return of the eggplant

Sunday inspires dinner. Homemade, that is. Last week, was super lame. I wasn't feeling it. I had spent a week in Oregon, driving, taking care of my favorite running partner, Pete, and making sure that other peoples' needs were attended too. I was exhausted and over being attentive to other people. I got a massage to try to relax but the masseuse and I had conflicting ideas over what relaxation should be. Gifted, sure, at trigger release therapy, but that was not, at all, what I had in mind when I arranged an 80 minute massage. No, I wanted to be beat up, thoroughly, and hopefully, release some of my stress.
Since the massage lacked, the dinner was a loss. I threw together a nice salad and crostini and mostly went the motions of what a Sunday night dinner should be. Looking back, I know that I was completely transparent in my mood.
Regardless, this week, I am inspired by the eggplant. Perhaps watching several hours of the food network motivated my need to really prepare a meal tonight. I think a sangiovese would be a wonderful accompaniement to the meal. Still on the fence with that one. I think a bottle will be opened and soon. I believe cooking (my cooking) goes much smoother when I am able to drink a glass (or two) of wine.
Tonight, I am roasting eggplant, tomatoes, and garlic. Meanwhile, I will boil penne pasta and wait for the aromas to entice my friends. So far, I have managed to keep them out of the kitchen and my laptop relatively safe on the island. A few months ago, I tried to make dinner with the laptop and a bottle of club soda blew up and spattered all over my beloved laptop. Thankfully, it is functioning and works. Yet, since then, the letter "z" is challenging to type. It sticks or just doesn't want to comply.
Accompanying the meal is a green salad with raspberries. Sometimes it is good to change things up. I like berries on salads especially in the summer.
I believe this will go over well. If not, oh well. Kitchen closed til next Sunday. I have made this dish before and it went over well. This time, I added more garlic and tomatoes to offset the eggplant. It sort of overwhelms the dish. The color of the overall dish is unpretty to look at. Delightful fare to sample though. I look forward to seeing how the small changes will affect the outcome.
Stay cool and enjoy your Sunday~

wine tasting

I love wine tasting. My first trip, ever, to Napa was inspiring. Clearly, I fell in love with the grapes, people and all of the available wine. Really it is all about the wine. So, when the idea of tasting wine in Oregon came up, of course, I had to make it happen. My friend, Jan, is a beer drinker. Specifically Stella Artois. She only deviates from this beer if there is no alternative. When this occurs she is visibly annoyed. Her idea of ideal world would be available Stella at every bar, restaurant, market. She is a true fan of that product.

So, I was a little surprised when she appeared interested in wine tasting. We began the day at Sweet Cheeks. I found a few pinot noirs that were lovely and considered purchasing one of them. Honestly, I am not a huge pinot fan. I prefer bold reds and knew in the spirit of compromise, pinot noir would be on the menu. Jan likes pinots.

We asked the guy from Sweet Cheeks for suggestions. He mentioned that Pfeiffer was eclectic and fun. Sounded perfect and I wanted to try somewhere that I had not been to before. A few years ago I went wine tasting with Jade. Awesome story and would add on too much to the current one. Anyways, we drove up to the next winery, entered the building and found the clerk busy with three other people. The pricing seemed a little exorbirant. $12 for four reds, one port, and a commemorative glass. $20 for all of their current offerings--red and whites, plus riedel glass. I opted for the red and Jan tried all of them. The guy was preoccupied with the three people and started me on my tasting. He returned to the threesome while Jan waited to begin her tasting. I found it odd since he watched us walk in together and instead of starting her lengthy tasting, he focused on me. Finally, he started her tasting. He alternated between me, them and Jan. The wine was fine but I didn't like the amount of wine we were given. Extremely minute in comparison to Sweet Cheeks and eventually, King Estate.

Of the three wineries, King Estate was the best, by far. The grounds were beautiful. I could have sat there all day taking in the scenery and drinking wine. Stunning.

