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.