Heceta Lighthouse

 Today we drove to the coast to see whales.  (Apparently you need binoculars for this to happen.)  Gray whales were heading down to Mexico for the New Year.

Look at that blue sky!  Usually when the forecast says sunny in Oregon, it actually means not rainy.  It was a great kickoff to staycation. 

I made this awesome Lemony Olive Oil Banana Bread for the drive.  It's so lovely! I'm slightly obsessed with Heidi Swanson's recipes lately.  And Willie Nelson, but that's another story. 

The rest of our staycation agenda includes: see The Hobbit, eat the rest of Jim's split pea soup, ring in the New Year with friends, watch our our friend's doggie, host our wonderful friends from Seattle next weekend and their dog, celebrate my 32nd rotation around the sun with food and a bowling party, and start to get clean out our belongings. 

Marathon Training Week 1

First week: almost done.  Seventeen more to go.  This morning was my first long run: 7 miles.  The good news is that it felt great.  An hour before my run I ate a half of a whole wheat English Muffin with peanut butter and drank a half a cup of coffee.  Once a run exceeds an hour it's not a smart decision to do it on an empty stomach.  Seven miles took me exactly an hour and ten minutes, which is a ten minute mile.  I've decided that I will not wear my watch the day of the run.  I'm trying to take a Buddhist attitude about my time.  Or a Beach Boys attitude.  (You get there faster if you take it slow.)  After the run I ate the other half of the English Muffin with peanut butter and honey.  As the runs get longer, I'll start using a gel pack about an hour into the run.
In more exciting news: Staycation is upon us!!

Merry Christmas!

 Check out my new Florida hoodie from a sweet guy!  I have wanted a zip up one for awhile and my wish was granted.  PS I do not blow dry my hair on holidays at home.  I also wear leggings (not pictured.)

I made Jim and I matching stockings!  I took a class at a local fabric store and loved the vintage fabric they had there.  I was pretty impressed with myself.  (If I do say so.)

We are wrapping up a lovely Christmas at the Manor.  Yesterday started day 1 of my 18 week marathon training.  (Yikes.)  It actually started very easy, with a 3 mile run.  I woke up early and did it on the treadmill on our apartment complex workout room.  Luckily I've been trying to around 45-60 minutes of cardio lately, so it was an easy start. 

After work, Jim swooped me and we had a Christmas Eve beer at 16 Tons, one of our favorite local watering holes.  We then came home and made BBQ shrimp and I fell asleep on the couch.  This morning we woke up and opened all of our presents (thank you everyone!) and I put a strata in that I'd made last night.  (Pancetta, onion, and fontina cheese.) 

We've been taking it easy all day, talking to friends and family and relaxing.  Right now I have a ham and cheesy potatoes in the oven.  I also made a sweet potato mash with chipotle powder, cumin, and cinnamon.  Back to work tomorrow and then only three work days until Staycation 2013.

As usual, the best present is my wonderful family and friends.  I hope you have a happy healthy holiday and are getting ready for a great 2013! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Holiday

We are in full holiday spirit at Zika/ DiVerde Manor.  My wonderful hubby picked me up for lunch today with a doggie in reindeer antlers in the backseat, holiday music playing, and a peppermint mocha in hand.  Right now he is making me holiday nachos (that's a thing, right?) and we are getting ready to watch National Lampoon Christmas Vacation.  I have to work a normal day on Monday, but have Tuesday off.  During which I will prepare a feast fit for ten for two.  Happy Holidays!

Christmas

Marathon 2013

It's official; I have registered for the Eugene 2013 Marathon!  If something out of the ordinary happens, I will run the half marathon again, but the goal is the FULL marathon.  26.2 miles.  Training starts on January 1st.  I need to stock up on running clothes, almonds, greek yogurt, and cushiony socks.  The race is the last Sunday of April.  I do not have a time goal; my goal is to run the whole time at a safe pace and finish.  Also, did you know Runner's World recently named the Eugene Marathon one of the best in the country?

