Stormy Weather

You know it is bad when we make lead story on the national news.  The rain started on Friday evening just after Damon's arrival.  The rain did not let up for days.  It was just amazing at times how hard it rained.  You could hear it on the roof of the building and to say sheeting rain would still not describe it.  Add the winds and at times it was raining sideways.   

There was a slight break on Sunday morning and then it returned and kept coming down in a deluge. From what they reported on the news this morning the average rainfall for the entire month of September in Seattle is 1.5" of rain. We had nearly 3" over the weekend. This morning we had a bit of a break and then it returned with a vengeance! It was raining so hard I could barely see the building next door. Totally insane.  Now there is blue sky out there...but for how long?

Another Use For Bacon

Yesterday, my sister, Janet sent this to me and well, I had to share.

Bacon Wrapped Caramelized Asparagus

1 bunch of asparagus, about 20-25 spears, stems removed...
4 slices thick-cut bacon
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and brown sugar. Set aside.

Bunch together 5-6 asparagus spears and tightly wrap a piece of bacon around the bundle. Place on the wire rack seam-side down and repeat. Using a pastry brush, a spoon or even your hands (I did this…), brush the spears thoroughly with the oil/sugar mixture. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Serve warm Enjoy!

Damon Is In The Building

Well folks, his flight was on time and we got home and I was thinking ahead and had ordered Chinese knowing it is one of his favorite.  We munched and talked and he was exhausted.  Sleep came early but he is now here for two weeks.  We got up early this morning to allow him time to unpack and get settled in.  Jodie and Rob are due shortly to play games and will stay for dinner.  Going to make Roasted Pork Loin on a bed of Onions.  Also made a green bean salad with slivered almonds and feta cheese. 

Tomorrow Markie is coming over for a delayed birthday dinner of pan seared salmon with a dill sour cream sauce plus broccoli with Al fredo sauce.  Markie and I will enjoy some cole slaw, but it is one of those foods Damon does not like.  His loss.  Have a great weekend.

Friday Fantasy

Just let go and enjoy - Thanks to Barb for a great picture!

A Commuter's Nightmare

So I left the office and saw I needed to get gas on the way home.  Not a problem.  Got the gas and was headed up 4th Avenue and just about at the stadiums near where I used to live traffic was near a dead stand still.  Not sure why so decided to head up and over and get on Hwy. 99 and zip on home.

Bad idea.  An fatal accident had shut down the viaduct so it look like the above picture.  Indeed to the tune of over 3 hours starting just after 4pm!  Where does all the traffic go, of course on to the surface streets.  They are totally jammed and in listening to the radio I found out why.  Yes, the annual employees meeting of 20,000 people who work for Microsoft in the Seattle area was today.  And yup, it had let out at 4pm. 

So now we have a true case of gridlock happening.  I-5 was not an option as it had two car accidents happen.  So I made my way up Alaskan Way to NE 15th going into Ballard and then over to I-5 and home.  Departed work at 3:10pm...walked in door from commute at 5:05pm.  Instantly contacted Rob to alert him of the mess.  He was thankful, but had to deal with it to pick up Jodie.  Got a message from him at 7:30pm telling me he had just gotten to her office.  What a nightmare of a day!

A Sure Sign Of Fall's Arrival

Yes, yes it arrived last Sunday but the true sign that autumn is in the air is when all the leaves start falling.  A friend took this picture and sent it along and it just seemed like the perfect notation for a day where the clouds were telling that we are on the storm track.  This weekend is suppose to be a real soaker.  But in the end, I really love the rain.  Happy Hump Day.

Tuesday Amusement

 

There are soooooo many things wrong with this - from the sponsor to the content to the shameless Disney promotion at the bottom. I don't even know what to say about old Clown Boobs.  A friend posted this on facebook and I was just staring at it and wondering WHY?  At the same time I was laughing just because it is so insane.  I hope it at least brings a smile to your face as that is the point.  Let's keep chugging along through the work week.

Yes, It Was That Kind Of Day

Why oh why do they have to be so challenging?  At least I made it through without too much drama.  Yes, the countdown to Friday has begun, it will be good to see Damon.  He is calming and does make me laugh.

