unending field trip

2012!

2012-01-02T11:45:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year!

My resolutions:
1) Exercise 3 times a week
2) Clean up 15 mins a day
3) Walk a dog once a week

What I'm looking forward to:
Fun home improvements (new curtains, hang pictures, etc.)
Getting more settled in our house and new jobs
Knocking out more classes toward my degree
Having a fence for our backyard (as soon as the ground thaws!)
Second season of Downton Abbey on PBS (less than a week!)

What I'd like to learn in 2012:
How to cook eggs
Good slow cooker recipes
Mad piano-playing skills

Firsts from 2011:
Buying our first house
Getting laid off (ugh!)
Learning programming (Visual Basic)
My own laptop (no more hand-me-down desktop for me!)
My own piano
Went to my first auction
Going to New Jersey and New York City

Favorite things in 2011:
Top Gear on Netflix (also American Pickers and Bones)
Yoga and Zumba classes at the Community Center
Visiting Bren in NJ and going to NYC
Second-hand shopping in Brookings
The Hairpin
Squirrel Nut Zippers Pandora Station (especially when cleaning/cooking)
David Wax Museum
John's homebrewed cider
Girls' trip to the Black Hills (which I never blogged(?), but here's a pic...)

Catching up

2012-01-02T10:41:00.012-05:00

Here's everything I missed updating in 2011 ;)

After three job changes (one for me, two for John), I work for Rserving now as marketing coordinator, and John is a sous chef at the Brownstone in Brookings.

I got through another semester of the Information Systems Master's program at DSU even though the dogs liked to make things difficult...

We had a great trip to Ohio for Thanksgiving, visiting family, visiting friends, taking the dogs with us, and buying a snowblower (which meant the 18 hr drive home involved a dog riding on our laps - no space anywhere else!)

(Amanda, me and Krista at Tony's)

With the snowblower, we're ready for the winter weather...but this is all the snow we've gotten (and it was melted by the end of that day)

Even without the usual snow, we enjoyed decorating and getting ready for Christmas

Cooper liked to fluff the Christmas tree skirt and only chewed on the corner of one present

The Christmas tree

John made hand-lettered tags with one of his fountain pens.

We celebrated Christmas at my parents' house with lots of presents, food, and dogs causing trouble (but not lots of pictures taken)

Pumpkins!

2011-10-31T23:40:00.005-04:00

My mom, dad, Erin, and I carved pumpkins yesterday night (and ate pizza, listened to Halloween music on Pandora, and drank Pumpkin Bog - good times!) We used all the pumpkins to decorate my parents' front porch.

Erin's were the VERY cutest, but I think they all ended up looking pretty good.

Dad's pumpkin

Erin's pumpkins

My pumpkin (front) with Mom's pumpkin and Erin's

Whole pumpkin family

Food Show!

2011-10-03T19:06:00.003-04:00

We spent last night and today in Sioux Falls - one of John's main food distributors was having a food show, got him a nice hotel room for the night (he totally wins, it was WAY nicer than anything I've stayed in for work!), free reception last night, and LOTS of free samples of food this morning (nice!).

Afterward, we went downtown to shop and walk around. Some of the pictures I took...

Me reflected in a soccer ball

Another sculpture

Sweet bike!

Catching up

2011-09-24T13:11:00.004-04:00

Pics from the last couple weeks...

My new recipe for September - homemade spaghetti sauce and green beans from the garden

One of the sunflowers that John planted for me <3

Veggies from the garden (and the backyard)

A veggie close-up

It's frosted a couple times since I took these pictures - I covered the garden the first two nights, but since then, it's been on its own (survival of the hardiest?)

And a great surprise - one of our overgrown flowerbeds has mums in it (one of my favorite flowers and the main decoration at out wedding)!!

31

2011-09-04T14:08:00.003-04:00

I turned 31 on Friday (yay!!)

We actually celebrated with family last Monday because of work schedules (I'm in Huron for the SD State Fair) and had an awesome time (grilled kabobs, risotto, cake, birthday punch, home-brewed beer).

On Friday, I was overwhelmed by texts and Facebook greetings, enjoyed some time at the beer and wine pavilion, and had Mexican for dinner (yum!)

I've been thinking about making some birthday resolutions/goals. With all the unrest and uncertainty at work, 30 ended up being kind of a stressful year (although lots of great things happened, like John's new job and buying our house). I just think that 31 should be WAY better.

So here's my plan for the year:

Exercise - 3 aerobic workouts and 2 strength workouts a week (zumba and yoga at the community center start on Tuesday - can't wait!)

Reading - one book (or more) a month

Cooking/Eating - one new recipe (or more) a month (this is especially important now that I cook for myself when John's working) and a fruit or veggie with every meal

(These are actually pretty similar to my goals for 2007 - pretty much my most effective resolutions ever - so I figured it was time for a revisit ;) )

And the garden

2011-08-29T11:31:00.004-04:00

I picked the first two roma tomatoes yesterday (a little impatiently - I was making roasted tomatoes and didn't have enough grape tomatoes). I think we're about a week from having green peppers and that the one big Brandywine will be ripe this week, too.

And, in other good news, we're one step closer to having a fence in the backyard (which we NEED - the dogs have been driving me nuts!)

More camping

2011-08-29T11:13:00.003-04:00

Our home for the weekend (comfortable, spacious, and no set-up or take-down required!)

Breakfast of champions

More from Buffalo Ridge

2011-08-27T14:23:00.005-04:00

Visiting John and camping for the weekend (in a teepee!)

I have snacks, a stack of magazines and books, my camera, laptop and a wireless connection - maybe I'll just stay up here forever ;)

Harvest time (kind of)

2011-08-24T19:40:00.003-04:00

So far, we have cherry tomatoes, yellow pear tomatoes, green beans, peas, and beets ready to go. Just waiting for our peppers to get big enough and for the rest of the tomatoes to turn red (and get bigger).

Also, last week, I succeeded in making over-easy eggs for the first.time.ever! I really wanted eggs, but John's the expert egg maker (and he was at work). More proof that I can do ANYTHING as long as I have google

Garden Update

2011-08-07T09:46:00.003-04:00

The good: This week, I've eaten some of the cherry tomatoes and sugar snap peas. The spindly green beans are looking MUCH better (could probably start picking some). The sickly Roma tomato is hanging in there. Also, planting the garden so late meant that it wasn't producing like crazy during Achievement Days (thank goodness).

The bad: We lost the squash to borers (pulled them this morning). The radishes have all gone to seed, have crazy tall stalks and are taking over their row - I don't think any of that is supposed to happen.

Achievement Days

2011-08-07T09:40:00.003-04:00

Another successful Achievement Days on the books. I'm thankful that we had good weather, that everything went well, and that I have a day off today ;)

Sheep!

The ugliest ugly cake of all (the winner of our Ugly Cake Contest)

Growing growing growing

2011-07-30T19:54:00.003-04:00

Our first red tomato

Our Roma tomatoes (not even thinking about getting red yet)

My new favorite garden plant (they really are the cutest) and the peas that I noticed for the first time earlier this week

My Crazy Days bargain - a clearance candle-holder turned birdfeeder (to be honest, I thought it was a birdfeeder from the start - but then read the label about "risk of fire")

We also have green beans on the one bean plant that grew from our first planting. There are three newer bean plans (two are pretty spindly) so I'm hoping for more beans to come.

The italian squash is dying (borers? stalk borers? something) and one of the Roma plants is not looking so hot. The spinach and lettuce also bolted during the last two weeks.

Auction

2011-07-24T11:25:00.005-04:00

A few of my treasures from yesterday's auction (the first auction I've ever been to!)

Kind of in love with the camera and the old binoculars. Mom got the camera for me ($2.50) and the binoculars came in a big box of stuff. I'm thinking about hanging the binocs by our big window to watch the birds (at the risk of looking like we're peeping on our neighbors). I'm also thinking about film for the Brownie or magically having the skills to convert it to a digital camera (with google and enough patience, I can do all things, right?) ;)

I also got a printer box, an awesome old mirror, a frame I want to use (either around a print or to frame a chalkboard), two lamps (need paint, rewiring, new shades), and a rug.

Printer's box

Old mirror, lamps, and me

Piano (!!!) and camping

2011-07-21T12:25:00.008-04:00

Last Friday, I got a call from my Dad. He asked if I was busy and then said I needed to go home because they were delivering a birthday present and I needed to let them into my house. Huh??

I drove home and saw the Habitat ReStore truck in front of the house, and my mom standing next to a piano bench (!!). It about killed the poor guys delivering it, but I now have my very own piano.

I can't remember the last time I was so surprised (as my sister-in-law puts it, it was like "little kid Christmas"). They'd talked about seeing the piano at the ReStore, but I hadn't gotten out to see it and figured it had already been sold (and it had - to them).

Then, after work that day, I went up to Gary, SD to visit John and camp out for the night. It was the first time in two years that I went camping and WASN'T responsible for other people's children - so much more relaxing ;)

We had a great time hanging out with his coworkers on the patio, riding around town in a golf cart, and camping. It's so nice to get to know where he works and the people he works with.

More pictures of the resort:

More garden

2011-07-21T11:41:00.005-04:00

A few pictures from earlier this month. I finally weeded and put straw down, and the plants are SO much happier. I also got fungicide spray for the tomatoes (leaf spot) and squash (powdery mildew), and I replanted some green bean seeds and spinach.

Tomatoes in action

Peppers doing their thing

Overall garden

I also bought shepherd's hooks and put the birdfeeders up in front of our bay windows

4th of July

2011-07-21T10:43:00.002-04:00

My grandparents were here for the weekend. We grilled out and shot off fireworks (while getting eaten alive by mosquitoes). Good times!

Buffalo Ridge Resort

2011-07-10T15:07:00.004-04:00

About 3 weeks ago, John started working at the Buffalo Ridge Resort as their Kitchen Manager. Over the July 4th weekend, we finally made the 1 1/2 hour trip up to see him and try the food.

A shot from the drive up

and the drive back

(actual pictures of the resort next time)

Garden update

2011-06-22T19:13:00.004-04:00

Flowers

2011-06-22T13:43:00.002-04:00

from my friend, Cassie. They looked beautiful and made the whole ground floor smell heavenly!

Garden 2011

2011-06-01T21:58:00.003-04:00

Baby parsley

Our in-ground garden

More herbs in containers

This year, we're growing: bradywine, roma, yellow pear, and grape tomatoes; green peppers, banana peppers, chili peppers, habenero peppers, and jalapenos; spinach, lettuce, beets, green beans, carrots, radishes, italian squash, and sugar snap peas; rosemary, dill, sage, mint, parsley, basil, tarragon, and cilantro.

=)

House and Cooper

2011-05-30T13:28:00.003-04:00

I've been cleaning and finally remembered to take pictures of the house. Here you go!

Living room

Another view of the living room (can see a bit of our entryway)

Our entryway

Kitchen sink

Today - I'm hoping we can plant our garden and hang pictures (right now there are only pictures up in the kitchen).

More Pics

2011-05-08T12:11:00.002-04:00

Jersey Shore

2011-04-26T15:49:00.004-04:00

The shore was really beautiful - and even warm (when the sun was out and the wind wasn't blowing too hard). I enjoyed watching the waves, dipping the very bottom of my feet in the water (once, for a second - it was COLD) and eating beach snacks (combos, double stuff oreos, and goldfish).

Espresso and a free puppy

2011-04-26T15:24:00.003-04:00

On Monday afternoon, we drove down to Cranbury, NJ (after stopping at Anthropologie). We spent most of the time in the Book Worm, a great used book store.

Bren told me about this sign, and I couldn't resist getting a picture. I also got three books, Spook, When I was Puerto Rican, and Dreaming of Snow in Havana. All for $4 - gosh I love used book stores!

After that it was time for some ice cream and sitting by the lake.

Back to the city

2011-04-25T20:22:00.004-04:00

We started the day by chilling in Union Square park and Washington Square Park and then walking through SoHo.

Then we were back on the subway and on to Central Park. We stopped by Dean and Deluca for some sushi and walked to the Alice and Wonderland statue to eat. It was so warm that I kicked off my shoes and rolled up my jeans.

Ahh, sushi and edamame...

Then on to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was incredible and overwhelming. I saw more art in a few hours than I've seen in my entire life.

The Temple of Dendur

Efes for dinner in New Brunswick - falafel sandwich and dark cherry nectar

Princeton

2011-04-25T19:52:00.006-04:00

On Saturday, we drove down to Princeton in a drizzling rain. We had pizza for lunch and a successful trip to the awesome consignment store (cardigan and gray top). By the time we left the store, the sun had come out. Next, we went to the Bent Spoon for ice cream (one scoop coconut and one scoop lavender mascarpone).

Then we walked around Princeton's campus - such gorgeous buildings! I can't imagine how much tuition must be - maybe I just don't want to know.

Can't resist blooming trees...

After Princeton, it was back to New Brunswick and then to Origin for Thai-French Fusion (awesome deliciousness).

NJ/NYC

2011-04-23T08:39:00.003-04:00

From Central Park

At The Cloisters

So far, I've had Greek food (heaven!), Thai food (double heaven!), a Papaya King hot dog, a knish, gelato (Bren said it was as close to Italy's as she'd ever eaten in the states), and some fancy tea.

Yesterday, we saw Times Square, The Cloisters, Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center, part of Central Park, and a very busy part of 5th avenue.

Not sure what the plan is for today - it's raining, so I think NYC is out (and honestly, I'm not sure I'm up for that much walking two days in a row! ;) ) Maybe Princeton?

Otherwise, I'm enjoying visiting Bren and hanging out with Rogue (who remembered me, or at least acted like she did).

Cool stuff on Brenna's ceiling

In the house!!

2011-03-10T22:14:00.003-05:00

Hooray!! We are here, the dogs are here, and most of our stuff is here (but just some of it it where it needs to be).

I'm loving this place - especially the garage and my awesome closet. I'm still trying to figure out where all the light switches are and which goes to what light. The dogs are enjoying zooming around the rooms and up and down the stairs (and I'm counting down the days until the ground thaws and we can put up a fence).

I'm also thankful that my neighbors aren't so much into secure internet ;) (ours doesn't get hooked up until the 23rd)

Pictures to come (maybe when things get a little cleaner ;) )

In the last eight days...

2011-01-28T00:48:00.003-05:00

We've looked at a house. Liked it. Contacted a realtor. Looked at three more houses (didn't like any of them). Went to an open house (of the first house) with my family. Made an offer. Toasted our offer getting accepted. Signed piles of paperwork. And scheduled an inspection.

If all goes well (inspection and appraisal), we'll be packing up and moving in on March 4th.