Beef and Tempeh

As most of you know, I fancy myself a lover of all good foods.  I finally tried Ina's Beef Bourguignon.  What has been taking me so long??  It was amazing!  I did not include the Cognac (we are the 47%) or the frozen onions.  It was still wonderful.  Make it.  Make it now.
The next night, I made Heidi Swanson's Orange Glazed Tempeh.  I really enjoyed it.  I love tempeh in general.  A much lighter recipe after the beef adventure. 
You should all meet Holiday Jim.  He's filled his social calendar to the max.  No law school for one month.  Woot!  But plenty of work, as always. 
Also, I am still trying to figure out how to add pictures to the blog.  I deleted some old ones, but it seems they are still out there in the blogosphere.  Blech.
In more exciting news, I am definitely signing up for the half marathon again in 2013 and potentially the full marathon.  (Yikes??) 
And finally, we are taking a staycation week the first week of January.  On January 1st I will be given 88 hours from my company that will need to be used or lost in 2013, so why not stay home.  And try to find my zen. 

Portlandia

Things you may overhear in Portland, Oregon:

"I was in an improv show where every time we heard something funny, we yelled SURREALISM!"

"Some guy wants to pay me to do a portrait, but he doesn't have a phone, so I have to mail him a postcard."

"I went to a home birth today.  I missed the baby by three minutes but saw the placenta."

"Did you take care of that thing you had to do down in California?"  (By thing, he obviously meant drug deal or kill a man.)

My girlfriend and I had an overnight adventure in Portland.  If you've ever seen Portlandia, it's pretty spot on.  Nothing but hipsters.  We actually shopped at every corporate chain possible (first stop Whole Foods) and ate at her sister's restaurant. 

Legal Beagle updates: bowling championship tonight!  And one and only final on Wednesday.  Yay!

What Should You Do When Your Husband Is Out of Town?

-Stay home from Book Club just because you don't want your dog to be alone.  And to have your own alone time.  And make a cheeseburger.  (Officially crazy dog lady.)
-Take your LS to see the last Twilight movie at her step mom's insistence.   Realize it's not only inappropriate for a 12 year old, it's also one of the worst movies ever made.
-Invite your friend over to bake, eat Thai take out, and spritz away a few bottles of wine. 
-Disinfect every surface of your kitchen with vinegar. 
-Craft until your dog runs laps around your apartment with a slipper in his mouth, trying to get you to play, then play with him only reinforcing his bad behavior.
-Experiment with plant based protein recipes.

Give Brussel Sprouts a Chance

Tonight, I gave Brussels sprouts a chance.  I don't think I've ever cooked them by choice.  Ever.  I made Heidi Swanson's Caramelized Tofu and it was really tasty.  If you haven't checked out her recipes, she makes some great things.  I've checked out her cookbook at the library and loved it.  She combines ingredients that I would never think of, such as tofu, pecans, garlic, Brussels sprouts, and cilantro.  Maybe one day my husband will give the sprouts a chance.  They actually weren't that offensive in this dish, as they only cook a few minutes.  (I heard someone on NPR, I want to say Alton Brown, say that Brussels sprouts release their offensive gases when they are cooked for longer than five minutes.  Science.)  (Footnote: did you know you put an 's' on the end of Brussels sprouts?)
Speaking of my husband, he has safely made his way to the Windy City.  It's puppers and I until next Wednesday.  Don't tell Jim, but I'm going to use the drip coffee maker tomorrow.  No French Press.  And I may actually grind the beans tonight.  Gasp! 

Yikes!

Yikes!  I just received a message that I've reached my photo quota for my blog!  I didn't know there was a limit.  Readers: photos are on pause while I figure this out.  Cray-cray.
In the meantime, you should make this slow cooker pepper steak. 

