Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 11

Checking in for the week of March 13 through March 19.

WHAT I READ |
Valentine Murder (Leslie Meier) - This isn't the sort of book that is going to win accolades or literary awards. It's a predictable (in format, anyway) little cozy mystery, with a 'whodunnit' and some red herrings and plenty of hijinks. When you keep your expectations in check, understanding the sort of book you've picked up, this was another fun installment in a series I've enjoyed thus far. It's exactly what I expected, after reading the first four books in this series. There were parts that made me chuckle. There were parts that made me want to read a little faster. I spent the entirety of the story trying to figure out who was responsible, and why, right alongside Lucy. And in the end, my initial suspicions were right, even though I'd changed my guess several times while I read.
Before I Say Good-Bye (Mary Higgins Clark) - A bit of a slow start to this one, which is odd, because isn't there typically a little "heart pounding" or something sinister to whet the appetite, and then we slide into building the story? Hopefully, it will pick up some adrenaline soon. So weird for a MHC! They usually suck me right in.

WHAT WE ATE|
On Sunday, I made my second Blue Apron meal: Triple Pork Mazemen with Roasted Garlic and Pea Tips and, let me tell you, holy amount of flavor in this one! I don't know if I can find everything to re-create the recipe again, but if I can, I won't hesitate! Monday was my final Blue Apron recipe, Crispy Brown Butter Gnocchi with Meyer Lemon and Brussels Sprouts, and I really enjoyed it. It was unexpectedly satisfying, for a meatless dish, although I don't see it being "enough" for T. However, it could easily go from a two-serving main dish portion to four side dish. And if you are ambivalent about Brussels sprouts (I like them, myself), I can tell you that between the lemon, thyme, garlic, and Parmesan, you can't even taste those few leaves in there. Tuesday, I was again on my own (T was in transit), so I just whipped up a little ziti with a red sauce. Grilled cheese and tomato soup was my quick-and-easy-before church on Wednesday. At T's request, Thursday, I made my Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Sausage (double batch so there were some left to freeze!). On Friday, we had some ox roast sandwiches. T had brought home some ox roast from Pennsylvania. I'd never had it before and it was quite good! And on Saturday, no one felt like cooking, so we ran out for some Zaxby's chicken.

CANDLE SCENTS|
Blueberry Scone (YC) - I really just want a warm-from-the-oven blueberry muffin every time I walk into the master bedroom.
Buttercream (YC) - Mmmmm...buttercream.
Drift Away (YC) - Fresh and clean. I jumped the gun, just a wee bit, on spring scents, because with only a couple days of winter left on the calendar, I couldn't see starting more wintry scents.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
Bathtime for my car.


Florida is just exploding with color.


Blue Apron, the second: Triple Pork Mazemen with Roasted Garlic and Pea Tips. This was amazing, loaded with flavor.


Inviting.


Final Blue Apron: Crispy Brown Butter Gnocchi with Meyer Lemon and Brussels Sprouts. I was so surprised. For being meatless, it was unexpectedly satisfying. Plus, unlike the first two recipes, which had some ingredients I don't think I can find in order to replicate in the future, this recipe was all common ingredients. It was also very simple and quick to make, and it would work as a two-serving meal or a four-serving side dish. And, while I like Brussels sprouts, if you don't, I can tell you that you cannot even taste them, for all the lemon, thyme, garlic, and Parmesan. Plus, it's just "loose leaves," not the whole little sprout.


Exercising my right.

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 10

Checking in for the week of March 6 through March 12.

