Cook or Don't Cook

"There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's the wife who can't cook and will." -Robert Frost

Well hopefully that's not me. I mean, I know I cook. That's not a problem. But I'm not naive to think everything I make is delicious. In fact, last night was pretty bad.

I've been working at cleaning out the freezer, refrigerator and pantry. That had resultedin a lot of leftovers, a lot of pasta and a lack of creativity that I'ce been missing.

Beau has been a real trooper. But hey, we're not starving. Not by any means. Tomorrow? Chicken quesadillas, cilantro lime rice and beans. I love Mexican night!

Boone Hall

Beau and I went to the largest oyster roast in the world on Sunday. Our friend, Jen, invited us in celebration of her birthday. Because we knew the traffic would be horrendous and we would have to pay to park, we rode our bikes there. We locked the bikes to the outside of the gate and walked in. We love beating the system! We has a great time and saw a few other friends and neighbors. And oh the beautiful live oaks...

Beau can cook!

Beau’s new job has him working from home a lot, which means he eats lunch at home now.

 

He called me this afternoon with questions on how to go about making a grilled ham and cheese. And as you can see, he did it! And it looks awesome! He even added little pickles, which he would put on just about everything if he could.

 

'I Am a Jelly Donut' ('Ich bin ein Berliner')

The first week of me new career change is in the books and it took me to Berlin. I flew first class (Yowzer) and arrived to meet my team mates in Europe. This position is going to be much more demanding than anything I have done based on both the learning curve and the time requirements. We were working at sunrise and still meeting long after the sun went down. Some of that had to do with the latitude but it is difficult to coordinate a team around the world. That being said I am very excited and already feel a friendship with the new team mates. I did find 4 hours Thursday to see the sites and these pictures are from the Brandenburg gate, checkpoint Charlie, and the Berlin Wall.

85 Years

My Pop-Pop for the last 30 years passed away last night. Matthew Charles Moran died at the age of 85 surrounded by some of his favorite people, those who loved him more than anyone else in the world. He has gone to be with his Savior and the love of his life, Polly. Although I’ll miss him terribly, I’m happy for him.

 

Some memories I have of the Popster:

 

·         Messing up his hair growing up. It drove him crazy for me to do that. But inside he smiled.

·         Talking about dancing together at my wedding one day.

·         Watching him thumb through his mail. He was very serious.

·         His jeans were always too big for him and unfortunately that meant we got the pleasure of seeing his butt crack a little too much.

·         Talking to him about his St. Jude donations and the children he was helping.

·         He taught me how to make delicious tuna salad.

·         He taught me to make individual size portions of soup and freeze them for a rainy day.

·         His “dry” eye. That eye was always watering. It was like a single tear was always in motion.

·         His pride at being a Veteran.

·         The smile that erupted on his face each and every time one of his children and/or grandchildren walked through the door to see him.

·         I will always appreciate his love of ice cream. He has definitely passed that love down through the generations.

·         He loved his hair. Loved it! Always talked about how his hair dresser said it was finest head of hair she had ever seen.

·         How he hit on every good looking nurse he came across. It was hilarious and something we expected. He wouldn’t have been Pop-pop if he didn’t do it. The women loved it!

·         He loved my grandmother! Loved her so much! That man has pined for her since the moment he met her and never stopped even when she passed away.

·         He hated Teresa’s cat. But really loved him. Called him “stupid cat”.

·         Giving his life over the Jesus. Influenced by a note that carried in wallet for years.

 

I love you Pop Pop. I’m going to miss you.

 

 

Deer

Chris gave Beau and I some venison cubesteak when we saw him at Christmas. And I fried it up last night! Delicious! To accompany it, we had mashed red skin potatoes and roasted broccoli. Super yummy. Thanks Chris!

New Years Eve

What a fun New Years. We got dressed up and headed downtown to meet up with Mary and Scott from the SCV. Had a drink at the Charleston Grill (where this photo was taken). Then we headed to dinner at High Cotton for a good meal and better conversation with friends. After dinner we went to the Gin Joint and toasted the New Years at Squeeze. The night could have been complete without a late night stop at the Huddle House. A first for Kathryn. Merry New Years!

First Saturday After Christmas Oyster Roast 2012... in the books

Another memorable oyster roast is in the books. It was a cold year but the oyster were hot and so was the Fireball. Matt pictured above made it home from Japan. Chris brought his family up from Atlanta. Ben proved he could get a girlfriend to be brave enough to meet his friends. Memories were made and oysters were consumed. 6 bushels. Thanks for everyone who made it and we look forward to another one next year.

Thankful Thursday - Take 60

1175. Seeing my family again for New Years

 

1176. All the many friends and family that came to our annual oyster roast.

1177. My sister, Jenn, coming down for her first. We had a super time!

1178. The memories made with friends for New Years Eve.

1179. Vacation time

1180. Sleeping in

 

1181. Walks in the morning

1182. Late night runs to Huddle House. My first and hopefully my last. J

1183. Successful collards made!

1184. Plenty of leftovers to last me even a few more days!

1185. Prayer

 

1186. Reminders that without love everything else is worthless. We must love first and foremost. Now, how to do that well…

1187. Christmas movies

1188. A super great vacation in Boone with my family for Christmas. It was wonderful.

1189. Christmas movie t-shirts from mom.

1190. Ice skating. It had been a long time.

 

1191. Hannah joining us at the cabin.

1192. Realizing that it’s worth it to bring your own pillow when you travel…anywhere.

1193. God’s protection as I was two cars away from a bad accident  yesterday.

1194. Lunch with the hubster today

1195. Great friends and family that are so helpful.

 

1196. New opportunities

1197. A new bicycle to go riding with the hubster

1198. A visit to see the Popster

1199. Wearing Argos out! That boy has been pooped lately!

 

Cozy Spot

Beau got me a Cozy Spot hand warmer for Christmas. Great gift! I'm currently sitting on it to keep me warm. :)