Monday, May 30, 2011

Happy Holiday Weekend


Eugene received about five hours of sun today!  We jumped on our bikes and took an hour long ride.  I barely wanted to stay inside.  This is a tree we rode by.  It's near Skinner Butte park in the middle of a huge rose garden.  If you can see, there are wires holding up the branches.  There's a plaque, but I don't remember what it said.  Something about being old.  When we came home, I forced Trooper to go to the dog park.  Then I forced him to take a jog.  I couldn't get enough of the warm, sunny, rain free air!  Then he looked like this.....

Tonight I made some awesomely wonderful empanadas.  Jim had been a grill master all weekend, so I figured it was my turn to cook.  We had a great weekend together.  It was so nice to have so much time together.  Now I will just look forward to the Fourth of July!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sahalie and Koosah Falls

 We made it a year!  We've survived a crazy year of changes.  We celebrated by loading Trooper up and driving an hour and a half east of Eugene on Hwy 126 to two waterfalls on the McKenzie River. 

It was rainy/ misty, but the day was fun.  There were a lot of hikers out.  This is Koosah Falls.  It's a good hike with some hills but not too hard of a hike.


Trooper loves going on adventures in the woods.  He was so excited.  He even got to play in some snow that was still out.  I think he was looking for cougars.

 
There was a lot of moss and trees growing through rocks.  There was a lot of lava rock.


This is Sahalie Falls.  


Moss was everywhere.










Below the falls was Carmen Reservoir.  It was so quiet after hearing the falls.

Adventure dog is pooped!  He went straight into the tub.  Look at that mud!  We are relaxing tonight.  Jim's grilling us steak and I'm making twice baked sweet potatoes and a peach upside down cake.  A great way to celebrate our first anniversary!

BBQ Fun


We bought this at the Saturday Market. I"m glad it was made with love.  My plans are to use it on a roasted veggie panini.


We had some nice friends over to grill.  I made this lovely Avocado and Black Bean Salad a la Ina Garten.  I think it will be my new go to summer salad.  We ate the leftovers on our eggs this morning and some with our picnic lunch.  Jim made some great BBQ chicken.  I also made cinnamon bread a la Pioneer Woman.  It was really good last night and great for toast this morning.  Our friends brought potato salad and bean salad.  It was a lovely kick off to summer!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

We Love Grilled Meats


I am making these change purses for a friend who is getting married in July.  She's giving them to her bridesmaids!  I think I'm getting better at it each time.


I made Trooper take a jog in the rain.  Two nights in a row.  He sleeps for about 8 hours while I'm at work, so I make his puppy booty get moving.  Jim made us cheeseburgers on the grill last night and Trooper wanted some ground beef so badly!


"Please give me some ground beef.  I am so cute and such a good dog."


Luckily the rain stopped for Jim to grill.  Trooper wanted out there to be near the meats.


I thought this was cool the way the screen showed up in this picture.  Jim is grilling chicken for friends tonight and steak for me on Sunday.  Hooray for the Grillmaster!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Wedding Nostalgia

Last year at this time we were welcoming all of our guests into town for our wonderful wedding weekend.  That was the best weekend of our lives!  It was so great to have 175 friends and family members together to celebrate.  The above picture is just before leaving for my Bachelorette Party.  Those are my awesomely beautiful bridesmaids.  Jim and I are lucky to have such great friends.  If only we had a time machine to revisit that weekend!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Carbonara Crazy

Jim is officially obsessed with Spaghetti Carbonara.  I use Giada's basic recipe, but add pancetta.  How can you go wrong with pancetta?  I buy Trader Joe's.  It's like a cross between bacon and ham.  And a delight when fried.  There's something so rich and savory about Spaghetti Carbonara.  I love reading about its history too.  I believe Jim ate at least three bowls of it last night. 
We are gearing up for a potentially wonderful holiday weekend.  They're calling for rain most days, but maybe not on Sunday, the big anniversary day.  Jim got our grill out fixed up.  I'm ready for cheeseburgers and other meats. 
It's a rainy day in Oregon today.  Jim and Trooper are at home, listening to jazz.  I envision Trooper staring out the window, contemplating life as a dog.  Hopefully he doesn't think it's too bad. 

Monday, May 23, 2011

New Look

What do you think of the new blog look?  I also updated to a new and improved Dashboard for my blogging pleasure.  Hope my readers enjoy the new look!

