Living in a Foreign Language

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Make Tiramisu

Tomorrow night we are having a dinner party...I've gone with an easy menu...kind of an Italian theme, more or less. So, when I asked Mr. Ken what he would like for dessert his first response was "the raspberry brownie from Panera".  His second response was "Tiramisu"?  His third response was " ...I don't know, fresh fruit with cream or something"?   Which means he went from what he really wanted, to something else he really wanted, to what he knows I usually do since I don't like to make dessert.  I said "Tiramisu it is".

Have I ever made it? No.  But I thought it would be one of those super easy recipes you just throw together and refrigerate until ready for consumption.

As it turns out I was right!  It is super easy...as long as you have lady fingers and espresso and marscapone cheese.  I found pound cake instead of the lady fingers (which Giada assures will work just as well), everything else good to go and so I figured it would be easy to just stop by Starbucks and get a giant espresso to go.

Okay.  I admit I don't really drink much coffee, don't really like it. If I were on a game show and the million dollar question was "what is the difference between espresso and any other coffee"?  My answer would be they serve espresso in a tiny little cup.  Truth is I have no freaking clue except the one and only time I drank it I was kept awake until four in the morning with my heart pounding and I drank it at four in the afternoon.  For the longest time, I didn't know there was any difference in a cappuccino and an espresso except for the size of the cup... and the foam on top...which apparently you could get on an espresso if you really wanted it but that is just even more confusing to this coffee novice.

But I digress, I left the store with ingredients in hand and swung by Starbucks on my way out.  I very confidently sauntered up to the counter and said " I need an espresso for take away in one of the Venti size cups please".  The very nice young Asian man behind the counter said "....um, are you sure ma'am that would be like five shots of espresso".  I said "no, no, no shots" (thinking he meant some kind of those extra things people are always adding...a caramel mochiato with a shot of raspberry ... or something) I continued..."just the espresso please but I need a lot of it, 3/4 of a cup to be exact".  He said "oh, I understand, 3/4 of this"?  He held up one of those thimble sized espresso cups.  "No, no," I said, and picked up what I thought to be a Venti cup, "this".  Now, I will just go back to the million $  ? Above but ask instead for a million dollars "name what Starbucks calls these size cups"...I have never understood the whole tall, grande, Venti, what have you scenario and am super glad I order iced tea which is small or large.   

But back to the espresso.  At this point my erstwhile barista  (is it baristo if male?) asked a fellow barista (a female) to come help me.  So I repeated my request and added to the end of it "I'm making tiramisu".   "Oh" says the male barist(o)a as if that explained everything!  I further went on to explain "yes, and the recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup of espresso, so I was going to take this (holding aloft the Venti cup) and let it cool, then dip the lady fingers in it" (making dipping motions with the invisible lady fingers knowing I was really lying because I couldn't get lady fingers, just pound cake, but at that point it seemed like admitting this would just confuse the issue further).    

So, now the first male barist(o)a, the new female barista both shake their heads as if totally understanding this dessert making scenario and start making me espresso...all the while speaking to yet a third barist(o)a in Bahasa what it is I'm trying to do.  So, now everyone seems to be on the same page.  Everyone is mumuring "tiramisu..." and shaking their heads yes.  So, while I'm waiting the first barist(o)a says to me " Tiramisu, huh"?   I brightly, but inanely, say "yes, Giada's recipe".  He says " I don't know Giada's but I like tiramisu!". I admit I came very close to explaining Giada but thankfully for him and for me thought better of it.

While I continued to wait on my FIVE shots of espresso the lady barista motioned for me to come back...to the super secret Starbucks pantry.  I was a little confused but I followed her.  Here she hands me some small miniature packets of coffee and says "next time you want espresso for a recipe use these, I give them to you as a gift - you just bought 35 Ringott of espresso"!   By the look on her face I could tell this was a ridiculous amount of espresso to have purchased...a whole $11.50 worth.  Nonetheless, I thanked her profusely and said "if the tiramisu turns out good I will bring you a piece".  She smiled and said "okay, it's a deal".  Then my first barist(o)a said "me too".  

So, I paid my 35 Ringott, tipped a considerable amount and took my incredibly hot, full cup of espresso and went on my way.  All the while wondering to myself how I possibly just agreed to bring dessert to the waitstaff at my favorite Starbucks?!  I know, I don't drink coffee but I have a favorite Starbucks...they make a great iced tea, with a little coaching...

