Wednesday Night Dinner

So- Thanks mom for the idea.... apparently people are oddly intrigued by my cooking! So mom mentioned I blog about some of the things I create. And if you know me - you know that I HATE recipes...I'm more of the throw it all together and make up something...recipes give me inspiration- can't remember a time I actually followed it.

Tonight's dinner is already cooking. Yep- I'm classy like that. Dinner is in the Crock-Pot. Its a glorious fall day and a bit chilly- thought I should warm up with something in the cooker!

Lets call tonight's dinner:
Tender Ring 'Round the Potato
(it gets its name from Tender Round Steak and Potatoes!)
Ingredients:
2 Tender Round Steaks
2-3 potatoes quartered (I used Yukon gold - did not peel- give me a break- i did this at lunch!)
handful of baby carrots
1/2 white onion thinly sliced
Throw all of this in the Crock- top with chicken broth
Then season with Jack Stack All purpose seasoning, Tastefully Simple Garlic, Garlic, salt and pepper and minced onion. And i may have even poured in a little red wine- just for good measure!
I set the Crock-Pot on Low...being that i put it in at 11 a.m.- and will eat around 7.

I hope it turns out - I will post a picture tomorrow!

Yes...that is a lovely glass of red...yummo! It turned out quite delicious....

oh Monday....

Ever had a case of the Monday's after a great weekend with family? Well I sure have. But do you know how you cure that case of the Monday's? Have a friend like Lyndsey... she will open up the Bloody Mary bar...

...feed you goat cheese and red peppers and watch Hank and Lena play! With some MNF in the background...

Now that my friend is a great October Monday!

Zobel Girl's Weekend in KC

Just like the title of my blog says… Life Happens!

Life Happens and sometimes you just forget to write about it! I know its been a few weeks – but those few weeks have been amazing. Full of fun and laughter and pure bliss! Its fall- what more do you expect from me?! It is the best time of year and I am living in each and every moment. The weather in KC has been nothing short of perfection. 10 days without rain, cool nights, beautiful, sunny days. Some days I just about fall over with gratitude watching Lena jump after the fallen leaves and feel the breeze blow by… yep. Its been a great few weeks with friends.

But of all those moments…the most blog worthy happening was this past weekend. Something happened that I can’t not talk about! It was Zobel Girls Weekend in KC. Now for some of my readers (all family!) you may or may not know that I haven’t spent much time with the Zobel family while growing up. But a few weeks ago at the Zobel family reunion- we all met up again- and decided it was time it happened…time that we all get together for some rowdiness- cause that’s what Zobel’s do!

It was a beautiful fall Saturday when the ladies rolled into town. Present at this particular gathering were: cousins Melissa, Michelle and Kristin, my mom and the best family friend, Joan - who has been invited back! The day began just as you would suspect...I took the ladies out to the Legends for some needed retail therapy. We hit up the stores pretty hard!

Around mid-day, Melissa and I were parched- so we snuck away to the Yard House for much needed cocktails!

An hour or so later along mom and Joan to quench their thirst.

And finally our shopping queens, Michelle and Kristin found us! Once we were all properly hydrated- it was time to make our way back downtown.

So to La Bodega we went. Sangria and apps. Mom scored us a pretty sweet table near the kitchen and we all nestled right in.

2 pitchers later we made our way to the hotel/apt to get changed for the night. Cocktails later commenced at 801 Steak and Chop down in Power and Light for amazing cocktails. Then it was time for some nourishment- so over to Gordon Biersch we went. YUMMO! 

Kristin and I enjoyed some tall beers – again- did I mention we were Zobels?!  

It was a wonderful day…one that I won’t forget anytime soon. The weather was perfect. The conversations were easy and fun and exactly what we needed.

Breakfast of course was held at none other than City Diner the next morning! For you Lake Mills readers…it’s the equivalent of The Grand…only better!!! J I can’t believe the weekend is already over. But the good news is- the planning is already in motion for the next girls weekend.

A little Kristin and I moment...

This girl- might be one of the coolest women I know! And its so fun saying that about family….but, not only about family…about family you have seen 5 times in your life! Kristin and I have an uncanny easiness about our friendship….we fall back into place. There is never a dull moment. And our senses of humor are oddly identical!  I can’t wait to plan my trip to Lincoln…. Hopefully in the next month! 

