You should definitely take a trip to the Everglades. It is enormous. I recommend stopping at Shark Valley - and take your bikes. Shark Valley is where you can bike to the Observation Tower, and where the gators hang out along the path. You just have to be careful.
Today we went back to the Everglades, but drove down to the lowest part (southern tip of Fl). I took some pictures and filmed some of the birds and gators. I will try to add them tomorrow (I am tired). Hopefully the film works.
xoxo
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Everglades (FL)
Matt and I went to the Everglades the day after Christmas. We went there last year and thought it was amazing because the crocodiles hang out along the trails. Of course you have to keep a distance (even though many families take pictures of their children in front of them - dumb). This year we decided to take our bikes on the trip, so we biked to the observation tower and back - 14 miles total. Along the way, I took these pictures.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Beacon Drive-In featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives
I had the "chicken stew plate" (it was pretty tasty) and Matt had the "cheeseburger a-plenty."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve at the Biltmore Estate
Its 51 degrees and we are driving into SC.
This morning we toured Biltmore. It was special to me because I have taught a couple of my classes about the estate over the past few years. I have pics of the exterior, but not the interior which was decorated for the holidays. Each room had its own christmas tree and presents. The mansion was beautiful.
We also went to Carl Sandburg's home. He was a writer in the 40's-60s. For anyone interested in art, he was good friends with Edward Steichen and collaborated on the exhibition "family of man."
His wife bred goats-had 200 at one time. They still have goats on the farm. I took some pics. They are adorable. You will see a cat who just sits with them and seems to be their guardian.
We are headed to Beacon's Drive-in in SC featured on "diners drive-ins and dives."
Then Jacksonville, FL!
Pics to follow as long as we have internet at the hotel.
This morning we toured Biltmore. It was special to me because I have taught a couple of my classes about the estate over the past few years. I have pics of the exterior, but not the interior which was decorated for the holidays. Each room had its own christmas tree and presents. The mansion was beautiful.
We also went to Carl Sandburg's home. He was a writer in the 40's-60s. For anyone interested in art, he was good friends with Edward Steichen and collaborated on the exhibition "family of man."
His wife bred goats-had 200 at one time. They still have goats on the farm. I took some pics. They are adorable. You will see a cat who just sits with them and seems to be their guardian.
We are headed to Beacon's Drive-in in SC featured on "diners drive-ins and dives."
Then Jacksonville, FL!
Pics to follow as long as we have internet at the hotel.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Day 2 of Winter Road Trip 2009
Today Matt and I are driving through Ky into TN. Our destination is the Andrew Johnson Historic Site and then Asheville, NC. Pics will be added tonight!
The drive is going smoothly so far. I played my new Nintendo DS game - Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. It was an x-mas present from Matt and Sydney. Its so fun!! Can't wait to get the winter games for PS3.
I also had to call the electric co in cleveland. For some reason I thought my landlord would transfer service out of my name. My bad!
Its 42 degrees and rising.
The drive is going smoothly so far. I played my new Nintendo DS game - Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. It was an x-mas present from Matt and Sydney. Its so fun!! Can't wait to get the winter games for PS3.
I also had to call the electric co in cleveland. For some reason I thought my landlord would transfer service out of my name. My bad!
Its 42 degrees and rising.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Teaching Mishap
On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I passed out after teaching my first class of the day. Students were on their way out the door, while a few stayed to ask questions. I felt like I was going to pass out even before class ended, so I did my best to wrap up without them noticing I didn't feel so well. Didn't work! I passed out and my mouth hit the podium. I "woke up" while I was still standing, but my lip was busted open. The interpreter for the class (she communicates through sign language for one of my students) called 911, while a student went to get my some paper towels for my mouth - ouch. Another student gave me nice soft tissues. While we were waiting for the ambulance, a student told me that she was anemic and that she has to lay down from time to time. They were all very supportive.
I went to the doctor and all my tests came out fine. My glucose was a little high, but I had a sugary starbucks drink and didn't eat much else in the morning. I am going to get an appointment with a family doctor for a second opinion. I have yet to find one in Toledo, but I may go to Matt's doctor.
I will keep you posted.
I went to the doctor and all my tests came out fine. My glucose was a little high, but I had a sugary starbucks drink and didn't eat much else in the morning. I am going to get an appointment with a family doctor for a second opinion. I have yet to find one in Toledo, but I may go to Matt's doctor.
I will keep you posted.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tortilla Soup Recipe
This is vegetarian. I am sure you could add chicken and chicken broth to the recipe. But it is excellent without.
Ingredients:
1 large (28oz i think) can of peeled tomatoes
(although the recipe doesn't call for it, I also add about 3 fresh tomatoes)
3 garlic cloves unpeeled
2 jalapenos
1 large onion
1 bunch of cilantro
queso fresco, jack or mozerella cheese
6 cups of vegetable broth
1 bag of tortilla chips (I use blue chips)
salt
fresh ground pepper
mexican oregano if you can find it
(I've never added oregano, but I do add chopped avacado to each bowl of soup)
in a dry pan roast the jalepenos and garlic until they start getting a little brown on the outside. the jalepeno seeds will make a popping sound.
slice the onion into thin rings. saute till golden in a large soup pot with olive oil/veg oil.
put jalapenos (remove the seeds beforehand) and peeled garlic in food processor.
frapé
strain tomatoes and place them in the food processor with all the other goodies. chop em up real good. pour into pot with the onions. cook over medium heat till the mixture turns a bit darker shade of red about 5min.
pour in vegetable broth. add salt and some freshground pepper, oregano if you got. Simmer for 10-15 min.
add chips into soup bowls. place handful of shedded cheese over the chips, then ladel contents of soup into bowl. add cilantro and salt to taste.
Ingredients:
1 large (28oz i think) can of peeled tomatoes
(although the recipe doesn't call for it, I also add about 3 fresh tomatoes)
3 garlic cloves unpeeled
2 jalapenos
1 large onion
1 bunch of cilantro
queso fresco, jack or mozerella cheese
6 cups of vegetable broth
1 bag of tortilla chips (I use blue chips)
salt
fresh ground pepper
mexican oregano if you can find it
(I've never added oregano, but I do add chopped avacado to each bowl of soup)
in a dry pan roast the jalepenos and garlic until they start getting a little brown on the outside. the jalepeno seeds will make a popping sound.
slice the onion into thin rings. saute till golden in a large soup pot with olive oil/veg oil.
put jalapenos (remove the seeds beforehand) and peeled garlic in food processor.
frapé
strain tomatoes and place them in the food processor with all the other goodies. chop em up real good. pour into pot with the onions. cook over medium heat till the mixture turns a bit darker shade of red about 5min.
pour in vegetable broth. add salt and some freshground pepper, oregano if you got. Simmer for 10-15 min.
add chips into soup bowls. place handful of shedded cheese over the chips, then ladel contents of soup into bowl. add cilantro and salt to taste.
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