1 Sep
Home brews of a different sort
Our little neighborhood bar and grill recently began offering pineapple infused vodka. A couple of weeks ago, our server helpfully shared that it’s “super easy” to make–“just use a whole pineapple and cheap vodka.” This clearly explains why they charge $6 a glass, don’t you think?
I decided to make my own at home. Given the recession and all, it just seemed like the responsible thing to do. I followed her directions, coring and dicing a whole pineapple. I have been soaking the fruit in Absolut, not exactly “cheap,” but certainly not top shelf. Hopefully it will be ready in another week or so.
While I was looking for other infusion recipes, I came across one for bacon infused vodka. You might balk at this idea (Bryan did), but really, it combines my two favorite things. You just soak a couple of strips of bacon in vodka for a few weeks. I started with just eight ounces–enough to make what will likely be the best bloody marys ever.
After a few weeks, you stash the jar in the freezer then strain the fat particles through a coffee filter.
I can’t wait…
31 Aug
Twice the fun
There’s good news over at The House on Hudson. Congratulations, Josh and Laura!
31 Aug
Feathered friends
We have a pair of fledgling Mourning Doves that have taken up residence in the landscaping outside our front door. They can fly a short distance when necessary, but otherwise, they seem content to snuggle together under our dogwood tree.
30 Aug
Everyone’s a critic
Parents need to have pretty thick skin–EVERYONE has an opinion about how you are raising your children.
I was reminded of this early today when we brought the potty chair out of storage for Olivia. She has been telling us when she needs to have her diaper changed, and she’s even been giving us a bit of warning in some cases. We thought she might be interested in this option, but our efforts haven’t been supported by all.
“You’re potty training Olivia?” The voice dripped with incredulous skepticism. “She’s not even two yet.”
The critic here?
My four year old.
30 Aug
A day at the zoo
We took the girls to the Topeka zoo today to celebrate what feels like the first day of fall.
We seemed to catch most of the animals mid-nap.
These guys weren’t sleeping as soundly as I would have liked…
Any guesses as to who will not take a nap?
26 Aug
Blueberry crisp
I found quarts of blueberries on sale for $3.50 at the store last week. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with them, but I bought two boxes and hauled them to Nebraska. Blueberry Crisp seemed like an easy project, so I just tossed them with a bit of lemon zest and made the Barefoot Contessa Peach Crisp topping. It tasted like summer.
26 Aug
There is no place like Nebraska
We made a quick trip to Nebraska this weekend. The weather was gorgeous, and we spent most of our time in the playhouse at Doug and Karyl’s.
The drink service makes the playhouse an especially nice hangout.
Bryan mowed all day Saturday. Fortunately, he had the appropriate attire.
While he was busy at work, we visited my grandparents. Grandpa D. has an adorable new kitten that’s keeping him busy, but I didn’t remember to bring my camera. I did manage a few shots from my phone as we visited with Gramma and Grampa Great, though. Ava and Olivia played in the wading pool (and in Grampa’s fountain) while Grampa grilled hot dogs over a fire. Olivia managed to get both her swimsuit and her clothes soaking wet, but she really prefers to be naked anyway.
Ava helped Grampa air up the low tires on the beast. Thanks, Grampa!
We also stopped by to see Dad and Rose–they welcomed us for dinner on Friday night.
It was a fast but fun trip that even involved a quick round of golf at Grandpa’s Woods. I’m still behind on laundry and shopping for the week, but it was totally worth it!
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