I want to be an Ambassador for Sandpoint ...

So today was one of those "for the books...."

Was up incredibly early given the barrage of USDA reports and positions on ... and just knowing over the next 7 hours of work it was going to be processing an incredible amount of data.  I LOVE IT.  But then so happy to step away.

So imagine my "happiness" - when the phone started ringing with my delivery guys!! 

Down the mountain I went ...

I met the first mover at the new place for him to drop off the table and bench ... and the next movers came about 30 minutes later and were just great.  It really makes me grow more and more amore with Sandpoint.  This area is really cool - and the people that I am meeting.  Incredible.

I am now sitting at the Coldwater Creek wine bar (I am thinking this is a good alternative office) for a quick toast and a bite to eat as I'm famished!  There is a $5 at 5:00pm happy hour - flatbreads, wines, etc.  Of course, 500pm is approaching my bed time during the week.  But bully for everyone else that gets to partake in this lovely atmosphere.

Quick factoid - Coldwater Creek is actually headquarterd out of Sandpoint, Idaho.  In case you need any fun facts at a tragically boring dinner party (and it better not be a dinner party hosted by any of you gentle readers!!)

Here is my chicken pesto flat bread snackie-poo ... HEAVEN.

So what I was doing before pre-heaven here at Coldwater Creek....

Here are some pictures of the moving in process ... this has been a blast.  Loved my movers - one of them wants me to adopt him.  In any event - very clean, very safe - just all around BIG THUMBS up.  They drove all the way from Sandpoint to Mom, Dad's farm and also stopped at Alison's to pick up a bed. 

View from when you walk in from the hallway ... there are another set of windows above these.  I was left breathless when I stood on the balcony ... it is one of the most special views that I have ever seen.  And to think that I get to sip coffee to it and sip wine to it every day!  The marina is almost ready to open (Lake Pend Orielle hit flood stage level and most of the docks etc have been underwater)

This is before there was a big cardboard container of a table and bench and kitchen "stuff" being dropped off.  This is where the edible, PG-rated magic happens!!

This is a look back where the dining room table will go and into the living room area and stairs to the ConsiliAgra Sandpoint office and the master bedroom.


And this is the look up to the 2nd floor from the area where the dining room table will eventually be erected!

I have met a few people that live in my building ... one is an older gentleman and his partner and their 2 adopted kids.  I think we will be FAST friends.  Very funny.  Very sweet.  The other was a guy that was walking with his Mom.  He asked me if I had kids .. my reply "oh good g&d no...."   He laughed and said, "well, I won't ask you to take mine then..."   Uncomfortable silence follows.  I laughed and merely replied that my niece and nephews would be here in forthcoming days to torment the residents. 

Walking back to my car - it was great to see a big celebration at the pool ... kids playing kick ball on the lawn.  Evidently, there are quite a few Canadians that have just bought in the place as well - AWESOME eh?  That said - some of the most fun and kindest people I have met have been either Canadians or Australians (and of course, every single reader of this blog!!) 

I think I actually bounced when I stepped down the sidewalk.  And this is why --- I will be Ambassador Sandpoint.  The number of hidden gems - the people - the intellect - the kindess ... and on top of that this incredible scenery, lake, mountains, ski resort ... it's got to be what heaven is like - except I'm LIVING IT!

Mooooo ... moooo buck-a-roo ....

When I was in SF last weekend - was introduced to a new (for me) company:  Moooi ... http://www.moooi.com/ 

It is based out of the Netherlands and they have some tres cool things ... funky, modern.

This is the light I reference in my San Fran recap:  http://www.moooi.com/producten/196-raimond.html

Love the description of it:  The Raimond lamp: a perfect sphere of mathematical ingredients punctuated by tiny LED lights. Looking at the lamp feels like staring into the soft glow of a starry night. Into the essence"

La Petite Maison

The new digs in BsAs for the mid-August through mid-December work schedule for myself / ConsiliAgra...

Come visit .. plenty of room as went with a house this time and SO excited for the kitchen and wait for it ... LAUNDRY! ... and an Evita balcony off the master bedroom (upper left hand corner of photo below)

Here's the link for other photos:  http://baluxuryrentals.com/detail.php?id=590&setlang=eng 

Arevalo 1943 is where the pink flamingos play (or at least adorn the ivy)!  It's the garden gnome for those with flare (or flared knickers).

In case you don't know the history of the pink flamingo - Wiki is here to make you smarter:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_flamingo

Recipes ...

