Etsy Craft Party, 2014 at Two Hands Paperie in Boulder - an Inspiring Time + Olive Tapenade Recipe

Mia, Casey and all of the folks at Two Hands Paperie throw awesome parties. Friday they hosted an Etsy Craft Party at the shop. The theme this year was altered photographs.

It started out with lemonade, creative name tags and signing up for door prizes.

And of course there were great treats, including a great tapenade that one of the instructors made.

They had several stations set up including stenciling and collage.

Some people made some really fun things at the embriodery table. I did not manage to get a picture of that one. I was busy making packing tape photo transfers.

You begin with an image on a photocopy or an image done on a lazer printer. Regular photos do not work. You place the tape over the image and then use a bone folder (or the back of a spoon) to rub the tape, making sure that it is making contact everywhere on the image.

Once this is done, you soak it in water and then pull it out and rub the back of the photo to remove the paper. The image should be transferred to the tape.

My favorite station was encaustics. This is where the image is adhered to a wooden block and then covered with a special wax.

You can always find inspiration at Two Hands Paperie.

Connie's Tapenade

1 jar Black Olives
1 jar Green Olives with Pimentos
1/2 jar Capers, whole
Garlic, minced, to taste
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1/2 Lemon, juice from (or to taste)
1 tea. Basil
1 tea. Rosemary

Finely chop the olive, capers and garlic in a food processor. Add olive oil, lemon juice, basil and rosemary to taste. Serve cold with cracker. (This was served with hummus crackers - my new favorite cracker!)

Of Ships, Whining and Recipes

The Lady Washington recently left Astoria, Oregon to go to Westport in Aberdeen, Washington. Just like the other ports, Ethan found Astoria beautiful. He and Davey had the first day in port off, so they went exploring. They visited a local forest and found The Column:

Here's what the site for The Column says:
"The Astoria Column has served for over 80 years as a beacon on the Pacific Northwest Coast. It sits in a wooded area 600 feet above sea level on Coxcomb Hill, Astoria, Oregon’s highest point. Majestic views of the countryside surrounding Astoria are the great Pacific Ocean to the west and the mighty Columbia River to the north. Snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascade Range rise to the east and Saddle Mountain reaches to the sky on the southern horizon."

In their further adventures they discovered that Astoria was the place where "The Goonies" movie was filmed.

While they were on sail they spied a boat on capsized. They called the coast guard with the coordinates of the ship to alert them. They also circled the boat and tried to ascertain whether there was someone in distress or overboard. Once they took a closer look they found that there was a great deal of seaweed and such on the boat. It is possible that it was a boat from the tsunami in Japan that had been pushed there by the tied. The coast guard will check it out. If they think it is a lost, they will bomb it so that it sinks. If they think it is from Japan, they will tow it ashore to study it. Apparently there have been docks, ships, etc. that are radioactive that have made their way to our west coast. The way the ships and the coast guard keep an eye out for all of those sailing is pretty impressive.

During another day off Ethan visited the Columbia Lightship and managed to talk the ship's engineer into letting he and Davy into all of the rooms on the ship.

The Columbia Lightship helped ships navigate the Columbia River Bar to safety. It was in service from 1951 until 1979 when it decommissioned and replaced by navigational bouys. It was exciting for Ethan to get to talk with another ship's engineer.

Larr left yesterday to meet up with his brother, Doug, who lives in Seattle. Together they will drive up to Aberdeen to visit Ethan. Doug will return to his home in a few days, while Larr will stay with Ethan on the ship for nearly two weeks. It is a much needed break for Larr. While it would have been nice for all of us to visit Ethan, Ellie and I support Larr going alone. The kind of visit that they will have will be very different than if it was a whole family visit. This will allow Larr and Ethan to go adventuring in the style they both love. It will give Larr and chance to learn to sail. My vacation comes in a few weeks when I go to art camp.

Here at home, I am going into week three of being sick and I am so done with it. I wish is was done with me. It is really pretty lonely. I am improving slowly each day. I a now able to breathe fully some of the time. The other day Larr called my phone and got my voicemail. He told me that this was exciting because when he heard it he thought, "Oh, I have not heard Tam's voice in so long..." and then he sadly realized this it was just a recording and that I still cannot speak.

Two nights ago I had a terrible coughing fit that caused me to make sounds that I would not thought were possible. If someone in the family had been a folley and had recording equiptment set up in the bathroom he/she could have recorded some really other-worldly scarry sounds as I cough myself out of sufficating from stuff stuck in both parts of my throat. It happened again yesterday, but I felt a bit better afterwards.

Last night I had a dream that I could use my windpipe and the part of my throat where the mucus comes up to build a bridge to go somewhere. Very strange. This morning my throat feels like it was scrubbed with the hard looping part of velcro. When I go too long between drinking or sucking on some a sore throat lonzenge, the inside of my throat feels dry and like the parts are stuck together. Thankfully, the raspy breathing sound has mostly gone away. Both Ellie and Larr say that I sound like I am dying. The doctor says that it is painful, but that I will certainly be okay. Ellie has been wonderful about helping me, making calls for me and hanging out with me.

Today is the Etsy Craft Party day nation wide. I am going to take part by making an encaustic picture at Two Hands Paperier this evening.

Here are some recipes we recently enjoyed:


Sweet Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli
via: Cooking Light Magazine, June 2014, modified

1 (8-ounce) package uncooked soba *(I used Udon Noodles from Trader Joe's or World market)
1 (8-ounce) package broccoli florets
*(8 oz. Brussel Sprouts, sliced thinly)
Olive Oil
2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves *(I cubed the chicken to make it cook faster)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter *(I used almond butter, I don't think it made any difference, it is just what I had on hand)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, divided
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
3 green onions, chopped *(omitted)

Preparation

Combine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, sugar, crushed red pepper, and garlic in a measuring cup or bowl, stirring with a whisk.

In another pan, place about 1/2" of water and heat until it is boiling. Add broccoli and brussel sprouts to pan; steam until they are done. I added a small bit of sesame seed oil as they steamed. Remove to a plate or bowl.

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add soba; cook 2 minutes, or until al dente.

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Saute chicken until done. Add in the veggies and reheat just a bit.

Stir in the sauce and heat until combined. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and green onions.

Serve noodles in a separate bowl.

Kate Parham, Cooking Light
JUNE 2014

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ZUCCHINI PARMESAN CRISPS
via: Damn Delicious

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup Panko*
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 zucchinis, thinly sliced to 1/4-inch thick rounds
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
In a large bowl, combine Panko and Parmesan; set aside.
Working in batches, dredge zucchini rounds in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat.
Add zucchini rounds to the skillet, 5 or 6 at a time, and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 1 minute on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve immediately.

* I think these are wonderful, but a bit time intensive.

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Blueberry Coffeecake with Almond Streusel
via: Cooking Light Magazine


(I have not actually made this one, yet. I wanted to post it here so that I don't forget to try it.)

9 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup nonfat buttermilk
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Weigh or lightly spoon 9 ounces flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 9 ounces flour and next 3 ingredients (through salt), stirring with a whisk. Remove 2 tablespoons flour mixture; sprinkle over blueberries, tossing to coat.
3. Combine brown sugar and next 4 ingredients (through cinnamon) in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons melted butter; toss to combine.
4. Place granulated sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and oil in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended (about 2 minutes). Add egg; beat well. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix after each addition. Stir in rind and juice.
5. Spoon half of batter into a 9-inch square light-colored metal baking pan coated with cooking spray (do not use a dark or nonstick pan). Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup blueberry mixture. Spoon remaining batter over blueberries. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 cup blueberry mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Ruth Cousineau, Cooking Light
JUNE 2014

The Insanity Mud Run

Ellie loves to take part in challenge events. Thankfully, Kohlton enjoys them, too. Yesterday the kids took part in the Insanity Mud Run in Larkspur.

It was a 5 mile run with 20 obstacles, many included muddy water. Based on what people looked like when they came through the last station, I doubt that there was any actual thick mud.

I am still sick, so I was only able to photograph some of the parts. From the start they did a section of going over and under logs that were perched about 3.5'. Next, they climbed up and over a log structure (there is a picture of it at the end of this post). They made a a uturn and headed for the "Pit of Despair" where the runners jumped about 7' into a mud pit that was filled with 7' of muddy water. They were to swim across and climb out. Kohlton as able to jump pretty far to the next side. Ellie's shoe got stuck in the mud for a bit, which was scary, but she pulled up and out. It was my favorite obstacle that I could see. It was a bit much for some of the jumpers. Some of them lost their glasses, bandanas, etc. The announcer was watching and when someone had a hard time finding the courage to jump, he had the crowd cheer them on. One of the best ones I saw was a woman of about 55 who was with a team of 20ish runners. She was not a runner, or a swimmer. This was clearly a new thing for her. The crowd and her team cheered for her and one of the men helped pull her out of the pit. I was impressed with her courage.

