Saturday, January 30, 2010

ROAD TRIP!

It's hard to believe, but it has been almost two years since the last time Ky, Kona, and I went for what I would qualify as a road trip. Growing up in the middle seat of a minivan with a Dog, 3 siblings, 2 parents, and way more luggage than room taught me two things. 1. How to cram more crap in a small space than a clepto at a flea market. 2. How to deal with endless hours of boredom in Central California and Southern Arizona. After nearly a two year break, it's time to load up the SUV and head to the Southwest for some much needed sun and fun. The 23 hr, 1400 mile drive, will melt away in no time as it gets warmer and drier.


While the 10 day forecast is not perfect, even with a 30% chance of rain on our first full day down there, the average temp is going to be 15-20 degrees warmer with a lot fewer clouds.

For our drive down, Ky is ecstatic that we will be returning to Pea Soup Andersons, a truckstop/motel on the side of the road somewhere an hour South of Sacramento (for the last 86 years and counting). If you think I am being facetious about Ky looking forward to this, check out the photo from 2 years ago (sorry about the quality, camera phone).


Yep, a novelty head cut-out photo featuring the two "Mascots" of Split Pea Andersons; Pea-Wee and Hap-Pea. Kind of the Odd Couple of split pea soup. Since I was snapping the photo, I am not filling in the role of Hap-Pea in the photo.

Once in Tucson, Joel and Drew will be joining me for a daily bike ride and whatever shenanigans we can find.

We may visit a National Park, an underground cave system, head South of the border to Nogales Mexico, and if everyone behaves the world famous (I'm serious about world famous) Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. If there is time, we may even eat at the same Mexican restaurant (Mi Nidito) that President Clinton gorged himself at on a visit to The Old Pueblo. It's rumored that the tab was well over $100 ($8 for a burrito) for his meal alone, what is unclear, is who picked it up?

Ironically, in the 20ish years I lived in Tucson, I have only done one of those things on that list, I'll leave you to speculate as to what it is that I have done. At the end of each day we should be treated to a fabulous poolside sunset, even if we don't go in the pool.


Hasta La Vista, Baby!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

A Tradition!

Almost...For over a year now my Portland adaptive family of Drew, Joel, Matt, and I have been playing board games about once a month to make up for the fact that we no longer go "out drinking" anymore. The tradition actually started up as a monthly dinner club sans games but with a focus on rich foods and drinks, our waists and significant others deemed it unhealthy so we scaled back on the foods and added games. However, over time, the meals became more elaborate with each host trying to out do the previous host (without acknowledging it). Eventually game night became derailed once Drew offered up a surf and turf featuring lobster and fillet Mignon (just kidding, it was a rib eye).



Okay I am lying again, there was no surf & turf and it may not have even been Drew, but there was definitely an arms race of culinary superiority. I don't know who won, but our waist lines certainly suffered.

However, there is a happy ending, game night is back. This week we have included significant others as well as Dar, Kim, and Gregor, unfortunately Joel will not be available. Eight will be our largest game night yet, we look to play a game like Cranium or Trivial Pursuit.

Since Drew is hosting, he dealt out the assignments for the accouterments of the meal, I was told to bring a desert. So I present to you the last photo of a shot of espresso on this Blog (I promise) with the real desert strawberry shortcake.


However, since this was just a trial of the shortcake I baked, the strawberries and whip cream are missing. But don't you worry, they'll be there tomorrow.

Now that I have told you how great game night is, it is by the way, would you like to join us? We are now accepting applications for substitute players and cooks. Oh, and if you are good in the kitchen there is a point bonus on the application.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Smack Down!



There isn't anything I could say that Mr. Olbermann didn't (that would be worth saying).

Well Said!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Pulling Shots


Yes, I know, an off angle photo does not make it art. Unfortunately when I set this photo up I didn't take the time to make sure I got the subject mater on the vertical and horizontal axis, so we ended up with a set of espresso shots that look like they are falling off the edge of the earth. Or, at least what I think a couple of shots would look like if the world were flat and they were on their way over.

So now you ask, what is this "Pulling Shots" about? No, I haven't become a professional barista, even though I would probably enjoy that more than what I am doing right now, I have simply gotten my very first hobbyist espresso machine. Back in the day of Christmas 2005, I asked for an espresso machine from my parents for Christmas and in their infinite wisdom they got me your basic run of the mill Krups steam driven counter top machine. Basically a boiler that pushes hot water through a radiator and out into your espresso grounds. Good enough for making lattes and mochas. It's all I need or wanted and for a long time it sat on my counter top in my condo under utilized. It wasn't until recently that I took it to work with me and started up my newly discovered love of espresso. Quickly I discovered I can not make a decent Americano with a machine that produces no Crema. So I desired a new machine, asap.

Once again, my parents set me up with a timely Christmas gift, a new machine. This machine is a lot more sophisticated (and noisy), it uses a pump to create pressure to push the hot water through my grounds. Coupled with a quality coffee, I am able to pull a nice shot of espresso. So nice in fact, I am now just drinking 2 ounce espresso shots. Mmm Mmm Good!

If you've never had a plain shot of espresso, I highly recommend you come on over and I will set you up. Once you go pure espresso, I promise, you wont want to go back to Starbucks for your Triple Grande Caramel Mocha with Extra Whip. The added bonus, a shot is fraction of the calories so it keeps you on your new years resolution, for now.

BTW, I am off to a fabulous start on mine, -3 lbs.