Autumn Arrives At 1:44pm

I am quite excited this day.  Survived another summer and now my favorite season of the year is about to kick off.  Many people I know see it as a season of death and do not like the arrival of autumn.  I am just the opposite.  Summer is so draining and the possibilities of autumn with all the color and fun is at hand.  I will miss looking across the freeway and seeing the slopes of Beacon Hill down south and yet am excited about the possibilities of what I get to see up here in the Lake City neighborhood.  A storm is rolling in and just about to arrive.  Have a couple of errands to run and so for now I will just wish you all a very HAPPY AUTUMN!

Bacon & Eggs ala Google

This morning arrived early and that is fine by me, had a great night's sleep and so hit the ground running, OK, more like a walk about.  Laundry done and coffee on.  Enjoyed a lovely hour chat with Michael on the coast and got caught up.  Since breakfast during the week is always a rush it is fun to take a little more time on the weekends.  Thus, I decided to make one of my all-time favorites, bacon and eggs.  I do love my scrambled eggs.  Totally forgot to get a picture of the plate before eating and so went online and snagged the above picture as it looks the most like what mine did.  So many of them had fancy garnishes or were not scrambled and so it went. 

Now this is when the magic of Google happens.  I had no idea there was such a thing as bacon and egg cupcakes.  They can be made with or without a bread crust.  Below is a picture of ones that do not.  This brought about another Google search - a recipe for them.  I went down a few and finally found one and so below is the recipe.  I do think I will need to try this sometime, but will need to get a cupcake pan or borrow one to try it out.  Enjoy your Saturday.

Bacon and Egg Cupcakes added by Debi Newton
Cook time: 15 Min  Prep time: 20 Min  Serves: as many as you like
What you will need:  bacon, eggs, salt and pepper, scallions (optional) plus cheeses

Directions:

1. Prepare Bacon in frying pan until brown not crispy

2. drain and cool on paper towels Turn on over to 400

3. Put 1 slice of bacon in cupcake pan and a small piece for the bottom. You can fill however many you will need for your breakfast. Cupcake papers can be used as well or you can leave them out.

4. put in one egg and top with salt and pepper, scallions, cheese or whatever else you like on your eggs or take orders for everyone and do them different.

5. When finished place in oven for about 15 minutes when done remove from pan and place on plates.

Bring It On

Rain Returns to Seattle

Yes indeed, the rains are a coming and I welcome them.  Tonight it begins and is to continue right into next week.  We are bidding good-bye to the 70's and 80's with highs only getting into the low 60's at times next week.  LOVE IT!  Also, the AC has been turned off and it was a bit awkward trying to sleep the first night as the white noise drone of the AC really became the norm for the summer.  But now I am throwing open the door to the balcony and let me tell you it does cool off the apartment and I find myself pulling up the covers big time and snuggling away.

While others are groaning over the departure of summer, which I have to admit was quite lovely this year with only 2 days in the 90's I am so glad that autumn is but 48 hours away.  It is my favorite season of the year.  In a week Damon arrives and we were talking last night about how he can leave the shorts and sandals at home as he is going to need flannel and long pants for now.  It will be amusing him departing Las Vegas and arriving Seattle next Friday evening.

Below is a little funny that was passed along to me and thought you might enjoy it on the Friday, the last one of summer, as the work day winds down and the anticipation of what may lie ahead for the weekend.  Whatever you plan to do make it a good weekend.  Cheers!

 

Speak Like A Pirate Day

Avast ye matee, it be talk like a pirate day me beauty. How yee be in distant lands? Aye, be hearty and swill a scurvy grog or three. Land lubbers need extree to be feelin' the movement of thee ocean blue, and yee may lay to that ! arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Yes, I received the above message to kick off my day today from a dear friend in California.  It made me laugh and that is a good thing and a great way to kick off the day.  I was greeted with several Pirate comments throughout the day - who knew it was so popular!

AGT Finale - The Right Act Won!

