Chinese with Friends

This morning, I made these Mini Chocolate Chip Pecan Pies with Salted Caramel Drizzle treats and took them to my friends at Dr. Kiholm's office. I first tasted these delectable delights at a Memorial Day Party at Villa Strayer. Whitney Lichty, author of "Haus Food" blog was the creator. Whitney, and her husband Ben, have since become the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy and I'm sure Whitney's busier than she's ever been in her life, but she so graciously agreed to give me the recipe before it was even posted on her blog. Thank you, Whitney, for taking the time to email this recipe to me! I have a new favorite dessert! To see the recipe, and check out Whitney's blog, visit her at Haus Food. You'll be glad you did!

After I was "crowned" queen for the day, we all went to lunch at Diamond Chinese Restaurant. It was just like old times. I'd forgotten how yummy this restaurant is! It was a special treat to have "Dr." Mike join us today. I love that guy. Nobody understands my "lack of color" like he does! ;-)

This is what came out of my fortune cookie today. I guess I'd better be thinking green. I'll need all the luck I can get next week.

Fun With Friends

Tonight I hung out with Lynne, Erin, Carrie and Carol. We had dinner at Mexquite Restaurant in Folsom. We talked for a couple of hours and then went to Big Spoon Yogurt for dessert. I have sure missed my P'ville friends!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I'm still trying to organize my basement while I'm here in Placerville. Today I went through 3 boxes of letters - you know, the kind we used to write with a pen and mail with a postage stamp! I am such a sentimental fool. I have saved every letter and card I've received since I was in Junior High School, including notes passed in the hallway in 7th grade! What a trip down memory lane this has been. I had to keep reminding myself that I had a job to do, but found myself pouring over notes from friends, relatives and even a few old boyfriends ;-) I did manage to toss a few things, but, for the most part, I still have quite a collection - it's an organized collection though! ;-)

Under the Weather

Today I stayed home from church because I wasn't feeling well. I was feeling a little better by late afternoon when Tyler, Dolly and Teddy came by for dinner. I thought it was cute that Teddy asked to watch the Grandma Movie again. I love this sweet boy!

Long Time...No See!!!

Today I spent the ENTIRE day with my long, lost friend Leslie. We haven't seen each other since Angie's wedding (almost 10 years ago). She and I go waaaay back. I served with her in Ward and Stake YW in Tracy/Manteca. We've camped together, shopped together, and tolerated our husbands together through their Hans and Frans phase. She's been my personal nurse, confidant, and all-round great example of the kind of person I want to be. I've missed her. She was visiting her dad in Antioch and set aside an ENTIRE day for me!!!
We met half-way in Elk Grove (after a small cell-phone issue :-), had breakfast at "Mimi's", where we talked for almost 4 hours. We moved down the street to "Five Guys" for lunch, where we talked for another 3 or 4 hours. We ended the day at "Pinkberry" for not one, but two frozen yogurts! We talked for almost 4 hours there too! I still don't think we've completely caught up, but it's definitely a start. I'm not sure I've laughed this hard in a LONG time! We vowed to NEVER let another 10 years go by without getting together. Maybe I can lure her out to DC!

Midnight in Paris

Tonight I went with my friends, Lynne, Susan, Alicia, Patsy and Carrie to see "Midnight in Paris" in Folsom. There were mixed reviews among us, regarding the movie (I really liked it), but I think we all agreed it was fun to get out and have some girlfriend time!
I REALLY want to go to Paris someday....

Guilty Pleasure

This is something that I haven't been able to find in D.C. It think it must be a best coast, I mean west coast, thing. YUM!

Sweet 100's

Today Kurt emailed me photos of the tomatoes and peppers we planted on April 22nd. I couldn't believe how big the plants have gotten while I've been here in California. He ate some of the Sweet 100's tonight and said they were "DELICIOUS!" I can't wait to go home and make some BLT's!!!

Scorpion Queen

Dolly and Teddy spent the night tonight while Tyler worked the mid-shift. His work schedule will be quite an adjustment for this new little family. We had fun watching Pride and Prejudice, eating Mexican food, and looking at wedding pictures. The highlight of the night, however, was when Teddy discovered a scorpion in the shower upstairs. Ugh. Thank goodness Dolly isn't a weenie. And what a relief to find out our little friend had already expired ;-)

Stopping By To Say Hi

My boy stopped by tonight on his way back to Roseville. Just wanted to say hi. What a sweetie to check on his mom. He downloaded some music to my laptop that he thought I might like. He was right. I loved it. Check out The Head and the Heart when you get a chance. Nice. Thanks Ty!

Sold!!!

Today I watched as our travel trailer was hauled off of our property. Earlier in the week, I sold it to a neighbor's friend. I made a whopping $100.00!! Tyler says we should have paid someone to haul it off. He should know, he lived in this trailer while we were building our home. I can't wait to see what they end up doing with it. They plan to "pimp it out" and use it for a traveling boutique. Should be interesting.

