Spring time gives 7Reids a new look!

I know that this blog never really "took off", but I've decided to recommit myself to at least putting out there what's going on in my neck of the woods. I'd love to hear/see what's going on with others (yes, I could call or email (which I haven't been doing well), but this is a little more inclusive and "at your leisure"), but I also understand that blogs aren't for everyone. Whether it's a funny video, photo, article, or news from you - I welcome the contributions.

I'm hoping that spring is here for good, but I also say that as the temperature continues to drop today, with a low in the 30's expected for tonight (though we used our window AC unit last night!). But I think it's official (not counting the calendars that have told us it's spring) because the National Cherry Blossom Festival has been going on for the past week and a half and concludes this coming weekend. Kevin and I took a stroll around the Tidal Basin and the Mall area last weekend on a sunny day, which was packed due to the lack of consistently nice weather since this festival began. I hear it's always crowded during the blooming, but I think everyone was also waiting for a nice day. Nice to see, but I think I'm good.




A new development that I'm looking forward to is a recent sign-up for a CSA (community supported agriculture). While working on the farm last summer, a major focus of our time was harvesting for their weekly CSA (along with the many, many, many hours of weeding). Eating a lot of fresh, local produce (or maybe more importantly, not being able to eat as fresh of produce since then) has reminded me that I think it's important, if you have the means and motivation to participate. The season doesn't start until June for the farm I selected, so I'll let you know how it goes. Which will hopefully be awesome...

Rally to Restore Sanity!

A few pictures from the recent rally. Kevin had a friend who traveled from New Jersey to attend the event, along with a debated 200,000-500,000 others. It was crowded! Metro trains were packed so we took a little over an hour walk to the Mall. We didn't get very close, couldn't hear much of what was going on, and I kind of wished we had just watched it on TV. BUT I've never seen so many people in one spot and it was refreshing to know they were all in pursuit, if they weren't already, sanity. The size did remind a bit of the Obama rally in St. Louis at the arch grounds, the summer/fall leading up to the election in 2008. Beautiful day, though...

a few pictures from my summer...

early morning at the farm. workdays were often 4 hours in the morning, a few in the evening, due to the afternoon heat.

evening on the farm, with farmhouse to the left.

chillin' at the swimming hole.

watching a double rainbow at the farmhouse.

farmer couple, mandi and jeff.

csa box. boxes were prepared mondays and fridays, from half shares to full shares.

at the mackinaw bridge entering into the up.

pristine beach in the up on lake superior.

annnnnd we still like each other. i think.

Guess who's walking now?

Here are a couple of pictures from our many trips to the new Carondolet Park pool this summer.

City Museum

Here are a couple of pictures of our trip to the City Museum

Joe had surgery to remove his tonsils and part of his adenoids, as well as have tubes put in his ears. Everything went well and Joe is adjusting well to his post-tonsil life. The biggest change has been in Joe's new higher pitched voice, which is still amusing to us. Hopefully these procedures will help with Joe's hearing and speech development in the future.

Ready to Roll

Recovery

Pudding always helps.

Randoms from the past month

Here are a few randoms pics from the past month featuring Kevin and Jenny's open house, Joe's birthday and hanging out with Tommy.

Pat, getting her washers on.

The underused overhand method.

Kevin, rockin' a killer hat.

We teach 'em early around here.

What a cutie.

Joe's Birthday!

Once he saw the bat he wouldn't let go.


baseball ball?

Tommy and Aunt Maggie quality time.

Tommy and I got to hang out a couple of weekends ago. He's really learning to get around.

Look at all those teeth :)

He really loves his bouncer and it gave my arms a chance to rest.

More Michigan Trip

(Bob Facing Off Against the Giant Waves Friday Night)

Autumn Waving a Roman Candle for Theresa's B-day

(Hanging Out On The Beach)

(Dolling Up Joe)

(Joe Getting a Bedtime Read from Jenny)

Michigan Trip

Maggie's Hummus

I thought I would share my most often made appetizer recipe as everyone seemed to enjoy it at our last dinner.

Red Pepper Hummus
1 can Garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
1 clove garlic
1-2 T tahini (still tastes good w/out)
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 T olive oil
3/4 t cumin
1/4 t salt
1/2 of 7oz jar of roasted red pepper
1/4 c water

I usually put all ingredients (minus water) in a food processor and pulse a few times. I'll then add the water as needed. Then let it run until smooth and at desired consistency.

Possible add ins:
sun-dried tomatoes
small handful of cilantro
1/2-1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

delicious recipe!

kevin and i tried this recipe out a few weeks ago and it was great. i don't typically enjoy pot pies, but this was good.

Recipe: Vegetarian Pot Pie

This pot pie recipe is better than the TV dinner version for two reasons: it's vegetarian and it's prepared and baked, rather than frozen and microwaved. It's also quick and flexible, so give it a try.
Yield 6 servings
Time 1 hour
Tools

* large, heavy saucepan
* wooden spoon
* 2-quart baking casserole
* rolling pin

Ingredients

* 1 T butter
* 6 c assorted vegetables, thinly sliced or diced. Some ideas:
- bell peppers
- carrots
- celery
- corn
- green beans
- leeks
- onions
- peas
- potatoes
- spinach
- tomatoes
- zucchini
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* ¼ c flour
* 3 c warm veggie stock and/or milk
* ½ t thyme
* 2 T fresh parsley, minced
* 1 t salt or soy sauce
* black pepper
* 1 recipe pie crust or vegan pie crust dough

Directions Melt the butter in the saucepan, add the vegetables and sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes.

Sprinkle flour on top and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

Gradually add the warm liquid, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.

Add thyme and parsley and continue cooking until all of the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper, then transfer vegetables to the baking casserole.

Preheat oven to 400.

Make the pie crust dough, then roll it into a circle slightly larger than the casserole. Lay on top of the vegetables, without sealing the edges.

Place in oven and bake until filling is bubbling and crust is golden brown, 20-30 minutes.

Pat and Kevin's Florida Trip

Our last day was a bit cooler - saw St. Pete's beach and afterwards went to Woody's

Pat, illin' by the pool

Margaritas?

Knock-Knock