Let’s be honest, Kenichi Ebina definitely deserved to win the top prize on America’s Got Talent. This dancer/performer continued to wow me over the course of the season. His Matrix-style audition totally stunned me and the judges too. The precision and creativity in Kenichi’s audition was just breath-taking.  I really didn’t think Kenichi could continue to top his incredible and visually stunning performances. He proved me wrong. Multiple times.

Kenichi switched it up week-to-week and kept me firmly on Team Kenichi. Who could forget when he created his own virtual reality for a game-changing act?  Or when he pulled at our heartstrings and gave us a magical performance that left him being lifted up by an angel?  Howie Mandel was not exaggerating when he said Kenich was “the most talented man here.” I completely agree with Howie. Kenichi dominated the competition and his talent spoke for itself.

Kenichi’s act is the only one I would pay to see in Las Vegas. With unlimited creative liberties in Vegas, Kenichi is only going to get bigger and better — I hope I get the chance to see it! He will be a huge — no, EPIC — hit in Vegas, without a doubt.  Ya think I liked him?

Simple Salmon Salad

Had a fantastic pan seared salmon over a bed of greens with a blue cheese vinaigrette last night for dinner.  Took less than 15 minutes to prep and it was mighty tasty.  Allowed for ample time to ice the knee.  Pretty boring Monday, but in the end quite relaxing.

Seahawks vs. 49ers Soaker!

Yesterday was a game that had just been building up in anticipation between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers and wouldn't you know, leave it to the great northwest to make it have a delay of an hour due to lightning in the area.  The referee called for the delay just after 6pm.  Play  resumed about an hour later.

Lightning flashes and thunder were noted around the stadium during the Seahawks' offensive possession just before the delay was announced. The lightning continued for much of the delay, but let up around 6:45 pm just as players were coming on the field.  Seattle went on to win 29-3.  It was the second delay in CenturyLink Field history. On Dec. 14, 2006, a Thursday night game between the Seahawks and 49ers had its start delayed by just a few minutes after a heavy rainstorm caused parts of the field to bubble.

A Risky Move

Yesterday I ventured over to Jodie & Rob's for an afternoon and evening of games, laughter plus some mighty fine nibbles.  After enjoying several deviled eggs Jodie brought out Risk for us to play first.  Had not played in years.  For reference the top photo is what the original game looked like with little wooden pieces.  Below is what a more modern version looks like with plastic pieces.  The current edition even has nuclear plants.  Well, we played a version with the plastic pieces.  It was a lot of fun and having a few cocktails and battling for world domination.

In the end, I won and it was time to share a dinner of chicken salad wraps with sliced cheese on the side plus a variety of olives and pickles.  Then it was time for Catan and all too soon we were done and I made my way home getting in just after 10pm.  What a fun afternoon.

A Humpty Dumpty Moment

We all know this childhood rhyme and last night I got to kind of experience it again!  A nice quiet evening and was using the toilet and went to stand up and totally lost my balance and down I went.  It was not a moment I care to relive again any time soon.  I mean really, it was kind of embarrassing, but even more so was how I looked around to see if anyone saw what I had done.  How the heck could anyone see me?  Shows you how we instantly go into defense mode.  Well, got myself upright and finished off my evening then off to bed.  During the night I had to use the facilities and went to stand up and it hit!  The sharp pain in my left knee.  Looked down to see it had swollen up pretty good, but no bruise, at least yet.

So, since then I have been icing it down and it is doing a lot better.  Just ventured down the hall to bring the Amazon fresh delivery and I could feel it and so will be mellow this weekend.  Suppose to venture over to Jodie & Rob's this afternoon.  We shall see.

End Of A Rough Week

So here I am trying to keep motivated and moving forward.  It has been a rough week and really glad it is Friday.  I have a group heading off to Peru today and all the October calendars are going up over the weekend.  Somehow, my event staff are now getting involved in doing renewals for members as it seems the sales team do not want to be bothered.  I can so see it now, they will start doing them and then the sales team will get pissed off since they will not get the commissions.  Always something to create drama.

