Belgium

We decided to take a mini trip over the boarder to Belgium. We were asking locals here, really how far from the boarder is Ikea. They were saying 5-10 mins--it was 10 seconds pass the line. It was too funny! What a nice trip, it was about a 30 mins drive from where we are. There are no highways, so it is the country roads, with the cows standing on the side. It was BEAUTIFUL with the fall colors, the smell with a bit of fog in the air too. We didn't have too much time yesterday to drive to far into the country as Eric still had to work, but the point of the trip really was to get me out of the country. Not that I can prove I was out of the country expect for a reciept. No longer stamp at the boarders. We found a few goodies, their new item is ORANGE hot pads and gloves. Of course I picked some up. We use towels here, but now I'll be baking in style. They are not staying, I will bring them back.

It's kind of nice, the kids will be on a week break next week which means there are tons of test this week. The schooling and test are much different over here---so hardly any of the kids show up for practice. All the coaches get to take it kind of easy this week. I've enjoyed it.

Wish for some sunshine next week for us. Starting Sunday and five days after it's suppose to rain with a 60% chance. Not looking forward to that.

ONE game this weekend! :) Very exciting. Sunday is a National Holiday, so nothing will be open. At least it is Sunday, I am already use to that---it really is hard when it's a Saturday and you don't know about the holiday.....hope you have food.

Think that's it for now.

Recipe Alert!

Found a great easy pasta dish for a light lunch! :)

1/2 box of pasta--I used bow tie noodles
3/4 cup salame--I used speck, as that is what is widly sold here in Europe. It was about 1/4 cup.
1 green onion
1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes--diced
1/2 cup olives--sliced
Parmesan Cheese-
I added, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 red pepper.

It also calls for Italian dressing--however, I added a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Cook Noodles...and add to bowl, mix everything together and enjoy!

Beth

Let's try it again...

Just lost everything I wrote. GRRR, if that doesn't make me annoyed. Why do they have a "save now" button if it doesn't do anything. Ahhhh, here we go again.

So, as I was saying earlier, I hate setting the clocks back as we all know the days get shorter and shorter and shorter...the only good thing about it is the first day we get to sleep in and enjoy that extra hour of rest.

Nothing much is going on. On Thursday we may drive to Belgium and walk thru the Ikea over there, just for something to do. It is about 30 min drive--5 mins over the boarder. Then we can check another coutry off our list! :)

We were invited to spend Christmas with the Marquardt Family in Germany. Home away from Home.

Today was great---Fleece weather! Love it, no scarf, no winter coat--and the SUN was shinning! Couldn't have asked for more!

Will post this now before I lose this one....will not type another one tonight. :)

Aloha.

The Weekend...

It all started with Friday, there was men's game. We won the game, I video taped it. Saturday, Eric had to attend a hour practice and then home for lunch. It was nice, we were able to sit down for a bit after lunch. Then off to the gym to meet the kids and off to their game. It was a pretty good game. The team lost by 1 point,--Eric has been teaching this team a lot more then basketball and games. They don't understand the concept of teamwork, and positive attitudes etc....so he gets to continue his counseling career over here! During this game, you could tell the kids were working together. After the game ended, we decided we were going to try Sushi downtown----when we arrived to the place it was not what we were expecting. We thought it would be a sit down place, order what you want---NO WAY! It was pre-made, and sit down. We left and went to another place. It's been since June when we last had Sushi! :( Sunday, was great, laid in been until 11!! :) There was another men's game in the evening. It was suppose to be a good game, but it was blow out---we won by about 40 points or so.

Today, I got a cleaning bug in me. Woke up, went to the gym, came home, cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen, made lunch...vaccumed, did two loads of wash----that's enough for one day. It's funny how, since I am not working, I always say, Oh, tomorrow, Oh tomorrow....and then before you know it---it's the end of the week. Having a job, I find a always have a schedule. Guess everything has it's pro's and con's.

Off to the gym with Eric this evening. There is a game, so I will go early and read a book.

Yesterday,

was great! Went for a walk without the winter coat and scarf. It felt like spring; however, it was too good to be true, it's back to being icky outside. It's not that cold, but it's very damp, which equals, "coldness".

