Almost a Master

Obtaining my master's degree is only two short months away, but it feels like it's going to take years to get there. I'm trying my hardest to stay focused while completing assignments and contributing to discussion boards. I keep repeating to myself, "I am almost there, I am almost there..."

a friendly visit

James is Tom's very good friend from South Africa and was in town for business earlier in the week. While he was in the area, he came over twice for dinner. It was such a pleasure to meet him and hear him speak with a SA accent. Also, I was quite pleased with my culinary creation on Monday - stuffed shells. I know it doesn't sound amazing, but anything I make that comes out of the kitchen edible is amazing. This was my second time making this dish from scratch and I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. I like to be able to master a dish to the extent I could make it again without following a recipe to the "t."

Anyway, Thomas and I really enjoyed James' company and look forward to visiting him and his wife in their neck of the woods soon in Chicago.

Carved Creations

This is one of my favorite times of the year and Halloween is the icing on the cake during autum... well, at least for me.  Last year's carved creation was a bit dramatic, so I went with a more classic face this year.  I just had fun with the little one; it is something I would have doodled in my notebook in middle or high school.

October Holiday... aka The Best Week Ever!!

This last week has been so enjoyable for Thomas and I because we both had off from work for the entire week!  And we certainly made the most of our time off.  This was my firststaycation and I initially thought that it might be sort of bland, but my preparation paid off.  I made a list of things we wanted to do and places we wanted to go to; all of which was pretty much accomplished.  I am now a big fan of a staycations!

Thomas and I managed to do a lot, including sailing with Ben and Bema, hiking Hawk Mountain with Mom and Carter (on the most beautiful day ever!), picking tomatoes and making soup, visiting the farmer's market for some fresh meat and vegetables, and just enjoying the freedom and randomness that comes with not going to work.  The best part of the week was the weather  - it was just perfect for enjoying October's beautiful colors. 

The pics are not in order, but they document our week pretty well.

we picked enough tomatoes to fill 8 containers this time

Holly w/eyes closed, Monica, and me - before going out

me with our pickins

at the farmer's market - there were two cute older ladies selecting sweets

i don't like soft pretzels, but i do like to watch them being made

a kid's dream...

it was Tom's first time going to this particular farmer's market and this picture displays his great satisfaction of buying lots and lots of MEAT!

the Africa look-a-like rock at the top of Hawk Mountain

Cabela's - this place is WILD, both figuratively and literally

this pic makes me laugh out loud every time... because it's SO my mom!  haha... just kidding!!

my mom and i were joking about making it this year's family xmas card

mom and me

my brother, Carter

taking a rest...

what a momma's boy...  too cute

mmm... yummy cheese and tomato melts

Melissa and Bema

Thomas and me during our braai

steering the boat... 

Kicking off our October holiday

Thomas and I both have off this week from work and we are looking forward to relaxing, taking day trips, and spending time with friends and family.  This afternoon we spent time with our good friends at a local bar/cafe.  It was extra special because our friends from London came across the pond for a visit - it's always nice to see them.  Earlier in the day Thomas and I had a yummy braai with lots of meat!   

Michael and I

Thomas posing with Michael's Detective Constable badge

Michael and Caitlin

Esther and Thomas (I love this photo)

Thomas and I

Mmmmm

Grub is up...

  

Mrs. Bucket is hilarious!

I came across a British tv show called Keeping Up Appearances with a main character named Mrs. Bucket.  The show is a comedy and is continuously funny, mostly because of the little body movements, awkward silences, and blank facial expressions.  I really find it funny because of Mrs. Bucket's nature to be very controlling and a bit paranoid, which is all sparked by her inquisitive mind (more like just really, really nosey).  While I was watching it, I sort of related to her character b/c like Mrs. Bucket, I am really inquisitive (to the point where I gave detective work consideration).  She comes up with the most ridiculous ideas and somehow incorporates her husband in the plan to find out the truth about situations.  I highly recommend tuning it for an episode or two if you like the feel of British comedies and want a good laugh.  

Below is the intro the show.

Baking

i've been in the mood to bake lately. i'm much better at baking than i am at cooking, but i noticed that i tend to bake when the seasons turn like they are now and also to relief stress. so, my first creation this season was a cheesecake. i will admit that it was not the made-from-scratch cheesecake that i wanted to make. it was a box cheesecake that Tom somehow convinced me to make instead for the sake of saving time (we were running a little behind on our errands). anyway, i'm planning on making the "real" cheesecake soon, probably during my week off this month.