Spicy Shrimp with Andouille Sausage on Grits

We had the most wonderful dinner last night at the De Rose's house. Chef Rick outdid himself with the wonderful dish. I would highly reccomend this recipe even if your not from the South. The grits were so rich and creamy and the shrimp and sausage had just the right amount of heat.

Bon appetit.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/103619

North American International Auto Show

Here we are in front of the new Chrysler 300 Hemi. I had a few favorites that I would like to consider the next time I'm in the market for a new car. The Cadillac CTS is pretty sweet and so was the Bullet Mustang. I'm sure I will change my mind by the time I'm ready for a new car, that runs in the family. Living back in the cold North there are things we have to consider now. Someday it would be great to have a fun car to cruise around in on a warm summers day. And yes Jeff, I prefer a cage.

MENOPAUSE SUCKS!

I woke up this morning and had lines in my face from my pillow case. I went about my usual routine, emptying the dishwasher, making the bed, answering emails and a few other chores. Then I went to take my shower and son of a gun, they were still there! I tried to cover them up with make up the best I could but you could still see them! Now I know why they tell you not to sleep on your stomach. I have always had the luxury of good skin, it's genetic. I always slept on my stomach, used Ivory soap and never had a problem. Menopause has change all that. Estrogen help keeps your skins elasticity, and without it your skin doesn't bounce back as it should. Now I am getting a chicken neck, saggy knees and the damn lines in my face. Add to that the hot flashes I have been having for 12 years and I'm surprised I am still sane!

When men age and get wrinkles, it looks distinguished, unfortunately it's not the same for the ladies.

Well, It's frustrating but I resolve to grow old gracefully!!

Welcome 2008

We spent the Christmas holiday in Florida with all our kids and Jeff's Mom, Dad, Greg & Jeff. Lauri and Barbara too! It was so nice to have us all together, and the first since Ryan & Whitney got married. Next year we will hopefully have a white Christmas in Cleveland.

Now that the holidays are over and I am looking forward to a eventful 2008. All the usual resolutions, take better care of yourself, exercise and all the rest of the usual. I am looking forward to moving to Cleveland and another new adventure with Jeff. Even though I spoke to Jeff and it was overcast, gray and raining, here it was sunny and a cool 44 degrees. I will surely miss all the sunny days here in the Carolinas.

Happy New Year!

27th Annual Turkey Trot

I went this morning to cheer on my friend Margaret and her daughter Chelsea as they got off on their annual mother/daughter 5K. It was a gorgeous morning and I sat and enjoyed a cup of java and waited for them to finish. Margaret asked me to join them, she would walk/run with me if I wanted. Little did she know that I am so out of shape that I could probably not even walk the race!

While I was waiting at the finish line it happened!

This little lady crossed the finish line ahead of Margaret and Chelsea. I don't know if she ran the 1/2 marathon the 10K or the 5K but what does it matter she did it and I didn't. I wonder if her number might be her age?

Next year, I'll do it next year!!

We had a great visit with Ryan & Whitney in Santa Barbara, they seem to have settled in and are enjoying their new positions at the University. This is a picture of Ryan, Whitney and Murphy standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific (too much fog to see the water) at the Douglas Family Preserve Doggy Park.

We ate at some really great restaurants and sampled some nice wines. We started the Sideways (which was filmed in Santa Barbara County) tour but didn't get very far. We were newbies and started out each getting our own tasting of 11 wines. I knew I couldn't do very many at that rate so Whit suggested we share the tastings. After about the third my stomach was sour and I was getting heartburn. Next time we will know better what to do. We stopped in Solvang which is a great little Dutch town to stroll and visit the vintage motorcycle museum. (See Harley Chronicles for more info)

We look forward to our next visit with Ryan, Whitney and Murphy. Santa Barbara seems like a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Miss you guys!!

Resistance Bands VS Weights

I bought my husband and myself some resistance bands because I read that they really tone you fast. My husband is on the road a lot and I thought they would be good for him to pack so he could still get his workout in. My husband kinda poo pooed them, giving me all kinds of reasons how they are good for me to tone but not for him to build muscle. Well, he called the other night to tell me how great they were and what a good workout he got. I can attest to that since I could barely get through the whole workout and couldn't move my arms yesterday. And one great benefit is you don't have to make a fool of yourself like this guy did!!