Phil's latest project

Phil has been quite busy and excited with this project lately. He has two 1962 Cub Cadet Lawn & Garden tractors that he's had lying around for years.  He's rebuilding one for his Dad, and the other for himself.  I think its pretty cute if I do say so myself. 

Before:  Rear end/axle

After:  The frame and rear-end/axle

This is a snapshot off the internet of what the end result will look like. 

Chicken with Lime Dressing

This recipe is from my South Beach Diet Cookbook.  I was a bit hesitant to try this one, but thought why not its something different.  So glad I did, Phil and I both loved the outcome.  And when I say loved it, I mean oohhhing and ahhiiing with each bite.  So yes, this is one to try if you like Chicken, Lime and Avocado.  Refreshing, light, and full of flavor!

Lime Dressing
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (I prefer parsley)
1 tbsp chopped onion
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar substitute
1/2 tsp salt

Chicken
1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pound out to 1/2 in. thickness
2 medium avocados, peeled and pitted
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp picante sauce
1 tsp + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced almonds ( I found a black pepper blend at Winco, delish!)
2 tbsp whole wheat flour

To make the dressing:
In a large bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, scallions, oil, sugar substitute, and salt. 

To make the chicken:
In a large glass dish, combine the chicken with 3 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Cover/refrigerate for 10 minutes. 
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with 2 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Stir in the lemon juice and picante sauce.  Reserve the remaining lime dressing.
Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large nonstick skillet.  Add the pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for 6 minutes or until peppers are tender and lightly browned.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.  Remove to a bowl and toss with the almonds.
Remove the chicken fro the dressing and pat dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle flour over both sides of the chicken. 
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on each side until cooked.  Place chicken on serving dishes, top with the pepper mix, and drizzle the remaining dressing over that.  Serve the mashed avocado mix on the side.

2011 Garden

100% Phil's handy work, he's such a great gardener. This is the yield he pulled out tonight, I couldn't move the wheel barrel it was so heavy.  I've got some carrots prepped and ready for dinner in the the steamer, yummy!

It's like Christmas every Tuesday...

...Why may you ask?  Because I get THIS on my front stoop, delivered by the lovely and local Boise Milk Company.  The milk is so rich and creamy, definitely better than store bought.  And you can't beat the fact that you no longer have to lug milk through the store switching from one arm to another.  And the chocolate milk...its basically liquid crack, best cocoa concoction I've ever tasted!

Along with the milk is the fresh fruit pack they offer.  For $15 I have enough fruit to last me well over a week.  I'm talking peaches, nectarines, apples, oranges, key limes AND plums.

So yea, seriously - You must give this company a try! 

Love ~ Love ~ Love

The Wives Club +1

Laura & Mihai tied the knot on 9/10/11 @ 12:13 
It was a beautiful day at the Treccani ranch where the happy couple said their vows under the grape arbor.  A delicious and decadent luncheon followed, and a little later on we all turned out our beach gear and headed for the river.  Most relaxing wedding I've ever been to.  Congrats you two!!

Uncle Giuseppe's Italian & American Eatery

We are so lucky to have had this new deli move in down the street from our house.  Saturday we were having company over for dinner, and decided to stop in for our appetizer's for the evening, as well as a little variety for our lunch.  This picture does not do it justice.

 MmmmGood!!  http://unclegiuseppesdeli.com/

For lunch: Two "Naples" sandwiches, clam chowder, seafood salad, and a slice of cheesecake.

For that evening's appetizer's:  Hard Salami,  freshly made Mozzarella and Prosciutto bread.

Take me out to the ballgame

OOOOhhhhh what a great time we had last night!! I haven't been to a Hawk's game in years, and its tons of fun when you can go with a big group of friends. It was a beautiful night in Boise. We enjoyed cold suds and sodas, pretty painted-on tattoos, ice cream and bouncy houses for the kids, and hot dogs for all!  Thanks to Jacob for the free tickets. 