WHAT I READ |
The Ambassador's Daughter (Pam Jenoff) - After reading the first two books in this series, it was interesting to read the "prequel" of a character I'd already met. I enjoy historical fiction from many time periods, but I haven't read much from the World War I era, so it made the storylines fresh. Like the previous two books, there was intrigue and espionage, and with it, twists and turns that made me start or gasp a bit as they were revealed. But this book had a bit more of a love story than the previous two (though they had their own romance as well). I was definitely as caught up in Margot and Georg's romance as I was in Margot's inner turmoil over her unintended involvement with Red Thorn. My only regret is that there is no real resolution to their love story, despite the Epilogue. I do enjoy Jenoff's writing though, and I have more of her books on my "to-read" list. I also wouldn't be disappointed if another book was released in this series.
Valentine Murder (Leslie Meier) - This has been a fast read. Closing in on the end...and whodunnit! Every time I think I have a guess, I get more information and it changes.

WHAT WE ATE|
Sunday was my first round of Flower and Garden Festing. Monday, I did up some Meatloaf Patties with green beans and mashed potatoes. T made a tuna casserole for Tuesday's dinner. Wednesday was quick and easy before church: BLTs. We had some potatoes left to use, so on Thursday, we had some barbecue chicken with freezer corn and roasted potato wedges...the leftovers of which became home fries for Friday's breakfast-for-dinner! On Saturday, T was out of town for the first of four days. One of my friends does Blue Apron and had a free gift to share with a friend, so he shared with me. This was the perfect setup for cooking for one, since most of the meals make two servings, meaning dinner with leftovers for lunch! On Saturday, I made the first of my three gift meals: Adobo-Style Chicken with Roasted Bok Choy and Jasmine Rice.

CANDLE SCENTS|
Hollyberry (YC) - Winding down on winter scents, with spring just around the corner. I don't want to start anything new!

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
Try the World afternoon snack of the week: tarot chips! They were so interesting. Manaing to be both savory with a hint of sweet, with the crispiness of a kettle chip, but a smooth texture rather than a rough one.


Just before sunset.


Dear gorgeous Florida sunrise, I'll miss you waking me up after Saturday. Your light always makes it easier to begin my day than the lingering darkness until nearly 8am.


And then, the following morning, while getting T to the airport for his flight.


Sunrise with a layer of fog. So dreamy...


Quick stop off at Panera for lunch. You pick two!


Blue Apron number one: Adobo-Style Chicken with Roasted Bok Choy and Jasmine Rice.

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 9

Checking in for the week of February 28 through March 5.

WHAT I READ |
The Dark Tower (Stephen King) - Well, I'm done. (All hail jury duty.) At times, the sheer volume of pages in this series has seemed daunting. At times, I've been so angry at Stephen King for the twists and turns the story that unfolded for the Ka-Tet of 19. At times, this series -- and especially this final book -- ventured so far outside my comfort zone, that I wanted to slam the book shut and never turn back. So dark, so twisted...but, like Roland's pull to the Tower, the story has the pull, a truly odd addictive quality. Full disclosure: King urges the reader to stop with a few pages remaining, begging that they be satisfied with the story ending at this point. After conferring with the friend who insisted I read the series, and who, himself, did not stop at that point, I made the determination to stop (there were 12 pages remaining), although I did read King's final Author's Note. ***SPOILER ALERT*** (Skip the rest of my commentary on this book if you don't want spoilers.) The one thing that bothered me was the lack of resolution for Oy, who was my favorite character from the moment we met him and who broke my heart as he mourned the loss of his 'Ake. We know that (at least at the point I stopped), Jake, Eddie, and Susannah achieved a measure of "happiness after all," if not "happily ever after." And, for better or for worse, whatever may have awaited Roland in his Tower, he had reached his final goal, to save the Beams (and thus, the Tower, and all the Universes it holds), to relieve all the worlds of the Crimson King, and vile Mordred (I wanted to cheer when that thing perished), and to enter the Tower. I'll never know if he reached its top, or what fate (Ka?) held in store for him when he entered the door. As much as I like complete resolution, I think I'm content to let this lie. In my experience, this story never lets happiness stand secure for very long, and while the characters all (save Oy) have some measure of it, I'll let go -- in part out of fear I'll learn what I wish I hadn't.
The Ambassador's Daughter (Pam Jenoff) - Moved right into this book, full speed ahead now. I'm four books behind schedule, according to my challenge page on Goodreads. Time to get going! I cannot decide if I like the main character or not. 140 pages of wishywashy. I just want to tell her to make a choice already!

