Another weekend over

With all the good weather this weekend Chris spent most of his free time out in the garage tinkering on his newest automotive project while I stayed inside and scrapbooked. I thought I had more photos, but apparently I only had photos from Christmas.
I sent a new batch of photos to Wal-Fart to go pick up, I just haven't made it to that side of town yet.

The neighborhood is bursting with color from all the plum and tulip trees in bloom right now thanks to weeks of fabulous weather.
There's a ton of pink and white plum trees lining our street. I love this time of year.

Last night during our trip to CholoMaxx we treated ourselves to a little Mexican dessert of Tres Leches cake. The tres leches being sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. I chose the chocolate cake over the vanilla because who wouldn't?
And don't worry Mom, every time we said it, we said it in French like that soap/candle person thought it was. Tre Lachey.

Tonight's dinner was a team effort with very little cursing and only one broken measuring cup in the process. We made a delicious Thai chicken curry. A creamy coconut/curry sauce with zucchini, red bell peppers, basil and chicken over a pile of jasmine rice.
The Canadian gobbled it right down and rubbed his Buddha belly in delight. I think that means it's a keeper.

Ginger's

Since we didn't get our grocery shopping done yesterday morning when Chris woke up at 4:30 am., dinner time rolled around with nothing but an empty fridge staring at us so we decided to go to Ginger's for dinner. Ginger's is a little Chinese Restaurant in the Almond Orchard (on the end opposite Round Table) that we both really like. We ordered a combo dinner for two and ended up being served enough food for a small army.Enough for dinner last night, lunch today and still more for lunch tomorrow. Dear Ginger's, you are so tasty!

Mennonite Magic

Yesterday I went in search of the legendary bakery and cafe run by Mennonites on the south side o' town. Armed with the least informative directions ever, I drove down Hegan lane (on the way to Durham) until I saw the sandwich board pointing the way. Two side streets later I was parked in front of Country Morning Bakery & Cafe, a very cute little cafe situated in an industrial park (UPS distribution center, Knudsen's distribution center, etc). When I went in I was greeted by the smell of fresh breads and baked delights. Next to their bakery counter was a stand up refrigeration unit that held all their pre-made casseroles which was the reason I made the trip. Pam had brought me two of their delicious casseroles while I was on medical leave and now I craved more. I found a chicken alfredo lasagna that sounded perfect for dinner. I bought the small size, like the ones Pam brought, because they're perfect for the two of us. And for $8.99 each, I think they're a great deal.
It was so creamy and rich. Excellent! While at the cafe, I couldn't possibly leave without one of their pastries, so I picked up a ginormous cinnamon roll for Chris and I to share for dessert with a little decaf. Mmmm....
I'd love to go there for a little Saturday morning breakfast one of these weekends. They have big round dining room style tables to sit at and there's a cute little fireplace in the corner. And you can see their prep area behind the bakery counter where numerous Mennonite women were running around making breads and meals dressed in their homemade dresses and little hair caps. I'll definitely be going back.

When Chris got home yesterday he immediately tore into the shipping box that had been delivered and greeted his new best friend.

He hasn't named it yet, but don't worry, he will. We name everything. I voted for 'tiny dancer', but he just rolled his eyeballs at me.

Today's weather is fabulous, following yesterday's rain storm. Right now it's 62 degrees and sunny. Tomorrow is rumored to be around 67 degrees. Chris is out in the garage working on Ratty, his chop-shop style motorcycle. I just hear a lot of grinding and welding going on. I think he should build the frame out of beer bottles, Lord knows we have enough. I'm spending my afternoon in my craft room finishing up my 2009 album. I'd printed a bunch of photos before my surgery with the thought that I'd be spending all my down time in there. But I was on crack, so I got nothing done. I'd really like to start 2010 quasi-caught up. Maybe have bragging rights over Jessica...??

Delicate and Lightweight

No, I'm not talking about Chris, I'm talking about the new toy that showed up at the front door today:
I'd bust it open and start making a mess of it, but I'm too busy baking peanut butter cookies right now.

Paradise, circa 1947

My co-worker, Kari, brought in an old Paradise Post from 1947 that her parents found in the wall of their house over by the hospital. It was hilarious to read the articles and see what constituted news back in the day. Things like who had company over and what they did, surprise baby showers, people going on vacation, and a bunch of stuff about Germany. I jut had to take some photos to share:An old ad from the Taylor's Meats store:
What a piece of history! I might actually still read the Post if they still had funny articles like these.

Tonight was bible study at Kari's house and while I drove down her driveway I was brought to a halt by a flock of about 20 wild turkeys running across the driveway. The closer I tried to get to them, the further away they shuffled. I just wanted them to sit pretty for a picture.
Kari hates the turkeys because they're loud gobblers, but this was my first time seeing them so I was all enthralled with them. They really are ugly though.

The highlight of the evening of course was bringing home the newest six pack of deliciousness that my Mom dropped off for the Canadian. She said the workers at the liquor store all know why she buys the beers and now ask how Chris liked the last bunch. I think this new batch has some real potential so stay tuned for some of the Canadian's hop-induced reviews.

Arts & Crafts

I remembered last night at the last minute that I was going to have Chris affix my 5-yr pin to my work name tag. So he ran out to the garage and worked his epoxy magic.
It's covering up the same image underneath, just one that had been poorly etched in white. So fancy. Now I'd better not change positions until I get my 10-yr pin!

Say Yes to the Pork

After a week full of warm, sunny weather we were awakened this morning to the sound of a sizable downpour. It was so noisy Chris thought it was windy. The rainy conditions kept us in the house for most of the morning. I showered and watched TV while Chris went out to tinker in his man cave. Once the rain subsided we hopped in Reginald, our loner Ford Ranger while Big Hank is at the mechanic, and headed out to run some errands. Our first stop was at the thrift store to pick up some more cheap dresses for work. I found two dresses for a whopping total of $7.77. After a quick swing by Kohl's and Cash & Carry we headed back home in time for a little Nationwide Nascar. The only other time we got up was to get Chris more beer and to make some dinner. I picked a recipe out of my new Rachael Ray magazine, Spaghetti Squash with Sausage and Greens.
Spicy sausage with wilted spinach and red pepper flakes on top of spaghetti squash seasoned with parmesan cheese and pepper. So easy and so tasty. The Canadian was in charge of the pork. It's such a delicacy around our house, there's no way he'd take a chance letting a girl prepare it.

Alright, it's time for some more Olympic magic, sponsored by the makers of spandex. Even though we already know the results of the Women's Super G thanks to the "helpful" sports ticker on ESPN while we were watching Nascar. Thumbs down to Olympic spoilers!