A few recipes of what I made last night and presenly making here this morning given my inability to "sleep-in"

Baby pea salad
1 package (10 ounce) package frozen baby peas, thawed
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional .... yah.... right!)
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise (big fan of the olive oil mayo that is out ... thumbs up)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cashews (coarsely chopped)
"handful" of feta to top it off (at your cheese lover discretion)

Combine all ingredients except cashews - mix well and chill ... top with cashews before serving.  If you plan to have leftovers (what is that?!) - only top the pea sald you / guests will eat as the cashews get soggy as leftovers (no bueno)

And last night ... made Asian tuna burgers with wasabi mayonnaise.  Thumbs up!!

1 small English cucumber
1 lb ahi tuna fillet, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons peeled and minced fresh ginger
1 extra-large egg white
salt / ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons mayo (again - using the olive oil mayo instead of fat free...)
3 tablesoons chopped pickled ginger (good use for any extra ginger leftover from sushi delivery)
1 1/2 teaspoons preapred wasabi
4 sesame bagels (halved, toasted)
1 package daikon sprouts

I skipped out on the bagel and went with brown rice (who am I again?) last night but only because starch carbs like bread, bagels just make me tired.  Go figure.

Use a vegetable peeler - shave off lengthwise slices of cucumber into thin ribbons.  Set aside.

In a bowl, mixed tuna, green onions, fresh ginger, and egg white.  Season w/ salt & pepper.  Shape the mixture into 4 patties.

In another bowl, wish together the mayonnaise, pickled ginger and wasabi.  Spread the mixture onto the cut sides of the bagels (both sides).

Heat large, nonstick pan on med-high heat.  Coat with nonstick spray.  Add patties and cook until golden on first side (2-3 minutes ... took a bit longer for me because of the altitude).  Flip and continue to cook until golden on 2nd side and medium-rare in the center. 

For each - place tuna burger on the bottom of the bagel - top with the cucumber ribbons and some sprouts.  Place top of bagel on the burger (and if you want to be super fancy ... add some sprouts thru the hole of the bagel .. it looks very "chi-chi" in the recipe book) and voila !!

An unquiet mind ...

No - not mine ... book review time!

Was spending a bit of time in one of the used bookstores before Pilates the other day and picked up "An Unquiet Mind" - A memoir of moods and madness by Kay Redfield Jamison.

For whatever reason - I really enjoy memoirs or any book written in first person.  If you have not read Kay Graham's Personal History ... pass go - collect $200 and get up on it.

Instead of "reviewing the book" (and it's well worth the read) .. here are some select favorite passages:

"I have had many concerns about writing a book that so explicitly describes my own attacks of mania, depression, and pyschosis, as well as my problems acknowledging the need for ongoing medication.  Clinicians have been, for obvious reasons of licensing and hospital privileges, reluctant to make their psychaitraic problems known to others.  These concerns are often well warranted.  I have no idea what the long-term effects of discussing such issues so openly will be on my personal and professional life, but, whatever the consequences, they are bound to be better than continuing to be silent.  I am tired of hiding, tired of misspent and knotted energies, tired of the hypocrisy, and tired of acting as though I have something to hide.  One is what one is, and the dishonesty of hiding behind a degree, or a title, or any manner and collection of words, is still exactly that:  dishonest.  Necessary, perhaps, but dishonest.  I continue to have concerns about my decision to be public about my illness, but one of the advantages of having had manic-depressive illness for more than thirty years is that very little seems insurmountably difficult."

""It is history of our kindness that alone makes this world tolerable," wrote Rober Louis Stevenson.  "If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters... I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit."

"There were a thousand things I remembered once David had died.  And there were many, many regrets:  for lost opportunties, unnecessary and damaging arguments, and a deepening realization that there was absolutely nothing that could be done to change that which was true.  There were so many dreams lost:  all of seemingly everything was lost.  But grief, fortunately, is very different from depression:  it is sad, it is awful, but it is not without hope."

I'm back .... oh San Fran how you tear me up ...

Not "tear" as in salt water running down cheeks - but tear as in chew up, spit out and starts all over every morning!

So I needed to get my hair did -- and it was on a plane, off to San Fran to Code!  It is beyond fiercely fabulous and so, so proud of Cheryl!!  See you in September for Round 2 !!  Ding-ding.

Here's the website;  http://codesalonsf.com/   and I also found a new light that I want for the Seasons place.  All in all - an exceptionally productive first day of treats in San Francisco ...

After said "hair did" - it was back to Deedee's where she was hosting a fabulous pre-dance cocktails, snacks evening (and I can officially say I do not need to eat Mexican for a few weeks after having left overs and left overs and more left overs - more oft than not at 2-3AM but heh ... at least it didn't go to waste)

This was also the night that I learned that my middle name - Solveig - actually means more than sunshine... it is the road to the sun.  So in case you are looking for said road - well ... look no further!

