Monday, September 28, 2009

A Good Kind of Weekend

It was a really good kind of weekend, the type that is so low-key and chill that there is nothing to blog about. We relaxed, ate good-tasting-not-good-for-you things while watching football, did assorted errands and tasks and that was that.

I'm trying to keep my head above water this week since I'll be back in MN Fri-Mon for a close friend's wedding. I am looking forward to attending her event and enjoying the crisp autumn air, smells, and colors.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Sky Light

On my commute home last night, it was raining but a break in the clouds came from the west so the sunset could peak through. This led to a huge double rainbow in one part of the sky and a pink and dark blue sunset in the other with the clouds reflecting some of the colors. I had a great view from the car and snapped a few pictures as soon as I pulled up at home.

Paintbox Sky

Paintbox Sky

Lounge Cat

The other night, Stinky really made himself comfortable by sleeping on his back.

Lounging Kitteh

Monday, September 21, 2009

Weekend Update

Sorry, no photos in this one. We got back from the Perin wedding last Monday night and jumped right into the work week so it was all a blur.

On Friday, my friend Beth and I saw The Informant! Good but not movie-theatre good if you trust my opinion since I'm really not big into movies as it is. I liked how Matt Damon played his role but I got a little lost in some dry corporate law/scheming stuff.

On Saturday, we saw Extract with some other friends (I never go to the movies so much). Also a good movie to Netflix but not theatre-caliber in my opinion. I had heard it compared to Office Space so I was a little disappointed that it didn't hit that level with me though it was entertaining and I love Justin Bateman.

Sunday was non-stop football and we made appetizers throughout the day instead of meals which was really fun.

In summary, it was a good, low-key weekend and we're off and running with another work week.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Home, Sweet Home

After a great visit with lots of family and many dear friends, we're home in Texas (and amazed how much it feels like home now). The windows are open and a perfect breeze is coming in. We had a stack of fun mail with personal letters, cards, and two packages! Best of all, we're relaxing on the couch watching Monday night football with a cozy little cat. Reality hits tomorrow but until then...

Reunited

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Wedded Bliss

Champagne in the limo!

We're currently in Minnesota, relaxing after the wedding we attended yesterday. If you're not familiar, here's the story about the couple. Back in college, my sister, Kacie, had this boyfriend (later husband), Justin. Justin had this roommate and friend named Austin who I met through the two of them and you know how that turned out. Well, there was another roommate and buddy, Paul, who a few years ago was set up with my cousin and they hit it off big time.

So Paul and Erin were married yesterday and Kacie, Justin, Austin, and I had the honor of standing up in their wedding. We flew in Friday, got in a quick nap, then ran for tuxes, dress steaming, hotel check in, and off to rehearsal. Before we knew it, it was Sunday morning and we were off and running. It was a beautiful day, lovely ceremony, and lively reception. I don't think the "KrausRoys" could have asked for more.

Gorgeous Flowers

Now we're relaxing with Austin's parents, soon to be visiting with the sis, bro-in-law, and nephew, then flying back tomorrow. A brief but great trip and we got to see many family and friends (the advantages of relatives marrying friends!).

Click on any picture to go to the whole collection on Flickr.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Helper Cat

I was playing around with depth of field shots in the back yard when Stinky decided that he wasn't receiving nearly enough attention.

Depth of field test 3

Depth of field test 2

P.S. To Mary: Catcam returns this Friday!

More Baking: Apple Crisp

Fall is my favorite season but it doesn't really happen here in TX the way it does up north. Besides the beautiful pumpkin candles burning, I decide to enhance our olfactory aesthetics with the scent of baking apple crisp.

Apple Crisp

The recipe came from here but I nearly halved the massive amounts of butter it calls for and the crisp turned out just fine.

Chopping was therapeutic.

Apple Crisp

And time to enjoy.

Apple Crisp

Monday, September 7, 2009

Bread and Butter

What do you do when it's a holiday weekend and you just don't feel like studying? Well, first you do some cleaning and then you move on to baking. My mom first shared this recipe and then Austin's boss and we decided it was time to jump on the bandwagon and make the super-easy NY Times No Knead Bread.

You mix up the four ingredients (flour, water, yeast, salt) the night before and let your bread sleep. It turns into a bubbly, mad scientist blog.

NYT No Knead Bread

The next day, you give it a few turns with a spatula or your hands and it turns into a less-gooey ball.The bread naps for a few hours. Then preheat the oven with your big cast iron pot inside, throw the dough into the pot when preheated, and voila, bread!

NYT No Knead Bread

Beautiful, crusty, chewy, delicious bread. Rip it up while hot, smear on some butter, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

NYT No Knead Bread

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Lazy Weekend

Nothing too exciting to report from the Lunderoy headquarters, we're just enjoying a little down time this weekend before we travel for a wedding next weekend and before I become fully absorbed in the fall semester.

Garden Shopping

On Friday, my friend Beth and I went garden shopping. She recently got a new apartment with a nice balcony and I've been wanting to change our landscaping a little when the weather cools down. There's a great nursery by our place so Beth and I checked that out and then returned to my house for a living room picnic of cheese, hummus, crackers, and fruit. The evening was topped off with a thunderstorm, a rare event in Texas but I really enjoy rain and storms.

Garden Shopping

Yesterday Austin and I went out for lunch (he insisted that it was International Bacon Day so he really needed to observe the holiday). After lunch, we browsed one of those seasonal Halloween costume stores for ideas and are actively accepting suggestions for both of us if you're so inclined. Then it was off to the mall to find rehearsal dinner gear and we were pleased to discover that Dillard's carries tall shirts and ties so Austin was fitted appropriately. It was also nice to be helped by an old-school sales clerk who knew everything about men's fashion and the rules of putting an outfit together. On the same mall trip, I found some jewelry and a wrap for my rehearsal dinner dress. After the mall, we browsed books at Barnes and Noble and then picked up some dinner and headed home. It rained again so it was the perfect night for a movie and pasta for dinner.

Today is our designated work day so we'll be making a Home Depot run to get more mulch for the yard. Austin needs to do some edging and weed whacking and I need to do some weeding. We'll do our usual Sunday grocery run and get ready for the week so we can chill tomorrow. Before we know it, we'll be waking up at 4am on Friday to fly home for the first of the fall weddings we'll be attending.