Trader Joes!

This is for my family in Charlotte, who just got their first Trader Joes. This video pretty much sums up the joy that is TJs.

Happy Friday!

Quote of the Day

From Husband:

"If there was a way to turn snot into energy- we'd be Millionaires"

Weekend Musings

1. I love my neti-pot. I really, really do. It's like an oil change for your nose!

2. Finished the super-easy cowl I have been knitting.

3. We ain't in New Orleans- had to go to three supermarkets to find file powder. Three!

4. In between reading dog training books, I have been reading Mark Bittman's new book, Food Matters. It's a good read that is definitely moving me towards eating more healthy and local foods.

5. Had this song stuck in my head all day:

I knew I had seen this photograph before...

Bailey, 2009:



Harper, circa 2001:



It appears puppy photography tends to yield the same results, despite changing test subjects.

Rainy days are over

The recent rains have nourished my garden, bringing lots of growth to my winter crops. Unfortunately the much needed rains also fed the weeds, and so this weekend will be all about the weeding and fertilizing. I drowned a few of my pepper seedlings in the rain so it looks like I am going to be planting some more seeds this weekend too.





I picked some baby leaves of the rocky top lettuce blend.




I also picked up a bunch of volunteer green onions growing in my garden's walk ways.



And pulled up the pak choy, giving most of it to the food bank and leaving a few heads for friends and myself.



The broccoli is looking great.



And the carrots are doing well too. I accidentally picked one while I was weeding. Isn't it cute?



I am also going to get some of my beds cleaned out and plant some spinach and mustard seeds, as well as some herbs. I have planned my spring garden on paper, and I think it is about time I begin planting some of it- because I cannot wait to have fresh tomatoes and peppers growing!

Valentine's Day

It was a somewhat glamorous affair in the kitchen last night. Food-wise, we decided to go big for V-day- but making everything ourselves, of course! We started slow, with a selection of cheeses, salami and water crackers- sorry no photo. I am sure you can imagine it though..

Next, I made these mushrooms that are stuffed with blue cheese, caramelized onions, garlic and topped with panko flakes.

Dinner came third. Earlier in the day, I picked up one really large lobster tail from our local butcher, as well as a small Fillet Mignon to split. Both were smothered in garlic butter. I broiled the lobster, and pan-grilled the steak, then topped it with mushrooms sauteed in balsamic vinegar. The surf and turf was served with white chocolate mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.

Yum.



And for dessert:

Everything was washed down with a nice Chardonnay.

New Digs

Life at the frog house these days is puppy-centric.

We're learning to sit...

And stay..




and play well with others.

My patch of backyard onions are a jungle adventure to someone 8 inches tall...

Dibbs on the alligator!

And now we're all tired out.

Be still, my heart

My mother always told me you should never meet a guy in a bar, and don't you dare think about bringing him home!



However, she said nothing about puppies!




This is Bailey. or Abby. or Beazelbub. depending on the millisecond.



She is the cutest thing since- well, since this thing:




Ugh. I'm melting.

Everyone else is still adjusting.



But I think we'll be fine.