The next day - Saturday - brought a little fierce work-out competition to get a good sweat in ... oh - it was just like the good old days of rowing work outs.  Followed by heading to the park to meet up with Lance and others ... it was packed - the people watching was AMAZE and the natural "incense" of marijuana was just too comical.  Seriously - every where.

Here we are at the 2nd stop along the afternoon / evening ... acting as ambassadors and putting out the good word!

Next day - it was BRUNCH .. pre-parade.  Some seriously fabulous nosh at Oola where Deedee (aka - Julie McCoy ... the loveeeee boat) coordinated the deets for post parade champers and margaritas at Zuni.

After brunch - it was a quick stop for some fabulous coffee (no photo and cannot remember the name - boo!) and walk up to Market Street to Zuni's ....  Hi Cheryl and Deedee!

And enjoying our favorite street - Memory Lane .... and favorite drink, margaritas of some sort....

And now I am back in Sandpoint - enjoying a steamer salad at Common Knowledge before I go hit Pilates (it's going to be ugly I have a feeling).  I actually stopped to take a picture this time and this Limeaid is out of this world - need to get the recipe!

And how does San Fran tear me up?  My right hand is busted up, a cut on my shoulder and a rolled right ankle. 

OUCH CHARLIE .... Charlie .... stop it.  If you haven't seen the video:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM ... for whatever reason, could not stop using those lines yesterday afternoon ... I'm sure it's why my friends must truly love me.  Sigh .... good times, good times.

Da Bears

Driving down from the mountain to go to Pilates (did TRX today - I'm in love with that too and buying a set to take to Argentina with me... AWESOME-NESS)

Came around the corner and there was Mama Bear and twin baby cubs ... SO CUTE .. in particular the baby cubs as they tried to keep up with Mama Bear up the hill.   The one twin is in the shadows.  The other one is on the inside of the far left tree and then big ole Mama right of the center tree.

I would love a pet bear - even more than a wombat.  Given that neither is possible (or encouraged) - it gets me off the hook for actually having to care for a living, breathing creature.   Me alone is enough!

Yummi, yummi to my tummy

Went to see how the painting was going after the markets closed ... first let me say, it is an absolute STUNNER of a day.  Sandpoint at its finest....

In any event ... there is nothing like the smell of fresh paint ... I'm more in love now with Moonlight White than before - particualry with all the natural light.  Painters are great guys and think it is far better them than me painting the ~40 foot ceilings and walls as "height .. you are no friend of mine"   Not such a fan.  Space Needle, Eiffel Tower, Petronas Towers, any skyscraper in NYC ... just not so much....

Afterwards, walked around the Sandpoint beach (there were people swimming in the lake - something about the snow still up in the mountains and the cold temps thus far just screamed YOU MUST BE INSANE) and had a good stretch of a walk... people were getting their boats ready - perhaps the most gorgeous day of the year here and it happily coincides with the first full day of Summer! 

Went and grabbed a cold Kokanee and ordered the Aglio pizza (goat geese, roasted garlic, capers - all fire roasted) from Loading Dock -- sat in the sun, read the local paper and listened to some of the locals at the other picnic bench talk about Fox News, Newt Gingrich's campaign (failure that it is thus far) and so on... it's quite fascinating really to just exist and listen....

Said evidence of lunch (which will also now be dinner and likely breakfast ... )

Best news of the day (other than the pizza place is a walk across the bridge from the new place) is that one of my best friends is now going to be in San Francisco this weekend!!  Yayr!  It put a big smile on my face and cannot wait to get down there for my day of beauty on Friday followed by all the key Ws (wine, water...) over the weekend. 

It's time to go be like a cat and stretch out in the sun and take a nap before the night session start for the markets....  Until then ...

Books are magic

I know of only a few movies or TV shows that can capture my attention and imagination the way books can...  and if it is a really good, good book - it completely absorbs you and the characters, voices and so forth that come from the pages make visual media feel and look actually quite dull.

As the Big Unwind goes day by day ... I've been looking through the various books that I have bought & collected over the years and settled on one to re-read to remind me of whatever it is that needs reminding... intentionally - it was nothing specific... more of a concept....

I started the book yesterday evening ... and here are some select bits of Randy's words / thoughts that brought pause to slow down and really think about some of these things and how they impact not only my actions but also how other's actions impact my life and vis-versa.

...and encouraged us to really listen to each other, so we could make the right decision for both of us. -- I can definitively say that I need to listen better ... because unfortunately, the majority of us really will only hear what we want to hear.  But I do know that no matter - speak the truth - it allows everyone to make good decisions built on trust.

...what makes you unique?   -- this is actually a more difficult question to answer or even think about.  I'm still thinking about it and I think you can see my brain's smoke "poofing" from the mountain tops.

...that is what it is.  We can't change it.  We just have to decide how we'll respond.  We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

...never make a decision until you have to ... I rush things - it's let's identify the problem, find a solution and onward, upward.  Multi-task like a mad woman.  Life will not always allow that ... because those decisions are usually the most difficult.

...just because you're in the driver's seat.. doesn't mean you have to run people over.  it's a great thought about being fair - being more compassionate and generous, particularly if you are the one in a position of strength (however defined).  one of the best pieces of advice I received from a boss was "bring people with you ... that is your challenge... "  of course it was a challenge - I was 24 and the "boss" of about 15 middle-aged guys from Iowa.  That said ... it turned out to be one of my 'career' highlights for myself personally.

...kids - more than anything else - need to know their parents love them.  Their parents don't have to be alive for that to happen. -- thank you Gares and Jules.

...when you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you.   When you see yourself doing something badly and nobody's bothering to tell you anymore, that's a bad place to be.  -- fair criticism and discussion is much more valuable than accolades and applause.

...self esteem is not something you can give - to others or your children.  it's something that an individual has to build. -- do something they can't do, they work hard until they find they can do it, and you just keep repeating the process.  this entire "coddled" generation just blows my mind.

-- brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough.  They're there to stop the "other" people. ... I will start Chapter 16 this afternoon "Romancing the Brick Wall"

Broad .... vocabulary for the Summer

It's 3AM .. and what better use of time than to read recaps of various shows presently airing?

Two close friends having a little mani-pedi time.  One reads a text received from a "love interest"

I just want you to always be excited about us and about me and support me and protect me in my times of need. And I know that I'll do the same.

Marissa's mouth is agape. These are not normal convos after four days of dating. Those are wedding vows. She says, "Support me? Protect me? Broad, I don't even know your favorite color."

Snickering ... the term "Broad" may have to be incorporated into said lingo in the weeks ahead.

30 June .. tickity-tick-tock

Ok - so I think we are close enough to say it is a GO ... here are today's photos of a property I am buying "in town" in Sandpoint. 

It is presently being painted (Benjamin Moore Moonlight White - shocking I know...) so no "inside" photos with the closing and move in date of 30 June ... just in time for the 4 July weekend! 

It is the the top balcony / terrace area with the windows on the left also part of the unit.  The view looks out at the marina, lake Pend Orielle and the mountains.  My shoulders relax just thinking about it (or maybe they are relaxed because I'm thinking about breathing in Pilates ... unclear)

This is where I plan to spend most afternoons as it is heated and Lake Pend Orielle is not.  Enough said.

And there are little BBQ areas and areas where there are tables to eat, unwind, relax, read, play flip cup .. you know - the usual.

Come one ... come all.  And come win Ben Stein's money ... I know I am going to run into him one of these Tuesday's when they have the evening "lawn games.."

Lady Liberty takes Lake Pend Orielle

So I saw this on someone's handheld the other day ... and found it on the Sandpoint beach. 

This screams photo opp this Summer ... Lady Liberty and friends right here in uptown, downtown Sandpoint.

And yes ... there is a "walk way" ...

Going to get my hairdid

Off to San Fran fresh out on Friday morning to get my hair did ... among other things (it is San Fran after all ... ding.  ding).

Mom asked me if there wasn't a place / person in Sandpoint that could cut, color me. 

All I could think of was this place and hence, snapped the photo of said "beauty shop" before Pilates. 

I just don't get the fish.  Riddle me stupid.

Pretty fly for a .....

I have now added another favorite P ....

I've got Pilates every Mon-Wed-Friday ... I love this stuff.  Cannot.  stand.  it.   That said - I am not ready to release a photo essay thereof quite as yet so I will let my love affair continue in its private fashion.

The new P ... wait for it ... wait for it .... PILOT and PLANE. 

Captain French is taking to the sky!  Tuesday and Thursday the lessons begin ... sources of the inspiration / drive to become a pilot are in the photos below.

The above photo was taken near Lucas do Rio Verde in Mato Grosso (Brasil) - I think I'll have to lose the purse.  The below photo was taken at the VQS airport where I met Meg, Mur and Garzie!

As Frankie Sinatra sang ... "come fly with me .. let's fly, let's fly away...."

And to describe how I am feeling about this latest undertaking ... bring it Pointer Sisters .. "I'm so excited"

Now try to get that song out of your head for the next 24 hours... 'cause I'm about to lose control and I think I like it ... oh yah....)

A gift from me to you gentle reader ... from me.  to you.

Happy Fathers Day ...

Back from Father Day celebrations at Alison's ... it might not have been sunshine, blueskies - but we still killed the grill / BBQ to celebrate.  