(I thought it'd be years before we got to this point and here we are, just eight days)

Looking back at 2010

2010-12-31T11:24:00.012-05:00

2010 Firsts:
Moving into our current house
Competed in a Greased Pig Contest
Made Challah Bread
Nanowrimo - wrote 50k words in November
Cooper
Went to Portland
Turned 30!
Grew an in-ground garden
Knitted my first (mini) sweaters
Photographed a lunar eclipse
Became an aunt
Went to a Pheasants Game
Went to the Corn Palace
Rode a hovercraft
Ate at Elevator Brewery in Columbus
Made Mushroom Lasagna
Made Chocolate Ice Cream

Biggest Changes in 2010:
Started exercising again
Got my photo mojo back

What I'm loving right now:
Zumba for the Wii
Avett Brothers
Total Training Class at the Community Center
Netflix Instant Streaming (All Creatures Great and Small, No Reservations)

2011 - What I'm looking forward to:
Visiting Brenna in NJ and going to NYC
Paying off my car (just two months left!)
Starting Graduate School at DSU (Information Systems)

December pics

2010-12-31T11:03:00.004-05:00

The sunrise from our front porch

My Challah Bread success! (Made for my coworkers for Christmas)

Christmas tree picture from my parents' house

John checking out the neon light installation at O'Hare

Killing time during our 3 hour layover on the way to Columbus

Travel

2010-12-22T21:24:00.005-05:00

Prompt: How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

In March, I got to go to Oregon for work (a new state for me!). It was beautiful, and their weather was a nice break from the snow!

In 2011, I'm going to visit my sister in New Jersey (and go to NYC for the very first time!) and maybe some other not-yet-planned-adventures.

Finally...feeling in my fingers again

2010-12-21T03:01:00.003-05:00

It was a cold night to be outside taking pictures (first time I've EVER taken pictures of an eclipse! Very cool...and cold...)

O, Christmas Tree! O, Christmas Tree!

2010-12-11T11:09:00.004-05:00

We put the tree up on Sunday, outdoor lights up over Thanksgiving (when it was warm - SOO much better than last year), and still need to put Frosty the snowman out (today? Maybe if I bundle up enough to brave the cold and the snow).

John's braver than I am ;)

11 Things

2010-12-11T10:14:00.004-05:00

Prompt: What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

Hmm....11 things I don't need in 2011

Bad television
Mindless internet surfing
Clutter
Trying to be perfect
Clothes I don't like
Comparing myself to others
Worrying
Not going to bed when I need to
Eating junk instead of real food
Complaining
Getting wound up about things/people I can't change

How am I going to get rid of this stuff?
Canceling cable (already in the works). Limiting online time when I get home. Getting rid of clutter. Letting things be chaotic, messy, not how I want them.
All bad clothes to Goodwill! Planning meals and snacks and going to the store when I need to (my grocery store is less than a mile away - no excuses!)

For the rest, I'll need to make a checklist (like the one from The Happiness Project) to help me be accountable and aware of what I'm doing.

Or as the Avett Brother put it, "decide what to be and go be it." (LOVE that!)

Getting rid of this stuff would change my life because I could use that time/energy/brain space for what I'm really interested in and what I really want to do (learning Spanish, writing, knitting, photography, reading, being outdoors, etc. etc.)

Wise

2010-12-10T20:09:00.003-05:00

What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

This fall, I started working out, aerobic exercise and strength training.

It's been the best thing I've done in a long time - I feel better, have more energy and less stress, and I can see the results (which is nice - strength training FTW)

Not that I haven't been without set-backs (like the week of Thanksgiving, the week after Thanksgiving, and today), but I figure that exercising regularly is a lifetime thing. As long as I keep going back to it, I'm going to reap the benefits.

Waiting

2010-12-10T00:59:00.002-05:00

Waiting for a reverb10 prompt I feel like writing about...

Looks like Friday will be my chance to jump back in...see you tomorrow (err...later today, I guess)

Community

2010-12-08T23:02:00.003-05:00

Am I a day behind? No way ;) That would be totally unlike me...

Prompt: Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

I've found community in my actual real life community, building friendships in our new home. Every time I see someone I know at the grocery store or have a conversation at the post office, bank or library, I feel a little more like I belong here.

Make

2010-12-06T21:57:00.004-05:00

Prompt: What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

The very, very last thing I made (am in the process of making) was my Mom's easy lasagna (with added onion and Italian squash). Dinner will probably be around 10 pm - that's how we roll around here ;)

About a week ago, I made Mushroom Lasagna from Smitten Kitchen (my favorite, favorite food blog). It was heavenly - can't recommend it enough (even though it makes a PILE of dirty dishes and pans).

Thinking back it's been almost a year since I finished a knitting project - ouch! Maybe that'll put a match under me to get a few works-in-progress completed, especially the vest that I was knitting-along with my friend Steph (her's has been done for a year and a half).

I also want to finish my nanowrimo novel (still needs a climax and resolution...) and possibly revise it enough to share.

Let Go

2010-12-05T09:29:00.002-05:00

Prompt: Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?

Diet pop. It always makes me feel sick.

Wonder

2010-12-04T22:54:00.005-05:00

Prompt: How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

Yes! Finally caught up to today's prompt!

Photography is the easiest way for me to feel wonder and be in awe. It forces me to look closely and pay attention. With my camera, I see that we're surrounded by beauty, that everything is incredibly complex (stars, grasshoppers, sunshine, cell phones)

Earlier this year, I started a 52 Saturdays project (flickr group pool here)...inspired by this blog. All summer long, it kept me taking pictures, more than I've probably taken in the last several years combined.

I haven't kept up with it...I have 20 Saturdays (when it should probably be 25+) but it got me back into photography (a wonder all on its own).

Moment

2010-12-04T13:16:00.004-05:00

Prompt:Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors)

The first thing that came to mind with this prompt was when I competed in the greased pig contest at our Achievement Days this year. (After linking that, I realize that I didn't write all that much about it at the time - looks like we'll have to rely on my swiss-cheese memory).

It was the afternoon of the last day of Achievement Days. It was sunny, but not too hot - and everything was winding down to the greased pig contest, the barbeque and tear down.

I'd been working in the office (counting money from our Ugly Cake Contest), but I didn't want to miss the greasy pigs so I got over to the shelter in a hurry.

They went by age groups and I watched all the kids participate, from the very littlest kids to 4-Hers I knew and had worked with.

The whole time I was going back and forth in my head - "maybe I should try this" vs. "but what if I make a fool of myself" with added thoughts of "do I even know how to pick up a pig?" I had mostly decided against it. Even though I've been involved with 4-H for more than 12 years, I am no where near a farm (or even a country) girl.

They announced the adult women's category over the speaker, and the kid next to me said, "You should do it, Abbie." That was enough to make the decision (not sure which kid it was, I vaguely remember red hair). I walked to the front and awkwardly climbed over the fence to join the rest of the women - smiling at the ones I knew and even the ones I didn't. I'd say there were about eight of us.

The announcer had been adding challenges to the older groups (spin around 3 times before running toward the pigs, hop on one foot). Not only was I nervous about trying to catch a pig but I was also nervous about what our additional challenge would be. I was thinking, "Please no spinning, please no spinning" as I reached back and placed my left hand on top of the white metal panel with chipping paint. I faced the pen and the piglets that were snuffling around on the other end and was relieved to hear that our challenge would be skipping to the pigs. Thank goodness for skipping - that was something I could do without falling, running into someone or embarrassing myself.

We waited to start, the crowd was clapping and cheering for us. I think I remember a few "Go Abbie" yells coming out of the crowd. I stepped out as far as I could without taking my back hand off the fence.

"Go!"

