Merry Christmas!

Good bye, readers!  Jim is at home cleaning and packing, Trooper is at Opportunity Barks (we miss him already!!), and I am heading home to pack and open our presents.  It was nice enough to ride my bike to work today, a good send off from Oregon.  We are really fortunate to be able to spend the next week with our loved ones (and will miss the ones we can't see this year.) 
Sometimes my husband is a little bit of a Scrooge, but his message is right when he says that Christmas shouldn't be about consumerism and presents, but being thankful for what we have and the ones we love. 
I'll be back to Blogger on Jan. 2nd!

Real Deal Curry

Last night Jim made this awesome curry dish for us.  It was really great and fresh.  It also took a cruise through the bulk foods aisle (if you don't have cardamom pods on hand) and a trip to the Indian market (if you don't have red Kashmiri chili (maybe you do.)  It was great for dinner and great for lunch. 
I have five books books piled up for vacation, including January's Book Club book: Paula by Isabel Allende.  If you've never read anything by her, I highly suggest it.  Her writing is beautiful, and I only wish I could read it in Spanish, which I am sure is even more beautiful.  I've also borrowed The Hunger Games from a friend, which I am excited about.
I'm also mentally preparing to register for my first half marathon.  I've been reading about training online and you really only have to get your "longer" runs in on the weekends.  The Eugene half marathon is April 29th, and my friend has an 8 week plan and I've found a 12 week plan online.  If there's anywhere to train for and run in a half marathon, Eugene is the place!

Tinga Tacos

Oh, it is so nice to have Jim as a little House Husband this week.  He's been helping out a lot and doing the majority of the cooking.  Last night he made these Tinga Tacos.  They were really good, but he felt they were a little too "tomato-ey."  We also left out the Mexican cheese, as we are watching the ol' pocketbook.
Just a few more days until we head to the land of the Midwest.  We are both very excited to see friends and family and eat pizza and hot dogs.  I'll be absent from Blogspot from Dec. 24 until Jan. 1.  I am also trying to mentally prepare for returning to work on my 31st Birthday.  Gotta grow up sometime.

Multnomah Falls

 Today we drove to Multnomah Falls, just east of Portland.  It was about a 2 hour drive.  It was pretty rainy and misty, but we've been planning to get there for awhile, so we went anyway. 

 I believe that at least one of the Twilight movies filmed scenes here. 

 We hiked to the top, which was almost a mile, but 11 pretty steep switchbacks.  Trooper loved it.  Then he passed out in the car listening to Bon Iver. 

 Someone got pretty brave at the top and jumped up here.  That's the Columbia River there, with Washington on the other side. 

There's a little restaurant and shop at the base, but we packed sandwiches and had the dog, so maybe next time.  We didn't make it to Ikea or for burritos, but we had a great day and made it home in time for a doggie bath and 60 Minutes. 

Foggy Weather

Although this isn't the best quality pic (taken at the dog park with my phone) it shows you the weather we've had lately.  Not too cold (freezing some nights) and hardly any rain, but lots of fog (some freezing fog) and clouds, clouds, clouds.  Hopefully we'll see in the sun in Illinois.
Last night we had drinks with friends which was so nice for both of us.  This morning was Martial Arts day with BBBS and my LS had a blast.  I think we are having a family movie night tonight and are heading up to Portland for Family Fun Day tomorrow.  (Which might consist of hiking, burritos, and new lighting from Ikea.) 

Holiday Scenes

Done!

Get a load of these guys.  They both deserve a good veg out session. 
Dinner was fine last night for BBBS.  Interestingly, the church it was held at is a warming center when temps drop below 30 degrees, so there was an interesting mix of people in the area.  I tried to tie it into a discussion of homelessness, but I think it was lost once the toys were taken out for the kids.
Jim was done at noon and had a gentlemen's lunch with friends after.  Rumor has it he's making me dinner tomorrow.  Pretty excited about that.

Almost There

The Legal Beagle is almost done.  With finals.  And then half of law school!  Can you believe it?
I have a BBBS dinner tonight (trying not to be cranky about having my schedule thrown off) so he is equipped with a frozen pizza and cookies (which he probably ate hours ago.) 
I've decided that next year I need to start my Christmas crafting earlier and devote more time to it each day.  Checking out sites like craftgawker and Pinterest just make me think, aw, I should have done that.

