tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89833552042907938422024-02-07T23:37:15.127+01:00Oh My Word!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-10795793268868607332011-08-05T15:27:00.000+02:002011-08-05T15:27:03.799+02:00Update!!
Woah! It's been a while guys!
So, how are you? How's the family?
I'm good. Things are crazy busy around here. I have a JOB! Working here.
Our church, and several other Orthodox parishes in the area, are working together to open a not for profit coffee house in downtown Harrisburg. Each quarter a local charity will be selected to receive all of the proceeds from the shop.Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-49747378085475008202011-07-22T12:34:00.002+02:002011-07-22T12:34:00.424+02:00Lost my Filter
Everyone, ok, almost everyone; has a built-in "filter" of what to say, what not to say, and who not to say it to.
I lost mine.
For two years, I lived somewhere that most people couldn't understand a word I said unless I wanted them to. Then, when I was saying something that should be filtered, I said it to my husband who knows me so well that we can filter each other and understand the Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-86093801384530909432011-07-20T14:42:00.000+02:002011-07-20T14:42:14.540+02:00Last Day of X-mas in July!
Last stop on the Christmas in July roadtrip is Switzerland! This is on the way to Interlaken, which was our home base.
Don't stay there. It's not so cute and sooooo stinkin expensive. Fondue is around $100 for two- and that's just bread and cheese. BUT they have a Hooter's. Poor girls- it was snowing out and absolutely freezing and they still had on those crazy "uniforms".
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-73051101779076312312011-07-18T14:59:00.003+02:002011-07-18T15:00:22.414+02:00Part 3
After the excitement of the castles we decided to spend a day around Reutte and went on a hike. So, we left from our hotel, went through the village, and out of town. And then I spent the next 2 hours wishing I had snowshoes.
Our hike 2nd one down, Ruine Ehrenberg. Basically we walked through someone's backyard, up a service road, onto a trail, and straight up a hill. I lost a Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-29937293457171699992011-07-11T01:30:00.001+02:002011-07-11T16:14:39.006+02:00Christmas in July, part Deux
There is a road leading up to Neuschwanstien, winding it's way up the side of the hill from the village. Some people walk, some people carry their kids on sleds (for a quick trip back down), and others take horse drawn sleighs to the top. No matter what you decide, be prepared for a stroll through a Currier and Ives painting.
Ludwig, also know as the Fairy Tale king, Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-45979707820224212202011-07-08T17:51:00.000+02:002011-07-08T17:52:15.933+02:00Christmas in July
Joyeux Noel!
I just realized that I didn't really blog our last Europe trip... which was Christmas. Sometimes, photo editing becomes such a task that by the end of it all I am so tired of looking at them that I just quit. Not a good excuse, but it happens. So, here I am in PA with some of the craziest humidity I have ever experienced, and I am going to talk about snow. YEH!
This Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-33318858770881547242011-06-28T19:34:00.000+02:002011-06-28T19:34:31.054+02:00Tasty SurprisesI love surprises. Ok, no I don't. I am a planner, but this kind of surprise is always welcome. One of John's coworkers brought him two pints of black raspberries yesterday. YEH!
John wanted muffins. I wanted cake....Tony Horton (p90x) wanted us to have neither. So, as with all good marriages, we had to come to a compromise. Black Raspberry Coffee Cake. Cake that tastes a lot like a Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-25090869607265153132011-06-23T18:04:00.000+02:002011-06-23T18:04:36.746+02:00WildwoodWith decorating almost complete, we have begun exploring our new city. Little bit more time on our hands. Last weekend was beautiful so instead of going to King of Prussia (evidently a big fancy mall outside of Philly) we went to Wildwood Park just outside of Harrisburg. It is a nature preserve and marsh with great trails and lots of wildlife. Lots. Chipmunks,egrets, herrings, ground hogs, Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-9912307865851983612011-06-19T06:40:00.000+02:002011-06-19T06:40:10.508+02:00DadTo the man who will always be there to bait my hook (because I can't stand to do it myself);
who taught me how to doggie paddle, dive, touch the bottom of the pool, and body surf;
who spent hours on math problems that we just didn't get;
and, my favorite Neil Sedaka impersonator:
You will always be my Superman. Thanks Dad. Loved you then, Love you now.
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-36763828733771446472011-06-17T20:45:00.001+02:002011-06-17T21:29:08.614+02:00Have your cake....A couple of weeks ago I was approached by a family at church to make their daughter's birthday cake. Honestly, I was pretty hesitant to say yes. While I love to make cakes and put lots of fluffy icing on them, I haven't done a ton of detailed cake decorating and haven't used my decorating tips since before we left for France.
I know. I will be going to pastry school and haven't used icing tips Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-46356829306828434912011-06-13T16:20:00.000+02:002011-06-13T16:20:04.769+02:00First Blooms
Thunderstorms and flowers make for great photos of our first blooms. I should have some yellow and pink cosmos soon.
Spider plants have buds and so do the snap dragons. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have some pictures of those!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-48650954596036617392011-06-10T16:32:00.000+02:002011-06-10T16:32:12.304+02:00Things to Do When You're Home AloneWell, John is out of town on business for a few days. This is the first time in our almost 4 years of marriage that I have been home alone without him. Not. A. Fan. So, in case you are ever in the same situation, here are some things for you to do.
1. Catch up on your current favorite TV Show. For me, this week it's Prison Break. Most. Addictive. Show. Ever. I can't stop watching. If you happen Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-68467582842276109402011-06-10T15:50:00.000+02:002011-06-10T15:50:00.286+02:00Color worksSadie, modeling our new rug.
