minutes

Minutes – August 22, 2016

::grateful – for continuing mild weather.  It’s been delightfully cool and the rain continues.  We may have half a chance at a fall tomatoes in the garden this year!

I’m grateful that The Architect and his friends found a place to rent for the coming year; thank you to the landlord willing to give a chance to a group of responsible college students.

I’m extra-grateful for Cherry Ames!  Tomorrow she will be 25 years old. Twenty Five!!  That’s a quarter of a century.  Have I told everyone that she’s getting married?  Two Months from Today!  I seriously need to start looking for a dress for the wedding…

Cherry Ames is Getting Married!
image courtesy J.Lynne Photography Co.

::prayerful – Praying for Nancy and her family, as they recover from the flooding that inundated their hometown.

::delicious

  • Pepper Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans
  • Turkey Paninis, Kale Slaw
  • Chicken Empanadas, Black Beans
  • Pasta with Vegetables, Salad
  • Leftovers!
  • Grilled Sausages, Corn and Tomatoes
  • Citrus Pork Chops, Grilled Peaches and Zucchini

::creative – I was in Central Market and saw a pile of rhubarb, which stirred up a flood of happy childhood memories. I grabbed a bunch of that tart goodness, came home, and put up several pints of strawberry rhubarb jam!   It tastes like summertime!

Summertime in a Jar!Capture Summer.  Keep the Faith.

angela pea

minutes

Minutes – August 16, 2016

::grateful – We’ve had a few unseasonably cool days this week!  OMGosh, 70-ish degrees in August!  It’s been delightful, especially since I’ve had to spend a great deal of time up on roofs at work this week, performing inspections and looking for leaks. I’m thrilled with the cloud cover and sprinkles.

::tired – Running ragged this week.  Back to school things,  taking care of Mom P. things, doctor’s appointments for Mr. Pea and getting The Architect set up in his new digs.  Maybe it’s just age, but Dang!  I just don’t have the stamina I used to have, or the ability to breeze through my days.

::frustrated – Lost yet another Fitbit. I love love love tracking my steps and exercise every day, but have always hesitated at the investment in the more high tech trackers – the ones that come with a real wristband that buckles so it can’t just go missing from a pocket or waistband.

*sigh*

Oh heck, why don’t I just come right out and say that I’d really like an Apple Watch.  Hear that Apple?  If you offer me one for review, I’d be happy to oblige.  (Maybe Mr. Pea will actually read the blog…hint hint.  Oh wait.  I don’t think he even KNOWS that I have a blog!)

::delicious – summer doldrums in the kitchen.  All I really want is a big bubbly pan of lasagna, but it’s too hot to turn on the oven. So – we’ll compromise with

  • Chicken Cacciatore and a Big ‘Ole Salad
  • Leftovers – clear out the fridge so there’s room for a watermelon
  • Steak Tacos, Black Beans and Guacamole
  • Ratatoulli, Baguettes
  • Turkey Sandwiches and Jicama Slaw
  • Salmon, Saffron Rice and Peas
  • Grilled Sausage, Corn, and Tomato Salad

::busy  – We’re hitting the bike trails this weekend – Yeah!  It will likely be hot, and I’m sure I’ll complain a bit, but it will be fun. And good for us.

Image Courtesy - Tyler Florence, Food Network
Image Courtesy Tyler Florence, Food Network

Dream of Lasagna.  Keep the Faith

angela pea

minutes

Minutes – August 8, 2016

::thankful – for safe travels to and from Colorado with a van loaded with kids and a ton of camping gear, backpacks and food.  Not an actual ton, but pretty darned close, I’m sure.

Outfall from Lake Irwin
Me! Waterfall on Ruby Anthracite Creek. (That’s DirtBike behind the tree…he was taking pictures in the other direction.)

::brave – Mr. Pea went camping for the very first time ever.  Seriously. Camping was the only sort of vacation my family had when I was a kid.  Mr. Pea’s family lived in a city, and their concept of “wild” was picnicking on the outskirts of town or trekking to Cape May and staying in a cabin near the beach. He did GREAT!!  We climbed mountains, hiked for miles, cooked on a camp stove, and drove the van off-road.  He even slept in a tent, in the rain. Mr. Pea was amazing, and I’m so glad he came with us.

Trail to Green Lake
Why yes, that IS snow! On the Ground! In August!

::creative – I finished knitting a sweater during the drive to Colorado, one that I started last summer. I also knit up a pair of socks and some baby booties.  It was a  l.o.n.g.  drive.  And no, the baby booties aren’t for anyone in particular; they’re going into my “stash” of adorable, soft, knit with love baby things for my someday grandchildren.

::gorgeous

View from the tent
Lake Irwin

::delicious: – The freezer is still alive.  Mr. Pea fixed whatever was wrong (thermostat? maybe?) and it’s been restocked with prepped meals for the craziness that is ‘back to school’.  This week’s menus include

  • Tandoori Chicken with Lemony Red Lentils
  • Chicken Pesto Pasta
  • Black Bean Burritos
  • Turkey Paninis and Veggie Soup
  • Tilapia Romano with Jicama Slaw
  • Grilled Shrimp, Corn and Tomato Salad
  • Burgers, Chickpea Salad.

Speaking of delicious, we ate at this amazing Mexican Restaurant in Colorado Springs,  Jorge’s.  Highly recommend it, along with Mikey’s in Crested Butte. Best. Pizza. Ever.

::prepared – It’s back to school this week! DirtBike remembered to remind me that the school supply stash was running low on paper (both the lined and the graph sorts) and ink pens.  Both were replenished BEFORE the first day of classes.

Climb Mountains. Keep the Faith.

angela pea