Wednesday, August 16, 2017

A good weekend.

Yummy finger food....there was more on the plate but I was hungry.   Mixed a very spicy delicious hummus with guac for a perfect add to veggies and chips.    And always better sitting outside waiting for the main event.  


On Saturday, we wandered (well, it's kind of a long wander on an Interstate) east to Mike and Jenna's.   Aside from a grandmother fix ( only Alex this time ) and a Costco trip (always need 94 rolls of TP ), 
we had tickets to a Garrison Keillor show.     He started the show by addressing the dismaying  political and national/international  issues of the day, altho never mentioning anyone by name.    He received rousing support for  his timely and biting commentary and then led a singing of "God Bless America".     He walked the crowd several times and was well versed on the history and highlights of Denver and Colorado.    He sang a song about the many rivers of Colorado and I kept waiting for him to name our local and beautiful Uncompaghre River..... he didn't attempt that one....I guess it doesn't rhyme with much.      He told  touching stories and I was very surprised as he shared a very intimate (and I thought quite graphic) story of a first love.     And then, he  continued to  spill out  the story of attending the funeral this summer of this first love and meeting the daughter from that relationship that was given up at birth.   I was unclear if he knew of the child or if he acknowledged her and altho they talked briefly,  and it seemed as if they both knew the truth, he  did not indicate that either acknowledged their connection.   It was most interesting.   



It was good to get away and I always revel in the beauty of traveling thru the mountains.  

The patio is in the final stages of completion and the social calendar is full for this week and next.   The weather is perfect and the roses are stunning after a good feeding a couple weeks ago.   
Life is good out here in the West. 




Thursday, August 10, 2017

August already ?

My patience has reached the tipping point.    It's been 2 1/2 months and this is where it stands.   I was told the stucco would be completed 2 days ago......Not!    The stain guy and the railing guy can't finish up until the stucco is done.    I fired off a text this morning and feel kinda bad since I really like Joe and we've been invited to his 60th BD party next week and he is a friend but...... 


On a prettier note,  the monsoon's are winding down but every so often we are gifted with a beautiful rainbow.    This one was absolutely brilliant but obviously the iPhone camera didn't capture it.    I wanted to run over and tell the Dixon's that the pot of gold was in their back yard.  I didn't change anything on this pic but the colors are quite amazing regardless.  




I've been exploring new recipes lately.    This one was tofu, spinach, spices  rolled up with sauce.   I could have used vegan mozzarella cheese but it didn't need it.    We use the vegan cheeses sparingly but they add a nice flavor for pizza.    I'm following several Plant based FB pages and the rage of late is the air fryer.    I did a lot of research but didn't think I needed another appliance altho this did sound appealing.     I ordered a Vegan Air Fryer cookbook and became more interested.     And then, I got a notice from Sam's Club that they are having a one day sale and the air fryer was $89 for the large one (5+ qt).   So we made a trip north to Grand Junction and picked one up.    I have to say that I am a bit impressed.    I made crispy flavored tofu cubes last night and added them to a stir fry....excellent.   I could have made them in the oven but this took less than 20" and the oven takes much longer.   Not that I have a time issue, being retired and all ..... I also did hash browns with red peppers and onions and it will become a staple for a snack or to tuck in a burrito ( yes with spicy beans and salsa and lettuce, it is a hit ).     They are touted as making quick and easy no fat french fries and that will soon be on my list.        My other very very favorite appliances are the Instapot (pressure cooker) and Blendtec high speed blender .    Use them almost every day.


 We have busy weeks coming up....all good stuff.    Weather is perfect, the golf game not so much.   I tried a new demo driver and have to say that it lived up to the hype.....but at $500, it ain't going in my bag anytime soon.      Unless I start a GO FUND ME page....... it's a thought !

Addendum:    As I write this on Friday morning, the stucco is DONE !,..... the painter finished the front door and is starting the staining of the upper deck and the railing guys will arrive soon.    I am no longer a grumpy old lady.