Taste from St. Louis

While living in St. Louis, John and I used to frequent the City Coffeehouse & Crêperie on weekends. It was such a treat! We absolutely loved it. We usually usually stuck to our favorites. Mine was a crêpe full of brie, slices of green apple, walnuts, and topped with sliced red grapes. Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Yesterday morning I felt like having a little taste of St. Louis. I decided to tackle my favorite crêpe in my own kitchen. I often forget that my favorite dishes out, can be made by me. Who would have thought? But it's definitely easier said than done. I found a million crêpe recipes online and just picked one that looked easy. (Note: After reading the recipe feedback, I decided to mix all the liquid ingredients first, then added the flour).

Ingredients include:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted

I chopped up some green apples in thin slices, cut the brie, and sliced the red grapes. (I decided not to use walnuts because we didn't have any.) The breakfast was a success and John was a happy crêpe taste-tester. Honestly, it wasn't as great as the crepes in St. Louis, but it is a start. I can't wait to tweak the recipe and also try some new exciting crêpe fillings! We are ready for some house guests. Who wants to visit?

Sunset and Surf

Our last evening in OBX.

The Beach

In late July I spent a week with the Burketts and our friends Mike, Lindsay, and Grayson in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. John and I were so excited to be reunited with Mike and Lindsay, and to meet little baby Grayson. It had been about three years since we have seen one another. Lots of phone calls and emails helped to keep us in touch, but it was so nice to spend time with them.

This year was Luke's first time to OBX and Grayson's first beach trip! They had so much to experience (when they weren't napping). It was really fun to see the beach through their eyes.

During the days we relaxed under beach umbrellas, played bocce ball, and swam in the ocean. One afternoon we found a shipwreck in the sand! The ocean was pretty rough this year. Every time I came out of the ocean, I felt like I had a concussion. The waves and currents really rip you around and I consider myself a strong swimmer. In the evenings we cooked delicious dinners and crowded around the table. It was almost like camp because we all had our assigned seats at the table. Dinners included delicious fish tacos, lasagna, stir-fry, enchiladas, quiche, and spanakopita. One evening we celebrated Lindsay's birthday! How fun to have your birthday at the beach. After dinner we usually enjoyed the sunset, strolled on the beach, and relaxed indoors. At night, we played games, chased crabs (Mike caught them bare-handed!), relaxed in the hot tub, and fell asleep happy.

Meet Maru

A few months ago I met Maru, on YouTube that is. I thought he was adorable and I love to watch his videos. If you have a few minutes, take the time to appreciate Maru in all his greatness.



Another favorite



And his blog, even though I can't read a single word. I like the pictures.

http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com/

Hello again!

So I've been pretty busy in the last month or so--lots of changes to share with all of you! Our move to Florida went well. I was surprised (as always) about all the stuff I own while I was packing and moving. The kitties did well (big surprise!) during the move. They were even allowed to roam about in the car. They spent the night for the first time in a hotel. John, Carolyn, and I were big stressballs trying to sneak the kitties into the hotel. It was an ordeal because we all know Diego's love for howling. Luckily he listened to me when I told him he needed to be quiet! Even though all this happened forever ago, I wanted to share a few funny pictures from the move.

Bella, the hotel skeptic.

Diego chillin' with the remote

Bella checking everything out.

I was shocked how well behaved they were!

Hot mess.

I have tons of funny pictures of Diego helping me "unpack."

Can you find the kitty?

Ah, much better. Even with the couches that will not die.

Another view with Ky in the kitchen.