Oh- side note- I think both Kristin and I had rough, long Mondays- so at the end of the day we both said a beer/drink sounded great… a few short minutes later I received this picture with the tagline: Life is Good!

I responded with one of my own! - Tagline: CHEERS!

Life Happens folks… and sometimes when you least expect it. And sometimes- a girls weekend you EXPECT to be great – exceeds  your expectations. One thing was missing- Cousin Stacy couldn’t make it- and her bubbly, excited self was truly missed. But- good news- there WILL be another weekend soon!

For more pix and Kristin's take on the weekend...check out her blog
http://www.camdynelle.blogspot.com/

And Michelle and Melissa... if your out there....POST PIX!!!

Backyards, Bonfires and Good Friends... A Weekend in Lake Mills!

This past weekend I packed up and headed north…north to the hometown of Lake Mills.  We trekked north for a few reason…First-I love LM in the fall,  Lena needed to meet all the northerners and dad needed some cheering up. So into the Hyundai we went. A beautiful Friday and 5 hours of drive time…unfortunately, an hour out of KC we hit a road closure and to make the long story short- my patience was thin and mom helped route us around on some back roads in Missouri.  Once I got out of the 8 miles of stand still traffic- I rolled down the windows- cranked the XM Country Music station and was back to my happy place! Lena was so good the entire time. She just laid in the passenger seat and rested…at times she would sit up when I would slow down to check out the scenery. What a great travel companion! Despite the irritating time spent sitting on 35, we made it safely to our destination.

I think one of the greatest highlights of the weekend was letting Lena off her leash and run… letting her run with wreckless abandon! She loved playing fetch in the leave covered ground at mom and dad’s.. it made her super thirsty- so much so that dad broke out the water hose and gave Lena a refreshing drink!

Mom, Lena and I walked over to Aunt Barbie’s, while enroute we had a very brief hello with Aunt Debbie on her way out of town… Then Lena got treats from Aunt Barbie and was such a good girl. I got to see her beautiful cat Casey- he’s so gorgeous! And then on down to Steve and Wendy’s we went.  Lena was in utter heaven… they have the largest back yard in Lake Mills. Lena got to RUN AND RUN AND RUN! She played fetch, she dug holes- much to mine and Steve’s displeasure…but she got to be a dog! It was wonderful.

In the morning Dad would take Lena out for walks and play time in the yard. To say that she was my fathers shadow is an understatement.  We watched the Hawks play that afternoon and dad and Lena took a nap in the middle of the livng room floor!

 Despite the rainy start to the day- the sun came out and I threw on my Hawks sweatshirt and headed outside for a bonfire with my fave people. Mark and Joan, Pam and Al, JB and Sue and my parents all huddled around the largest bonfire in the history of our backyard. To say that Al and Dad had a pissing match with how much fire they could throw in the fire ring would be an understatement.  On a cool 55 degree night- I was sweating… thanks boys. Cold beers and good friends around a hot fire was just the medicine we all needed. I can’t describe how wonderful of an evening it was.

This one might be a fave- its most of the men of my life (somehow Al was cut out by the fire..hmmm)! Well- the ones that count! I fear for whatever man comes to Lake Mills to meet "the family"- or the MEN at least!

Men and Technology - i guess you had to be there!

Sweet Little Lena was keeping Pam's feet warm by the fire!!!

Now i have to comment on the drive home... i left pretty early because I'm old and like to get home and get laundry done, make dinner and relax.. .so Lena and I took off in the morning. She is SUCH a good travel compantion that she melted my heart layin there next to me on an old pillowcase i put on her pillow- one from my childhood with duckies! She is so darn cute!



Weekends in Lake Mills are few and are between. But they are always wonderful. A few things strike me as odd... Once upon a time I couldn’t wait to get out of Lake Mills – get somewhere bigger and better. Now I live in a “big city” and love how everything is at my fingertips… something is always happening and there is always some event to get to. Never is there a dull moment if I don’t want there to be.  But life in the slow lane of Lake Mills isn’t so bad for a weekend. It’s a nice respite. And it’s where I see that life in the slower lane is pretty great too. The comforts of home rejuvenated me for some city living! This week I have plans for a Twins v Royals game…just 15 min from my apt front door… now that’s a perk! J

My Little Comedian

I got to thinking…this blog should be named “The Adventures of April & Lena” – I swear, daily she is doing something sweet, funny or otherwise picture worthy! So- as a proud mother  - I leave you with some fun pix of the hound!  