And I was skipping across the ring. I saw a pig in front of me, turned to my left and went for it. I dropped to both knees in the sand (and was wearing shorts - didn't feel the sand embed at the time but would be brushing it out for the rest of the day) and scooped that little pink piglet up with both arms. He (she?) wasn't all that greasy (they'd used baby oil) and I would guess weighed 10 - 15 lbs (wiggly but not too heavy for me to pick up). I held him to my chest tightly, turned and ran back to the other end, where Mike, one of our livestock volunteers and the owner of all the piglets, was waiting. The crowd was cheering, laughing, clapping and hollering the whole time.

I was steps behind two other women getting back to the start. We were all a little excited because, instead of just touching the metal panel on the other side, we ended up dropping (tossing?) our piglets right in Mike's lap. He had an armful and my little guy was the third into the pile.

What a rush!! It was exactly the same feeling as hiking to the top of a mountain or lead climbing for the first time...and this one gave me a little bit of livestock-country-girl cred.

Writing

2010-12-04T12:47:00.002-05:00

Prompt: What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?

It's sad how easy this one is - what I do each day that gets in the way of everything (writing, hobbies, reading,cleaning, sleeping) is spend TOO much time on the internet.

If I would just stop after checking my email, my reader, and looking at Facebook (for a little bit! No refreshing), I'd be okay.

But it's when I go looking - what can I find that's interesting...there has to be something...what about over here...or over there...maybe if I follow this link to this one to this one...or how about some internet window-shopping. Then it's 11:45 pm, I'm late getting to bed and haven't done anything remotely productive for hours.

Can I eliminate it? Yes.

Will I? I'm not sure.

Maybe just writing that out for the world will help me get on track.

One word

2010-12-04T11:53:00.003-05:00

Prompt: Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

My word for 2010 would be "home."

On New Years, we were moving into our rental home, middle of the night in sub-zero temperatures (with LOTS of help - thanks Mom, Dad, and Erin). At that point we'd already moved twice in the last six months (to a new house in Ohio a month before I got the job here, and to our temporary rental house here). It was a good feeling to know that our stuff would be staying at least for the next several years, but all the boxes and finding places for things and organizing things (again!) - UGH!

Over the year, we've found where our stuff belongs, hung pictures on the walls, and got most of the boxes put away (just promise you won't look in our garage or our closets). It feels like ours now - like home.

At the same time, we were making a place for ourselves in our new town - meeting people, getting involved, wearing our warmest clothing, and figuring out which delivery pizza we like best (there are only two choices - right now, Pizza Ranch is winning - though I am still envious of those with Avalanche, Pizza Shuttle, Rudy's, and even Papa John's as options).

I've also gotten settled in with my job. It was really obvious in the difference in last year's 4-H Recognition event and this year's - knowing almost everyone there instead of being new, feeling excited instead of intimidated. I'm also slowly realizing that meetings can be fun (laughing instead of losing sleep? Weird!)

In past moves, I always felt like it took about a year to really feel settled (and usually about that long for me to get curtains up). We passed that mark in the middle of October. We have curtains, friends, and a home.

In my first year in South Dakota, I'm loving:
The summers (not usually humid, not too hot)
Pretty snow and using my snowshoes
People at my bank knowing me (no deposit ticket needed)
Reasonable prices (haircuts, houses, nice dinners, everything!)
Being near Mom, Dad, and Erin
John being home most evenings (so different from the restaurant world)
Having two dogs (most of the time)
Gardening together

For 2011, I want my word to be "grow."

Last month, I participated in Nanowrimo. One morning I was walking into my office...thinking about it,I thought, "Well, as long as I keep up with this, it's not too hard - I've just been doing a little bit everyday."

And then the answer, "That's the way anything is achieved - doing a little bit everyday."

Big things can be achieved through continuous little steps.

Can I learn Spanish? Can I try harder knitting patterns? Can I do things I haven't even thought of yet?

Yep. Yep. Yep.

There's no excuse not to take those steps - no excuse not to grow.

Turns out I still want to write...

2010-12-04T11:37:00.003-05:00

Finished my November project. Time to start a December project!

This morning, I came across #reverb10 - a month-long series of writing prompts. It's all about reflecting on the past year and setting yourself up for the new year. Sounds good to me! In fact, it'll make sure that I don't miss writing a look-back post (I did one for 2008 and wish I would've for 2009 and all those other years).

I'm already 3 prompts behind, so I better get on it...

Winner!!!

2010-11-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

Picture to be posted soon

229 words to go

2010-11-30T19:35:00.003-05:00

I'll be knocking this goal out in the next ten minutes (barring massive computer failure or John getting in a life threatening car accident - since he's in the other room and not planning to drive anywhere, I think we're safe)

I'm super psyched and just wanted to send out an update before I cross the finish line! =D

Only 1367 words to go!

2010-11-29T20:51:00.004-05:00

Nanowrimo ends tomorrow - and I'm just 1367 words from hitting 50k! So far I've written 48,633 words. I'm on page 81. It's by far the longest thing I have ever written.

My book won't actually end at 50k unless I'm going to pull the "and it was all a dream" (I don't think so ;) ). I spent too many words setting up the story so I haven't even reached the main conflict yet. The good news is that as long as I hit 50k by midnight tomorrow I'll be a nanowrimo winner (and then I can keep working on this story at whatever pace I want)

I really was going strong on my word count - total slow and steady wins the race-until last Monday when I started missing days. Thank goodness I was about 4k ahead or else I probably wouldn't be finishing (at least not without some very late nights).

I was still 200 words behind going into this morning, but I decided that this evening would be for two things - writing and sleeping - and I got 2,166 words in. I'm halfway tempted to finish tonight, but I'm also really tempted to sit on the couch.

Tonight, the couch wins. Tomorrow, I win!

=)

Over halfway

2010-11-14T21:38:00.003-05:00

This evening I hit 25K (and kept going, I'm at 26,230 now). More than halfway there and by far the longest thing I've written yet! What a great feeling!

(and I did mop today...I was procrastinating on this and my grad school application - taking classes part-time at DSU starting in January...who knew nanowrimo would help me get my house clean? ;) )

I think they're on to something...

2010-11-13T10:35:00.003-05:00

Write or Die

My words are in for the day. 1700+ in less than an hour. Total nanowrimo godsend (I don't have speakers connected so I can't hear the evil sounds when I stop typing, but the screen turns deeper shades of red and will start erasing my words if I don't type quickly enough)

I really need it for every part of my life...
Mop or Die
Fold Laundry or Die
Stop Watching Real Housewives or Die

;)

20k

2010-11-11T10:52:00.004-05:00

Whew, my writing has been a slog fest for the last several days, but there is good news...

I'm 1/3 of the way done (when it comes to days) and I hit 20,000 words this morning (and I have my words in for the day).

Parts of my novel are okay and other parts are a complete mess. I'm not sure I'll end up with anything worth reading or even editing, but I'm telling myself that's okay (sometimes I believe it and sometimes I don't).

So I tell myself that Nanowrimo is my Fourteener - completing something I didn't think I could do is the goal.

Could anything be more different--hauling my butt up the highest mountain in Colorado and sitting in my pajamas typing away at my desk? Somehow it seems the same.

The adventure continues...

(P.S. I went looking for a picture of me hiking Mt. Elbert. No luck, and wow, do I really need to organize my pictures. Here's one of me and my Dad at Schaefer's Pass, Philmont from August 1999 instead)

10K!!

2010-11-05T23:57:00.002-04:00

Hit 10,000 words tonight for Nanowrimo. As long as I keep it up, I'm totally on track to hit 50k. Yay!