To all my friends that are Dads ... I hope you had a beautiful day!  Your children are so exceptionally fortunate and lucky to have you as Dads!  They all definitely won the parent lottery.  A toast to you all.

I am still procrastinating but the deadline looms - so this will be a photo essay rather than many words.

Gramps, Dad and I ...

Alison and I pre-everyone arriving for lunch

The family at the table following said lunch / Father's Day celebration

Casey and Grace (Alison's kids) ... Casey highlighting the reminants of lunch (ribs and I believe a mixture of chocolate ice cream)

Some excellent lessons learned this weekend and reminders of life and of what is good ...

A fabulous week to you all ....

Found watch and other things ....

Admittedly, I am procrastinating - like it's my j.o.b.  

I should be working on a PowerPoint presentation ... but it will have to wait until the last second like usual.

Some fun finds, re-visits today as did errands and just drove to check out the water levels (flooding given late melted snowpack and a LOT of it) on lake Pend Orielle and drive through various small towns around it.  I was going to try lunch at Sweet Lou's at the Hope Marina - but it is a bit underwater (literally - not figuratively).

This was the view this morning when I left - driving down from Schweitzer into Sandpoint.  Gorgeous view of Sandpoint & Lake Pend Orielle.

I went out to the Colburn trash site to rid myself of the weekly garbage - and went to find this little caboose once more that I had seen... it's not on a set of tracks - rather it appears to be someone's "play house" or something. Reminds me of a series of books from my childhood about the kids that lived in the caboose (I'm too lazy right now to look the name up on Google).

I did not get close enough to find out as did not want to trespass.  Particularly with all the "don't tread on me" flags that I've seen flying in various yards, compounds.  I like myself breathing personally.  Heheheh.

I then drove out towards Hope in a quest to try out the BBQ at Sweet Lou's ... it was a fail in that attempt.
This is the island ... M&D's place is on the right point of it ... spent the Summers growing up out there and that has continued as I've been in the area with various loved ones experiencing it as well.  There is something magical about it... definitely becomes a place and vibe of its own - or what we call "island time."   Now if only Mother Nature would get it together so I could work on my tan on island time.

Ice House!  Best pizza ever.  Definitely a rough cut gem in the middle of nowhere.  Have always enjoyed meals and environment when we've stopped.  Love that the beverage serving system is on the honor code.  Sit up on the top deck - look out at Lake Pend Orielle and the island and just watch the world go by. 

The sound of the train is one of the most relaxing when you're on the water .. and it is "commerce at work"   That said - I've also come to appreciate the fact that I should give myself an extra 5-10 minutes whenever going somewhere as I'll have to cross at least one set ... and quite often, the red lights are going and the cross bars are down.  Container after container after container coming out of China.

The other thing that I am quite enjoying about Sandpoint, is that they seem to have more used book stores than any other small town that I've visisted.  Major bonus and after lunch today - went and picked up a few new / used ones.  That was after listening to these 2 kids (early 20s - but "legal") talk about their night last night (guy, girl).  The guy was stoned.  The girl was hung over.  I was trying to focus on Tennessee Williams' sharing of his life (current book) - but could not stop myself from laughing out loud when the girl asked her friend "what advice would you give your friend John when it comes to dating or picking up a girl?"  and the "high guy" responds "I'd tell him to brush his teeth ... the dude needs to brush his teeth."   

So there is your love kitten advice for the day - straight from downtown / uptown Sandpoint - "brush your teeth dude"

I can't find my watch ...

I suppose instead of sitting down to pen this latest submission in the life of the BIG UNWIND ... I should look for it .. but I am pretty sure it's probably under the bed or some obscure drawer somewhere.  I really don't know what I think some times when I get ready for bed (or clearly not thinking in this case).

So it is the weekend - a lovely Saturday morning here with a so-so cup of coffee... My taste buds cannot wait to get my 'stuff' out of storage so all I have to do is add water and a capsule thing of coffee.  It is so much more pleasant.  Well - actually having someone make you a cafe con leche is the most pleasant (Del Pilar cafe .. sigh - I only have tender feelings for you) ... but that is not available as of right now. 

In any event - Saturday morning ... the laundry has started (I can feel my shoulders relax already) and I am hoping Mr Sunshine and warmer temperatures pay an immediate visit.

Friday - another day of Pilates (RAAR .. really digging it) and picked up some of the things I had framed!  AMAZING job by Shanna at Thompsons Framing.  Will take photos of them after they are hung - but the Child of Mankind (done by my friend Otto in Chicago - go OTTO!) turned out better than I could have imagined.  It's truly a special piece (if you are into agriculture and medicine that is....)

