Wednesday, August 27, 2008

"It's not rain, really, it's more like 'mist' here," my friend says...

I was in LA a couple of weeks ago, and while there, I found a cute, but sensible, green "weather-proof" jacket. This past Monday, I had the opportunity to test it out. I couldn't stand being in this house one minute longer, and the library up the hill had a book on hold for me (People of the Book). Anyway, due to a lovely case of hives, I hadn't been outside of our apt's four walls since last Thursday. I wasn't quite public-presentable, as my face was still slightly swollen and my lips would have made Angelina Jolie jealous, but I was determined. It was drizzling outside, so I thought.."Oh, this is the Seattle weather everyone talks about-"misty". No biggie – I'll just try out my new jacket!" I set out on my short journey, decked out in the rain-proof jacket and new "non-purse" messenger bag (thanks for the ebags tip, Harji!). Everything was fine…2 blocks up the road, the drizzle picked up. I thought, "Hm..do I wear the messenger bag over or under my jacket? What is the etiquette here? Oh, I'll just keep it over – it's not really raining." ½ mile in…it stops drizzling!!!

And STARTS raining. RAIN. I'm now ½ way to the library and decide to keep trudging uphill – why go back now, right?– I've put my rain-proof hood up and messenger bag now under jacket. I walk up a steep hill, finally making it to the library. I'm now soaked. Jeans are 100% wet – in fact, they've turned an entirely different color! The rain-proof jacket does have its limits, I'm afraid, and the inside was getting damp. Thankfully, it didn't completely seep through, b/c my shirt of choice that day? White t-shirt - whew! BUT – I made it. I definitely had my fair share of "weather," and was now ready to be back INSIDE. Thankfully, Craig was around to whisk me away shortly thereafter, b/c as hard as I tried to look and act comfortable, (well, I had made it there, so I couldn't give up the fight yet, could I? ha!) I was cold down in my bones!!! So we went to a Thai restaurant, and over a steaming cup of jasmine tea and spicy curry, we came to the conclusion that it might do me well to be a little more cautious as I continue to "absorb" life in Seattle. Unless, of course, I invest in an umbrella and rain-proof pants. The fashion statement attached to said pants, however, leaves me with a sneaking suspicion that another tale would ensue…

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I'm over the moon!

For Molly Moon ICE CREAM, that is!
This delightfully sweet confection has certainly always rotated somewhere in my list of top 5 favorite foods, but I do think Miss Moon has driven it permanently to at least place #2...maybe even #1!!! Craig and I made an impromptu visit this afternoon to her recently opened shop. Thankfully, there was a "kid's scoop" listed on the menu, which helped me to feel A-Ok with ordering a double-scoop! I ordered honey lavender and salted carmel. Yes...honey lavender and salted carmel. Have you ever heard of such simple, yet indulgent flavors? And I had TWO of them in ONE bowl! I do believe the world stopped during my first two tastes. And, yet not as exotic, Craig's were nonetheless satisfying. He ordered chocolate (which he later told me might be one of the better "chocolates" he's had, and..for those of you who know him, my man knows chocolate!) and maple walnut. As good as these were...I wanted more. My good, *sweet*, husband jumped on the bandwagon and we promptly ordered one more kid's scoop to split - thai iced tea. Refreshing!!!!!

Other highlights from the weekend?

Friday night dinner and a movie-
We had a great salad:
dressing - dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and olive oil
drizzled over-
1 grapefruit, peeled and I took the fruit out of the individual "skins," so it was the fruit only
avocado
butter lettuce
red onion
cucumber
chilled shrimp

Flowers from my man, from Pike Place Market- beautiful purple and melon-colored gladiolas, lillys, and...I don't know what it's called, but it looks like baby's breath, but with a fresh lemon color...

*New "deceptively healthy" recipe alert*

Roasted Plums!

4-5 plums, quartered
cinnamon, to taste
juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/2-1T butter
1/4 c grape nuts (optional)
Pre-heat oven to 425.
Butter baking dish (not too shallow, my dish was about 1 1/2 " deep)
Mix all the ingredients
Roast for about 7 min, stir once, roast for another 7-8 min.
SO GOOD!!