So over the past few weeks I have been weaning my body and my brain slowly off my antidepressant medication and it has made me nervous. I keep expecting for the dark hole to swallow me whole again or for some terrible melodrama to jump out from under my bed but thankfully other than a few mild side effects the symptoms coming back are minor.
The mild side effects are that the dry mouth and the massive migraines are back but my doctor assures me that these will fade with time just as they did when I went onto the drugs in the first place. Some of the minor symptoms of my depression back are the sleepless nights, I am back to pacing at night, I cannot sleep, I am wandering the halls. The problem with sleepless nights is that it is hard for me to be on a schedule, eating and sleeping that for the general population is regulated by their job. Because I am a jobless hussy right now my body does what it wants and maybe because I am scared of pushing myself too much I sometimes let it. I am also having some nightmares, now granted they are not the screaming sobbing nightmares I was having; no these are just mild compared to those dark times. Sadly I have gained 4 lbs since being off the drugs. It seems that the antidepressants I was on helped me deal with my binge eating as a way to self medicate. That’s TOTALLY gonna suck but it just means I need to try harder.
So, overall I am pretty happy with my short run with antidepressants. Although I will continue seeing my doctor and reviewing my symptoms just to be sure that I am still on the road to recovery I am glad to not be dependent on a drug to continue with my life.
Sometimes, late at night, I wish I had a VISABLE injury, something I and others could wrap their brain around a little easier than this elusive fog that has tendrils wrapped around my brain.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A Medical Dilemma
Over the past week and a half I have noticed that Phoenix has been losing weight. At first I just made a mental note to feed her a bit more and keep an eye out for anything wrong. I have found over the years that when a dog starts to lose weight it generally means a parasite. When a week later she was still dropping weight and started vomiting I took her into the vet for a complete check-up. Other than being a bit underweight she was in perfect health and my vet told me to just continue watching her. That advice cost me over $150 bucks but it is better to be safe.
Today I had just fed the dogs, I feed them outside right now because Phoenix has a food aggression and keeping safety forefront in my mind I just feed them outside. But this particular day I decided to clean the cat litter which is JUST inside the outside door where the dogs were eating. As I was cleaning I heard some barking which normally isn’t anything I would look out the window for but because I was standing right there I did. What I saw shocked me.
Rogue, my wonderfully well behaved older rottewheiler had finished his bowl of food and moved to help himself to the rest of Phoenix’s. You see until Phoenix reaches the age of two she still eats double the amount as Rogue so it takes her longer to finish her meal. Outraged I stomped outside and let her finish her meal but then it dawned on me. I looked from Phoenix who was losing weight to Rogue who it seemed was gaining weight even though I had not changed the amount of food I gave them; seems my wonderfully intelligent Rogue found the keys to an extra helping at dinner by helping himself to the other half of Phoenix’s food.
Poor baby, girl she has probably been so hungry, which would make sense why she keeps getting sick she was probably eating more of the backyard than usual. Now that all the puzzle came together it made so much sense however without seeing it I would have SWORE that Rogue would NEVER steal her food.
Bad bad puppies, but at least THIS issue is easily fixed.
Today I had just fed the dogs, I feed them outside right now because Phoenix has a food aggression and keeping safety forefront in my mind I just feed them outside. But this particular day I decided to clean the cat litter which is JUST inside the outside door where the dogs were eating. As I was cleaning I heard some barking which normally isn’t anything I would look out the window for but because I was standing right there I did. What I saw shocked me.
Rogue, my wonderfully well behaved older rottewheiler had finished his bowl of food and moved to help himself to the rest of Phoenix’s. You see until Phoenix reaches the age of two she still eats double the amount as Rogue so it takes her longer to finish her meal. Outraged I stomped outside and let her finish her meal but then it dawned on me. I looked from Phoenix who was losing weight to Rogue who it seemed was gaining weight even though I had not changed the amount of food I gave them; seems my wonderfully intelligent Rogue found the keys to an extra helping at dinner by helping himself to the other half of Phoenix’s food.
Poor baby, girl she has probably been so hungry, which would make sense why she keeps getting sick she was probably eating more of the backyard than usual. Now that all the puzzle came together it made so much sense however without seeing it I would have SWORE that Rogue would NEVER steal her food.
