A Weekend of Cooking

I finally had time this weekend to cook- lots.... I made long life noodles, scalloped potatoes, baked potato soup, cookie press cookies and baked three meat pasta- it was so much fun- and tasty! My freezer and fridge are now stocked for the next few weeks- I love cooking!

My First Afghan!

While I was home for Christmas Gram taught me how to crochet- I know, you say to yourself, how could I not already know how.... but there it is- I admit my deficiencies... Anyway, I just finished my first crocheted afghan- Smokey likes it too!

Fun Filled Weekend

I had a busy but fun weekend Jan 30- Feb 2. It was my friend, Alessia's, birthday - she is actually from Italy and we (the Lange Lab) thought it was a good idea to take her to the Olive Garden- so she could feel at home (can you hear my sarcasm?).

On her actual birthday Alessia made pizza from her family recipe for Nancy and I- plus I kicked both their butt's in Oceanopoly (Monopoly with a sea theme- from my marine bio days).

Then, on Sunday, we got together to watch my Steelers beat the Cardinals at my place!

See- I told you it was a crazy weekend! Crazy but lots of fun...

Minnesota Swarm

Minneapolis/St. Paul has a professional lacrosse team named the Swarm. They offered free tickets to students to the first game of the season so I went to my first lacrosse game! Here are some pics!

Gwen and Kris:

Alessia and Jose:

The Game:

The Mascot:

The Cheerleader/dancers:

Winter

I'm surviving my first winter in 6 years pretty well though I've learned that there are several essential pieces of information I've picked up.

First: layers- the more layers the better these include: land's end long underwear- the best thing ever...: turtlenecks and tanktops for under shirts- another layer is always welcome...: sweaters for over shirts- the previous comment applies: puffy down vest: fantastic under the jacket on especially cold mornings...: Hat, scarf and gloves- any exposed skin at -10F is bad- very bad

Second: snow boots with miraculous traction- they appear not to shovel sidewalks here so you need TRACTION so you don't fall on your butt (I've already fallen twice and now wear my last season's style boots ALL THE TIME)

Third: don't put mascara on until you get inside- if your eyelashes freeze on the way to the bus the mascara runs when they thaw and you look like a raccoon- if you haven't guessed, I learned this from experience....

Last: underground tunnels, though confusing, are our friends...

Smokey is home...

Smokey appears to be HAPPY to be back in Minneapolis and has taken up his usual reclining position in the chair beside my bed....

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone! I had a fantastic 3 week long visit with family and friends in Pittsburgh. Elsbeth's wedding was wonderful (pics to come) and Christmas was very nice. For the first time in quite a while, I got to put up a Christmas tree and bake cookies! I knitted all of the gifts I gave this year- socks for Dad and Els, slippers for Andy and a neck, collar thing for Mom- I forgot to take pics of them but I think they were all pleased with my efforts! I made it back to MN with minimal hassle and I think that Smokey the cat is happy to be back home.