Sammy!

Here are some photos I took over my holiday break in Seattle with my new BFF, Sammy!

I really miss him now that I am back in Portland. It will be a few weeks before I am back in W. Seattle with him.

Enjoy,

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I can't believe that we are putting a lid on 2008. This year went by really fast. We have some "goodies" planned for the week. A special NYE dinner and some munchies on NYD. You can't have football on all day and not have some "goodies".

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken with Root Veggies and Creamy Cole Slaw
Monday: Chicken Pot Pie (using leftovers from Sunday's roast)
Tuesday: HOLIDAY BOWL (Go Ducks) - Chick's choice (Beef Stew)
New Years Eve: Champagne with assorted cheeses/spreads at 4PM
Tyler Florence "Ultimate Crab Cakes" at 8:00 PM
Dessert - 10PM (let's face it....after this meal we are likely to be fast asleep by then) Chocolate Lava Cakes with Vanilla Ice Cream and Coffee Custard Sauce.

Champagne Toast at Midnight! Welcome 2009!

New Years Day: Brian's Deerpark Nachos

Friday: We head to Eugene for last of Christmas celebrations

Our Christmas Week 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas week in Seattle - highlighted of course by our unusual weather. Here is a rundown on what's been going on.

We've been.....

Playing and cuddling Sammy

Baking two kinds of Christmas cookies

Sipping Chardonnay while watching Christmas movies or bowl games

Taking long snowy walks in West Seattle

Exploring a new wine shop while on one of our snowy walks

Sleeping in (Stacy)

Doing crossword puzzles (Brian) while sipping hot cups of strong coffee

Wrapping presents and finishing up last minute shopping

Enjoying an afternoon pre-Christmas libation at our favorite watering hole

Singing along to our collection of Christmas CD's

Pampered in Ballard - a wonderful Hawaiian pedicure with Sonja

Taco Tuesday at the Barking Dog (with the whole Seymour clan)

Hosting Christmas Eve with a nice dinner in our new home

Unwrapping wonderful and thoughtful gifts from those near and far

Celebrating Christmas afternoon with my Mom and Kenny

Driving downtown to see a new Hollywood release "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

We have been busy. It's been a fabulous week!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday Roonie!

Date: Photo says, September 1968 - so my guess is earlier that summer
Location: Looks like a Suter Family camping adventure (maybe Davis Lake)
Who: My Uncle Steve, age 6 (he would turn 7 on Dec.25th of 1968)
What: He still folds his arms the same way today.....and he's still got that look too!

This is an early old photo Friday today, but it is my Uncle Steve's B-day today!

A Christmas Day Baby.

Happy Birthday Roonie!

Enjoy!
Stacy

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now,

Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet!

On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled!

his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

SNOW!!!!

This is unbelievable.....but wonderful all at the same time. In my entire life, I have never seen this much snow for such a long period of time in Portland or Seattle.

Oh...we've had snow, but on the ground for an entire week (and more) is almost unheard of in these parts. Brian is an old pro, and says it reminds him of his childhood in Delaware, but I've never experienced this before.

The snow seems to bring out all sorts of weird things......

A big raccoon was spotted at Rebecca Lane at Thanksgiving time, and I finally got him to pose the day before we left Portland for Seattle (on our Christmas vacation).

We gratefully made it from PDX to Seattle - ahead of the next big storm, which hit about dusk on Saturday evening (on top of a 5 inch layer of snow from last Thursday).

Brian says....

"Oh....my kingdom for a snow shovel! I hear by declare....I will not shovel again. I have found the cause of this record snowfall. For every time I shovel, it only snows again. Therefore, if I do not shovel .....it will snow no more".

The most enjoyable part of our day, was a walk through West Seattle - exploring our neighborhood in a light snowfall made for a very memorable day.

Wherever this post finds you....

Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: CHRISTMAS WEEK

This is a special week for all of us....Christmas time is here again. I am in Seattle with my sweetheart for the entire week, which means I get to spoil him and cook for him - which warms my heart.

I don't have an exact schedule. We have a few activites planned with friends and family and a few Christmas Traditions. Instead of an organized menu this week, I am adding a few recipies and ideas for the holiday season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Brian's Christmas Day Quiche: A tradition for the past 4 Christmas mornings! Brian prepares the quiches on Christmas Eve and we simply heat them up on Christmas morning.

Christmas Salad: I mentioned this salad a few weeks ago and I am planning on serving it on Christmas.