Back to the dinner party - the menu:

Romaine lettuce with an avocado, green onion, lemon and olive oil dressing (I refer to this as an upside down salad because you mix all the dressing components on the bottom of your salad bowl, put the cut up romaine on top, refrigerate for several hours, then toss.  It is sublimely good, tart, creamy yet crunchy).

Real Meatballs and Spaghetti by the Contessa herself, here is the link:   http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/real-meatballs-and-spaghetti-recipe/index.html

(If this still isn't showing as a link you can click on, my apologies, I'm STILL learning this laptop.)

Garlic bread

And The soon to be Famous - Tiramisu

I did a very casual, little bit rustic, little bit elegant,table scape:

Buon appetito!  Arrivederci!  

Amore, spajunkie

Easter Dinner

...on Thursday evening. 

There are some Cameron peeps in from the US and UK this week and they have been traveling for a couple of weeks, and prior more like a couple months so we invited them for dinner on today.  Since they won't be at home to celebrate Easter with their families I thought I would do an Easter dinner.  Here is the cast of recipes, with links to the originals.  I really stuck mainly to the recipes because they are flawless (sort of!).  Where I could and thought about it there are photos.  Did anyone know you can save recipes on http://www.myrecipes.com?  Wow.  I don't know how I missed that train but I've definitely made up for lost time this week!  You can even save your own recipes...I'm not as inclined to do this as you need to enter ingredients and amounts and well, I'm just not that patient yet.  I did save some from other sites that I copied and pasted but I just put them in the notes section...lazy that way.  I do however, LOVE that if you save a recipe from the site itself you can also send it to a grocery list and it will hold the ingredients for you in list form.  I can't tell you how much time and effort this saved me!  I just printed that sucker off, crossed through what I already had on hand and voila` grocery list you could add to!  Brilliant.  I seriously have no idea how I've missed this for so long.  I will continue to play with and tweak this and get back to you on how well it works.

First Course:

Marinated Lemon Shrimp and Artichokes in Martini glasses (along with some good quality breadsticks bought at the store and some nuts  ~ just for some salt with before dinner drinks) http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/marinated-lemon-shrimp-artichokes-10000001831989/  this was delish!  The one and only picture I did capture because once everything starts flowing I am so LAME at taking photos!!!

Second Course

Butter Lettuce Salad with Parmesan Tuiles and Almonds http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/butter-lettuce-salad-with-parmesan-tuiles-almonds-10000001598618/  Also Delish!

Third Course

Classic Baked Hame with Maple Mustard Glaze http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/classic-baked-ham-with-maple-mustard-glaze-10000001598619/ Yummy, second time I've made this recipe, it always delivers!

Southern-Style Potato Salad  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/southern-style-potato-salad-10000000686261/  Very tasty

Marinated Asparagus  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/marinated-asparagus-10000000364630/ I don't know, maybe not so much.

Refrigerator Yeast Rolls  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/refrigerator-yeast-rolls-10000000520467/   http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/easy-three-seed-pan-rolls-10000001723324/)okay, so, NO!  They come out like little, well, I called them savory cookies!  So flat, so NOT a roll.  So, very, very NOT a yeast roll.  Now, could be a lot to do with our climate, the yeast I bought, lots of things go into dough rising or not.  I don't want to judge.  What I WILL say is even though flat and asthetically not pleasing, they tasted really good!

Fourth Course

Irish Chocolates (directly from Ireland, thank you Sandra!) and berries - straw, rasp and black!

The really good thing about this menu is ... enough for an entire complete dinner from the leftovers on Sunday with no preparation! 

Here is the super cute tablescape for the occasion, tweaked mildly from its original form:

I so love to entertain!  It just makes me happy.  A bed and breakfast or a catering business, this is what I think I need full time!

Anyway, a fun time was had by all!  And,now, spajunkie, must go to bed!  I wish all of you a wonderful Easter, time with your family, and a remembrance of what Easter really means! 

 

A Few Pictures and a Bunny or Two

It has been well documented that I brought a lot of stuff back from Texas!  What you might not know is that I brought back some home decor and some beautiful paintings!  My momma did these two and I brought them back and had them framed:  Mommy and daughter - SWEET!  This hangs at the bottom of our staircase.

Koi fish...which hangs in the breakfast room overlooking the pond:  I LOVE it!

Angela made this for me - it is one of my favorite quotes from The Little Prince.  I hung it next to the fridge so I could see it every morning!

Debra Kay gave me these fun geckos:

Sharon gave me an addition to the shoe collection...it is the top plaque...the saying (which is hard to read in the picture) "Ohh, the effect a new pair of shoes can have on a woman".  Truer words were never spoken!  I love the shoe enclave!!

