I really enjoy cooking and this Fall/Winter has so far been spent trying lots of different soup recipes; I try a new one at least every other week. I've tried chicken and wild rice soup, minestrone, lentil and sausage soup, vegetarian chili, turkey chili, and split pea soup. I also have made my old favorites zuppa toscana and good ol' regular chili.
Some of these soups, like minestrone, are just things I've wanted to try to make. Others, like the chicken and wild rice soup or the lentil and sausage soup, are efforts to re-create something I had elsewhere. The chicken and wild rice soup is based on a recipe I got when I bought some wild rice from a restaurant called the Northern Lights Roadhouse near Beaver Bay, Minnesota in September. The lentil and sausage soup is similar to one I had at a German restaurant in Minneapolis. Each time I prepare those soups, I am reminded of our wonderful trip.
Often the soup recipes make far more than I can eat, so it's a great opportunity to share my blessings with other people. My husband Joe's co-worker Jim, my co-worker Sara, and my friend Fr. Ron have all been recipients of soup care packages. Something about sharing of your food is very powerful. Of course, I am reminded of the Last Supper and of the many other occasions in the Gospels during which Jesus shares a meal. Somehow, there's an intimacy created when sharing a meal -- even if it's just in the form of a take-home container of homemade soup.
Showing posts with label Joe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Quick Update
Gosh I can't believe it has been since last month since I've updated my blog. I think I'll just have to at least make a habit of updating it, if only in short posts, at least once a week or so.
Short version of what has happened in the last few weeks is we have been doing some work on the house in the last few weeks. The latest is we just had a patio extension poured this week and it looks pretty good. Next project will likely be installing some exterior lighting around the patio and doing a little backfilling around the patio since there is one corner in particular that has quite a step down to the lawn. Next Spring, we'll be doing some plantings at the edge of the back yard and some other beautification in the back yard.
Last weekend, we were a host house for our parish's version of the Amazing Race. There were 32 teams who competed in a number of mind-bending and physical challenges that all had to be completed within a certain time-frame. 16 of the teams went through our house -- it was a lot of fun hosting and the teams were put to test at our home.
I've also spent time getting ready for the holidays, coming quickly around the corner. I picked up the turkey last week and only have a couple more things to purchase for the Thanksgiving menu. Meanwhile, I've also been doing some Christmas gift shopping. I'm about 90% complete with my Christmas shopping, so I am well ahead of the game there.
Other than that, life is pretty good. I am very grateful for my home, my health, my hubby, my cats, and my employment. I am praying for those who are seeking employment and hopeful that the economy will recover in the next year or so.
Short version of what has happened in the last few weeks is we have been doing some work on the house in the last few weeks. The latest is we just had a patio extension poured this week and it looks pretty good. Next project will likely be installing some exterior lighting around the patio and doing a little backfilling around the patio since there is one corner in particular that has quite a step down to the lawn. Next Spring, we'll be doing some plantings at the edge of the back yard and some other beautification in the back yard.
Last weekend, we were a host house for our parish's version of the Amazing Race. There were 32 teams who competed in a number of mind-bending and physical challenges that all had to be completed within a certain time-frame. 16 of the teams went through our house -- it was a lot of fun hosting and the teams were put to test at our home.
I've also spent time getting ready for the holidays, coming quickly around the corner. I picked up the turkey last week and only have a couple more things to purchase for the Thanksgiving menu. Meanwhile, I've also been doing some Christmas gift shopping. I'm about 90% complete with my Christmas shopping, so I am well ahead of the game there.
Other than that, life is pretty good. I am very grateful for my home, my health, my hubby, my cats, and my employment. I am praying for those who are seeking employment and hopeful that the economy will recover in the next year or so.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tour de Donut Results Are In!
Yahoo!!! I stayed in the top 10 this year, even with the new and improved categorizations.
In previous years, the men and women were divided into Men/Women Over 50 and Men/Women Under 50. So this year, I was categorized with women under 40, as opposed to last year, where I just fell into the broader Women Under 50 category. That means I had a narrower and younger field against which to compete this year, and I still managed to make it into the top 10. My time was actually a couple minutes slower than last year (I was 1:38:14 in 2007), but I am still glad I made it to number 9 again this year with a time of 1:41:26 in a field of 156.