Gobble, Gobble

Are you jealous of my turkey hat?  Yes, I ran 4 miles in it.  Yes, it's from the Dollar Spot at Target.  Yes, it's made for children.  And I was a hit.  (My friend actually bought it for me and wore one herself.)  Jim and I and another couple ran in the Turkey Trot this morning.  (My third year!)  As this is my blog, I will brag and tell you I ran an 8:23 mile and finished 9th in my age group (out of 77). 
Today we enjoyed a nice day together, including a long walk with Trooper and Friendsgiving.  I ate more than I should have and giggled a lot, so all in all, a good evening.  Oh, and I wanted to share this dairy free dish: spicy sweet potato au gratin.  (I omitted the blue potatoes.)  Okay, I have to retired now for my long day at work tomorrow. 
Don't forget shop at your local businesses on Saturday!  Small Business Saturday is a great way to support your fave local places!

Lady and the Dog

It was just Trooper and I last night, as Jim had to go to Bend for his job.  He's been preparing for a practice trial for awhile which was yesterday morning.  On Wednesday night, I think he got home at 11pm and biked pack to school at 7:30 the next morning.  If the Legal Beagle is anything, he's a hard worker.  He doesn't know it yet, but he has homemade chocolate chip cookies, chili for dinner, and cold beer all waiting for him this evening.  (Note: I've been adding one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon to my chili.  It makes it have a bit of a mole taste.) 
Ugh, I just heard the weatherman say that tomorrow for "several hours we could get pounded for showers." 
I forgot to blog that I will be touring the great state of Florida from March 23- 30 and can't wait.  Sunshine state, here I come.  (In four months.) 

Domestics and Such

 Fun with Instagram!  I love when Trooper sleeps with his head on a pillow like a little person.  I wonder if the first time he saw a person sleep like that he thought, "I've been sleeping like an animal!" 

Here's a little glimpse of what the fall/ winter/ spring looks like in the Pacific Northwest.  (In front of the U of O law school at 4pm.)

We had a lovely weekend.  Between rain drops I was able to get in two outside runs and took TZ to the dog park twice.  I slept 10 hours two nights in a row (amazingly wonderful) and took my LS to indoor mini golf (such a great idea for Oregon.) 

I am now going to brag about myself: I was a domestic diva to the max today.  This morning I made us pumpkin pancakes (you seriously need to go to Trader Joe's and buy their pumpkin pancake mix) and bacon.  This afternoon my girlfriend and I took a sewing class at my fav fabric store, Piece by Piece.  And when I came home this evening I whipped up some Pioneer Woman Spicy Drip Beef for dinner, banana bread, and white bean soup (note the crisped prosciutto...) for dinner tomorrow.  And it's about time for me to settle in with a glass of wine to watch 60 Minutes with my dog.  

(I wonder if anyone reading my blog thinks I'm 65.  I'm 31, I swear!)

We Did It!

I always had your back, Barry.

How Do You Feed A Hungry Law Student?

 Here's your Halloween dose of cute.  You're welcome.  (Hi, Jim's face!)

What do you pack in a hungry law student's lunch box?  Meatloaf sandwich on ciabatta, homemade mac n cheese, Trader Joe's peanut butter crackers, Trader Joe's jalapeno cheese puffs, an apple, a homemade granola bar, and an apple bar.  (In all fairness, Jim was at school for 12 hours that day.)  I included a post-it that said, "Do you have worms?"  (Freaks and Geeks.)

Autumn

 I made one of the best Costco purchases ever last weekend: a Sherpa blanket.  It was only $17 and has already resulted in a LOT of puppy cuddles.  I also bought Trooper a new dog bed last weekend and a new bone yesterday.  Do I spoil him?  Maybe. 

The leaves have been beautiful and it's feeling fall-like.  In the Pacific Northwest, this means rain and rain and rain.  Which means cuddling with the above mentioned Sherpa blanket. 

We had a fun weekend.  We had an impromptu beer and wings triple date on Friday night.  And if you don't know, my lovely friend and I wake up early every Saturday, run, and then eat potato donuts at the Farmer's Market.  It's an ongoing date.  JMD went to the football game with a group he's been mentoring with (Dog Tags to Ducks) and I took my LS out to the movies.  And then we chillaxed together.  And I slept 11 hours last night.  So lovely.  This morning I made pumpkin pancakes, volunteered at the museum, and just whipped up meatloaf, homemade mac n cheese, and apple bars.  Oh, and the Legal Beagle's bowling team is #1 in his league.  He's feeling pretty darn content with himself these days.  (He should.)