When I arrived home in February, I found this surprise from Rogielyn.  She MADE this for me for my birthday!  It added to my collection of "women" (if you were ever in our house in Houston you will remember the "women" resided in my bathroom ~ they now reside in our bedroom).  Isn't she beautiful?  I just love her!  What a lovely surprise!

These are just some prints we got in Yallingup, Australia, that I finally framed...they hang outside the powder room (the motif of that room is sea, seashells):

Then, we have the BUNNIES!  Have I mentioned how much I love bunnies?  I do.  If left to my own devices I might decorate with them year round - but, alas, I don't.  As soon as St. Patrick's day is done I do get right with Easter! 

Why yes, those are stuffed bunnies sitting on furniture in our house, why do you ask?  Yes, yes I am a grown woman, why do you ask?  No, no we don't have small children at home, why do you ask?  (We do have a cocker spaniel who closes his eyes during his picture though.)

The bunnies make me happy, they are whimsical and fun!   It doesn't matter what anyone thinks...yes, I agree, poor Mr. Ken has to live with me and the bunnies but hey!  There are worse things in life.

Aren't these roses gorgeous!  We had the dinner party on Friday and our friend, Rocky, brought these to me...he always arrives with two dozen roses and a bottle of NICE Australian wine.  That's the kind of guest to invite!  No, Mr. Ken doesn't mind (he and Rocky have worked together for years and the rose tradition started back during chemo and just kept going).  Mr. Ken doesn't bring me flowers often...he does things like buy me chocolate diamonds, Brighton suitcases or a new camera lens (which I got yesterday and I am so excited about it!).  Happy to receive roses from dinner guests and the others from my sweet, thoughtful hubby!  Thanks Mr. Ken!

 Well, kids, I am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my friend Sandra!  All the to-do lists have been done and we are all shiny and just impatient for tomorrow to be here!  If I don't check in while she is here, have a wonderful week, and next post I will be in Perth (we leave one week from today).

Love, spajunkie

 

Who is your Favorite?

I've spent my entire morning planning menus and making grocery lists for this week, a dinner party Friday and my upcoming house guest next week. If I have the time, and frankly why wouldn't I? I usually spend a couple hours at this each week because I peruse the internet looking for new recipes. Which led me to some random thoughts (there's a surprise!)…

Which food network stars do you really like the most ~ to watch on TV, to say "oh, that sounds good" but never make it, or whose recipes do you actually use the most? Here's my list.

The incomparable Emeril Legasse. Well, he started my love of watching cooking shows and to this day he is one of my go to chefs for recipes. I've probably made more of his recipes over the years than all the others combined. I love the Portuguese influences that run-through many of his recipes. Even now I will stop flipping channels if I find him on. I never tire of watching him or trying his recipes.

Well, I already mentioned a few days back that Barefoot Contessa, the fabulous Ina Garten, is my absolute favorite. I love her shows, I love her style, I love her recipes and I think her food is very accessible and elegant without being fussy. Simple ingredients cooked to perfection. And her tables are just to die for! What I wouldn't give to have her garden at my disposal for both cooking and decorating. She was the first person I ever saw use only one color flower (not necessarily one type of flower but one color) to a vase and from that moment on I was hooked on single color arrangements... (If you have not tried this, it seriously changes the whole look of a bunch of flowers - from pretty and fun to elegant in a few seconds. Try separating out your colors in your next bouquet and make smaller vases of same color flowers. Beauty!)

Tyler Florence. Not only is he super duper cute and I could just watch him all day long but I love his recipes. Frequently French inspired, much like Ina, they are beautiful and elegant. Every recipe I have tried of his has turned out amazing...and they are not particularly difficult either for the meal they produce. In fact he is on right now as I am writing this! 

I'm starting to really believe I need to just bite the bullet and find a French cooking school and take lessons! It seems to be the baseline for where I head with my favorites. Not to mention all the cooking basics start here. On with the list:

Giada. If there is a perkier or happier human on the planet I've certainly never seen them! She is Mr. Ken's favorite and I'm sure I don't have to mention why. She is just a bit too happy for me. That notwithstanding, I love her recipes. She has some of the best, quickest, tastiest recipes ever. I also love her style of decorating a table. If you haven't guessed by now tables enter very big in my life...and they always have. Even when I worked full time and volunteered and whatever all I did, I always set a beautiful table.

Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. I love, love, love her blog. It is one of the first things I check each morning. She has some good recipes I've enjoyed also.  I had the chance to watch some of the shows while in Texas (thank you Angela!) but I think my jury is still out on that...I would have to watch more. But, what I love most about her is she is such an incredibly talented woman, mother, writer, photographer...the list goes on. She is a power house!