I continue to keep feeling more energy and that is a very good thing.  I knew I had a problem with carbs, but not to the extent that just dropping oatmeal from breakfast has made such a difference.  I do track the minimum carbs that are in foods in general.  Last night I enjoyed bacon with cream cheese on lettuce.  Quite tasty.  Tonight might be salmon if it is thawed by the time I get home, otherwise, I will have to make a big salad with shrimp.  Time will tell.  What I can tell you is that while I may be feeling better it does not stop me from doing stupid things like yesterday I was bending down and twisting getting distilled water for my CPAP and sneezed.  Sure enough, I jarred something and oh my lower back.  Thankful that three aspirin and a heating pad made it a whole lot better, but still a bit painful.

Today is both Friday the 13th and also Yom Kippur.  Talk about an interesting combination there.  I somehow feel I can steer clear of walking under ladders and confronting black cats.  No mirrors to worry about me thinks, but I know a lot of Jewish people so perhaps I should send out a message of acknowledgement.  But it is a rather solemn day.  So on that note, I wish you all a good weekend and here is looking to a better week next week.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm!

Item #1:  A friend sent this to me yesterday.  It has to be the oddest observation of 9/11 that I have ever seen.  You really have to wonder what they were thinking?

Item #2:  Yes, it is still early September and the first Christmas commercial has hit the airwaves and it is thanks to K-Mart.  The gingerbread man is representing Christmas and the commercial promotes the fact that it is time to do layaway shopping.  I happen to see the commercial Tuesday evening and then it was a story on the national news last night.

Before I close, I thought I would share some news.  As many of you know I have been working on the weight loss issue for WAY too long.  Part of it is to keep my carb count under 80.  Well, on Monday, I had my last bowl of oatmeal, thus dropping my carb count to under 40 for the past two days.  While no instant difference was noticed, I have noticed today that I am feeling a whole lot different.  Not saying it is all miracle and such, but it could very well be that the carbs have been the main issue, even when Dr. Lindquist cut me back to 80 units.  So we shall see.  My breakfast is now cottage cheese and fruit - being either blueberries or strawberries.  I really want to see some change happening.

Remembering 12 Years Ago

Each year I see this view of lower Manhattan and remember the day oh so clearly.  I remember waking up and turning on the news and wondering why is Diane Sawyer on so early in the morning, it was not even 7am and that was when "Good Morning America" would be on the air.  I was living on NE Flanders and was in the kitchen and when I came into the main living area and saw the initial images on TV.  At that point they thought a small plane had hit the tower, little did they realize what was unfolding.  It was all so numbing and of the moment.  I was calling people and telling them to turn on their TVs, many were still asleep.  It was so shocking, nothing like this had ever happened in this country. 

Weird how we become so desensitized to such news when it happens in other countries.  It was stunning how quickly the world came to our aid and support.  It was so weird to see the whole event unfold on TV especially when the towers came down, by then I had the TODAY show on and it was just stunning.  Everything stopped that day - no work and as much as I wanted to turn away from all the coverage, I could not. 

A year later I was in Paris on 9/11 and was touched that Paris did a similar tribute to the top photo at their City Hall and was pleased to have been able to have that experience.  Now, 12 years later the memorial in lower Manhattan is opened and the museum is set to open next spring.  The new World Trade Center has topped out and should be done in the next year or so.  As time marches on this is one of those days that I do feel I will never forget "where I was" when it happened.

Plans Change - But Often For The Better

Last night I was not feeling that ambitious so I made a green bean salad with slivered almonds. Quite tasty. Was craving veggies. Have to say I am counting the days until Damon arrives. But, his visit might be a tad different than originally planned. He found out over the weekend that he may have worked out a barter on computer work in exchange for Lasik Surgery. He will know more this Thursday. It is an amazing opportunity and I told him to go for it. So he is going to be here September 27 - October 21 and then likely return near Thanksgiving and stay into the new year. Will share more as I know more.

I have recovered from the trip and all the heat and humidity. It was wonderful to have all the rain last week and the past four mornings we have had a lot of fog which is heavenly. Today through the weekend we are suppose to have temps warmer than usual, but still cooler than what we had in NOLA. I am so excited that autumn is here in less than two weeks. Granted, it does not mean we will instantly be cooled off, but at least now the Sun is setting earlier and rising later so I am a happy camper.

