HELENA LIME KILNS
You can click on the picture to see it bigger if you want to read the marker
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
PLAGUE!
It's probably a little dull for me to just post news articles but for some reason I'm totally incapable of articulating, this article interests me and freaks me out. I guess I grew up assuming bubonic plague was purely historical and one of those terrifying things that modern people would never need to worry about. Guess I was wrong. Although I don't think I'm in danger of getting plague. Is that what you would say? "I have the plague" or "I have plague." Anyhow, some news to brighten your day.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Plague a growing but overlooked threat: study
By Michael Kahn1 hour, 25 minutes ago (Reuters)
Plague, the disease that devastated medieval Europe, is re-emerging worldwide and poses a growing but overlooked threat, researchers warned on Tuesday.
While it has only killed some 100 to 200 people annually over the past 20 years, plague has appeared in new countries in recent decades and is now shifting into Africa, Michael Begon, an ecologist at the University of Liverpool and colleagues said.
A bacterium known as Yersinia pestis causes bubonic plague, known in medieval times as the Black Death when it was spread by infected fleas, and the more dangerous pneumonic plague, spread from one person to another through coughing or sneezing.
"Although the number of human cases of plague is relatively low, it would be a mistake to overlook its threat to humanity, because of the disease's inherent communicability, rapid spread, rapid clinical course, and high mortality if left untreated," they wrote in the journal Public Library of Science journal PloS Medicine.
Rodents carry plague, which is virtually impossible to wipe out and moves through the animal world as a constant threat to humans, Begon said. Both forms can kill within days if not treated with antibiotics.
"You can't realistically get rid of all the rodents in the world," he said in a telephone interview. "Plague appears to be on the increase, and for the first time there have been major outbreaks in Africa."
Globally the World Health Organization reports about 1,000 to 3,000 plague cases each year, with most in the last five years occurring in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United States sees about 10 to 20 cases each year.
More worrying are outbreaks seem on the rise after years of relative inactivity in the 20th century, Begon said. The most recent large pneumonic outbreak comprised hundreds of suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006.
Bubonic plague, called the Black Death because of black bumps that sometimes develop on victims' bodies, causes severe vomiting and high fever. Victims of pneumonic plague have similar symptoms but not the black bumps.
Begon and his colleagues called for more research into better ways to prevent plague from striking areas where people lack access to life-saving drugs and to defend against the disease if used as a weapon.
"We should not overlook the fact that plague has been weaponized throughout history, from catapulting corpses over city walls, to dropping infected fleas from airplanes, to refined modern aerosol formulation," the researchers wrote. (Reporting by Michael Kahn; Editing by Maggie Fox and Ibon Villelabeitia)
It's probably a little dull for me to just post news articles but for some reason I'm totally incapable of articulating, this article interests me and freaks me out. I guess I grew up assuming bubonic plague was purely historical and one of those terrifying things that modern people would never need to worry about. Guess I was wrong. Although I don't think I'm in danger of getting plague. Is that what you would say? "I have the plague" or "I have plague." Anyhow, some news to brighten your day.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Plague a growing but overlooked threat: study
By Michael Kahn1 hour, 25 minutes ago (Reuters)
Plague, the disease that devastated medieval Europe, is re-emerging worldwide and poses a growing but overlooked threat, researchers warned on Tuesday.
While it has only killed some 100 to 200 people annually over the past 20 years, plague has appeared in new countries in recent decades and is now shifting into Africa, Michael Begon, an ecologist at the University of Liverpool and colleagues said.
A bacterium known as Yersinia pestis causes bubonic plague, known in medieval times as the Black Death when it was spread by infected fleas, and the more dangerous pneumonic plague, spread from one person to another through coughing or sneezing.
"Although the number of human cases of plague is relatively low, it would be a mistake to overlook its threat to humanity, because of the disease's inherent communicability, rapid spread, rapid clinical course, and high mortality if left untreated," they wrote in the journal Public Library of Science journal PloS Medicine.
Rodents carry plague, which is virtually impossible to wipe out and moves through the animal world as a constant threat to humans, Begon said. Both forms can kill within days if not treated with antibiotics.
"You can't realistically get rid of all the rodents in the world," he said in a telephone interview. "Plague appears to be on the increase, and for the first time there have been major outbreaks in Africa."
