Chicken Piccata

Loved this recipe. It was relative quick and very tasty. Have to give credit to my Menno cookbook again for this one. Enjoy. Let me know if you try it.


Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
dash salt
dash pepper
1/4 cup of flour
4 Tablespoons butter or margarine
8oz cartoon of fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 Tablespoons of lemon juice
2 Tablespoons of chopped parsley

Directions:
Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-in thickness. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper; coat with flour.
In a large skillet, brown chicken in 3 Tablespoons butter over medium heat about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Add remaining Tablespoon butter to skillet, and cook the mushrooms and garlic until tender.
Return the chicken to the pan.
Add wine or chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 7 - 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Top with parsley.

Explanation

I have three reasons for not blogging lately.

1) I visited my college roommate and her family this past weekend. One thing I learned...there is not a whole lot of time to blog when you have twins. We had a great time playing instead. We went to the park, the farmers market, and out to eat. Good times. The twins are SOOOO cute.

2) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows arrived on my doorstep Saturday. I got my paws on it Sunday, and got no sleep until I finished reading it yesterday. Wonderful book. Sad the series has ended, but I decided I will now take my time and go back through all of them and re-read. (Will lose less sleep this time.)

3) The renovation of our master bathroom has begun. It started Monday with a meeting with our contractor. The demolition began yesterday and they are now currently fighting with our new shower. It appears that nothing in this house can be standard. So the opening for the shower that we thought was 48'' is really 47''. They have a plan, though, don't worry.

So those are the culprits. I will be back to blogging as usual now.

Finally

It's 3:15am and finally raining. It freaked me out at first because I had forgotten what it sounded like on our chimney when it rains hard.

Toying with Me

I don't think I'd be upset if it ACTUALLY RAINED, but I am rather annoyed with the weather right now. My great state is experiencing drought like conditions. So it's 2:45 and I've been up for an hour because of thunder. (I am not a fan of storms - or being in second stories of houses when storms come in.) But there is NO rain that is accompanying the thunder. There is just the audio reminder that it's out there but not at our house.

Hummingbird

I am thrilled that a cute little hummingbird has decided to add our backyard to his list of stops. I see him buzzing through our yard about once a week. He's a fast little thing.

(Picture not mine :) ).

New Look

FYI

Time for a blog template update. I love the dark dotted look and will probably go back once winter approaches, but I feel the colors did not do this season justice. A new look was needed for summer. :)

The Deacon's Bench

T and I are searching for a church. We haven't been very pro-active, but yesterday we decided to take a trip to a church we've visited before. For the first time we heard the pastors preach (we seemed to have the knack to go during the summer when they are on vacation) and we were impressed. More impressive was what they did afterwards, though. They provided a time they called "The Deacon's Bench" when people (anyone) from the congregation had the opportunity to come up to the front and make comments on what they just heard. It was fascinating. People did not come up and merely say, "Good job, it was interesting". Instead they questioned and asked for more explanation in a particular area, added their own opinions, and even at times doubted what was said. They were critical thinkers and were working together as a congregation. We liked it. Perhaps the search will become a little more pro-active.

NPF

T and I went to watch our first NPF (National Professional Fastpitch League) softball game on Saturday. For me the experience was a cool one for many reasons. The main reason was to see the women getting a chance to play the game they love at a high level of competition and getting paid for it. Society has given this opportunity to men for a long time in many sports. It is fun to feel like perhaps I live in the era when this same opportunity is being extended to women. It will take a while for the organization to have widespread recognition. But as I watched the little girls and boys scramble for autographs after the game, I am convinced that the NPF has a future. I know I will return.

My favorite part of the game...the left fielder breaking through the fence to prevent a home run. Second highlight...the pitcher laying out to catch a foul ball to end the top of the inning. The Racers won the game in the 7th inning 3-2.

Sunday Circle Game

I'm still in vacation mode, as I assume some of you are as well. So I decided that the circle game should be related to travelling.

In 1997 my dad visited his 50th state when he, my mom, and I travelled to Hawaii the first time. I think this is a cool accomplishment, and I hope that I too can one day say that I have experienced all 50 states. So here's the question: Approximately how many states have you visited and which one is your favorite?

