Road Trip! VT & ME

May 25th was our 10 year anniversary!
And we went on a half-assed (minimal planning) road trip.

Thursday

Start • Sterling, NY:
Head northernly on a beautiful sunny day through scenic upstate NY.

Lunch • Lake Placid: 

Wander around the shops and have lunch at the Big Mountain Deli and Creperie. No crepes for us, but I had turkey, brie, & honey mustard on a basil roll (HUGE and Yum!) and he had a BLT with Salmon.

Saw some pretty blooming trees on the street and the hotel hubby stayed at for a conference earlier in the year. On the way out we drove past the MASSIVE ski jumps. We are planning on coming back on a mild winter weekend to watch the crazy athletes!

Evening • Burlington, VT (Lake Champlain):
Wander into the Hampton and ask for a room only to be WOWed with a discounted rate AND a view of the Lake! See the sun setting and hubby smirking 'cause he knows his face isn't going to show up.

By 8pm we are settled and refreshed from the driving and head out in search of dinner. OMG! On a Thursday night this town is hopping. Plenty of people to watch, live music to hear, and a street full of shops and restaurants to peruse (closed off to traffic too!)

We pick Sweetwater's for dinner, I order the sesame encrusted tuna. Even though the busy night kept us at the table through dusk, we got to witness a wedding proposal (from a distance) and just be silly and fun together (see pics below) which had nothing to do with my Mimosa and subsequent Dark and Stormy (Ginger Beer & Dark Rum).

A leisurely walk back to the room and we settle in for the night.

Friday

Start • Burlington, VT (Lake Champlain):

We opt for a late start and give ourselves 'til noon to get outta town. That means a walk (it was hubby's idea) to the Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory. "It's only 3 blocks" ( I have blisters to prove these flats aren't made for walkin'!)

We arrive at 9am on the dot as they opened up and even though no tours were scheduled 'til 11am, we still bought a couple chocolates (espresso cup for me, coconut for him) and sat at the tiny tables to watch the factory. 

On the walk back we pass the Metal & Light Workshop just opening it's doors as we take pics of the awesome sign sculptures (no time to go inside, and besides - none of that stuff would fit in the car to take home!) 

Turns out the rhino has sneakers on his nose because of a marathon that weekend (we left before it.)

Lunch • Inbetween, On The Road (New Hampshire?): 

I'm craving a slice of pizza (it is Friday) and we stop at Mr. Pizza, but the pie is thick and burns my mouth. I also go out on a limb and test the Bloody Mary (not my style). Back on the road again!

Evening • Maine:

We initially targeted Bangor for our night stop but the place was not living up to our previous adventures! So, we push onward and skip over Augusta to settle in Portland. It's dark but promising. This Hampton is at 95% capacity and finds us a room but refuses to offer any discounts (AAA included) but I manage to get them to waive the valet fee.

Being our anniversary and all, I'm not feeling the bar scene but at 10pm food is scarce. Lucky for us Fore Street is still serving and ROCKS! An open kitchen, super fresh food, and a dark atmosphere almost makes up for the strange laugh of our waiter. We opt for whiskey on the rocks and a rum and coke (they didn't have long islands!) and appetize ourselves with pork belly. Wow. Rich, crispy and served with tiny mushrooms and a vinegary side slaw that cuts the grease beautifully. Hubby opts for the seared scallops and I try duck for the first time ever. Wow again. At first I thought the had mistakenly given me the steak. Meaty and rare, the only hint of gamey was at a tiny spot "well done".

We pay the bill and head back to our room for dessert and anniversary card & kiss exchange. Hubby pops the top of the Montezuma Pintail sparkling rhubarb wine my Dad gave us. He gives me a sweet card (that I will cherish always) and I make a fool of myself via video singing our wedding song. Awww xoxo <3

Saturday

Start • Portland, ME:

Another leisurely morning wandering the streets in the daylight! We find a cute little place to have breakfast and people watch before bagging some designer popcorn from Coastal Maine Popcorn Company (Wasabi Soy and Blue Cheese Buffalo Wing) and my souvenir anchor scarf and hitting the road again! Pssst, watch out for the Langoliers!