Bad bad puppies, but at least THIS issue is easily fixed.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Taste Buds: The Perfect Pancake
Now I know most of you know how to make pancakes but it was one of the things that I have learned to cook that always just seemed a little off. Only until recently have a found a tried and true pancake recipe that successfully gets me great pancakes EVERY SINGLE TIME.
The trick is that extra care is needed when treating the batter.
The dry ingredients must be mixed first thoroughly with a wire whisk making sure that there are not any clumps and then, this is VERY important, in a second bowl mix the wet ingredients. Now I know that this dirties an extra bowl and you figure why bother. I know you are probably just like me and think BAHHHH no more dishes. However it is super important that the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients are mixed well BEFORE combining them. And there is a reason I swear. As soon as the wet ingredients hits the dry ingredients the gluten in the flour begins to develop. The more you mix and screw with the dough at this point the tougher and flatter your pancakes will come out. So do yourself a favour and use that extra dish.
So stir gently with caution until the ingredients are just mixed. I cannot stress this point enough and don’t worry about lumps.
Aside from the chemistry of combining the ingredients the other point is that the grill has to be the correct temperature. Cast iron or iron works the best and I love this reversible double grill from Crate and Barrel. It cooks perfect pancakes every time.
Make sure to preheat the grill before you put the pancakes on. Water when drizzled on should sizzle across the top before after a few moments evaporating. Next you want to make sure to never use butter on the pan, it creates pockets of burn on the pancakes that don’t taste so hot. I love using Pam because of its consistent flow but a small amount of vegetable oil is also good.
Once the pan is to the desired temperature I generally like to do a test pancake, call it the guinea pig one, to make sure that the grill is at the correct temperature. You want the pancake to cook quickly but not to burn (about 3 min on each side) and of course the guinea pig pancake can be claimed by the cooker.
And then never press down on the pancakes, it will just make them flatter and harder and loose some of the light airiness. Hint: contrary to popular belief it won’t make them cook any faster I promise. The less you handle the pancakes the better they are so leave them be until you have to flip them turning only once. When the edges of the pancake are dry and the center is nice and bubbly you know they are ready to flip. Serve immediately and sit back as your family raves about how fabulous you are!
RECIPE: THE PERFECT PANCAKE
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
Neck Deep with a Broken Nose
Last night sadly I had to cancel hanging out with friends which I HATE. I hate not being somewhere when I say I am going to be there. People who constantly flake drive me nuts so I try my hardest to not but I am at home sick, sick as a dog, sicker than a dog (I have a pile of used Kleenex next to me to prove it). I would take a picture but seriously, trust me you just want to believe me on this one.
Generally I never get sick but this winter I have been sick THREE TIMES, which is an all time new record for me. Something that drives me more nuts than flaking is staying home in bed with a nose that WON’T WORK. I have not been able to breath for two days straight.
So today, sick of being sick in bed doing nothing I forced myself up and started weeding through my pile of handwritten chicken scratched recipes. I have wanted to get them in some kind of order so I typed them all out. See being sick and cancelling plans CAN be productive to some extent. I may not be able to breathe but those damn recipes are no longer chicken scratch they are all nicely typed, printed and alphabetized. Sigh I love to organize it makes me so happy.
Since I finished that early I moved onto collecting some new recipes, recipes that will help me move forward on my 2010 challenge and I could not be more excited than to get into the kitchen, whip some of these up and share them with you; they sound SO GOOD. Neck deep in recipes, food, deliciousness and research I looked around at my crowded desk and felt frustrated with my being sick. Unfortunately cooking these will have to wait until I can breathe because without my sense of smell I think that the experience of cooking and eating will somehow fall short. Everything tastes the same, broccoli, an apple or tuna; it all tastes like gruel. STUPID COLD GO AWAY this Rogue Woman needs to get a cookin!
Generally I never get sick but this winter I have been sick THREE TIMES, which is an all time new record for me. Something that drives me more nuts than flaking is staying home in bed with a nose that WON’T WORK. I have not been able to breath for two days straight.
So today, sick of being sick in bed doing nothing I forced myself up and started weeding through my pile of handwritten chicken scratched recipes. I have wanted to get them in some kind of order so I typed them all out. See being sick and cancelling plans CAN be productive to some extent. I may not be able to breathe but those damn recipes are no longer chicken scratch they are all nicely typed, printed and alphabetized. Sigh I love to organize it makes me so happy.