Happy Holidays

 We are going to an open house today that is hosted by one of Jim's coworkers.  I made peppermint bark to take.  It's relatively easy if you don't mind the double boiler method and can give it enough time to set.  The blog I found it on was The Hungry Housewife (fitting.)  I omitted the peppermint extract as I was feeling particularly frugal at the grocery store.  It was yummy.

 If you want this dog to do anything, you're going to need to pay him in the form of treats.

This picture cracks me up.  Jim took a short break to take it for me.

Otherwise it was a nice weekend.  While Jim studied I tried to get out and about, hanging out with my LS and friends.  Two weeks until Christmas in Chicago!

Grilled Cheeses

Did you know that I love grilled cheese?  I love it.  There are so many fun variations you can make.  Last night I made it with ciabatta bread, sliced mozzerella, pesto, and prosciutto.  We had them with a side of tomato soup, which isn't my fave, but it was warm and Jim requested it. 
Monday morning is Jim's next final, then his last one is Wednesday morning!  Almost there!
In other news, one my new girlfriends and I may sign up for the Eugene half marathon this spring.  Yikes!  Am I ready to run 13.1 miles?

Sheperd's Pie

I made this yummy Sheperd's Pie on Sunday to thrown in the oven on Monday.  I liked it a lot, but Jim prefer's one I make with my own "recipe" that has a tomato base.  I don't make too many Rachael Ray recipes, but this one took well over 30 minutes (even the recipe says it takes at least 40.)  It was pretty good comfort food on a cold Monday night after yoga.  It's been freezing every night.  We haven't had much rain (knock on wood) lately, just crisp days with temps around 30 in the morning.  Jim's made two nice comments about my Christmas decor, saying that our apartment is very cozy and that it looks like a Christmas palace.  That just warms my heart! 
Jim's next final is on Thursday morning at 8:30am.  He seems pretty calm and even washed the dishes at lunch time today!  Almost ready for Christmas vacation.

Christmas Decor

 There can't be a cuter dog out there.  Anywhere. 

 Look at our darling tree!  It's a 4 foot tall Noble Fir.  In keeping with a Eugene way of life, it's a no-spray, organically grown tree that was grown about an hour north.  To elevate it, I put the tree stand on a box and covered the box with my tree skirt (which, by the way, I bought for 80% off after the holiday season last year.)

I baked spicy chocolate cookies and made stuffed peppers for dinner and listened to a little of Phil Spector's Christmas album.  I highly recommend it. 

Book Club

Book Club was great fun last night!  Eight women showed up, which is a good turnout.  We have a few more on the email list, but it's rare that everyone can make it.  Everyone brought great snacks and we met a few new gals who were invited to the group.  It's become a nice time to talk, drink wine, and meet new women every month.  I'm pretty proud of starting the group, if I do say so.
I'm just filling up my dance card to keep busy while the Legal Beagle studies away.  I am going to a Spin class in the morning, taking my LS out, then going to a movie with a friend.  On Sunday I have a dog park date and my favorite couple has invited me to go pick out Christmas trees.  Even though we are leaving on Dec. 24, I love decorating for Christmas and looking at all of my ornaments.  I'll post pictures if the tree goes up!

Finals Mode

We are officially entering Finals.  Jim sent a brief off into the night for his NYC competition (in February), so he is now focusing on Finals.  His first finals is Mon. Dec. 5 and I believe his last is Wednesday, Dec. 14.  Let the countdown begin. 
Tomorrow night I am hosting Book Club.  We read The Snitch, Houdini, and Me, which were short stories about a boy growing up.  I can't lie, I'm still on the last Book Club book.  I made the mini mac n cheese's again as they were such a hit last month.  Poor Jim is getting kicked out of the house for a few hours, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Adventures in Granola Making