While I enjoyed the country style pork ribs I made for dinner on Sunday, I want to see about trying some new recipes.  Have a chunk of salmon that is screaming to be used and so will play with that this week.  Still pondering what I will have for dinner tonight, thinking a nice lettuce salad with shrimp and cheese.  Simple and the whole kitchen will not get too hot as we will be in the upper 80's today.  Enjoy the day!

A Foggy Commute

The past several mornings I have woken up to fog.  I love fog and it really relaxes me.  Today it took on a whole different perspective as I drove to the office.  I head down I-5 and get on I-90 most mornings.  This takes me right by the Space Needle.  Here are some shots from different perspective that you might see if driving:

Such a sense of calm and quiet, even with all the crazy drivers around you.  We are suppose to continue in this pattern of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons through the end of the week and that is just fine by me.  It makes it so we are not quite hitting the highs they thought we would.  Looking forward to turning the air conditioner off soon as the sun is setting further and further south and not heating up the apartment like it was earlier this summer.

A Final Toast to New Orleans

Yes indeed, it really does exist.  Not my favorite, but a nice gesture on the part of the hotel and well, as is so often said "It is the thought that counts."  Sadly, every time I look at the label I do seem to shutter at the thought of just how bad it was.  At least I did give it a sip before confirming my thoughts on it.  Hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

No Post Saturday VI - Delayed

It was suppose to be last Saturday, But since I was in New Orleans decided to delay it a week...which means the next no post Saturday will be in four weeks instead of the usual 5 weeks.  Oh well, I needed this weekend to kick back and relax after the push upon my return.  Heck, this has been a post unto itself!

TGIF - Seriously!

Here I was on holiday most of the week and only in the office yesterday and today, but boy am I ready for this day to be done.  I have truly been a slug.  Granted I did what I had to do for the day, but also have gotten the blog updated, and had to update a lot of my autopay accounts in that my credit card associated with them expires at the end of the month.  Do have a few phone calls to make and then it will be time to hit the road and go home. 

I am not sure how social I am going to be this weekend in that I need some alone time, but may be seeing Jodie and Rob.  We shall see.  The past couple of nights have been quite interesting in that I have been using up stuff in the cabinets and frig.  Cooking things that I have not had before and at the same time being experimental.  Thankful that I have a grocery delivery tomorrow.  It will be good to have restocked frig and cabinets.  Here is hoping that you all have a great weekend!

Back To The Salt Mine

Alas, I finally got home Wednesday morning at 3AM, only about 4 hours delayed, but boy was I tired.  Fell asleep and woke up at 7:11am knowing that there was no way I was going to be able to make it through the day at the office.  Called in and extended vacation by a day.  Slept and drank 8 liters of water!  It was a good idea to stay home.  Allowed me to do laundry and get settled in as I had been away a week. 

The trip showed me that there is a need to have a life and work as well.  So I came in this morning with a smile on my face and ready to go.  Sure there were over 500 emails waiting for me and in the end my boss was actually not a complete ass either this day.  But my oh my, at 3pm I was so ready to hit the road and go home.  It will be a quiet night and plan to get a good night's sleep.  Funny, for working only two days this week it sure feels like a long one! 

Rosh Hashanah Greetings

To all my Jewish friends out there, know that you are in my thoughts this day. 

Travel Tuesday

Last Wednesday we arrived in New Orleans and there was a lot of anticipation for the week ahead.  I knew the heat and humidity was going to be a challenge, but it was a heck of a lot more impact than I thought.  It was frustrating in that it really hindered a lot of what was planned.  We did a lot of fun things and had good food, but I know I will never return to NOLA in the summer.  Not a fun time.  But, the time together was a blast and we got to have several really good conversations and look forward to coming back together at the end of the month when Damon comes to Seattle for a multi-month visit. 

Spent the morning having a low-key breakfast and getting packed up for our flights home.  I get to fly home via Chicago and Damon has a non-stop to Las Vegas.  Yes, I am a tad bit jealous.  I get home just before midnight and that is if everything goes right.  We shall see.  I have to say I am relaxed and that is a big positive.  It is easy to dwell on the negative and yes, I have acknowledged those things, but in the end it was fun to spend a week unplugged and spending time with Damon.  Who would have thought that we would be still together a year later. 

