Front Wall

It was a beautiful day, so we got out into the yard.  

We have a bunch of dirt from this and from expanding the front beds.  We think we'll just put it up on Craigslist for free.  If you are nearby and need any or know someone who does, let us know!

Before

The yard sloped down to this gray slate that never stays in place and it is a pain to mow here.

Progress

The plan was to put in a block retaining wall to get rid of the slope.

More Progress

So much better already!  We will be putting rock between the wall and sidewalk and eventually plants come spring.  And, we still need to complete the other side of the yard.  Not sure if that will happen yet this year.

The Birthday Girl

Zoey turned one this week.  She sure is our little buddy.

Thanksgiving Table

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Turkey's in the Oven (and we're nervous)!

We are hosting Thanksgiving for Chris's immediate family this afternoon.  More to come, we have to get ready!

Here's more:

We bought a 16lb. frozen turkey on Sunday and put it in the fridge that afternoon.  It was still slightly frozen when we woke up this morning.  Our fridge does tend to freeze things near the back.  So, we consulted Google for advice.  And, according to Chris it said: "Go out and get a fresh turkey, you big dummies."

But, it wasn't that frozen, and so we looked for more advice.  According to Williams and Sonoma, you can cook a completely frozen turkey, it just takes 50% longer. So, we threw onion and garlic in the cavity and made a little seasoning rub (see below), threw it in a turkey bag (left over from years ago when Chris made a turkey) and threw the whole thing in the oven earlier than planned.  

We resisted all urges to open the oven until close to the end and it all worked out.  The house smelled awesome.

SEASONING FOR A TURKEY

Adapted from COOKS.COM

---

1 tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. paprika

I mixed the spices with a melted stick of butter and coated the turkey.

Major Bed Head This A.M.

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Zoey Treats

Made these dog treats for Zoey today.  Instead of using flour, I threw oatmeal in the food processor to make oat flour.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-and-pumpkin-dog-treats/

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

• PREP
  15 mins
• COOK
  40 mins
• READY IN
  1 hr40 mins
  
  

Blustery Walk Today

Zoey wore her new performance jacket.

Back Yard Before & After

Before

June 2011.  We had moved in 2 months earlier.

Progress

September 2011.  New stamped concrete patio was poured.

September 2012.  Put in landscape rock.

After

October 2013. New fences, some plants, a gazebo, and lots of elbow grease.

One Week Late & Blurred

This is a one week old picture of the Colorado and Utah teams who were in town for a training. We were watching the Packers lose to da Bears.

We call her Tina. Tina Turner.

Happy Birthday Tequila

We met Kirk and Amy at Billy's Inn for a birthday lunch.  Billy's gives you a $30 bar tab on your birthday.  Chris got a premium Tequila flight.

Peek-A-Boo