Update
It's been forever so here are the updates.
◘ I'm back to work and it feels wonderful to be on a schedule. It seems like I have great students so far and I have some interesting projects going on besides the teaching.
◘ I've been making tons of pesto and freezing it so we can enjoy some delicious green basil-y flavor in the dead of winter. Plus basil is wonderful and cheap at the farmers market since our crop sucked this year.
◘ Speaking of the farmers market, I'm addicted. I've been buying amazing veggies and gorgeous flowers. I think this year I will have to check out this winter farmers market, something I didn't do last winter.
◘ I've been reading lots. For fun. Don't ask what, it's embarrassing.
◘ Even though the herb garden didn't fare so well, the African violets are looking good.
◘ I stood up in my cousin's wedding. It was gorgeous up on the North Shore, we ate well, had good wine, and danced a lot.
◘ I've had good coffee/tea and conversation with some friends recently.
◘ I finally got the nerve to introduce myself to this cool old lady I always see at the grocery store. She wears all purple every day and wears huge, round glasses with violet-tinted lenses. Her name is Norma and she appreciated my compliments of her outstanding fashion sense.
And here's what I'm looking forward to:
◘ Seeing some friends this weekend that we don't see as often as we'd like.
◘ Cooking and/or drinking wine with said friends.
◘ Going on an early fall scenic drive with Austin.
◘ More reading for fun.
Etiquetes de comentaris: cooking, daily, family, freetime, friends, good things, weekend, work
Farmers Market
We went to the Farmers Market on Saturday to pick up some things for dinner. We didn't know what we were going to make; we just let the market inspire us. It was perfect weather and with so many things being in season, the colors were beautiful.
A rainbow of peppers.
Organic, red tomatoes.
We bought red potatoes here.
Dessert? We sampled several truffles including wasabi-black sesame and ginger lime.
Etiquetes de comentaris: cooking, good things, weekend
What's the Story, Morning Glory?
I grew some morning glories from seed and threw an old tomato cage on the pot so they could climb something. Every morning, I check to see how many flowers opened cuz I'm dorky that way. Simple pleasures...
Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
More Bullet Blogging
I've been behind on blogging so the only solution is more bullet points to bring me up to speed. I kind of like posting that way, maybe that's why I am enjoying my new
Twitter account thingie. Anyway, here's the latest in random order.
Stuff That's Happened◘ I finished my little summer stint at The Office.
◘ I visited with my sister and lots of other fam.
◘ I've gone on lots of walks in the company of my little shuffle or my friends.
◘ I had lunch with Sharon on Grand Avenue.
◘ I've gone to campus several times to work on random stuff. I'll be officially under contract next Monday so I'm enjoying the last days of unscheduled time.
◘ I made my friends
Cath and Siena a tortilla for lunch and Catherine shared French Granny's secret dessert recipe with me. Puff pastry and fresh berries, mmm!
Stuff That's Coming Up◘ My cousin's bachelorette party downtown St. Paul. Anyone been to Pazzaluna?
◘ Fall Semester
◘ My cousins' weddings (note the apostrophe s- two cousins are getting married two consecutive weekends in the Duluth area).
Etiquetes de comentaris: family, friends, good things, work
Weekend
Last Friday, Austin and I left for Iowa City where we were going to be attending a wedding. It was a six hour drive, partly through cornfields, but then we emerged in a cool college town. Most importantly, we got to be there to celebrate with Sharon and Matt. They had a wonderful ceremony in a gorgeous flower garden not to mention the mimosas and
five kinds of dessert that followed!
We had a little bit of time to check out the campus area. We found it very Big 10, cuter than Dinkytown and reminiscent of State Street. Two Indian restaurants, an Irish pub, bookstore, paint-yer-own-pottery place, etc. We really liked the feel of it. (Maybe
Takenob can share more insight.) The bottom line is that UI happens to have a really good grad program for what I want to do and it feels better applying there having at least seen the place.
Then we returned through Dubuque so there weren't that many cornfields. We came back on Saturday so we enjoyed a quiet Sunday and now the week is well underway, flying by. Tomorrow I am meeting Sharon (the bride above) for lunch. I'm looking forward to hearing her impressions of the wedding a week later.
Etiquetes de comentaris: friends, good things, travel, weekend
Bullet Blogging
So yeah, it's been awhile. Lots of things big and small were happening in all spheres of my life at once so I decided to take a blog vacation. Now I'm back and will bullet point some of what I've been up to.
