So I Was Just Thinking

When I began planning my trip to Norway, I scoured the travel books, explored the internet and drilled my Norwegian acquaintances about the many things we would see and do while Peggy and I traveled the countryside. Other than telling myself that I would try whatever was placed on my plate, I didn't think too much about what I would be eating while I was on my vacation. Well, I was delighted by the culinary treats I had on my trip. I will share with you my Palatable Photos. Monkfish & Potatoes at Smia We sat at the table by the window. Please note the time of evening we are leaving and that it is still light out. The next day we went to "The Smallest Cafe in the World" where I met Dunna who spoke to on Facebook before I came. I love meeting people in real life. She makes these wonderful waffles with apples and cinnamon in the batter topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. That night we met some new friends and enjoyed Chicken Tikka Masala. The next day we went to...

This is referring to not only blog posts before my long awaited vacation, but also to day trips with Peggy and socks in my suitcase and songs on my playlist. (Turn up the volume if you are on mute like I am most of the time.) Monday, Peggy & I decided to go for a nature hike out behind the local dam at Belton Lake. I had been there before with some teachers and a second time with our students, but this trip was the farthest I have explored this area. It was a perfect day complete with dragonflies, butterflies, mushrooms and frogs. See below: Yes, I picked up this frog on my own with out prodding. I almost stepped on it and had to pick it up. Today we board the airplane on our very long journey to Oslo, a trip that usually will take about 14 hours, but due to someone leaving the rookie to make the travel arrangements we leave at night, have to be at the next airport at 4 a.m. and will get a little tour of New York before actually leaving for Norway and arriving the next day. Yes, yo...

Well, hasn't this been a busy week? Well, I guess you wouldn't really know since I have been quiet on the blogging front, so let's share a little about what we have been doing. (Warning: This post is filled with descriptions of the many meals I have prepared this week, evidence for future generations that I do know how to cook.) Monday began with a trip to Temple for a Mary Kay meeting with my director, the lovely Georgia. She got to meet Peggy, and Peggy got to learn about my business. The meeting was followed with a tasty lunch at BJ's Brewhouse. Mom accompanied us so the conversation was quite lively. Tuesday was a long day. We left town around 9:15 and made our way through the winding country roads dotted with windmills, goats, cattle and oil pumps. Our destination, Abilene, for some more lunch. This time we got to meet our bloggy friend, Carrie who drove just as far as we did but from the opposite direction. Before lunch at Abuelo's, Peggy got to see my alma ma...

The definition of a true friend? You won't find this one in Webster's, but in this case, it is someone who flies 1/2 way around the globe, lands at 10:15 at night, chats with your excited son until 11:30 and still gets up to be "dragged" 30 miles away at 8:30 in the morning to see one of the Top 10 Fourth of July Parades in the Country. No, Saturday was NOT the Fourth of July, but the City of Belton must have had the wrong calendar out when planning their annual parade. For this reason Peggy had to use her recovery day to see the parade. She was a super trooper, though. On the way back, my son spotted Longhorn cattle, so we had to make a U-turn just to take a couple of shots. Good fences make good neighbors. After a nice nap and supper of hamburgers and cheeseburgers, it came to venture out into the neighborhood. On the outset of our tour Half-way through, still going strong. And then...It started raining, but that didn't dampen our spirits. "We're Singin...

Well, I have. At this moment she is asleep in my "guest room." (Read as my son's room that he has been displaced from.) Last night I drove to the local airport to meet Miruspeg whose flight was to land at 9:30 p.m. The entire morning and two days prior were spent prepping my house for her arrival. Yes, if I were a regular housekeeping person, I wouldn't have to do that much. So sue me for being a carefree spirit. At least that is what I will continue to tell me self. But I digress. So I dressed my son in jammies so we wouldn't have to worry about it when we got back and hopped in the car in my usual down to the minute manner, stopped for gasoline and winded my way to the airport. We arrived at exactly 9:30 p.m., and I was only slightly worried that Peg would be waiting at the baggage carousel for me. This is, after all, Small Town USA Airport. The people who take the tickets are often the same people who help bring in the planes. Tonight was no different. This ti...