Doggies

I missed Molly this winter, when my feet were cold and she was not there to lay on them.

I miss Molly at night when there is no stinky dog paw in my face.

I miss Molly in the morning, when she is not there to snuggle up on the bed with me for a morning belly rub.

I missed Molly this spring, when there are no chewed up sticks in the front yard to clean up.

I miss Molly in the afternoon, when she's not there barking at the door to come in.

I miss Molly in the morning, when she's not there barking at the door to come in.

I miss Molly in the evening, when her soulful eyes are not staring at me from the other end of the couch.

I miss Molly on the couch, when her head is not there on my leg claiming me as hers.

I miss Molly's warm, dry, not right nose.

I miss Molly's incessant, high-pitched, irritating barking.

I miss Molly's refusal to go outside when she knew there food to be had.

I miss Molly's fear of the smoke alarm (which were all disabled while she was alive).

I miss Molly lying on the bathmat while I took a shower.

I miss Molly's smile when I come home.

I miss Molly's floppy ears.

I miss Molly's huge furry paws.

I miss Molly's stinky farts.

I miss Molly's snoring and groaning as she slept.

I miss Molly in her chair.

I miss the tip of Molly's tail wagging when she would see me come in the room, or hear my voice from another room.

I miss Molly.

The Best Mac 'n Cheese EVER

Kevin confirmed, this was the best mac 'n cheese ever! Note I made the sauce extra creamy & more than was mentioned in the recipe, because I have used similar recipes and they came out too dry. This was PERFECT. Also, I just used plain old breadcrumbs from a jar.

Ingredients:
4 ounces thick-sliced bacon
Vegetable oil
Kosher salt
2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
3 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
2 ounces blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch nutmeg
2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon in 1 layer on the baking rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. Remove the pan carefully from the oven - there will be hot grease in the pan! Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble when it is cool enough to handle.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or 2 more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, blue cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon and stir well. Pour into 2 individual size gratin dishes.

Place the bread slices in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Add the basil and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

Sensual Beef

Here is what I made for dinner saturday night - note the butcher said they dont get skirt steak anymore, and gave me sirloin tip. If I make this again, I would instead do tenderloin or something. I just dont like chewy meat. This was actually very tasty. The recipe is kinda vauge on the measurements. I recommend using just 1/2 cup of sprite & the rest to taste - it made a VAST amount of liquid that was wayyy to much:

The Sensual Beef Salad
Skirt Steak, Pineapple, Radish, Cucumber

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 4

Directions:Pineapple, Radish & Cucumber:
Mix ingedients in a salad bowl.

Skirt Steak:
Season skirt steaks with salt, pepper and chili flakes. Grill in olive oil to medium rare and allow to rest. Then slice thin against the grain.

Lime Dressing:
Mix ingredients in a bowl.

Assembly:
Add chopped cilantro and mint to pineapple, radish and cucumber. Dress with lime dressing and mix. Add sliced steak.

Send a link Print it Ingredients:Pineapple, Radish & Cucumber:
1 pineapple, peeled, diced
1 bunch radish, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced

Skirt Steak:
1 lb skirt steak
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili flakes to taste
1 oz extra virgin olive oil

Lime Dressing:
1 sprite
1/2 cup fish sauce
1 cup lime juice
4 chilies
1T white vinegar

Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro
Chopped mint

FIVE WEEKS!

I cant even believe I just realized I have been going to the gym 3 times a week for FIVE WEEKS IN A ROW! This is a new record, and the most physical exercise I have gotten since oh, year 1 of college, so that would be like 1993 or something.

Have only seemd to lost about 1 lb, maybe 2, have to check for sure. But I am doing good I think. Maybe I even feel a little more toned, it is hard to say. I thought maybe the other day my arms looked a little less fat.

This was a HUGE week for me working out. I have been doing the torturous Elliptical machine for the past 3 or even 4 weeks. It is some sort of love/hate relationship I think. Anyway, I used to just barely make it 20 minutes on that little bit of hell, but then I worked up to 30. It took me about 18 minutes to do a mile. My goal has been to do a mile in 15 minutes. This week I did a mile in LESS THAN 14 MINUTES!!!!!!!! This is huge! It means I am pushing myself. I sweat even! Yes really, Melissa Sweats! Its crazy I tell you, crazy! I am finding that I can keep my heartrate up, too. I can get up to like 145 and not die. I was certain I would a few nights, but I didnt, so I am braver now.

