Everything is better with bacon

This is so good I just don't know what to say...Mmmmm...bacon.

and some days i just hate work

oh to be a kid again. with a lollipop and in pajamas on a work day...

i know i shouldn't complain with so many people out there without a job.
i know i should feel appreciative for having a job because without it i would not have a home.
i know things could be worse.

but try selling insurance. some days, i just...

Coo-coo for cookies

Lately, I've been a cookie baking fiend and I just...can't...stop. So help me god! My all time favorite is chocolate chip WITH toffee bits. Oh so good! So good that we have refrigerated tubes of them ready to bake, every night, after dinner. Because a cookie just ain't as good unless their fresh out of the oven.



I get why cookie monster was so crazy for cookies. And to keep from going without, I'll whip up 3 dozen madeleines on the weekend, like today. Most of which are gone now. Here's to becoming a diabetic!

Christmas on less than a dime

Like almost everyone else, this year, the Christmas budget will be a little tight. At first I felt sad that I could not spend recklessly on gifts a plenty. But then I decided to take on the smaller budget as a challenge to get creative where and when I could. So looking around the house at items at hand, I rediscovered the joy of origami. From the piles of magazines that I can't seem to part with because I just know there is a recipe or idea I'll one day want to try (2 yrs later...) I tore brightly colored pages and cut them into squares. The hubby and I spent an afternoon folding origami balloons to jazz up the Christmas lights strung throughout the house. It was easy enough to do, but after blowing into a dozen paper balloons, we were feeling a little air-headed ourselves.


Of course, we also had to fold the ever popular crane at least a dozen times too or so. A crazy obsession overcame me and for some reason I could not stop folding. The pine cones that lined the fireplace mantle were replaced by a flock of cranes.













Last, I came across some remnants my mom had left behind. It made for a pretty pink throw blanket and something cozy to remember her by. Kitty could not resist jumping on to take it for a test nap.

And isn't this all what Christmas is about anyway? Spending time together. Having fun while you're at it. And enjoying the cold weather by taking cuddle naps.

Mondays...UGH!

It's only Monday and already I feel like I've worked like dog.

And that's all I have to say about that. GRR-UFF!

Sundays are for savoring

sleeping in until 10...11...or lunch and
makin' pancakes out of mushy brown bananas
to the tunes of jack johnson on the stereo

after having a cup of peppermint tea

one can't escape food coma

37 candles and a few more wrinkles

My husband asked for 1 candle because

he didn't want to see what the cake

would look like with all 37.

And I should have obliged because having

droplets of hot candle wax blown on me

wasn't as arousing as one might think .

But I think 37 candles are much less awkward than 16.
And man-wrinkles are sexy too.

A little island with lots to do

On an island that spans 57 square miles, one might wonder, "What is there to see?" Quite suprisingly, a lot. From our room, we had a view of the East Sound. The wild deer weren't so wild at all. In fact, a doe and it's fawn came right up to our balcony in search of handouts! I even came within 10 feet of the deer on the left just as we rolled up to to check in.


Also suprising to find out was that the island is not named after the orca whales at all. History reveals that it is the shortened name of Juan Vicente de Guemes Padilla Horcasistas y Aguayo. The Viceroy of Mexico who sent out an exploration expedition in 1791.

The island boasts 30 miles of hiking at the Moran state park. We covered the Cascade Lake Loop that went for just under 3 miles (green line) and the Mountain Lake Loop (4 miles - yellow line). Although it being Labor day weekend, the hikers we passed were few and far between. Parking at the entrance of both trails were limited. It made for an incredibly peaceful walk. All you could hear was the sound of footfalling on soft earth.

Along the hike we crossed paths with many a slugs which doesn't seem so amazing by itself. Except when they are the size of your hand!

At the highest point, 2409 feet elevation to be exact, from Mount Constitution is a 360 degree panoramic view of the marine sound. This hike we did not do. It was described as "strenuous" and not for the average person who sits on their butts all day (like me).

Bounty Hunter

The anticipation just awaiting the first arrivals of our labor has finally paid off. I'd almost lost all hope on the Roma and cherry tomatoes. Although I've been told that these babies probably will not ripen because we just haven't had enough hot weather, WHO CARES!! Fried green tomatoes anyone?

Trying to locate these little guys was like hunting for easter eggs. Upon finding one, I reacted just like a kid hunting for easter eggs. Jumping up and down and running back and forth between garden and husband at computer, who's game was interrupted and put on pause so we could revel in our find.

With a slew of Martha Stewart summer salad recipes to try, our meals will be Bug's Bunny's envy. And who knows, he may just end up on the plate too.

My Secret Garden(er)

Besides the vegetables growing, we've had a few unexpected and randomly placed blooms. I've been finding a few little dug up holes in our garden. At first I thought it was the neighborhood cats wanting to fertilize our garden, but now I am not so sure. Our little Gardener has been busy.