Miss Lena on the NEW Quilt

Little Sh!t was eating her bone on the NEW quilt while i was in the shower... BUSTED!

This gives new meaning to "Sit Pretty" (notice the pretty kennel cover! Thanks MOM)

Never a dull dog

Prety sure we could play with that thing all night!

She has this obsession with being everywhere I am... I was washing dishes- Exciting Stuff

Molly came to visit Aunt Ape and Lena and she took a liking to Lena's bed! :-)

The Cyclones invade KC

It’s been a few days. I was having some trouble finding inspiration. First, I want to address the sad news; Aunt Louie passed away on Sunday. I am happy that she is no longer suffering and is peaceful. But, losing a family member is never easy and always leaves hurt and confusion in the family members left behind. Again- my heart goes out to my dad and his siblings. I cannot imagine how they are feeling.

On a happy note…this past weekend was full of fun activities. My Indianola parents and crew came to KC for the Iowa State vs. Kansas State game at Arrowhead. Kevin and Cheryl Halterman have always been such a supportive family… it all started back in college when I was working at Signatures (hello memory lane!) and they would frequent the restaurant. That’s how I met my sisters- Kayla and Erin! Many memories made with that family.

Papa H, Me and Mama C

Last year Kev and Cheryl came to town for the game and stayed at Hotel April- and this year the plan was the same! I met up with them at the game at Arrowhead and a sunny Saturday it was!

Row 12 in the ISU endzone with Cheryl

After the game we headed on down to the Quaff for a little tailgating action. They come with quite the crew.It was so much fun seeing them along with Wayne and Shelly and a host of other Iowa State fans. I did my best this year to root for the Cyclones- so much as to wear red and gold- thanks Lyndsey and Team Cocktail!

Sporting my Team Cocktail Gear at the ISU game...

Lena got to join in the action- Kevin, Cheryl and Wayne and Shelly came back to my place for a bit to meet Miss Lena and take a breather! We ventured down to Power and Light and ran into 801 Steak and Chop for a beverage and then back up to the Quality Hill staple – the Quaff for dinner. Then came the Iowa game- and I would prefer to not rehash that disaster. Kevin and Cheryl spent the night and we enjoyed some KC Roasterie coffee in the morning! It was nice visiting with friends/pseudo family! I think the weekend can be summed up by me saying that my face hurt from laughing and smiling so much. Thanks Clone to the Bone Gang for the fun weekend!!!

humbled

today i'm humbled. the past few days have brought with them a wave of emotions. joy, sorrow, happiness, contentment, excitement, anticipation, heartbreak.... sure- we all have those emotions and feelings. but i feel like this week was an exception to the rule of "normal".  but today i'm humbled. i've felt great joy this week- spending such wonderful time with my mom and dad over the weekend. i've felt immense excitement and anticipation about this coming weekend- friends coming to town for the iowa state v kansas state game and then the exciting hawkeye game... those things gear me up! i've felt contentment- the change in weather brought this feeling...fall calms me, it soothes me and my soul.

heartbreak and sorrow for my father and his family... my aunt luann has brought me feelings of strength...literally on her death bed (as horrible as it sounds- i waited for word that she had passed today) she brought a family together....brothers and sisters, children, estranged cousins and extended family. we all waited...we prayed and sent our thoughts to those in south texas. for me, i felt overwhelming sadness for my amazing father... i wasn't close with my aunt louie- but i can't bear the thought of losing one of my brothers...and for that reason my heart aches for my dad. but tonight...that heartbreak and sorrow and aching heart turned to relief and humility. luann is breathing on her own- without a ventilator. she is certainly not out of the woods and i don't dare get my hopes up...but i'm humbled by her strength and by the will she has....tonight a little bit of peace is in the hearts of the Zobel family. if anything - they all are together.

i'm humbled by life. this precious life we are given so freely. how many days do we take for granted? i know i take several for granted if not 85% of the days i have lived. why is it that tragic events make me stop and think? sure - i like to think i live life to the fullest...but do i? today i'm humbled. i'm grateful.

tonight on my walk with lena i crossed our favorite bridge and stopped. i looked up at the sun....i felt the cool, north breeze on my face...i watched the turning leaves sway and tumble to the green grass...i was humbled.

p.s.- i swear it won't always be a serious blog! but this entry brought tears and peace. thanks for being my audience. oh- and i received a request for a 3 a.m. blog...