Since I finished that early I moved onto collecting some new recipes, recipes that will help me move forward on my 2010 challenge and I could not be more excited than to get into the kitchen, whip some of these up and share them with you; they sound SO GOOD. Neck deep in recipes, food, deliciousness and research I looked around at my crowded desk and felt frustrated with my being sick. Unfortunately cooking these will have to wait until I can breathe because without my sense of smell I think that the experience of cooking and eating will somehow fall short. Everything tastes the same, broccoli, an apple or tuna; it all tastes like gruel. STUPID COLD GO AWAY this Rogue Woman needs to get a cookin!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fallen Princess
I love the Internet, in this sphere if you dig there is so much wonderful creativity that I love to look at for inspiration in my own art. Of course I am going to share things that I find that I adore for instance today work I found by Dina Goldstein called Fallen Princesses, see her site here. Her work shows various Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios with real issues that are affecting women all around the world; pain, suffering, conflict, indecision and addiction to name a few. The characters are placed in an environment that showcases their troubles after the prince came in and swept them off their feet basically showcasing that not everything really ends happily ever after.
Looking at these I feel intensely moved and have an instant connection with the women who have fallen just like we all do.
And this last one, AHHH it is my absolute favourite and I may have to purchase a print to hang in my home.
Looking at these I feel intensely moved and have an instant connection with the women who have fallen just like we all do.
And this last one, AHHH it is my absolute favourite and I may have to purchase a print to hang in my home.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Her Porn Star Name Would Be Spaz Licker
When I got Rogue, my first dog ever, I was only 23 and I didn’t know anything about how to take care of or train a dog. I had done a ton of research, talked to a lot of people, I even had roommates at one point who had dogs so essentially I helped a bit to take care of them but nothing prepared me for the hell puppies can inflict on your soul. During Rogue’s first few months he went to the bathroom in every single room, multiple times to the point where I would walk in the door, set down my bags and pick up the cleaning supplies that I kept near the door so I could immediately start scrubbing. And then there was the incessant chewing on anything that would fit it his mouth: the remote control, my brand new shoes that had NEVER BEEN WORN, OH and then there was that kitchen cabinets incident, the incident that cost me over $2000 dollars, the incident that SHALL NOT BE NAMED because my brain will explode. It was not a totally happy time. To end my misery I hired a dog trainer who taught me the tools I needed to help Rogue learn a few manners. He is now an official doggie rock star and the best dog in the world!
So I thought I would use the same strategy on Phoenix because they worked so well the first time oddly with Phoenix things went terribly wrong. I don’t know if I have mentioned this before but Phoenix has a screw loose; there is something wrong with her head. I am not kidding her brain is not intact and a tool that I used to make Rogue stop chewing my shoes, a tool when used made him run out of the room saying “DUDE I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE YOU” has absolutely no effect on Phoenix. In fact when I try and use this method of training you can almost hear the lone cricket crawl up to her ear to yell out “There is nothing in here but me. Go away.”
So she has several annoying problems, and it goes like this:
Mission 1: Must destroy all plant life, hence the annihilation of several backyard plants.
Mission 2: The person on the end of that long piece of leather attached to your neck, it is your job to see how fast you can dislocate her arm. The harder you pull the more points you earn. She takes this game VERY seriously and currently holds the top score in our neighbourhood.
Mission 3: See how far you can push Rogue before he goes ballistic and WOMPS your butt! She really has a wonderful time with this one, teasing and biting and yipping until she pisses him off so much that he kicks the crap out of her. I used to stop it afraid she would get hurt, but now I just sip my wine and cheer Rogue on.
Mission 4: Lick off Seurat’s face. There is something about my grey cat, something about his face that Phoenix just loves and she just can’t leave him alone for a second. Whenever they are in the room together Phoenix pins him down and licks and licks and licks until Seurat goes ballistic and WOMPS her butt! I sip my wine and cheer for Seurat also.
Mission 5: Spaz out when guests are over. This is by FAR my favourite and I have developed a time out system, putting her in the backyard for 10 minutes, for Phoenix when she misbehaves. Needless to say she spends a good majority of her time in the backyard killing my plants when company is over.
I have almost thrown my hands up but I am determined that we can get at least half of these under control with just a little bit more effort. She has after all come such a LONG LONG way from where she was when we got her; it is always that home stretch that gives me the most problems.