Good Eats and Drinks

We had another lovely weekend. On Saturday evening, Jim and I tried Holy Cow, a healthy fast food place in town. They have an interesting pan-world menu. I had the falafel and really enjoyed it. It was very fresh. On Sunday morning, we woke up and headed out of town. We joined some friends up in Salem (about an hour north of Eugene) for a wine tasting at Zenith Vineyards. The property was gorgeous and all of their wine was great! The owner of Zenith recommended Cafe Uncorked for lunch. We drove for awhile on some winding country roads and came upon it. The cafe was so darn cute inside and had great food. I ordered a fish sandwich, which was good, but Jim's crab cake burger was amazing. We didn't realize how far we were until I heard the waitress say we were only 30 miles from the coast. And when we GPSed Eugene, we were two hours away! So we had a scenic ride home. While we were gone all day, Trooper stayed with his puppy friend. They were alone for almost 8 hours and (we think) they did great together! No messes or issues.
Now it's back to work as usual. Going to Monday night yoga again. Happy Monday!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Jim's Home!


Yay! We missed him. Trooper really missed him but has been doing a lot of fun puppy things, so he's passed out on the couch. We are really fortunate to know another couple in Eugene who has an awesome dog that Trooper plays with a lot. We trade of checking on the dogs when needed, so Jim took their doggie out at lunch on Thursday and they took Trooper over to the dog park at lunch time on Friday while I was at work. I was so grateful as it was beautiful out and I couldn't come home at lunch since I only had my bike. When I got home last night I jogged the pup to the park and made a cheeseburger for myself. I worked on some sewing stuff and watched movies. This morning has been lovely. Another day of no rain so far. I rode my bike to the Saturday Market. I parked my bike at a coffee shop and picked up an iced coffee and walked to the market. I picked up a lot of good stuff. Strawberries again, zucchini, purple broccoli, a strawberry rhubarb pie, snow peas, and pasties for lunch. Then I stuffed it all in my bike basket and rode home. When I got home I made Trooper go on a short jog. Hence why he's passed out now. In a little bit I'm going to a BBBS Bowling Fundraiser. My Little Sister was so excited about bowling that she was screaming in the phone last night. At the end of May I'm attending one of the BBBS Leadership Board meetings and may start working on the Board in June. Gotta stay busy!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

We Miss Our Pal!


After work, I took my doggie and my phone on an hour and a half long walk. It was wonderful! It was 70 and sunny. Some of my favorite memories with Trooper are taking walks in nice weather.


We walked by the stadium, about 10 minutes from our apartment. There's a small canal that is connected to the Willamette River.


I'm not sure what these are, but there are a lot in the woods.


Someone wore himself out.


This is a field that's next to the dog park.


Someone is pooped. He attacked his antler a lot. Jim will like that at 9pm (like clock work), he jumped on the guest bed and tore up the blankets. At 9:05pm, he came in the living room.


Is it possible for a dog to roll his eyes? "Mom, enough with the pictures."

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

School House Tunic


I finished my tunic!! It is a little big but I think it will be cozy. I am so proud of myself! The sleeves were the hardest part.


It's slightly maternity in the front. But it's the first garment I've ever made. Therefore I love it.

I realized I haven't given a Trooper update lately. He has been on his new medication since Friday (along with the steroids for one more week) and has barely itched at all. His hotspots are gone and his fur is growing back in the bald areas. He is as silly as ever. The only down side is that he seems to have some loose stool lately.

And may I add that this post was written on the Mac Book. Look at me, exploring new technology. Thanks, Jim.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Fritatas


The Legal Beagle is back in action. He made these Fritatas for dinner last night. They were really yummy and healthy. It was so nice for me to come home from work (to a clean apartment and a freshly bathed puppy) and go to yoga. When I came home, dinner was made! What a guy!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Busy Bees

Woo I was busy this weekend! Trooper and I finished our Bark in the Park 5K. He was awesome. He ran so fast, it was as if he knew we were running towards something. There were so many funny dogs! There was a fat pug that stopped running after about an eighth of a mile. The funniest thing was that just as we entered the little area to cross the finish line, Trooper dropped on his back and rolled in the grass! Other people and dogs were coming up behind us! They'd just announced, "Amanda Zika and Trooper!" Then the announcer said, "That's a faux pas!" Oh Troops.
After the run we went out to breakfast and I went to my sewing class. Sadly, my garment is not complete. I have one sleeve (yikes) and the skirt left to finish at home. I think I can do it from the pattern. I really learned a lot from being in the class and plan on taking another one this summer.
And finally, after my class, we went to our friend's house to watch the Bulls game. Trooper even went, which he loved.
Jim is in full housewife mode and planning our dinners. I am going to yoga tonight and am so happy to have someone to have my dinner ready when I get home. Jim's heading to Seattle on Thursday and Friday to see our friends. Sadly, I have to work and can't join him. He'll be back by Saturday as I have a fundraiser that I need the car for on Saturday.
Happy Monday!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Sailing and Strawberries