Tonight is the men's picture. Eric had to get all dolled up for the night. I must say the only good thing that works well is the iron. I must say.....I've not ironed anything since moving to Hawaii...LOL. Linen, is the way to go there. Anyways, it was a very nice iron. I hope he gets a picture, if not I will give you guys the website and you can check it out.

I found a great recipe to spice up steamed broccoli. I will share it with you.

Broccoil--I used one big head. Cut the flowers bite size and keep the steams.
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp basil leaves
1 tsp oregano leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1 clove of garlic, chopped fine
2 roma tomoatoes, chopped and seeded

1. Steam broccoli
2. Once finished head skillet with oil, pour in basil, oregano, salt, garlic and tomatoes and cook for 1 min.
3. Add broccoli and stir to warm thru.
4. Serve.

I also added a few red pepper flakes. Also, I just used one teaspoon is italian seasoning. I loved it. We'll see if it passes the test later.

Priceless

Today was Baby Basketball, I volunteer my time for 1.5 hours once a week. Today was the first day we had extra time for a short game. This is such a priceless moment. The women paired everyone up, got the two in the middle to tip off, threw the ball up and only one person moved. Everyone else stood in the spot she put them. The two of us turned around and started laughing. The kid that took the ball turned around with this look of "why aren't you guys moving?" You gotta love five and six year olds. The lady said in her 15 years of doing this, never has this happened again. We tried it again, and this time she told them to run after the ball. That was cute too---a heard of sheep following the ball.

Dinner tonight, I made my very first batch of homemade Chicken Dumpling soup. Everything was homemade, right down to the broth. I've never made dumplings before, they are a bit strange.

Eric brought the car in today for them to wash and vaccum out. He said that there was frost on the windows this morning. I wasn't about to get out of bed as I knew it was going to be cold. We found him a pair of gloves yesterday, so he saids he is good to go. Guess that means he will continue walking. He has lost 20 lbs since we left in June. I've lost 10lbs---

Movie night tonight, some friends borrowed us DVD's---subtitles!

Monday Morning...

It feels like I have a job...LOL. Today, I did nothing. Eric and I got up and worked out, then went to sight see this cute little town, just to get out of the house. We then arrived home, and I sat on the couch for the rest of the day. It was my lazy "Sunday".

Had games all weekend long. I sat thru 3.5 games on Saturday and then only one game on Sunday. Eric didn't have to go to the gym until 7pm this evening, it was nice having someone at home during the afternoon.

Tonight is "English Monday"---from 830-1030, they show CSI:New York, and Bones. Off to return to the couch...with some ice cream! :)

Until the next time....

Auchan's

Today was our bi-weekly trip to the city for grocery shopping! Eric's job is take Miss Daisy (Beth) twice a month for our large shopping. Anyways, here on the other side of the world, you have to weigh your produce in the produce section for the price. I went over there with avocados and then said something to me, and I gave him a look and shook my head, like I didn't understand....then he proceeds to ask me "Do you speak English?" at that moment I tried really hard not to laugh, as yesterday I just had a conversation that I am the one always asking, do you speak English.....the funny part is, when he spoke to me in English, I still had no idea what he was talking about. I thought he was telling me those are not the avocados for .89 cents....then another customer, added, you weigh those at the check out.....Life, full of interesting moments.

Now all the cupboards are full, the freezer is stocked, and I have not a clue as to what I am going to make tonight. We bought rice today, I might attempt to make that. I have never made rice without a rice cooker. Besides, before I moved to Hawaii, I NEVER ate rice, gross. So, cross your fingers it works tonight. I think Eric is sick of eating potatoes...and if you know me, you would understand.

Off to search on the internet for something to make.

Adios....

Linguine with fresh crab, asparagus, lemon and basil

By: Ainsley Harriott

350g (12oz) linguine
250g (9oz) asparagus (it's a good handful, they add a lot of flavor to the dish)
3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne
125ml (4oz) double cream (aka heavy cream 30% fat)
250g (9oz) fresh white crabmeat (I used fake crab)
2 tbs fresh basil
zest of one lemon

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil, add the linguine, stir to prevent them from sticking and cook according to the packet instructions. Drain well.