So I thought I would use the same strategy on Phoenix because they worked so well the first time oddly with Phoenix things went terribly wrong. I don’t know if I have mentioned this before but Phoenix has a screw loose; there is something wrong with her head. I am not kidding her brain is not intact and a tool that I used to make Rogue stop chewing my shoes, a tool when used made him run out of the room saying “DUDE I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE YOU” has absolutely no effect on Phoenix. In fact when I try and use this method of training you can almost hear the lone cricket crawl up to her ear to yell out “There is nothing in here but me. Go away.”
So she has several annoying problems, and it goes like this:
Mission 1: Must destroy all plant life, hence the annihilation of several backyard plants.
Mission 2: The person on the end of that long piece of leather attached to your neck, it is your job to see how fast you can dislocate her arm. The harder you pull the more points you earn. She takes this game VERY seriously and currently holds the top score in our neighbourhood.
Mission 3: See how far you can push Rogue before he goes ballistic and WOMPS your butt! She really has a wonderful time with this one, teasing and biting and yipping until she pisses him off so much that he kicks the crap out of her. I used to stop it afraid she would get hurt, but now I just sip my wine and cheer Rogue on.
Mission 4: Lick off Seurat’s face. There is something about my grey cat, something about his face that Phoenix just loves and she just can’t leave him alone for a second. Whenever they are in the room together Phoenix pins him down and licks and licks and licks until Seurat goes ballistic and WOMPS her butt! I sip my wine and cheer for Seurat also.
Mission 5: Spaz out when guests are over. This is by FAR my favourite and I have developed a time out system, putting her in the backyard for 10 minutes, for Phoenix when she misbehaves. Needless to say she spends a good majority of her time in the backyard killing my plants when company is over.
I have almost thrown my hands up but I am determined that we can get at least half of these under control with just a little bit more effort. She has after all come such a LONG LONG way from where she was when we got her; it is always that home stretch that gives me the most problems.
Taste Buds: Simple Spinach and Tangerine Salad
Mr. Rogue is working like a madman which means I will be eating alone most nights. Because cooking for one is never as much fun as cooking for two I am working on simpler meals. Lately I have been experimenting with various simple salads trying to get a little more variety and add be a bit adventurous with my toppings while still staying healthy. This particular recipe is a super simple salad but had a surprisingly complex flavour. By marinating a tangerine in Balsamic Dressing the salad got a whole new kick.
The tangy of the dressing with the sweetness of the citrus really offset the bitterness of the raw spinach and it is officially my new favourite salad.
Hope you enjoy this recipe.
RECIPE: SIMPLE SPINACH AND TANGERINE SALAD
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CALORIES IN THIS MEAL: 135 per person (Serves 1 person)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
An Outlet for My Soul
It is a six hour drive to Mammoth Mountain and a six hour drive back home but I can honestly say for the most part I totally enjoy this drive.
Not because I like to sit in a car for hours on end but because there is so much to see.
Every time I go somewhere new is another opportunity to learn new things, and to take more wonderful photos of things that inspire me.
I seriously love to travel and I am so GREATFUL that I have been able to go so many places this past year.
On this drive I was particularly interested in the various cows we passed, probably because of the fact that I am a cyber follower of The Pioneer Woman and I adore the photos she takes of her ranch life.
And really I don’t feel sorry for these particular cows because DAMN look at their view!
But then WAIT we found a band of horses which made me SO GREATFUL that I had grabbed my telephoto lens.
They were so beautiful sitting there in their meadow. I wish I could take them all home.
At first the horses were NOT happy that I was there. They were all looking up at me tensed to run but after some patient waiting they went back to doing what they do and I could grab some candid shots.
These two look willing to come home with me except I am not sure really how Mr. Rogue would feel about me bringing a horse home to live in our greenhouse. I think for now I will have to sadly leave them here.
Maybe my next year challenge should be to take horseback riding lessons. I have gone many times over the years but to be professionally trained and then maybe one day get my own horse. HUMMMMMM.
Photography really is an amazing outlet for my soul.
Not because I like to sit in a car for hours on end but because there is so much to see.
Every time I go somewhere new is another opportunity to learn new things, and to take more wonderful photos of things that inspire me.
I seriously love to travel and I am so GREATFUL that I have been able to go so many places this past year.
On this drive I was particularly interested in the various cows we passed, probably because of the fact that I am a cyber follower of The Pioneer Woman and I adore the photos she takes of her ranch life.
And really I don’t feel sorry for these particular cows because DAMN look at their view!
But then WAIT we found a band of horses which made me SO GREATFUL that I had grabbed my telephoto lens.
