Aunt Joan

I had some sad news today, my Aunt Joan passed away. Aunt Joan was my maternal grandmother's younger sister. She lived in the town my mom grew up in, Somerset, Massachusetts. I loved the street where she lived. It was a dead end and I think I was related to almost everyone who lived there at one point. When I was younger, I spent many summer days in Somerset swimming at my Uncle's pool and of my mom's three children, I am the closest to her side of the family. I'm not sure why. I'm assuming my brother isn't as close because by the time he was born, my sister and I were older and we just didn't have the time to go to Somerset as often as we used to. My sister? Maybe it's because she didn't like spending time away from home, so the weekends I would spend in Somerset sans parents, she would stay home. I loved going and I loved spending time there.

Aunt Joan was a teacher and when I was kid, there was nothing I loved more than school, books, and reading. She was always interested in my education and what books I was reading and she always had recommendations. When we were younger, she would give us Christmas gifts - books of course. So my heart hurt when my mom called me this evening to tell me she passed away. I haven't seen her in a few years - at another funeral, as it would happen, but she always took the time to ask me about where I was and what I was up to. Thank you Aunt Joan for fostering my love of education and for indulging my love of books. You were a kind, gentle woman, a devoted teacher, and an amazing Aunt. May you rest in peace.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

I've been here in Texas a little over 4 weeks now and there are moments when I can scarcely believe that I'm here. I have a half hour commute to work every day and there are times when I am on the highway when I think to myself, "am I really here? is this really my life now?" Not that I am complaining - I am loving my life in Texas. The heat, no so much. Everything else is good. It helped that I moved to an area where I already have friends. I love being able to spend more time with D. My job is good and is keeping me busy.

I've settled into a new routine which is helping me with my weight loss goals. I've lost 10 pounds since I moved here! Starting work at 9 means I have plenty of time to get to the gym in the morning. I alternate between cardio/weights and swimming laps. I also go to AquaFit class every Saturday morning. I've been making it to the gym 4 or 5 times a week. It helps that my body hasn't really adjusted to Central time, so getting up at 5:30am to go to the gym before work is easy. I also don't get home from work until close to 7pm, so by the time I am settled and sitting down to dinner, it's 7:30/8:00. And then I'm done eating for the night since I'm in bed by 10. So no late night snacking or anything like that.

Jack and Kate love the new apartment. Kate is especially a fan of the sliding glass doors in the living room. She sneaks between the blinds and watched the cars whiz by on the highway outside.

I also want to take a second to remind you all about the fundraiser over at the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee - they're a little more than halfway to their goal and the money is going to some great programs at the shelter. Programs for fosters as well as senior cats. Last year they raised enough money to build a quarantine room. Every little bit helps. Click here if you'd like to help out and donate.

Friday Fun

Thursday Recipe

D made a variation of this last weekend and Oh. My. Stars. it was delicious. It is even just as moist and delicious reheated the next night. An all around excellent dish. We didn't have it with the orzo and spring greens - instead D made penne with pesto and cannellini beans and a celery salad. Yum. The chicken recipe came courtesy of Cooking Light.

3/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Dash of sugar
2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 cups packed spring mix salad greens
2 lemon wedges

1. Combine juice, vinegar, shallots, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and sugar; let stand 15 minutes.

2. Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet.

3. Combine breadcrumbs and cheese in a shallow dish. Place flour in a shallow dish. Place egg white in a shallow dish. Sprinkle chicken with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge chicken in flour; dip in egg white. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place chicken on a wire rack; let stand 5 minutes.

4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes. Turn chicken over; cook 2 minutes or until browned and done.

5. Add 2 teaspoons oil and 1/8 teaspoon pepper to shallot mixture; stir with a whisk. Add greens; toss gently. Place 1 chicken breast half and 1 cup salad on each of 2 plates. Serve with lemon wedges.

note - as I am not a fan of any of the onion family, we omitted the shallots.

Monday Day Book

Outside my window …a little overcast as the sun comes up.

I am thinking … that I really want to see Despicable Me next weekend.

I am thankful for … reconnecting with old friends - we had a lot of fun on Saturday.

I am reading … Coming Home. For the umpteenth time - my favorite Rosamund Pilcher story.

I am hoping … that I can navigate the new way of doing business. Sometimes it's just easier working at a private school.

On my mind … so glad that D was able to come up to Dallas for the holiday weekend.

I'm learning … about the policies and procedures of doing business at my new place of employment - doesn't that sound fun and exciting?

Noticing that … I need to vacuum. I think that's my mantra.

From the kitchen … delicious leftovers for dinner tonight - baked parmesan crusted chicken, celery salad, and penne with cannelini beans and arugula. Have I mentioned D is a phenomenal cook?

Around the house … only 3 boxes to go - just books that need to be carted to the office.

One of my favorite things … Lava Grill. Such delicious sushi, and it's right across the street. This could be dangerous.

Friday Fun

Thursday Recipe

The fourth of July - makes me think of the beach and fireworks and parades. And what tasty treat do I associate with the 4th? Lobster. Yum. The quintessential summer feast. I found a recipe this week from Bon Appetit for Mini Lobster Rolls from contributor Sarah Akin. They sound absolutely delectable. Give 'em a try.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 24 1/3-inch-thick bread rounds cut from 1 baguette
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup finely diced celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
• Dash of paprika
• 12 ounces cooked fresh lobster meat, coarsely chopped

Preparation

• Preheat broiler. Place butter in medium bowl. Using garlic press, squeeze in garlic. Blend well; season garlic butter to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spread some garlic butter on each bread round. Arrange bread rounds on rimmed baking sheet and broil until butter starts to brown, rotating sheet for even browning, about 2 minutes. Transfer toasts to platter and cool.
• Combine mayonnaise, celery, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, lemon peel, and dash of paprika in large bowl; stir to blend. Mix in lobster. Mound some lobster salad on each toast and serve.