I realized that I never posted about making granola!  We've recently discovered the joy and savings of the bulk section at the grocery store.  It's especially nice for things like granola or trail mix (a good Jim snack lately) or baking needs.  I googled and read in my Martha cookbook about how to make granola and it's really easy.  The first time I made it it did burn as I took a long shower and didn't check on it.  To make granola, you can throw together any ingredients you like: rolled oats, flax seeds, nuts (I like walnuts and pecans), coconut flakes, dried berries, etc.  I mixed in a tiny bit of vanilla extract and cinnamon.  You can sweeten it with brown sugar or use honey or maple syrup like I did.  I placed parchment paper on a cookie sheet and baked it for a half hour at 300 degrees, turning it every ten minutes.  My second batch came out so well that Jim said, "Tastes like granola."  I use it as a topping on Greek yogurt and pack a little parfait snack in a reusable bowl to take to work.  You can cover it with honey and add fresh fruit if you want.  I tried to read on wikipedia why granola is associated with hippies but it wasn't clear to me. 

Thanksgiving Feast

 Do you know about home made gingersnaps?  They are Jim's fave cookie.  Moist and chewy and snappy.

 I love making pies for holidays.  This Dutch Apple pie is from the BH&G cookbook, a good cb to have around the house.

 We made a feast!  I made homemade cranberry sauce (even used Willamette Valley cranberries.)  It makes you wonder, why do people eat the canned "sauce?"  I also made these awesome smoked scalloped sweet potatoes, Trader Joe's green bean casserole, and Jim made Ina's sausage and herb stuffing.  Our friends brought over a giant free range, organic turkey (I think it was 20 lbs or so!) and a hashbrown casserole.  It was a nice dinner with nice friends. 

 Trooper LOVES when company comes over.  He cuddled with them and played with them.  These are the "can you just drop a little?" eyes.  I did cook him an unflavored sweet potato chunk, and he loved it.

I really wanted a Thanksgiving tablecloth, but could only find paper ones.  It seems like Thanksgiving decor was swallowed up by Christmas.  I did look on Martha Stewart for table ideas.  And I printed out Thanksgiving trivia to read after dinner.  I think it was a hit.

Turkey Prep

In good news, Jim is feeling a bit better today.  Poor guy was really hurting yesterday.  Hopefully he'll feel better by the holiday. 
After work I am going to start on my holiday baking.  I use the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook for my apple pie, but instead of shortening I use butter.  Pure butter.  Same thing with my ginger snaps.  All butter.  It's so worth it.  I am also going to chop my veggies and try to do some other prep to make our day easier tomorrow.  I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and has a lot to be thankful for. 

Pre Turkey Day

Everyone's favorite Legal Beagle is down for the day.  He's been feeling sick and today he's stuck on the couch with a bad cold.  Poor guy is so busy and rides his bike in the cold rain all of the time, it's no wonder he's sick.  Hopefully he'll be better by Turkey Day.  The only good thing is that lil Trooper has a friend to hang out with on the couch all day.  (Jim is taking Trooper to the vet this afternoon for one last hot spot that is not going away.)
Tomorrow night I am going to start my Turkey Day prep and bake my apple pie and ginger snaps as well as chop my veggies and get ready to cook the sides on Thursday morning.  We're pretty excited to eat!

Bowling

Today was the BBBS Annual bowling party.  My LS and I have now been together for a year!  In the car I broached the topic of us taking part in a community service activity together.  I explained what "volunteering" is and asked her if she'd be interested.  She said, "Nah, it's not my thing."  I asked her to think about it.  Hopefully she'll come around.  Other than that, it was a fun day together.  She had $8 with her and she spent it all on one of those claw games just to win a plastic ball that she didn't even want to take home.  To be a kid!
Tomorrow while the Legal Beagle studies, Trooper and I are going to get a hike in with friends and then go out for a burger and brew.  Sorry, Legal Beagle, we aren't going to sit at home until Dec. 15! :)
I started our Thanksgiving shopping.  We are having another couple over for dinner.  Looks like we'll be having a turkey, sausage and apple stuffing, hashbrown casserole, green bean casserole, scalloped chipotle sweet potatoes, and an apple pie (and maybe a few extras.)  I am running in the 4 mile Turkey Trot on Thursday morning, so I'm planning to eat a LOT.  Sadly, I have to work on the Friday after the holiday, but c'est la vie. 

