Today is Father's Day. Most people will be spending it with the man that gave them life. I am one of those who will not be spending it with my daddy. He passed away in a car accident 7 years ago this August.
** Side note: People please wear your seat belts. If my dad had, he would still be with us.**
We were very close so every Father's Day I try to do something that we would have done together. This could be go fishing, watch the Brewer game on TV or the like. This year I decided to make Ice Cream.
Growing up we would always make ice cream from scratch. Sometimes it would be fresh strawberry using the strawberries we got my mom for Mother's day. Other times it would plain jane vanilla or chocolate. Today I decided on combining his favorite cake with ice cream and came up with a modified Black Forrest Cake Ice Cream.
The base is a coconut vanilla ice cream using coconut milk, skim milk and evaporated milk. Add ins are coconut fakes, chocolate shavings and tart cherries. It's churning away now and should be ready any minute.
I miss my dad on a daily basis, but this little tradition makes Father's Day a little better. Someday, if I ever have kids, I would hope that it can continue with them. Love ya Dad!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Mosquitoes Suck, Shooting Doesn't
Well it finally happened. The boy was able to put together a very, very impromptu range trip. I would have been more exited about it if I had time for the excitement to grow.
All the kitchen training with the Walther P22 paid off. The target went ping on the third shot. That was a satisfying "ping". Or I should say a POP PING. Yes POP, not BANG... for all who don't know, .22 is small caliber so it doesn't make much noise. The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 also made cute POP PING. I was a little apprehensive about shooting a rifle but think it won out a little bit over the pistol. Having a patient, supportive coach didn't hurt either. The good job kisses raised the confidence a bit.
You know that empowering feeling of "holy crap, I just fired a real gun"? Yeah, it's still sinking in. Even more, the whole "It actually hit the target... more than 20 times" is still sinking in as well. The pain from the 27 mosquito bites is slowly fading away and will most likely be replaced by the realization that the "mythical" range is no longer a myth but a very real, very addictive place. Oh, and the smell of burnt gunpowder is good.
More about this later.... now it's time to cool off with a tall glass of the delicious RobinAde to celebrate a Brewers sweep of some Florida team.
All the kitchen training with the Walther P22 paid off. The target went ping on the third shot. That was a satisfying "ping". Or I should say a POP PING. Yes POP, not BANG... for all who don't know, .22 is small caliber so it doesn't make much noise. The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 also made cute POP PING. I was a little apprehensive about shooting a rifle but think it won out a little bit over the pistol. Having a patient, supportive coach didn't hurt either. The good job kisses raised the confidence a bit.
You know that empowering feeling of "holy crap, I just fired a real gun"? Yeah, it's still sinking in. Even more, the whole "It actually hit the target... more than 20 times" is still sinking in as well. The pain from the 27 mosquito bites is slowly fading away and will most likely be replaced by the realization that the "mythical" range is no longer a myth but a very real, very addictive place. Oh, and the smell of burnt gunpowder is good.
More about this later.... now it's time to cool off with a tall glass of the delicious RobinAde to celebrate a Brewers sweep of some Florida team.
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| Walter P22 |
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| Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 |
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Pad Thai? Yes please!
On Friday I had dinner at a local Chinese and Asian restaurant called Green Tea. On the menu that night was Pad Thai. I hadn't had Pad Thai in a a few months. This one was tasty, but it was missing a little pop.
When shopping for sushi stuff I came across some rice noodles and decided to try my hand at my own Pad Thai. I will admit I cheated a little and bought a pre-made Pad Thai sauce from the local Asian food mart.
Below is everything one needs to make Shrimp Pad Thai at home. I used dried shrimp, but a person could use fresh shrimp or any other protein. If you use a pre-made sauce make sure to check the label for any allergies. This recipe has peanuts but they are optional.
Shrimp Pad Thai
Rice Noodles, 1/5 package
Dried Shrimp, 2 tablespoons
Pad Thai Sauce, 1/4 cup (Or a combo of Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce and Brown Sugar to taste)
Lime wedges, 2-3
Cilantro, 2 tablespoons
Chive or Green Onion, 2 tablespoons
Peanuts, crushed, 1 tablespoon
Red Pepper Flakes, 1/2 teaspoon
Egg, one per serving
Water
All the amounts are based on number or servings. This dish can be easily made for one person or a whole crew. The amounts below are for dinner size serving. Approx. 1.5 - 2 cups when all is said and done.
