Rainy Days and Winning Games

A rainy but not gloomy day here!

I am happy to report that both Lauren and Jack had winning basketball games today! Both of their teams seemed to improve this week. I am really proud of both of them. As time consuming and challenging as multiple games in different venues around town can be, I really enjoy watching them play.

In all, this was a great week. Friday night Holly and I got together with some friends to kick off a Supper Club. With Mardi Gras fast approaching, we enjoyed some spicy jambalaya, greens, and corn bread. Holly contributed with a new twist on a King Cake - a Creole classic bread pudding drowning in a Bourbon sauce. Everyone had fun looking for the baby! For the record Scott makes a mean Cajun Martini!

Another highlight of the my week was getting to attend a screening at the Sundance Film Festival. The movie, The Women of Brukman, was just okay but the experience was exciting. Before the feature film, they screened a touching 11 min short entitled The Breadmakers. I would encourage you to watch it online.

On the food front, I revisited Trio in Salt Lake this week. This is a great spot with some wonderful standard menu items. I had the Carbonara this time. While I think it seemed a little flat, maybe wanting a hint of garlic or pepper, it was simple and warming on a cold night. Joan had the cheese pizza breaking the "don't eat anything larger than your head" rule. It was enormous and delicious. Their wood fired oven and balsamic drizzled on top really elevated the classic pizza. The Castle Rock Pinot Noir '06 paired quite well. More the next time I go and I am sure I will.

This trip I also checked off another brew pub, Squatters. Ahi Tacos and a black and tan beer really hit the spot. The tacos were just spicy enough. With Matt's help, I managed to get a kitchen tour there too. I am enjoying these impromptu restaurant kitchen tours.

Well the blog is about a month old. Happy Birthday! I will keep writing and refining the style. Who knows what the December posts will look like....

Wilderness, Wii, and Wallpaper

Welcome back dear Blog reader!

The year is off to a great start! I have just returned from a great week in Montana. I just love that state - well the western half at least. I did manage to check off a life goal of visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter. I held a planning meeting inside the park for my department (really we did a great deal of work and it was cheap!). After business was finished we got to enjoy the last two hours of daylight and drive out to the Lamar Valley. As the photo here shows, it was a clear day but trust me it was very cold. Yellowstone is a very different place in the winter. While I am glad I visited, I would like to spend some more time hiking or snowshoeing next trip! I am home for a few days then off again.

As some of you may now I have some rules about food while traveling. First, eat as local as possible whenever possible. Second, avoid eating at something I have within 50 miles of home. My Montana trip I think supplied my red meat supply for the year. All great food and interesting local flavor. Eddie's Supper Club in Great Falls was full of flavor for the eyes and mouth!

The Wii is still a big hit! Holly added some more games this week. Mario Galaxy and Big Brain Academy are both fun games. I watched the kids take the test in the Academy. I have avoided it since then. I get enough embarrassment on that thing playing tennis.

Holly has been busy ripping wallpaper from the kitchen. It all started with a small tug. While it isn't ready to paint yet, it looks a million times better.

More photos to be published later today maybe. I am considering a "dining out" blog too. What do you think? I appreciate all the comments both public and private I have received so far. The Blog Year is turning into stay connected with friend and family year. That cannot be a bad thing.

Return from Vacation

Well, I returned to work today after two weeks of vacation. Holly said I could not retire just yet.

I am very fortunate to be able to take time off. Many people only get two weeks a year. How do they do it and stay sane? What I have realized in my life is that one day does nothing for me. I spend most of the day off worrying about what I am missing or what I have to do tomorrow. Two weeks allows me to really disconnect. During this vacation I would go a day or two without checking email. Now a couple of things have to happen to make that possible.

Calvin was very clear that my vacation meant "no electronic devices and enjoy the time you have." So I am back to work and happy to have a great team who held down the fort so well.

Happy New Year!

We just got home from a great trip to the Oregon coast! Building on our New Year's trip last year with Jim, Jane and Simon to Bend, we went to their lake house in Florence, OR this year. It was quiet, relaxing and full of good food!

We arrived on Saturday andquickly settled in. Jim and I raided the local Fred Meyer for some quick bargain shopping for supplies and dinner. We quickly learned that no one in the Florence Fred Meyer store has a clue what saffron is. Despite a short culinary lesson in Aisle 6, I am sure we will be the subject of a "weird customer" tale at a New Year's Eve Party in Florence somewhere.

Sunday morning brought a hint of snow on the coast! As with most snow in the lowlands of Oregon, it quickly faded. The group decided to head to Washburn beach for a quick stroll at low tide. I think the kids highlight of Sunday was sandboarding on the dunes! Check out the YouTube videos for more fun! Jim topped the night off with the Best Meatloaf Ever - while we all gave it our thumbs up, Lucy was quickly Jim's best friend after her portion.

New Years Eve brought more canoeing, sandboarding and a killer Paella! Earlier in the day, Jim and I headed to the Krab Kettle for some great local seafood. The saffron quest was well worth it!

As nice as it is to see other places, home is always best! So tonight we are all snug in our own beds, a bit tired, a bit sandy, and a thinking of the next trip! Wait - I am still on vacation till Monday...... Where is that San Juan ferry schedule?