Take Out and Jammers

Jim is in Bend tonight, so Trooper and I are on our own.  I just went and picked up take out.  I've been kind of into fish burritos since I had one in PDX.  If you like burritos and fish tacos, why not?  Pretty delightful.  Jim said it was a snowy drive over the Cascades but he's safe and sound in his hotel and should be back by Friday afternoon/ evening.  Last night I went out for a glass of wine with one of my favorite girlfriends.  It was a good reminder that even when life gets busy I need to remember to take time to get together with girlfriends. 

Winery Fun

Jim and I went out to Sweet Cheeks winery yesterday for an Executive Wine Tasting.  (Oh la la!)  This included tasting 12 wines and a cheese platter.  We didn't get to the last two wines because the Legal Beagle had to get home to study, but we still had fun.  Now he's preparing to hunker down until mid-December.  The good thing is that when he emerges from his finals cocoon, he's a new man (butterfly?)  He also has to go to Bend for court this Thursday/ Friday.  What a busy guy!
On Friday night I tried a really tasty Emeril recipe.  As the reviews recommended, I used much less salt than he called for.  If you like pesto, this one's a good recipe to try.
Tonight I am making a pot roast.  I am basing it off of a Tyler Florence recipe (can't find it online; took it from his cookbook) and some suggestions from my favorite little friend, Vanessa.  I am going to whip up some mashed potatoes on the side.  I also tried to make pumpkin bread this afternoon, but forgot to add the baking soda (so frustrating) so it came out more like a pumpkin pound cake.  The good thing is that Jim eats like a pregnant lady, so I'm sure he'll eat it all. 
Later this week I'll post about my new adventures in granola making.  (When in Rome.)

Happy Veteran's Day!

Don't forget to remember your Veteran today.  My favorite Veteran (Legal Beagle) is leaving work early to read names at the U of O for 15 minutes to remember our Veterans. 
In Trooper news, last night we mixed a packet of Aveeno soothing bath with one gallon of water and sprayed it on his hotspots.  The vet said to leave it on and let it dry.  It seemed like there was less itching in the night.
Tomorrow we may be heading out to Sweet Cheeks winery!  We are going to get one last fun day in before the inevitable finals time arrives (first final is Dec. 5!) and use a Groupon that is about to expire. 
Happy Friday!

Poopers

The nice thing about having a blog is that you can post as many pictures of your pup as you want.  Right now he's licking his bowl (about 15 minutes til dinner time) in a funny/ pathetic way.  In a little bit we're going to take Jim his dinner at the library, then it's a mom and dog wine and crafting party.  And by party I mean turn in by 10pm.

Awesome Rigatoni

On Sunday, I made a really yummy Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Eggplant (a la Tyler Florence).  This is a good recipe if you have a family to feed or are just two hungry people who like leftovers, like ourselves.  Jim loved it.  Generally, if something involves pasta or the has the word "Italian" in the title, he's going to like it.
Trooper and I just got home from our morning walk.  When it's not raining, we try to get in a mile before work.  It's a nice quiet time together, especially now that it's dark when I get home (ick.)  We haven't seen any head or body tremors in a few days, so hopefully the steroids are getting out of our system.  Our neighbor recommended a medicated shampoo (Evolution Renuplex), which we tried and it seemed to give him some itching relief.  We've also started the fish oil supplement again (liquid on his food) to help his skin.  He seems to be itching less, which is great. 
It's amazing how much time and energy we put into our dogs.  They really are special little animals who give a lot of love and companionship. 

Curried Chicken Salad

We generally like most things curried.  I looked up what exactly curry meant (on Wikipedia) and it said it's a generic Western term.  Jim made Giada's awesome Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches last night.  It might sound weird, but it's a delight.  The pancetta added a nice salty, crisp addition. 