Evening • Chicopee, MA: Driving down the coast of Maine, we hope for a nice place to stop and enjoy surf and turf. We pass through New Hampshire (again) and hopscotch through Massachusetts but roll the dice on Glouchester and pass by to check out Rockport but it is crazy busy, so we cruise on by and start the long drive home finding a clean hotel just south of Albany. 

We end up making the most of the night with a stop to pick up some Moonshine Cherries and sweet red wine to go with our pizza. A night in watching the food channel, I can feel home approaching. 

Sunday

Start • Chicopee, MA: Debate heading to the butterfly observatory but just go home and make good time arrive at home base in the early afternoon. Gives me the afternoon to decompress and holiday Monday to garden!

Another successful road trip with many more places to visit:
• Boston • Portland • Burlington • Lake Placid .... See you on the road!

Hollywood Glamor in my bathroom!

It all started with a makeovers for my mom, sister and I (face and feet).

I came home with a brand new set of makeup and a determination to look sexy every day!

Turns out, the lighting in my bathroom is so dim that when I went to work with my "new face" I looked like a clown *cringe*

So, over the weekend, I got Handsome to install a beautiful mirror and lights strategically centered over my jewelry box/makeup table so that now I may look beauteous too :D

I feel like a old time Hollywood movie star everytime I switch on those lights. 
Thank you, Handsome! xoxox

Back from the Beach with a tan!

Handsome and I just came back from a lovely road trip vacation!

We drove from NY to Virginia Beach (saw dolphins for breakfast!)...

Our balcony view: I read all 3 books in the Hunter Kiss series too!

Drove over the 16 mile Chesapeake Bridge (it tunnels under the water TWICE!)...

Yup, that's the tunnel part - not my picture though. I don't have wings.

To land in Myrtle Beach for the weekend: Sun, Sand & Friends (Hi, Cecile!)

Cecile & Miranda @ the Patrica Grand.

Now it's back to the grindstone.

9 Years doesn't seem so long

Perhaps time flies, or I'm perpetually forgetful.

Either way, today marks the 9th year of marriage to my Handsome.

May 25th, 2002

we were wed
in a field overlooking Lake Ontario

with a warm breeze
and a crying flowergirl,

a tardy bride
and a zombie groom,

we linked hands and hearts.
Long Live Puppy Love!

XOXOXO

Chocolate Margartia Cookies

I bought Handsome a "Fresh Young Coconut" a while back and now have myself a nice little pile of fresh young coconut meat. (This is an inside joke. Handsome always makes obscene comments when we buy "fresh young chicken" from the grocery store.)

This led to a lovely culinary brainstorm:

• What goes with coconut? *singing* Put the lime in the coconut...

• What is the best way to taste this fresh delicacy? Creamy Mousse

• What have you been craving lately? Chocolate

• What is easy to store/transport/eat? Cookies

Which brings us to...

Chocolate Margarita Cookies

---

First make...
Limey Sugar Cookies
Adapted from the Better Homes and Garden's Recipe

1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup shortening
2 cups unbleached flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon lime juice


• Beat butter & shortening 30 seconds til softened & combined
• Mix in sugar, egg, milk, powder, & lime juice
• At this point I would suggest adding lime zest.
I did NOT and my cookies do not taste limey in the least :(
• Gradually mix in flour until dough forms
• Chill if necessary for rolling
• Roll and cut matching pairs of sandwich cookies, with and without center holes
• Bake at 375 approx. 8 minutes until golden
• Immediately place on cooling rack to avoid breakage

---

Then make a little too much decadent...

Chocolate Ganache Filling

From Cooking With Coffee by Bob Tyndall and BlackJava Coffee

6 tablespoons heavy cream (3/8 cup)
1 tbs & 1.5 tsp corn syrup
4.5 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

• Combine all in small sauce pan over low heat
• Stir until melted smooth and combined
• Cool for approx 5 minutes (still stir-able)

• Spread over hole-less sandwich cookie bottoms
• Top with holey sandwich cookie tops

• Chill

---

Finally whip up some...

