way up the slope and got to the ridge that would lead us over the sub peak and finally to the summit. There was a HUGE cornice overhanging the left side of the coulior- at least 10-12' tall and 50' wide- that is why we decided to go up the right side.
I sent off towards the sub peak along the ridge and found conditions to be much better on this side- the wind was stronger but the snow pack was windblown and firm. My crampons bit into the snow and pushed me upward. After a while I was about 50' short of the sub peak's summit when I knew it was time to go down. I had never stopped having fun until that point. I knew that all this new snow on top of the icy layer was setting up to avalanche. It wasn't a matter of if but when. Plus, it was getting later in the day, (about 3:30) and I didn't want to try to come down in the dark.
I have never had to abort a climb like this before due to weather and I always thought I would make the right decision when the time came. I am quite proud of myself for making the turn around and go down decision when I did.
I started decending, taking out the protection I had put in the rock as I went. I arrive back to TJ and said "it is time to go down"- he said "I was thinking the exact same thing". So down we went- using the rappel rings my mom got me for Christmas 2 years ago- thanks mom!
TJ wanted to ski the fresh powderery goodness that had fallen but we weren't too sure about the quality of the snowpack- so when in doubt- rig a belay! We tied the two ropes together again so he could ski 200' before I would have to stop him and pass the knot, then he could ski another 200' where he would build an anchor and belay me as I down climbed to him. The system worked beautifully and the slope did not avalanche. We were quickly getting close to camp.
When we arrived at camp the snow was still falling and the wind still howling so we decided to get out of the basin. Climbing or skiing was out of the question for the next few days as the snow settled and formed even more dangerous avalanche terrain.
We quickly set to tearing down camp and preparing ourselves for the 3 mile trek back to the truck. The details are few- we slogged through 24" of fresh snow, TJ with a 70 lb pack and me with my 45 lbs. I don't know what I would have done if TJ was not training for Denali. He definably took the lion's share of the weight. On the flat sections I could walk 20 paces and then I would have to stop and take a few breaths. I tried to keep myself to a minimum of 20 steps before taking a short 15 second break. I was struggling with the weight and the new snow. I guess sitting at a desk 40 hours a week doesn't quite cut it for training.
We made it back to the car around 1:10 am. 5 hours of hiking to go 3 miles. No land speed records were set this night.
Ok... well that is the first part of the adventure, there is still a few more days to go- I'll update when I get back to MN.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Is spring on it's way???
There is something about weather over 50 degrees that makes us Minnesotans get out of our cubby hole and enjoy the weather! Last weekend Isaac and I spent the day out in the garage re-organizing. All winter I send Isaac to the garage with "loads" of things that need to be put away. Come to find out in the spring that they have been piling up in the corner of the garage and not put in the specified bin. I love my husband :) I think he does it on purpose because he constantly tells me how much he loves it when I'm in the garage with him. So on we went putting things in their proper place. Ah, now I can relax and enjoy my yard and garage for the summer. It felt great to be outside!!
Today Eliana and I went for a walk with Ingrid and Milo (my sister in law and nephew) around Lake Calhoun. The weather was perfect and every time we passed a dog, Eliana yelled "DOGGY!" It took us a little longer to walk around the lake between keeping blankets on the kids, pacifiers being tossed over board and doggys stopping to say hi. I can't tell how living in the cold all winter makes me appreciate a Minnesota spring and summer soooo much.
We are missing Isaac as he is off on his "mancation" as he calls it. He called to ask if we could move to Montana :) So I guess he is having a good time in the mountains. Eliana keeps asking for daddy. We love you daddy and miss you~!!
Today Eliana and I went for a walk with Ingrid and Milo (my sister in law and nephew) around Lake Calhoun. The weather was perfect and every time we passed a dog, Eliana yelled "DOGGY!" It took us a little longer to walk around the lake between keeping blankets on the kids, pacifiers being tossed over board and doggys stopping to say hi. I can't tell how living in the cold all winter makes me appreciate a Minnesota spring and summer soooo much.
We are missing Isaac as he is off on his "mancation" as he calls it. He called to ask if we could move to Montana :) So I guess he is having a good time in the mountains. Eliana keeps asking for daddy. We love you daddy and miss you~!!
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