The announcers were from Red Bull and the Red Bull girls were there handing out free drinks.

From there the runner went up a hill, did another obstacle and then ran back down the hill to this pit. It was early in the day and they were filling the pit with more water. I think they were supposed to crawl or swim, but at this point it was more like a wet game of limbo.

And then another pit with climbing. This was a much deeper pit and the people ahead of Ellie and Kohlton were having a hard time getting up the wall, so the kids found another way out with out using the ropes. They are clever like that. :)

Then came the three climbing walls. Most of the couples doing the run together also helped each other over the wall. This one was much easier for the tall folks, including Kohlton.

From there, they kids were off onto the next section where I could not follow. Here are some photos from the Insanity Mud Run site that shows some of the obstacles that I could not photograph, but I wanted to include them to give you a better sense of what the event was like. (These photos are from the Insanity Run Facebook page.)

The finish line was near where the start was, and it was a really fun challenge. I was a bit amazed that so many people could not cross on the bars. Some dumped into the muddy water and some had to be pushed. It was all in good fun and people cheered either way. At the end the runner received special dog tags.

Ellie made it look nearly effortless.

At the end we took some fun photos. Once they were done, both kids were very happy and already have plans for doing it again next year. They are going to get better running shoes and train a bit. This is sort of a warm up for the Tough Mudder, which Ellie wants to do to mark her 18th birthday next year.

Ellie's Trip to South Africa - Leaving on a (Few) Jet Planes

The night before Ellie, Kohlton and Mark left for South Africa, we met up at the Bass Pro Shop for a nice, relaxed meal.

After dinner they headed off to the Hampton Inn Suites near the Denver International Airport. Mark likes to start off the trip in a relaxed, excited fashion. I was a little weepy thinking about how much I would miss our girl. And, it was a bit scary sending her off on her first international trip with someone else, though we knew she would be safe because Mark treats her like she was his daughter.

One of the advantages of staying at the hotels by the airport is that they allow you to park your vehicle in their covered parking garage for $3 a night, much cheaper than the long term parking by the airport. At the hotel the kids had a good time swimming.

The next morning they were off early and on their was to Washington, D.C. where they would meet up with the other people on their tour. They were able to board the South African Airlines airbus early, but then had a two hour rain delay. Once in the air, they were comfortable and the food was good. Plus, they could watch as many movies as they wanted to.

The flight is a long one, with a layover in Dakar for refueling. It was about 11 p.m. or midnight our time, so the kids slept through it. Ellie and Kohlton seemed to naturally work out a sleeping schedule where one would try to watch a movie while the other one cuddled up and slept. This way they both got rest. I doubt that they others can say the same since planes are crowded when you are tall.

When they were in Dakar, Senegal, Ellie woke up enough to see the 160 foot tall "Monument of the African Renaissance" which was pretty impressive.

They stayed that first night in South Africa at the Afton Guest House in Johannesberg, just a short distance from the Tambo International Airport.

The people were nice, but they did not speak much English. They had a small gift shop where they used handwritten receipts. Ellie loved the mask, but they were too large to take with them or to shop. She settle for smaller gift like jewelry. She also wanted to send a few post cards, but they were locked in a glass cabinet, so she only had time to send one post card to little Issac from school. She thought that would be a thrill for him. The pool looked inviting, but it is the fall in South Africa and so it was too cold to take a dip.

The next morning they took another plane for East London.

Next, they drove to the Wild Schutzberg Game Reserve and then on to Hunter's Hill.

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Ellie made dinner again tonight and it was wonderful. She made Chicken Broccoli Shells and grilled corn on the cob.

Chicken Broccoli Shells
via: Taste of Home

1 jar (16 ounces) Alfredo sauce
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
21 jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, broccoli, chicken and cheeses.
Spoon into pasta shells. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
Cover and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

This cheesy entree can be assembled ahead of time and popped in the oven when company arrives.

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ear of Corn with Husks attached 2 per person

Preheat the grill on high at least 10 minutes before placing the corn on the grill.
In the meantime, gently pull back the husk, run cold water over the ear of corn and the corn silks. Then pull the corn silks off. Throw those aside.(Some people opt to put flavored butter on the corn before pulling the husks back up. Gently pull the husks back up to cover the corn. Then soak them in water for at least 15 minutes. This will keep the corn husks from catching on fire and it will make it so that the corn steams while cooking, instead of drying out.