Too Cute...

A couple of weeks ago we were in Sur La Table at Southside Works and I spotted this kitchen timer. Of course, I had to have it (an essential business expense for Black Bear Bakery). Does it remind you of anyone in particular? Especially the body shape? :)

Sign-O-Rama

As promised, here are some of the signs Jim shot on our trip to Wisconsin. Enjoy!

Northwoods Adventure...

We have just returned from our trek to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, specifically Three Lakes, to visit Jim's high school friends and their families. These bi-annual gatherings have become a tradition, and I think this was the best yet.

We flew into Appleton, Wisconsin, and were surprised when Avis handed over keys to this baby... (ahem, my dream car)
We had a 3 hour drive up to Three Lakes, so we stopped for lunch at this fun drive-in called Charlies, for burgers and fries. (We passed on the fried cheese curds, although later discovered they are a Wisconsin specialty)...

Now, when I heard we were going to a "lakehouse," I was thinking "cabin". No way, there were 2 beautiful, full sized, year-round homes on the property, plus a guest house. We stayed in this one (aka the Main House)...
Looking up at the house from the water...

Here's the guest house...

Twilight on the shores of Medicine Lake...
The other house (aka the Lake House)...
Campfire Area...

WaveRiders (and boat)...

They are fully stocked with snowmobiles for winter...

A panorama of the grounds from the shoreline. The Lake house is on the far right of the photo, and the Main house is upto the left...

Beautiful living room in the Main house...

Main house dining room, with bar and then kitchen beyond...

Jim chillin' on the couch with his buddy, T.J. (a 19 year old cat!)...

On Friday, we visited the Three Lakes Winery...

We took the winery tour. Here's the bottling machine...

We got to sample 8 varieties, including the cranberry wine that they are known for...

Jim found himself a suitable frappucino substitute at "Brew Moon" in Eagle River, where we spent Friday afternoon...

There's a cool soda fountain called "Soda Pops" in Eagle River with tons of vintage charm. We have a similar place in Pittsburgh called Klavon's, which you should visit if you haven't...Downtown Eagle River... Jim took some great sign photographs which I'll save for another post.

All the guys... From left to right, Alan Rea, Pat Logue, Rod Thrasher, Jim and Paul Ross.

I specifically requested this dish and it turns out, it was already on the menu. From Maureen's family, it's called "Roasted Corn & Tomato Salad." It is absolutely delicious... I'm including the recipe below.

In a skillet, combine:

-2 Tbsp butter

-2 Tbsp olive oil

-1 clove of garlic (minced)

-2 cans of corn (drained)

-1 bunch of green onions (chopped)

-1 Tsp fresh thyme

-Salt & Pepper to Taste

Saute until corn is roasted, then cool slightly. Toss with:

-3 cups grape tomatoes (halved)

-8 oz feta cheese

-2 Tbsp olive oil

-The juice of 1/2 a lime

-2 Tbsp fresh basil

Serve slightly warm (how I like it) or chilled.

All the kiddos...

And here's the whole gang...

Can't wait until 2011 to do it again!! :)

Cat Boxing...

This is pretty dark, but was too amusing not to share...



(No cats were harmed in the making of this video :)

Jim's Birthday To-Do List...

Wednesday birthdays aren't very fun, so I decided that my day of observance would be Saturday the 18th. And, since I deemed last year's birthday "The Worst Birthday Ever" (I spent all day calling plumbers regarding a clogged sewer drain, and I backed Carrie's car into a mailbox, as well as several other mishaps that I have blocked from my memory,) I was determined to make this year's birthday a good one.

I made a list on Friday of my top birthday requests and emailed it to Carrie. Here's how the day turned out, along with photo documentation for your viewing pleasure...

1. Get up early and go for a run (Here's the dappled Zahniser homestead when I got back at 7:30am)2. Drink a Mocha Frappacino (Free for my birthday with my gold card membership!)
3. Update my ipod art
4. Read my History of Marvel Comics book (birthday present from my mother-in-law)
5. Chillax on the porch with an adult beverage
(Carrie was too cold to chillax)
6. Quality time with Bear 7. Watch a Steelers DVD (Carrie actually suggested that we watch the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl - still saved on our TiVo)
8. D's Chicago dog
9. Birthday Dessert (My choice- Drumsticks!) 10. Go for a walk with wife (Carrie took this shot of a huge rose in the the neighbor's garden) 11. Play guitar 12. Kennywood/Potato Patch fries
As we approached the park, we were caught in a brief thunderstorm and a rainbow appeared over Kennywood.
Riding the Thunderbolt
The main reason for our visit...
Carrie opted out of following up the Potato Patch with the Paratrooper, but I rode anyway...
We always save the carousel for last...
Thanks again to Carrie for helping to make it one of the best birthday's ever! She even endured listening to Hank Williams and Johnny Cash for a good part of the day - a real sacrifice for her!