Shanna moved to Texas in August to work for her grandfather. She started out as part of the grounds crew but ended up as an interior house painter.
The weather was good and we were missing Shanna so we loaded up the car and headed for Ellisa's house. Wells NV makes a good place for an overnight stop.
On the way down we stopped at Winnemucca for the best Mexican food. Melinda and I found this restaurant a couple of years ago.
Ellisa decided not to do a traditional Thanksgiving feast and served Italian food instead. Yummy, though I did miss the turkey. It was really nice to hang out with them for a few days! I volunteered to watch In Bruges, a show which is totally ridiculous. There are some truly funny bits, and some terribly tacky bits too. Not my cup of tea, but certainly something I'll remember. I definitely like to stretch my cinematic point of view now and then. This qualifies as the stretch for 2008.
I started and mostly finished the book "Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise" by Ruth Reichl. It was a fascinating look into food criticism, restaurants, food, newspaper publishing and New York.
We didn't get out and do any bird watching. I was still fighting with the chronic migraine issue.
Loved hanging out with the family though.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Jenny's Maple Cinnamon Granola
Watch out, this makes a lot of granola. It is easy to halve this recipe though...
Dry
12 cups oats (the big rolled oats, not quick oats)
2 cups sliced almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds (salted)
Liquids and Flavors
1 cup honey
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup canola oil
2 tbsp vanilla
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1. Toast the oats
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Put oats in even layer (maximum 1 inch deep) in roasting pan or baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes stirring every 2-3 for even toasting. Oats will be a bit less chewey. Be careful not to over-toast as this wills scorch them and make them bitter.
After removing from oven put in large bowl, add the almonds and sunflower seeds and stir together.
Leave oven on, you'll be using it again in a minute.
2. Warm the liquids and flavors
Over medium heat mix together the remaining ingredients, stir till it is warm and thoroughly mixed. You do not need to bring this to a boil. I recommend you don't let it go to a boil, after all, you're not making candy.
3. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir till thoroughly coated.
4. Spread into 1 inch deep layer in roasting pan or baking sheet (I usually have to use two). Put in oven for 20-25 minutes (still at 325 degrees F). Every 5 minutes stir and re-spread.
5. Remove from oven, press into even layer and allow to cool in a solid mass (this will make it more clumpy).
6. Once cooled, break it up and store in tight container
Dry
12 cups oats (the big rolled oats, not quick oats)
2 cups sliced almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds (salted)
Liquids and Flavors
1 cup honey
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup canola oil
2 tbsp vanilla
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1. Toast the oats
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Put oats in even layer (maximum 1 inch deep) in roasting pan or baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes stirring every 2-3 for even toasting. Oats will be a bit less chewey. Be careful not to over-toast as this wills scorch them and make them bitter.
After removing from oven put in large bowl, add the almonds and sunflower seeds and stir together.
Leave oven on, you'll be using it again in a minute.
2. Warm the liquids and flavors
Over medium heat mix together the remaining ingredients, stir till it is warm and thoroughly mixed. You do not need to bring this to a boil. I recommend you don't let it go to a boil, after all, you're not making candy.
3. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir till thoroughly coated.
4. Spread into 1 inch deep layer in roasting pan or baking sheet (I usually have to use two). Put in oven for 20-25 minutes (still at 325 degrees F). Every 5 minutes stir and re-spread.
5. Remove from oven, press into even layer and allow to cool in a solid mass (this will make it more clumpy).
6. Once cooled, break it up and store in tight container
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Walnut Italian Salad
This salad was deduced from the fabulous salad that Annie and I had at an Italian restaurant. Ours is definitely different though the idea is similar.
Walnut Italian Salad
-- Jenny
Walnut Italian Salad
- Romaine lettuce
- Spiced walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Crumbled gorgonzola (or other blue cheese)
- Sliced sharp green apples
- Good Italian dressing
-- Jenny
Spiced Walnuts
Just made another batch of these today. We use them in a salad, I'll post next. -- Jenny
Spiced Nuts
4 cups walnuts (I keep an additional 1-1.5 cups of walnuts on hand in case the syrup will cover more) Also, other nuts can be used. I've even mixed walnuts and pecans together.
