Busy Weekend

It's been an incredibly busy weekend. Fun, but busy. By the way don't forget to check our remodelling blog. The permit got posted last week. Next week I'll need to get the "Notice of Commencement" signed and notarized - it needs to be done prior to the first inspection.

I'm writing this while watching the Super Bowl. Peanus is sleeping on the couch and M is relaxing in her chair providing commentary on the game. Time for another commercial. The commercials started out kind of strong with Betty White and Abe Vigoda in the Snickers commercial and then my favorite - the Doritos one with the dog - it made me want to go out and buy a bag. But since then they've been less than stellar.

We attended the uf women's basketball game today. It was a tense one - we won in double overtime. I was drained at the end. But it was another good win - every game is crucial if we want to make it to the dance. Prior to the game we attended an Alumni Reception hosted by the Backcourt club and met several former players - a great way to spend our Sunday!

Looking ahead, our 5k is Saturday, Feb 13. I won't discuss our training or lack thereof. I'm going to let my adrenalin take me through the race. That and my good looks.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

This is what our week has been like in many respects. Yes, the renovation began and we're thrilled. But then Sydney started with diarrhea and vomiting. Boxer and Peanut waited a couple of days and they started with the diarrhea. So, all dogs are on restricted diet and medication. Yea, it stinks!

A Restaurant Review - Civilization

We went to a new local restaurant this past weekend and had a lovely meal. You can read the Gainesville Sun's review here. The restaurant is located on NW 2nd Street near 16th Avenue - where the former 2nd Street Bakery was. We decided to get there when they opened because we felt the good review from the Sun would increase patrons. We were the first ones there and when we left there was a waiting line - all tables inside and outside were filled!

I had one of the specials, "Mushroom Stroganoff" - it was delicious. My beverage choice was an Irish red beer - also good. And then to finish it off, I shared a chocolate mousse with M. It was all very good. The ambience was nice, too. The total bill for two entrees, two beers and a chocolate mousse was $41.00. Well worth it.

Two thumbs up.

Bark Softly and Carry a Big Stick

The rain and winds have brought down a few sticks - Peanut found her stick in the driveway.

Let's Play

Peanut's new toy - it's lasted almost an entire day so far. She usually destroys them quickly and this one has been a nice surprise.

Training began today for a 5k we are doing on February 13. M, for an unknown reason, agreed to do this and I have offered my assistance in training.

We went to Lloyd Clarkes to get running shoes. Bobby was very helpful in helping us find and fit the right shoes. Our first training run was a series of walking and running - it was a very beautiful day and perfect temperature for this. We covered about 2.25 miles - not bad for the first day. The plan is to take tomorrow off and train again on Tuesday.

The run takes place on the UF campus - I like that it's so close to the hospital. It starts at 8am which could be a problem for M.

In case you're interested, here is the link to the 5k we are doing is Life South.

The shoes in the picture are mine and nicely staged by M.

Remodel Commencing

We are doing a major remodel to our home - a blog has been created to chronicle this adventure: Mirlisa's Remodel

A Winter Poem

Some friends of our sent us a lovely poem. It was of comfort to them and they thought it might be of comfort to us. Enjoy!

"Winter" by Elizabeth Abigail McIntyre

"SHIT! It's cold!"

The End.

Just Call Me Coach!

Coach Amanda Butler has invited me to be an honorary guest coach for the Alabama game in February! I am so excited! More to follow later.

Go Gators!

It's Frickin' Cold!

M is preparing to go outside with Peanut to ensure that she took care of business before night-night.

"It's frickin' cold!" has become my favorite phrase this week - and it looks like I'm going to continue using it through the weekend. I can't remember such severe cold for so long a period. Dammit, this is Florida!

Full Speed Ahead

OK, Gators fans, football is over. Now on to other sports, like women's basketball. The Gators start their SEC season today. Go Women's Basketball!

Extreme Makeover

We took a walk with our dogs around the neighborhood and decided to walk past the house that was just built by the Extreme Makeover show.


The house is quite large with a nice array of solar panels - you can see some of the in this picture.


Okay, okay... the picture isn't great - the sun was in the wrong position - will need to go back during an afternoon and get a better picture. Interestingly, the house next door had 2x4s holding some plastic in place on the roof, ostensibly to prevent leakage. I think there should be a show called "Extreme Repair" where 10-20 houses get much needed repairs. Just a thought.

Christmas Without God? ....yes

We received a question this year about how we can celebrate Christmas and yet not believe in a god. Terri Gross interviews Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain, who has written a book entitled, "Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligous People Do Believe".

The Four Dogs of Christmas

Happy Christmas!

Flat Bread?

I decided to make some bread without using my breadmaker. All was well until the last rise - it then spread a little flat - I'm not terribly unhappy with it - of course, it hasn't been tasted yet. Still needs to cool.

So, tomorrow morning I'll cut a slice. This will be my learning loaf - will do better next time. Still was fun - used my dough hook for only the second time. Maybe use a bread pan for the next one.

Relax...it's all good.

Peace.

Visiting IKEA

We needed to go to Orlando this weekend and decided to make a "quick" visit to IKEA. This was my first time and I did not realize it was not possible to "quickly" tour IKEA.

Suffice it to say that another visit will be in order with plenty of dedicated time. And, avoid the holiday rush - traffic was heavy around the store and nearby mall. The cooks who read this blog will be shocked to learn that I chose not to enter Williams-Sonoma at the mall because my time was limited.
I saw a lot that I liked at IKEA. As the Terminator likes to say, "I'll be back!"

Too Good to Eat?

We'll know tomorrow.


We're hosting our monthly crime watch meeting tomorrow and usually like to offer some sort of finger food and beverage. So, it's gonna be banana bread and coffee. I was much more organized this evening - maybe because dinner was already cooked yesterday and I didn't have to worry about preparing it or cleaning up afterwards.


Mmmmmmm...I wish you could smell this! It's tempting to sample a slice - just to make sure it's edible - but I mustn't. A good hostess doesn't eat the food before her guests arrive. I can wait until tomorrow - really, I can. And I will.

Decorations are Complete!

Holiday decorations are complete inside and outside. While the crock-pot was cooking dinner we put up the lights outside. Our neighbor, Nicole, was putting her decorations out at the same time. She offered us some eggnog - which we gladly accepted - yummo! Our first eggnog of the season - and hopefully, not the last.

The eggnog reminded me to check our supply of Bailey's - it's low - will need to re-supply this week. There's nothing like Bailey's and coffee on a cold winter's night or morning. Cheers!

Crockpot Sunday

The cold weather makes me want to cook and bake. On this chilly Sunday I decided to use the crock-pot and searched for a recipe. Found "Mediterranean Beef and Pasta" on crock-pot.com. It turned out really well.

What I liked about the recipe was the simplicity of ingredients - most everything I normally have on hand in the pantry. I will make it again and tweak it slightly - add one more clove of garlic and back off the vinegar a tad.

Dinner is now cooked for tomorrow, too. Life is good.

In all kinds of weather, we all stick together...

Timmy, we love you. See more images at the Gainesville Sun.

It's amazing how much better one feels after a good night's rest. Yes, it was a hard game to watch. It's over and we're looking forward to the Sugar Bowl. This group of Gators has accomplished so much - let's finish with a win in New Orleans.

And, as always, Go Gators!