Nanowrimo

2010-11-02T23:23:00.004-04:00

So after thinking about it for a few years, I'm finally doing Nanowrimo (writing a 50,000 word novel during the month of November). I'm two days in and sticking with the slow and steady plan (1,667 words a day will get me to 50,000 by the end of the month). For the first two days, I've gone over on my words (about 1,800+ a day), so I'm feeling pretty good. I'm at 3,764 right now.

For the past two days, I've been getting up around 6ish to write in the morning before I need to get ready. I hate to get out of bed that early, but I'm afraid if I left it until the end of the day, I'd never get it done. So far, I've been getting about 900 words written from 6-7 in the morning and then picking up the rest over lunch or in the evening.

I'm enjoying the challenge, and I'm really thankful that John and my parents encouraged me to do it--otherwise I probably would've spent another year just thinking about trying it...maybe...someday...

Tastes like Fall

2010-10-31T12:43:00.005-04:00

John made (from scratch) caramel apples yesterday. Delicious!

(P.S. John's blogging now http://middleofnowheregourmet.blogspot.com/ )

Fall pictures

2010-10-09T12:46:00.005-04:00

I wanted to get some Fall shots this morning, so I went out to the Maloney Nature Reserve. It has a great nature trail, and it was a beautiful morning to be out there (just me, the crickets, and the mosquitoes).

My favorite shot from this morning

I didn't notice the little guy right away...and then I couldn't resist including him and his antenna in the shot.

It was almost like we were playing a game. As I circled around to get more of him in the shot, he would inch around the other way. I wondered how long we could've gone on like that.

I love fall colors but a lot of my pictures end up looking brown/gray/blah...this one actually had the look I was going for (YES!!)

Wildflowers

I got this one by putting my camera on autofocus and just shooting without looking through the viewfinder.

I get a lot of crummy shots that way, but every now and then, I get something I really like. And after thinking about every shot, and taking multiple shots at different angles, etc, it's nice to shoot without overthinking.

It also made it possible for me to get a really low angle without having to lie down in the mud (lay down in the mud? Ugh...one of those grammar rules I can never remember)

What I did during the summer...

2010-10-09T09:27:00.001-04:00

And the final summer list looks like...

Picnic at the lake
~~Wash car with hose~~
~~Pheasants baseball game~~
~~Go to Farmers Markets~~
~~Watch fireworks~~
~~Use fire ring/bowl~~
Go canoeing
~~Make popsicles~~
~~Make ice cream~~
~~Go to an outdoor concert~~
Go camping
Visit/photograph a winery
~~Play frisbee golf~~
~~Visit Palisades~~
~~Go to an auction/garage sale~~
~~Ride whole bike path~~
Go to a you-pick-it fruit place
Host grill-out at our house
Make banana boats on the grill
~~Eat corn on the cob~~
Go to a drive-in/outdoor movie
~~Look at stars~~ (through a telescope)

Now time for the Fall list...

Catching up

2010-10-04T20:19:00.010-04:00

We had an incredible time in Ohio at Jimmie and Erin's wedding - such a beautiful wedding and an awesome reception (what can I say, my family throws awesome weddings ;) )

and visiting friends in Athens (I LOVE Athens and my Ohio friends!!!!)

Nancy, me and Yvonne

Jin and me

Steph's knitting that's named after me! (abbie-grey)

Jackie O's...Yep, I tried Bacon beer...and now I never have to drink it again ;)

I'm not posting a picture of the dead fish, but I'm going to leave this reference in here just so I don't forget.

Beer awesomeness in Downtown Columbus

I am totally in love with my lunch

I came home and took some pictures out on the bike path...

It's kind of pretty here...

and I started my Fall List (to be posted soon)

30!!

2010-09-03T00:28:00.002-04:00

Turned 30 today--got sang to twice, 3 different kinds of cake, got to ride a hovercraft (seriously), and tore more perforated judging cards than I've ever seen in my entire life.

Looking forward to the wedding this weekend and seeing some old friends! Can't wait!

Mmmm....

2010-08-28T23:18:00.008-04:00

Made Lemony Goat Cheese Zucchini Pizza for dinner (finally! I've been planning to make it since I made the grilled pizzas). Delicious (and if I made it about 10 more times, we might use up all the squash we have)!

Earlier today I went to the Steam Threshing Jamboree at Prairie Village with my Dad. He was on a mission to find a few house things at the flea market, and I just wanted to take some pictures.

A portrait in the Wentworth Hotel (love, LOVE the wallpaper!)

Rolling pins in the Old Madison Hotel--I'd been in both these buildings before, but more of the Madison Hotel was open to walk through. Very neat to see!

We also went to a few garage sales (mark that one off the list!)...didn't find anything that I had to have, but it was still fun (and Dad got me a mini Blizzard at DQ)

Something new (and old)

2010-08-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

I've been looking at and reading about using expired film/polaroids/toy cameras to get some interesting pictures and wanted to try it out.

Luckily, I never took the last Polaroid (back in May 2004 when I last used that camera) - so here's my first attempt at using expired film.

Buying more film for the Polaroid may have to wait (it's a little $$)--but it turns out I have 4 rolls of expired 35mm AND 8 rolls of undeveloped film from 6 years ago. I have NO idea what's on the film and can't wait to get it developed (may go drop it off this afternoon--I'm actually not even sure if the drugstore here will develop film...)

I also busted out both of my SLRs--I'd forgotten all the fun stuff I had to go along with my AE-1 (filters, shutter lock, macro lens and wide-angles that won't get eaten up by being digital). I'd really like to load it up with film and head out, but the battery is pretty much dead...so I'll go with the A2-E for now.

Fun!

Pictures from this morning

2010-08-21T11:54:00.002-04:00

Sunflowers from the Farmers' Market (there was NO way I was going to bring any more veggies into our house--not until we dig out from under the pile in the kitchen). I think this may be my best $2 purchase ever!

Cooper chilling on the couch

Not sure what my plans are today--feeling like knitting or reading. I need to mow the front yard (but maybe I'll just wait until it gets MUCH hotter to do that) and I already did some dishes, so I'm feeling pretty accomplished.

And another one...

2010-08-17T23:25:00.004-04:00

because I used my fire ring tonight =) Would've been a little easier if the dogs hadn't kept stealing my sticks...and now I totally smell like bug spray and campfire (so I really need a shower before bed). There's just something about a campfire though...

I ALSO made grilled pizza for the first time (and I used all veggies and herbs from our garden - zucchini, yellow squash, orange and yellow tomatoes, onion, banana peppers, parsley, and basil) - so, SO delicious. Now if there were just a pizza recipe that called for pickling cucumbers...

A couple websites I used to make sure I didn't mess up too much ;)
http://annies-eats.com/2010/06/24/grilled-pizza/
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/grilled-veggie-pizza-recipe/index.html
http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/08/grilled-eggplant-and-olive-pizza/

Cross another one off the list...

2010-08-16T18:59:00.005-04:00

because yesterday we went to the Palisades!! We took the backroad/scenic route, but once we got there, WOW! It was beautiful, pink cliffs rising up from the river - totally not what you'd expect for Southeastern South Dakota.

Yes, that's John...

Does this make anyone else a little nervous? Just me? (At the time, I was also thinking, "not enough life insurance not enough life insurance not enough...")

John and his friend Peter on more solid ground

Wildflowers growing up through the pink rocks

Definitely going back--I'm thinking a picnic or a camping trip would be perfect!

More pictures from today

2010-08-14T19:52:00.003-04:00

Pimm's and Lemonade with the smell of BBQ ribs on the grill behind me. Peter is here visiting and John's got ribs, german potato salad, more of our green beans (eat them so we don't have to find a place to put them!!), and beer/cocktails ready for dinner tonight.