So all in all, its going well, and I am definately going to continue with hopes that I get more toned, and also of course lose weight, but just LOOKING less fatty would be great in my opinion.

Last week

Last week I went to the gym on Monday & Tuesday night, but Wed & Thur is was just too damn cold!!!! I did however go on Friday night! So 3 times which is good. I did some shoveling saturday (great cardio), and today I took Mocca for a walk across the lake with 10 extra pounds in boots on, so it was a real workout! It was interesting that on the 2 days I did not go to the gym, I felt like POO all night. I would like to blame that on starting these antibiotics, but probably isnt true.

Last week I found I had lost 1lb since the week before, so I am quite happy about that. I would like to lose 1lb a week. I think I am on the way. I have not had any incidents of over-eating, and no vast quantities of cookies or candy bars...a bit, but nothing horrid like I am known for. Lunch was pretty healthy last week as well, with a hand made yummy salad one day!

Tuesday & Wed last week I got up at 515am. I did this on purpose, to see if it could be done. It was okay, and I sure did get a lot done on those mornings, and into work a tad early, too. But...was awful tired by the time thursday rolled around. Will try again this week.

right now I have a cat sleeping on my arm.

Update

Last night I did go to the gym and did 2 miles on the treadmill, at the fastest level I could. I kinda sweated almost, well, not dripping sweat, but a sheen sorta.

I set my alarm for 5am to get up & go to the gym AGAIN because I cant go tonight. Well, that didnt happen, but I did get up at 530 and do an exercise thing with the TV and did a good 25 minutes which felt pretty good. I think this might have to be the solution for me because I do not see how I will get functioning and to the gym at 5am and be presentable!

I will continue to try to get up early & work out...will TRY to get to the gym, but we'll see!

A Peterson Christmas Day 1

Got to my parents in Iron River, MI around 3. I was able to leave work a little early, because it was snowing. Upon arrival I was immediately invited by my brother, sister-in-law and uncle to head out to my uncle's new house being built. This took an hour or so, then we stopped at the beauty shop to pick up a gift certificate, then we stopped at my grandparents to say hello, where we discovered my aunt and 2 cousins were there, then headed back to my parents to eat dinner, then my brother & sister-in-law left, then my aunt stopped by and dropped of the 2 kids, then my OTHER brother and sister-in-law arrived, with 3 year old nephew & 5 year old niece and 2 dogs in tow.

Now it is not quite 9 and I am trying to de-stress by blogging!

Christmas Appletini

1 part Vodka
1.5 part apple schnapps
2 part apple juice
toss a cherry on the bottom - it's a lovely Christmas Cocktail!

Movie Review: Australia

This movie was amazing, and reminded me why I like to go see a good movie in the theater. It is an all-encompasing event, where you can just turn off the rest of your life. If you watch something at home there are phones, cell phones, dogs, cats, bathrooms, etc. I digress...

I LOVED THIS MOVIE. It is your typical role for Nicole Kidman, which she acts wonderfully. Hugh Jackman is divine, and I am in love with him for sure. The aboriginal kid in the movie really makes it though, his role is great. The cinematography & story in this movie are great, great great! It is LONG, however it isnt really a bother. More of , OMG, how much more I dont want it to end, etc type thing.

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Taking Care of Annie: Day 3 & 4

Everything is going peachy! Annie is still very demanding, but I do my best. Right now she's sacked out on the floor. She spent some quality time outside today, and the neighbor dog even came over to visit so that was fun. We have put another toy in the garbage though, but I guess it was due. The Orange Gorilla will be greatly missed, and a new one may have to be Mocca's Christmas Toy. So far no more poop either! yay!

On a different note, last weekend I put out some bird seed, and I was SO EXCITED to see a CARDINAL eating on the feeder about 10 minutes ago!!! A CARDINAL! I dont know if I have EVER had a Cardinal before. I havent seen any other birds though, no squirrels either. Wonder how long it will take them to find the food.

Taking Care of Annie: Day 2

When I got home from work last night, there was a dreadful smell as I walked into the house. Annie had a problem, and left me a runny, smelly, poopy mess in the back entrance area. Thankfully, she did most of it there, as opposed to the middle of the living room floor, which is something Mocca would do (part of the reason Mocca stays in the front porch when I am gone!)

Annie was sacked out on the living room floor while I cleaned up the mess. She seemed fine though, and looked at me quite perplexed when I only gave her a handful of food for dinner! I had to give her more, of which she only nibbled on. I think it was just the principle of the matter for her.

I did a quick play, pet, chewy routine, as I had to go downtown for dinner with Kevin & a vendor. When I got home, thankfully, all was clear. Annie was sound asleep on the couch, head on pillow as it should be.

This morning she is good, though continues to beg for table scraps, which I never give out. She never gets the hint either, and continues to beg the entire time she is with me. Today I will be able to come home for lunch, so hopefully no issues.

Oh, decided the diahreha (sp?) was the after affects of giving her people aspirin. You can give you dog aspirin, but it could cause digestive issues....she has only been getting the people aspirin a day or 2 I guess. Previously she was getting expensive, doggie formulated aspirin which is more buffered, and less likely to cause upset. Of course I dont know for SURE this was the culprit, but it seems likely. I'll just go buy some more doggie aspirin!

Taking Care of Annie: Morning 1

This morning has gone pretty well. Girls were up and ready to go outside right away of course. Annie actually stayed out for about 10 minutes before barking to come in. In that 10 minutes I was able to assemble to goods: 1 small bowl milk for each dog, mocca's vitamin & joint care, annie's vitamin, biscuit for each dog, fill water bowls, get food ready.

When they come in they expect their milk, vitamin, biscuit. I set 1 down & tell whoever it is for...then the next. Mocca finishes first of course, Annie really licks that milk bowl dry. Give Mocca her food, give Annie her food. Annie didnt eat all hers, though I had given her extra, just in case. So Mocca swooped in & ate that before somebody took it away! Must remember less food for Mocca while Annie is here.

Annie had some trouble getting up on the couch, this is so difficult to watch! I helped her once, then she of course got down right after! She got up again, but I didnt help her....it just took her a few tries to get the top half up enough that the bottom followed. Poor Annie. It is a low couch, too. Dad always has to hoist her into the car/truck nowadays. She expects that now and doesnt even try to get in w/o help I guess!

Currently she is napping on the couch, and I expect, is there for the rest of the morning, though she may go out when Mocca does the 2nd time.

Taking Care of Annie: Night 1

My parents are heading downstate, to pick up some items from my departed Grandmother's house. So my dad brought their dog, Annie, down to my house today for me to take care of while they are gone. Annie is 15, cant see well, cant hear well, has a twitch in one paw, lumps & bumps, and a weak back end. However all in all, she is quite healthy!

When I got home, I was greeted by incessant, unrelenting barking. She would NOT stop, and not let me pet her. I directed the dogs outside, and they went. 5 minutes later Annie was done, and barking first at the back door, then realized that wasnt working, and moved to barking at the front door. I waited her out another 5 minutes, then decided to give in. She proceeded to bark at me again, a very uncompromising bark at that. It is dinner time. I dished up both dogs their dinner, and that seemed to settle her down. Then she played for about 10 minutes with some toys, and we had a slight altercation with the orange gorilla toy, which Mocca snatched away from Annie. I made her give it back, explaining to Mocca that Annie is old, and can have the toy if she wants! I dont think Mocca understood, she just looked away, quite displeased with the situation.

Now Annie is a bit settled, but I expect will be wanting a chew soon, then outside, then biscuit...maybe some petting in between. Lets hope for an easy night~!

What They'll Say

My niece was visiting this weekend. She is 5. My mom & some of her friends were doing some shopping, and trying on a bunch of different clothing. Katie wanted to be a part of everything, of course. One of my mom's friends let her in the dressing room with her. My mom's friend tried on something that was much too tight and unflattering, and said, "Oh I dont think this fits". Katie looked up, and in all seriousness replied, "I think you eat too much."

Just goes to show you...you never know what those kids are going to say!