Meanwhile, trim the asparagus and cut into 2.5 (1in) lengths. Cook in boiling salted water for about three (3) mins, until tender, then drain. Heat the oil in another large pan. Add the garlic and chilli or cayenne and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream, asparagus and crabmeat and heat gently.

Tip the linguine into the cream mixture and toss gently over a low heat to combine. Divide between four warm bowls, scatter with basil and lemon zest and serve immediately.

Beth's Review: Super easy, once you get the water boiling for the noodles, it will take 10 mins to cook. Make sure you have everything ready to go, cause as I said, once you put the noodles in you have that time to get it all done. It was timed perfect.

Great Steak and Mushroom Sandwiches.

Laura gave me a wonderful idea, so I thought I would post a few recipes for you all to try. The first one I love for a quick weekend lunch or weekday dinner.

Great steak and mushrom sandwiches

3 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion (I used white onions)
1 glove garlic (used 2)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 large or 4 medium sized flat mushrooms, stalks trimmed (didn't not use, as none in the house)
2 rump or sirloin steaks, sliced thin.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (did not use)
Salt and pepper

Heat 2 tbs of the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and saute over a medium heat until tender and turning golden at the edges. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the vinegar and cook for another minute. Tip the onions on to a plate while you cook the mushrooms.
Wipe the mushrooms with damp kitchen paper. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and cook the mushrooms on both sides for about 5 mins, until tenter. Remove from pan.
Season the steaks and cook in the frying pan over a high heat for about 1.5 mins on each side for medium, or until cooked to your liking.
Cut each piece of bread almost in half and spead liberally with 1 tbs of the mustard. Place a steak on the bottom half and pile half the onion on top, followed by half the mushrooms. Scatter with parsley, add seasoning and press the sandwich together. (I added lettuce to the sandwich.)

It's Official!

The winter coat, scarf and mittens came out today. I am thankful mother remembered to stick my scarf in the mail too. Thought I was going to have to knit another one; however, that would have given me something to do. The heat got turned up one number. These windows suck here, they need at least double glass...

Making butternut squash tonight for dinner. Curious how long it will take in this oven--then mix it with some brown sugar, butter, salt and pepper! Yummy.

I think my walks to the gym in the evening time will become fewer and fewer---I can't take the cold. Haven't really mastered the whole stick shift driving, but can't justify driving 3 mins to get to the gym....

That's it for the day. The "boss" went home today, so I have my boyfriend back! :)

Missing the warmth....

of this islands. Just finished looking at pictures from a recent trip of some friends---They were in the south pacific---missing the water, the sunshine, the friendlyness. As I sit here writing, it is cold outside, I have the heat on, drinking a cup of coffee to warm my bones....shall I continue.
This week, will remind me why I live in Hawaii. I try to always remember the cold, below zero days, when it is July and Aug and I sweating in the the heat, thinking "why is it so hot, can't wait till october." This will refresh my mind. Mom sent my winter coat and one of dad's for Eric. The coats, well clothes in general way too expensive to buy a coat for one winter. Good thing Columbia coats stay around for awhile...this coat is 10 years old. It's been 7 years since I lived in MN. No need to have a coat in Hawaii. I laugh everytime I go out---I am the non-fashion queen out here. I try to remember to dress up a bit when going outside, as you will get looked at if you wear shorts and t-shirt outside. Last night we were at a basketball game, keep that in mind. I had tennis shoes, jeans, shirt and a comfy sweater. All these other people, boats, dress pants, cute shirts, they hair fancy.....I starting laughing and looked at Eric. Eric is like, why are you laughing, I said look around. I said, I am such a fashion queen, I need to contain myself. I love Hawaii, anything goes..... Speaking of the basketball game, we went and had few drinks afterwards upstairs, and I am shocked at how many American's are here for basketball....a ton from the midwest. They all have jobs at the International School here....so some of them are going to see what they can do for me.

Well, that's enough of my soap box today......off to think about dinner...then off to the gym for a game tonight.

Sunshine...

peaked thru the clouds today. It just poured last night. Wonderful to sleep too---now we just need thunder.
Let's see...what to chit chat about. Last weekend, Mom and Heather took Gabby pumpkin picking...Gabby collected all the ones she could lift. She was suppose to carve them with Dad on Wednesday, but she was feeling ill---so hopefully this weekend. I want to see her get all messy via Skype.
Trying to find a place to get a haircut. They are expensive over here----it will have to get done. Told Eric he could do it as you can't tell on curly hair.