I can only guess that it is a squirrel, or a family of squirrels. I've not yet been able to snap a photo of one in action, but whoever put squirrels in the rodent category did not have one for a gardener. Next to Walter, they are a welcome presence in our garden.

When life gives you lemons, make ice cream?

If it were not for Molly Moon Ice Cream Boutique and my husband's adventuresome palate, I would have never tried the Lemon Ice Cream. And it turns out sadly, a lot of other people probably had the same reaction I did at the thought of lemon ice cream. Yuck! Not sweet enough! Au contrare! It is so amazing that after it's disappearance due to it's unpopularity at Molly's, I simply HAD TO buy an ice cream maker and find me a recipe to keep a supply on hand at all times.

Fresh Lemon Ice Cream

3/4 cups granulated sugar

2 lemons, zested

2 cups whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

8 egg yolks

In a saucepan, combine lemon zest, milk, and cream. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together. Whisk 1 cup of the hot cream into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly. In a steady stream, slowly return the egg mixture to the remaining hot cream mixture. Simmer over low heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool completely in the fridge. Strain the mixture. Add mixture to your ice cream maker, and follow manufacturers' direction. Have fun!

For more of Molly's gourmet ice cream, you can go to 1622 1/2 45th Street, Wallingford, Seattle. Yes, I am shamelessly advertising for her. Good things should always be passed on. http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/

Gnome Man's Land

After weeks of anticipation, our seeds finally pushed through. It is a miracle, to say the least, because we didn’t quite prepare the soil for planting. They were literally scattered, like tossing bread crumbs, a little here, a little there. At most, the extent of the work was in building neat rows, but that was about it. Perhaps the little greenies knew we wanted them to grow as badly as we want to win the lottery.




We’re hoping the bounty will produce enough beans and peas to freeze or can for the winter months. Really we just want to see how far we can stretch a dollar. And if we have more than we can possibly eat, bartering for some gas might be an idea. With the way gas keeps going up 10 cents a week, seems like that is what things are coming to.











Of course, we couldn't help adding the finishing touch - a garden gnome (this one's for you sis!)

Grubbin' at the market

It's so easy to get caught up in the work week that often times I haven't thought of what to do with myself come the weekend except to veg out. But there are so many local things that are easy to step out to and one in particular is the Ballard market with it's live folk music, fresh produce, and goodies to find. One popular bite is the veggie quesadilla served with a spicy sweet sauce who's name I can't recall but it doesn't matter because all can be found at the market.

I remember when I was little I didn't like the taste of vegetables. I've heard that children have about 300x an adults taste abilities but by the time we're all grown up, most of our tastebuds have been burned by drinking scalding liquids, eating steaming foods, or adding spicy sauces to what goes down the chute. So thank goodness for adult tastebuds because despite the stress that comes with being one, I am glad I am not a kid anymore. This stir fry mix of kale, squash, red onions, and I don't know what other healthful stuff is in the mix is so yummy! There are at least a dozen adults in line for a bite of this by the time the market opens at 11.

After the quesadilla, you can also find some fresh pastries to round out this walking brunch. The one thing that I haven't tried yet are the dessert crepes which commands a line of hungry bellies belonging to both adults and kids that stretches about 30 people long. This is just fine though because by the time I'm done with the quesadilla (it's the huge tortilla by the way, 2 of them slapped together with veggies in between) I am feeling a little round myself and if Seattle gets lucky, a Sunday afternoon sometimes brings some sun which is enough to make me want to sleep and be what I just ate. A vegetable.

For the love of god! I mean dog...

If there is one thing Europeans know how to do, they do know how to live. Like buying only what you need to eat for the day. And in some places, closing in the mid-afternoon for an afternoon siesta. Dinners are meant to be enjoyed leisurely. You don’t find servers dropping off checks when they notice you are at the end of a meal. In fact, you have to ask them, practically jump up and down in your seat to get their attention, for the check. Once you sit to eat, that table is yours until the rooster crows the next day if you wish. Almost literally as the culture tends to dine into the wee hours of the morning with the delightful entertainment of live music.


If ever I go back again, Porto and Paris are a must to see once more. These places got me daydreaming of finding ways to become a permanent resident.


I can imagine living in one of those kaleidoscope apartments, buying food for the day, washing only the necessary clothing because space to hang dry is so limited on a balcony, watering my little garden oasis amidst buildings and pavement and satellite dishes.

In the end, what I would really go back for is a visit with a little dog named "Maddie". Really, the only reason why I wanted to go in the first place. Oh yes, and also to eat at Casa de Castelli!

Shuck me, suck me, eat me raw!

Now don't get any dirty thoughts! And I wish I could take credit for such a witty play with words, but I must confess, it was a bumper sticker catch phrase that I saw.

Apparently, oysters rate low on the aphrodisiac list. Although loaded with zinc, which is key to producing testosterone, a single morsel is hardly enough to get a rise. If you know what I mean...heh...If it gives anyone any sort of a rise, it is a rise in temper and muttering curses at this tight lipped reincarnation of a virgin.