Fresh Young Coconut Meat Mousse

Thanks to the G Living GreenChef Staff Monkies for letting me know that avocado and young coconut meat are interchangeable!
Adapted from Epicurious Sweet Avocado Mousse Recipe

125g young coconut meat
2 tsp lime juice
1/3 c milk
3 tbs & 1 tsp sugar
3 tbs & 1 tsp heavy cream

• Place clean meat in food processor.
• Add juice, milk & sugar.
• Puree until smooth. (Didn't really happen, smooth-ish.)
• In bowl, beat cream to stiff peaks.
• Fold in coconut puree gently but thoroughly.

• Chill in individual servings
• Garnish with lime zest & serve

PDF recipe cards available HERE.

Bloody Sunset or Bunny From Hell

I can see the sunset in my husband's abs.

(Warning: bloody and slightly disturbing.)

He thinks it looks like a running bunny from hell...

This is what happens to you when a key on a wire chain whips your stomach through 3 layers of clothing at 8000 revolutions per minute.

Didn't rip the shirts though, purely friction burn.

Husband Bashing

It's not what you think, but it still sucks.

I got a text at work asking me to pick up extra large gauze pads on the way home.

No other explanation, except for this picture.

Handsome got into a fight with a grinder: hand-held, high-speed, round spinning blade of metal (diamonds, if you're lucky) sandpaper.

O. M. G. It looks like the possibility of glistening intestine is high!

Luckily, he merely attempted to reveal his abs the quick and painful way, by removing the layer of fat above.

*sigh* He got his hands too... Don't you love the masking tape holding everything together?



There is no way I would survive children from this man...

Vomiting Money

Handsome is moving up in both his careers; traveling construction & local politics.

This entails me being the supportive wife, both emotionally and financially.

BUT I love love love giving him stuff. :D
I love spoiling him.
I love pretending to be his sugar mama. *wink*

So my gift is his happiness...
And his gifts are:

A new wardrobe of suits, ties, shirts, shoes

Strangely enough, no new socks or undies in there.
God he is so freaking hot in fancy duds!
I mean, he makes my motor run when he comes home all grungy and working man dirty too BUT this is a whole new level.

A Blackberry Torch

I got a new phone a while back, now he wants one.
Go figure, envy at its simplest.
He rationalizes with his need to constantly be available both on the phone and via email for his political contacts, but really–straight up techno lust.
But I'm cool with it. I'm getting an Iphone as soon as I can justify it.

A 2011 VW Golf TDI Diesel 6 speed Manual

He's been named Klaus.
Dual purpose purchase (or more).
Handsome's previous ride was a beater, no way around it.
And NOT reliable.
This beauty will allow him to be on time to his various political commitments AND carry him safely to his out of town construction work.

A Kennith Cole Leather Briefcase

He has good taste. This is for his political papers and his laptop (see below)

A Man's Umbrella

Not kidding. The tag clearly stated "Man's Umbrella".
Handsome assured me it was a reference to the width and had nothing to do with the length of over an impressive 3 feet.
Non collapsable, of course. Why be practical when you can flaunt the length of your umbrella with every step?

A Macbook Air

The size of a netbook but twice as expensive, BUT the cost is worth it for the way he DESTROYS windows machines!
This purchase is another dual use. It will be both useful during political meetings AND keep us in touch nightly while he is working out of town.

It's just money, right?

A Revelation

While I was thinking about all the books I am reading and all zero of the reviews they have generated, I had an epiphany.

I am doing some major avoidance. And it is a life long pattern. Serious business here, cause I am effectively putting my life on hold and treading water.

But I'm not sure why.

One of the ways I avoid (life, I guess) is by making myself busy.
(Others include procrastination and fear.)
• Reading 3 books simultaneously
• Blogging
• Cleaning
• Baking
• Rearranging/Organizing

Whatever I have to do to NOT be alone with my thoughts.

Totally weird. I think this round might be about depression (a common malady for me.) I have a history of mood swings. I also have a history of low self esteem.

But I think I am fighting back now. The membership to the gym and actually going everyday after work is good for my mind even if I'm not seeing a change on the scale yet.

Its all cyclic. I get depressed. I multitask. I'm so busy I don't get anything done. I get depressed because I am stuck in a rut. I multitask to feel productive...

LOL

So time to get things done. Guess I will make a list.

• Hubby's Quilt (been on hold for 5 years now. Not cool.)