First stop of the evening was to have a Moose Drool at Eichardt's ... great pub (no TVs - yah) ... beer taps all across the ceiling .. an amazing Pez collection behind the bar and various other "collections..."

After that $4.50 treat ... it was a quick shuffle up the sidewalk to Pend Orielle (POND - o - RAY) Winery.  Shanna (framer) and her husband Mike were playing - they are WONDERFUL.  And the winery was celebrating its anniversary and released its latest Meyer Cabernet.  Yummi ... although a bit "red'd" out and into more of the whites and bubbles for the present time.  A shot of the winery 'action' below (no - I dont know any of the people in the picture).

Patrick and Lisa came down as well ... and we shared a few glasses....

Patrick and I below ... he needed a re-fill ....

The evening was capped off with a walk to Secret Thai for take-out, but the kitchen was closing ... back up plan turned out to be Arby's (you precious, precious little gem you !!) - and away GI Jane and I went back up the mountain.

I'm going to go look for my watch now.  Happy weekend!

Observations from one that wants to chew off a hand in hunger ...

First observation:  it is amazing how creative you can get when you are 9 mountains "up in the air" and away from civilization and the time comes to think about dinner ... cue the music "do I stay or do I go now..."  Having lived in NYC - the epi-center of delivery of ALL THINGS ... or in 22207 or Buenos Aires... the ease of which grocery stores, specialty stores and going and "grabbing" such items is a luxury.  On the flip side - I just cannot bring myself to be like my Mum (in many ways I strive to be) and be a "master of the freezer." 

2nd observation:  it is AMAZING what you find in your freezer - things that you have not put there.  I'm not sure if Jules (aka Mum) was having a clean out her freezer day or not, but at times I just shake my head and go WTF is some of this. 

3rd observation:  I need another trash can after such findings.  Dumpster run tomorrow - it will be the highlight of my day.

4th observation:  ohhhh - look... some frozen shrimp.  Now - this shrimp I know I bought so whatever else is in my house that I can use to complement.  It's allllll about the shrimp. 

5th observation:   about this time - I'll take about anything.  Note to self:  do not get that hungry before cooking as it is bound to test the last nerve you might have - particularly after lacking serious sleep this week.  Damn you markets and clients... oh wait - you are one of the reasons I am able to be in the mountains blogging to my hearts content.  Never mind - THANK YOU.

6th observation:  the internet is AMAZE-BALLS when it comes to throwing in names of things you do have and presto-magic.. various renditions and recipes.  And yes - I still type www.   I'm so "old school" ... but also, because of that - I did graduate from college "pre-internet" days.  A beautiful thing of knowing the Dewey Decimal system and plagarism.  Kidding, yet.....

7th observation:  one should always have:  garlic, various fresh herbs (it's summer so have the staples:  cilantro, thyme, rosemary and tarragon), lemon juice, lime juice, salt, pepper, hot sauce, vegetables - avocados, tomatoes (did I just type that), cucumbers, red peppers, shallots, red onion, white onion and the list goes on.  Forget flour and sugar ... this is not the Betty Crocker show.

8th observation:  it is time to go stock up on some wine.  Good thing the Pend Orielle Winery festival starts tomorrow. 

So with all that (and the 9th observation being I really, really do not like rain - it's like a special kind of dislike ..) -- tonight's supper creation out of desperation:

Frozen shrimp - unless you are tres cool (and thus, I am envious) and there is a little fish market just right outside your home (sigh... oh Buenos Aires).

Run under cold water - take off "coat and tails"

Boil in water for 2.2 - or in this case 1-2 minutes.  Drain.

Equal parts lime juice, lemon juice - mixed together.

Put all together in ziplock bag and throw 'er in the fridge for 30 minutes.  Have a glass of wine and repeatedly question why Mother Nature is acting like a woman scorned.  Get over it already.

Take red onion (suit your taste on this one - I used 1/2) - chop, chop, chop.  Add to ziploc bag.  Throw bag in the fridge (sealed of course... unless, you need something else to clean as a distraction or to feel like you are accomplishing something for the day).  30 more minutes ... try to rationalize with Mother Nature... maybe it's menopause... hot-cold.... hot-cold ....

Take a bowl (can use the one you mixed the lemon / lime juice in) - cut up 1 cucumber (I peel mine and then go with big chunks), 1 avocado, and chop handful of cilantro (this is when I was asking myself why I did not have Patron and subsequently, a nice margarita in my hand... put that on the list).  Mix all together.

Take out the magic Ziplock bag and pour into the bowl ... add salt and pepper to taste.  I threw in a bit of hot sauce to give it a little kick.  Let it sort of soak it all in / mix / re-fridge ... and go contemplate the stupidity of people (like .... the now former Congressman idiot from NYC - I just cannot bring myself to type the name) ... or check out the latest celebrity gossip on Perez Hilton.