◘ My nephew was born but had a little infection so I spent a lot of time reading his parents' blog and sending positive vibes out into the universe. Conner got to go home on the 23rd so he's doing much better.
◘ I cooked dinner for my inlaws for the first time and it was a success! We were up at the family cabin so I made Shrimp Monterrey and brought fresh greens, bread, and raspberries from the Farmers Market.
◘ I hung out with LeeAnne two more times; one day we went to Anodyne for iced coffees and last Tuesday we had lunch at San Pedro Cafe. It was our farewell since she is moving to Tucson for grad school. LeeAnne also very thoughtfully gave me all of her pantry items that she couldn't move so I got nice stuff like olive oil, interesting vinegars, cake flour, superfine sugar, etc.
◘ My parents came to watch the Mighty Sand Crabs play volleyball. We drank some good wine and went to Coffee Grounds for a tasty breakfast the next day.
◘ I went to my cousin's wedding shower and helped her organize an Italian themed bachelorette party. Anyone been to Pazzaluna?
◘ I worked at The Office.
◘ I worked on campus on some research stuff.
◘ I watched the first tomato of my vines ripen and am trying to decide what to do with it. I also watched my morning glories start blooming, beautiful pinks and purples.
◘ I've taken lots of walks in the company of my Shuffle and with friends. Today I went on a walk with a new friend and we had a great conversation.
◘ I've looked forward to Sharon's wedding in Iowa City for which we are leaving tomorrow morning.
◘ I read Harry Potter!
Etiquetes de comentaris: cooking, family, freetime, friends, good things, work
Bayfield Wedding
Our trip to Bayfield was great. During the day, Austin and I got to check out a few cool little shops and galleries and do some sight-seeing. The real reason we were there, though, was for Tom and LeeAnne.
Thursday night was the bachelorette party which had a hot and spicy southwest theme (LeeAnne is going to grad school in Tucson this fall). Friday night was the rehearsal and groom's dinner on Madeline Island, then Saturday was The Big Day! I went over to the island at 1pm for hair and getting ready, kind of funny to be a foot passenger on the ferry in the middle of the day all dressed up.
The ceremony was on the island, then we came back to Bayfield for a reception. Awesome food, awesome Champagne (<--note the capital C, Veuve-Cliquot!), awesome dancing. We partied with the couple until 2am and it was a blast.
Sunday involved much recovery since we were low on sleep. In fact, after all the dancing, we were sore and tired until yesterday! Yeah, I'm approaching 30...
Anyway, it was a marvelous time and I'm glad we were able to be there.
Congrats, Monsieur et Madame Godfrey!
Etiquetes de comentaris: friends, good things, travel, weekend
Blolggin' from Bayfield
We're in Bayfield having a blast. Been to a winery and several art galleries. It's so beautiful not to mention the fun people we keep running into. I have two new best friends now! Tomorrow is the Big Day and we can't wait to celebrate with LeeAnne and Tom!
Etiquetes de comentaris: friends, good things, travel
4th of July
Bad Z is coming to visit today! WOoOOoO!!!
PS I know the Eiffel Tower isn't exactly America but Bad Z and I had a lot of fun together in France and the French helped us gain our independence so there.Etiquetes de comentaris: friends, good things
Relaxing at the Cabin
We spent the weekend at Austin's aunt's cabin, doing a sort of reunion. This year the crowd was of limited number due to life- one branch of the family tree was dealing with a grandma's death while another offshoot was too pregnant to make the trip! Still, a good group of us got together and we enjoyed some time just looking at the lake, sitting around the campfire, and catching up. I did lots of reading too.
We have more fun coming up starting on Thursday when we head to my friend LeeAnne's wedding up in Bayfield. Besides all the nuptial festivities, we also plan on checking out a winery, some art galleries, and of course the good ol' Gitchee Gummee. It's gonna be great!
Etiquetes de comentaris: family, friends, good things, travel, weekend
Summer Visits
I've been really busy the last few days squeezing in lots of visits with family and friends. On Friday afternoon, I found out that my cousin, Danny, was in town from LA. Austin and I were just planning on relaxing since he had had a stressful work week but we were happy to hang out with Danny. We ended up having him and his sisters (plus one baby) over for an impromptu dinner. Danny is a professionally trained chef so Austin and I were a little intimidated but we just threw together a shrimp pasta, green salad, and some good bread. It turned out fine and we had a wonderful visit.