• Taylor's Kindle case (all I have to do is spray glue the felt inside!)

• Personal writing (every Saturday I have a deadline. Working good so far even if I write the stories on Friday or Saturday morning.)

• Portfolio pictures for online use (I've got the directions on how to set up the lighting. Even tried it out for my sis.)

• Resume update (this one is huge. I am always worried that I could get cut in the next round of NYState Budget cuts. Having an uptodate resume will help me feel better. But it feels like a gargantuan task.)

• Personal fitness (In progress! Come summer, will have a friend to walk with too.)

• Financial fitness (Ugg. Just bought Handsome a new wardrobe and cell phone. Currently renovating the bedroom. In the process of buying a new car. Considering an Ipad.)

That's where my head is right now.
It's nice to get it out a little. I chatted with Handsome about it last night and he made an eye opening comment. He has noticed it throughout the 12 years we have been together. He used to think I was avoiding telling him something difficult, but caught on after a while that it was something inside my head. The fact that he has been aware of this phenomenon for so long... just means this is serious. I need to get my life moving again. I want to see the world. I want to create. I don't want to just be.

Deconstruction

Cabin fever is not a stranger in our house, 

especially during the long Upstate NY winters.

Under the guise of a preemptive strike, 

Handsome is refurbishing our bedroom closet.

See my closet stripped (not sexy in the least.)


Closet meet Papazan 
(I keep waiting to hear a crack as the rattan chair breaks under the weight.)


Before you proceed with comments about a woman her clothes, please note that the pile is comprised of only half my belongings. The other half is Handsome's duds. *eyebrow wiggle*

These boots are made for walkin'

Me and my two girlfriends planned ourselves a day of shopping.

Handsome even came along as chauffeur & purse holder.

My awesome find was this wicked pair of boots from Baby Phat.

• 50% off

• no heel = no pain for fashion here

• Sexy! Shades of Anita Blake's Jean-Claude... hot hot hot!

Joint Impulsivity

This year Handsome and I decided to shop together for Christmas.
Cuts down on the stress of finding a perfect gift for each other.

The rules are simple.
It must be something frivolous that we wouldn't buy ourselves on any other day.

We had been contemplating one of the big fat gaming consoles,
but they are all out of stock online and in store.

But I just made Handsome's week. 

Picked up an Xbox 360 for our joint Christmas present. GameStop had them in the store.

I tried to just tease him and show him the game I bought for it, Damnation.

BUT I can't keep a secret and he is playing it already. *grin*

Trimming the Tree

A Whitman Christmas Story

First we have to get in the mood with Mimosas, in holiday glasses!

Round up the children. Oops, we're missing one!

And Christmas-ize the house inside and out!

Can't wait to see lots of book shaped prezzies under that tree! 

Warm wishes to you and yours! ~Miranda

Him

We were parted for Thanksgiving.

Rare for us, it's true.

But my return to him,

Brings songs and hymns

to my heart and eyes of blue.

HA! This isn't my poetry blog. ;) But it just came out! Guess I should meander on over there and start wordsmithing again.

In the meanwhile, I wanted to share the joy bursting in my heart at the recent sweetness Handsome has bestowed upon me. It is the sweetest clever teasing kisses and playful nips a woman indisposed has ever experienced. I do love him. So much. Thank you, God.

Halloween Conundrum

Still thinking about what to wear for Halloween.

Handsome Hubby has decided to go with Clark Kent.
We picked up the fake glasses this weekeend.
Now we just need a press pass and a superman shirt.

I've got a back up Robin Costume but...
I've also got a frilly white apron - Maid?
If I could find a red dress I would be Jessica Rabbit! A push up bra and a stuffed rabbit - Sweet!


Thats all I got. LOL. I'll keep thinking.

Handsome and Hairless

Handsome has been growing a 5 o'clock shadow.
I was starting to really dig the rough and rugged look on him.

Last night he shaved all three weeks off (his beard grows sloooow).

Now he looks 12 again.

I think he is subconsciously wrestling with time.
He turns 30 in less than a month and doesn't appear too happy about it.

Time for some therapy lovin'... how's that song go? Oh yeah... Sexual Healing. *wink*