Our holiday celebrating began Friday with a nice dinner that Mark and Lilia were hosting since Aunt Lynne and Uncle Ed are in town. After eating we headed to the Denver Botanic Garden's Blossom of Lights. Unfortunately the kids were not well and opted to stay home. Ethan was so ill that he could barely stand up without feeling faint. Ellie was super tired and beginning to heat up. It seemed that an early bedtime was in order for both of them. Larr and I joined mark, Lilia, Lynne, Ed and Don.
We had gone to this same event many times in the past. My visits to the Denver Botanic Gardens will always remind and connect me to Eleanor. I was sad that she could no longer be part of such excursions. The displays were wonderful, as always. It made me want to go home and begin decorating.
On the way out I zipped through the gift shop. I could not linger since they were already flashing the lights to indicate that it was time to go home. I loved these fun houses that were for sale.
Don admired the workmanship.
I thought about how fun it would be to have something like this to base a display around.
I also loved the most modest items they sold. This seemed like it could translate into a fun quilt design.
Saturday was the state Cyclocross championship. Snow had fallen over night, the air was crisp and the ground was frozen. It was a great day for a CX race. Many of the kids who are going to Nationals took it easy so as to not get hurt. Sadly, one of them, Spencer, crashed and broke his leg. Ellie was not feeling great and she was worried about getting an injury so she did not go hard at all, but still had a good time. She placed second in the JW 15-16 division.
That evening Larr and I went to a Star Trek party at a friend's house. Many of the clever people who knew every word of most of the episode had planned and prepared food that was referenced in the episode we were watching. I was impressed.The hostesss lived deep in the mountains west of us. During our travel there and back we caught glimpes of a large, graceful fox, many deer and a majestic sheep that seemed to be standing on a rock taking in the nearly full moon.
Meanwhile, our kids were out with Mark and Lilia having a rocus time at the roller derby. Our kids are so lucky to have such an aunt and uncle who will take them to cool, fun events.
Today we spent much of the morning and afternoon with Grandma Gay and the cousins celebrating Kaylah's 16th birthday. We watched as she opened her presents. Then we had lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen. This was follow with a shopping spree in which each kid was given $10 to spend. They were set to the task. Ellie was thrilled with her new blue pants and 3 pack of green and grey socks. Ethan, as well as Orlando James and Angelo, picked up fun Nerf guns.Kaylah came away with some loot as well. I hit a great sale at Eddie Baure's, scoring two shirts and a new sweater.
As I checked my favorite blogs today, I was thrilled to come upon a wonderful image by SkeletalMess over at Shadowhouse Creations. You should follow this link to see his vision of a Christmas Angel. I find his work so inspiring!
Now, here's a recipe that is not connected with anything in this post, but it is worth having. It is a light supper option:
Tabouli with Lemon and Chicken
1/2 cup Bulgur
1/2 cup Water, warm
1/4 cup Lemon juice
2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and chopped into bite size pieces
2 cup Tomato, diced
1 Cucumber, diced
1/4 tea Cinnamon, ground
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
1/3 cup Olive Oil
2 cups Parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup Mint Leaves, finely slivered
Roman Lettuce
Soak the bulgur in the lemon and the water for about 45 minutes and then fluff with the fork.
In bowl mix the tomatoes, cucumber, cinnamon, salt, pepper and olive oil. Toss gently. Fold in the bulgur, parsley and mint. Add in the chicken. Mix well.
Chill. Stir before serving over the lettuce, or serve alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment