Bill & I spent Saturday doing tons of house things and with the help of my parents in the afternoon actually acquired a used gas grill and tried it out. My new project is reclaiming my basement after 5 years of neglect. It is a bigger project than I had envisioned, but should be very cool when done. I sent tons of things off with my parents that we no longer use. The freed up a little more storage. A small start … but that is what it takes. A little pathetic that we had my parents working when it was our get together for Mother’s Day, but I’m very glad they were willing to help out. We would never have been able to get that grill home without the help.

On Sunday Bill & I went to Chippewa Falls and did a ride there. He did the century (100 miles) of course but I chose to do a nice 50 mile ride. The weather was gorgeous and the scenery beautiful.

Monday we took it a little easier, just doing smaller putzy stuff around the place and unwinding before going back to work.

Hope everyone else had a great weekend.

Steve announced that I should order a Tassimo for the office. Seemed like a good idea. But in truth. EVIL.

The cappuccino’s are very tasty … and not decaf as it would turn out. Sigh.

Did I mention Tassimo equals Evil?

Michele

I have a morning ritual that I need to share. I call it ‘the terminator’. First I crouch down in the shower in the classic ‘naked terminator traveling through time’ pose. With my eyes closed I crouch there for a minute, visualizing either Arnold or the guy from the second movie (not the chick in the third one because that one sucked) and I start to hum the terminator theme. Then I slowly rise to a standing position and open my eyes. It helps me to proceed through my day as an emotionless, cyborg badass. The only problem is if the shower curtain sticks to my terminator leg. It ruins the fantasy.

Always Always Always …..

Remove your ankle straps before trying to remove your socks. Especially if you are standing on one foot.

Stoli Citrus
Sour Apple Pucker
Stewart’s Ginger Brew
Bitters
Serve over ice with a cherry.

1 Panful Chicken Thighs (my 15″ Allclad holds 14 thighs)
oil
1 TB diced garlic
1 TB White sugar
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
4 bay leaves
1.5 c white vinegar
1.5 c hot water
2/3 c soy sauce

Skin chicken and trim fat off. In a hot pan with hot oil brown the thighs well. As they finish cooking add the garlic. You only want to saute the garlic for 30 seconds or a minute - don’t let it burn. Add the salt, pepper, sugar, bay, vinegar and water. Cook at a simmer for 40 minutes turning chicken every now and again. Add the soy and cook for 20 minutes more - turning. You may need to turn the heat up for the last few minutes to thicken the “sauce” - make sure it does not boil away though.

I spent the day reflecting on his life and the empty place he left behind.

Ever since my first visit to the Humane Society in St. Paul when I saw him for the first time and, of course, couldn’t leave him behind. He has been a part of our little family. Untiil yesterday, when he had to leave us behind.

Goodbye Binky … we miss you.