What a week it has been. It all started with the snow (about 25-inches). We ended up being snowed in for a total of six days. I’ll admit I was going a little stir crazy in the end. But we had a really good time sledding and playing in all the powdery white stuff…until it turned into a hard ice pack. That’s when you just want it to go away.
I will admit you end up eating a lot of comfort food during snow storms, it’s hard not to. I don’t know how you all get through it with snow on the ground all winter. I would have to build a gym in my house to work off all the extra calories.
This is one of our sledding hills behind the house. It takes you down into the meadow and requires a good hike back up.
We are surrounded by Douglass Fir, Oak and Elm trees. We were very lucky to not have any tree damage during this storm. Let’s hope that holds true for the rest of the winter.
While I have plenty of food in the house to feed us for what seems like a year, the fresh produce runs out right away when you can’t get to the market. After six days all that was left in my fruit and veggie tower was two tangerines, two oranges, a badly beat up onion, some garlic and a spaghetti squash. I’ve never seen it this empty.
Normal life returned and my boys were back to playing basketball…which they absolutely love. It’s fun to watch too.
In the spirit of keeping all things real on this blog, here is what my kitchen looked like after a client photo shoot this week. This truly is an interesting and challenging job. I wish it were as easy as snapping a picture and moving on but that’s not always the case.
This week I was dealing with low, winter light conditions, sun that kept moving in and out and creating glare, covering windows with sheets to keep light out while also letting some in. Several pictures can take a few hours to get when you have to adjust the camera settings to meet your lighting needs. In the end I got the amazing action shots I was hoping for.
The kitchen can also be hazardous during these shoots. The floor is covered in power cords while you are moving around adjusting and styling food. And yes, I am still in my pajamas at 2 PM. It’s one of the benefits and downsides of working at home.
We ended the week on some sweet notes and finally celebrated our close friends, Amy & Steve’s birthdays. Is this not the cutest father and daughter picture? We took them to Bistro Maison, one of our favorite restaurants in town. We started the evening with white truffle fondue and several salads served family style. Dinner consisted of lots of fresh scallops, salmon and steak. And in true Bistro Maison style, a beautiful cake was made to mark the occasion along with birthday crowns for two. If you find yourself in town make sure to save a dinner or lunch time for the Bistro, you won’t regret it.
The week ended with a Valentine’s Day dinner in the barrel room of Eola Hills Winery. A huge buffet dinner with prime rib, a pasta bar, salads, dessert and all kinds of other fare were served. We had a great time with friends and closed the place down.
Have you entered my giveaway for $250 in appliances?
Things I’ve seen around the web this week:
This casserole needs to made soon.
A meal I’m craving.
I am definitely making this bread.
Get your slow cooker out, this sounds yummy.
A healthy enchilada recipe I want to try.
A quick dessert to make with all those Girl Scout cookies you bought.
A copycat restaurant recipe I have to try.
I’m getting out my cast iron skillet to make this.
Cake in honor of an icon
Cocktails anyone?.
I would be happy renting this little cottage for a vacation.
THIS salad.
A great way to use puff pastry.
That is all friends, until next time.
Three Years Ago: Chicken Frito Pie
Four Years Ago: Chicken Korma
Five years Ago: Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Six Years Ago: Best Brisket