(Soon to be) Pickles and peppers...we're getting buried in pickling cucumbers

Yep, turns out they're supposed to be orange...couldn't let them sit on the vine any longer...might turn some into an spaghetti sauce (orange sauce?)...or else I better get busy eating them as snacks and putting them on salads

Another update

2010-08-14T11:53:00.002-04:00

Our first yellow pear tomato harvest from earlier this week

The garden is doing good - John has two Brandywines turning red, and I'm starting to think my cherry tomatoes are supposed to be orange....hmmm

Still getting yellow squash and the zucchinis are still growing

Garden update

2010-08-08T08:50:00.004-04:00

Whew - crazy week with John's birthday and my first Achievement Days here(it went great, and I totally caught a greased pig - 3rd place for adult women! =)).

Got some pictures of the garden yesterday evening...

An overall picture - the Brussel Sprouts got eaten up, so we're not sure they're going to work out, and something has eaten/killed the base of the zucchini plant (so we may only get one zucchini).

Otherwise everything else it doing its thing. We haven't been home to cook so there's a pile of veggies on the counter inside (and a huge amount waiting to be picked and brought in). I looked at the green beans, but decided I didn't even want to go there (guess I'll have to today)

Not red yet - but close. John also has a habenero that's finally turning orange (one of the million that we have growing!) and two red cayennes.

He also got stakes for the tomatoes - so now they're not quite so tangled up and crazy.

John's 27th birthday

2010-08-07T21:42:00.005-04:00

We celebrated with dinner at Rumors Bar (John, me, Mom, Dad, and Erin). They have a new cook and the "best chinese in the area" so we tried the Chicken Lo Mein (not bad!)

After dinner, we came back to our house for presents, cake, and chocolate ice cream (homemade by me!). John got coffee-related gifts (and Scheel's gift cards).

Cake and ice cream--you guys can forget about my first ice cream success--this is it! I've learned my lesson-when in doubt, use an Alton Brown recipe...

Garden - end of July

2010-08-05T09:31:00.003-04:00

Still waiting on tomatoes

My second ever harvested squash

The first two banana peppers of the summer

We're starting to have more veggies than we know what to do with - cucumbers and green beans coming out of our ears, beets and squash waiting to be cooked...John's already canned one set of pickles, some pickled beets, and made refrigerator pickles (with green beans, carrots, and one or two cayenne peppers - which he accidentally gave my dad thinking it was a green bean - oops!)

Garden update

2010-07-24T12:16:00.004-04:00

Everything has gotten HUGE! At the beginning of the summer, I was afraid we wouldn't end up with any veggies. Now I'm wondering what we'll do with them all!

The tomatoes are knocking over their cages. We keep propping them back up, but it seems like a losing battle. We're going to be buried in tomatoes when these all turn ripe. And it's getting closer--as of this week, some of my cherry tomatoes are turning yellow/orange.

The first squash I've ever grown (!!!) with one more yellow squash and two zucchinis on their way.

Beets!

2010-07-24T00:16:00.003-04:00

Our second beet harvest (I missed getting pictures of the first one)

Busy week--been working on the house (who knew getting baseboards would be so exciting?), traveling to Huron twice for 4-H events, clothing swap on Thursday, and John went to an auction on Wednesday and got us an awesome loveseat (now more than 2 people can sit in our living room!)

Garden update!

2010-07-17T12:30:00.003-04:00

Everything keeps getting bigger and taller! We've just been watering, and John dusted the brussel sprouts and beets with Sevin to keep the bugs away.

John also harvested our first beets and onion for dinner last Sunday! The beets were good, and the onion was little (but we were all out and he needed it for the pasta).

Turns out we just weren't looking hard enough for the Brandywine tomatoes. There are a bunch of them--just hidden down behind all the leaves.

We also overlooked these huge cucumbers until two days ago (were too excited over the pickle-sized one on the front of the plant to look any farther).

Our beans are doing great--and the squash is still doing okay. I'm concerned we may lose them all (again--UGH powdery mildew!).

Mmmmm

2010-07-17T09:36:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, we went to Downtown Sioux Falls, particularly the Market on Phillips, to check out their Crazy Days sale. John had fun getting wine, cheese from Italy, and a huge bottle of capers.

This was our after-shopping snack, enjoyed on their patio (John loooooved it, but next time, I want the cheese plate ;) )

Ice cream success!!

2010-07-12T22:11:00.004-04:00

Honey Buttermilk Ice Cream with Homemade Strawberry Topping

Make it. Right now. Recipe at Eat Make Read.

Also--rode the whole bike path today. Great day for a ride and exactly what I needed after a harrowing morning at work.

=)

Corn Palace

2010-07-11T10:08:00.004-04:00

We were going to Mitchell to go to Cabela's, so I dragged John to the Corn Palace. It was kind of neat to see a building decorated with corn (though I think John is allergic to the whole deal), but the atmosphere was the best. There were cars in the parking lot from all over (New York, Missouri, Ohio) and big-time vacation feeling in the air. And they were playing "There's a Tear in my Beer" from one of the casinos on Main Street.

I offered to take pictures for a couple guys, and then they took one of us...somehow, acting like tourists made it feel like we were on vacation (instead of just an hour from our house)

After Cabela's, I was starving. John had heard good things about Chef Louie's Steakhouse, so we went there. I was expecting steak fries and maybe a pulled-pork sandwich...then I saw all the white tablecloths, the chandelier, the wine lists...waaaay nicer than we were expecting (thank goodness nice restaurants here aren't all that expensive). John decided it was an impromptu date and we had the best meal we've had so far (barring the meals John cooks). Definitely going back!

On the way home, John saw an SUV with Ohio plates and a buckeye sticker in the back window (Ohio State). He had me grab a piece of paper and wrote "O - H" on it (it's an Ohio State thing). I held it up in the window as we passed the Ohio car. I was too embarrassed to look, but John said the people in the car just looked a little confused.

We were talking about something else when a car pulled up next to us--the Ohio car with "I - O" written on a piece of paper held up to the window! We laughed and clapped and John gave them a thumbs up.

It was so cool to make that connection with another car driving down the road--makes the world seem small instead of so big.

More garden

2010-07-10T10:40:00.006-04:00

The rain has slowed down a bit (thank goodness!), but the garden is still going strong. John's cayenne plant is falling over under its own weight. The banana peppers are back. And everything just keeps getting taller and taller.

John is a little concerned that the beets and onions aren't as big as they should be (too wet? soil too hard? sounds like we may need to mix in some sand with it next year).

Our tomatoes have turned into a forest. We may be pruning back the lower branches to help them produce better. I looked for baby Brandywine tomatoes, but I haven't seen one yet.

Looks like we'll have baby beans soon!

In non-gardening news, we celebrated Mom's birthday on Wednesday--grilled steaks, roasted sweet potatoes, watermelon, fresh raspberries out of their garden and Boston Cream Pie. Delicious food and fun times!

4th of July

2010-07-10T10:13:00.002-04:00

We spent the 4th at my parents' house--they grilled out (burgers and brats), and John made strawberry and cherry pie (the cherry was his BEST pie ever--incredible).

I documented the crazy pie action...

The dogs were also paying very close attention

For the party, I made David Lebovitz's Chocolate Banana Ice Cream (I also crossed it off my summer list - yay!). Easy to put together but didn't freeze as quickly as I hoped (recipes says "at least 4 hours" and I had 4 hours and 15 minutes--not enough time). We ended up putting it in our ice cream maker to speed the process along, and by dinner it was fine. It tasted a LOT like the generic Bailey's irish cream (not necessarily a bad thing), but I'm not sure I'd make it again. I've marked it off my list, but I'd like to try a couple more recipes before the summer is up (mint chocolate...candied bacon...avocado coconut...etc)

After dinner, John and I (and Callie and Cooper) went out to the lake to watch the fireworks. Despite the smelly lake and swarming mosquitoes (thank goodness for bug spray!!), I'm glad we went out.