I had problems of thinking of all fifty states, so I have provided a list here.

(This picture is from our recent Hawaii trip, not our previous one. And yes, B-rent, I swear I took this picture and the ones below in the vacation update.)

Recycling

I am ashamed that it took this long to happen, but I am FINALLY taking advantage of our curb side recycling...and I feel very good about it. Plastics #1 and #2 you shall never enter my trash again! Aluminum cans, you too!

P.S. I am now in the habit of using my canvas shopping bags...at least 98% of the time...and I am a true believer. Not only am I saving on plastic bags, but I can sling all my groceries over my shoulder at once and make only one trip into my house. Love it!

Nature Walk

Last night T and I took a slow, leisurely walk around our local Metro Park. We decided on the short trail that curls along the river. For some reason last night I was particularly taken by the beauty of the trees. I loved reading the plagues that described the black walnut (pictured), American sycamore, hackberry, and of course the pride of our state, the buckeye. The 70 degree weather made our spontaneous tree tour a very pleasant walk. I think my favorite was the Sycamore with their peeling bark that revealed a cool combination of greens and white. It was a nice reminder that although Hawaii and California (vacation spots this year) are gorgeous places, there is much beauty to discover in my own Midwestern state.

Highlight #2 last night was the Great Blue Heron relaxing in the river as we approached. He was a beauty and seeing those birds in flight is always breath-taking.

New Websites

I was surfing the web tonight and found these two sites. If you are interested in environment-friendly practices check them out.

The first http://www.care2.com/ is a site that list all kinds of suggestions for "green living" as well as news and a variety of other things.

The second http://www.earth911.org/ focuses on recycling.

Back Update

I went to the spinal specialist yesterday for what is hopefully my final visit. My hip/back is still sore but has improved since my first complaints in November. In an indirect way the doctor politely told me that to rid myself of the soreness I need to improve my posture, drop a few pounds, and gain some muscle tone. I have done well in thinking of posture and have been surprisingly viligant (pain is a good motivator) about doing my exercises. Weight, on the other hand, is not easy for me to lose. The truth of the matter is that I like food and quantity control is not a strong point. I'll keep working on this matter. I am hoping that in another 6 - 8 weeks, I'll be blogging injury free. We'll see how it goes.

Vacation Highlights

Back to the real world. Here are a few vacation highlights from each day. Family, feel free to add your own highlights

June 23rd: Vegas

Maui

June 25th: Beach & dinner over looking ocean

June 26th: Maui Tropical Plantation & Ioa Valley State Park

June 27th: Helicopter Trip & Sunset Picnic on Haleakala

June 28th: Spa & Luau

June 29th: Drive to Hana

June 30th: Snorkeling & Dinner over looking ocean

San Francisco

July 2nd: Touring San Francisco & Ice Cream on Ghirardelli Square

July 3rd: Grey Line Tour of City & Dinner at Vietnamese Restaurant

July 4th: Duck Tour & Fireworks on the Bay

Thanks to the family for a great vacation! Looking forward to Vacation '08.

I LOVE my new Cannon Power Shot

BOOK REVIEW

Over vacation I read Why My Wife Thinks I'm An Idiot by Mike Greenberg from ESPN. If you are related/married to a person who works in sports or is a sports fanatic, I think it is worth your time to read this book. I in no way feel that I completely understand my husband and his behavior after reading this book, but I think that it gave me a few interesting insights. It has the possibility to add to some of our discussions. For instance I can now say "Hey T remember when Mike said this...do you agree?" And I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that my husband starred lines that he liked during his own reading of the book.

The book itself is a short read and comical. My only negative criticism is that sometimes his somewhat negative outlook on life got to be a bore.

Saturday Circle Game (Early)

We are leaving tomorrow for a two week vacation. Most likely I will not be blogging much while we are gone. However, you never know, so stop by once in a while over the next few days.

I did want to get in the Saturday Circle Game before the craziness of vacation preparation begins. I have made a few people answer this question already, but humor me and post your answers anyway so that other people can enjoy them.

Question: If you had two other lives to live what would you do? My answer will be in the comments section.