That special something about ice cream at the ballpark

Giggling with Lilly, she's the sweetest little girl

A sweet ending for me, the designated driver ~ Shirley Temple

Fire at The Fetty's

http://www.fox12idaho.com/story/15119814/goody-fire-burns-2900-acres

This "Goody" fire came right up to Jen and Jeff's property out in Middleton.  The firefighters did an amazing job of protecting all the homes.  They evacuated for most of the evening, and returned afterwards to this mess.
I saw these facebook photos go up, and I knew Jen needed help as soon as possible.  I took that next day off of work, loaded my car with a hose and cleaning equipment and booked it out to Middleton.  From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. we hosed, we scrubbed, and tried to laugh rather than cry.  As if that weren't enough excitement, had to call the Fire Dept. again for a hot spot that started back up nearby.  Overall, we agreed we'd much rather be cleaning up fire retardant than ashes.  Removed quite a bit of the red stuff off, however the bill by way of professional cleaners is still going to be quite a big claim.  Crossing our fingers our hard work at least persuades the insurance company to waive the deductible. 

So very thankful our friends are OK, we love you Fetty Fam! 

All four sides of the house were drench by Fire Retardant. 

The siding, patio furniture, the cars, fencing, landscaping - you name it and its RED.

Smells like antifreeze

It looked like the movie Carrie with the prom scene.

It was our hope that if we got it off before the sun hit that side of the house, that it wouldn't stain.  Unfortunately the white vinyl window frames, as well as her beautiful water fountains, and anything else that was porous did just that.

The edge of the fire where it came right up to the neighbor's property.

They lost a shed filled with 30+ years of Christmas and Halloween decorations.

Fourth of July

Mom & Dad drove out from Michigan to spend the holiday with us. 
Toured Mom around the antique shops in Hyde Park and had a delicious lunch on the patio of 13th Street Pub & Grill, followed up by some delicious strawberry ice cream at Goody's.  Also took her to the Saturday Market in Eagle, where we found some nice jewelry and these neat bird houses fashioned out of  Idaho license plates.  The rest of the week was spent relaxing around the house in the warm sunshine, sipping ice tea and grilling on the BBQ.  Phil was excited to spend time with Dad on the Studebaker, they painted the new engine and got it placed in the car.  We also went out on the boat for a night ride, and I took my first swim of the year (finally). 
The Fourth of July itself was nice, we set off some fireworks in the culdesac at the same time as watching the show the Hawk's Stadium put on, Mom & Dad loved it and said "there's something to be said for living in the city". 

Thanks for coming out Mom and Dad, we love you!

Enjoying the shade on a hot & sunny day

Phil and Dad dropping a shiny new engine in the Studebaker

New Discovery - Boise Urban Market

I can't describe it any better than the website intro:

"If you thrive on hand crafted, unique, exceptional foods, you have come to the right place!

The Boise Urban Market is a group of food enthusiasts in the Boise area. Our private market is held once a month (or every other month) and is only open to club members. Participants can be sure that they are getting homemade products made with loving and thoughtful hands."

I discovered this event through another blogger I follow, and knew that I had to check this out.  Invited some friends and we had a great time trying out all the different concoctions.  The homemade Limoncello Truffles were my favorite of course.  There was also barbeque ribs done Korean style, this very weird Kombucha tea that some of us liked, fresh salsas, amazing Thai cuisine, and so much more.  Other neat features of the event were the awesome band Jonathon Warren and the Billygoats, and the venue it was held at Payette Brewing Co.

Check it out!!!   http://boiseurbanmarket.com/

Our buddy Will won the door prize, which held treats from most of the vendors.

Heather adorably showing off my Red Lightning Heirloom tomato plant. 

AKA Tom

Happy Camp 2011

Happy times at Happy Camp

Driving through 2000+ sheep

Kickin' it up at Baumgartner Hotsprings

Happy 30th to Me!