They were so beautiful sitting there in their meadow. I wish I could take them all home.
At first the horses were NOT happy that I was there. They were all looking up at me tensed to run but after some patient waiting they went back to doing what they do and I could grab some candid shots.
These two look willing to come home with me except I am not sure really how Mr. Rogue would feel about me bringing a horse home to live in our greenhouse. I think for now I will have to sadly leave them here.
Maybe my next year challenge should be to take horseback riding lessons. I have gone many times over the years but to be professionally trained and then maybe one day get my own horse. HUMMMMMM.
Photography really is an amazing outlet for my soul.
Rogue List: #88 Make a Snow Angel
Ms. Dancer and I were hanging out on the slopes today when we took a small break near some perfectly disturbed snow. I decided it was an opportunity too good to resist, all that perfect snow it just looked too untouched. So I decided to make a snow angel, something I have not done since I was a small kid. I threw Ms. Dancer my camera and graciously took the photo. Another one of the Rogue Life List items crossed off. Yea!
Baby Brain: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
My neighbour, Mrs. Rambo, upon learning that I was going to try to get pregnant soon, lent me this book which is FILLED with wonderful things about how to get pregnant. Although I am not going to be working myself up with trying to figure out the exact moment I am ovulating, at least for a few months we are just going to wing it, but still the information is interesting and well if we don’t get pregnant easily the things I am learning will be very helpful.
It is nice to know that a few of my friends will also be having kids around the same time as me. With Ms. Bulldog and Ms. Rambo all pregnant as well I am happy to have people that I can talk to about anything and everything baby. Not that I am going to love my childless friends any less but I am excited that some are also going to be new mothers too.
So today I am squirming in anticipation because in a few days Mr. Rogue and I are finally going to put all the practicing we have been doing to good use. I am SO COMPLETELY EXCITED to take on this next step; a step that I have been anticipating for a very long while.
Aside from my deep excitement I am a little bit worried that I will take after my father’s side of the family and have a difficult time getting pregnant. After so many years of obsessing over NOT getting pregnant and all those times I worried over possibly being pregnant I hope to God that I do not have a fertility problem, that I will be able to have the child I long for and that I will have a baby before the end of the year like I hope. CRAZY!
It is nice to know that a few of my friends will also be having kids around the same time as me. With Ms. Bulldog and Ms. Rambo all pregnant as well I am happy to have people that I can talk to about anything and everything baby. Not that I am going to love my childless friends any less but I am excited that some are also going to be new mothers too.
So today I am squirming in anticipation because in a few days Mr. Rogue and I are finally going to put all the practicing we have been doing to good use. I am SO COMPLETELY EXCITED to take on this next step; a step that I have been anticipating for a very long while.
Aside from my deep excitement I am a little bit worried that I will take after my father’s side of the family and have a difficult time getting pregnant. After so many years of obsessing over NOT getting pregnant and all those times I worried over possibly being pregnant I hope to God that I do not have a fertility problem, that I will be able to have the child I long for and that I will have a baby before the end of the year like I hope. CRAZY!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Beauty on the Mountain
Skiing brings me so much joy and peace. From up here, at the top of the mountain, looking over the clear wintery slopes I cannot imagine a more beautiful sight.
Like yoga in its relaxation through exertion of your muscles and working on balance in a way that centers me and frees my mind.
I love being on the chairlift looking down at the world below.
The color of the sky with the trees and the snow is beautiful, and the air it is just SO CLEAR!
I love how it is just me, the mountain and the beautiful scenery. Images like this just take my breath away.
Truly skiing is such an amazing sport and I am looking forward to many more years spent on the mountain.
Like yoga in its relaxation through exertion of your muscles and working on balance in a way that centers me and frees my mind.
I love being on the chairlift looking down at the world below.
The color of the sky with the trees and the snow is beautiful, and the air it is just SO CLEAR!
I love how it is just me, the mountain and the beautiful scenery. Images like this just take my breath away.
Truly skiing is such an amazing sport and I am looking forward to many more years spent on the mountain.
A Ski Instructor
Every year I organize a group trip to Mammoth Mountain so we can ski our little sunshine LA hearts out. For some reason this year we did not get an entire group shot; probably because I just plain forgot but here is a shot at lunch with most of us (we are missing Ms. Rambo who was watching Baby Fruit and Mr. Dancer who got stuck on the other side of the mountain).