After 2 butter knives (because there had to be something wrong with the first one after it proved difficult to pry open them suckers) and 1 hour I was able to feed myself a dozen of these mollusks.

These three took the first half hour, but after that, I was a prying fool. With a little lemon juice and cocktail sauce, I was good to go. AND good to give up on doing this for myself ever again! These babies cost a little more than a buck a pop. I think next time a craving comes upon me, I'll just opt for Happy Hour at Ivar's with their 6 shooter special for a third of the price. And no risk of stabbing myself.

Year of the Pig

This little piggy went to the market, and this little piggy stayed home, and this little piggy had roast beef, and this little piggy...err...I think this is the piggy who had too much roast beef.

For the Chinese New Year, Bainbridge Island hosted a parade and put on a Dragon's dance performed by the local high school students. It was incredible to see so many people not of Chinese ancestry, be a part of this cultural celebration.

The streets were lined with red paper lanterns and crowds stood in line to have their names written in Chinese. Steaming pots of Chinese cuisine filled the air with mouth-watering smells.

This year, for those born to the year of the mud lovin' swine (like my hubby), it is a year to be filled with impatience, mobility, and change. If we're lucky, that means he's going to get a promotion and a fat raise. Then maybe I can be the lazy dog that I am.

Snow, snow, and more snow...

Again, we've been hit with more snow, and the temperatures ahead are not suggesting warm weather enough to melt this stuff away. So what is there to do on a day like this??? So far, I've

1.) thrown the cat outside to get a photo of her in the snow. She hated it!

2.) I've eaten two breakfasts!

There's always the never ending duties of house cleaning, but now it is impossible as the cat has decided to burrow in for a nap on my lap for the afternoon.

Maybe I should take a hint.

A Japanese New Year

Only having seen Taiko drumming on the telly for a 2 second bit in a car commercial, my curiosity was peaked. So it was incredible coincedence (and fortune) to stumble upon finding out about the free performance at the annual Mochisuki Festival for the Japanese New Year.Words cannot describe the excitement and exhilaration that courses through your entire being as drummers move their bodies into each powerful swing. It feels like a symphony of thunder, with each crack causing you to hold you breath. And when all goes quiet, all you can mouth in amazement is "Whoa", like Keanu Reeves. Not Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure "Whoa". More like the Matrix, "Whoa", when jumping tall buildings.

Not only was this a treat for the ears, but also for the belly, eyes, and spirit. This beautiful tradition of making mochi was held on Bainbridge Island amidst nature's setting. It was explained that the Shinto believe each grain of sweet rice represented an ancestor's spirit. Pounding the rice was to join the spirits and a time to self reflect on the previous year. Once a rice cake was completed it was offered to the Gods on behalf of what it represented ~ Community.

Unable to get close enough to take photos of the "striking" of the sweet rice or of the rice cakes, (Since I tend to think with my belly and not my head, I gobbled my rice cake before taking a pic crossed my mind.) These last 2 photos were found on a couple of websites. Hope it's okay to share.

All I needed to learn, I learned from a dog

On our holiday quest to find places that were open on New Year's Day, we discovered that many places had not closed. So there wasn't much of a need to log any of these places for next year's "Where the heck are we going on New Year's Day?" list. In fact, I bet this is the busiest day for most restaurants that open to serve breakfast for all of those liquor disabled folk. (But a big boohoo for the liquor disabled employees.)

Well, in honor of New Year's Day and making resolutions, it was watching this doggy, happily chewing on his yellow, beat up ball, inviting all passersby to give him a pat on the head, that inspired my only resolution...

"Simply...Be Content"

Time for a Post-Christmas nap

Even though Christmas shopping can find you in a crowd of merciless bargain hunters, it actually just might be less stressful than the planning and making of homemade gifts. But what did I know getting into it?

We spent the evening before Christmas measuring and mixing ingredients to make, banana bread, zucchini~walnut bread, zucchini~apple bread, and pumpkin bread. 4 hours later...

12 loaves were born. After spending so much time making them, I found myself not wanting to part with these warm bundles of yumminess. I wonder how baker's do it? To slave all day in kitchen, over mixers and ovens, measuring cups, and flour. It is almost like giving birth, except I wouldn't know what that is like. I guess the only thing that could top making them, is seeing the faces of those that enjoyed them.

Speaking of enjoying, the best part of Christmas day was checking out the decorated homes. There is a street called "Candy Cane Lane" that gets all the rave and attention because every house on this street totally "decks the halls". Instead of heading there this year, we drove around the neighborhood and found quite a few delightful homes.

It's hard to tell but Frosty was drinking a 40' disguised in a paperbag. It's no small wonder too because among the few places that were open on Christmas, quite a few of them were booze shops. Aah...What would Christmas be without it?