Spell Check

This sign is less than a mile from my house. I am baffled that a company (or the state) would pay $ for a sign and not make sure that it is spelled correctly. Seriously Virgina - what exactly is a "constrution" area?

On another note yesterday at church a 9 month old giggled, squealed and clapped her hands when her Dad started giving his talk. I'm pretty sure that it was the cutest thing I have witnessed this year.

Last for today - I went back to my boot camp class after taking a week off. It is less than 12 hours later and I'm almost positive that my legs are turning into jello.

PS - My roommate made baked Brie with orange marmalade last night and I ate WAY more than my share. TG!!

New Jar

Today I'm finding joy in small and simple things.

Like a fresh jar of Goober Grape. I know I've talked about this product before but I just wanted to say that today it made me smile again.

Another item to note - yesterday when I was talking to my nephew on the phone, he reminded me that I need to come visit him and while I'm there I should probably take him to see a movie. I love the honesty and "straight shooting" of a four year old. Wouldn't the world be a simpler place if we could all just say what we think & how we feel?


Lastly - this past Tuesday I was able to experience my first earthquake. It was a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered about an hour south of my home. I was working, listening to some loud Daughtry on my iPod, when I noticed that my water bottle was dancing on my desk. By the time I realized what was happening the earthquake was over.

I'm in the mood for a good disaster movie - anytime you want to come over and watch "The Day After Tomorrow" just let me know. That would make me happy too.

Summer Time Favorites

Not to long ago, I was just sure that I hated basil. I was so sure that I would buy the Cosi T.B.M. and I would pull off the basil. Then one day a wonderful accident occurred. I was at Panera for lunch and I got the Frontega Chicken sandwich. I was so hungry - I didn't want to waste time pulling off all the chopped basil - and after the first few bites I was in LOVE.

Now my favorite summer time treat includes heirloom tomatoes, either goat or mozzarella cheese, aged balsamic vinegar and lots of basil. This year we are growing genovese, purple and lemon basil out on our back deck.

Best way to enjoy summer - fresh and full of flavor.

Food is Love

I learned a great truth from my Mamaw as a little girl. Basically is boils down to the simple statement - Food is Love. This always leads me in two different directions. One - If you love someone, you will feed them. (Whether they are hungry or not.) And two - If someone loves you, they will love the food you cook. I know if your last name isn't Rentzel you might not understand this, but trust me, it is true.

My Mamaw was born in 1925 and grew up in Glades, PA. She is a strong, giving and loving woman, rich with opinions and traditions. She is also one of the best cooks in my life. Some of my favorite dishes she makes are - Hog Maw, Chicken Cacciatore, Fried Livers & Mashed Potatoes, Red Beets w/Eggs, Potato Salad, Lemon Sponge Pie, Chocolate Cake w/Peanut Butter Icing, Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs, and Poof (Watergate Salad).

This past Christmas she kept telling me how much she liked my new shoes..... so I bought her a pair to match! She asked me if a "Grandma can wear silver shoes with sparkles?" and I replied that they can wear whatever they choose.

I love her so much and I'm so blessed to have her in my life. The silver shoes look good. Right?

Speaking of BC

A few months ago BC introduced me to pupusas (a traditional Salvadoran dish.) BC knows I like cheese and I remember her emphasizing the fact that they would be stuffed with "cheesy goodness". So since I've been more adventurous lately - and I'm willing to try anything once - we went for a Friday lunch.

It just so happens that BC's favorite pupusaria is about a five minute drive from my office. Bonus! I'm not the best at descriptions - but "cheesy goodness" almost covers it. Combine that with a crunchy cabbage topping and a tangy sauce and folks, you have just described my new favorite food.

I'm pretty sure I could eat these everyday. Lucky for me they are only $1.50 each!

G & G

Confession - I love, LOVE, this product. It doesn't need to be kept in the refrigerator, just on a shelf - or maybe a drawer - maybe a work drawer, with a sleeve of crackers and a butter knife along side. When I was young, it was the best thing to pack for girls camp or band camp (it was important to be prepared for limited food choices).

One of my best friends in Virginia gave me a jar for my "second" birthday in October and I just finished it today! Thanks MW - you are so thoughtful, kind, fun, charitable, observant, sensitive, compassionate, amazing, and all around awesome. I'm so glad we are friends.

Turtles & Rabbits

Last night I went to dinner here with one of my new favorite people - JB. This girl is so kind, thoughtful, service minded, inclusive, fun, accommodating, adventurous...and that is just what I've figured out so far.

We started with the Loaded Waffle Fries - made with REAL cheese - gooey goodness melted just right with some fresh scallions, crispy bacon and a side of ranch. Thanks girl for letting me choose this carb overload, even though you were initially drawn to the humus.

Then I got "Joe's BBQ Burger" - 8 oz. of Angus beef smothered in BBQ sauce and stacked with grilled black forest ham, bacon and melted cheddar cheese. You get to choose between French fries (are they really French? why are they called that?), macaroni & cheese, tater tots, onion rings or a side salad. I got the tots -- insert joke from this movie.

The food was good, I'd probably go back. The service was a little slow, but they brought the check super fast. What a fun night! Lots of good conversation and great company.

One restaurant closer to my goal for 2010!

My Achilles' Heel

Soda, Pop, Soft Drinks, Soda Pop, Soda Water, Cola, Gaseosas, Refrigerantes, Bebidas, Refrescos, Gespritzter, Sodavand, Bibita, Boisson Carbonisée...


It doesn't matter what the name - this product is my weakness. I know that it is full of empty calories. I also know that it tends to dehydrate the body. I know that it is bad for my teeth. I know I could make better drink choices.

I just can't help myself. Over and over I make the goal "No More Soda!" I may keep strong for a day or even a week. (Once I made it for a whole month :)

But it never fails - I fall off the wagon and find myself in a heaven like state as I indulge in the carbonated sugar rush.

Today it may have happened again -