Rose City Classic 2011

I attended the Rose City Classic again this year to watch Robin and Posha in their first rally novice event. This was their 3rd day of competition so they had it down by now. At this level, the dogs are on leash and need to follow the correct commands.





I was thrilled to see my friend Kennedy and her Pomeranian, Leo, in the same event.



Both Posha and Leo qualified! Since Posha qualified on all three legs over the weekend, she earned her novice rally title.



I also saw my friend Twylla with her Pumi puppy, Furgie. I had the opportunity to meet Furgie's mom and granddad at the Pumi Meet the Breed event. They are some rambunctions little critters and very tough I learned.

New Vegetable #1

The first new vegetable of the year is broccoli rabe. We have been enjoying regular broccoli for a while so I thought this would be an easy transition.



I have eaten broccoli rabe before but I have never purchased it to make at home. To mellow out the bitter taste, I blanched it first and then sauteed it with garlic and olive oil.



I give Matt a lot of credit, as I just handed him a plate of broccoli rabe - nothing else, and he ate it like a trooper. He has gotten really good at trying new things and then deciding not to eat it again.

Overall grade = B
I might make it again but there are so many vegetables out there, it may be a while. I appreciated the variation in taste and the nurtient value.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Finally, I had the oportunity to visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town Portland and on one of the 8 days they offered free admission.



Robin and I had a delightful time strolling through the garden and enjoying the winter blooming witch hazel. We also enjoyed ceremonial tea at the teahouse.



I look forward to going back in spring and visiting when it is not so crowded.



BTW - In regards to my early post about The Year of the Rabbit, on this trip I learned that I am technically a Tiger by a few days. I don't think this changes to much because I feel I relate closely with the Rabbit with some Tiger traits mixed in.

Belated Cookie Exchange Party Post

I know it is a month late but I did not want to totally forget the awesome cookie exchange party I hosted for my friends and neighbors. Not only did everyone bring some amazing cookies, we also created scrapbooks with all of the recipes.

Here are Robin, Sabina and Connie working on their books. Lara, baby Evelyn, Jen and Suzanne are in the back.



Susan and Hilary taking in the Table of Yum!



One of my favorites was Sabina's Rum Balls. I am not usually big fan but these were killer.



I made my Persimmon Spice Cookies.



Our recipe books!




We all had a great time. I could not have done this without Susan's help. Thanks again Susan!!

It's gonna be hard to top this next year.

2011 - HARE WE COME!

Enter the Year of the Rabbit, well almost. Although 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit it offically does not start until Feb 3. Given that I was born under the Rabbit and Matt and I met under the Rabbit, this should be an interesting year.

Some of the characteristics of the Chinese Rabbit are sensitivity, creativity and compassion. Preferring the company of others. Rabbits are friendly and outgoing.They also try to avoid confrontational situations but if they cannot then Rabbits will take a calm approach, always with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and their calm nature stops them from becoming visibly upset. However Rabbits can be taken advantage of and can be a push over for sales people.

Here are some of my 2011 resolutions:

1. To continue updating this blog - a lot more than I did the last few months. I will try to include some more of my culinary creations, the pets (of course) and whatever else comes up...

2. To continue eating healthy and to try new vegetables regularly.

3. To start going back to my water aerobics and water yoga class.

4. To utilize my new chest freezer and save some $$ on groceries.

5. Learn to SEW! (also knit if I have the time)


I hope all of my readers (all 3 of you) have a great Year of the Rabbit too!!! I would love to hear your resolutions.