Ugly Huskers & Ugly Sweaters

Must only be the first quarter because he wasn't completely discouraged yet

Still cheering

Then drowning his sorrows (really he was just holding mine)

Our sweaters, complete with his ridiculous Christmas golf tie

The gaggle of girls

Cody took over the gingerbread (graham cracker, actually) house

He got pretty serious

I tired to help

All done!

If any of our midwestern family members would care to share some of your unseasonably warm weather, we'd appreciate it. We haven't had any snow for 3+ weeks now, so we're only seeing a high of about 5 degrees, if that. Apparently we're finally getting the clear skies we so sorely missed this summer. Our sunrise is now about 9:50am and sunset is 3:30pm... we're counting down the days until the winter solstice!

More Storage

Alright, all... don't fail me now. We updated our storage allotment for pictures so here goes. Don't stop reading now!

Cody couldn't resist a giant chew for Wilson (he has to wait until Christmas)

What I found when I went in to bed

First Thanksgiving pumpkin pie

Ready to put it in!

Enjoying some Thanksgiving sunshine from the warmth of indoors

Our baked brie appetizer

Thanksgiving 2012

Tried to stay awake to watch the Huskers play that Friday, apparently I was comfortable to lay on

Previous week's soup

Flowers left over from a wedding at the course (Cody tried to take credit)

Cute pup following his bath

Puddle cake in the skillet and the newly found handheld Yahtzee

We decided to bundle up and go look for the Northern lights... and we brought the cake

Spotted this tough Tracker on our way to get ice cream for accompany the cake

Nothin...

Soup Sunday

Well, Blogger is against us uploading more pictures until we pay for more storage. Until we decide to 1. upgrade or 2. delete posts/pictures, you'll have to be satisfied with verbal updates. Sorry!

Spinach, Tomato, and Tortellini Soup
makes enough for 4

4 small cioppino onions, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, smashed
6 ripe medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
10 - 12 cups chicken stock
1 package of ricotta and spinach tortellini
6 cups fresh spinach leaves
olive oil
salt
crusty bread

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and a very small sprinkling of salt. Sauté the onions. When they begin to turn translucent, add the garlic and cook until the onions are very soft, almost caramelizing.
3. Add the tomatoes and cook for a minute or two, until the tomatoes are soft and release their juices.
4. Add the chicken stock. If the broth is too thick, adjust with hot water. Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. Season with salt, if necessary.
5. Increase the heat and return the soup to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook for as long as directed on the package, until the tortellini are al dente.
6. Turn off the heat and add the spinach, stirring until the spinach is cooked but still vibrant green. Serve hot immediately, with crusty bread.

Note: ingredient amounts for savory recipes like this one on this blog are approximate. Please use your judgment and tastes regarding salt and flavoring amounts.

Winter Hike at McHgh Creek

Wonderful sunny day along the Seward Highway

We're actually awake at the same time!

Of course we had to stop for a rest

So did Wilson

Just enjoying the view

Beauty at its finest

and awkwardness at its finest

Cody liked the ice dams along the creek

awe...

Continued Soup Adventures

Atwood Concert awaiting Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

This was only Cody's third concert ever

There they are! It was a great show

Where Caillat's taken to laying when the dryer's on

Had to remember how to wear service dress on my way to an awards dinner this Friday (the boys didn't go with, sadly)

Tired guys love their cuddles

Watching the Nebraska vs Minnesota game at the Peanut Farm, darn BTN

Week Three Soup: Moose Meat Chili with beer bread

Cody and I have had quite an eventful week. We went to Skyfall on Monday and have since decided to watch all the Bond movies this winter (I think we'll have plenty of time). Tuesday we headed to the Steven Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers concert and enjoyed dinner with coworkers/friends beforehand. Wednesday found Cody heading to a hockey game while I had to work.

Our daylight is dwindling rapidly now; it's dark by about 4:45pm and only gets to be daylight after 9am. We actually haven't had as much snow as last year, we only have about 2-3 inches on the ground and it hasn't snowed seriously in almost a week. As long as we get a little snow every week so it almost looks fresh and clean, I think we can handle the cold... just hoping it doesn't get down to the negatives for extended periods. We are enjoying spending more time together lately (or at least I am). The shop hours are 10-5pm during the week and here after Thanksgiving, the shop will be open on Saturdays for Christmas shopping. Here soon I'll get Cody to write a post about what he does in the winter (our most frequently asked question).

Happy Almost Thanksgiving!

Soup of the Week Two

Thai Chicken Noodle: ***

Recipe link

Weekend Off

Cody happened to stop on the Animal Planet Saturday night, and boy was Caillat into the kittens

And she doesn't care who knows about it

Waiting in line to vote early

And an hour and a half later...

Frozen Taku Lake (I don't remember the lakes freezing this early last year, but then again, we didn't have Wilson)

The boys posing, midplay

 

Wilson has trouble carrying the frisbee sometimes and we finally caught it on tape

Already frustrated over the slip knot

A couple rows complete and I've become what I've always known I would

Cody's pork ribs... delic!