WHAT WE ATE|
I requested T's delicious (but oh so decadent) Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Because it is time and labor intensive, it's best to do this one on the weekend, so it was our Sunday dinner. Tuesday, we thawed our some White Chicken Chili from the freezer. Kielbasa with sauerkraut and pierogi was the easy-before-church meal on Wednesday. I had a jar of roasted red peppers in the refrigerator that I wanted to get used, so I made some Rigatoni with Sausage and Roasted Peppers Thursday. Friday, T made some Chicken Drumsticks in a Creamy White Wine Sauce, which we served with broccoli and some angel hair (our go-to for catching tasty sauces). Saturday was T's birthday, so we went to Boston Lobster Feast in Orlando, because all you can eat seafood is one of his happy places.

CANDLE SCENTS|
Hollyberry (YC)
Christmas Wreath (YC) - Ah, yes. That strange place at the end of winter, when my scents are still heavily associated with Christmas, but we're getting ready for Easter. I can't help it. I refuse to not fully enjoy the current season before moving on to the next. Spring isn't here until March 20, so Christmas Wreath it is!
Holiday Bayberry (YC) - This one, especially when it combines in the hallway with Hollyberry (the former is in the hall bathroom and the latter in the master bedroom), smells like winter and nostalgia, and I really just love it.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
Girl Scout Cookie season! Tagalongs. Thin Mints. Samoas. And Trefoils (mmmmm...I think shortbread is highly underrated!).


March 1.


March 1 at work.


Thing I learned from the Thailand "Try the World" box: I like dried jackfruit.


Our evening walks frequently take us out into the orange groves, now that it's the very beginning of orange blossom season. Heavenly!


All he ever asks for on his birthday.


Silhouettes and sunset.


Symphony in the Stars at Hollywood Studios.


Dazzling fireworks display! I'm so glad we decided to check it out, post seafood feast.


Looks like Mickey!

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 8

Checking in for the week of February 21 through February 27.

WHAT I READ |
The Dark Tower (Stephen King) - Just over 300 pages to go. Jury duty on Monday. I can see the light at the end of this month long tunnel.
The Ambassador's Daughter (Pam Jenoff) - I've been squeezing bits of reading on my lunch break. Really looking forward to actually digging into this one soon!

WHAT WE ATE|
Sunday, we did up some sausage burgers and topped them with provolone and roasted peppers. We balanced that, on Monday, with some tilapia, wild rice, and zucchini. Tuesday, I did up some Turkey Pot Pie Soup, using up the frozen turkey leftovers from Christmas dinner. Wednesday needed to be quick since the Lent service starts at 6:30; grilled cheese worked perfectly. We tried out a new recipe, Bacon Scallops with Garlic Butter Sauce, on Thursday; we served it with some angel hair, to catch every drop of that sauce and found it really tasty! We had a Steak 'n Shake date on Friday, because I just had to get that black raspberry chocolate chip shake...so amazingly delicious.

CANDLE SCENTS|
Hollyberry (YC)
Snowflake Cookie (YC) - I'm really not sure how this one is any different from the classic Christmas Cookie scent, but it's vanilla and smells like cookies, so I'm not going to complain.
Hazelnut Coffee (YC) - Makes the house smell super yummy.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
The new scallops recipe plated up rather pretty!


Every bit as delicious as I had hoped.


Date night!


Finally well enough to indulge in that homemade hot chocolate I've been wanting.

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 7

Checking in for the week of February 14 through February 20.

