The Sweetest Fiance

I have the sweetest fiance on the planet. Our apartment has been a disaster zone from our packing and moving/not moving situation. I got home from work today, and Blake had cleaned out all of the boxes. He rented out a larger storage unit, moved all of our stuff from the old storage unit into the new storage unit, and took four truckloads of stuff out of our apartment into our new and improved storage space. Not only that, but there are two dozen roses sitting on our dining room table. The apartment is clean and the laundry is done. AND... he's taking me out to dinner tonight. Isn't he the sweetest? And, I must say that I am the luckiest woman on the planet.

Home Sweet...what the??

The last couple of days have been interesting, to say the least. To spare you the long and somewhat painful story, it comes down to the fact that our builder made some changes to our well and septic. He got approval through the state, and thought he got the proper approval from the town, but apparently not. So, the town of Fairfax is not going to let us off easy, they are going to make us jump through hoops. This means that we will not be able to move into our house this weekend. We won't be able to move in until probably mid-May. This is a huge bummer because we have been waiting since January. Our lease is up on our apartment April 13th. So, we're thinking we are pretty much homeless for a month, and going to have to find a nice shack to live in. Blake called our landlord to see if there's any way we can stay longer (thinking of course we won't be able to, but it doesn't hurt to ask, because we're totally desperate) Apparently the people who are planning to move in to the apartment can't move in until mid-May. NO WAY!! How lucky is THAT? So, all is well in Bolt-Endeville. What a relief!!

The Boy With The Incredible Brain

Full documentary about Daniel Tammet, an autistic savant who has been diagnosed with synesthesia, where his brain interprets numbers as shapes. This ability allows him to do complex mathematical computations in his head, like solving pi to the 22,500 decimal point. He's also adept at languages speaking more than nine, and able to learn a new one within one week. Though others have similar abilities, what sets Daniel apart is that unlike most autistic savants he does not seem to suffer from disabilities common among other autistic people.

This documentary lasts approximately 45 minutes, but it is rather fascinating.

http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/87632/The_Boy_With_The_Incredible_Brain.html

Rain, rain, go away...

I just need to vent for a moment....

Damn roofers!! The roofers have been here replacing our roof, so instead of a roof we have a bunch of tarps. Not only did we get a bunch of slate dust on the stuff we were storing in the attic, but, you can imagine what happens with a bunch of wind and a complete downpour of rain. We had a tiny bit of rain in our bathroom, but apparently the neighbors downstairs had quite a bit of water in their kitchen, since the rain traveled down a vent pipe. Apparently when it started pouring, the roofers were scrambling to get everything covered up, but didn't do a very good job. Blake got a call from the landlord asking what was up with the plumbing issue. Ummm... plumbing issue? You mean the fact that there's no roof on your house and it's pouring rain outside? These "roofers" are the same "painters" that were here last summer. Yes, that was a joy. Two months of sanding, grinding and the Violent Femmes blasting their way into our apartment. Not to mention the fact that all of our windows were covered in plastic for the majority of the summer. Oh yeah, and did I mention the squirrels that were living up in the attic over the winter? The roofers/painters/squirrel evictors tried to patch the squirrel entrance, but not even a day later they were back in again. Thankfully the squirrels didn't do too much damage to the stuff we were storing up there, but there was some. When Blake told the landlord about them, he didn't believe him at first. So, Blake took pictures of the squirrels running around up there, and I think that finally convinced him. I've remained quite calm through all of this... but I had a slight meltdown today and needed to get that off my chest. I am so glad we are almost out of here!!!

"Hey Guys, Don't Forget Me..."

I think Sheeba is concerned we may forget her. Nah, actually she doesn't seem concerned in the least. Let's see... after this move, Sheeba will have changed residence a total of 12 times. She has lived on the east coast, west coast, and a couple of places in between. She is a self-proclaimed moving expert, and will tolerate just about anything. Even being on the road for 5 days and staying in strange hotels. But, we sincerely hope this will be the last move that we have to endure. This moving business is for the birds! We met some new neighbors at the house today - who seem very nice. They gave us a little bit of a "scoop" on the neighborhood... like plowing info., and they also informed us that there is an area behind our house (I can't remember what he called it) but the deer like to hang out there to eat and sleep. Also, there are some old logging roads that you can hike on that lead to pretty cool views. There is a river not too far from where we live which may be nice for kayaking, or just taking a nice walk around. Ahhh...spring.

Moving Day

Well, we're closing in on moving day. This weekend we will be busy packing up boxes. Our actual move-in date is the 31st. Tomorrow we will be at the new house briefly while we wait for our appliances to be delivered, then back to packing.

