Amazing Day Off

The day after the 4th of July is a holiday for many people. I was one of the lucky ones. Today's challenge was to jar strawberry jam solo for the first time. I was really very excited about it! My future in-laws verykindly hand-picked strawberries for me and delivered them

when they visited us this weekend. I spent some time sorting the berries this morning. I wanted some toeat, some to freeze and therest to preserve. I looked up directions online as a reminder of 1 year ago when Jane first taught me how to preserve strawberries. Of coarse I couldn't keep it simple. I had left over rhubarb from my CSA and wanted to make Strawberry Rhubarb preserves as well. The day went well, I ended up with two freezer packs of fresh strawberries, fresh berries in the fridge to eat and 14 perfectly sealed jars of jam. A little extra in the fridge to snack on!

Oil Painting

I wanted to begin a new art project today. I bought some oil paint, poured myself a mimosa, and sat down to paint! Let's see what I can create.

Gardening Project

I began my gardening project for 2010. I received a gardening kit for my birthday this year and it has inspired me to begin planning. I prepared each flower bed and my garden space.

The garden space will never be big enough to hold all the veggies I would love to plant. I have decided to do a rotation of the veggies I very much love to eat. I decided to go to the local gardening store and purchase a few cold weather crops, so I can start my garden early. Today I planted Swiss Chard, peas and beans. This week I will start tomato and pepper plants inside, so when the weather gets a little warmer the plants will be ready to go. Last year, the seed starters did not go so well. I have a little more knowledge this year and a lot more patience!!!

Busy Day

I woke this morning and was ready for a road trip. P and I started at New Glarus Brewery for a quick self-guided tour. P was really impressed, I thought it was a bit commercial - fun never the less! The grounds on which the brewery sits are beautiful. We met C&K and the girls for lunch at Baumgartners (one of P and my favorite places). After lunch we went to Bothem Winery to take the wine tour. The tour was non-existent but the wine was good. The grounds at Bothem are beautiful. I didn't realize they grow many of their own grapes. Once home, the sun was still shining so I took my newly tuned-up bike out for a spin. It was pretty windy, but I enjoyed it non-the-less. Now curling up in the sun with a good book. I might get ambitious and start an art project. We'll see.

Weekend with the Nephew

L came to visit this weekend. I had a fantastic time hanging out with him. Friday night we had a movie night watching "Horton Hears a Who." There is nothing like a child's laugh! On Saturday we went to Olbrich Gardens for story time. Then home to eat lunch and nap. Later we had a play date with one of my coworkers and her children. Dinner and playtime before bed. Later my sister came and we had a nice conversation before turning in for the evening. Today, dinner with L&L and just relaxing. Fantastic weekend!

Brewmaster Dinner

P and I had the opportunity to enjoy the brew master dinner at the Grumpy Troll. It was a six coarse meal paired with craft beer from the brewery. The dinner was amazing. It started with a spicy tuna roll with Wasabi and Terriyaki glaze. It was paired with Devil's Delight. I enjoyed this dish thoroughly (even though I am cautious with sushi). Second pairing was Fig and Bacon stuffed Quail with braised Kale and topped with 20yr Balsamic Vinegar. Next was my favorite dish of the evening: Seared sea scallops with Duck Confit and sweet potato hash topped with green onion honey butter. It was amazing! Then on to braised beef short ribs with roasted brussel sprouts and Cheddar polenta. After a small sample it was sent to the take home dish - not a flavor I enjoy. A trio of artisan cheese followed paired with wonderful ale. Finally homespun ice cream garnished with fresh mint and chocolate dipped almond biscotti. The dinner was fun and the company enjoyable.

FOOD INC

P and I watched FOOD INC two days ago. I cannot get the story out of my head. I have been vocal in the past about eating fresh food and vegetables and understanding where my food comes from. This movie depicts the worst of processed, fast, factory produced foods. P and I changed our venue for the evening dinner we were planning on having down the street to the new Kickshaw restaurant miles away. I had a fantastic chicken pasta and delicious green salad with apple balsamic dressing. Today I was astonished when I walked into the grocery store and found how deceiving labels and marketing can be. I also really took notice how expensive local fresh food is to purchase compared to mass produced items! I am grateful I am able to purchase fresh food and locally grown/produced items, I am sure many people and families are not. I am looking forward to the spring and planting a garden and visiting the farmers markets.