I am craving Caribou Coffee--a medium Turtle Mocha with extra turtle treats! oh, extra hot. They really need to start one on Maui, not Honolulu.

This weekend it is basketball and more basktball. I think each day two games...keeps us busy. Well off to doze off in front of the tv. Eric won't be home anytime soon as the "boss" is here, so they are always late.

Happy Monday

well, as happy as it can be on a rainy cloudy day. Just looked at the forecast for the next 10 days, and this Friday is our only day without any chance of rain. After six years of living in AZ and Hawaii, with all the sunshine one could have---the rain makes it really hard to want to do anything. I remember wanting rain in those states, but here, it is almost everyday---yuck.

This past weekend, busy with basketball. Three games on Saturday (brought a good book with me). None of them were Eric's team. One youth, a women's game, and then Espoires which translates to "the hopefulls". Eric was coaching that one as that coach was out scoutting another team. Sunday, he had two games, youth and then his team. He his won by 26points--it was a pretty good game.

Man, I think I am going to go thru the coffee this week.

Hope all had a great weekend.
Beth

It's morning...

so soon. The boy's and the the team and had outting last night. A team dinner before the real seaon starts. This country has way too much money---each person @ 40 euros and about 16 people. Give me a break! I had my own date with the other coach's girlfriend. I made dinner brought it to their house as they have a 10 month old, it was a bit cold out last night. Put the kid to bed ate and had a few beers. Every time I stay up until midnight, I often wonder in the morning why.....But there is always coffee and a great afternoon nap! :)

I just finished a wonderful, yet disturbing book on Somlia. I borrowed it from Christina, the other girlfriend. She has a few books here in English----it was great, but soooo sad what they do to the women over there. I just gave the book back, I will ask what the name of it is. Soon, there will be a movie coming out based on the book. I recommend to go see the movie--but be prepared....

Off to enjoy my coffee and lay down again....Home alone this morning, while Eric is at the gym for a few hours.

Brrr...

I am not sure what I signed up for. I am glad Eric is wimp when it comes to cold weather. We both like the heat turned on. Every night is warm; however, during the day we don't need it.

As this year, I am the stay at home girlfriend and I get to experiment with different recipes, I will post them. I just found two great and easy dishes. Eric never complains, but this year I am totally free to try anything I like. One dish was a chicken pesto pasta with sun dried tomatoes, and olives and then other one was a sandwich, thin steak with onion browned in olive oil and some balsimic vienger---we liked both of them. Speaking of cooking, the languages in this teeny tiny country are: Germany, French and Luxembourgish so going to the store is always an adventure. A month ago we went shopping, and whole chicken was on sale---2 for 1, so I bought two. It was sunday after church, thought I would make Eric a nice meal as in the evening we had basketball. I cook, Eric always cuts the meat. Eric came to cut it, and it wasn't done, so I stuck it back in for 15 mins....he came back to cut it again but the wing didn't move. Long story short, I said it has to be done, it has been in there for 2 hours (keep in mind the ovens in Europe are very different from American ovens). We tasted the "chicken" and it was not very good. It tasted gamey----but we eat it. We tossed the rest of it, neither of us could eat it. Later we found out it was duck---yuck. We cooked it totally wrong and it was nasty. I can't find anyone to give it too---but finally found a good recipe to try. Needless to say, I never know if it is German or French or Luxembourgish. It's all part of the experience, right?!? Now, I know what to look for to make sure it is chicken.

I've figured out how to bake too--measuring in grams. I just need to figure out what flour to use. There are so many different kind of flours here--I buy according to the picture on the package. LOL, that's how I do most of my shopping, now that I think about it.

The basketball season has started, we are in full swing on the weekend. Practice all week and then Saturday and Sunday games. I was talked into helping with Baby Basketball, they are five and six---it is fun. It's really to make sure they don't get hurt and to hug those who do. They are so darn cute and they can't get over the fact that I don't understand them. Lidy, the coach, told them I don't speak French only English, and they had questions. It was cute.

That's all for the day. Off to mark recipes in the books, a mother gave me.