Those are my favorites – how about you?  Who gets your vote and why? 

Impromptu Dinner for a Friend

That really kind of says it all! I had a friend call yesterday evening and one thing led to another and I found myself looking for something yummy to feed us. She had offered to go out to dinner but I knew she had been having a particularly stressful couple of weeks so I thought it would be nice to just make dinner for her. Because after all if there is one person on Food Network I admire (and love her easy style and elegant but classic meals) it is Barefoot Contessa...and isn't she always making dinner for friends?  She is my favorite, hands down! 

The first thing I always do for any type of dinner is set my table.  A lovely set table can make people think you've prepared a gourmet meal when, in fact, you have not!  I grabbed an old, but oh so pretty, set of placemats and napkins with big happy yellow sunflowers on them along with some big yellow sunflower napkin rings.  I set us up in the "breakfast room" overlooking the pond with the lights for nighttime...it makes a really tranquil backdrop.  Is this pretty or what?

You might be saying to yourself this doesn't look at all like an evening setting and you would be correct!  I recreated this setting this morning just to take the photo.  If you are a blogger you will totally get this...if you aren't...well, don't judge me! 

Back to dinner...what to make?? Obviously it had to come straight from the pantry, fridge or freezer on such short notice. So, here we go:

Leftover best roast chicken ever! Here is my super complicated recipe to roast a chicken:

Wash and dry one whole chicken
Stuff with one and one half lemons cut into quarters and a handful of fresh thyme. Sprinkle the outside with lemon pepper seasoning. Put in the crock pot with nothing else! Cook for 8 hours on low, 4-5 on high. She is not pretty when she comes out but man so moist and delicious, and did I mention easy?

Leftover chicken was made into chicken salad: (I make lots of versions of chicken salad but this is by far my personal favorite.)

About 1 cup or so of roasted chicken (you can always use a rotisserie chicken from the store!)
A handful of chopped celery including leaves
A handful of chopped red bell pepper for color
A handful of chopped chives, or green onion (I only had chives on hand)
About 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream (I happened to be running low on both so used both, you could use just mayo if no sour cream on hand). Mainly you want the consistency to be very held together but not at all too wet.
About 1/8 tsp of curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix it all together

I served a spoonful of this on Ritz crackers and garnished with some fresh dill. Tasty and lovely on the plate! Plus right now I'm eating a chicken salad sandwich for lunch!  (I just LOL because chicken salad on Ritz crackers - could I be any more southern, honestly?)

Second course (believe me if I'd known it would all come out so tasty I would have photographed along the way!)

Big green salad with homemade dressing

I used romaine, arugula, purple cabbage, red bell pepper, carrot and cherry tomatoes all tossed together.

Dressing - about 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 Tblsp of Dijon mustard, olive oil whisked in until you like the consistency and taste. I like it very vinegary as does my friend, you might want more oil than me. I also add a bit of dried oregano, salt and pepper and then shake, shake, shake! If you don't have a mason jar and lid set aside just to shake up dressing like this and then take direct to the table for serving, well, get one! (Yet another LOL - how southern is a mason jar used for just about anything?  BTW - anyone seen those mason jar wine glasses at my new favorite place - Buc-ee's?  Kiss my Grits but they are cute!)

Sweet onion tartlet

If I had a pizza crust on hand I would have used it, I did not. My friend, Angela, uses naan bread and I would have done that as well but instead I used an all purpose Pre packaged phyllo dough square. I preheated it a bit just to get the baking started, follow the directions, no need for oil or anything they have their own. I baked to barely light brown then removed from oven.

While cooking this I sliced one large sweet yellow onion, if in Texas I would have used a vidalia but when in...I used a plain old yellow onion. Heat a tsp or so of olive oil in a skillet, add the onion. Add some salt and pepper. Sauté this until the onion is translucent then hit with a nice amount of balsamic vinegar. No measuring necessary because now you will cook this until all the liquid is gone and has been absorbed by the onion. Yum! Top your crust with this onion and just a little mozzarella and Parmesan, or really whatever you have on hand. I've used goat cheese before and it was divine! I actually err on the side of not too much cheese because it gets greasy and soggy but do what you like! Bake in the oven on 300 until just bubbly. Top with chopped fresh chives. (Word to wise, I don't actually chop my chives, I snip them with kitchen scissors, so much nicer and prettier.)

All served with a beautiful crisp Australian Chardonnay. 