Boil rice noodles and dried shrimp together until noodles are tender. About 5 minutes.
Drain and place in pot. Mix in lime, cilantro, chive, peanuts, pepper flake. Crack egg directly in pot and let cook. Add water to loosen up if necessary.
When shopping for sushi stuff I came across some rice noodles and decided to try my hand at my own Pad Thai. I will admit I cheated a little and bought a pre-made Pad Thai sauce from the local Asian food mart.
Below is everything one needs to make Shrimp Pad Thai at home. I used dried shrimp, but a person could use fresh shrimp or any other protein. If you use a pre-made sauce make sure to check the label for any allergies. This recipe has peanuts but they are optional.
Rice Noodles, 1/5 package
Dried Shrimp, 2 tablespoons
Pad Thai Sauce, 1/4 cup (Or a combo of Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce and Brown Sugar to taste)
Lime wedges, 2-3
Cilantro, 2 tablespoons
Chive or Green Onion, 2 tablespoons
Peanuts, crushed, 1 tablespoon
Red Pepper Flakes, 1/2 teaspoon
Egg, one per serving
Water
All the amounts are based on number or servings. This dish can be easily made for one person or a whole crew. The amounts below are for dinner size serving. Approx. 1.5 - 2 cups when all is said and done.
Boil rice noodles and dried shrimp together until noodles are tender. About 5 minutes.
Drain and place in pot. Mix in lime, cilantro, chive, peanuts, pepper flake. Crack egg directly in pot and let cook. Add water to loosen up if necessary.
Plate up. Garnish with cilantro, chive and a lime wedge. Serve with green tea and enjoy!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Lovely Friday off of work
As a treat to myself and to use up vacation days I decided to take today off of work.
The past 3 days of work were spent at the Waterpark Capitol of the World, Wisconsin Dells. No, there were no water slides, mini golf or even walking the main drag window shopping. It was spend in the high school library teaching elementary, middle, and high school secretaries how to use my company's software.We did have a great group of ladies and the district's fearless IT director Larry, all of whom helped to make the days go by fast.
I do want to give props to Gilliy's Island right downtown. When the owner (who was also manning the bar and made our spectacular lunch of hot Italian beef sammiches) found out that we were not tourists, but here on business at the school district, he gave us a deal on our lunch. Its great to see the one of the main reasons I moved back to Wisconsin from DC in action. I love this state, it's people, and its outdoor activities.
Speaking of outdoor activities, I am writing this on the blanket in my front yard basking in a warm late spring sun in a cloudless sky. As soon as the boy wakes up (he had the 11pm - 7am shift at work) we are heading to the lake for a little kayaking. Insanity is sure to ensue.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!
The past 3 days of work were spent at the Waterpark Capitol of the World, Wisconsin Dells. No, there were no water slides, mini golf or even walking the main drag window shopping. It was spend in the high school library teaching elementary, middle, and high school secretaries how to use my company's software.We did have a great group of ladies and the district's fearless IT director Larry, all of whom helped to make the days go by fast.
I do want to give props to Gilliy's Island right downtown. When the owner (who was also manning the bar and made our spectacular lunch of hot Italian beef sammiches) found out that we were not tourists, but here on business at the school district, he gave us a deal on our lunch. Its great to see the one of the main reasons I moved back to Wisconsin from DC in action. I love this state, it's people, and its outdoor activities.
Speaking of outdoor activities, I am writing this on the blanket in my front yard basking in a warm late spring sun in a cloudless sky. As soon as the boy wakes up (he had the 11pm - 7am shift at work) we are heading to the lake for a little kayaking. Insanity is sure to ensue.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Summery Healthy Dinner - Sundried Tomato Chicken and Roasted Veggies
Tonight's dinner was easy peasy and really healthy.
I took a little help from the grocery store on this one and bought pre-marinated sun dried tomato chicken breasts from the meat counter. Doing it this way is a good way to get just what you need. Since the boy likes bacon (and what boy doesn't?) I also picked up a couple slices of bacon from the meat counter and wrapped his chicken in it.
If your grocery store doesn't have pre-marinated chicken or you want to cut back on the sodium level, you can use your favorite vinaigrette style salad dressing.
Could also be adapted for the grill to turn tailgate or car camping classy.