And "viola ... breakfast is served"  (okay - classic quote from 16 Candles... but it's a bit more than a box of donuts).

The result?  Not too shabby... but I am still going with the motto of "go fresh, or go home...."

Observation 10:  I really need to step up my food shopping game for mountain sustenance.

Finally - I did not chew off my hand in hunger and this missive comes to you from a two-handed typist.  Thrilling isn't it gentle reader?

Get your party hats ready ....

Labor Day weekend ... one of the best pieces of news of the day (is that even a legitimate sentence?  How I live to slaughter the English language) ....

Mark & Jill Higgins and their 2 bebes (Julian .. aka - Choo-Choos... and Alexandra) are headed this way for 4 days of "fun with the Frenchs" (dear G*d help them now....).  22207 meets 83864 !! 

It'll never be the same (or rather - good thing it will be broken in by the crew coming in early August for a week of pure debauchery!!)

Party hats ready to go !!  The mountains are blue .. the beer is cold ... the grill is hot ... I love sharing north Idaho with friends... "good times... good times."

4th of July countdown....

So excited to spend the 4th in Sandpoint ... and it means a 3-day weekend ... (ADORE)

Illegal fireworks from the reservations, water skiing, music, bonfires on the island, friends visiting from assorted areas ...

I have to get excited about something because this weather - grey and rainy - makes me feel like I should be in Seattle ... or Gorillas in the Mist (although they would be in pine trees and not a tropical forest).

Is that a banjo I hear ?

Nope... just my hamstrings and probably every other muscle in my body that got the overhaul today in Pilates... that said - awesomeness!  The love affair continues... in case you were wondering if I could stay committed! 

So what did I discover today (other than my right leg is shorter than my left and for one exercise I have to stand with a sponge under my right foot so my hips are aligned... hot)?

COMMON KNOWLEDGE:  "nurturing the mind, body and spirit" ... fun, little funky breakfast, lunch (all organic, vegan if you need) and tea shop with a used bookstore.  Cool - right now, I'm just all about nurturing my belly .. I'll work on the mind, body and spirit later... probably when I'm sleeping.

Some of the paintings on the building that take up the one full side of it ...

"For sale" ad on the bulletin board - anyone want to buy a HouseBus?   I'm not sure if you can read it but loved the part about the hardwood floors and the wood firestove.  I think it definitely wins the award for the self-described "unique dwelling..."

It was after Pilates ... so I ordered one of their salads... fresh, yummy and fabulous.  Definitely on a roll with the food that is available at various "finds" around Sandpoint. I wonder who / what will be the first to break this streak?!  

It was the Steamer Salad (who am I again and where is my steak?):  steamed carrot, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, seasonal greens, topped with toasted sesame. A few little drizzles of the miso ginger tamari dressing - it tasted so good, fresh that very little dressing was needed.  I will definitely be going back!  I would take a picture but like yesterday - all you'd see would be an empty take-away container.  Pulitizer in photography just waiting for me on those type of shots.
And as I waited for my salad to be made... I browsed the used books and picked up this:

Algonquin Round Table (aka the Vicious Circle) here I come as I channel my best Blanche DuBois ...

Country roads ... take me home....

Ah ... John Denver.  Sigh...

It's the road I go walking on when I'm down at my parents.  Pure solitude.

Keep on shuffling peoples ... keep on shuffling.

I love orange ...

No - I do not own these ... they are Mum's ....

It was a choice of (a) take a walk - in my heels - last Saturday morning and clear out the wedding / dancing / boxed wine cobwebs in my head or (b) try to find a pair of shoes that would fit. 

These were the ones that fit ... Dad's are simply too big and make my already large feet look like clown shoes. 

Oddly comfortable.  But I'm still not buying a pair.

I'm in love .....

Ummmm ... who knew you'd find it in Sandpoint, IDAHO of all places.

Secret Thai (how can you not love / j'adore a name such as....).

My mouth is still singing a happy little tune... I always thought Thai Thai in Arlington (VA-VA) took top notch or even a few places but in NYC ... but SORRY SUCKERS - you have been replaced.

So Secret Thai is in an alley that turns into a mixed parking lot.
 
You put an order in with a wait time of at least 15 minutes.... I'm thinking - okay... this is going to be fresh, fresh, fresh - and wow - did it not disappoint. 

>>insert walk up Memory Lane>> Given that I was there in person - there was no need to request that someone read the entire menu to me over the phone (Loyal follower Brad - remember?!  Cannot stop laughing about that to this day....)>> okay, back to reality and the original blog ....