Guys, it was a lovely dinner all made from things I had hanging around! Normally I serve the onion tartlet as an appetizer for larger dinner parties but it worked fine as a main course.

Third course

Big bowl of fresh strawberries and raspberries, with some After Eight chocolate mints on the side.

Beauty! Dinner just doesn't have to be all that complicated! I've heard lots and lots of things about what you should always have on hand and most of it I agree on but my main big things to never be without are fresh vegetables and fruits! My personal always want in my fridge are:

Fresh herbs - my favorites are chives, dill and basil (I also try to grow these but right now they are in a period of regrowth after being cut back).

Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, onions, potatoes, carrots, celery and red bell pepper. And berries, always berries, they are the best and easiest dessert around!

Anyway kids that is my offering for today! Have a great weekend! Love, spajunkie

Random Wednesday

Yes, I am back to randomness!  Here's the thing guys, I'm been trying to finish my blog on the last part of my waltz around south Texas and for reasons completely unknown to me I cannot upload the pictures.  I can upload pictures but not those pictures.  It makes no sense and I just haven't sorted out what is wrong.  At any rate, once I figure it out it will get posted ~ better late than never!

Finally, finally got my bath done the way I wanted.  It took a trip to Texas for some things I wanted but nonetheless it is done.  I'm a big bath girl, love baths, hate showers.  Isn't this super cute and cozy?

When I came back I also brought Texas wildflower seeds...which is all kinds of illegal in Singapore (where I spent a few days and went through customs twice) and in Malaysia but I felt the need for a little Texas in my yard.  I planted them in some pots and I have seedlings already sprouted!  If they actually DO bloom you will be the first to know!  Additionally, I got a miniature Texas flag (thanks for the stand Shar) for the garden. 

I've been busy planning our next trips!  We kept saying this was the year we were staying home but so far that isn't really playing out.  But FIRST up is my friend is coming to visit me from Ireland!  Yep, Sandra (who I have known for some 20+ years) and I met in London a year ago March 18th and she is going to head to KL that day this year!  Sort of an annual get together as it were.  Which I think MUST mean Ireland next year - :).  I am so super excited.  I just can't wait.  I've got a list of things planned ~ a day spa for sure; trip to Petronas towers, downtown KL, chinese night market, central market, Pavillion, KLCC, some local areas, some dinners out, some time hanging at the house...I'm brimming over with plans and lists and making the house perfect!  You know this is the year of the houseguests so better book early!  You know who you are!

So, our first trip is Perth March 25th to April 1st.  Always love to go to Perth and see friends.  The weather is always so perfect and the company so good!  Trying to figure out what I haven't seen yet to maybe see this time.

Second trip is ~ Singapore!  Yes, it is crazy since we go there all the time but Mr. Ken specially asked to go to Singapore so he can be a tourist!  He has never done anything in Singapore except work.  So, we have a free suite at the St. Regis, I have purchased tickets to see Wicked and we are going to spend a few days and nights just doing touristy stuff!  Off we go April 11 to 15 for a long weekend.

The last weekend in May we are off to Thailand! We've been wanting to take this trip for the longest time.  Phukett May 24 to 29~ check out the link:  https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/rooms/room_class_detail.html?propertyID=3452&roomClassId=1005371986 

For June we are looking at staying closer to home here in Malaysia ~ an island with one resort!  Check out this link: http://www.pangkorlautresort.com/malaysia/index.htm  It is really close - about a two hour drive, then a boat...I've never been to a privately owned island before!  If we keep this up it will be another 11 trips a year like last year.  It is just so easy and so cheap, I think we feel like we have to take advantage while we can! 

Let's see...hmmm, last night I spotted this guy - I'd been looking for his friend (who was about an inch longer or so) but I settled for a picture of him:

 I happened to hit the drop down button on my google bar and laughed out loud at my last googled items!

~ how big do snails get

~ will fish food make dogs sick (yes, he did!  don't ask how...)

~ what do snails eat

~ what do turtles eat

~ what pond plants will turtles not eat

~ what plants will snails not eat

~ can dogs eat papaya (yes, he did!  don't ask how...)

~ liberty devitto

~ resorts in malaysia

~ blogs on the bachelor

~ can dogs eat bell pepper (yes, he did!  don't ask how...)

~  can fish eat fruit

Talk about random!