On Saturday, my parents came to visit and we took them out to a pottery place we found in the middle of no where. The artist was home so he showed us his studio and kilns and we got to meet his cat, Earl Grey (if I ever have a cat I want an Earl Grey, both in name and specialness). Later we went out to a tepanyaki restaurant for dinner and it was divine as always.
Sunday was brunch at a fun cafe and then we went to a surprise 30th birthday for Danny out at my aunt and uncle's. It was there that I realized the simple pleasure of having a big deck surrounded by forest; I could have stayed there for hours.
On Monday, I got to visit with Bad Z! She was also in town from LA. We had many adventures, including a long lunch at the restaurant where she had her wedding reception, hanging out with her tiny niece, and tea shopping. It was perfect.
Today I'm back home and had a meeting on campus this morning. Now I'm doing the Domestic Goddess routine in between some reading. Tomorrow is entirely unscheduled! Friday is a full work day at The Office and then this weekend is a family reunion on Austin's side.
Etiquetes de comentaris: family, freetime, friends, good things, weekend
Updates
It's been awhile since I've posted. Since I've started working part time at The Office, I've been really busy because I've also got some side projects with the university going on.
I also took a little time to go Up North to visit my parents. My mom and I went out to Red Oak Studio to have a painting by my Grampa framed. Roger, the framer (framist?) is an amazing artist who makes everything an aesthetic delight with just the right frame, mat, etc. He did all of our honeymoon art and we were entirely pleased. I can't wait to see how my Grampa original turns out.
My mom and I also went to a pottery place and to some little shops in my hometown. I went back to the craft store where I worked and while lots had changed, it was like walking back 10 years in time (in a good way).
Austin and I ran some errands over the weekend. Among them, I had to stop at the ATM that's in the bank drive-through. I deposited a check and then decided to get cash too. I was so intent on getting my receipt and changing some settings that I forgot my cash! A car behind me on the street was honking and waving like mad. A woman had noticed and sent her teenage daughter to get my money for me. The young lady came running across the parking lot with my $40 and I hugged the sweetie for her efforts! They probably thought I was crazy and I definitely felt that way after leaving my cash but I was touched at the honesty and thoughtfulness of their act. It also made up for the fact that someone in a giant black SUV, talking on a cellphone, had just cut me off and given ME the finger. I'm quick to focus on such negative instances but lots of nice things like the ATM People also happen too.
Etiquetes de comentaris: family, good things, weekend, work
Spanish Food
Yesterday afternoon, when I was dealing with my bout of nostalgia, I decided to make some classic Spanish food. I had time and even though we were planning on doing something easy for dinner, I knew this was it. I ran to the grocery store and got the items for a tortilla, tomato bread, and a Catalan dessert.
Using the recipes from our
awesome cooking class in Barcelona, I put together a perfect tortilla! Perfect! I was so happy; I think all the recipes that I had tried from my Spanish cookbooks were far too complicated.
The tortilla smells sooooooo good while cooking; Austin said he could smell it when he got out of his car.
To add to our startchy meal, Austin made the pan con tomate. We used some fruity Spanish olive oil and added minced garlic, then grilled it in our toaster oven and rubbed it with tomato. So, so good.
I once read somewhere that the tomato bread is the essence of what a pizza should be.
For dessert, I had made crema catalana. Every country has one of these-- creme brulée in France, flan in Spain, and this is the Catalan interpretation. It's milk, egg yolks, sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla.
It was easy to make and delightful to eat.
Etiquetes de comentaris: cooking, good things
La Nostalgia
Exactly a year ago, Team Lunderoy was emerging from the wine country of Bordeaux and about to hit up cosmopolitan Barcelona.
Siiiiiiiiigh........... I miss it a lot.
But I am excited for our weekend plans!
Etiquetes de comentaris: good things, travel, weekend
Celebrating One (Official) Year of the LundeRoys
Sunday, June 3 was our one year anniversary but because I was gone for part of the weekend, we are sort of celebrating in phases. I got home on Saturday and found flowers and a ring that I had seen at our jewelry store and thought would look good on my right hand. Our gift is supposed to be a joint art purchase (still pending) but Austin surprised me with "finger art."
