30 May 2013

Let the Summer Begin

This summer is all about concerts that I can't wait to see.  And I feel like Hot Chip completely lived up to my expectations.  I can't say the same for a couple of other shows but they do not need to be mentioned.

Phor and I stood on the second level where we usually have loads of room to dance and the sound is perfect.  This concert was odd with the family of four including two kids under the age of 12 standing behind us.  The kids were bored but the parents just didn't care.

Regardless, we danced a lot.  



If you don't know Hot Chip, please watch this.  It's an old song but so very good.  Sorry for the advertisement in the beginning but the 30 second wait is worth it.


27 May 2013

Cleaning

I did this thing where I didn't eat processed sugar for 21 days.  For me, this was like learning the impossible is possible. There have been a lot of good and maybe kind of great changes in my life recently and this whole learning what kind of food to eat is a big positive. 

The big emphasis during the 21 day not eating sugar was eating a lot of vegetables.  There is one recipe in particular that I love.






Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Greens

2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1-2 large apples, cored and sliced into eighths
6 cups loosely packed greens such as kale, chard or collard greens, stems removed and torn into 2-inch strips (I also love using broccoli which I roast with the potatoes)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Toss potato slices with 1 Tb olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet (or roasting pan) and bake until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 30 minutes (20 minutes more if you include broccoli).  At the same time, in a heavy medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 TB olive oil.  Add apples and saute until tender and golden brown, about 15 minutes.

In a heavy pot over medium heat, combine remaining 1 TB olive oil and 2 TB water.  Add greens and saute, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 5 minutes.  Lower heat to low and add sweet potatoes and apples.  Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, 3-4 minutes.  Salt and pepper and serve hot.

26 May 2013

Kites, MLK, Easter

And I'm back.  I've been thinking about this site and collecting stories and pictures to post but I just haven't been sitting in front of my computer much in the past month.  But I still want to catch up since I was last here.

My nephew was in town Easter weekend with some of his friends.  Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of him actually smiling but he was here.  It was also the opening weekend of the cherry tree blossom festival where some of the trees were blossoming if not the cherry trees.  



The opening weekend is also the Kite Festival on the Mall.  I was there late in the day but there were still a lot of kites in the air.


This was weekend where I was able to not wear a coat for the first time after a very long winter.  I took advantage of it and called Phor who met up with me for a long walk.  I finally saw this monument which evokes some strong feelings from people and not all of it is positive.  It's still something that should be seen.


But this is only positive.  I love the sunsets in DC.


Easter wasn't a grand meal for us as Jon and his friend were traveling back to school but I made a frittata with bacon, feta, sweet potatoes, and onions, and a breakfast crumble with apples, pears and cranberries.  Happiness.

And happy Arrested Development day to all those who are binging on it today.  I'm going to take it slow and steady as it's taken a long time to get here.  It is a day for happiness for everyone.