This Old House

I'll admit, our house really isn't that old, but it's approaching 23 years and every handyman that has visited likes to tell me that this is the age when things start to go wrong. Really? I would have never guessed. Our master bath is ripped up and unusable because of toilet problems, I am doing my laundry with a flashlight because the light won't come on in the basement, and the second story gutter is hanging off. My mom reminded me that things come in threes...at least I know what the three things are.

I can't begin to describe the relief that I felt when the handyman showed up today. He fixed my gutters and my heart began to soar. I have been e-mailing/calling the company since last Thursday, but I don't care about their poky service, it's fixed. I probably severely overpaid, but I don't care about the price, it's fixed. Bonus: The man was really nice. He even showed me how to fix the light in the basement and didn't charge. I may even be brave and fix it myself when we come back from vacation. NOTE TO SELF: Turn off #13 on breaker box before fooling with light. I may now leave for vacation with a peaceful mind. My house will be standing when I come home and the gutter will be secure in its place.

Some things I have learned so far about being a homeowner:
1) I need to expand my caulking and speckling skills and include some other home repair skills.
2) I need to meet more people in my area that know how to do repair work.
3) Maintenance and preventative care can never be underestimated.
4) Take care of things right away (this was a lesson from the bathroom).

Good Bye Olympus D-380

Dear Olympus D-380,

We must part ways. You served your time. I have many great memories preserved on film/computer becuase of you and for that I thank you. But I am moving on. In all honesty, your 2.0 effective megapixels no longer works in today's society, and I upgraded to a Cannon Powershot SD800 IS. Don't worry, though, you were my first digital camera and that guarentees a special place in my heart. Good work. I promise to find a nice spot in recycleland for you.

Your devoted owner,

Metacognitive

Good byes

I had to say goodbye to a dear friend today. Dear friend says it is not necessarily a goodbye, but a "I'll-REALLY-miss-having-you-in-Ohio". Regardless, it is a sad feeling. It got me thinking of all the goodbyes we say in life.

Sometimes they are not all sad. When a sales person leaves my house...good riddance. When a telemarketer hangs up the phone...thank goodness.

But often good byes are hard because we have to say them to the people we love. The time between goodbyes varies. People might see each other the next day, or they may not meet again until the next decade. Many times change often follows goodbyes and that is the most unnerving part. It is not necessarily that the change will be bad, but often we don't know how things will change. We only know that change is inevitable. The combination of change and uncertainty is what pushes us to the boundaries of our comfort zones.

Of course, the hardest goodbye is the one that is permanent. It is an experience that, unfortunately, none of us can avoid during our life time. These goodbyes twist our lives inside out.

And with that thought I came to this realization...I can handle saying "I'll-really-miss-having-you-in-Ohio" goodbyes because it is not permanent. Inevitably there will be some changes...a 1 1/2 hour is more likely to happen spontaneously than a 8 hour drive...but these changes are manageable. Hallelujah for e-mail, cell phones, reliable cars, and cheap airfare.

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

I am back at it again...cooking...who knew I'd enjoy it so much. I got this great recipe out of our farm bureau magazine that we receive. I was a little nervous that T would not like it, but to my great surprise he loved it! And he informed me that he had heard from the Reds broadcasting team that cooked tomatoes were a great food to eat to reduce the chances of prostate cancer. Even better...thanks Marty and Thom Breneman. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Ingredients
4 medium tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 lb ground beef (I used a pound of ground venison)
1/4 cup of onion, chopped fine
1/4 cup of celery, chopped fine
2 T of butter
1 1/4 cups of water
1/2 cup of Grape Nuts cereal
1 t of salt (I used garlic salt)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Scoop out tomatoes, reserving pulp. Brown meat in a skillet, remove and set aside. Saute onions and celery in butter until onion is tender. Add pulp and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil; simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until pulp is tender. In a bowl combine meat, cereal, remaining 1/4 cup water, salt and half of the sauce (I also added a little pepper). Place tomatoes in a shallow baking dish; fill with meat mixture. Pour remaining sauce over tomatoes, sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tomatoes are tender. I served it with fresh green beans. Crusty bread would have been nice too, but I am trying to cut the carbs before vacation so that I can eat them on vacation. Weird how my mind works.
Thanks to Carolyn Tolonese for submitting this recipe! We thought it was delicious!