I shuffled up said alley and went to Eichardt's ...  here's the yelp review:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/eichardts-pub-grill-and-coffee-house-sandpoint

Very cool little joint - evidently live music is great here as well ... I can never stay up that late - maybe some day.  Anyhow ... they have wine - ON TAP.  Not kidding ... a little of the Bistro Blanc from Pend Orielle Winery (whcih coincidentally - is just a short fall up the sidewalk ... will be reporting on that later on).  Yummi.  And the perfect sipper whilst waiting for the food.

I was torn between eating there (3 little tables inside or a few tables outside) and decided that Thai food always tastes better after it has had a bit to "breathe."  So breathe it did and up, up, up and away we went up the Mountain.

This is the only picture I can show of evidence... CLEAN PLATE.  And seriously contemplating cooking up some more chicken so I can pour the rest of that beautiful green curry sauce onto something - anything... well - almost anything.

In any event ... just read the Yelp review of Secret Thai ... I can bring my own WINE.  Done and done.  Until next time super, secret, fabulous Thai... which will probably be tomorrow!  Would hate to be a stranger.

Yelp's review / info on Secret Thai:   http://www.yelp.com/biz/secret-thai-cafe-sandpoint

2 thumbs and 2 big toes up!  Not even kidding ...

Oh - and if you are still reading this (you my gentle reader are a TROOPER) ... I was driving up with said precious cargo of green curry chicken.  In Sandpoint, it is a "walking town" - which means slam on the brakes if there is a pedestrian even close to a cross walk (my interpretation of the law....).  So ... said precious cargo and I were put-put up down the road listening to KPMD (AWESOME alternative station in Sandponit - again, who knew - lil Ray LaMontagne, Steve Earle, Brandi Carlile, and the list goes on).  There is a little grey-white-haired woman / lady / granny walking across the street... and she had her little sunglasses on and doing her shuffle as well as an orange, hazard flag to wave at cars to let them know she was coming.  It warmed my heart... I was like "go Grams go ..." and simply waiting for her to give a beat down to any car that didn't stop for her and her orange warning flag.  Pure awesomeness. 

I'm really loving this town ....

Oh and a final PS ... I made my first trip to the Colburn trash / dumpster site.  I'm "official" as used my Bonner County sticker to access said "dumpster / landfill" area to dump for free.  My tax dollars at work - finally.  That said ... it was probably the cleanest and most organized dump site I have ever been too.  Impressed.  And yes - I will be returning (out of necessity of course).

AND THE SUN IS SHINING AND THERE ARE BLUE SKIES.  Ahhhh ...

Rain, Fog ... it's time for soup ...

It might turn out to be a soup week ... that said, it has stopped raining and I do believe my eyes do not deceive me when I see blue skies and a hint of sunshine.

This is a fast (ingredient-wise) soup made from scratch:

1 cup shredded carrots
1 large onion - chopped
Olive oil (naturally....)
6 cups of H tooooooooooooo O (water)
1 (16 oz) jar of salsa
1 1/4 cup dried lentils
3/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh spinach, torn

Saute the carrots and onions in olive oil until tender (you will need a large sauce pan w/ lid)
Add water, lentils, salsa and the salt
Bring to boil
Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are tender (because I am at a nose bleed altitude, I have quickly - slowly - learned that it takes longer than whatever the recipes call for).. so about 45-60 minutes.

Perfect excuse to unwind, grab a glass of wine, read a book -

I am reading "The New Girls" ... I found it in a mixed cadre of items (this is what happens when you finally go through things you've collected over years and years).. about a group of girls from Ms Pratt's boarding school and their return many years later as Antiques for their reunion.  It's not rocket science or earth-shattering but the wit and satire is quite to my liking (don't you love when how you speak or write starts soudning like whatever influence is right there in your life at that point in time....)

Okay - back to the recipe:

After the 45-60 minutes / lentil tender / drink wine / read book and check the weather report to see if tomorrow will be sunny and warm....   add the torn (fresh) spinach to the soup and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes (or when the spinach is wilted... wilted - not mushy.  Big diff!)

Oh - and I just noticed - that is for 6 persons ... guess what I'll be having for lunch this week.  I thought it looked like an awful lot... in any event....

One of the best kitchen utensils EVER - dish-washer, plastic heat mitts (or whatever they are called).  Gets dirty - throw it in the dishwasher.  Although it does limit the number of items for my laundry obsession... but you get over it when you see how amaze-balls these things are.

The wine pairing this evening will be Kim Crawford's Sav Blanc.

I'm into my first glass of wine ... and here is how the soup is simmering up so far:

Okay gentle reader ... I must get back to Ms Pratt's girls ... and see what the next scandal could possibly be.  Had I gone to boarding school?  I would have been kicked out in the first week.  There is no question.