Trooper Update

Per the allergist's instructions, we have stopped giving Trooper the steroids and he is now only on his regular medicine.  We haven't seen any shaking today.  I saw some last night before our show and it was more of a whole body shaking this time.  It is very hard on me to see my poor young healthy pup go through that.  Our issue now is what do do if the itching returns.  The vet suggested a topical steroid, but some dogs can't even handle those.  We'll just have to see what happens.
Yesterday was a big day for the Legal Beagle: his first court trial!  If you call him this weekend, he'll be happy to tell you all about it.  He was all Atticus Finch up in there.
As always, TGIF!  A few beers tonight, taking my LS to see Puss in Boots tomorrow, and the usual domestics and getting cozy with my doggie and my hubby.  I love those two animals so much.

My Puppers

Trooper has been on a small dose of antihistamines/ steroids for six days.  They are really great and his itching has stopped and hot spots are all gone.  However, last night his head tremors returned and he did it again this morning.  There must be a connection.  My poor doggie is so sensitive and special needs. 

David Sedaris!

I don't think I've blogged about this: we are going to see David Sedaris read on Thursday night!  We've seen him once in Illinois and both laughed until our insides hurt.  When we saw him, we didn't know he'd be doing a book signing before the reading, and were too late to meet him.  This time we are going right after work and getting in line.  I don't think he allows pictures taken with him, but I'm hoping to at least meet him and giggle. 

More Yummy Recipes

I may have blogged about these before, but I thought I'd repost.  Tonight we are having braised short ribs and harvest vegetables.  I prepped a chicken curry for tomorrow.  Lots of fresh veggies and yummy meats!

Pumpkin Time

 For Book Club last night, I made mac n cheese bites.  I lined muffin tins with parchment paper and scooped in home made mac n cheese.  They were a HIT!

 Today I took my LS to Jack O Lanterns on Broadway.  Lots of creative pumpkin carving!

 I stopped at the Saturday Market for a potato donut and coffee.  Check out their awesome fresh coffee system. 

And I bought our favorite Princely Puppy a new doggie bed.  He seriously looks like an Arabian prince on it.  He is already doing so much better after one day of antihistamines/ steroids. 

Jim made it back safely from his conference.  We are so happy to have him home!

A Gal and Her Dog

It's official: we miss Jim!  He left 3 hours ago.  Sigh.  Right now Trooper is in my craft room, picking up embroidery thread with his mouth.  What a rascal.  After work we jogged to the dog park, trying to enjoy the last days of light after work.  Then he joined me to get take out from Cafe Yumm.  They make really yummy, healthy take out.  I got a tofu bowl with edamame.  There are about four or five of them in Eugene, I think, and they recently erected an electric car charging station at one of their stores.  Pretty neat place.  And now I'm trying to craft and what not before bed. 
Tomorrow night is Book Club, where we'll be discussing Cutting for Stone.  Sadly I did not finish the book, but it will still be fun.  I am taking mac n cheese cups.  Jim will be home Saturday afternoon, on which day I plan to take my LS to a jack o lantern festival, then we have two parties to attend.  We're kind of social butterflies. 
Oh, and Trooper is going to the allergist tomorrow.  Poor Puppers can't stop itching.  Hopefully she can give him some relief.

Chilly Mornings

I had to wake this dog up an HOUR after I woke up this morning.  It was 28 degrees out (pretty cold for Eugene) and it's been pitch black until after 7am.  I love when he sleeps like this, like a little fox.
Jim leaves for Portland tomorrow and will be gone until Saturday.  He is attending some sort of conference that has to do with business and the environment.  Just a lady and her dog for a few days!

Autumn

 We've had some sunny, crisp autumn days.  This wasn't taken at our complex, but one nearby.  The changing leaves strike me as so beautiful every year.

Pupster got a haircut.  Poor dog has some more hotspots.  I love when he gets groomed though, he's so darn cute. 

This weekend I made some pretty darn good recipes, if I do say so.  On Saturday night, we had one of our fave couples over for dinner.  We made a tag team quiche (I made the crust and Jim made the filling.)  We even included chanterelle mushrooms from the farmer's market (may or may not have been collected in the forest.)  I also made a zucchini bundt cake from MSL.  I even made the candied zucchini, which looked like pickles on top.  The cake and glaze were really good, but you can probably leave the candied veggies out.  And last night I made curried chicken soup with sweet potato biscuits.  Sweet potato biscuits are just as awesome as they sound.  Make them now!!