Love, queen of random, spajunkie

 

 

 

 

Random Thoughts Monday

1.  It didn't seem like that long of a time when we booked all of our travel for the US but....I still have like ten days, and nights, before I leave!  Ugh!  
2.  I have been accomplishing some projects I've wanted to work on for a while now.  (more on these in another post.). Feeling crafty!
3.  Has anyone ever heard that turtles like egg shells?  Guy Fieri said so today on his show.  I'm not that partial to his show but my ears really pricked up on that...And, what about the fish?  They seem to eat anything you put in the pond...and the Scooter is like the proverbial goat, eats anything on the surface of the water!  I still am not completely sure what to be feeding them so I've opted for fish food, and turtle food...and some random lettuce and other veggies.  But they all eat each others food. Have to wonder if that is a problem!   Plus the DES will sneak any of the pellets if given the opportunity...not to mention the gardener fertilizes with chicken $&;t, serious.  DES loves that too!  At least it isn't chemicals...
4.  I just don't get Pin interest, I really want to but I don't.   I've tried but I simply fail to get it.  If I wanted an outfit I would go buy it.  If I wanted to decorate a certain way, I would just do it.   If I want a recipe I print it or save it ... And just go on about my business.  I just do not understand.  It makes no logical sense to me.  (No offense to anyone who enjoys this particular pastime, I am probably too ADD to really focus on what makes it great.)
5.  Having friends here in KL has turned out to be surprisingly nice!  I had a dinner party Saturday night for the girls and in turn they have invited me out this Saturday night for Gong Xi Fa Cai Yee Sang dinner for the Chinese New Year and have invited me shopping this week so I can pick up a few trinkets for a few special peeps in Houston.  I am feeling almost popular!  Or at least as if some women enjoy my company!  (I have sworn off expat wives for the rest of my life!)
6.  I haven't even been back to check on Luke (the cocker spaniel puppy who should be mine), I just can't see those beautiful eyes again unless he is in the car with me coming home.
7.  Mr. Ken bought me the most gorgeous baroque pearls for Christmas, our anniversary, my birthday, and Valentine's day.  They were just delivered on Saturday.  They are from China, and are somewhat rare as they are a silver/pewter color with a gorgeous luster to them.   Baroque means that they are imperfect and unfinished.  Kind of like me!  Yes, that's it!  I am baroque! (not to be confused with BROKE, even though...)  Thank you Mr. Ken, I love you much!
8.  I keep saying how much I love this house...I will just keep saying it...from the pond, to the plants and the yard, from the decor to the layout of the rooms, I LOVE this house.  Plus, I feel super safe here.  No alarms going off in the middle of the night, no snakes of the two legged or slithering kind, just peace and tranquility.  Aww....big sigh of contentment!  While we were both excited to go to Houston and see family and friends we are both equally excited to come back and enjoy this space.
9.  Oh, and might I mention since the move I haven't been sick once!  I had a sinus infection for what seemed like the entire time we lived in our other house.  I swear if you took out the walls and ceilings you would find nothing but mold in them.  Here, no issues, so far, knock wood.
10.  Oh!  So, we have this gardener, handy man, jack of all trades, guy that we got hooked up with when we moved in.  His name is Vicky.  No really, I have his business card.  I at first thought he kept saying Ricky (which let's face it makes a lot more sense than Vicky).  Anyway, I have finally named him Rikki Tikki Tavi  After the mongoose in the short story in "The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling.  Why?  I don't know, why is he a guy named Vicky?   But, as we've had Rikki Tikki Tavi do a lot of work for us I've gotten to know him and his story is amazing.  He is in his early twenties.  His father passed away and so he is taking care of his mother and sisters.  They are Malay Indian and as such he has taken it upon himself to provide for his family inclusive of giving his sisters their respective weddings which by Indian tradition are very elaborate and expensive.  He has never traveled, never even eaten Italian food, much less experienced any other culture (because as he said to "Sis, I've got to save my money."  He calls me Sis???  I don't know.)  So, in the tale by Rudyard Kipling, while Rikki Tikki Tavi fought the two giant cobras to keep the family who rescued him safe, we find our real life Rikki Tikki Tavi, keeping his mother and sisters safe when most young men his age are out on the town.  He is polite, unfailingly honest, does extremely good work, and I must say, I admire him.   He said to me recently that once his father died he knew at that moment his pride had to take a backseat to whatever he had to do to make a living and support his family.  That no job was beneath him.  He would do whatever it took to keep his home (that he bought and pays a mortgage on) so they always had a roof over their heads.  I just can't help but think there is a boy who was raised well by his parents.   He did also mention he wishes for the sisters to marry except that the weddings would break him financially!  You can't knock a guy for wishing!