A Day With Friends

This morning I had the honor of attending the temple with my son's new mother-in-law, who is also my friend, Claudia Smith. What a wonderful experience we had. We enjoyed the peace that can only be experienced in the Lord's House. We then walked to Lake Natomas and chatted the whole time. We ended our morning with lunch at Rubios. YUM! Thank you Claudia! Thank you for your friendship and for the gift of your sweet daughter in my life....and, by the way, this is the yummiest whole wheat bread and strawberry jam I have EVER eaten!!!

As if my morning were not perfect enough, I got to spend the evening with my dear friend Tara! Her sweet husband did Dad duty so she could visit me in Placerville. We had dinner at a new restaurant here in Placerville - Bricks Eats and Drinks. What a fun restaurant! We stopped for frozen yogurt at Whistle Stop, and came back to the house where she gave me iPad lessons and we looked at our DC pictures and talked until she turned into a pumpkin at midnight. I sure do love my friends. I am so blessed!

If The Shoe Fits.....

Today I went shopping with my friend Judy. We made our way through Kohl's, Ross, and Michaels. We had fun trying on crazy shoes. Judy bought 4 pair. I bought 1. No worries, we didn't buy any of the shoes pictured above! ;-) We had lunch at La Bou, great conversation, and LOTS of fun!

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!!!!!

It's been a wet, cold and dreary week here in Placerville. Temperatures are in the low 40's today. C'mon, it's June! What I wouldn't give for some sunshine!

Those Pearly Whites!

Today I had the pleasure of going to the dentist. A few years ago, I would never have considered any dental experience a pleasure, but I have come to LOVE Dr. Kiholm and his staff and look forward to having my teeth cleaned every 6 months! I miss my dental office co-workers and consider them my extended family!

Lunch at Roundtable with the whole gang was even better. Sorry about the garlic breadsticks Rachelle!!!

Chicken Spaghetti

Tonight I made Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti for dinner. All I can say is YUM! I'm loving her cookbook and can't wait to try everything in the book! This one's a keeper!

Chicken Spaghetti

1 cup up fryer (I used chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
1 lb. thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
One 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained (I used diced red pepper)
1 small onion
1/4 cup finely diced green bell bepper
2 can cream of mushroom soup (I used 98% fat free)
2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 tsp. seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add the chicken to a stock pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 25 min.
3. Remove the chicken from the water using tongs or a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate to coat.
4. Remove 2 cups of broth from the pot and set aside.
5. Bring the remaining broth back to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook it al dente.
6. Drain the spaghetti, discarding the cooking liquid. Set aside.
7. With two forks (or your fingers), remove the chicken from the bones. Shred or cut the meat into bite-size chunks.
8. Drain the pimientos.
9. Dice the onion and green pepper.
10. Place the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup and 2 cups of the cheese.
11. Add the onion, green pepper, and pimientos. Add the seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
12. Finally, add the chicken and broth.
13. Stir together well, then taste to check the seasonings.
14. Pour the mixture into a large baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until bubbly.

It's a Hot One!

I'm loving this warm weather! We slept with the windows open last night. Bring on the heat! I'm a warm weather girl!!

Happy Easter!

Today, after church, Kurt and I decided to take an Easter nature walk. We found things that reminded us why we celebrate Easter.
1 - A branch - The week before His crucifixion, as Christ entered the city, the people waved branches from palm trees. (We don't have palm trees here in Manassas ;-)
2. A piece of wood - for it was out of wood that His cross was made.
3. Something prickly - His crown was made of thorns.
4. Something no longer alive - for truly, the Savior did die.
5. Three things that are dark in color - light could not be found for three days following His death.
6. A stone - it was a huge stone at the opening of the grave that the angel removed.
7. Something living - to remind us that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected and He surely lives today!

Luray Earth Day 5K

Today marks the 6th anniversary of my very first competitive race. I ran the Salt Lake City 5K on April 23, 2005. It was a life changing experience for me. I have been hooked on running ever since. I have run multiple 5K's, a few 10K's, 3 half marathons, and am registered to run my first marathon on November 12, 2011.

Today I participated in the Luray Earth Day 5K. The setting was breathtaking, but I'm afraid it wasn't the beauty of my surroundings that really took my breath away ;-)

There were about 70 participants, and there were no timing chips involved. It was definitely a small town race. It was my kind of race.

I mostly run on a treadmill, so this was my first time running on pavement in a LONG time.

It rained all night long last night, but the weather cooperated and the rain stopped about 30 minutes before the race. The wind, unfortunately, didn't. We were running directly into the wind for most of the race.

Here I am at about the 1.5 mile mark.....before I got lost....
Yes, I got lost. I was left in the dust by the fast runners and was ahead of the slower runners, running solo, and took a wrong turn. I then had to make a course correction. I probably lost at least l minute trying to get back on track. Note to self: go UNDER the bridge next time!

I got winded trying to make up for lost time and had to walk for awhile, so my time was 3 minutes slower than my first 5K. I was really hoping to beat my 2005 time. Bummer.
April 23, 2005 - 30:09
April 23, 2011 - 33:07

I did manage to place 3rd in my age category - Females 45-54.
I won this handy-dandy mug!

My support team ;-)

Square Foot Gardening - sort of

I miss our California garden and love the square foot gardening method. This is the best we can do living in an apartment. Tonight we planted some tomatoes and peppers. Hopefully we'll have success with our "round foot" garden!