1.5 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp water (this is equal to 1/4 cup and 1/8 cup water)
1 tsp vanilla
Put 1/2 of the nuts (2 cups) into a large bowl (metal or glass). Keep the other half in another container.
Cook the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and water in a small-medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously till the temperature reaches 234 - 240 degrees farenheit (soft ball stage).
Poor over nuts and stir, continue adding nuts and syrup till all is mixed well. Sometimes we have added more nuts to sop up the excess syrup.
Spread onto wax paper to cool. As it cools you can break the walnuts into smaller pieces if desired. I do this if I am using it on salad. I don't do it if I'm giving them away as candy.
Spiced Nuts
4 cups walnuts (I keep an additional 1-1.5 cups of walnuts on hand in case the syrup will cover more) Also, other nuts can be used. I've even mixed walnuts and pecans together.
1.5 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp water (this is equal to 1/4 cup and 1/8 cup water)
1 tsp vanilla
Put 1/2 of the nuts (2 cups) into a large bowl (metal or glass). Keep the other half in another container.
Cook the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and water in a small-medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously till the temperature reaches 234 - 240 degrees farenheit (soft ball stage).
Poor over nuts and stir, continue adding nuts and syrup till all is mixed well. Sometimes we have added more nuts to sop up the excess syrup.
Spread onto wax paper to cool. As it cools you can break the walnuts into smaller pieces if desired. I do this if I am using it on salad. I don't do it if I'm giving them away as candy.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Dome Tours
I arranged for a bunch of us to go see the dome homes in Menan. We started at Randy's house, stopped at Cliffdome, the Boyd residence and ended at Andrew's house. It was a lot of fun. At Cliffdome, I was able to tell the new owners about the beam mounted heater. (Okay they've been there almost 20 years now, but they are still the new owners to me). Regina, her husband & daughter, Krista & Terrial, and Cheryl went with us. Afterwards, we (minus Regina's family) went to lunch. We tried to go to the cajun place, only to find out that it was closed for lunch. Ended up at Olive Garden in Idaho Falls. I really want a dome again now.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Riverwalk
I have mentioned in other blog posts that I am obsessed with the Bonneville Flood. When I discovered that the Riverwalk was to be led by Geoscience Professor Paul Link and he would be discussing/pointing out geology related to the flood I HAD to go. As expected it was very interesting.
This was the same morning as the homecoming parade. So after the fruitless attempt to help with the library float, I dashed over to Mocha Java for a bit of Chai to warm me up for the second morning walk. Somehow I managed to get there before Nick and Barkley. Barkley loved hearing about the flood, or maybe he just liked being outside with so many people.
This is a picture of one of the many boulders that the Bonneville flood ripped out of the basalt lava, tumbled till smooth and deposited all over Pocatello. Dig anywhere in downtown Pocatello and you find monstrous black boulders. Apparently, these are much coveted for landscaping...
My other entries on the Bonneville flood are here:
http://jsemenza.blogspot.com/2006/04/geology-lake-bonneville-timeline.html
http://jsemenza.blogspot.com/2006/04/geology-lake-bonneville.html
After that walk, we returned the doggie to the house and went to the baglery for lunch. A pleasant day, I walked 5 miles before lunch.
This was the same morning as the homecoming parade. So after the fruitless attempt to help with the library float, I dashed over to Mocha Java for a bit of Chai to warm me up for the second morning walk. Somehow I managed to get there before Nick and Barkley. Barkley loved hearing about the flood, or maybe he just liked being outside with so many people.
This is a picture of one of the many boulders that the Bonneville flood ripped out of the basalt lava, tumbled till smooth and deposited all over Pocatello. Dig anywhere in downtown Pocatello and you find monstrous black boulders. Apparently, these are much coveted for landscaping...