I'll have to find a team to hook up with next year and see what I can do with some help drafting. I am sure I could easily shave 10 minutes off that time if I were drafting.
Hubby finished well also. He fell into the Men 40 - 50 category at number 38 in a field of 149. His time was 1:46:06.
By the way, the best donut-adjusted time went to a guy who ate 33 donuts. His donut-adjusted time was -0:25:06. All the results are here.
In previous years, the men and women were divided into Men/Women Over 50 and Men/Women Under 50. So this year, I was categorized with women under 40, as opposed to last year, where I just fell into the broader Women Under 50 category. That means I had a narrower and younger field against which to compete this year, and I still managed to make it into the top 10. My time was actually a couple minutes slower than last year (I was 1:38:14 in 2007), but I am still glad I made it to number 9 again this year with a time of 1:41:26 in a field of 156.
I'll have to find a team to hook up with next year and see what I can do with some help drafting. I am sure I could easily shave 10 minutes off that time if I were drafting.
Hubby finished well also. He fell into the Men 40 - 50 category at number 38 in a field of 149. His time was 1:46:06.
By the way, the best donut-adjusted time went to a guy who ate 33 donuts. His donut-adjusted time was -0:25:06. All the results are here.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Catching Up
Finally the weather is improving. Better weather = more riding + less blogging. So a quick round-up is in order. . .
Cycling
Starting cycle-commuting to work last week on the new bike. All is going well with it. I am very fortunate (and grateful!) to have access to some really fantastic facilities at work for bike storage and showers in the fitness center for cleaning up. I will eventually invest in all-weather gear so I can ride in the rain if necessary.
Speaking of upgrades, yesterday I picked up some SPD pedals for the Dew so I can click into the pedals.
They are Shimano A530. I didn't realize how accustomed I had gotten to being clicked into my bike until I was riding with standard pedals again!
Fun stuff
Went to music trivia at St. Stephen's last night. What a great time! I never go to any trivia night with the intent to win -- just to play and have a good time, which I did.
Music
Went to Barry Manilow Friday night -- yes, Barry Manilow. I am not a huge fan, but was going along with the hubby, who really likes him. Yeah you read it right -- I said my hubby really likes Barry. Anyway, it was neat hearing certain very popular songs of his live. I think I counted a 27 piece orchestra: 11 strings, 9 horns, 1 rhythm/acoustic guitarist, 3 keyboardists + Barry from time to time, 1 percussionist, 1 drummer, 1 bass guitarist. He also had four backup singers. By the way, Barry really loves his Botox.
Chaifetz
On top of it being a Barry concert, it also happened to be the first event inside the new Chaifetz Arena. They have some serious logistics issues to work out, but the facility itself was fine.
Food
Have been to several food places since I posted last. Went to The U sandwich shop, Buffalo Brewing Company, and Pappy's Smokehouse. All three are at the corner of Lindell and Cardinal, just east of Compton. Food was good in all three, though the U needs work on handling its orders well.
Faith
Last but not least, of course, is God! Since starting my new job, my schedule has not afforded me the opportunity to go to weekday Masses, which I miss a lot. I think I am going to give a try to the mid-day Mass at one of the downtown Catholic churches.
Regarding today's readings, I am always so happy when the Holy Spirit is given special attention in the readings. I think we often overlook the Holy Spirit and it is unfortunate, because the Holy Spirit is a wonderful source of wisdom and guidance for us in our day to day living. Try using the Examen of Consciousness to get in touch with that guidance every day -- you may find it to be a wonderful source of grace throughout your day by adding it to your everyday routine.
Cycling
Starting cycle-commuting to work last week on the new bike. All is going well with it. I am very fortunate (and grateful!) to have access to some really fantastic facilities at work for bike storage and showers in the fitness center for cleaning up. I will eventually invest in all-weather gear so I can ride in the rain if necessary.
Speaking of upgrades, yesterday I picked up some SPD pedals for the Dew so I can click into the pedals.
They are Shimano A530. I didn't realize how accustomed I had gotten to being clicked into my bike until I was riding with standard pedals again!
Fun stuff
Went to music trivia at St. Stephen's last night. What a great time! I never go to any trivia night with the intent to win -- just to play and have a good time, which I did.