Irish Cream: Christmas Eve with my Sweets and our new kitty, Sammy. The "Polar Express" on the DVD. Lots of candles and Christmas lights. A big glass of Irish Cream on ice.

We decided on a Christmas Eve Dinner this year. We are busy on Christmas Day and away from home for most of the afternoon so getting the dinner on the table is a challenge. This year, we will host Brian's Mom Ann.

Our Christmas Eve Dinner:

Roast Turkey Breast
Brian's Whipped Potatoes

Green Beans with Bacon
Cranberry/Pecan Cornbread Stuffing
Christmas Salad
Chocolate Trifle

Enjoy this special time of the year!

Stacy

Rebecca Lane Christmas!

We had two celebrations this past week!

Chick and I tried to keep it light with our Mexico trip in 3 weeks, but Old St. Nick did a number on our house. Stockings filled and many presents to unwrap. We had a blast!

This was my Rebecca lane haul:

New Nautica PJ's

Jockey T's and Undies

A new Built lunch pack

A cool Pandora Charm for my bracelet

A 365 page-a-day Baseball Trivia calendar

Starbucks Gift Card

Bath Gel and Body Cream from Bath and Body Works

False Eyelashes - Way too cool!

An assortment of smelly votive candles
Brian was in Portland for part of the week and we had one last Christmas celebration before heading north for Christmas Week.

Brian got an outdoor set of solar power patio lights

Chick got a framable map of the US. Cool!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Pop's Birthday

Date: Sometime in the 70's
Location: "E" Street in Springfield, OR
Who: My Pop
What: A Birthday greeting for the Birthday boy

This isn't the old photo I intended on using today, but our weather has been horrible so no time to scan the picture I wanted. I still think this is an oldie and a goodie.

In honor of my Pop's Birthday on Monday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POPPIE!!!!

Enjoy!
Stace

Recipe of the Week: Christmas Salad

I am seriously contemplating serving this for Christmas Eve dinner! It sounds like a wonderful winter salad - and I can see something so simple really looking classy on my holiday table (I must find a large glass serving bowl).

Christmas Salad
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

8 cups spinach leaves, washed and dried
1 avocado, thinly sliced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup pomegranate seeds or ½ cup dried cranberries

Dressing:
4 tablespoons cranberry-juice concentrate
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
½ cup canola or vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Tear spinach into bite-size pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Place avocado and onion over spinach.

2. For dressing: combine cranberry-juice concentrate, vinegar, mustard, pepper and oil in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well-blended. Drizzle over salad.

3. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries over salad, toss gently and serve.

From "Simply Classic," The Junior League of Seattle

The Grotto

Chick and I have never been to The Grotto at Christmastime so we added this to our calendar early in the season.

The Grotto community was first formed when permission was granted by the Order to commence the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother back in 1923. Fr. Ambrose Mayer, OSM, had purchased the property from the Union Pacific Railroad, and with the title came the impetus for starting his dream project. Father Mayer had promised God that if his mother recovered from serious illness following the birth of a young daughter, he, young Ambrose, would do something great for the Church when he grew up. His mother did recover and over the years the promise was not forgotten. Ambrose grew up, became a Servite priest, and kept looking for the opportunity to fulfill his promise. The purchase of the property in northeast Portland was just the beginning.

Continuing a wonderful holiday tradition begun as a gift to the community in 1988, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights welcomes all who seek the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. Through the presentation of spectacular lights, hourly music concerts, outdoor caroling, and other family entertainment, The Grotto's festival surrounds visitors with the traditional sights and sounds of this wondrous holiday season.

Last week we saw a clear and cool evening (no rain) on the radar and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to check it out.
The Grotto's pristine sanctuary garden setting with magnificent architecture, towering firs, and an angel-covered Cliffside as a backdrop. This community tradition reminds us all that Christmas is a season of joy, sharing, compassion, and peace.

What an amazing place!


Enjoy!
Stacy

Blackie/Sammy Update

Okay.....I am still finding it hard calling him Sammy, but here is an update on his move to West Seattle earlier in the month.

Brian stuffed him into the cat carrier Thanksgiving weekend and they drove home together to start a new life. Brian said Sammy did really well.....very wide-eyed and a few "me-ows".

He adjusted immediately to life as an indoor cat (although he still yearns a bit for fresh air).
He loves his toys, especially his "scratchy post" and "feather duster".
He's very social....a snuggle bunny and he loves his special places.

He is part of our family.
Introducing.....Sammy Brady Lee

Enjoy!

Stacy