So Close but Worlds Away

A long day of work yesterday landed me at Heather C.'s doorstep in a cute flowing dress, layered with a vest, and patent leather black pumps.  Yes as I call them, "big girl clothes."  People are usually shock by this look for me.  With my long chicken legs and accompanied hight heels usually gives exaggerated length and with my normal casual clothes a dress always throws people for a spin.  But I have to say I felt great and people seemed to think I looked it!  I plopped down in the chair next to her bed in her extremely adorable studio apartment and slipped of my heels.  We proceeded to indulge in our normal conversation that I love so much.  The kind where you talk and talk as you clean and by the time the conversation is done with the apartment looks great and both people feel amazing inside.

We decided a meal was due and Ballard was not currently an option.  Seems to be the consensus of the women in my life.  Sorry Ballard, you just aren't hitting our spot anymore, but you will still always hold a place on the back burner.  Sad I know.  The decision was made to head toward Capital Hill, I know not really a better choice, but with that soon came an invitation to have dinner cooked for us by some friends of Heathers'.  I was skeptical for reasons that can remain unsaid, for they have nothing to do with these boys, but I love interacting an meeting new people and a free meal is always nice so on our way we went.

I was told to drive like I was going home and that they lived close by.  And close by indeed.  Its an older house just blocks from my modern dwelling.  It had so much character and history.  Apparently it has been within this family for friends for the past ten or so years and looks as though it has been collecting a little character from each passing dweller as they come and go.  Those are really homes, right?  Unlike the apartment I live in where they repaint the walls oh so white after someone leave?  God forbid it looks like anyone has ever lived there before!  

I had a lovely evening.  Sampled a new bottle of Portuguese wine, savored a vegetable medley stir-fry, and snacked on vegan cookies and Almond Joy like deserts.  Thank you Scotty, my new favorite chef, you and your food were truly delightful company.

Midnight, lighting storms, and 75

This is what happens during the day when that is the night.

Avoiding sunburns.

Human sprinkler.

I just felt the first breeze of the day.

Roseville

My trip began with a cancelled flight.  Stuck in Portland with nothing to do but drink.

I was only gone for about four days but really it felt much longer.  There is something about entering suburbia that really makes time slow so much for me.  Although I love where I spent the first half of my life, I continue to thank my parents for the move we made to Seattle.  

Roseville was originally a railroad town and continues to operate as one.  However in the last ten years it has exploded into mass produced homes and strip malls.  Where miles of quite rolling hills used to separate towns they are now connected.  Its a different atmosphere then I am used to in the city and every time I visit home it reminds me that I am not ready for that routine of a life.  I was asked by my friend Frank if I would ever move back there and I honestly think I never will, but as we all know never say never, right?

Red, Ash, and my sexy leg.

(Roseville is beginning to have some more city like bars.  

P.S. Red just got back from a Brad Paisely concert, I do not come from the country)

So needless to say this is no sight seeing town.  What I love about visiting home is the look on peoples faces when they recognize you have have not seen you in years.  I have visited on a semi regular basis but hardly ever have enough time to see everyone I would like too... maybe since I waste to much time relaxing in the sun.  But usually when I go back there is at least one person that I run into that I have not seen in years or maybe even since I left.   Im not totally sure why and I never expect any of these people to remember me (I was 12 when we moved), but they do, to no fail and there is something comforting about that ingrained existence in their minds.

Pools in backyards?

The main purpose of the trip was to see my brother and meet his family before I moved.  I do not see him often since he still lives in Roseville and we do not talk that much, so it was a really important trip for me to make.  His girls are lovely and I was pleased to see how much love his has found in his relationship and with her daughter as well.  Although my brother has no children of his own I think I will be taking some parenting lessons from him if I ever have that stage in life, he amazed me but at the same time it seemed so normal for him.  They all drove me to the airport this evening and Madison was confused as to why I had to go home.  As we pulled up in front of the airport she asked if that was where I lived?  You could see the look on her face she was not happy to part with me.  This little girl has so much love in her heart for everything and everyone around her.  As usual I held myself together until the last moment.  As my brother was giving me a hug and fussing over my bags the water works began.  Among many other comforting words my brothers response was, "Don't worry, I would not let you move if I did not think you could do it."  Simply put from my brother that means more to me then I can express.

Sara, Madison, Justin

Only about two months and fifteen days to go.

There Will Be Broken Hearts

Back to my roots.

Always and forever

So moving is starting to set in with a lot of excitement and sadness. I got to experience the enjoyment of cooking dinner with Josie the other night and, then enjoying it with him and Mel. On round two, cause everyone knows I usually always have seconds, we were joined by Kate and Jason. All of these people are resent additions to my life and amazing ones at that. Recently spending such quality time with these sorts of people has become very bitter sweet. I am aware that good solid friendships do not happen everyday and must be cherished.

As I think about it now I am overwhelmed with a sense of absence already. I have been so excited about the move that sometimes I forget what I will be leaving behind. I know that I will no doubt be leaving a piece of my heart here in Seattle with many amazing people.

As Heather calls these feelings of mine, "Growing pains."

Sundays

All I need on Sundays: Ballard farmers market (crepe please), King's bloody mary (salad on top), Fiore americano (two raw sugars and soy), relaxation!

Home For Sometime At Last

Between New York and cat sitting Tom Cat I have only been home and slept in my own bed two nights in the last two plus weeks.  But peace at last.  Starting last night I will have the exceptional joy of sleeping in my own bed for sometime following.  Do not get me wrong I love traveling and such but sleeping on couches, in other peoples beds, maybe great beds, you just start to not sleep right no matter.  For those of you who have come in contact with my bed, there is no denying it invites great sleep.

