Guernsey

I'm reading a great book right now: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a historical fiction novel comprised entirely of correspondence letters between the characters. To be honest, I didn't think I would like it because I couldn't imagine an entire book of letters being interesting. But I was wrong. It really is delightful and it has inspired a great deal of day-dreaming on my part.

I want to go to Guernsey. And so will you if you read this book, or even just look at their website: http://www.visitguernsey.com/

This cute little Bailiwick has everything an ideal vacation spot should have: beautiful scenery, historical sites, wonderful food, ideal exploration paths, quaint accomodations, etc. Not to mention, you can get to it from Weymouth which, according to one of the characters in the book, is the ideal way:

"I would catch the afternoon boat from Weymouth. There is no more beautiful approach to Guernsey than the one by sea--either with the sun going down, or with gold-tipped, black storm clouds, or the Island just emerging through the mist."

Here's a teaser

Our Christmas celebrations this year lasted for about three weeks. One week we spent in Santa Cruz visiting with lots of family, and the last two were spent in Moscow with Kate and Davey home for the holidays (and Lynn and Kenzie for part of the time who were nice enough to drive them from Spokane). I don't have time right now to post all the pictures of our fun times, so consider this the teaser trailer before the main event. Highlights of the most exciting parts of our holidays:

First, a masked event.



Second, (the tension), not everyone was pleased to have David home for the holidays... (ok I stole that picture from Kate).



And lastly.....



If that doesn't catch your interest, I don't know what will.

Fantastic French Fries

I was making a steak and salad dinner last week and I decided to be daring and make homemade french fries. They were delicious (and so good for you, I'm sure, right mom?). So here's the recipe. I could honestly put this batter on just about anything it's so good.

2.5 Pounds Peeled russet potatoes (or however many you want, I didn't use that many for the two of us)
1 cup flour
1 t. garlic salt or garlic powder
1 t. onion salt
1 t. salt
1 t. paprika
1/2-1 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil

1. Slice the potatoes and place in cold water (if you're worried they'll discolor)
2. Heat oil over medium high heat
3. Combine flour through paprika. Stir in the water as needed to form a paste (for dredging the potatoes through)
4. Dip slices in batter and place in hot oil so they aren't touching, one at a time (if they touch they stick together).
5. let cook, flipping over halfway, until they are browned on the outside and soft on the inside (I just taste-tested so I have no set time for you).
6. Drain on paper towels.

Picture time!

Here are our top two favorite pictures from the past week. First, our newest Christmas ornament. I love the world-within-an-ornament ornaments, so I was tickled to find this one.

As I'm sure I've already mentioned, our cat Whiskey and our parent's cat Sammy are not exactly on agreeable terms. In fact, it has become a daily tradition for Sammy to come around to our outside door and stare in at Whiskey. A hissing-fest naturally ensues. I finally took a picture of their strange routine:

Also

In case the weather is as blah wherever you are as it is in Moscow right now, here's a little something that cheered me up!

http://vimeo.com/2926432

Sorry I couldn't embed it. And since I don't speak Swedish I just have to hope they're not saying anything wildly inappropriate!

Kale and Kielbasa Soup

In the mood for some kielbasa, kale, and a host of yummy herbs? Then kale and kielbasa soup is the one for you!

I tried this recipe off of our friends the Church's blog, and absolutely LOVE it. This is definitely my favorite fall soup so far!

You can find the original recipe here.

In other news, this was my week of graveyard shifts at the hospital. 5:30pm to 5:30 am Monday-Wednesday. I am now in the recovering stage and very grateful that that will not be my regular schedule. The only member of our household who benefited from my crazy shifts was Whiskey. She got to go out romping in the early hours of the morning when I got home.

And a teaser: I've been working on an Advent calendar and it's turning out great! Pics will be coming soon.

We've been busy

I promise we have. Like I always promise when there's a lengthy internet silence. unfortunately there are no pictures to prove our business. BUT, I did find pictures that I forgot to post from our trip to Butte, so at least I have something of interest. I'll post those at the end. In the meantime, here's the quick scoop on what we've been up to:

Joel: At work he's heading the church's move to a new software. Lots of extra hours. Plus we had a tenant move out of our Spokane triplex, so he's spent several days in Spokane fixing it up for new renters. Many thanks to Matt V and Dad D for going with him so I didn't have to. :) Also injured his knee several weeks ago and has been limping ever since. Will be calling a specialist next week to find out what's wrong with it.

Christine: Started new job at Gritman medical center and LOVES it. Working in admitting, forty hours a week for six weeks of training and then down to half time or three-quarter time. Learning lots about hospitals and getting lots of stories from strange patients. Also learning to be tougher, as I am training in ER admitting right now. Yikes. Working on Thought Meadow's next issue: Festivals, coming soon!

Whiskey: Becoming more and more paranoid of shadows and things that make any sort of noise that's disagreeable to her. Compensates by sleeping in well-hidden areas. Dreams of ways to off Sammy, although we're working on that last bit.

AND last, a few of the pictures from our trip! More to come. First, here is a picture of Toad Hall Manor where we stayed. Amazing hospitality and really good food! Plus the owner (Toad) made us drinks both nights we were there.



Another view of Toad Hall, with one of Toad's cars out front:



We toured a mock-up of a mining town and I found this sign.... Dr. Pierce offers $500 reward for women who cannot be cured of female weakness.



More to come when I find them!