Yes, it is shag. And, yes it is gold. Evidently we are quite retro. ha. While at my Mom and Dad's for Memorial day, Mom and I whipped out a couple of pillows. That's right, I can now at sewing (to a very limited degree) to my hobbies. Hopefully, my skills will improve with time. It took me 20 minutes to do something that took my Mom a total of 2.
I thinkStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-22625355359902663612011-06-08T15:38:00.001+02:002011-06-08T15:38:00.902+02:00The FarmJohn and I have joined a local CSA, otherwise known as Community Supported Agriculture. We paid a fee for about 4 months worth of fresh, organic, locally grown vegetables and once a week I go to pick up our box. So far we have had a LOT of wonderful lettuce mix, radishes, spring onions, bok choy, and arugula and are loving every single bite. And, of course, it is all "P90X approved". ( By the wayStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-61339161730354422142011-06-07T15:37:00.000+02:002011-06-07T15:37:00.496+02:00Still Growing...Look where we started!
This was taken before Memorial Day. I actually meant to blog it then. I'm sorry. I have decided that life in the US is just way more hectic than life in France ever was. I don't know why... but there is never enough time to get everything done.
And now:
So, I have successfully raised chives, cilantro, snapdragons, spider plants, cosmos, and some very healthy basil! Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-39144611515905469632011-05-22T04:02:00.000+02:002011-05-22T04:02:39.669+02:00Working on CommisionI made a deal with my dad a little while ago: if I can sell their house- I might get something out of it. Steak dinner? Million dollars? Snickers bar? I guess we will find out!
Mom and Dad are looking to downsize and get a little closer to the rest of the family. If you happen to be looking for a lovely, lake front home in TN- I've got the place for you! (Do I sound like a car salesman yet? I Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-22816325026757041902011-05-20T16:25:00.001+02:002011-05-21T04:48:58.962+02:00Decorating!Guys, I promise, I took these pictures on Wednesday. I had this blog sort of written.... and then... I got my butt kicked. The hubs and I started P90X this week and Oh. My. Word. It is kicking my butt. I have been in bed by 9:30 every night this week, completely passed out and that darn ab ripper x makes me feel like a rubber band; complete jello.
Enough of my belly aching. It's good for meStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-4520132342452267762011-05-11T16:01:00.000+02:002011-05-11T16:01:48.111+02:00The Headboard ExperimentWhen we bought our $40 headboard from craiglist I knew I would paint it. While I like the antique-look, it was a little too rustic for me. And, ever since I had heard about the "hammered" spray paint I had wanted to try it out.
I thought it would be painted as soon as we bought it but the weather had other ideas and since we don't have many places to store large objects in our apartment- it wentStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-6609312580394815052011-05-09T08:00:00.003+02:002011-05-09T08:00:06.761+02:00Update Monday: The New PlaceOk! I am finally at a point where I can share photos of the new place. All the furniture is in.. unless we add another bookshelf or something later. So, for the most part everything is settled. Yeh!
We have exactly one picture on the wall so don't judge. The walls are currently a reflection of the people who live here- pale, pasty, and lacking in coloration. As we gain on that, hopefully they Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-84762439646211595742011-05-08T06:00:00.005+02:002011-05-08T06:00:06.437+02:00Mom. She's the reason I cook,
(I even wrote a book about it!)
why I love to give gifts and see people light up,
why I enjoy the occasional Margarita, (Yes, that's me, Jack, and Mom)
She's the reason I'm a little OCD about cleaning and so many other little things...
So Mom, I hope you have a wonderful day. Without you I wouldn't be me.
Love!
and, everyone else, you should Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-74177613807149398312011-05-06T17:47:00.000+02:002011-05-06T17:47:21.699+02:00And now, for the big story this evening...I GOT IN!
This fall I will be going to school and I get to wear a chef coat, hat, and fun black and white checked pants! Woot!
And, now, I must go bake a celebration cake.... or some cookies... or maybe some ice cream..
Have a great weekend!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-42010030584663131652011-05-05T16:46:00.000+02:002011-05-05T16:46:34.764+02:00Growing....I thought I should show you the progress my little plants are making. Thus far this is my most successful year of growing things and I am taking it as quite the victory considering the crazy cold weather we have been having. Let's just hope it continues.
The cilantro, basil, poppies, chives, and snap dragons are all coming up! I think I may have lost a couple of the others... We'll find Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-46659643746044330702011-04-21T08:00:00.001+02:002011-04-21T08:00:07.185+02:00THE GrillSince we are finally living somewhere that we don't have a set "moving date", John and I have started buying furniture and house-stuffs that we want to keep. Hopefully for a long time. While buying furniture and settling in takes a while- the first place that is ever settled when we move is the kitchen. And, since we are Americans, part of having the kitchen settled is having a grill. Until now Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-27767405481872442392011-04-20T08:00:00.000+02:002011-04-20T08:00:08.293+02:00Spring?Since we left Nice, I have been waiting for Springtime. Unfortunately, spring in PA is not the same at all. I have yet to wear shorts, get a tan, or enjoy more than one beautiful day in a row. Actually, I can count the days that we have had temperatures of more than 60 on one hand. For a Tennessee girl who has lived on the French Riviera for 2 years....This. is. not. normal.
Once I realized thatStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8983355204290793842.post-86666855342267707352011-04-19T18:11:00.000+02:002011-04-19T18:11:30.485+02:00Sweet Birthday TreatsI made my own cake... Strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting. Even John-the anti-cake man- loves this cake. Not too sweet, not too heavy, essentially it is the Baby Bear's porridge of cake. And, my hubs bought me those tulips for my birthday too. Love him!
Cake recipe: Pink Lady Cake from Smitten KitchenStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434640674178864303noreply@blogger.com0