Every year we stay at these amazing condos RIGHT on the ski slope where it is only a quick 2 min walk to the lifts. Here you can see our condo and the skiers in the distance.
Over the past week and a half Mammoth Mountain got storms that yielded 9 feet of snow. And seriously LOOK HOW MUCH SNOW WE HAD UP THERE, it is nearly as tall as my SUV. It was incredible skiing conditions.
I taught Mrs. Fruit how to ski. We got her all dressed up and to the top of the bunny slope in one piece.
I showed her how to do the pizza and explained the basics and then off we went. She started to learn the basics of skiing.
For anyone who has learned how to ski that basically translates to spending a lot of time falling.
And then getting up AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.
And then falling one too many times so you just end up lying there refusing to move. It is my job at that point to give them a moment and then prod gently or sometimes not so gently to get the heck up!
We spend almost as much time in theory as we do on falling. Once your body “gets” what muscles it has to use to turn and stop then it is not so hard but getting to that point is the hard part. Here I am instructing on the finer points.
She did an amazing job her first time out managing to ski for 4 hours before calling it a day. I think by the end of this season she is going to be skiing really well. Like a proud mamma I watched her get better and better, I am so proud of you Mrs. Fruit.
Every year we stay at these amazing condos RIGHT on the ski slope where it is only a quick 2 min walk to the lifts. Here you can see our condo and the skiers in the distance.
Over the past week and a half Mammoth Mountain got storms that yielded 9 feet of snow. And seriously LOOK HOW MUCH SNOW WE HAD UP THERE, it is nearly as tall as my SUV. It was incredible skiing conditions.
I taught Mrs. Fruit how to ski. We got her all dressed up and to the top of the bunny slope in one piece.
I showed her how to do the pizza and explained the basics and then off we went. She started to learn the basics of skiing.
For anyone who has learned how to ski that basically translates to spending a lot of time falling.
And then getting up AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.
And then falling one too many times so you just end up lying there refusing to move. It is my job at that point to give them a moment and then prod gently or sometimes not so gently to get the heck up!
We spend almost as much time in theory as we do on falling. Once your body “gets” what muscles it has to use to turn and stop then it is not so hard but getting to that point is the hard part. Here I am instructing on the finer points.
She did an amazing job her first time out managing to ski for 4 hours before calling it a day. I think by the end of this season she is going to be skiing really well. Like a proud mamma I watched her get better and better, I am so proud of you Mrs. Fruit.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Food Adventures
A few of us that managed to get to the lodge at Mammoth Mountain early went to dinner at the Austrian Hof Lodge right around the corner.
Mr. Rogue is always wanting to try this place out because they are famous for their sausages but sadly he could not make it to the ski trip because he is in Vegas this weekend for a bachelor party (boo Mr. Rogue).
Along with trying to become a better cook and eat healthier I also want to be a little more adventurous with my food choices so when the waiter suggested the Elk Steaks in Cherry Wine sauce I thought, WHY NOT.
NOTE TO SELF: Trying new things is good, VERY VERY GOOD.
Mr. Rogue is always wanting to try this place out because they are famous for their sausages but sadly he could not make it to the ski trip because he is in Vegas this weekend for a bachelor party (boo Mr. Rogue).
Along with trying to become a better cook and eat healthier I also want to be a little more adventurous with my food choices so when the waiter suggested the Elk Steaks in Cherry Wine sauce I thought, WHY NOT.
NOTE TO SELF: Trying new things is good, VERY VERY GOOD.
The First Snow
Today I drove up with Mr. Fruit, Mrs. Fruit and Baby Fruit to Mammoth Mountain for our annual ski trip. I am triple-ly excited this year because 1. I LOVE to ski, 2. I bought new skis and boots this year and this will be their maiden voyage, and most importantly 3. Because Mrs. Fruit and Baby Fruit have never seen SNOW and I get to drive up there with them and be there when they do get to finally see it... HOW EXCITING IS THAT!!!!
So we are driving, still far away from the snow because we are on the 5 about 20 minutes outside of Los Angeles when the pouring down rain starts to pound a little harder on the car. Then, WAIT, is that HAIL. The 5 grinds to a slow halt as all the people stare in wonder. Yes it is hailing in Los Angeles, I am shocked!