When the firework pictures weren't working out, I gave up and took pictures of the tree we were sitting by instead.

Garden update

2010-07-03T12:06:00.005-04:00

We have baby tomatoes (either cherry or yellow pear, Brandywines aren't quite there yet)

a not-so-baby cayenne pepper

our cucumbers are going strong

and it looks like our banana peppers are coming back from the brink. Looking at these pictures, we could stand to do some weeding. It also amazes me that the beets and onions have gotten SO big.

And I'm a little bit afraid of how hot all our food will be when all the peppers come out

Take me out to the ball game!

2010-07-03T10:49:00.002-04:00

Last night, we went to the Sioux Falls Pheasants game. We had seats in section S (upper level behind home plate). It was a great night for a ballgame--not too hot, not raining (and just a little windy). The Pheasants beat the Sioux City Explorers by one run--and we had a great time sitting outside, eating peanuts and a hot dog, and taking pictures.

While we were there, John bought raffle tickets to win one of the player's jerseys from the Disabled American Veterans, and he WON! After the game, he went out on the field and got a jersey from #9 - Brian Flores. So cool! There were also fireworks after the game.

Me on the ride home--after an awesome evening. Now I can scratch Pheasants game and fireworks off my summer list (but we're still going to watch the fireworks at Lake Herman on Sunday).

Plans for the rest of the weekend--making ice cream (!!!), grilling out at my parents' house, fireworks, and sparklers (a must). John's going to make a cherry pie (I'll just be supervising--my last pie adventure was a disaster)

Chalkboard Chevrolet

2010-07-02T00:27:00.003-04:00

Tonight was the White Night celebration put on by the Madison Area Arts Council. I took one of my pictures to display and brought my camera to get a few more.

I had a great time--I saw a lot of people I knew (always makes me feel good) and met some new folks. I enjoyed the music, watching the kids play (even got in on two games of X's and O's in chalk on the middle of the road) and loved, loved, LOVED the chalkboard Chevrolet.

I spent some time talking to the owner, Cheryl. She loves Cavaliers (says they run forever) and she got this one for $500. It only had 78,000 miles on it, but the paint was all rusty. So she sanded it down, planning to spray paint it, but thought of chalkboard paint instead. She just painted it on Tuesday, so this was the first night it had ever been chalked on.

How cool is that?!?!

They also had bands playing-so I can take outdoor concert off my summer list!

On the windowsill

2010-06-27T10:48:00.000-04:00

Inspired by 52 Saturdays

My Summer List

2010-06-27T10:04:00.001-04:00

I came across this blog post on Make Grow Gather yesterday and decided to make my own summer list.

The past few summers have just flown by. Then suddenly the air is cooler, the leaves are changing, and I've missed out on a bunch of summer-y things I wanted to do. Not this year!

My list so far:

Picnic at Lake Herman
Wash car with hose
Pheasants baseball game
Go to Farmers Markets
Watch fireworks
Use fire ring/bowl
Go canoeing
Make popsicles
Make ice cream
Go to an outdoor concert
Go camping
Visit/photograph a winery
Play frisbee golf
Visit Palisades
Go to an auction/garage sale
Ride whole bike path
Go to a you-pick-it fruit place
Host grill-out at our house
Make banana boats on the grill
Eat corn on the cob
Go to a drive-in/outdoor movie
Look at stars (through a telescope)

After LOTS of rain

2010-06-26T12:04:00.003-04:00

The garden is growing like CRAZY!

John's peppers are getting huge (he calls this one a "man-eater")

John put the rest of the veggies in the ground, including this squash plant. Some of them are looking better than others (the banana peppers are looking pretty weak). I'm hoping they'll all pull through.

The tomatoes are looking great--much bushier than they ever were when we grew them in containers.

Beets, onions, and peppers getting bigger every day (I'm wondering if the beets have enough space to grow underground--guess we'll find out!)

More rain...

2010-06-12T18:01:00.004-04:00

so I can't mow...just have to take pictures of the garden instead

Beets, onions and peppers

One of three brussel sprouts (this one looks the best)

Tomatoes (three of our nine plants)

We still need to get the herbs, squash, and banana peppers in the ground. At this point, I think we're a little late (winter is just 2 1/2 months away, right?) but we'll just see how they do.

Gardening

2010-06-05T11:20:00.004-04:00

Our garden is about 3/4 in--tomatoes, peppers (from starters), onions, beets, carrots and green beans (from seeds) are all in the ground. It's taking awhile because the grass for the entire plot had to be dug up--we still have about 4 feet to go and then the rest of the plants will be in. John's been doing all the shovel work--and then we sit together and knock most of the top soil from the dug-up grass. It's exactly as exciting as it sounds, but it is nice to spend time together working outside. I'm really glad we won't have to do this again next year, and John's looking forward to when the garden just needs to be watered and weeded.

So far, the onions are growing like crazy, and we're going to have to thin out the beets. We're still watching for the carrots and green beans to sprout. The peppers were the first in--and they looked a little sickly in the beginning but they're starting to shape up. Tomatoes went in on Memorial Day. I'm hoping John's Brandywine sprouts will take off, but right now they all look about the same.

More pictures

2010-05-30T14:45:00.003-04:00

I think Callie is hiding from Cooper

From the field across the street

Sign at a local restaurant

Pictures of my morning

2010-05-30T12:10:00.004-04:00

My vegetable plants (hoping to get them in the ground this weekend)

Lavendar in the front flowerbed (can't take credit--those flowers are all Mom and Erin)

Cooper wondering what-in-the-heck I'm doing in the front yard

Right in my backyard...

2010-05-03T21:11:00.003-04:00

It's on track to be the most photographed crab apple tree ever ;)

Sleepy dogs

2010-05-01T13:04:00.004-04:00

Where they are right now--conked out on the couch. Acting crazy all morning and then getting a bath is so tiring.

From a few weeks ago--too cute not to share.

Garden so far

2010-05-01T10:42:00.003-04:00

John planted seeds from last year's Brandywine tomatoes, and here they are, sprouting on our windowsill. I'm already thinking BLT's but they've got a little growing to do yet.

We also went to Iott's and Medary Acres greenhouses last weekend with Mom and Erin. I was mainly just looking, but John got 5 pepper plants (cayenne, something else, and 3 habeneros), basil, cilantro, and mint.

I'm planning to get cherry tomatoes, yellow pear tomatoes, and a couple hanging baskets for the front porch.

On the non-garden front, Cooper just keeps getting bigger and bigger. He's been able to get on and off the couch and recliner for a few weeks, but the bed is still too tall. He's finally stopped horking down his food like someone's going to steal it and will sometimes go to his crate when we tell him (and sometimes he makes a break for the back door instead.

My (temporary) lake view

2010-04-15T21:30:00.004-04:00

In the last week, I got to spend 3 nights at a lodge on the lake (for two different work events). So beautiful!!

More puppy pictures

2010-04-06T21:18:00.003-04:00

It's been raining--there's mud everywhere (even though we wipe off their paws). I feel like I should clean the floors, but it doesn't really make sense until it dries up a little outside (tomorrow, I hope).

Lesson for today: Buy mud-colored rugs

He's still not big enough to get on the couch by himself. I have to scoop him up and plop him up there. I'm guessing he'll get it any day (is it ridiculous that the idea makes me kind of sad??)

Cutest puppy move so far? He was trying to copy Callie (she was licking the dirty dishes that I'd put in the dishwasher). He didn't have it totally figured out and was just licking parts of the dishwasher (like the handle of the utensil caddy).

Not quite as cute--Cooper waking up at 5 or 6 am and wanting to PLAY and CHEW on the comforter and Callie and my ear.

The newest addition

2010-03-21T13:21:00.004-04:00

Cooper, asleep on the couch this morning

We got him last Sunday in Mitchell. He's eight weeks old and the same breed as Callie (American Brittany).

How cute are they?!?

Oregon!

2010-03-21T12:08:00.004-04:00

Last week, I attended the National Camping Institute. It was held at the Oregon 4-H Center outside Salem. There were tons of people there, including the four other South Dakota 4-H educators(and here we all are by the canoe pond). It was an incredible conference with so many great camping-type people (which, of course, meant lots of spontaneous singing).

Oregon was green, sunny, and the trees were blooming. I pretty much wanted to bundle it all up and bring it home with me. We spent a lot of free time just sitting in the sun.

My first look at the Oregon Coast (at Neskowin) during our tour of the Three Capes Loop. I loved the coast and watching the waves roll in. I probably could've spent the whole day just sitting there.

More Neskowin

The coast at Cape Meares

More Cape Meares

The coast at Pacific City (where we stopped at the Pelican Pub)

I had some time before my flight home, so I took the train into Portland and went to the Saturday Market. Shannon from Arkansas joined me, and we saw tons of awesome photography, jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and gifts. I restrained myself and only bought one necklace (but I'm going to check out the websites of a few of the artists I saw there). It was 65 degrees and sunny--the prettiest day they've had yet (I asked) and the place was packed with people and dogs and kids.

(Food I can't get in South Dakota)

I enjoyed my chicken satay and curry while soaking up with sun and listening to a band. Way better than sitting in the boring airport ;)

It's a good thing she's cute

2010-03-08T21:57:00.004-05:00

My dog likes to wake me up in the morning. It isn't a new thing. She usually whines in my face or scratches at the wall around 6:30 or 7 (when I normally get up for work).

This morning, I woke up to her barking at the back door at 5:40 am. Too early! I walked out and told her "No! Go back to bed," and she did. Whew.

At 6:30, I woke up to her standing next to the bed, whining at me. Since it was time to get up anyway, I got out of bed and went out to let her outside.

She didn't follow me out of the room.

About a second later, I heard her jump back up onto the bed. When I went back in the bedroom, she was curled up under the covers right where I'd just been sleeping.

Brat.

Not too snobby to ask for help...

2010-03-04T19:00:00.006-05:00

The good news? I just won a book from this blog, BookSnob, for explaining how/why I'm a book snob (and yes, you have to click the link to see my winning post). How cool is that?!?!

I got to pick my prize, so William Zinsser's Writing About Your Life will be showing up in my mailbox someday soon. I can't wait!

So why do I need your help?

I am in a serious reading rut.

For the past few years, it's been young adult literature (which I love). Recently, I've taken a turn toward non-fiction (also good), but I really need some new book ideas.

Want to help a girl out? Comment with your favorite fiction picks, and I will be forever grateful.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T10:55:00.005-05:00

Cranberry scones for breakfast (made by me).

Working on some little socks for my new niece, Dixie (I'm an aunt!!)

We also had a lovely dinner at my parents' house. John made all the food, and my dad picked up the tab (yay for free, delicious meals!!) So it was homemade bread with boursin cheese, chicken coconut cream soup, salad, teriyaki salmon with pineapple salsa, chocolate covered strawberries, and red cake with cream cheese frosting...mmmmm.

Earlier this weekend...

Callie had a crazed look in her eyes , so on Saturday I put on my snowshoes and tromped around the backyard with her. She loooves the snow. If you throw snowballs at her, she'll catch them in her mouth and eat them. I even saw her carrying part of an icicle around like a stick.

All the snow in our backyard. She can walk over that really tall spot by the fence, but (thankfully) she's only ever done it when John was on the other side.

Sunday morning

2010-01-31T11:15:00.004-05:00

It's been a lazy morning so far, drinking tea and window-shopping on Etsy (loving this and this) , taking pictures of the dog and the windows.

Yesterday, we (John, Mom, and me) painted trim for the doors and windows, and we hung some stuff up on the walls--so we're that much closer to a finished house!

I've also been taking pictures of the Game Jam at DSU (my favorite pic so far)--a 48 hour global game design contest. My dad (who's a professor there) has been there almost all weekend with his students, and I've been stopping by to take pictures and help them eat some of their junk food. John's going to help judge the games this afternoon.

And tonight, I'll be watching Emma on PBS with Mom and Erin. <3

Happy January!

2010-01-21T22:09:00.002-05:00

Whew...

Tomorrow, I'll have been at my job for 3 months. It hardly seems possible, but it's true.

We went to Kansas for Christmas. I was so worried that we weren't going to be able to go...all the weather forecasts were calling for blizzards. Right before we left SD the governor called a "state of emergency"...but the roads in South Dakota were totally fine. Nebraska though...that was slow going, but we made it! We had a wonderful Christmas, and then had to stay an extra day at my Grandma and Grandpa's because 81 was closed in half of Nebraska. Took 4 of us at least an hour to dig our driveway out (Yes, John, you were right. We should get a snow blower!)

We came back to work like crazy on the little house (our for-real rental house that wasn't finished yet) and we celebrated the new year by moving all of our stuff out of our temp rental to the little house(in sub-zero temperatures). Finished at 2:35 am on January 1. Thank goodness for my parents' and Erin (who packed up our whole kitchen single-handedly!)and John. I think my parents are right--it's a New Years I'll never forget.

Had to stay at my parents' house for a few days while the kitchen got finished and the hot water got hooked up (that week we also were both traveling, me to Sioux Falls and John to Omaha--the weather kept us both out an extra day, but that meant more shopping time with my fun coworkers, so I didn't mind).

We've been in the house for almost 2 weeks now...and things are somewhat put away. Life is kind of getting back to normal (and Callie is back with us, acting crazy and enjoying her very own fenced back yard--even though the snow is up to her neck in some places)

We still need to paint the trim and paint the doors...right now I'm totally ignoring all of that...the idea of taking things back apart...painting...sanding...

How about we wait until it warms up? Like in May?

=)

Thanksgiving Pics

2009-12-09T20:29:00.004-05:00

John carves the turkey...

...while Callie begs for scraps (she was very interested in the whole process).

We had Thanksgiving at my parents house, and John did the cooking. He went over early to get started, and then I walked over about an hour later. It was so surreal to be walking to my parents' house for Thanksgiving. Every now and then it hits me that we actually live here, and I live blocks from my parents and Erin--something I never thought would happen. Thanksgiving morning was one of those times.

(and it's REALLY been hitting me the last couple days as I try to shovel the snow from the driveway--BRRR!)

The table set and ready to go! We had turkey, cranberry jello salad, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and cranberry apple pie (I FINALLY got some of John's famous cranberry apple pie). I know my mom appreciated having John around to cook because she bragged about it to her sisters (and now he's been lined up to cook for Christmas, too--good thing he enjoys it!)

Mmm...mashed potatoes!

Rugby, one of my parents' dogs, making a very Rugby face. Rugby is my parents' youngest dog (just a little over a year old) and he and Callie play and play and play. I'm not sure what either of them will do when we move to our actual rental house and she comes back to live with us (puppy play dates!)