I do have a small dilemma with moving out to the country. I'm not exactly sure what the fate of my blog will be, since our internet options are very limited. If we can't get high-speed (which we are not exactly sure of yet), then dial-up may be our only option for awhile. One of the companies that sets up satellite service is too overwhelmed to return phone calls right now. I don't know if you can even maintain a blog with dial-up. My posts will be few and far between if they take four days to upload! : ) So, I guess we will see what happens. Hopefully I can still blog, because I do really enjoy it. I will keep everyone posted.

Fajitas

We have made these tasty fajitas a part of our regular dinner rotation, so I thought I would share the recipe. This is a twist on a recipe from The Moosewood Collective. They are quite delicious. I would love it if anyone would like to share one of their favorite recipes as well.

1 cake firm tofu (16 ounces) (don't be scared)

1 zucchini

1 onion

1 red bell pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed

2 T olive oil

1 t salt and any of your favorite spices

Refried beans

Tortillas

Preheat the oven to 425.

Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch strips. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and slice the halves lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips, and cut the strips crosswise into 3-inch lengths. Cut the onion into 1/2-inch thick slices. Cut the pepper in half. Remove the seeds, and cut into 1/2-inch thick strips.

In a large bowl, lightly toss the tofu, zucchini, onions, and peppers with the garlic, oil, salt and spices. (I like to use Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt and Pepper, and Tony Chachere's Original Blend). Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and browned.

Warm the refried beans, place the desired amount of beans in your favorite tortilla followed by the fajita mixture and top with salsa and sour cream.

Tofu recommendations:

Small Planet Tofu http://www.smallplanettofu.com/

Soyboy bulk tofu http://www.soyboy.com/best.htm

Coeur d' Alene Wine Cellars

I can't seem to say enough good things about the wine produced by Coeur d' Alene Cellars. Before we left Idaho, Blake and I visited the winery and liked it so much we became wine club members. We have continued our membership since moving to Vermont, so every quarter we get a few bottles of delicious wine. My sister Debi, Blake and I also went to Barrel No. 6 where we enjoyed a bottle (or two?) with this really great variety of cheeses. Blake's favorite is the No. 6 Red and the Opulence. I really enjoy the 2004 Viognier. But, I don't think we've tried any of their wines and been disappointed. Make a visit to the winery and enjoy some samples of great wine!

Snow Angels

Well, just as we were getting all excited about Spring, we got hit with a nor'easter, which dumped a foot of snow on the Green Mountain State. We may get an additional 1-2 inches tonight, and there's a 40% chance of snow tomorrow. After all of this melts, we have to get through "mud season". Yes, there is actually a fifth season in Vermont called mud season. Mud season refers to the time when the snow begins to melt, and all of the dirt paths, roads and trails turn into a big old muddy mess. Hmmm... several roads leading to our new house are dirt roads. Apparently, this is common to the northeastern states. Who the hell decided moving to Vermont was a good idea? Only kidding. It's not perfect, but it sure is beautiful. You'll see why when we get some spring and summer photos posted.
I went to spinning class for the second time today. I learned that last week's instructor was a sub. Today I met Ken, who typically teaches the Saturday class, and is a huge bluegrass fan. Bonus for me, as I am also a huge bluegrass fan. So, today we got to spin to all kinds of bluegrass and some Tom Petty. It was really, really fun!! Ken's class is a bit more challenging, but I'll definitely be going back next week. After spinning class I was in a silly mood so I made some snow angels in our yard.
We stopped by the house today, and I posted a few more pictures on my photo link. Things are coming along nicely. Only a couple more weeks before we can move in.
Hope everyone is well, and enjoying the weekend!!

Key Lime Kitty

What do you do when:

1.) It's Superbowl Sunday.

2.) You have a large lime.

3.) You have a sharp knife.

4.) And, you have a very patient cat?

Spring Fever

It's 45 degrees outside and I've got a serious case of spring fever. One of the things I've really been looking forward to with our new house is planting a nice vegetable garden. I've never had one before, and I love to garden, so I have been busy reading about the do's and don'ts to creating a great vegetable garden. It seems that adding some nutrient-rich topsoil as well as some compost is of utmost importance. I am interested in doing some of my own composting, but will probably not start that until next year. It seems that raised beds are better because the soil warms quicker and it also provides better drainage. I've mapped out my garden with what I want to plant and where I think the best placement would be. I have read that you should plant your rows north-south, with the tallest plants at the north end to prevent shading other plants. I am counting on Blake to help me make a fence out of chicken wire to help keep the hungry animals out. I also need to come up with a plan to keep insect pests away. Any suggestions on what works well? If anyone has any gardening tips they would like to share, I would love to hear them.

My First Spinning Class

Since joining the gym, I have been interested in taking a spinning class, but shied away from it until I felt I was in a little better shape because I have heard how brutal these classes can be. I was feeling ready for a new challenge and something fun, so I went to the 8:30am class this morning. Feeling slightly nervous and not knowing what to expect, the instructor was very nice and helped me get my bike all set up. It was an awesome workout, with "jumps", "sprints" and adjusting your tension level "just a little more". I was feeling great the first half of the class... thinking to myself "bring it on, buddy..." Which quickly turned into "I am going to hurt like hell tomorrow..." for the second half. But, I had so much fun, I can't wait to go back next Saturday. If you are at all interested in trying a spinning class, I would highly recommend it. I only have 3 words of advice: padded bike shorts. : )

Break Out Your Thermals and Bun Warmers Kids...

Holy cow!! I may have complained a bit about how it was only 4 degrees here the other day. But that was nothing! Here's the latest forecast for Thursday night: "BY FRIDAY MORNING ... YOU CAN EXPECT MANY AREAS TO EXPERIENCE LOW TEMPERATURES IN THE 15 TO 25 BELOW RANGE. HOWEVER...AREAS IN THE NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS AND NORTHEAST VERMONT WILL SEE TEMPERATURES [note: "temperatures," not wind chills!] FALL AS LOW AS 25 TO 35 BELOW WITH LOCALIZED AREAS TO 40 BELOW."

Thankfully, my best friend Erika has come to my rescue. She has her own business and makes custom hats, gifts and accessories for active people. You can visit her online store at http://tribabe.com. She recently started making custom bun warmers, so I quickly put in my order for one. She just sent me an email to tell me that in addition to my new bun warmer, she sent me eight polartec fleece hats along with it. She even posted a picture of my new bun warmer at http://tribabe.blogspot.com/2007/03/survivalist.html Isn't she the sweetest?? I will be nice and warm despite this unbelievably freezing weather. Isn't it supposed to be spring or something??

Helloooo, My Bittersweet...

You probably noticed the link on the side of my page for chocolate at http://recchiuti.com I have to say that this is quite possibly the most delicious chocolate I have ever come across. I would not, by any means, consider myself any sort of chocolate expert. But, I have tried alot of different kinds, and alot of different brands. Some of them expensive, some inexpensive. This is the only chocolate I could actually see myself locked in a closet with - not willing to open the door and share with anyone. One time Blake and I ordered a box and actually cut each chocolate in half because neither one of us wanted to miss out on a single flavor. This chocolate is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it's so completely delicious. A curse because your ordinary average chocolate will never be the same. You absolutely must try it!!

Pretty Pink Drinks

I had been craving a martini for several weeks, and thought I would just get a nice, pretty pink one next time we were out and about. We've been dining at home quite a bit lately, so finally I decided I would just get the stuff to make my own martini's. Yesterday I bought vodka, juice, and some lemons and limes, then realized I don't have a martini shaker or a strainer. I don't even have any martini glasses! So, today I am off to buy some martini-making supplies. I think it would have been easier just going somewhere and ordering one, but what the heck. For a delicious Cosmopolitan martini of your own, you will need the following:

2 oz. vodka

1 oz. cranberry juice

1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

splash of Cointreau liquor

lemon twist

sugar for the rim of your glass

Yum!!

Feline Exploitation

When bored, is it wrong to give your cat a bunch of catnip just for the entertainment value? Sheeba sure doesn't seem to mind. In fact, I'm willing to bet that if you asked her, she's really enjoying herself.
I've pretty much completed all of my preparation to start school. But, I am going to be starting a little sooner than I originally anticipated, summer instead of fall. The classes I will be taking are part of the Dental Hygiene program, but if I can get them out of the way now, my life will be a whole lot easier next year. I will only be taking a couple of classes at a time, because grades are critical, and because I plan on working full time through these initial classes.
I am really looking forward to getting started. I have, as you know, put this on the back burner for quite some time. But, I have no regrets. I enjoyed what I was doing, and I learned so much these past 7 years, and was fortunate to work with some really great teachers/bosses/dentists. All of this knowledge will only help me with school as well as my career. I am also fortunate that I have a fiance that is extremely supportive of my decision to go back to school at this stage in our lives. So, here's to the next phase... I know it will be great!!

A Bit of Vegetarian Humor

Click on the cartoon to enlarge.