From a post earlier remembering the day we met:  "There was a dinner that occurred on Sunday, September 2, 2012 in that was the first time Damon and I had dinner together.  For those that have heard me describe him, he is a bit caveman and also rabbi.  But he does make me smile and laugh a lot."  And he still is!

NOLA Food Finds

Usually reserved for Sunday, the food summary is coming to you in a special holiday edition.  As mentioned earlier, we went to Daisy Duke's for dinner.  Actually, we decided to do breakfast for dinner.  We got there and the line was a block out.  Must be a good place for food.  It was too hot and humid to stand there and wait so we got takeout and headed back to the hotel for the cool and comfort of our room.

So I decided to go for the gold and get the alligator sausage omelet.  They serve it with hash browns and a biscuit.  I think they serve everything with hash browns and a biscuit.  Well, the hash browns were forgettable and left most of them but a damn fine biscuit.  The omelet was really good.  A bit on the spicy side, but really hit the spot.  While I both opted for lots of water, Damon loves his root beer.  We both got a water bottle to use for the trip, a must have in this city.

Here is Damon showing off his "breakfast" of 4 scrambled eggs with bacon, hash browns and a biscuit.  He went for the mild side as he was still recovering from his Bourbon Street experience.  I was a tad shocked that when he went to get the soda, he also got a bag of cheese puffs.  They are disgusting, but hey, he likes them and he is on vacation too.

I decided to snag this picture just because this T-shirt makes me laugh.  Indeed, Trix are for kids and it did not fail to get the attention of many people.  A lot of them wanted their picture taken with him.  It was quite cute.

Dinner last night was on the lighter side and quite tasty.  We ate here at the hotel and below is the appetizer which was a seafood gratin.  Quite tasty.  For dinner I opted for a blue crab salad with tomatoes, cucumber and mozzarella with a balsamic vinaigrette.  Damon opted for a pizza which was bbq sauce with chicken and cheese.  In my opinion a tad on the small side, but it was good per Damon.  So there you go, a food summary.

For our last night in New Orleans and we talked it over and decided to go for Brother's and I munched on chicken livers that were AMAZING and also tried a chicken thigh.  Damon went for a chicken breast and some chicken fingers.  We ate some of their meat pies.  All of it is a tad spicy.  But in the end it was a mighty fine finale to our food experience in the city.  Avoided a lot of fancy and overly expensive places.  Water is my best friend on this trip and so goes another day in The Big Easy.

New Orelan's Adventure Continues

After hearing from a couple of people I realized that I totally space sharing our Friday in the city.  Well, it was a day of hoping the St. Charles streetcar and riding it out to the garden district.  By the time we got to the end of the line I was a dripping mess.  No AC on the streetcars and it was humid and hot.  Yes, sounding like a broken record some, but seriously it is nasty.  Thank goodness I packed a lot of extra clothes.

Took a cold shower upon return, but Damon decided he needed to see The French Quarter and off he went to explore.  At least he did it during daylight hours.  We met up for dinner and it was a very pleasant Friday night.  Now I do believe I shared all about Saturday and so now there is today.  We are up and have had breakfast downstairs - a bit more traditional this day - and will soon be off on our Plantation tour.  I am quite excited about this as it is something that I fondly remember from my former visits.  We are being picked up at the hotel in about an hour and then off we go.  We are taking the Oak Alley Plantation Tour. 

Their material says - The Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans takes you back in time. Feel the gentle breeze of southern hospitality on a tour that takes you back to a time of mint juleps, gracious living and the glory of the Old South.  Experience a bygone era in one of the South's most beautiful settings - Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. Marvel at the unbelievable view of a quarter-mile long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each over 250 years old. Listen to fascinating and amusing stories of the home and its history, presented by your professional guide.

I do believe we will be stopping at two other plantations before returning to the hotel around 5pm.  Depending on how I feel I might update this posting or just save some comments for tomorrow.  Enjoy your day!