On Saturday night, we returned to the restaurant where we were married and had a fabulous dinner. At first, we were going to recreate our nuptial dinner of awesome Cajun pasta but I decided to go with shrimp creole and Austin went for seared blackened tuna. We were thoroughly pleased with the results.
seared blackened tuna with garlic smashed potatoes and seasoned vegetables
shrimp creole with a tomato, celery, and onion sauceFor dinner we shared our "wedding cake," cheesecake. Instead of freezing a piece from last year we opted for a fresh slice. It is guiness flavored, really rich and chocolaty, and it even resembles a good pint.
guiness cheescakeOn Sunday, the actual day, we just laid low and enjoyed a quiet dinner and a movie. The other "phase" of the anniversary will be next weekend when neither of us is working or conferencing. On deck is a picnic at a winery, a six course dinner with wine pairings at a cool restaurant that uses local and organic food, and a night in a nearby b&b.
It's been a great year.
Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
Art Shopping
Today is a rainy, cool day that reminds me of Seattle. In fact, I went to Starbucks and had them make me the "London Fog" drink that a barrista in Seattle got me hooked on (and going to a free-standing Starbucks rather than the one I usually go to inside of Target made a big difference). Anyway, after that, my friend and I went shopping for a wedding gift for our colleague. We went to a little studio that is tucked out of the way and we found the perfect gift for a Spanish Professor: a charming sculpture of Don Quijote. It was an easy decision but we stayed for a long time, admiring all the other cool pieces and chatting with the owner. It was also nice and warm in the studio since he was in the process of firing some pots.
I love shopping for art and this summer, Austin and I are going to shop for our anniversary gift. I have a feeling we might find something good when we are up in Bayfield for a wedding since there are lots of wonderful galleries in that little town. There's no rush, though, it's just got to be the right piece.
Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
Last Day of Class
Woooooooo!
Confidential to Bad Z and RJN: Meet me at the Roasted Bean tonight?!Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
Awww...
One of the dorms voted me favorite professor* of this academic year. It was a surprise and really made my day. Incidentally, it's the dorm most known for being loud, having parties, etc. Wooooo! It's also where Austin once lived and was a local celebrity for the most creative arrangement of dorm furniture into a bar.
*Technically, I have a different title but since I want to be a professor someday, it's always fun to see it in print.Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
New Member of Our (Subie) Family
Last week I ended up getting a new car! After lots of pondering and some looking, I had narrowed down my criteria: first it had to be all wheel drive, second it had to look cute, and third it had to be fun to drive. It all came together when (by chance) I saw a new Subaru Legacy at the grocery store. Austin then tracked one down in the year, color, and with the features I wanted and we were off to collect it.
The only thing is I had sworn that after the Paseo moved on, I was going to get a manual transmission. Well, I had to compromise a little on that since my new car is an auto (though it has regular auto, sport auto for "spirited" driving, and you can also manually shift gears though there is no manual clutch). The compromise is that there is a fun-to-drive, bright yellow manual available to me whenever I want so it worked out alright in the end.
I really, really love my new car and I'm still getting used to seeing it in the garage and the parking lot at work however I must pay my last respects to the Paseo (aka the Passé, the Peso, the Pisseo, etc.) I bought that car when I got my first job in Burnsville, MN as a Human Resources Coordinator. The Paseo was tiny, sporty, and in my modest price range. Some highlights of its time with me include a trip to Bluefin Bay to hang with Bad Z & co, a visit to graduate programs in Iowa, and several moves that involved filling it with boxes like a clown car.
I was surprisingly a little sad to see that black car go (doesn't the Buddha say that attachment to material possessions leads to pain and suffering? hmmm...) but as Austin astutely pointed out, having working heat and defrost alone were reason enough to upgrade, the litany of other "issues" not withstanding.
Anyway, I've moved on and I'm loving the Legacy. Spring sunshine and fresh breezes coming in through the moonroof can't be beat!
Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
Good Luck
A colleague of mine had been asking last week when I'd be in my office on Monday. She emailed me a couple of times over the weekend to confirm when she'd be able to talk to me but never hinted at the nature of the conversation, causing me to wonder if it was bad news of some sort. Finally Monday afternoon rolled around and she told me she had hired a masseuse from the Wellness Center to do chair massages for a few of us. It was a wonderful surprise and the massage was very relaxing. I've never had a professional massage and I was left feeling really happy for the little, good surprises in life.
Etiquetes de comentaris: good things