Grocery List:
- 4 slices Bacon
- Balsamic Vinegar
Veggie Method:
Preheat oven to 400. Place a cast iron pan on the stove and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cut up the veggies into 1/2 chunks. Cut the potatoes a little smaller to ensure they cook through. Place on a cookie sheet with edges or sheet pan. Sprinkle the veggies with salt, pepper, garlic and spices. Toss together to ensure every piece gets a little seasoning love. Add enough oil to coat the veggies but not enough to go swimming in. Place in oven and set timer for 30 minutes. When they come out of the oven toss with a little balsamic.
Chicken Dance:
Wrap one chicken breast with the bacon. Place in cast iron pan and cook on each side for 4 minutes. Place on plate. Cook other chicken breast in the bacon grease for 4 minutes each side. Return the bacon wrapped chicken breast to the pan and place it all in the oven for the remaining time on the clock.
Remove everything from the over, plate it up, and enjoy with your favorite beverage. Tonight's beverage of choice was RobinAde mixed with a little club soda. A perfect drink to cheer the Brewers on with.
I took a little help from the grocery store on this one and bought pre-marinated sun dried tomato chicken breasts from the meat counter. Doing it this way is a good way to get just what you need. Since the boy likes bacon (and what boy doesn't?) I also picked up a couple slices of bacon from the meat counter and wrapped his chicken in it.
If your grocery store doesn't have pre-marinated chicken or you want to cut back on the sodium level, you can use your favorite vinaigrette style salad dressing.
Could also be adapted for the grill to turn tailgate or car camping classy.
Grocery List:
- Zucchini, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans (or whatever looks good at the store)
- Salt & Pepper
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- Spices (I used Italian Seasonings, Dill and Rosemary)
- Olive Oil
- 2 pre-marinated Chicken Breasts- 4 slices Bacon
- Balsamic Vinegar
Veggie Method:
Preheat oven to 400. Place a cast iron pan on the stove and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cut up the veggies into 1/2 chunks. Cut the potatoes a little smaller to ensure they cook through. Place on a cookie sheet with edges or sheet pan. Sprinkle the veggies with salt, pepper, garlic and spices. Toss together to ensure every piece gets a little seasoning love. Add enough oil to coat the veggies but not enough to go swimming in. Place in oven and set timer for 30 minutes. When they come out of the oven toss with a little balsamic.
Chicken Dance:
Wrap one chicken breast with the bacon. Place in cast iron pan and cook on each side for 4 minutes. Place on plate. Cook other chicken breast in the bacon grease for 4 minutes each side. Return the bacon wrapped chicken breast to the pan and place it all in the oven for the remaining time on the clock.
Remove everything from the over, plate it up, and enjoy with your favorite beverage. Tonight's beverage of choice was RobinAde mixed with a little club soda. A perfect drink to cheer the Brewers on with.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Best quote of the day....
"I carry a gun because Chuck Norris wont fit in my holster."
So the boy is a gunny, which can be summed up as a person who has a strong passion for ownership, use, and debate for firearms. He posted a link on his blog which lead me to this awesome quote.
He keeps promising to take me out to the range at some point. We have had a few "practice" sessions in the house that all included unloaded firearms and the teaching of the four rules 1) Treat the gun as if it always loaded, 2) Never point the muzzle at something you wouldn't want to destroy, 3) Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot and 4) Be aware of the target and what lies beyond it.
I've done archery quite a few times before so am kinda intrigued by a range trip.
There ya go Fred. My first post that included guns. Does this make me a gun blogger now?
So the boy is a gunny, which can be summed up as a person who has a strong passion for ownership, use, and debate for firearms. He posted a link on his blog which lead me to this awesome quote.
He keeps promising to take me out to the range at some point. We have had a few "practice" sessions in the house that all included unloaded firearms and the teaching of the four rules 1) Treat the gun as if it always loaded, 2) Never point the muzzle at something you wouldn't want to destroy, 3) Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot and 4) Be aware of the target and what lies beyond it.
I've done archery quite a few times before so am kinda intrigued by a range trip.
There ya go Fred. My first post that included guns. Does this make me a gun blogger now?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Kittehs
Lack of inspiration leads to kitteh photos....
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| Lila, circa November 2009 |
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| Simon, circa November 2009 |
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| Simon, circa May 2011 |
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| Simon, circa May 2011 |
Oh, and Prince Fielder just hit a walk off homerun into the second level bleachers at Miller Park. Game lasted 14 innings. Thanks dude!
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