Music
Went to Barry Manilow Friday night -- yes, Barry Manilow. I am not a huge fan, but was going along with the hubby, who really likes him. Yeah you read it right -- I said my hubby really likes Barry. Anyway, it was neat hearing certain very popular songs of his live. I think I counted a 27 piece orchestra: 11 strings, 9 horns, 1 rhythm/acoustic guitarist, 3 keyboardists + Barry from time to time, 1 percussionist, 1 drummer, 1 bass guitarist. He also had four backup singers. By the way, Barry really loves his Botox.
Chaifetz
On top of it being a Barry concert, it also happened to be the first event inside the new Chaifetz Arena. They have some serious logistics issues to work out, but the facility itself was fine.
Food
Have been to several food places since I posted last. Went to The U sandwich shop, Buffalo Brewing Company, and Pappy's Smokehouse. All three are at the corner of Lindell and Cardinal, just east of Compton. Food was good in all three, though the U needs work on handling its orders well.
Faith
Last but not least, of course, is God! Since starting my new job, my schedule has not afforded me the opportunity to go to weekday Masses, which I miss a lot. I think I am going to give a try to the mid-day Mass at one of the downtown Catholic churches.
Regarding today's readings, I am always so happy when the Holy Spirit is given special attention in the readings. I think we often overlook the Holy Spirit and it is unfortunate, because the Holy Spirit is a wonderful source of wisdom and guidance for us in our day to day living. Try using the Examen of Consciousness to get in touch with that guidance every day -- you may find it to be a wonderful source of grace throughout your day by adding it to your everyday routine.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
One of these things is not like the others
As you might imagine, we didn't get in a bike ride today after all . . .
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
I took in this morning's Mass at St. Mary of the Angels parish near the neighborhood where we are staying here in Chicago. It's a very beautiful church.
The church was almost completely full for Mass this morning.
The liturgy was about as close as you can get to a Tridentine Mass without it actually being in Latin. Opus Dei staffs the church. There were about a half-dozen altar boys -- no altar girls. The altar boys wore red cassocks with white surplices and all the priests wore cassocks too. The book of the Gospel was incensed before the reading. All responses were sung. The altar and all the priests' hands were incensed before communion. Only the presider took the Blood of Christ at communion and the Body of Christ was distributed exclusively on the tongue. No kneeling at a communion rail, though and the priests faced the congregation rather than have their backs to us. It was about a 90 minute Mass.
Being a feast day in honor of the conception of their parish's namesake, the folks attending SMA for Mass today were very well dressed. There were many beautiful little girls in their pretty velvet holiday dresses and little boys in tiny jackets and ties.
The music was performed/arranged well and reminded me of a chamber orchestra with accompanying chorus -- violins, french horn, organ, and perhaps some other instruments. Can't say for certain since the musicians and singers were in a choir loft.
The church also had some beautiful statuary. This one, which appears to me to be the Agony in the Garden, was really touching.
Here's St. Michael:
After Mass, we went to a neighborhood art/craft fair. Very beautiful handcrafted jewelry was available there, among many other handicrafts. Hubby bought a couple of candles he liked. After that, we did some shopping at various stores nearby. Eventually we headed towards downtown and had a very late lunch at Portillo's. Santa was there, so I decided to ask him for my Christmas present.
Funny thing was, I asked Santa (because surely he would know!) which way to Michigan Avenue, and he sent me to ask one of the Portillo's staff. Hubby concluded it must be because the reindeer magically know the way, so Santa doesn't have to. Santa did say he would see me in a couple of weeks, however. I am feeling pretty good I won't get a lump of coal this year. ;)
After Portillo's it was off to buy some gourmet chocolate, then we went to Holy Name Cathedral to take in a Vigil Mass.
Holy Name Cathedral is beautiful in its own way. Its interior is a lot more rustic style than most cathedrals I have seen. Instead of a lot of gilding and mosaics, the interior has lots and lots of woodwork in the ceiling, especially. The stations of the cross appeared to be sculpted bronze, beautiful with a rough-hewn appearance. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to grab any pics of the inside, but there are some photos of it on their web site.
After the Cathedral, we went to dinner. Going back home to STL tomorrow.
 |
| From Chicago Trip ... |
The church was almost completely full for Mass this morning.