I don't mind turning 30 at all, especially when I think back all that's happened this past decade.  A blessed marriage and home, amazing friendships I've gained, seeing the world, an awesome career, and so much more.  I can't wait to see what the next ten years brings to my world.
For the big celebration, I decided we'd start out at PizzalChik for dinner and drinks.  The owners were thrilled that we brought such a big group of 20+ people, to which they doted on the entire time.  We sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather, live band and always delicious food.  Key lime cheesecake with a candle accompanied a fun Bob Marley style birthday song. Afterwards we moved the party down to our place, which lasted early into the morning.  After all the preparations Phil and I worked so hard on, the house looked amazing and a good time was had by all.  Can't wait to do it again.
And of course we must mention as well, the world didn't end!  Ha!  Although I started to think it was going to when the cleaning company I had scheduled with never showed up or called (beware of Bubbling Express Cleaning), which essentially left me on my hands and knees scrubbing floors unexpectedly before go-time.  But oh well, all the work was done in time and nothing ruined my day, it was absolutely PERFECT! 


A funny gift for the Idaho girl

It's a PizzalChik Patio Partttaayyy!

Heather's gourmet salad

CJ Strike

First camping trip of the year, went to Strike for the weekend with Tim and Di.  It was an extremely windy weekend.  The day before we arrived, three guys had capsized their boat and were rescued after 40 minutes in the water - lifeflighted out.  The guys went out once, but us girls decided it was nice to look at from ashore. 

                                                                      CJ Strike Dam

Full on waves out there, nevermind that thought...

Spring Scenes

4/10/11 Phil and I were at Lucky Peak to test a client's boat and do a little fishing.  Thanks to the amazing snowpack this year, we're seeing an awesome water release below the dam. 

The spring moment I always look forward to, Tim and Di's pear trees in bloom.  I can't help but pick one or two and place them in my hair. 

4/16/11 Timothy & Uncle Phil

The little guy dwarfed under my large umbrella



Travel Tip

A good travel tip I just ran across...

If you download the United Airlines (yahoo search engine) toolbar…

Perform one search or purchase one item by April 30th, 2011 and receive 250 free Mileage Plus miles.The miles should post within 10 weeks of the promotion end date.

Receive 1 mile for every three searches (up to 100 per month)

Shop with the United retailers, of course there’s more earning power there as well.

Our first Yurt Experience

Banner Ridge Yurt

Well if spring is taking its sweet time getting here, we might as well go find some powder to play in!  There was plenty of that north of Idaho City this past weekend.  We joined the Stenquist crew for some fun at Banner Ridge Yurt for a three day trip.
The hike in was over two miles with about 750 feet climb in elevation. I yelled out a big WOOHOO once I saw the yurt, I was so relieved! 
We had a great time hanging inside eating delicious food, playing cards and listening to good tunes.  Outside we enjoyed the awesome fire pit the guys dug out for us, as well as sledding and of course, a TON of snowshoeing. 

The 2.5 to 3 mile hike in via snowshoes.  Complete with 20-50 lbs. packs per person and one sled full of delicious home brew and other goodies.

A very cold, but very cute outhouse

Love what Phil wrote on facebook,

and still amazed I was able to lure him away from the snowmobiles for once!  :)

Happy Birthday Heather!

Fun & crazy shenanigans in downtown Boise for Heather's birthday.  Started out at the Bardenay with our private Boiler room....next was Tom Grainey's with its awesome underground dance floor..... and last but not least The Lobby with the most entertaining bartender of the night.  Ooh whatta night! 
                                 

Birthday Girl!!

Adria, Heather S, Heather C, Amber

Taking off the winter chill

We just got back from a week-long vacation in Florida.  Phil had to go down for a Marine Technician's class and we decided to take full advantage of it and tour the state as well.

