Walking on Eggshells

 

Broiled salmon with sautéed kale and garlic-y white beans

 

Evidently, it has been so long since I've cooked real food that everyone here thinks something is wrong with me.  Which means everyone is being nice.  Which means I might just let them think there is.  Even though everyone knows if I was really upset I'd be baking chocolate chip cookies.  Duh.

Ryan said "We should eat stuff like this more often." 

"Yeah...we should."

Maybe we will.  I'm craving the simplicity of times past.  Including 15 minute dinners made out of actual food.

Spring Break 2014

Pictures for my Gram.  I intended to post incrementally by the day, but internet access there was spotty.  The other thing is I didn't take as many of and the kinds of pictures I thought I would.  I forgot about that, or something.  Anyway...

Sevierville, Tennessee

Home of Dolly Parton

Nashville

 Out in the middle of nowhere, somewhere.



 You know I make us visit roadside attractions; I find them interesting. 

Bush's Bean Factory

 

 Gatlinburg

Ripley's Aquarium

 

 Dollywood

I think it's cool there is a working church at Dollywood.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Grotto Falls

 

 

1.  It was a good day.

 

 

2.  It's really strange to be somewhere that is completely covered with pollen and I'm o.k.-ish.  My eyes are black, but that's it.  I'll take it.

 

 

3.  Totally out of shape.  The hike was only 1.5 miles.  Up a mountain.  I lived, but barely.

 

 

4.  Somewhere, there were bears.

Stir Crazy

It hasn't been the best winter for getting out and doing anything.  It's either too cold, too snowy or we are busy with other stuff.  We had to get out this weekend.  Just had to.  For air and socialization and whatnot.

 

We went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.  First, because the dinosaur exhibit is going to close next month and won't reopen for five years.  Second, because Jac is working on his oceanography merit badge and there is a great exhibit there for that.



 

 Obligatory metro shot.  I guess he's entering the age where getting pictures will be a challenge.

 

"When Ryan was still taller than the kids"

There she is...in all her glory. 

An elephant, obviously.

 

I believe I already  mentioned something about trying to take pictures.  

 

The sun was setting by the time we were done.  I was reminded I like to just walk around in D.C., but never do it.  I must do it.  Soon.

 

 

Snow Day

 

18".  In other places we've lived...no big deal.  Here?  Everything is at a standstill.

 



Reboot

Collard, Kale, cucumber, lemon, apple, celery

Day #1 (for me, it's #2 for Ryan)

1.  We are opposites in every way.  He actually enjoys this.  He looks forward to it.  Me, I only look forward to the idea of it.  The actual doing it is a whole other story.  Regardless, it needs to be done.  For a variety of reasons.

2.  If you come near him, he will try to convert you.  He will tell you how great it tastes.  He'll be convincing.  Convincing enough you will take a taste.

3.  Whatever you are imagining the above might taste like, you are probably correct.  I just announced I might have to cut it with some water.  He just announced he was ready for a second glass.  Opposites, I tell you.

4.  I've done this before.  It's been a long time, though.  Also, I didn't do it right.  I'm just not that adventurous with juicing and stick to a handful of ingredients.  I put him in charge of the juice this time.  That's significant for me.  For a variety of reasons.  I did stipulate "no leeks or jalapenos".

5.  I will try and force myself to love (or at least be somewhere near like) coconut water. 

6.  I will feel really awesome in approximately 6 days.  And I'll have more energy than I know what to do with.  And I'll sleep like a baby and wake up clear and alert.  Maybe, my back will even stop hurting.  All of that is worth the pain of collard green juice.  (Ryan tells me I will grow to love it.  Maybe that will happen, too.)

Ice Garden

I could do without the tree on the roof, but once I got past that....woah...so beautiful out there.