The wine tasting was lovely, too. Six wines and I found a few that Jan would like, too. I wanted to bring a bottle or two to Mossyrock to enjoy with Jean. Jean is familiar with King Estate and I knew she would enjoy wine from there. I settled on an easy pinot noir for Jan and a syrah for Jean and I. I felt that we would both enjoy the bigger red--we did.

Glad that wine tasting was a priority of the trip. Possibly my favorite day or the Oregon adventure. I would love to return to check out other wineries and explore the region more fully for food, too. Also, the trip was fantastic except that I would have preferred more one on one time with my sisters. I miss them mucho! Perhaps another trip 2011?

volleyball

Tonight, I could either return home to dine with friends, play volleyball or find a pool to enjoy with friends that were in town. Truly, the pool idea enticed me the most. Unfortunately my friend, Jonny, from out of town was under the weather. Hungover, mostly, but unable to get off the couch where he was staying. We talked a few times and although, I would have enjoyed hanging out with him the most, I knew that he was probably out for the evening. I sensed it while having lunch. Most times, he is ADD and somewhat entertaining because of the wild tangents he uses in conversations. Today, he was somber and more interested in his phone than a conversation. He couldn't wait til I left so that he could crash out on his friend's couch.
I spent some time perusing magazines and scanning books that I would like to read. Recently, I read the Hunger Games. Lovely book. I cannot wait to read the next book of the trilogy. Anyways, I was still hopeful (somewhat) that Jonny would be able to go to dinner and get off the couch. I texted to suggest some places and he did not respond. I waited a little longer and than decided to inform him that I wanted to play volleyball but would be able to meet after volleyball. Immediately, he responded telling me to go to volleyball and that I should text him later.
Perfect. At least I now had a plan. I left the bookstore hoping to grab a sandwich or something before volleyball. Hunger dictated this. Driving along, I grab my nalgene bottle only to find that I didn't have it. Searching under the passenger seat, my purse and back seat yielded no result. I turned around and headed back to the bookstore. I know this sounds silly for a nalgene bottle but it has nostalgic value and I had to at least try to find it. I sprinted into the store and retraced my steps--bathroom, teen section to skim over the next installment of the Hunger Games, and fiction before approaching customer service. It went like this--I know this sounds random, but did someone turn in a blue nalgene bottle?
No--did you check the check out area? Perhaps they have it.
I walk up to the purchase area and ask the same question with the same result. However, at this point, I remember that I should check the chair that I sat in while reading magazines. Yep. There was my bottle. Grabbed it and headed to find a sandwich and go to volleyball.
I approach the volleyball park and see nine players. Small group this evening. Grateful to have the opportunity to play another Tuesday, but, for whatever reason, I was distracted. Ben, this guy that is typically a solid player, opted to leave after the first match. The other two players that are fun and joke around with me were absent as well. The chemistry of the people was off and I definitely had little to contribute. My serve was inconsistent and I had few opportunities to spike. Setting and digging out serves flowed. When we broke between matches, I took off. I wasn't feeling it. I suppose I had already decided to do something different this evening. Although a nice surprise, I played flat. There will be other chances to play and I must remember that. Tonight will be forgotten.

family

Fun filled trip to Oregon. I convinced my friend, Jan, to accompany me. She could use a break from the heat inspite of the fact that she is a native of Phoenix and very accustomed to dealing with the intensity of the sun. Oregon would be a welcome change.
For me, I wanted to check out Oregon in the summer. My previous trips were earlier this year and cold. Definite pants weather which I refused to wear. Summer would be a nice change from my previous travel experience. However, it rained more than I would have liked to see. I should have brought pants.
This is my brother-in-law, Jeremy. Nice mohawk, right? We enjoyed a lovely mexican restaurant near his house. I love the salsa and the margaritas are nice, too. We started the day out near the train station and did some people watching while enjoying some local pints of beer. If ever, in Eugene, Ninkasi Brewery makes a delightful beer. I tried the india pale ale as well as the stout. Had we had more time, Friday, we definitely would have returned to the taproom to drink more beer.
I digress. After Ninkasi, we checked out the Davis and small talked an acquaintance of Jeremy's. The menu, although enticing, did not convince me to stay there. I had mexican fare on the mind.