WHAT I READ |
The Dark Tower (Stephen King) - Feelings I have had while reading over the last week: Sad (over the loss of a character), devastated (over the loss of another), heartbroken (over two characters mourning the loss of the second aforementioned character), unsure (of the introduction of a new character),  fascinated (by the meeting that is taking place), trepidatious (because I know it's just a matter of time until there is more loss and also the return of a character that squicks me out), and bewildered (at how this is all going to play out). I have roughly half the final book in the series remaining. Which sounds like I'm closer to finished than I actually am.
The Ambassador's Daughter (Pam Jenoff) - My lunchtime reading material at work. It's a little slow to get off the ground. I'm unclear if that's the fault of the book or the fact that I'm not able to read at a consistent pace, since it's only during the work week, and only after I've finished the week's chapter of The Story for church.

WHAT WE ATE|
I'm a really big fan of my Pumpkin Chili, which I made on Sunday, when I could allow it to really simmer away for several hours, instead of the shortened timeframe I give it if I make it during the week. It's still good either way, but the longer cooking time really gives it more depth. Monday, we roasted a whole chicken, and served that with Garlic Parmesan Orzo and Buttery Garlic Green Beans -- two super easy sides that are just bursting with tons of flavor! We also made some fish sandwiches, spaghetti and meatballs, and grilled chicken sandwiches, as the week progressed. Saturday, I met up with Krystyn and her family at Magic Kingdom. We did a light lunch (I had mac and cheese topped with toasted panko from Friar's Nook) so we'd have room for dinner at Be Our Guest! I had never eaten there before and it did not disappoint.

CANDLE SCENTS|
Merry Cookie (BBW)
In a Winter Wonderland (YC) - Fresh air and evergreen trees. Still fully embracing the fact that it's winter!

Christmas Eve (YC) - (Yeah, yeah, I know.) This is one of those candles that has so many layers of scent that it smells different every time you catch a whiff. Sometimes spicy, sometime sweet, sometimes fruity. It reminds me of being in my grandparents' house when my Gram was baking and cooking goodies for Christmas: just a collection of delicious holiday scents that takes you back to memories of Christmases gone by.

Hollyberry (YC) - This scent is a classic. It's warm and nostalgic.

Sparkling Pine (YC) - More fresh air and evergreen. You'd think I miss snow, the way I'm drawn to these scents, but really, I just miss the way the air smells when it cold and crisp with fresh fallen snow.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
Flowers and chocolate are nice, but this is my kind of Valentine from my Valentine!


Almost twilight.


After I crested the hill, the sun was a fiery sliver sinking into the tree line.


Can you see the sunbeams? You have to look carefully, but they're there, streaming out from the corner and into the blue. I feel like there's a life metaphor in there somewhere.


Spent Saturday at Magic Kingdom with Krystyn (and her family), and had a great time enjoying rides and attractions. I also got a ton of comments and compliments on my shirt (a Christmas gift, celebrating Disneyland's Diamond 60th anniversary!). I also have to say, I am a huge fan of the "Disney Photo Pass" option being included with my Annual Pass now. I can take advantage of all the in-park photo ops without dropping $15 every time I like one of the photos. I am definitely going to be making good use of the free digital downloads perk!


Rosebud napkin at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. Disney never misses an opportunity for details.


We ate in the forbidden west wing.


I had the Braised Pork (Coq au Vin Style), which was described as "Eight Hour Slow-cooked Pork with Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots, and Bacon served with Puréed Cauliflower and Seasonal Vegetables." What I can tell you is that every last mouthful was lick-your-plate-clean delicious. The meat was so tender, it was practically melting. The cauliflower puree was loaded with flavor. The broccolini added some fresh, slightly crunchy texture. Did I mention delicious? Because it was.