So, on that note, I leave you...feeling very humbled by even having the good fortune to have met our Rikki Tikki Tavi, and we hope to keep him employed for a long time!  I am just sure the pond needs something else!  Oh, which reminds me...

11.  The pond now has lights for night and a bridge for Scooter to sun on!  (All Rikki Tikki Tavi projects!)

Love, the very random spajunkie

Top 10 List - Simple Pleasures

Now that we have been in the new house, all decorated and organized, for around 10 days, I've noticed every single day something I LOVE.  Some things that I decided deserved to be on a Top 10 List of Simple Pleasures.

Herewith a few of my favorite things!

10.  I love that in 10 short days we've met three really nice people for us to be friends with!  

9.  I love that we have more than two electrical outlets in each room thus enabling us not to have numerous extension cords strung everywhere.  Not to mention each bathroom has an electrical outlet also so if you wanted to dry your hair in front of a mirror (duh!), you can!!

8.  I love having drapes.  I have never, ever liked drapes or curtains in my life. I find them fussy and dust collectors.  But, after living in a very bright house with hardly any window coverings at all, and living in a very bright, open house, still; I really, really like the drapes.  They make the rooms really cozy and romantic at night...and during the day, they tie back and let in all the light if you like!

7.  I have a wonderful little reading nook.  It is comfy, cozy, and because of 8 above I can make the room dark and cold and read mystery thrillers to my hearts content with a throw quilt even!  How yum is that?

6.  As mentioned in my last post, cooking all in one kitchen on one floor.  Enough said!

5.  Looking in my closet and seeing all of my hanging clothes and shoes in one place!  Wow!  I'm finding things I haven't worn in two years but clearly kept for a reason as my clothes have been cleaned out and pared down four times in two years.  (sadly, mostly due to necessity based on the available closet space!)

4.  Being able to sit at my dressing table, dry and style my hair, put on my makeup, choose my perfume and my jewelry.  I've forgotten the joy of this.  And, really, this is a joy to me...something I just love and haven't been able to do!

3.  Having all of the seasonal decor I use in one place, organized and ready to CREATE.  Today I put up Christmas and created Valentines.  All in thirty minutes!  (yes, I do know when Valentines is, we just won't be here so it will be happening a little early.)

2.  Watching the DES run around his backyard!  The poor thing has never had a yard, ever!  He just loves it!  It is pure dog joy with his ears flapping behind and his feet running as fast as he can.  DES is a happy boy!

1.  Of course, the number one reason to enjoy the house is because Mr. Ken is here with me!  

What is your top 10 list of simple pleasures?  

Love, spajunkie

P.S.  I just must add that they fog for mosquitoes here at our little enclave.  That is just amazing.  And, so far, cross fingers, say a little prayer, NO snakes, NO worms in the shower, but also no monkeys...the scariest wildlife we've seen so far was a five inch snail with a really nice size shell on his back!  Wow!  Look at that S-Car-Go!  HeHe - silly, old, old joke...

 

Cooking - Oh, how I've Missed You!

Well, not really cooking per se, as I have been cooking this last 18 months.  What I really, really missed was the ENJOYMENT of cooking! 

There is nothing like two separate kitchens, on two different floors of your house, plus two broken ankles (one his, one mine) to just suck the joy of cooking right out of you.  That was the last 18 months, not to mention an amazing amount of travel thrown in there somewhere also.  Cooking, not even on my top ten, top twenty, list of things to do in those 18 months...and it is probably my most favorite thing to do of all.

Can I just for the record say I LOVE THIS NEW HOUSE?  I do.  I so do.  I love my little cozy kitchen that is all in one place and allows plenty of room for cooking...that has a full size oven (that will fit a turkey) and burners that actually work and are not so hot everything you cook burns...that has a large beautiful refrigerator, with an extra fridge in the utility room...that has a dishwasher (that works!) also in the utility room.  That has a fabulous picture window looking out over trees and that said window opens and has a screen to keep out mosquitoes!  It is amazing the things you miss...or the things you don't even realize you miss until you have them again.  OH!!!! And, last but not least, Asia Food Network on our cable (new to us along with American Football for Ken!)...with Bobby, Giada, Paula, the Neely's, Barefoot Contessa - it's like all my friends have moved in with us.  There are a few missing to be sure - hello, where are you Rachael?  But still...Food Network and a kitchen that functions, my cup runneth over this Christmas.  I could not be more grateful or thankful.

But, back to the original story...yes, cooking, how I've missed you!  How I've missed enjoying and savoring you.  How I've missed what an excellent cook I am!  (Okay, sorry, but it is true.)  How I've missed Mr. Ken sitting in the kitchen with me while I cook in the evening. 