My other entries on the Bonneville flood are here:
http://jsemenza.blogspot.com/2006/04/geology-lake-bonneville-timeline.html
http://jsemenza.blogspot.com/2006/04/geology-lake-bonneville.html
After that walk, we returned the doggie to the house and went to the baglery for lunch. A pleasant day, I walked 5 miles before lunch.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Homecoming Parade
So, the library, or rather a couple of ambitious library folk figured out an easy idea for a parade entry. I was going to meet up with them and help with last minute decorating on Saturday morning. I got up really early and drove out to where the parade would be forming up.
The bad news is that we weren't allowed to get anywhere near the parade line in our cars. AND I didn't know where in the line the library vehicle would be. So I parked my car a few blocks from the head of the parade and started walking down the line of entries.
Some were very cool, like the Native American one with the big bison statue. It was a brisk morning with a good Idaho wind keeping people near buildings and in cabs of trucks. I kept walking.
And walking, and walking, and I go to the end of the parade (though it continued to be created as I walked) and still no library entry. Somehow I got my wires crossed on where they would be, bummer. I arrived at 8:10 a.m. at the parade line-up. I got back to my car at 8:45 a.m. My pedometer told me I had already walked a mile and a bit.
I didn't help them one bit, but I got to see the parade and get in a nice morning walk.
After later
Jenny
The bad news is that we weren't allowed to get anywhere near the parade line in our cars. AND I didn't know where in the line the library vehicle would be. So I parked my car a few blocks from the head of the parade and started walking down the line of entries.
Some were very cool, like the Native American one with the big bison statue. It was a brisk morning with a good Idaho wind keeping people near buildings and in cabs of trucks. I kept walking.
And walking, and walking, and I go to the end of the parade (though it continued to be created as I walked) and still no library entry. Somehow I got my wires crossed on where they would be, bummer. I arrived at 8:10 a.m. at the parade line-up. I got back to my car at 8:45 a.m. My pedometer told me I had already walked a mile and a bit.
I didn't help them one bit, but I got to see the parade and get in a nice morning walk.
After later
Jenny
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Crystal Park MT, Sept 2008
Once upon a time there was an email group called Semenza Adventures where we would post upcoming field trips that other people could join us on. Unfortunately, that list died, along with the number of trips (had been going once a month through the summer/fall). It died when Nick went back to school. One of our favorite trips was to Crystal Park Montana to dig for quartz crystals.
After a 3 year hiatus, we went back, with a new batch of friends. We got really lucky and found this hunk of smoky quartz. We always find clear quartz crystals. Allegedly amethyst can also be found, though we have not been that lucky. I forgot how much fun it is to just dig in the dirt. Maybe we'll go back in the spring.
Yes, when Nick graduates we'll start a new Semenza Adventures group. Probably using Facebook. For more photos from the trip check out my link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157607378919824/
-- Jenny
After a 3 year hiatus, we went back, with a new batch of friends. We got really lucky and found this hunk of smoky quartz. We always find clear quartz crystals. Allegedly amethyst can also be found, though we have not been that lucky. I forgot how much fun it is to just dig in the dirt. Maybe we'll go back in the spring.
Yes, when Nick graduates we'll start a new Semenza Adventures group. Probably using Facebook. For more photos from the trip check out my link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157607378919824/
-- Jenny
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Green Beans & Peppers
Okay, just so you know, Nick HATES green beans. The only reason we tried (and modified) this recipe is that it was part of a menu plan in a book we've been going through. Here's his modified, fabulous recipe:
Couple handfuls of fresh green beans
1-2 red bell peppers
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Snip the ends off the green beans
De-seed and slice the bell peppers
Put veggies in a colander. Drizzle olive oil over them, add salt and pepper to taste. Toss.
Place on cookie sheet in oven for approx 12 minutes. Stir at the halfway point.
This is yummy, easy and good for you.
Jenny
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Favorite Poem
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
by Portia Nelson
I.
I walk down the street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost ... I am helpless
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find way out.
II.
I walk down the same street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III.
I walk down the same street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I see it is there.
I still Fall in... it's a habit
My eyes are open
I know where I am
It is my fault.
I get out immediately
IV.
I walk down the same street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I walk around it.
V.
I walk down another street
Taken from the book "Inspiration Sandwich" by SARK 1992, page 120
Fettuccini Alfredo
Nick, is a fabulous cook. Shanna called asking for this recipe last night so he sent it to her and I thought I'd share it with all of you. It is super easy to put together and extraordinarily yummy. Of course, it'll harden your arteries while you eat, but what's not to love about that.
Nick's Fettuccine Alfredo
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup butter
1 cup Parmesan cheese
dash nutmeg
salt & pepper to taste
1 lb fettuccine pasta
**Bunch of steamed broccoli florets
**Grilled chicken breast or other cooked chicken
Mix whipping cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, heat through, stir on occasion till creamy. This step can be done in either the microwave or on the stove top. Just be sure it doesn't burn. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook pasta. Pour sauce over pasta and toss.
** Add cooked broccoli or chicken and toss with pasta and sauce.
Nick's Fettuccine Alfredo
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup butter
1 cup Parmesan cheese
dash nutmeg
salt & pepper to taste
1 lb fettuccine pasta
**Bunch of steamed broccoli florets
**Grilled chicken breast or other cooked chicken
Mix whipping cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, heat through, stir on occasion till creamy. This step can be done in either the microwave or on the stove top. Just be sure it doesn't burn. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook pasta. Pour sauce over pasta and toss.
** Add cooked broccoli or chicken and toss with pasta and sauce.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Mesa Falls September 2008
Mesa Falls is one of my favorite places ever. I drove up on Sunday September 7th and spent the day taking photos there and at Big Springs in Island Park. I'm going to try and go to Mesa Falls every month for 1 year and take pictures from the same spots to see what changes can be seen. It'll be fascinating to see when snow will stop me. For more photos of Mesa Falls and Big Springs Sept 08 see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157607382268669/
-- Jenny
-- Jenny
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Torta
Simplified, leftover using torta. It's a very yummy recipe.
1 cup cooked rice
3 eggs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (the fresh kind from brick, the stuff in the can will not work).
1 TBSP onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Heat oven to 350 degrees
Spray bread pan with olive oil
Whisk together eggs and seasonings, stir in rice and cheese
Pour into pan
Bake for 30 minutes
1 cup cooked rice
3 eggs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (the fresh kind from brick, the stuff in the can will not work).
1 TBSP onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Heat oven to 350 degrees
Spray bread pan with olive oil
Whisk together eggs and seasonings, stir in rice and cheese
Pour into pan
Bake for 30 minutes
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
The Weekend
Decided to stay home and mix up being lazy and being productive. Saturday, we ran all over Pocatello, shopping, going to garage sales and checking things out. I found a book by Louis L'Amour (Frontier) that I had been looking for and Nick found another cast iron pan. Apparently, we need more cast iron pans...
Sunday, we made lots and lots of lasagnas and integrated Shanna's weapons collection onto Nick's weapons wall. She added ten, he owns three or four knives and the rest are mine. Shanna's include the Klingon stuff and a really great Chinese sword (horizontally hung green and black). It's a great looking wall.
Monday began with tomato processing. A friend of ours gave us a bushel of tomatoes. By adding fresh garlic, onion, basil, oregano and parsley we make a beautiful tomato sauce that freezes well. It's the perfect base to pasta sauce or tomato soup. Annie came over and kept us company for most of the process. We then went out for Chinese food. She took off and went to the fair with family. Me?
I vegged out on the sofa watching America's Next Top Model marathon and reading two different books during the advertisements. One book is on yoga and the other on herbs. It was a great way to do nothing. Oh, and the ANTM marathon was the season where the "Plus Size" model one. Though how you can call a size 8-10 a plus size is beyond me.
Sunday, we made lots and lots of lasagnas and integrated Shanna's weapons collection onto Nick's weapons wall. She added ten, he owns three or four knives and the rest are mine. Shanna's include the Klingon stuff and a really great Chinese sword (horizontally hung green and black). It's a great looking wall.
Monday began with tomato processing. A friend of ours gave us a bushel of tomatoes. By adding fresh garlic, onion, basil, oregano and parsley we make a beautiful tomato sauce that freezes well. It's the perfect base to pasta sauce or tomato soup. Annie came over and kept us company for most of the process. We then went out for Chinese food. She took off and went to the fair with family. Me?
I vegged out on the sofa watching America's Next Top Model marathon and reading two different books during the advertisements. One book is on yoga and the other on herbs. It was a great way to do nothing. Oh, and the ANTM marathon was the season where the "Plus Size" model one. Though how you can call a size 8-10 a plus size is beyond me.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Labor Day Weekend
3 days off in a row, Nick without the homework hangover, home improvement done for now, what in the world are we going to do??? Ideas thus far:
1. Stay home, go to a bunch of garage sales, maybe a couple of movies, bake a bunch of food to freeze (Lasagne...) sleep in, read, hang out, soak in the newly functional hot tub.
2. Go daytripping to Soda Springs, Yellowstone, Jackson, City of Rocks, Craters of the Moon or other places.
3. Go for the weekend someplace like Soda Springs or West Yellowstone.
Hrmmmm, The Eastern Idaho State Fair starts this weekend, I'm beginning to really like option A. Perhaps its the hot tub and how tired I am. This is week two of working full time again and I'm wiped out. I know it'll get easier but really.....
Jenny
1. Stay home, go to a bunch of garage sales, maybe a couple of movies, bake a bunch of food to freeze (Lasagne...) sleep in, read, hang out, soak in the newly functional hot tub.
2. Go daytripping to Soda Springs, Yellowstone, Jackson, City of Rocks, Craters of the Moon or other places.
3. Go for the weekend someplace like Soda Springs or West Yellowstone.
Hrmmmm, The Eastern Idaho State Fair starts this weekend, I'm beginning to really like option A. Perhaps its the hot tub and how tired I am. This is week two of working full time again and I'm wiped out. I know it'll get easier but really.....
Jenny
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The newly finished bathroom
Okay, things get out of hand. First came the yoga room, and while talking about paint Nick suggested that maybe we could get the bathroom painted at the same time. Great Idea I said. We had some high gloss white paint (originally only going to be used for trim) and he wanted it white. So we started, or rather, he started. I was working on the yoga room.
First came the cleaning of the walls and the taping off of things and we started talking some more, about maybe getting something done to the floor. Then he primed the walls and ceiling. We started talking about fixing the sink and toilet. Then he painted and painted... As the room started to look better the plans grew. In the end, he fixed the toilet. He leveled the floor and put down a gorgeous faux tile linoleum. He stripped the old metal shower of years of latex and oil paint, rust, and contact paper then coated it with something more suitable. The parts for the sink are on order, a new shower curtain is up and we found the bright green curtains at a garage sale for a dollar.
The room looks so much larger and brighter. This is a basement bathroom and we finally feel like we can use it. Or in Nick's words: not be ashamed if anyone sees it.
For photos of both before and after see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157606958859859/
Whooo HOOO
Jenny
First came the cleaning of the walls and the taping off of things and we started talking some more, about maybe getting something done to the floor. Then he primed the walls and ceiling. We started talking about fixing the sink and toilet. Then he painted and painted... As the room started to look better the plans grew. In the end, he fixed the toilet. He leveled the floor and put down a gorgeous faux tile linoleum. He stripped the old metal shower of years of latex and oil paint, rust, and contact paper then coated it with something more suitable. The parts for the sink are on order, a new shower curtain is up and we found the bright green curtains at a garage sale for a dollar.
The room looks so much larger and brighter. This is a basement bathroom and we finally feel like we can use it. Or in Nick's words: not be ashamed if anyone sees it.
For photos of both before and after see:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157606958859859/
Whooo HOOO
Jenny
Monday, August 25, 2008
Packing
After traveling a great deal (10,000+ miles) over the past six months, I have come up with some travel/packing tips that might be of interest. I also figure that if I write them down here, I won't forget them.
The primo tip, from my brilliant husband:
Bring a surge protector. Then in the hotel room you only have to find one outlet and you can plug all your rechargeables into it and you won’t accidentally leave a cord or device in the hotel room.
Packing Tips for Car Travel:
Tips for Clothing:
The primo tip, from my brilliant husband:
Bring a surge protector. Then in the hotel room you only have to find one outlet and you can plug all your rechargeables into it and you won’t accidentally leave a cord or device in the hotel room.
Packing Tips for Car Travel:
- Mp3 player, and transmitter
- A cheapo plastic tarp. It can keep the rain off the stuff in the trunk when loading and unloading. Alternately, it can be used on the ground when you have to pull everything out to fix the spare tire.
- A bag of condiments such as ketchup, hot sauce, mayo, honey, salt & pepper. If you get the individual serving kinds like they serve at fast food restaurants no refrigeration is needed. Though I might worry about the mayo. Why? Because then you can doctor any food you need to. You might also add individual tea or coffee pouches to the bag.
- Ziplock bags
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer (I had two, one in the glove compartment and one in the condiment bag).
- Book-light and flashlight in glove compartment
- Mints, Tums, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, Kleenex, telephone, CDs, camera, binoculars, if traveling alone these can be placed in a box on the passenger seat for easy access. (The box idea is from my friend Barb in circulation).
- Big white shirt and cotton gloves to keep the sun from burning you. The windshield is somewhat effective at keeping out the rays, but in most cars, the side windows do not have the same type of glass and then the sun will get you. Especially true when driving 10+ hours in Texas sunshine.
- Full size spare tire
- Emergency kit with tools, jumper cables and flares
- Car recharger for cell phone
Tips for Clothing:
- Monochromatic is your friend. If your socks, pants, shoes, and most shirts are black, then you know what you’re wearing in the morning. Just add jacket.
- Polyester is your friend, fewer wrinkles and packs tightly. There are a Lot of good polyester based clothing out there that masquerade as silk, linen, wool and other high end materials.
- Layers, one good cashmere cardigan is invaluable. Thin enough to go under jackets, yet a warming layer over shirts.
- Keep jewelry and accessories simple. The fewer, the easier. One good pair of real gold earrings, a couple of necklaces, a couple of broaches and a really good watch is really all you need.
- Keep styling products simple, maybe it’s time to rethink your haircut if it’s going to require a zillion products and devices to maintain. Don’t rely on the fact that most hotels provide shampoo, rinse, and blow-dryers. I discovered that the ones I stayed at had migrated to an ‘all-in-one shampoo/conditioner’ product. The blow-dryers are frequently not up to par. Best bet is a wash and go hair style
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Yoga Room
I realized recently that I wasn't stretching out, doing yoga, or even belly dancing anymore. And I figured out the cause... my living room. My living room has become chock full of large beautiful pieces of furniture. So in order to work out I had to move it and then move it back. I have known for awhile that my evening stretching wasn't happening because of dog hair and debris. In order to use the floor I needed to vacuum. Nothing quite like fuzzy poodle paws to track in dirt, pine needles, and leaf debris. I don't mind vacuuming that much, but before every evening stretch was a bit much.
So I was racking my brain trying to think of a space to convert to a place for yoga and the light bulb went on over my head. (Yes I think you could really see it.) I had a little used guest bedroom downstairs. It had ugly blue carpet, paneling and would be just perfect with a little work.
And here it is. We gave the bed away, removed the dresser and one of the night stands. I kept a night stand for the fountain to sit on, traded out the desk for a real tv stand and kept the nice desk to hold videos, candles, cd's, etc...
Best of all, it works. I stretched out before going to bed last night. Whoooo HOOOOOO!!! I might even take up regular meditation again.
Jenny
For more pictures see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157606750786749/
So I was racking my brain trying to think of a space to convert to a place for yoga and the light bulb went on over my head. (Yes I think you could really see it.) I had a little used guest bedroom downstairs. It had ugly blue carpet, paneling and would be just perfect with a little work.
And here it is. We gave the bed away, removed the dresser and one of the night stands. I kept a night stand for the fountain to sit on, traded out the desk for a real tv stand and kept the nice desk to hold videos, candles, cd's, etc...
Best of all, it works. I stretched out before going to bed last night. Whoooo HOOOOOO!!! I might even take up regular meditation again.
Jenny
For more pictures see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157606750786749/
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Day Twenty Two - Homeward Bound
Saturday June 14th 2008
Drive from Great Falls to Helena to Pocatello
412 miles – estimated 8 hours of driving
And we drove and drove and drove and were thrilled to be home at a reasonable hour. Hugged our daughter and our doggie and I went to bed.
Receipts:
Best Western – Great Falls MT
Exxon – Great Falls MT
McDonalds – Great Falls MT
Teton Truck Stop (gas) – Roberts ID
McDonalds – Idaho Falls ID
Wildlife & Birds:
Wasn’t even looking by now, just ready to be home.
June 15 Sun Sleep
Photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157605669078783/
Total number of animals spotted in the wild on the trip:
21 moose
7 caribou
8 black bears
4.5 grizzly bear
2 coyotes
1 humpback whale
pod of orcas
1 red fox
Various beaver, porcupine, elk, mule deer, bison, antelope & snowshoe hare
Numerous harbor seals, steller sea lions, sea otters, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, & mountain goats
Image: Grizzly Bear in Anchorage Zoo
We kept a Moose Log on our trip:
1 Moose in Yukon after haines junction - Nick has pictures
2 Moose in Alaska ouside of Tok Momma & baby - Nick has pictures
1 Moose in Alaska outside of Tok - no pictures
1 Moose in Alaska outside of Delta Junction - Jenny has pictures
2 Moose in AK outside of Delta Junctions Mile 294 Momma & baby - Nick & Jenny have pictures
1 Moose in AK outside of Fairbanks Mile 302 - Nick & Jenny have pictures
2 Moose in AK Denali park, blonde momma and baby - Jenny has pictures
2 Moose in AK Potter Marsh, no photos
1 Moose in AK Rabbit Creek Rd, with dandelion - Jenny & Nick have pictures
2 Moose in AK on the road to Seward, far apart from each other
1 Moose in Yukon past Muncho lake - Jenny has pictures
2 Moose in British Columbia past Toad River Momma & baby - Jenny has pictures
1 Moose in Alberta - no pictures
Drive from Great Falls to Helena to Pocatello
412 miles – estimated 8 hours of driving
And we drove and drove and drove and were thrilled to be home at a reasonable hour. Hugged our daughter and our doggie and I went to bed.
Receipts:
Best Western – Great Falls MT
Exxon – Great Falls MT
McDonalds – Great Falls MT
Teton Truck Stop (gas) – Roberts ID
McDonalds – Idaho Falls ID
Wildlife & Birds:
Wasn’t even looking by now, just ready to be home.
June 15 Sun Sleep
Photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157605669078783/
Total number of animals spotted in the wild on the trip:
21 moose
7 caribou
8 black bears
4.5 grizzly bear
2 coyotes
1 humpback whale
pod of orcas
1 red fox
Various beaver, porcupine, elk, mule deer, bison, antelope & snowshoe hare
Numerous harbor seals, steller sea lions, sea otters, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, & mountain goats
Image: Grizzly Bear in Anchorage Zoo
We kept a Moose Log on our trip:
1 Moose in Yukon after haines junction - Nick has pictures
2 Moose in Alaska ouside of Tok Momma & baby - Nick has pictures
1 Moose in Alaska outside of Tok - no pictures
1 Moose in Alaska outside of Delta Junction - Jenny has pictures
2 Moose in AK outside of Delta Junctions Mile 294 Momma & baby - Nick & Jenny have pictures
1 Moose in AK outside of Fairbanks Mile 302 - Nick & Jenny have pictures
2 Moose in AK Denali park, blonde momma and baby - Jenny has pictures
2 Moose in AK Potter Marsh, no photos
1 Moose in AK Rabbit Creek Rd, with dandelion - Jenny & Nick have pictures
2 Moose in AK on the road to Seward, far apart from each other
1 Moose in Yukon past Muncho lake - Jenny has pictures
2 Moose in British Columbia past Toad River Momma & baby - Jenny has pictures
1 Moose in Alberta - no pictures
Friday, June 13, 2008
Day Twenty One - Onward to Great Falls MT
Friday June 13th 2008
Drive from Westlock to Edmonton to Calgary to Great Falls
567 miles – estimated 11 hours of driving
Image: Scooter on the lookout
This was another big driving day. The best part was that we finally found INTERSTATE! WHOOOOO HOOOOO. Before we found the interstate we stopped at the sign for the Devonian Gardens so Nick could prove it existed.
Another stop was for a Tim Hortons. We’d seen a lot them throughout the Canadian part of our trip and had to find out what it was. It is a coffee and donuts place kinda like a Starbucks.
Although both Edmonton and Calgary beckoned us to come and explore what they had to offer, budget constraints and a desire to get home kept us on the road.
Best Western in Great Falls
1700 Fox Farm Road,
Great Falls, Montana, 59404
Receipts:
Best Western – Westlock AB
Petro Canada – Aldersyde AB
Petro Canada (souvenirs, snacks) – Aldersyde AB
Tim Hortons – Leduc AB
Dairy Queen – Clairesholm AB
Applebee’s – Great Falls MT
Yes, we really did eat at a familiar chain once we crossed into the U.S.A. I won’t miss the international service charge that we got hit with for every transaction on a credit or debit card. Nor will I miss an exchange rate that favored Canada. Why did I have to go during the one time it would benefit them the most? It was also interesting to hear about how many Canadians were planning vacations in Hawaii because of the exchange rate.
Photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157605668576783/
Drive from Westlock to Edmonton to Calgary to Great Falls
567 miles – estimated 11 hours of driving
Image: Scooter on the lookout
This was another big driving day. The best part was that we finally found INTERSTATE! WHOOOOO HOOOOO. Before we found the interstate we stopped at the sign for the Devonian Gardens so Nick could prove it existed.
Another stop was for a Tim Hortons. We’d seen a lot them throughout the Canadian part of our trip and had to find out what it was. It is a coffee and donuts place kinda like a Starbucks.
Although both Edmonton and Calgary beckoned us to come and explore what they had to offer, budget constraints and a desire to get home kept us on the road.
Best Western in Great Falls
1700 Fox Farm Road,
Great Falls, Montana, 59404
Receipts:
Best Western – Westlock AB
Petro Canada – Aldersyde AB
Petro Canada (souvenirs, snacks) – Aldersyde AB
Tim Hortons – Leduc AB
Dairy Queen – Clairesholm AB
Applebee’s – Great Falls MT
Yes, we really did eat at a familiar chain once we crossed into the U.S.A. I won’t miss the international service charge that we got hit with for every transaction on a credit or debit card. Nor will I miss an exchange rate that favored Canada. Why did I have to go during the one time it would benefit them the most? It was also interesting to hear about how many Canadians were planning vacations in Hawaii because of the exchange rate.
Photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsemenza/sets/72157605668576783/
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