Globally the World Health Organization reports about 1,000 to 3,000 plague cases each year, with most in the last five years occurring in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United States sees about 10 to 20 cases each year.
More worrying are outbreaks seem on the rise after years of relative inactivity in the 20th century, Begon said. The most recent large pneumonic outbreak comprised hundreds of suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006.
Bubonic plague, called the Black Death because of black bumps that sometimes develop on victims' bodies, causes severe vomiting and high fever. Victims of pneumonic plague have similar symptoms but not the black bumps.
Begon and his colleagues called for more research into better ways to prevent plague from striking areas where people lack access to life-saving drugs and to defend against the disease if used as a weapon.
"We should not overlook the fact that plague has been weaponized throughout history, from catapulting corpses over city walls, to dropping infected fleas from airplanes, to refined modern aerosol formulation," the researchers wrote. (Reporting by Michael Kahn; Editing by Maggie Fox and Ibon Villelabeitia)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
H.U.R.L. FAT ASS 50k
Friday night I drove to Helena so that Saturday morning Rebecca and I could do the Helena Ultrarunners League (HURL) Fat Ass 50k. From what I understand, calling your race a "Fat Ass" means that there is no aid, no entry fee, no recorded times. This event was pretty organized and there was actually a lot of aid on the course. And, they kept track of our times (I will only say I have the 3rd fastest female time on the course ever, ha) (ETA, that's wrong I think it's fourth!). I was uber impressed and had a great day. Although the drive to Helena was a little dicey due to snow and such (why is it that Flathead and Missoula counties are able to make roads driveable but Lake county leaves all the scary slush?) the weather on Saturday was perfect. It was about 40 degrees.
The course is a loop from Helena, to Montana City, to somewhere else, up a hill that is literally 6 or more miles and then down a hill that is literally 6 or more miles. It reminded me of the first leg of Hood to Coast coming down. Anyhow, Rebecca and I were practically giddy for the first 10 miles or so, enjoying the weather and scenery and enjoying being alive and running. Rebecca just lost a close friend to cancer and she carried a picture of her friend during the run. I couldn't help but be reminded of how precious health is. Anyhow, we kept the pace slow and steady and kept on keeping on.
Going up the aforementioned never ending (EVER!) hill (I guess it's probably technically a mountain since it was like 2000 feet up), Rebecca, who let herself get dehydrated, was puking and we kind of ambled up which made things easy for those of us not tossing cookies. (Did I mention someone baked the most delicious cookies with chocolate and coconut? Mmmmm. . . ) Anyhow, Rebecca was considering dropping at one point and urged me away from her (I seem to make people sick) so I cruised back to Helena to the finish. Although I stopped to read all the historical markers and to take pictures of the old cabins, lime kilns and other interesting sights. Sho nuff, Rebecca finished behind me -- I knew she wouldn't give up. What's a little nausea really? Pfff. Not when you're stubborn like Rebecca.
It was a really pretty course. It was also fun to run with Rebecca again (she founded our local running club but moved soon after I moved here).
Below you will see a picture of our support vehicle -- Rebecca's husband drove his Ural and carried aid in the sidecar. You can see him practicing riding on two wheels. It was nice to have him there, in addition to all the food offered by HURL.
After the event there was a potluck at Martin (a HURL guy) and Janis' house and it was really fun and nice. Soooooo much food. Which ties into the event -- I did SUCH a great job with my nutrition that I was hungry all day and ravenous when I finished. I never got dehydrated or overhydrated or ran out of energy. It was a perfect training run, I got LOTS of time on my feet ;) and practiced eating and drinking like a champ. I'm pretty sure that by the time I went to bed I'd eaten twice the calories I needed for the day. (And why do I gain weight? :p)
Helena is such a cool town. Lots of open space and easily and quickly accessible trails and very "wild west-ish" with its old historical main street (coming down Grizzly Gulch and on Park street into town). It's much drier than in the Flathead -- once you cross the Continental Divide it's a totally different landscape.
Oh, one other thing. I saw a bald eagle on my drive home -- it flew RIGHT in front of my car so it was very very close (but high enough to be out of harms way). Very cool.