Don't forget to vote!  Oregon is a vote by mail only state so we have to get ours out soon.  I'm sure you all know who to vote for.  (That is if you care about women, the elderly, minorities, and/ or the lower and middle class.) 

Holidays

Isn't it crazy that we are already thinking about the holidays? 
Due to the realities of adult life, the Zika/ DiVerde household will be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas in beautiful Eugene, Oregon.  (Would you like to come visit us??  We have a guest bed!)  In better news, JMD will be heading east soon for a short visit and will act as an ambassador for our family.  (I'll prepare the oxen.)
The rainy season seems to have started.  Someone asked me how I deal with it.  I said I follow this daily pattern: drink a lot of coffee, go to work, work out, then drink a lot of wine.  Repeat.  Not a bad system, really. 
Otherwise, life is going smoothly.  Trooper seems to be itch free for now.  Jim is going to the football game tomorrow with a veteran's group he volunteers with.  I continue to mentor on Saturdays and volunteer as a museum guide on Sundays. 
Okay, I'm going to let you go so you can purchase your plane ticket to Eugene. 

Patch

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch!

Friday night was a successful Book Club.  We had 12 women attend, including a lot of new faces.  My inner nerd printed out questions about the book and the discussion lasted quite awhile.  I served this white bean and turkey chili and white bean dip.  I think both were a success.   I will keep you posted on our next book.

I have a bad (and good) habit of filling my weekends to the max.  On Saturday, I went to yoga, the farmer's market, the grocery store, mentored, and took Trooper to the dog park, and finally sat down at 7pm.  I have a really hard time sitting on the couch on the weekends and watching tv.  That's just the way I am. 

Mentoring continues to be a good challenge.  I took my LS to the corn maze and pumpkin patch and I think she had fun.  She and her life are just a roller coaster.  It makes me very thankful for my clean home and drama-free life.  It's hard to believe we have been paired together for almost two years!

This morning I ran in the Race for the Cure.  My friend and I ran the 8k option (about 4 miles) and we finished in 43 minutes.  Another cold and rainy Race!  But it was worth it.  Afterwards, my lovely husband took me to breakfast at Studio One Cafe, where I dined on Crab Cakes Benedict. 

And now I have a pot roast and sweet potatoes in the oven and will enjoy a quiet night with my doggie with the Legal Beagle goes bowling.  Then back to the coal mines tomorrow.  Sigh. 

Kale Chips

 Guys, I have a big midterm in Accounting for Lawyers tomorrow.  Wanna grab a beer at Remy's after?

I am officially about two steps away from fermenting my own kimchi.  I have started making kale chips!  I bought a bunch of kale at the farmer's market (organic, of course) and rip the leaves off of the stems.  Cover in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 350 for about ten minutes (until crisp but not burnt.)  Enjoy!

Think Pink!

It's that time of year again: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Although I was disappointed with last year's issue involving SGK planning to pull funding for Planned Parenthood (one of the most important organizations in our country), they seem to have worked that situation out (I hope.)  Breast cancer isn't going away, so it's time to raise funds!  If you'd like to donate to my run (8k this year!) click here to donate.  Thank you and let's hope for a dry race day this year!

Candy Corn

 I love Halloween decor!  I made this table cloth myself.  I bought 1.5 yards of material and hemmed the edges.  It was a perfect fit for our small rectangular table.  And the lovely candy corn dish is a glass dish that was made by one of our loved relatives.  It fits perfectly! 

We are dog sitting Oliver this weekend.  He's such a good boy and Trooper loves having him here (except when Trooper has only child syndrome).  It's nice since it's the first rainy (wah) days of the year; they can play inside all day.  (Rainy days get Trooper Z down.)

I'll leave you with a recipe recommendation.  Make this coconut curried shrimp!  I used spicy curry powder and it was awesome.  And healthy.  Enjoy!