The Wizard of Oz

I was brave tonight, and turned to channel on that was playing the Wizard of Oz. It was at the end of the movie, that I rarely see - of course, I can never watch much of it, so of course I dont get to the end - anyway...I was greatly distressed! The Wicked Witch of the West had lit the Scarecrow on fire, and Dorothy tossed a bucket of water on him to put out the fire. Instead, the water hit the witch, and she MELTED and died. Dorothy killed her, just like that. It was dreaful! This witch melting right there and screaming in that awful voice! I may have a nightmare about this tonight. I do not understand why this movie horrifies me so much. Nearly every scene in it distresses me and causes me anxiety. I think this movie is what made me afraid of thunderstorms when I was a kid. We used to always watch The Wizard of Oz when it was on...why could I watch it when I was a kid and not now?

I will say, I am watching it on HD, and holy cow it is vibrant. Still distressing though. Especially those evil monkey things. And the scene where the evil woman takes away Toto...And when she is in the tornado and turns into the witch! HORRIFYING! It's one great big nightmare waiting to happen.

Childhood Memories

My friend's wife did something like this on her blog, so this isnt my idea, but I liked it, sorta morphed it a little though. It is a list of happy childhood memories with important people in your life.

1. Going for a drive in the evening with Grandma & Grandpa. Usually it also involved a small ice cream cone.
2. Going camping with the whole family. Though I would never do this now.
3. "Get Low! Get Low!" - You'd have to ask my mom about this one.
4. Spending time on the beaches of Lake Michigan with my brothers.
5. Jennifer's books.
6. Playing "getting married" with Jennifer, and perfecting a wedding cake. Although we were only like, 10 or something. Oh,the irony.
7. Going ice skating in battle creek with my brothers.
8. Going to pick out a christmas tree with the whole family.

I'm trying to pin down specific memories with specific people, but cant seem to. They all seem to involve the whole family - brothers, mom, dad....Cant nail down something with 1 person specifically! I'm sure there are ones though...if I think long enough.

It is interesting how some of these things still mean a great deal to me - like picking out the christmas tree, although now it is just me & my dad.

Schedule of Eating

Heading to Siesta Key, FL on Saturday...Gotta get dinner plans in order. I think we are going to *gasp* SKIP Roys & Flemmings this time...I know, crazy....

Sat night - we dont get in til 11, so no dinner plan.

Sun night - Sangria? TAPAS!!!

Mon night - Mattisons?

Tue night - Galileo? (divine lobster ravioli)

Wed night -

Thur night - Selva Grill? (delish steak)

Fri night - Pizza

Sat night - Sangria?

So, that leaves us with 1 free, night, or optional 2nd night if we only do Sangria once....Or if we skip Mattisons, or if there is some other place Kevin's Dad wants to eat at. Sometimes we eat at this place called "The Waterfront" that isnt bad, but its nothing to write home about. But if he wants to eat there we will. Perhaps they are back to eating at Outback again (oh no!). Lets hope not, although they do have surprisingly yummy grilled lobster and I do ADORE the chop salad there. Hmm....so much to figure out!

Dad Knows

I woke up to a forehead all bumpy! It kinda itches too. There are no new products in play...it is a mystery. Except, from my mom:

"Dad says that is a classic reaction to iodine from seafood. Don't know how he knows that, but that is what he said."

Yes, I ate THREE whole, great big pieces of cold shrimp this weekend (saturday) at my neices birthday party. Normally I limit shrimp to 2. And well, these were quite large.

So what do you think?

Time for another advil...

The Cats

Zoe made a spot for herself.

Morning cleaning.

Zoe using her stairs to get on the bed. Waiting for somebody else to come with though.

I put this bed on the table in the living room last night, so I wouldnt forget to bring it to my parents with me. My brother's cat that is staying with them needs a bed. Anyway, Kai slept in it all night, and is in fact, still there, snoozing away. Might not be brining it to my parents!

New House Color

Have been meaning to post this for a long time! My dad spent many, many, many long hours of his time painting my house late this summer. Not only did he paint it, he scraped all the old paint off, and primed all the bare wood! The garage also got painted, and some new trim board. It was an enormous task that I am grateful to him for doing. The new color is much brighter and more attractive I think, then the previous grayish color that was quite dull. Also I painted my front door a new, vibrant, very satured red which I very much love. In the paint can though it was bright pink, so was a little scary putting on.

I should add I painted the foundation white, and did a lot of the trim/window painting - so I DID contribute!

It probably isnt fair to post a NEW summer photo vs. an OLD early spring photo because of course the old house color looks miserable in its surrounding gray landscape. But at least Mocca is a constant in both!