Started out in Daytona, the 18+ mile beach that Phil loved driving on,  Also toured Daytona National Speedway. 
Spent the next three days in Islamorada, a small fishing town in the Keys that was absolutely perfect for the kind of vacation we had in mind.  If you're ever down there, you must check out Chesapeake Beach Resort.  Laid out by the pool.  Took a paddle boat over beautiful corral reefs in shallow water, watched stingrays and large fish swim by.  Our room was very nice with a great view of the Atlantic with a private balcony. There were maybe 3-5 other couples there at the time, not crowded at all.  Right next door was Wahoo's Bar & Grill that overlooked Whale Harbor Marina.  Delicious food and drinks (mmm Rumrunners!) that also overlooked the Atlantic. 
Drove down to Key West for an afternoon, since our charter fishing trip we had planned got rained out.  But that's the nice thing about Florida, there's so much to do and see you can just go with the flow.  Stopped in at Robbie's for some Tarpon feeding fun, which are these HUGE fish near the docks that pretty much swallow your hand.  Phil fed them while I was attacked by a damn Pelican.  And without a doubt the best piece of Key Lime Pie was found at Lorelei's Cabana - They served it frozen and oh my was it good! 
Next up was the Everglades.  First we stopped in the national park and walked the Anhinga trail, crazy to see 8 foot alligators just feet away from a bunch of tourists.  Also along the way were many different bird species.  We loved it.  After the park we had to go to a seperate location for the airboat ride that we were really looking forward to, but unfortunately it was just a tourist trap, the ride only lasted about 10-15 minutes.  Still neat though, we saw a handful of gators and also a few very large iguanas hanging overhead in the trees.  The driver did a few 360's that threw water on those who sat in the front - yes of course that was the two of us.  We need to get one of those boats! 
After touring all that, checked out the Gulf side of Florida which included collecting shells and taking in the beautiful Sunset.  Visited Beverly Hills to see my friend Kathy.  And then it was time to head back to the Orlando area and fly out the next day. 
Amazing, beautiful and warm vacation overall.  Can't wait to return one day and do it all over again.  Well, maybe not all of it being that we drove exactly 1300.0 miles.  I'll take a drink in one hand with my feet in the sand - planted for hours soaking up the sun and laughing with girlfriends.  Yes...that's the next trip I have in mind!  :)

Rachel's big 4.0

Happy 40th Birthday Rachel!  Shannon hosted a wonderful party in her honor by putting on a spread of food and cheer that was out of this world.  Even in the heavy fog that night, well over 20 of us were able to make it, with of course hilarious stories of getting lost along the way.  Thank goodness Toby thought to stand in the driveway waving us in with a flashlight. 
A great time was had by all, and I must say...catching up with good friends was just the thing to chase away those wintertime blues!

The whole gang!

A few of the ladies...

Heather, Heather, Amber, Rachel, Adria, and Shannon

Sweet Lilypants with her Mamma

New Year's 2011 - Donnelly, Idaho

Happy New Year!!! 

We were invited up to the cabin with the Strykowski family for New Years this year - had the best time.  The drive up North was absolutely beautiful, the region had received over three feet of snow in the previous 36 hours.  We saw one doe, a bald eagle soaring over the Payette at eye level, and also a few red fox's playing in the powder. 

Got to the cabin, Phil and Tim spent about three hours plowing snow while Di and I unpacked and warmed up the cabin.  Before we knew it, it was time for the others to arrive and fun to kick in.  Enjoyed good movies, the wii, cute kiddos Tim and Bradley, the warm fire and lots of delicious food.  All in all there were twelve of us toasting to the New Year.

The temperature was below zero for much of the time, but we still got in a few rides on the snowmobiles. Tim took us six ladies out for a few hours, across the lake even! Fun, and thrilling, especially when hitting those slush puddles halfway across. Kicking myself I didn't take the camera along for the ride, but here's some of what I did capture...

Highway 55, a winter wonderland indeed

Phil Plowing three feet off the deck. 

He loved every minute of it, reminds him of home.

The Christmas basket I got for Di a few years back, perfect for a cabin

KC and his 'touch' of frostbite - seriously

Grandpa TIm with Grandson Tim, doing what they do best

Bradley 

Yes folks, that sucker reads -17