These guys were running around the lawn of my university. These are times when I wish I really knew Italian... would like to have asked what this was about. Instead, I just walked by like it was perfectly normal, then tried to sneak a photo.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Don't See This Every Day
These guys were running around the lawn of my university. These are times when I wish I really knew Italian... would like to have asked what this was about. Instead, I just walked by like it was perfectly normal, then tried to sneak a photo.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Countdown to San Bernardino
My last exam is next Friday. As soon as it's over, we're headed to San Bernardino for a little ski weekend. Ryan didn't get to go once last year because of his work schedule. We're not going to let that happen again... you can't exactly leave Switzerland without trying the slopes.
So, I'm pretty much counting down the days. This test session has been particularly difficult, and the last week will be the worst, so there will be a lot of celebrating on the train. I think I may pack champagne.
On a completely random side note, we have a lemon tree! Our upstairs neighbor moved back to Austria, and couldn't take it with him, so he gave it to us. I'm waiting for this little green baby to turn yellow. It's been a while, though. I asked Ryan whether he thought we got a lime tree instead, but he insisted it was lemon. I guess we'll just wait and see. It's really cool how they grow... the first thing to apear is a white flower. Then come these little black things (pictured on the right - might be hard to find). So far we have one lemon, and two little black things. Can't wait to see what comes next. Although, it will probably just be lemons. Or limes.
So, I'm pretty much counting down the days. This test session has been particularly difficult, and the last week will be the worst, so there will be a lot of celebrating on the train. I think I may pack champagne.
On a completely random side note, we have a lemon tree! Our upstairs neighbor moved back to Austria, and couldn't take it with him, so he gave it to us. I'm waiting for this little green baby to turn yellow. It's been a while, though. I asked Ryan whether he thought we got a lime tree instead, but he insisted it was lemon. I guess we'll just wait and see. It's really cool how they grow... the first thing to apear is a white flower. Then come these little black things (pictured on the right - might be hard to find). So far we have one lemon, and two little black things. Can't wait to see what comes next. Although, it will probably just be lemons. Or limes.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Let Us Eat Cake!
I had to make the cake in our dutch oven. Long story. But it's ready! And it looked really pretty before I randomly decided to sprinkle powdered sugar on the top of it. So, Dad, ready when you are.
50th
My dad turns 50 today!
He doesn't really need gifts (I just decided this week), so when I thought of what I would do for his birthday if I was home, it was easy. I'd drive to Lafayette for the day, and we'd all probably go out to dinner. The last time we had dinner over there it involved my brother, Liam, dancing (full-body) at the end of table, so dinner doesn't disappoint. Since I can't do that this year, I thought we'd do the next best thing... cook dinner, make a cake, and Skype with him (just as if we were there). It sounded a lot cuter in my head, but in reality, it will be Ryan and I eating cake, and Skyping with him right when he gets home from work. Not necessarily the most thoughtful scenario, but it should work.
It's a good thing my step-mom is good at the thoughtful stuff... she set up a surprise for him this morning, via Skype, so I could sit in on their birthday breakfast. Dad seemed blown away. See THAT is an appropriate birthday Skype session.
P.S. - Here's the full-body dancing I was referring to. He's just doing his thing.
He doesn't really need gifts (I just decided this week), so when I thought of what I would do for his birthday if I was home, it was easy. I'd drive to Lafayette for the day, and we'd all probably go out to dinner. The last time we had dinner over there it involved my brother, Liam, dancing (full-body) at the end of table, so dinner doesn't disappoint. Since I can't do that this year, I thought we'd do the next best thing... cook dinner, make a cake, and Skype with him (just as if we were there). It sounded a lot cuter in my head, but in reality, it will be Ryan and I eating cake, and Skyping with him right when he gets home from work. Not necessarily the most thoughtful scenario, but it should work.
It's a good thing my step-mom is good at the thoughtful stuff... she set up a surprise for him this morning, via Skype, so I could sit in on their birthday breakfast. Dad seemed blown away. See THAT is an appropriate birthday Skype session.
P.S. - Here's the full-body dancing I was referring to. He's just doing his thing.
Onion Rings
That last post doesn't allow you to pull up a big picture of the onion rings, which is really a shame because they're the best part. So here, enjoy them in their full glory.
"Best Salad EVER" (Ryan)
I shouldn't be blogging right now, but... we made the most incredible salad last night and I have to share. I'm not going to be descriptive, or witty, or tell you the funny story about how the steak was on sale. I am simply going to tell you about the BEST SALAD EVER. That's what Ryan kept saying as he ate it.
The salad included blue cheese, grape tomatoes, candied pecans (you have to do them yourself), the best dressing I've ever tasted, steak, and homemade onion rings. It makes a huge mess, is really involved, and is quite possibly the least healthy salad you could ever eat. But it's sooooo good.
If you take nothing away from this post, you must at least TRY these homemade onion "strings" from the Pioneer Woman blog. People have their reservations about her, and while she may be obnoxious, she makes a mean ring. They include soaking the onions in buttermilk (yes!), and then putting them in a flour mixture that includes cayenne (yes!). They're amazing, and so tasty on a salad. Who knew?
The dressing includes whole garlic, ginger, canola oil - which I thought might be disgusting so I substituted olive oil infused with little chili peppers (too bad you don't live in Switzerland, this oil is unbelievably good). There are a whole host of other ingredients... lots of different vinegars, some sugar, lime, worcestershire, soy sauce, the list goes on.
And leftovers are yummy too... just had some for lunch.
If you want to try it yourself, plan for about three hours to make it and about 20 minutes to wolf it down.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/big-steak-salad/
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Beautiful Weather + Exams = One Disappointed Student
The highs are around 40 during the day, the sun is REALLY shining, the mountains and the lake are enormously picturesque (the water is shimmering so brightly, sometimes you have to look away)... this is the weather we've been having lately. I just hope it stays liket this until the week of Feb 7th. That's when exams are over and I can come up for air.
It's a good thing our apartment has a fantastic view. If I can't engage in this amazing scenery, I might as well enjoy looking at it from my couch, surrounded by computers, notes, calculators, binders, highlighters, printouts... you get the idea.
It's a good thing our apartment has a fantastic view. If I can't engage in this amazing scenery, I might as well enjoy looking at it from my couch, surrounded by computers, notes, calculators, binders, highlighters, printouts... you get the idea.
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