Farm to Table Tour

 I have a not so secret dream to live on a farm.  One with goats, cows, and sheep.  And 100 Trooper-like dogs.  I'd also never have to wake up early, do much manual labor, and live a few miles from the Gap and Anthropologie.  And said farm would be very profitable.  I don't think that's too much to ask. 

 Learning to use my new camera/ being artsy. 

 Pretend law student. 

 Flashbacks of Jim's days on the game farm. 

It's so autumnal and lovely these days!  The rains haven't started yet, the leaves are changing, and the air is crisp.  Confession: yesterday I had pumpkin spice pancakes for breakfast (you must go buy the Trader Joe's mix right now), a pumpkin spice latte, and I made pumpkin cookies last night.  I've got a problem. 

And I'll end with good news: 3L Jim is pretty fun!  Ask him about his bowling league.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was our favorite guy's birthday!  He woke up to this fun set up on Monday morning.  We actually did a little bit (lot bit?) of celebrating all weekend long.  Bier Stein on Friday, my crazy bike ride and dinner at home on Saturday, Off the Waffle and a long walk with Trooper followed by a nice dinner at home on Sunday, and another good dinner at home on Monday (although Jim had class until 7:30pm.)
This Friday we are going on a fun field trip: a farm to table tour with one of Jim's clubs at school.  I'm pretty excited, and luckily my refurbished camera should be here by then!
(Also, if you are wondering how to make the fun birthday banner pictured above, it's here!) 

Cycle the Lakes

Today my friend and I participated in Cycle the Lakes, a bike ride around Dorena Lake in Cottage Grove. 
Wow, what a funny experience!
We signed up for the 26 mile distance as it was the shortest.  (You could also do 50 or 100 miles.  In retrospect, I think we did the 100 miles.)  Last night, we went out to the Bier Stein to celebrate Jim's birthday, but I headed in early as we had a 6:15am wake up call.  It was still an early Saturday. 
The ridiculousness began at 6:45 when we tried to get my bike into the car.  I've never learned how to remove the front tire, but after a half hour of craziness, we figured it out.  (Girl power.) 
Cottage Grove is about a half hour away, and you could start the ride any time between 7am and 10am.  We'd thought we'd start at 7:15, but by the time we got started it was actually 8:15.  And then we got lost.  Multiple times.  All we were given was a poorly made map.  Our cell phones didn't get service.  We only encountered about 5 other bikers in the first few hours of the ride.  All the while, I was worried I'd attached my front tire incorrectly and that it'd fly off. 
The scenery was really pretty.  We saw a lot of live stock, but we were in the deep country, so I was worried that if I took pictures someone would appear with a rifle.  (No alpaca pictures.  Sorry.) 
We repeatedly had to turn around.  We laughed so hard we were crying.  And after about 3 hours and 15 minutes, we finished.  (We'd been assuming that 26 miles would take us no longer than 2 hours.)  And at the end, we realized our entry fee must have been put towards a mile of American flags, not directional signs along the course. 
But we did it.  I'm in desperate need of yoga.  And a bath. 

Possessions

Look at that angel.  This poor pup is itchy again and has a hot spot on his little dog forehead.  Poor guy.  If you didn't know, I have a lot of love for this little animal.  As I've said, he's basically my spiritual leader.  He could be the next leader-in-exile of a certain formerly recognized country that I won't name.  (No need to be flagged by China.) 
And so you will be stuck with iPhone pics for a short while (hence Instagram above) because I dropped my beloved digital camera at the football game (triple wah) and the diagnosis is that it would be cheaper to buy a new one than to fix it.  Jim gave that wonderful camera to me for Christmas in 2009 and it was still working like a charm.  I had a total two day long pity party about that one.  But, alas, there is a solution: manufacturer refurbished cameras on ebay.  I am trying to remind myself that it's only a material possession.  What would my spiritual leader do?  (Take a nap.)  So hopefully soon I'll be back to being a (refurbished) photog. 
In the meantime, we can all look forward to the Legal Beagle entering his 32nd year!  I've cleared my entire weekend (except for a 25 mile bike ride on Saturday morning) to spend with him and the dog.  We'll keep you updated on our birthday festivities!