I was incredibly conflicted over the dessert cart. There were at least four things I wanted. I narrowed it down to two, but when the server started with me (at our table of six), I still hadn't decided, so I asked him to come back around to me last. I finally determined that, being my first time dining here, I was obligated to try The Grey Stuff (from the menu: "Chocolate Shell, Cookie Crème topped with Lumiere’s special “Grey Stuff”" which was a cookies-and-cream mousse!). The server had been making "Hidden Mickeys" on each dessert plate with melted chocolate. He said I must have known that the last person to order dessert gets the special Mickey rosebud instead. (I didn't, and he may have been pulling my leg or not, but lookit how pretty!) Oh and the dishes do not like. It *is* delicious!


The enchanted rose.


And, of course, I stopped for a photo op with our gracious host!

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 6

Checking in for the week of February 7 through February 13.

WHAT I READ |
The Dark Tower (Stephen King) - I made a little progress, but not as much as I would have liked, what with being stricken with a cold all week.

WHAT WE ATE|
We decided to get subs from the Publix deli for Super Bowl Sunday. Monday, T made up some goulash. Tuesday, we had pork chops and, despite being under the weather, I tried a new recipe for Broccoli Blue Cheese Bake, which was good, but I've already changed the recipe to increase the amount of blue cheese, since neither of us could really taste it at all. We also had Tortellini Florentine Soup one night, and made calzones on Friday.

CANDLE SCENTS|
Merry Cookie (BBW)
Celebrate Christmas (YC) - I realize it's long past Christmas, but this is still an excellent winter scent. And it's a completely unexpected combination of fruit and spice. I love it!

French Vanilla (YC) - Total classic and one of T's favorite.

Snow Is Glistening (YC) - I love this one in the bathroom. Like fresh air with a hint of baby powder.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
I wanted hot chocolate. What I got instead was hot honey lemon water. Being sick, thumbs down.


Huge jet, circling low. (It was a military plane performing landing and takeoff exercises at the nearby regional airport.)


Ash Wednesday.


And thus concludes a short sick week, because no one wants photos of a mountain of used tissues.

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 5

Checking in for the week of January 31 through February 6.

WHAT I READ |
The Dark Tower (Stephen King) - Still plugging away at this beast. I have to admit that this book has been more gross and disturbing, for me, than most of the other previous six. I'm too committed to the series to not find out how it ends, but I'll be glad when I'm done with this one.

WHAT WE ATE|
We went to Olive Garden, after seeing a movie on Sunday afternoon, and actually *didn't* get the soup-salad-breadsticks deal. I got MEAL and it was so *so* good. During the week, we had BLTs; ravioli and a salad; linguine with clam sauce; and some leftover beef stroganoff from the freezer (which was a test that it passed! yay for freezer friendly meals!). Saturday, we finally got around to trying a new recipe I've wanted to try for ages -- Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Pancetta and Peas -- which we had with some grilled marinated chicken thighs.

CANDLE SCENTS|
White Christmas (YC)
Christmas Cookie (YC) - Buttery sugar cookies smell delicious.
Luscious Plum (YC) - I think this one is one of the biggest surprises for me. It's sweet and fruity without being summery and I like that. It's a great change of pace for the winter's plethora of "fresh" and "spicy" scents.
Frolic and Play (YC) - Spearmint is such a fun twist on the season's typical use of peppermint.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
This particular Sunday sunrise demanded I break out the big girl camera, instead of just my phone.


Retro calendar art for February at home.


And at work.


Super fog! There's a building directly across the street from that utility pole.


These cookies came in my holiday Try the World box and they tasted like the cookies my Gram would make with her leftover pie crust dough. Such an unexpected happiness.


Morning has broken.

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Snapshot from Along the Broken Road: 2016 - Week 4

Checking in for the week of January 24 through January 30.

WHAT I READ|
The Dark Tower (Stephen King) - This book (and the whole series, really) is so trippy. I can't even imagine what it's like to live with the things that go on in King's mind. I'm trying to decide how to handle the fact that I'm not toting this brick back and forth with me, so I only get reading done before bed at night. Some days, I'm bringing The Story with me, so I can get my reading done for the coming Sunday's church focus, but often that only lasts me a couple of days. I don't typically read two books at once, but I am thinking of starting a second book that's more easily transported, so that I a) have something with me to read, and b) I'm not falling *way* behind on my 2016 goal. I'm hoping if I start a book that's drastically different from this one (shouldn't be a problem, since I don't read *anything* else even remotely like this series), I won't feel like I'm getting stories crossed in my mind.