Jade met us for lunch at the Boulevard. I convinced her that we needed an "adult only meal" and then we didn't partake in beverages. Nice, right? However, the night before was memorable in that department. I found out that Jade is now drinking vodka.

Boulevard was fine. Great service but the food was mediocre. I confused the menus that I had been checking out on-line. There was a place I wanted to check out. My luck, it wasn't open. No way around that. And, I wanted to find a place that Jade had not checked out. In the past, Jade and I have checked out Cafe Zenon, Marche, Steelhead, and Chapala (a mexican fave of hers). Next time, it might be preferable to return to what we know. Maybe, I will even go to Chapala. Personally, I prefer the salsa at the El Jarro Azul. Jeremy likes that place and I have checked it out on a few occasions.

Jan and my niece got along famously. Dogsitting was the focus (somewhat) but we also made time to see my family people that I consider family. Thankful to experience two dinners at Jade's house. The first one Tab grilled bbq chicken and peppers, zucchini and tomatoes. Well, I grilled those. I insisted to Jade (annoyingly, perhaps), but I wanted to make sure that my friend was comfortable and I adore veggies. Moreoever, I thought, maybe, the kids would enjoy the grilled vegetables. Hands down the zucchini won that battle. I think my adventurous niece tried the tomatoes as well. I think the peppers were my favorite. Small steps.

The other dinner was composed of grilled salmon, potatoes and green beans. This time, though, only Emery hung out with the adults. The other kids had other plans which I completely understand. I remember being a teenager, in the summer, and determined to hang out with my friends or babysit. Yes, I was that kid. Always trying to babysit to make money. College would not pay for itself.

Spending time with family was extremely pleasant. My only regret is that I didn't take nearly enough photos of the trip. Somehow, Easton eluded me the entire vacay. Next time, I will make sure to capture some photos of him.
Nevertheless, very thankful for the opportunity to go to Oregon, see friends, family and check out new restaurants. Pete was a wonderful companion too. We spoiled him. Two walks, each day, and we spent some time in Mossyrock, Washington, at a friend's cabin. Jean lives near a lake and has a golden retriever. For the first time, I think, Pete spent two solid days with another dog and was able to get along quite well.

Off for a run or a cocktail. Undecided. All that is certain is that I will comment more on my trip later. Cheers!

seeing old friends

Love this photo and wish that I had managed to capture a few more with my friend, Jean. She is a gem. So thankful that she agreed to meet me while I was in the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Seattle and I doubted that I would be able to drive up there, comfortably, with Pete. Pete is Michaela's dog and I agreed to dog sit for her while she vacationed in Hawaii. How could I say no to Michaela since Pete has been a great running partner, for me, this past year? And, Oregon, is supposedly to die for in the summer. Earlier this year, I visited and was horrified by the lack of sun and moist weather. My sisters kept telling me--you should come out in July...it is soooooooooooo beautiful.

Agree. However, several of the days were overcast, rainy and required a jacket or two. Not completely sold on the idea of Oregon. Seriously, every drive day was sunny and gorgeous. We would reach our destination to wake up to rain, rain and more rain.

I knew that I would go to Oregon and I convinced my friend, Jan, to go with me. Jan needed to meet Jean--I thought and so I called Jean and arranged to stay at her cabin in Mossyrock, WA.

I have a lot to catch up on and document. I wanted to share this first since I am extremely thankful for Jean and our friendship. I met her when I was 19. We each, foolishly, had chosen to learn spanish at 8:30, five days a week. I remember, several times, dragging myself out of bed to run to that particular class. One day she suggested meeting for a beer and that was that. We have been friends since. Lots of wine inspired weekends, hikes and mispronounciation of spanish. We spent two months in Guadalajara, Mexico, continuining our education. I think at the end of two months, I finally was dreaming in spanish and understanding the language. I flew back to Kansas and that grasp of the language departed. Thankfully, our friendship continued. Once every few years we manage to meet up and reconnect. Another successful trip completed. More on this later.

upcoming trip and thoughts

Packing. Sorting. Deciding what to take and what to leave. Dogsitting in Oregon. I cannot wait! Spending time with my sisters and having another opportunity to spend with my niece and nephews. Brilliant.