Books and Such

I am excited to say I'll be hosting October's Book Club!  I was unable to attend the last BC (in August) and did not read the book.  (Fifty Shades of Grey.  I guess I am a bit of a prude.)  I picked a book for October that I have read before: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.  I am really enjoying reading it again.  It is a really interesting, well written book that reads quickly.  The style can take a little getting used to.  There is also a lot of Spanish, so I just try to pick up on context and plug ahead.  I'm looking forward to checking out Diaz's new book, which features characters from this book.
I am also excited to host a fall themed party.  I bought Halloween fabric to make a fall table cloth at the fabric store and already have a few fall candles out.  I'm imagining a pumpkin themed tablescape. 

Christmas

Christmas!  What?!  Yep, Christmas crafting has already started.  Yikes!  And inevitably, around mid-December I will have thought, I should have started earlier.
The Legal Beagle and I would like all of our dear friends and family to know that every year we are spoiled to the MAX!!  We are so lucky and thankful for everyone and really have so many awesome belongings.  So this year we are hoping you could just give us the gift of love and maybe one of the following:
Donate to a charity.  Jim is a big supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project and I am a big supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lane County and any local Humane Society or doggie rescue. 
Make a handmade gift.  I know you are all creative and artsy. 
Buy a small locally made gift or something from a small, local business.  Support local!
Or vote for Obama.
Subliminal messages aside, we are for real.  Plus we already will have a huge amount of stuff to load up in a U-Haul in 9 months. 

Last Days of Summer

Generally, I don't partake in sports that involve balls.  However, I do enjoy the excitement involved in a good college football game.  Once upon a time I was a Gator (13 years ago?!) and now I'm married to a Duck, so why not walk across the street and hang out with friends. 
Looking at this picture reminds me that you should all Instagram.  If you don't have that App for your smart phone, you should get it.  And befriend me.  It's a pretty fun photo based social media app.  I took the above pic with it.  Do it.
As the days are getting cooler and shorter, I am happy to welcome back autumnal cooking.  For dinner tonight, I made Pioneer Woman Spicy Drip Beef Sandwiches.  These are kind of like a distant cousin of the Italian beef.  And for a treat: apple streusel bars.  I've already tried a bite and they are pretty darn lovely.  And for one of this week's snacks: pumpkin spice granola bars. 
Okay, dear friends, I hope you are all welcoming the changing seasons with something fall themed.  You can expect more of that from this blogger. 

Crater Lake

 We spent our Labor Day at Crater Lake!  It's a National Park that is about a 2.5 hour drive from Eugene.  (Unless you hit traffic on the way home.  Sigh.)  We've been wanting to go for awhile and today we did it before life passed us by!  It was a bit hazy from the recent fires, but it was still gorgeous. 

 Trooper was so excited to get there. 

 The lake was formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago.  After it imploded, the caldera filled with water.  It is the clearest lake in North America.  That island, Wizard Island, is also a volcano.  (Dormant, we hope.)

 This picture cracks us up.  I guess he was squinting because of the sun. 

What a nut!!

Coconut Cake

One of my favorite Eugene friends celebrated her birthday this weekend so I celebrated by making her Ina's coconut cake.  It was a hit, if I do say so!  The only changed I made is that I didn't use sweetened coconut.  For the batter, I used small unsweetened flakes and for the frosting, I bought large unsweetened flakes in the bulk section and toasted them in the oven.  Voila!
I would also like to follow up on my snarky (snobby?) margarita comment from the other day.  My husband said I may have "alienated" some of my readers with that comment.  I apologize for sounding like the Mitt Romney of mixed drinks.  I actually approve of the Skinny Girl line of premixed drinks and if everyone is free to drink whatever they like! 

We Survived!

....the first week!