We went to the Saturday Market this morning looking specifically for berries. Jim has decided that if we eat the skins, we should buy organic. There was only one booth with strawberries, and they were organic. People were swarming around them. They were $4, which is about $2 cheaper than organic berries at the store.


They are so red! They kind of match my tablecloth. They smell so good too.

Sailing was a success! Dozens of nice families donated their day, time, and boat to our group. My LS was very nervous. It was her first time on a boat! But she was brave and did great. By the end she was even driving the boat! And I didn't even get seasick.

Friday, May 13, 2011

As Promised...


I told you I took some cute pics of Troops. He likes to make the living room carpet into a nest. Most of the time, the makes a nest but then walks away from it. Last night he actually cuddled in the nest he made.


Vacation! Lounging! Somebody deserves it.


Anything will work as a pillow. Including my slippers. Tonight we are enjoying home made pizza (thanks Jim), News Hour on PBS, and Troopie has a new antler. Life is nice.

Blogger Down

Hi Readers!
My Blogger Dashboard has been down for a few days, so I apologize for not posting. I had some cute Trooper pictures that I wanted to put up this morning, but alas, they will have to wait.
The Legal Beagle is done with school! I met him out at Davis's with some friends for Happy Hour. They have a great Happy Hour/ Ladies Night menu. Somehow he was awake before me (pre-6am this morning.) As of me leaving, he was going to take Trooper to a meeting on campus today!! Trooper has DREAMED of going to college, so if it worked out, he was probably the happiest pup in Eugene.
I have a busy weekend ahead. Tomorrow is sailing with BBBS at Fern Ridge Reservoir. It should be interesting, considering it's a group of kids who need mentors, I get seasick on a pool raft, and it's supposed to rain. We'll see how it goes! On Sunday morning I am running in a 5K. I intended for Trooper to run with me, but if it's raining too hard I won't make him. Then Sunday afternoon I have my second sewing class. Whew! I've heard people watch tv and take naps on weekends, but I can't fathom that.
Two weeks until our anniversary weekend! My boss already said I get Monday off (yay!) and Jim doesn't start his summer job until June 1. We were thinking of staying in a hotel, maybe in Bend, but we are going to pinch our pennies and stay at our apartment. I think it'd be fun to go on a hike during the day (preferably to a waterfall) with our doggie and then go out to dinner in Eugene. I'm sure it will be special no matter what.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Trooper K9 DiVerde

If you want to do something funny, pick up your dog's prescription at Costco. Trooper's allergist had his new medicine sent there. (And apparently you don't need a membership to pick up medicine at Costco.) I went in and said, I think it's under my husband's name. So I spelled it for him.

Costco Tech: "Trooper K9 DiVerde?"

Me: "Well, his last name is technically Zika, but that's him."

Then I have to fill out an information card for him, and it's the same one for humans.

Me: "Do I need to write down his work phone number?"

In Oregon, you have to have a consultation for any medicine you buy. So I walk over to a second tech.

Second Costco Tech: "Well, you're going to want to wrap this in food to take it... Peanut butter or cheese."

My friend and I laughed so hard.

Tomorrow is the Legal Beagle's LAST day of his first year of law school. What a long and crazy school year. I'm so proud of him. He said he couldn't have done it without me, but I know he could have. He just would have been malnourished and living in his own filth.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Sugar Crusted Muffins


Generally, I try to make things from scratch. I know there are a lot of quality mixes out there, but I just enjoy baking. If you keep the basics around, you can always whip up something yummy. You also know what you're putting in and can make sure your ingredients are unrefined, unbleached, etc. And then I jog to burn it off!

I found this recipe in an issue of Real Simple a few years ago. It's pretty darn easy and makes yummy muffins. Last night I made them with marion berries, but any berry is good.