PICTURES
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
An article for all my preggo peeps
Hysterical "internet experts" like Jenny McCarthy have decried child vaccinations as causing autism -- this has led (from what I remember reading) to a decrease in vaccinations among some groups. I think I remember reading that educated urban women were among the biggest culprits of refusing to vaccinate their children. I'm no medical professional but I do understand the importance of "herd" protection. . . anyhow, I thought this article (copied from the NYT) was interesting.
January 8, 2008
Study Finds Vaccine Preservative Is Not Linked to Risks of Autism
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Autism cases in California continued to climb even after a mercury-based vaccine preservative that some people blame for the neurological disorder was removed from routine childhood shots, a study has found.
Researchers from the State Public Health Department found that the autism rate in children rose continuously in the study period from 1995 to 2007. The preservative, thimerosal, has not been used in childhood vaccines since 2001, except for some flu shots.
Doctors said that the latest study added to the evidence against a link between thimerosal exposure and the risk of autism and that it should reassure parents that vaccinations do not cause autism. If there was a risk, the doctors said, autism rates should have dropped from 2004 to 2007.
Dr. Daniel Geschwind, a neurologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the focus should be on exploring possible causes of autism, including genetic links.
“Something else must be at play,” said Dr. Geschwind, who had no connection with the study. “And we need to know what that is if we’re really serious about preventing autism.”
The results of the study are in the January issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry. The study did not explore why autism cases increased.
Officials say one in 150 American children have autism, higher than other estimates. Researchers say it is unclear whether the increase stems from changes in classifying autism or whether the increase is actual.
Hysterical "internet experts" like Jenny McCarthy have decried child vaccinations as causing autism -- this has led (from what I remember reading) to a decrease in vaccinations among some groups. I think I remember reading that educated urban women were among the biggest culprits of refusing to vaccinate their children. I'm no medical professional but I do understand the importance of "herd" protection. . . anyhow, I thought this article (copied from the NYT) was interesting.
January 8, 2008
Study Finds Vaccine Preservative Is Not Linked to Risks of Autism
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Autism cases in California continued to climb even after a mercury-based vaccine preservative that some people blame for the neurological disorder was removed from routine childhood shots, a study has found.
Researchers from the State Public Health Department found that the autism rate in children rose continuously in the study period from 1995 to 2007. The preservative, thimerosal, has not been used in childhood vaccines since 2001, except for some flu shots.
Doctors said that the latest study added to the evidence against a link between thimerosal exposure and the risk of autism and that it should reassure parents that vaccinations do not cause autism. If there was a risk, the doctors said, autism rates should have dropped from 2004 to 2007.
Dr. Daniel Geschwind, a neurologist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the focus should be on exploring possible causes of autism, including genetic links.
“Something else must be at play,” said Dr. Geschwind, who had no connection with the study. “And we need to know what that is if we’re really serious about preventing autism.”
The results of the study are in the January issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry. The study did not explore why autism cases increased.
Officials say one in 150 American children have autism, higher than other estimates. Researchers say it is unclear whether the increase stems from changes in classifying autism or whether the increase is actual.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!
My friends, whose names I won't mention just yet because "E" hasn't told her boss yet, and what if her boss accidentally somehow mysteriously comes across this blog, you never know it could happen and boy would I be in trouble missy, are great with child -- who is presently known as "Rufus." What awesome news! Rufus is very lucky because they will be the coolest parents ever. But of course Rufus won't appreciate it until s/he's 30. This will be my first lecture to Rufus.
TAGGED AGAIN!
Kendra was tagged again and tagged me and I love these games so here I go:
1. Most memorable moment on the trails:
1. Most memorable moment on the trails:
When I ran the Gunsight Pass trail by myself I felt totally liberated by the realization that I could run trails alone and live to tell the tale. It's not necessarily ideal safety-wise but it's so peaceful and special in a way that's different from running with good friends, which is also special. It was also overwhelmingly beautiful and inspiring.
2. Best new trail I discovered in 2007
This was my first summer here so all the trails were new. I would say the Herron Park trail to Blacktail was the "best" given its close proximity to home.
3. My best performance of the year was…
I guess my best performance was Boston. Despite feeling totally unable to run 7 miles in January after a terrible Ironman performance (due to lack of training) and a few months off (so basically after a year of minimal running) I was able to run 3:57 -- not my best time but definitely my best executed race. It was the first time I ever ran even-ish splits throughout an entire marathon. And it was like my 12th marathon or something -- it took me that long to learn that it's true about time in the bank being repaid double. Who knew? ;)
4. I do not know how I previously survived without…
Headlamps! Oh how I love my (two) headlamps. I think I am going to use my amazon certificate my mother and father-in-law gave me (thanks guys!!!) to add a cool flashlight to the collection. I guess I never used to run where it was truly dark. Chicago's path is well lit and there's always a pink hue to the sky in the city.
5. The person I would most like to meet on a trail in 2008...
Cheryl. If I make it to the second dawn at WS I will see her and run with her on the trail (I should put "run" in quotes) and that will be a very good thing.
I hereby tag Leanne and Iris. (If Leanne wants to talk running on her dogblog).
AND IN OTHER NEWS
We had an awesome time over the New Year holiday visiting family -- it was so good to see everyone. I'm waiting for our niece to send the pictures she took and with her permission I will post one or more of them. It was balmy in New Jersey which made for good running, what little of it I did, and I slept a ridiculous amount. It was good to see 512 Hudson, where my father grew up, and think about the Starbucks on the corner and how much he would have loved to have Starbucks on the corner growing up. I think my dad was born with a cup of coffee in his hand.
I'm lucky to have cool in-laws whose company I enjoy tremendously. People usually say "in law" with a grumpy face but not me. And evidently they even read this blog. That's devotion! I love you guys very much. Ted does too and would say so if he took his job as co-blogger seriously.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sonja's Video Debut (with annoying squeaky voiced narration)
OK so this isn't the most fascinating video ever, but I'm learning!!! It's amazing how clearly Sonja is a working dog. She's very serious during our runs, at least the ones on trail in the snow, and seems annoyed by walking and falling. She must think both those things demonstrate a weak character.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Celebrity Sighting at Grocery Store
Ted and I saw John Lithgow and a friend (wife?) at the grocery store. I was trying so hard not to stare and be obnoxious but he was totally in the way of all the produce I needed. It's funny because although he was casually wearing a plaid shirt he was wearing a beret tilted to the side. I don't know why that struck me as so funny. Who would have thought when Ted and I saw him in the pre-Broadway showing of Sweet Smell of Success in Chicago that we'd bump into him at the grocery store in Kalispell, Montana. This isn't really that remarkable since he lives here at least part of the year, but it's not every day in Montana that this type of thing happens.
In running news I managed 20 miles today. I was supposed to do this run yesterday but skipped it because I had so much fun Friday night I was tired on Saturday. Thus, I was 10 miles short this week and ended up with 41 miles total.
M = R
T = 8
W = 5
R = 8
F = R
S = R (and sleep until 10)
S = 20
(total 41)
Sonja ran the last 5 miles with me
cool little trail half a mile from the house
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Hostess with the Mostess
Tonight Ruth and Jerry had a party and I'm always impressed by people like them -- everything is so perfect and you just feel so comfortable and happy. The food was incredible -- salmon that they caught in Alaska, caviar, pheasant, elk marsala, delicious desserts (multiple), good wine and good conversation. I need to take lessons on making the perfect little appetizers and such. They have such a nice house too -- I kind of want to just move in. It's tempting to just stay. But we want to be invited back.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Random Update
This weekend Ted and I went to Billings for my work Christmas party. My employer generously brings us all together for lobster tail and wine each Christmas. We went Friday night to celebrate our dear friend and colleague being made partner. Saturday Ted and I drove to Red Lodge which is a cute ski town an hour from Billings. I took a great picture with my cell phone of this funny giant man with a gun (statue not real) but I can't figure out how to get it from phone to computer. Our flight home this morning was EARLY and we're both pretty tired. But it was a really nice weekend and I appreciate the opportunity to get together with everyone.
In running news, I did 45 miles this week.
M = rest
T = 10
W = 9
R = rest
F = 16
S = 3 dreadmill at the hotel
S = 7
These were all slow miles. I am going to do what Jack Daniels says to do and increase about 10 miles every three weeks. And lots of whiskey. (har har har).
This weekend Ted and I went to Billings for my work Christmas party. My employer generously brings us all together for lobster tail and wine each Christmas. We went Friday night to celebrate our dear friend and colleague being made partner. Saturday Ted and I drove to Red Lodge which is a cute ski town an hour from Billings. I took a great picture with my cell phone of this funny giant man with a gun (statue not real) but I can't figure out how to get it from phone to computer. Our flight home this morning was EARLY and we're both pretty tired. But it was a really nice weekend and I appreciate the opportunity to get together with everyone.
In running news, I did 45 miles this week.
M = rest
T = 10
W = 9
R = rest
F = 16
S = 3 dreadmill at the hotel
S = 7
These were all slow miles. I am going to do what Jack Daniels says to do and increase about 10 miles every three weeks. And lots of whiskey. (har har har).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
CHARACTERS
Cheryl was nice enough to send this to me -- in case I was missing the "Hi Guy." Hi Guy runs every race in his super loud flip flops and rides everywhere on his bike. He seems like he would be quirky and fun but rumor has it he's kind of a jerk. Anyhow, I haven't seen any comparable characters locally, so while I don't miss Hi Guy at all I do sort of enjoy his existance.
Cheryl was nice enough to send this to me -- in case I was missing the "Hi Guy." Hi Guy runs every race in his super loud flip flops and rides everywhere on his bike. He seems like he would be quirky and fun but rumor has it he's kind of a jerk. Anyhow, I haven't seen any comparable characters locally, so while I don't miss Hi Guy at all I do sort of enjoy his existance.
(photo courtesy of Gary)Also, Cheryl tipped me off that the Chicken controversy in Chicago is getting serious. I do actually think the rodents make the chicken scenario a little different in Chicago than, say, Missoula. Chicago is already pretty rat-a-licious.
LINK
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Today was a beautiful clear sunny day. I did my first official WS trail training run (at least I thought of it that way in my head) and I think I might have seen a BEAR!!! for the first time. It was pretty far off, so frankly, it could have been something else. But it was big, black, round and fast as it barrelled straight down the mountain. I turned around when I saw it and ended up running 13 miles (I had hoped to run 14). It was a run I would describe as glorious -- crisp cold air, beauty all around and I just felt great. Here are a few pictures I took. They don't really do the colors justice though.
Friday, December 07, 2007
RED SONJA IS ALL GROWN UP NOW
but here are some baby pictures
She recently turned one and it's hard to believe she grew so much. Her eyes aren't really red but here are some cute baby pictures -- from back when her head was proportional to the rest of her body :p
In running/training news, I've been doing crunches/back thingies and am ramping up my mileage (ha for me that's not saying much!). Hopefully tomorrow I will get in a few hours at Heron Park (on the Foys to Blacktail trail) -- although Iris scared me by telling me it's mountain lion central out there. I will carry a big stick for poking mean giant kitties.
but here are some baby pictures
She recently turned one and it's hard to believe she grew so much. Her eyes aren't really red but here are some cute baby pictures -- from back when her head was proportional to the rest of her body :p
In running/training news, I've been doing crunches/back thingies and am ramping up my mileage (ha for me that's not saying much!). Hopefully tomorrow I will get in a few hours at Heron Park (on the Foys to Blacktail trail) -- although Iris scared me by telling me it's mountain lion central out there. I will carry a big stick for poking mean giant kitties.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
I'M A WINNER!!!! (I think?)
I can't even believe my name was drawn. In late June, I will be running 100 miles under 30 hours. This will be an event I can't wing -- I'm sure mental fortitude is critical but it can only take you so far before you fall over. I've got a lot to do!
I have to say though, I feel a little embarassed. Kendra did not get in, and she's a *real* runner who I would expect could finish in the top 5 if not top 3. (By the way Kendra, I'd love to know what your plans are for 2008. . . ) Joe and Chris, who have done other 100s and really deserved a spot did not get in either. Me, I have no business being entered. But in recognition of opportunity I have, I plan to give this my all and make sure I show up at the starting line in shape to succeed. It will be tough to base build over the next few months -- this morning Leanne and I ran 15 (she ran 18) in the snowy cold and it was pretty miserable in parts. But I can't make excuses -- I have a very long race to get ready for!!!
In non-running news, Ted and I went to the forest and cut down a tree today (with the proper permit). It was absolutely gorgeous -- we went to Lion Lake where Le Grizz finishes up. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but I'll post pictures of the tree once it's decorated. It's kinda BIG! Funny how your perspective changes when you're out in the woods surrounded by so many trees. . .
I can't even believe my name was drawn. In late June, I will be running 100 miles under 30 hours. This will be an event I can't wing -- I'm sure mental fortitude is critical but it can only take you so far before you fall over. I've got a lot to do!
I have to say though, I feel a little embarassed. Kendra did not get in, and she's a *real* runner who I would expect could finish in the top 5 if not top 3. (By the way Kendra, I'd love to know what your plans are for 2008. . . ) Joe and Chris, who have done other 100s and really deserved a spot did not get in either. Me, I have no business being entered. But in recognition of opportunity I have, I plan to give this my all and make sure I show up at the starting line in shape to succeed. It will be tough to base build over the next few months -- this morning Leanne and I ran 15 (she ran 18) in the snowy cold and it was pretty miserable in parts. But I can't make excuses -- I have a very long race to get ready for!!!
In non-running news, Ted and I went to the forest and cut down a tree today (with the proper permit). It was absolutely gorgeous -- we went to Lion Lake where Le Grizz finishes up. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but I'll post pictures of the tree once it's decorated. It's kinda BIG! Funny how your perspective changes when you're out in the woods surrounded by so many trees. . .
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
WOAH BEAR, WOAH!!!
I've shown all my visitors the Grizzly Bear Safety Video, which is funny. According to the video, you're supposed to say "woah, bear, woah" as you back away. Well, turns out David and I weren't the only ones paying attention:
Hip shot deters charging grizzly
By JIM MANN/The Daily Inter Lake
‘It was just a monster bear’
It happened as fast Vic Workman as could say, “Whoa bear, whoa bear, whoa!”
FULL ARTICLE
THE bear video
The part about "it was just a monster bear" makes me think of the spoof done on Grizzly Man, which I previously posted in this very blog. What a big big bear!!!
Oh, bears are so funny. . .
I've shown all my visitors the Grizzly Bear Safety Video, which is funny. According to the video, you're supposed to say "woah, bear, woah" as you back away. Well, turns out David and I weren't the only ones paying attention:
Hip shot deters charging grizzly
By JIM MANN/The Daily Inter Lake
‘It was just a monster bear’
It happened as fast Vic Workman as could say, “Whoa bear, whoa bear, whoa!”
FULL ARTICLE
THE bear video
The part about "it was just a monster bear" makes me think of the spoof done on Grizzly Man, which I previously posted in this very blog. What a big big bear!!!
Oh, bears are so funny. . .
Monday, November 26, 2007
THANKSGIVING -- a recap
Although it would have been nice to have the whole family around for Thanksgiving, we've become accustomed to *not* travelling on amateur weekend. Even though it was just the two of us, I brought out the good china and fancy table things Anne Wright made us register for. :p We even used the sterling silver eating utensils from Aunt Pat and Grandma. It was fancy indeed!
So below is my attempt at napkin origami (sp?). Not the best but hopefully I will be even better by Christmas.
Even though mom never made this, and I'm pretty sure no one in our family makes this, I thought I'd make green bean casserole to add some traditional kitsch. I have to say, though I love all the ingredients, it was totally overrated.
But the cheese fondue was absolutely perfect. Ted baked fresh sourdough bread and made the fondue -- I picked greens from the coldframe for the salad. They are GREEN. Apparently that's what happens when you pick them moments before the meal.
For dessert I made pumpkin pudding, which is a Weight Watchers recipe. Make a box of ff sf butterscotch pudding and mix it with a can of pumpkin and add pumpkin pie spice to taste. Top with whipped cream and you have crustless pumpkin pie. We chose this not because we were dieting on Thanksgiving, but because regardless of its low cal low fat properties, it rocks. Tastes just like pumpkin pie without the crust. And we all know crusts are hard to make.
I hope everyone had an equally lovely Thanksgiving!!!
Although it would have been nice to have the whole family around for Thanksgiving, we've become accustomed to *not* travelling on amateur weekend. Even though it was just the two of us, I brought out the good china and fancy table things Anne Wright made us register for. :p We even used the sterling silver eating utensils from Aunt Pat and Grandma. It was fancy indeed!
So below is my attempt at napkin origami (sp?). Not the best but hopefully I will be even better by Christmas.
Even though mom never made this, and I'm pretty sure no one in our family makes this, I thought I'd make green bean casserole to add some traditional kitsch. I have to say, though I love all the ingredients, it was totally overrated.
But the cheese fondue was absolutely perfect. Ted baked fresh sourdough bread and made the fondue -- I picked greens from the coldframe for the salad. They are GREEN. Apparently that's what happens when you pick them moments before the meal.
For dessert I made pumpkin pudding, which is a Weight Watchers recipe. Make a box of ff sf butterscotch pudding and mix it with a can of pumpkin and add pumpkin pie spice to taste. Top with whipped cream and you have crustless pumpkin pie. We chose this not because we were dieting on Thanksgiving, but because regardless of its low cal low fat properties, it rocks. Tastes just like pumpkin pie without the crust. And we all know crusts are hard to make.
I hope everyone had an equally lovely Thanksgiving!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
More chicken controversy. . .
Cheryl emailed this article to me. Looks like chickens are causing controversy far and wide.
Cheryl emailed this article to me. Looks like chickens are causing controversy far and wide.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BLOG TAG
I was tagged by a BORG (the cool kind of course) and am to share five random facts about myself.
1) I have a tattoo on my left ankle -- it's a girlie sunshine that I got the moment I turned 18. I think that's what happens when you tell kids "you can do what you want when you're 18" -- you think they're going to forget and change their minds but it only increases their resolve. Other than my earlobes, however, I have no piercings.
2) I chose my profession (law) because I wanted to be Christine Sullivan (Markie Post's character) on Night Court. I watched that show religiously and just knew I would be like Markie! Except rather than becoming a PD, which I very nearly did, I sold my soul to the man.
3) Joanna (Hedy and Maggie's mom) and I had a fairly elaborate "game" we played when we were little called "Martian-Land." We were judges, which was the highest authority on martian land, and would travel there by lego. We knew we made it up, but my brother Dave didn't. We made him cry by not letting him come to Martian-Land. We were mean. (We met when we were 4).
4) I just agreed last night to join the Board of
Foys to Blacktail which is a super cool group trying to preserve a trail system right here in town. I just went to the meeting 'cause I wanted a trail race, gosh! :p
5) I'm really scared of chairlifts and am already feeling a little anxious about all the "plans" people have to take me up to Big Mountain to learn to ski. David might remember when I started crying in line for the chairlift in Breckenride - I was borderline hysterical.
OK, so now I'm supposed to tag 3 people. I tag Leanne, even though her blog is technically supposed to be about her dogs. . . I think it would be ok to branch out, and David, assuming he has time which he might not, and Maggie and Hedy.
I was tagged by a BORG (the cool kind of course) and am to share five random facts about myself.
1) I have a tattoo on my left ankle -- it's a girlie sunshine that I got the moment I turned 18. I think that's what happens when you tell kids "you can do what you want when you're 18" -- you think they're going to forget and change their minds but it only increases their resolve. Other than my earlobes, however, I have no piercings.
2) I chose my profession (law) because I wanted to be Christine Sullivan (Markie Post's character) on Night Court. I watched that show religiously and just knew I would be like Markie! Except rather than becoming a PD, which I very nearly did, I sold my soul to the man.
3) Joanna (Hedy and Maggie's mom) and I had a fairly elaborate "game" we played when we were little called "Martian-Land." We were judges, which was the highest authority on martian land, and would travel there by lego. We knew we made it up, but my brother Dave didn't. We made him cry by not letting him come to Martian-Land. We were mean. (We met when we were 4).
4) I just agreed last night to join the Board of
Foys to Blacktail which is a super cool group trying to preserve a trail system right here in town. I just went to the meeting 'cause I wanted a trail race, gosh! :p
5) I'm really scared of chairlifts and am already feeling a little anxious about all the "plans" people have to take me up to Big Mountain to learn to ski. David might remember when I started crying in line for the chairlift in Breckenride - I was borderline hysterical.
OK, so now I'm supposed to tag 3 people. I tag Leanne, even though her blog is technically supposed to be about her dogs. . . I think it would be ok to branch out, and David, assuming he has time which he might not, and Maggie and Hedy.
Friday, November 16, 2007
CHICKEN CONTROVERSY!!!
I totally got this from David's sister's blog but I laughed so hard when I watched this video that I was crying. My boss walked in while I was watching (of course) and remarked: "only in the People's Republic of Missoula". . . Um, so, anyhow. . . evidently there's a chicken controversy down there.
There are lots of chickens in my neighborhood -- in fact, when my dogs got loose the other night they found some of our neighbors' chickens but left them unharmed. Thankfully. I actually researched our city ordinances because I would love to have hens for eggs. Unfortunately, I'm not sure Sibes and Hens are natural friends...
So here's the video and article
I totally got this from David's sister's blog but I laughed so hard when I watched this video that I was crying. My boss walked in while I was watching (of course) and remarked: "only in the People's Republic of Missoula". . . Um, so, anyhow. . . evidently there's a chicken controversy down there.
There are lots of chickens in my neighborhood -- in fact, when my dogs got loose the other night they found some of our neighbors' chickens but left them unharmed. Thankfully. I actually researched our city ordinances because I would love to have hens for eggs. Unfortunately, I'm not sure Sibes and Hens are natural friends...
So here's the video and article
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
VETERANS DAY
My maternal grandparents met during WWII -- Grandma was in the Women's Army Corps and my grandfather, who died before I was born, was in the Army. They fell in love during an air raid. Bombs = romance. They married during the war in Italy. Below is a picture of a picture of them (I'm too lazy to use the scanner). Happy Veterans Day.
My maternal grandparents met during WWII -- Grandma was in the Women's Army Corps and my grandfather, who died before I was born, was in the Army. They fell in love during an air raid. Bombs = romance. They married during the war in Italy. Below is a picture of a picture of them (I'm too lazy to use the scanner). Happy Veterans Day.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Another reason I love where I live. . .
The dogs got out. They were "at large." I was running around the neighborhood screaming for them. Very quickly, neighbors were mobilized -- either running around looking or driving looking. People were all very concerned and took the case of the loose Huskies very seriously. Leanne and Iris came and helped rather than being where they were supposed to be -- which was so wonderful of them. We finally got 'em. The time Zeke got loose in Chicago, he was hit (gently) by a car -- and the driver yelled profanities at Ted and sped off. Gotta love a "community" (I think that's what they're called anyhow).
The dogs got out. They were "at large." I was running around the neighborhood screaming for them. Very quickly, neighbors were mobilized -- either running around looking or driving looking. People were all very concerned and took the case of the loose Huskies very seriously. Leanne and Iris came and helped rather than being where they were supposed to be -- which was so wonderful of them. We finally got 'em. The time Zeke got loose in Chicago, he was hit (gently) by a car -- and the driver yelled profanities at Ted and sped off. Gotta love a "community" (I think that's what they're called anyhow).
Saturday, November 03, 2007
END-OF-THE-SEASON HIKE
Tom, Leanne, Zeke and I hiked up to Mount Aeneas -- we didn't quite make it all the way because I was nervous on the slippery ice/snow, especially with Zeke. Yeah, I had my trekking poles but still. Also, it was incredibly windy and my hands were getting super cold under my thin gloves. But, it was really nice to get out. And it's always a good excuse for a big breakfast/lunch after.
Tom, Leanne, Zeke and I hiked up to Mount Aeneas -- we didn't quite make it all the way because I was nervous on the slippery ice/snow, especially with Zeke. Yeah, I had my trekking poles but still. Also, it was incredibly windy and my hands were getting super cold under my thin gloves. But, it was really nice to get out. And it's always a good excuse for a big breakfast/lunch after.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Crazy Halloween
This picture isn't the best but it shows the endless line of cute little trick-or-treaters that invaded our neighborhood last night. I believe we got over 300. We ran out of candy twice AND I gave away all my gels, sport beans, Cliff Bars, Lara Bars and Cereal Bars. I didn't want to shut down operations! Ted ran out and bought more candy but even that wasn't enough. Wow. Next year we'll need like 20 bags of candy! Or we'll need to HIDE!
This picture isn't the best but it shows the endless line of cute little trick-or-treaters that invaded our neighborhood last night. I believe we got over 300. We ran out of candy twice AND I gave away all my gels, sport beans, Cliff Bars, Lara Bars and Cereal Bars. I didn't want to shut down operations! Ted ran out and bought more candy but even that wasn't enough. Wow. Next year we'll need like 20 bags of candy! Or we'll need to HIDE!
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