We are all still alive.  The first week was a bit of an adjustment for all three of us.  But here we are on Friday evening.  We are hoping next week is a little easier as we all adjust to the schedule.
I wanted to share a few lovely recipes with my readers.  Last night we enjoyed Rachael Ray's Corn and Crab Chowder Pot Pies for dinner.  They are a partial make ahead meal and really tasty.  And if you live near a Trader Joe's, you can buy canned crab there for $2.99. 
Last Saturday we made these amazing Tyler Florence fajitas on the grill and Ina's basic margaritas.  It made me once again ask the question, Why do people buy premixed margaritas?  (As my dear friend said, because they are peasants.)
The Zika/ DiVerde pair is lucky enough to have a full dance card for their Labor Day weekend.  I kicked it off by leaving work early and going to Hardcore Yoga, which is an amazing way to start a weekend.  (Detoxify to retoxify; we are going out for a few drinks this evening.)  Tomorrow is jogging/ market/ mentoring line up as usual and then we are going to the first Ducks football game of the season.  (All a part of the Legal Beagle's plan to be more normal this year!  Good work, LB!)  On Sunday we have a birthday festivity for a friend and on Monday we've decided to be crazy and drive to Crater Lake for the day.  It is a 2.5 hour drive and supposed to be amazing.  We had the crazy realization that if we don't go this weekend, when will we??  So let's load up the dog and go!    

Last First Day Ever. (We Hope.)

 Trooper takes his job very seriously.  You better watch it, squirrel. 

 I bought these zinnias at the market for $2.50.  Next time I'll tell you about the new farmer's market I know attend on Saturdays. 

Guerrilla shot!!  I had to take a picture of Jim's last first day of school.  (Unless he takes up medical school next.)  He wouldn't allow a picture, so take that!  (He really was wearing a dress shirt for actual school/ work.)  Jim's goal for the year: "be more normal."  (Was last year's goal "be a crazy law student?"  Achieved!)  I love that guy!

So Happy Its Thursday

I forgot to post this picture from a tide pool in Seaside that my friend and I saw on our morning jog.  Can you find the starfish?

Remember a few weeks ago when Asian Fusion Jim was around?  He's back tonight!  He's making Asian Noodles with Roast Pork.  This is another one of those recipes that involves a lot of Asian supermarket ingredients.  (You don't have black bean garlic paste in your pantry?)  I'm pretty excited.

We are experiencing the most beautiful weather this week.  High 70s, sunny, no rain.  Trooper Zika loves it.  We love it.  I'm assuming this will last for four more months.  Or it will start monsooning soon.  Either one.

Adventures by the Sea

Seaside, Oregon was a lovely weekend getaway.  We left after work on Friday evening.  It was about a three hour drive, almost to the Washington coast.  Trooper Z went to the boarders for a puppy spa weekend (and so mom and dad could have fun and not worry about him.)  A few of our friends were already at the hotel when we arrived, so we all went next door to the Bigfoot Saloon.  (That was seriously its name.)  I was lucky enough to have two girlfriends jog with me on Saturday and Sunday along the coast.  On Saturday we walked around, saw the ocean, visited a Living History Exhibit, and went to the wedding.  If you thought our wedding was progressive, you should have been to this one.  It was a great party: potluck, kegs, bonfire on the beach, dogs running around, etc.  We always love a good wedding.  Sadly, no dance floor, so we couldn't break out our awesome dance moves.  (Next time.)  On Sunday, we drove up to Astoria and headed home. 
Trooper Z came home this morning and we are happy to be a part of the dog pack again.  One week until law school resumes.  (Wah.)  We also begin the great job search of 2012/2013 for the Legal Beagle.  Should be another interesting year!

Dog Days

 This morning we went on a walk along the river.  These paths are within walking distance of our apartment. 

Pre's Trail is a series of bark paths throughout Eugene, named after Steve Prefontaine.  Summer is very dry in Eugene and we are now getting the few hot days (95 today) that come in the late summer. 

Tonight I made a pretty nice corn and bacon pasta.  If you are lucky enough to have some good sweet corn out this summer, this is a tasty recipe.  Jim said it was like a mix of creamed corn, pasta, and bacon, and I thought it tasted like a corn carbonara.  (The blogger wrote that a little goes a long way; she is not feeding JMD.)