Sugar Crusted Muffins

2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg (at room temperature)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup fresh berries (or frozen, defrosted and strained)

Heat oven to 400.
Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper liners
In a medium bowl, combine 1 3/4 cup of the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the baking powder, and salt
Add the butter and combine
It's okay if it's lumpy!
In a second bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla
Gradually add the milk mixture and stir until combined (and still lumpy)
Toss the berries with the remaining flour in a small bowl
Gently fold the berry mix into the batter
Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full
Sprinkle the batter with the remaining sugar
Bake 17 minutes or until done

Enjoy!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

I was told that this is a Camas. On Saturday, I took my Little Sister to the Wayne Morse Ranch and we saw all of these fun purple flowers growing along the paths. I asked someone and was told that these Camas were a food source for Native Americans in the Willamette Valley. You can eat the whole flower, but the tastiest part is the root, which was cooked in pits in the ground. I did not taste test.

Yesterday was fun filled with both the Willamette Valley Music Festival on campus (I took Trooper, who was a HIT with the hippies) and the Sasquatch Beer Festival. Today it was domestics as usual while Jim studied at the library. I made stuffed peppers and orzo with veggies for dinner. I also made marion berry muffins, which I'm excited to try. Marion berries are like blackberries and grow in the Willamette Valley. As Jim would say, they're very "Pac NW."

And two final notes, Happy Mother's Day! Without you, we'd only have half of our genetic material and evolution wouldn't be possible. And I also want to remember a dear little doggie, June. She was a special pug that passed along to doggie heaven yesterday. Make sure to hug your doggie and cherish every minute with them. Trooper will get an extra salmon treat tonight.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Enchiladas

Tonight I made the Pioneer Woman's Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas. If you like goat cheese, which you should, you're going to die when you eat these. So good. I'm still working on her book. I can't lie, it's getting a little slow at times. She's super cute, but I don't know if the story of marrying Marlboro Man warrants 320 pages.

Book Club was super fun last night. I am very lucky to know some great ladies here. It looks like we are reading The River House by Sarahlee Lawrence for next month. I've already ordered it from Powell's Books. It has a Pac NW theme, so it should be fitting for summer in Eugene.

Right now our ferocious beast (dog) is attacking his elk antler big time. Like a wolf. He's a nut. When we hadn't fed him yet, at 7:00, he started licking his food bowl, as if to say, I'm hungry!! His itching has been very minimal and there's hardly any hair around after his hair cut. Hopefully this will continue.

I think I have a busy day tomorrow. Hair cute, hang out with my Little Sister, maybe Music Festival if the weather is nice, and a Beer Fest. Jim's even agreed to go the Beer Fest!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Foods and Stuffs

To celebrate the eve of Jim's first final, I made him Giada's Chicken Marsala with Marscapone last night. Yum!! It's a great recipe. Full of good flavors. Then I made Ina's Chocolate Cookies for Book Club tonight. Instead of white chocolate, I made them with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a handful of (sinful) butterscotch chips. Hopefully the gals like them. Jim did.
Otherwise, we are good. Jim's next final is Monday morning. Did I blog that I'm going sailing next Saturday with Big Brothers Big Sisters? It will be on a lake, not an ocean, don't worry!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May Day


Today was my first sewing class at Piece by Piece. My next is on May 15th. I signed up for the Simple Dress class. Above is the fabric I am using to make my Schoolhouse Tunic. I felt like I already learned a lot about just reading the pattern and understanding the sewing jargon. If it's a cute tunic, I'll post pics!


While I was at sewing class, Trooper went to the groomer's. When I asked her to cut it short, I didn't realize it'd be quite this short, but it's probably really good for him with all of the pollen in the air and the healing hot spots. His body looks tiny. This picture also makes him look really muscular. I took him to We Suds Em, and she did a great job. I really liked that he wasn't crated, they just put the dogs on a lead in the room that they are working in so they can watch. When I walked in he was sleeping. She said he was a good boy and got LOTS of compliments.


Hair cuts always make him look like he has a big head! He's been a rascal tonight. While we were eating dinner he walked in our bathroom and started drinking from the toilet! I've never seen him do that at home. He had a full water dish in the kitchen. What a funny animal.


I made pulled pork for dinner. When I do this, I cook a pork roast in the Crock Pot all day. Then I make my own cole slaw and BBQ sauce. I shred the pork with two forks, and cover it in the BBQ sauce. I grill up some buns, put down some pork, and top with slaw. Yum!


And now my lil angel is curled up like a fox, with his face in his tail. He ran 3.2 miles in the woods on some tough hills, so he's had a big day. Remember to kiss your puppies tonight and be thankful for them!