Tom Cat

I enjoyed a lovely summer day today.  The last day off until the storm of several jobs rolls in tomorrow.  But as Josie said this evening that is how I do.  I work too much for anyones sanity for several weeks or more and then I kick my feet up and relax until it starts again.  So eve before the storm I am sitting on my wonderful bed listening to Lillydale, the retired band of my friend Josie, thinking of the wonderful possibilities of summer 2008.  The last few months before my move, beautiful summer months, many lovely people to share some amazing memory lasting experiences.  Part of those experiences will most definitely include many BBQs. Anytime there is an announcement of a BBQ it is shortly followed by the question "What would you like me to bring?" and to no fail (and mainly from Kate) the answer is, "Your deviled eggs."  So in the spirit of a great summer 2008 I share with you my deviled egg recipe.  

Note:  It may seem a bit strange but I have to be honest about this.  You will notice none of the measurements are exact and appear to be more based on look.  I am allergic to eggs so the reality is that I almost never try them when I make them.  Thankfully however my dad is an amazing cook and he taught me how to make deviled eggs, among many other things as a kid.  Since I could not try them and just followed his directions I just learned how much of what makes them taste good to other people.  So here it is:

Hard Boiled eggs

*This is pretty much the most important part.  Badly boiled eggs never lead to good deviled eggs.  Not enough boiling is well, gross and to much boiling is well, extremely smelly.

12 eggs 

large pot of water

needle

• Use the needle to poke a hole in one end of each of the eggs.  This allows some of the egg insides to escape as they expand from boiling and prevent cracking.
• Once water reached a rough boil gently add eggs.
• Let them stay at this rough boil for 10-11 mins.  Remove for the heated burner before the 11 mins are up.  Any longer will eventually lead to the smell we are trying to avoid.
• Let the eggs rest in the hot water for 10 more minutes.
• Drain from the hot water and run under cold water until sufficiently cooled.  This will make pealing the eggs extremely easy!

Boiled to Deviled

Saffola mayonnaise 

Grey Poupon dijon mustard classic

2 good sized cloves of garlic (or the equivalent amount of shallot)

paprika 

*From my experience the brand of mayonnaise and dijon mustard you use really does make a difference.

• Once you have pealed the eggs cut them in half vertically and empty the yolk into a bowl.  One egg becomes two deviled eggs!
• Add about 6 to 8 tablespoons of Saffola mayonnaise and mix well with a spoon.  Should not be really smooth looking.
• Add about 5 tablespoons of dijon mustard classic and keep mixing. 
• Take the two cloves of garlic and smash them with a knife to release juices.  Then mince finely and add to yolk. If you like a bit more of a sweet flavor use shallots.
• If yolk still appears to be too dry (by this I means looks or feels but you can taste it)  Gradually add more mayonnaise and dijon mustard.  But if you add one add the other!
• If you were my dad you would take out your cake decorating tools and eloquently squeeze the yolks back into the center of the whites.  However if you are me you use a spoon and a finger.  Spread evenly.
• Lightly sprinkle with paprika.

Deviled eggs for you guacamole for myself (I share).

Lovely addition to wonderful BBQ!

On a side note I have been listening to the Lillydale cd on repeat, as I usually do when I get a new cd.  I love it.  The last on on the album Sea, Shore, Spiral is especially lovely.  However it is sad to me that I met Josie only shortly before this band had its last performance.  Now that I have gotten to know and love him I wish I had known back then and had gone to that performance.  I have many many friends who are musically involved and watching them on stage is always a moving and enjoyable experience, not matter how many times I have seen them.  I would have liked to have had that experience with Josie.  He says however that for sure another day another band.  Cross your fingers.

How is the asparagus soup? Life Changing.

I must apologize to all the faithful blog checkers who have not had anything new to look at for some time.  Please never stop nagging me about it!  I let myself get caught up in way to many wonderful meals like I had this afternoon with Mackenzie at Quinn's... and let me tell you that asparagus soup was life changing as the waiter so confidently told us.  Mackenzie and I have officially been categorized as "foodies" and are always looking for every meal to have "life changing" flavor.  We tend to be a bit over the top ordering way more then we need to eat, plate upon plate, smiling at the waiter as they look at us with that sideways glance of, "Crazy girls, that's a lot of food," and say, "Don't worry, we will eat it!"  Quinn's lived up to its expectation and is highly recommended.  

As much of a foodie as I claim to be I will admit that I induldge in the horrible food of this world as well.  I try to hard but I am time after time sucked it!  Everyone that knows me knows I just can't stay away from the fast food cravings!  But even this hot dog I at the other day was to much for me!

Seriously!  Does anyone else see a problem here?  I know I asked for relish and that pickles are green, but if that green does not scream artificial?!?  Ah!  Why do I like it so much?

The big trip to The Big Apple has come, happened, and gone.  I was so excited but part of me was thinking there could be the possibility that I would visit Brooklyn and decide that moving there was not really what I wanted.  Thankfully that is not what happen.  I am almost scared shitless about it but since I have been home it is something that I am looking forward to even more now.  I cant wait to explore a new city and create new experiences and routines!  Here are a few photos from the trip.  I did not take to many... I need to get better at that.  I am not used to having a camera on me at all times.

Kev and Sara are not the best flyers so we had to throw back a few before we flew out.

Kev's New Jersey home... and inside:

Concert for the babies!

The big Friday night party end with couples dancing to Sam Cooke... lovely evening.

Lovely Drew Victor!

Will, Willy, Bill, Billy just could not take anymore!

Who says you can't enjoy the outdoors in the city?

Whoever catches the cigarette... smokes the cigarette

Another "foodie" stop, the Roebling Tea Room

Red Flannel Hash

Lovely travel partners!