As we drive north and higher into the mountains the anticipation in the car gets higher and higher. The temperature gauge in my car is constantly being checked. The coldest weather Mrs. Fruit has been exposed to is our mild 50 degree somewhat chilly nights. As the temperature outside falls lower and lower she begins bouncing in the seat with joy. I cannot help but suppress a few chuckles when Mrs. Fruit states once we hit 32 degrees that
“The Fruit are officially in the freezer.”
We started to see snow in the distance at the tops of the mountains and then tiny patches of snow flurries buzzing around in the air and then a little clinging to the ground. I offered to lend her my camera and she started snapping away. Such a great little photographer.
Her excitement was contagious even Baby Fruit started to wonder what was going on.
It’s as if the baby was saying
“Hey, what’s everyone getting so excited about, is it that white stuff?”
Then we rounded a bend in the road and there was finally enough snow to pull over so Mrs. Fruit could run around like a little kid. I mean look at that GRIN!
And just when I thought her smile could not get any bigger she grabbed a handful of snow. Look at her she REALLY dug her hands in.
But looking at that round little snowball in her hands made me think of my youth and the snow fights we used to have. Which made me sad that Mrs. Fruit had never been in a snow fight. HUMMMM
But what was that Mrs. Fruit, I can’t hear you. What? You don’t want me to hit you with your VERY FIRST SNOWBALL EVER.
But alas I was not strong enough to resist the throw. At least I was nice enough to hit her in the waist and not the head. Don’t worry she still loves me.
When we finally arrived at the cabin Baby Fruit got her turn to play in the snow. We bundled her up with her new little snowsuit until only just her little eyes were showing and carried her outside.
When we placed her on the ground she gazed around her IN COMPLETE WONDER. Part of the beauty of children are these expressions of joy that make you happier because you are living through the wonder of the world all over again through their eyes.
She was so adorable in her little winter suit which was a bit bulky and that caused her to waddle more than walk. We kept teasing her that she looked like Maggie Simpson in her little star outfit.
Mother and daughter share the wonder of holding snow in their hands. They were both enthralled.
I don’t think there ever was a happier baby than this baby at this moment.
So we are driving, still far away from the snow because we are on the 5 about 20 minutes outside of Los Angeles when the pouring down rain starts to pound a little harder on the car. Then, WAIT, is that HAIL. The 5 grinds to a slow halt as all the people stare in wonder. Yes it is hailing in Los Angeles, I am shocked!
As we drive north and higher into the mountains the anticipation in the car gets higher and higher. The temperature gauge in my car is constantly being checked. The coldest weather Mrs. Fruit has been exposed to is our mild 50 degree somewhat chilly nights. As the temperature outside falls lower and lower she begins bouncing in the seat with joy. I cannot help but suppress a few chuckles when Mrs. Fruit states once we hit 32 degrees that
“The Fruit are officially in the freezer.”
We started to see snow in the distance at the tops of the mountains and then tiny patches of snow flurries buzzing around in the air and then a little clinging to the ground. I offered to lend her my camera and she started snapping away. Such a great little photographer.
Her excitement was contagious even Baby Fruit started to wonder what was going on.
It’s as if the baby was saying
“Hey, what’s everyone getting so excited about, is it that white stuff?”
Then we rounded a bend in the road and there was finally enough snow to pull over so Mrs. Fruit could run around like a little kid. I mean look at that GRIN!
And just when I thought her smile could not get any bigger she grabbed a handful of snow. Look at her she REALLY dug her hands in.
But looking at that round little snowball in her hands made me think of my youth and the snow fights we used to have. Which made me sad that Mrs. Fruit had never been in a snow fight. HUMMMM
But what was that Mrs. Fruit, I can’t hear you. What? You don’t want me to hit you with your VERY FIRST SNOWBALL EVER.
But alas I was not strong enough to resist the throw. At least I was nice enough to hit her in the waist and not the head. Don’t worry she still loves me.
When we finally arrived at the cabin Baby Fruit got her turn to play in the snow. We bundled her up with her new little snowsuit until only just her little eyes were showing and carried her outside.
When we placed her on the ground she gazed around her IN COMPLETE WONDER. Part of the beauty of children are these expressions of joy that make you happier because you are living through the wonder of the world all over again through their eyes.
She was so adorable in her little winter suit which was a bit bulky and that caused her to waddle more than walk. We kept teasing her that she looked like Maggie Simpson in her little star outfit.
Mother and daughter share the wonder of holding snow in their hands. They were both enthralled.
I don’t think there ever was a happier baby than this baby at this moment.