WHAT WE ATE|
Other than the tasty treats in the photos below, this week's food intake included: tuna sandwiches; grilled chicken wraps; a pizza with lots of veggies on it; grilled cheese with tomato soup; a new recipe for slow cooker broccoli cheese soup (I'm pretty sure all the cheese negates any health benefits from the broccoli, but this soup was also really very yummy); and barbecue ribs with baked beans and coleslaw.

CANDLE SCENTS|
White Christmas (YC)
Merry Cookie (BBW) - Switching to this one, in our bedroom, even though White Christmas is only half gone. I was in the mood for something a little "warmer."
Christmas Cookie (YC) - Sensing a theme here?
Luscious Plum (YC) - I love how unexpected this scent is for the winter. It's fruity, but not in the way a summer fruit scent, or even an autumn one, would be. Much like the far more commonly used cranberry, there's a tartness, that seems right for this time of year, and also a "coolness" to the scent that I can't really describe in any other way.
Build a Snowman (YC) - Fresh and minty and just very fun. I love minty scents in the winter.

WHAT THIS WEEK LOOKED LIKE|
I should warn you now. I apparently made up for some slow photo weeks with this one. Oops.

Proof we don't run our heat in the not-summer. ;-) I love that I can make use of my fuzzy blanket and my slippers, and it's the best for sleeping!


Best socks ever? Best socks ever. (So comfy and they're Red Sox socks!) (FYI: It's really difficult to get your feet in the Red Sox logo position.)


One of my birthday gifts, this past October, was a subscription to "Try the World." Every other month, I get a box full of goodies to taste. This one was from the Spain box and I wasn't sure it was going to be something I liked all that much. I was very wrong. Light and crumbly, like a crumb cake, with this lemon jam-like filling. Just goes to show: you don't know til you try!


It was raining for my Animal Kingdom adventure, so only my iPhone camera. But the lion was up!! Demands to be documented.


Horrible photo quality, but I had no idea there were *two* lionesses! When all you ever see of the lions are the occasional ear or paws or the top of a mane, you assume the habitat is one male and one female. The animals were *loving* the cool, damp weather though.


This regal lady is 18 years old. There are only two of the original five Asian tigers remaining at Animal Kingdom (all were female), and both of these beauties are advanced in years. There are two Sumatran tigers (a male and a female, I believe? don't quote me) in another area, but I wonder if they will try to get some new Asian tigers for the future. Who knows, maybe they already have?


I have a problem. It's resisting the Wok-Fried Green Beans at Yak and Yeti. I honestly think I could make an entire meal of these things.


This was the Mandarin Chicken Salad I got as my meal. I am not even kidding you, I think they used fourteen heads of lettuce to make this thing. I never actually saw the plate, even though I ate...and ate...and ate.



Tee hee!


You know WDW has done a good job integrating new buildings when you have to stop and question whether or not this is a new gift shop. (It is.)


I was completely enamored with this mosaic in the entry to the Riverside Depot. How awesome are those colors? I opted to share a mosaic-only shot on Instagram, but I like this one too, because it tells me a little more about my day. For instance, I can tell you, based on the shoes I'm wearing, that it was not-summer and rainy.


Turtle.


I loved this mural and lighting fixture. This park, especially, is just a total feast for the eyes.


Dinner! I've only eaten here one other time, ages ago, so it was a fun treat to go back with Nichole and Tracy.


I got the Ashley Farms Chicken Sous Vide with Tuscan-style Polenta, Cippolini-Green Bean Ragoùt, and Chicken Jus. And I had to refrain from licking my plate.

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