The weather should be perfect. Earlier this year, I visited and foolishly did not bring appropriate attire. No. I am stubborn and felt that my typical lifestyle of wearing shorts yearround could sustain in Oregon. Not so much. Thankfully, I had one pair of running pants that enabled me some comfort. Grateful that I had training to worry about and brought the pants along to ensure me running.


I lamented the weather, though, frequently. I missed the sun and weather of Denver. My sisters kept telling me--come back in the summer and check out how pleasant the weather is then. Seriously, the summer is beautiful and worth the crap weather now. You will see...


That is true. Tomorrow, I will see. I plan on bringing a jacket to contend with the weather at night. I think Jade said the weather drops to 50ish at night. Fond memories of jacket type weather.


I had to bring two pairs of running shoes to decrease the miles on my current pair of kicks. My other pair is my old pair of Saucony's that are functioning as my everyday shoes. I am a light traveler and so I do not plan on checking a bag or bringing unnecessary items. My friend, Jan, is completely different. She is checking a bag and bringing a lot of stuff. I believe it eases her level of discomfort and so I am all for it. I want her to be comfortable while visiting Oregon. To each his own or so the saying goes. Me, I do not like to have to cart things around. I like to be able to check in, go thru security, and relax at the gate. I can carry my bag and my purse and not experience difficulty. Tasks easily accomplished. I want to say that this is how I have always traveled. It seems manageable, efficient and convenient.


I do plan on running while in Oregon, seeing my family and venturing off to my friend, Jean's, cabin. This will be a perfect getaway. I will find a way to distract myself with wine and beer, too. There is so much to explore and really, not enough time. I wish I had more time to see Jade and the kids. Perhaps I will return in the fall.


Must conclude this so that I can try to sleep. Early flight. Night~

recap of today

Earlier I wrote about how much I heart dancing. Well, today's latin fusion class sucked. With ten minutes remaining, I left. I couldn't help it. The instructor's sense of rhythm was off the entire class. The class was full and I was surrounded by people who had no inherent sense of beat. I couldn't take it any longer.
I sat in the sauna. Tried to. The first five minutes were blissful--just me. Then, four women descended on me. Three of them seemed to understand space issues. The last one to arrive sat right in front of me. Who does that? There was plenty of room to sit elsewhere. I felt confined and ultimately, annoyed. I waited, hoping this woman would either relocate or leave to no avail. Finally, I called it quits, showered, and returned home. Considered the irony of the day. Typically, I love dance and the prospect of the sauna completely held my attention when it came to whether or not I would go to the gym or not. I forgot to mention that my bike tire was flat. Instead of cycling (like I had planned on), I drove.
I made an avocado, tomato, toasted cheese sandwich. Delightful.
Brief siesta and then the prospect of volleyball. Complete day and so looking forward to this particular activity. Last week's match got canceled due to the dust storm. Tonight, I just wanted to have a nice game.
I arrive. Notice that the overhead lights are out and that there are seven players. Seriously. Another setback to my day. First the flat tire, than the lousy class and now this. Still, I walk over and we contemplate the situation. Does anyone know of a nearby place we can play? After a few minutes of discussion, we head out. The first court was nearby but the sand factor lacked. Too much like concrete. Not to mention the drum circle that was going on. Then, someone thought of another place. I had no idea where the second court was. I followed the car pool. We arrive and the court is available, lit and short. I loved it. I felt like a giant. I could adequately block and spike. I knew it. Plus, tonight, for the first time, the teams felt balanced. We played six matches where in two of them, I was able to block a spike on highly competent players. I felt awesome.
Afterwards, I joined them for a celebratory beer. It was the perfect conclusion to a challenging day. Started out challenging and concluded in a positive fashion. I served consistent ace serves, spiked, blocked and fielded the ball well. Finally. Loved volleyball.