The liturgy was about as close as you can get to a Tridentine Mass without it actually being in Latin. Opus Dei staffs the church. There were about a half-dozen altar boys -- no altar girls. The altar boys wore red cassocks with white surplices and all the priests wore cassocks too. The book of the Gospel was incensed before the reading. All responses were sung. The altar and all the priests' hands were incensed before communion. Only the presider took the Blood of Christ at communion and the Body of Christ was distributed exclusively on the tongue. No kneeling at a communion rail, though and the priests faced the congregation rather than have their backs to us. It was about a 90 minute Mass.
Being a feast day in honor of the conception of their parish's namesake, the folks attending SMA for Mass today were very well dressed. There were many beautiful little girls in their pretty velvet holiday dresses and little boys in tiny jackets and ties.
The music was performed/arranged well and reminded me of a chamber orchestra with accompanying chorus -- violins, french horn, organ, and perhaps some other instruments. Can't say for certain since the musicians and singers were in a choir loft.
The church also had some beautiful statuary. This one, which appears to me to be the Agony in the Garden, was really touching.
 |
| From Chicago Trip ... |
Here's St. Michael:
 |
| From Chicago Trip ... |
After Mass, we went to a neighborhood art/craft fair. Very beautiful handcrafted jewelry was available there, among many other handicrafts. Hubby bought a couple of candles he liked. After that, we did some shopping at various stores nearby. Eventually we headed towards downtown and had a very late lunch at Portillo's. Santa was there, so I decided to ask him for my Christmas present.
 |
| From Chicago Trip ... |
Funny thing was, I asked Santa (because surely he would know!) which way to Michigan Avenue, and he sent me to ask one of the Portillo's staff. Hubby concluded it must be because the reindeer magically know the way, so Santa doesn't have to. Santa did say he would see me in a couple of weeks, however. I am feeling pretty good I won't get a lump of coal this year. ;)
After Portillo's it was off to buy some gourmet chocolate, then we went to Holy Name Cathedral to take in a Vigil Mass.
Holy Name Cathedral is beautiful in its own way. Its interior is a lot more rustic style than most cathedrals I have seen. Instead of a lot of gilding and mosaics, the interior has lots and lots of woodwork in the ceiling, especially. The stations of the cross appeared to be sculpted bronze, beautiful with a rough-hewn appearance. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to grab any pics of the inside, but there are some photos of it on their web site.
After the Cathedral, we went to dinner. Going back home to STL tomorrow.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Christmas Exchange
I asked hubby last night what he wanted for Christmas. Conversation went about like this:
He said he didn't want anything.
I said how about I make him a cheesecake a month for a year.
He said that the last thing he needed was more irresistably delicious calories (I added the irresistably delicious part myself -- artistic license you know).
I said then how about a once a month session with a personal trainer.
Excitedly he said, "oh yeah, I can get a hot female trainer so that I will be motivated to go to the personal trainer!!"
I thought about it a sec, then said, "sure, I'd be glad to be your personal trainer."
Problem solved. ;)
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Intro to me
It's a little daunting to put some thoughts down on this thing, since there are so many creative and witty blogs out there . . . but I'll try my best.
I live in St. Louis -- south St. Louis city to be exact. No, it's not important where I went to high school, because I attended school in my hometown of Greenville, Illinois, where everyone went to the same public high school. People in St. Louis like to ask that question . . .
I work in the IT world, as a business analyst. If you want to know what a business analyst does, this Dilbert pretty much sums it up.
I have a husband. He works in St. Louis city government, or as I like to refer to it, "gub-mint". He also is involved in St. Louis city politics, but there are entire blogs and sites about that . . . Husband has two kids from a prior marriage.
I have some cats at my house. They are good girls. I'll post some pics of them soon.
I live in St. Louis -- south St. Louis city to be exact. No, it's not important where I went to high school, because I attended school in my hometown of Greenville, Illinois, where everyone went to the same public high school. People in St. Louis like to ask that question . . .
I work in the IT world, as a business analyst. If you want to know what a business analyst does, this Dilbert pretty much sums it up.
I have a husband. He works in St. Louis city government, or as I like to refer to it, "gub-mint". He also is involved in St. Louis city politics, but there are entire blogs and sites about that . . . Husband has two kids from a prior marriage.
I have some cats at my house. They are good girls. I'll post some pics of them soon.
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