Embroidery

I finished a pillow for my niece, Zelia, who is turning 2 this August. I used a pattern from a book at the library. I look forward to embroidering and sewing more once we are in Eugene.

Brew Master

Today I helped Jim in his last step of beer making: bottling. You have to make sure that all of the bottles are sanitized before you pore the beer in. He's making an India Pale Ale and about four dozen 12 oz and 22 oz bottles. When he bottled it, he added sugar so the yeast would take it in and expire carbon dioxide, resulting in carbonated beer. Biology in action!

Geneva 5K This Wed, Jul 28

http://www.foxrivertrailrunners.org/Viking_Summer_Sunset.html

A pleasant Sunday

This morning Jim and I took a lovely bike ride. We stopped for a coffee at the Arcedium , then we rode to St. Charles and bought some bread at the Breadsmith. We headed back along the Fox River and dropped off my last Geneva Public Library book. Then we went to the Geneva French Market, where I bought some herbs, veggies, and fruit. I bought some great looking nectarines! The stand I like the most is out of Michigan, which may slightly defeat the purpose of buying "local." However, they said they only drive 3 hours to get to our market, and it is better than buying all California produce. I also found some fresh mozzarella that I am going to use for paninis. I've read making your own mozzarella isn't too hard. I might try this once we're settled in our new apartment. It was a nice bike ride, except for Jim getting a flat tire on the way home. Luckily we weren't too far away. I just took Trooper for a long walk, and when Jim gets home I'm going to help him bottle his home brewed beer. Tonight he's making me Ina's chicken piccata. It's always a hit! Here's a link to the recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/chicken-piccata-recipe/index.html

Banana Bread

On Thursday evening, I made a really great banana bread. I think it's an Ina Garten recipe, but I'm not positive, as it's not clearly stated. I sprinkled the top with extra sugar before I baked it to make a good crust.
Here's the link to the recipe. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/banana-bread-recipe/index.html
I also added walnuts!

Our doggie

I love our dog, Trooper. He is the best doggie in the whole world. Here we are enjoying the summer flowers at Peck Road Farm in Geneva, IL.

Oregon Trail

On August 7, my husband, Jim, and I are starting a new adventure. We are leaving our apartment in Geneva, Illinois and moving across the country to Eugene, Oregon. Jim is starting law school there and I am looking for a job. Joining us is our trusty canine companion, Trooper.