So, in light of that very thing, once the house was in order, AND all the pictures hung; we set out to create our menu for the week.  Since I lost so much weight during the move (11 pounds), I cared not a wit about what we ate, calories - bring them on!  Herewith some of our favorite things I prepared this week:

Thursday:

(dinner) Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas served with fruit salad, chips and salsa

Friday:

(lunch) Sloppy Joes (Yum!)

(dinner) Fried Shrimp (hello, panko crumbs - I don't know where you've been all my life but I LOVE you!), baked potatoes, and tossed salad with lots of crunchy veggies

Saturday:

(lunch) Shrimp Po' boys

(dinner) Guacamole and chips, chili and HEB corn tortillas

Sunday:

(brunch) Huevos Mexicana, refried beans, bacon, HEB flour tortillas and fruit salad - and, of course, Vueve Clicquot!

(dinner) Roasted Turkey, homemade cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and stuffed celery; chocolate icebox pie for dessert - and, of course, wine from Margaret River we smuggled back in our suitcases! (Now, I had NOT in any way anticipated that the frozen turkey we bought would come with quite so many feathers!  Seriously.  By the time I washed him, plucked him, and stuffed him I wanted nothing else to do with him.  That's okay though, everything else was delish!)

Monday: (today is our 14th Wedding Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary Mr. Ken, life has always been an adventure with you, I love you much!  At my behest I am cooking tonight because I just don't want to go out!)

(lunch) BLT's and french fries

(Anniversary dinner) Scaloppine di Pollo with Broccoli Rabe

It has been a glorious five days of cooking, eating, resting and watching movies!  And, boy was it needed...we were worn out.  We have watched Love and Other Drugs, When Harry Met Sally and finally, last night, Blind Side.  Wow!  What a great movie that was and an inspiring true life story.  I was so over the moon I kept saying I wish I had known this during fantasy football days I would SO have wanted Michael Oher on the Delmags team, just because!!!

A few pictures of our Christmas dinner: (Yes!  Even for two china is a must!)

 

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, a wonderful "Boxing Day" (or as I call it ~ the MOST appropriately named day for us to have gotten married!) and enjoyed lots of good food...we certainly have!

Love, spajunkie.

 

 

 

One Week Later - It is DONE!

Chez Oliver is now taking reservations! 

Let's take a tour shall we?

Entry/Foyer (missing the new round rug I'd like to have here!)

The pond, fish, plants...apparently the KEY to having fish is keeping them alive, we started with 30 ish, we are down to 21 ish or so...

The living area (the rug is one of my Christmas presents early!)

 

A peek at the back yard, it isn't ready yet...

The Kitchen

The Breakfast room

Now, let's go upstairs!

The Family Room  (Food Network Asia!  Doesn't get Pioneer Woman yet, I'm hopeful!)

Big space over Mr. Ken's desk is asking for a new picture!

Master Bedroom

sorry about the peeking ladder leg...

Guest Bedroom 1 or as I refer to it, the Diva suite (this is for the Divas who may visit!)

Antique dresses as ART!

Guest room 2 or as I refer to it Nana's suite (because so many things remind me of her!)

So, there you have it!  All except the outdoor spaces.  A few patios and what not...

A couple of comments.  First, my dear friend Angela remarked on the first pictures that it seemed more like our house in Sagemont, more cozy, EXACTLY my friend!  We have said that to each other over and over!! You know me SO well!  Additionally my friend Melissa and my mom asked for some clarification on the pond, plants, view from within...I hope these pictures have helped that!

Two, the house manager (who I've mentioned previously), Agnes, the degreed interior design woman, came over last night for wine and cheese (yes, overachiever spajunkie was entertaining!).  Anyway, when I met her a few weeks ago Mr. Ken said "oh good, she can help  you decorate the house."  I said " I don't think so!  She can, however, come over when I am done and let me know what she thinks."  So, herewith she said "Your use of color is amazing.  Your placement of "pieces" is fantastic."  "You really have a designer eye to detail, color and place."  Thank you!  I take decorating very, very seriously!  Ok.  Enough said.  Needless to say this made my day, my week, my month!  I love my house, and I put great thought into  how it turns out down to the tiniest detail.  I love that someone paid to do this for others appreciated my attention to detail.

So, guys, thanks for hanging with during this turmoil!  This move was worth every single moment.  Even if the movers did lose a lamp and my wind chimes given to me by a very special person.  More on that another day.

Love, a very, very content, homebody, spajunkie!