5K

Only for you, blog readers, will I share this unflattering picture of myself at 7am on a Sunday.  Trooper and Jim woke up to support me (Jim didn't want me to walk to the stadium in the dark) and then we went to Studio One for a GREAT breakfast.  Jim will be studying all day and I'm hoping to get in some crafting and domestics. 
Trooper is still itching a lot.  We think this is around when he started last year.  Maybe there's some sort of allergen out right now.  He's had a few hot spots.  He's going to get groomed today, so hopefully that will help him and we'll be able to see his spots better.  His allergist is really great about answering emails and said that if he doesn't get better, we should take him in for antibiotics/ steroids next week to get him through this extra itchy time.  Poor guy!  I told him he should get a job to help cover his costs, but Jim and I both agree that the love that little beast gives us is worth every penny. 

Pin Cushion Pattern

This is based on a free Heather Bailey pattern.  I didn't use the ribbon she suggested.  I made it from scraps of fabric around the art room.  Pretty basic but it's cute and is functional.  My last pin cushion looked like it was from a children's play set. 
We missed on darn dose of Trooper's medicine and he itched all night long.  Poor Jim woke up at 4:30am and didn't go back to sleep.  Tonight we noticed he'd itched a hotspot raw on his little head.  Jim disinfected it and we'll keep an eye on it.  He'd been doing really well on his current daily dose, food, and being in the kitchen during the day.  Hopefully he'll be back on track in a few days. 
Here's another cute blog: Elise Blaha.  She makes books and other crafts. As she says, "enJOY it!"

Souper

I think I blogged about this soup last year: Ina's Mexican Chicken Soup.  It's really good.  I think that once fall hits I enter soup mode.  I remember not liking soup in my younger years, before I discovered the joy of home made soup.  I'm already dreaming of what soup I'm going to make this weekend. 
I'm also crafting away every night.  I can't post too many pics because they are mostly Christmas gifts.  Jim went out for a drink with some guys from school and I while I was sewing, Trooper was pacing around.  He hates when the wolf pack isn't intact.   I told him he could sew if he had opposable thumbs. 
I've been seeking out cool new blogs.  I found this one, Nest of Posies, recently.  It's amazing how many crafty women are blogging.  Blogging is a little self indulgent, but who cares.  It's a nice way to journal your ideas, activities, and thoughts.  You go, bloggers!

Breast Cancer Run

Once again I am running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a 5K run this Saturday.  If you'd like to donate to the cause or for me running, click here. 

Go Ducks

 Jim and Trooper went to a few tailgating parties while I was at my roller skating party.  Things I learned: 30 year olds probably shouldn't roller skate.  Luckily, no falls!  I went to the game a little late.  It was rainy but fun. 

 Studying and napping.

 We thought we'd worked out the cat problem, until we saw this this afternoon.  The darn cat was trying to get onto our balcony!  Jim spoke with the owner but I fear the devil cat is going to make its way in to our apartment.  We're under siege!!!!

 Don't be afraid of making your own pie crust.  The key: very cold butter and water.  Tonight I made us a bacon, goat cheese, and spinach quiche. 

 Farm fresh eggs.  I love the one in the back right.  It's so much bigger than the rest!

 These are "Ranger Cookies" from the Good Housekeeping cookbook.  They have oats, coconut, and dried berries.  If you don't use parchment paper when cooking cookies, I highly recommend it.  It makes for no sticking and easy clean up. 

I actually make two quiches but am not sure about the plural of quiche. 

TGIF

What an angel.  Trooper loves sleeping on the patio. 
We are happy it's Friday.  We went to the dog park after work and now Jim's grilling me burgers.  I think we are going to a little party tonight and then a busy day tomorrow.  I am trying acupuncture for the first time in the morning.  (Why not try some Eastern medicine.) Then I am going to the BBBS rollerskating party while Jim tailgates, then we're meeting at the football game.  Woo!  Sunday all I plan to do is domestics.
Speaking of domestics, this is an awesome pattern for a tote bag that I've been working on.  I love Heather Bailey and her designs.  If you're a sewer, try it out.

And a video for your weekend enjoyment: