Anticipation for what's to come

Change of plans for Sunday, I will be ringing in the Chinese New Year with five spice roasted duck, wonton soup, and steamed pork and shrimp Shumais!

Weekend of Festivities

Saturday, we are going over to a friend's house for dinner and wine. On Sunday, we are going out with another couple to celebrate the Chinese New Year....the Year of the OX! By the ways, Joseph Vu is producing a show for the New year,if we have time, I'll check it out.

Jill and Geoff: Thanks for dinner the other night. It was delicious. I love it when someone else cooks for me! Chris will be over to help Geoff with the wall!

The world from the untrained eye

Game Night

free online clock desktop clock

A weekend of relaxation with some friends over to share in the extended holiday season. What would you recommend as a fun game for a group of 6-8?

The Year of the OX- 2009

2009 is the Year of the OX...or Buffalo. As a child born in the year of 1973, I am therefor an ox.

The Ox, or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task. Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home. They know that they will succeed through hard work and sustained efforts, and do not believe in get-rich-quick schemes.

What is your Chinese Zodiac Sign??

Happy New Year's Eve Everyone!

And what will your new resolutions be?

Mine is: Eat less......somehow.....haven't gotten there yet in 2008 but there's always next year. Too much good food around me, afterall, I am living in one of the most epicurious cities in the country.

Happy New Year

Cell phone days

I just learned an exciting way to post cell-phone pictures from Natalie...the angel on my shoulder!

Thanks giving chez Marguerite

This year, I decided to cook after all! The Turkey came out delicious, we had Ms. Renner's famous Drunken Yams and Green bean casserole amongst other delightful treats. Jill and Geoff came over later that evening and we had a blast making Ginger bread houses. Had a little problem with the foundation as each of our roofs kept sliding off. Hot toddies and dessert wines were the best accompaniement with our pecan pies.

Saturday night, we are having Florian and Dina over for dinner. What am I serving?
Sea Diver Scallops Gremoloise with Yukon potatoes gratin and cream, and fresh asparagus with a mustard sauce. I think a nice chilled Riesling will go nicely with this dish.

Next weekend: Dinner with my beautiful Natalie and Steven.

Jay Leno on Palin-Biden debate

A great Summer BBQ Recipe- For dinner tonight

Ingredients: Boubon Glazed Pork Tenderloin
1 cup bourbon
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup oil
1 cup prepared mustard
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
Freshly minced Garlic

Preparation:Combine all ingredients and mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Marinate meats for 4 to 6 hours and grill on low heat for 2 hours until at least 160 degrees for doneness.


Serve with a side of Grilled Romaine Caesar Wedge:
Ingredients:
Romaine Lettuce quartered lenghtwise, fresh lemon, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper

Preparation: Coat lettuce wedges with olive oil, sea salt, and coursely ground pepper or your favorite vinaigrette dressing
Brush hot grill with olive oil and gently grill lettuce wedges for about 20 seconds.
Remove and serve with a sprinkle of fresh lemon with freshly grated parmesan to garnish.

The Drive up was worth it!

Finally Spring!

What do we know about the Mile High City?

Happy Easter everyone. I'm off packing for a quick trip to Denver. Here is a pop quiz about Denver. If anyone can answer correctly.....then I just might have a treat for you upon my return:

-True or False: Denver is the most populous city of Colorado
-True of False: Denver is nicknamed the Mile-High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.344 m) above sea level
-Denver is located between what famous mountain range and the high plains to the east?
-What is the name of Denver's football team?
-What year was Denver founded: 1848 1858, or 1868

Obama/Richardson Ticket??

A few months ago, my instinct was that if a Democrat were to win the race to the White house, it would be the Clinton/Richardson ticket. Now it looks like an Obama/Richardson ticket may be the way to go. What are your thoughts. Watch this video from Portland Oregon on Richardson's speach endorsing Obama.

RINGING IN 2008!

Watching the crystal ball drop in NY Times Square on TV is a time honored tradition when celebrating the new year in the cozy warmth of your home.

My top 5 resolutions for 2008: If I can accomplish at least 3 of these, then I'm ahead of the game!

1. Lose 25 lbs- How? Eat less?? Oh no...exercise! (This resolution is so overrated)

2. Save Money- Shop less??

3. Start a Family - What am I waiting for?

4. Limit my Television shows to just: 30 Rock, The Biggest Loser, The Apprentice, & PBS

5. Take my dogs out more- Gabriel Park is right down the road from the house,
and Tryon Park is another great option!

Ski Bowl- Christmas day

Driving up to Mt. Hood, and skiing at Ski Bowl Government camp

Portland- New Urbanism (Business Week)

Check out Slide show:

Portland-Urbanism

If you cannot open this link, just highlight this and copy and paste into your URL to view.

Portland is one of Top 10 Cites to Beat! - Business Week
Also 2007's Top 10 Destinations in the WORLD to go to- Frommers Travel

A beautiful Song to end 2007

Puzzles

Currently laboring over a crossword puzzle at 12:43 am that has me and chris stumped. Here are a few clues that were given:

unproductive communication: 8 letters
Artist's medium: 4 letters, ends in an "S"
Singer Cleo: 5 letters
Scottish Town: 5 letters

If anyone knows the answer, let me know so I can fill in the blanks. Thank you :)