The Holidays

I had a very nice two weeks off this year (JWU was nice enough to give us the 21st and 22nd off at the last minute). Dave and I had a few invitations for Christmas Eve dinner but Dave is a "stay-at-home-on-Christmas-Eve kinda guy". We haven't made fondue in ages so I decided that would be our dinner. Mmmm, cheese. Also did broth with beef and chicken. Be sure to ask Dave about his horseradish experience (he put a little too much on his first piece a meat and was soon crying). Okay, I made the crying part up but it was still pretty funny.

Christmas day we went over to Dan and Andrea's. This is the first time they've been in Colorado for Christmas in a long time so we were so happy to be able to spend part of the day with them. They cooked an awesome meal and I tried out a new salad that I thought was pretty darn good (I made it the next week for my family and they all loved it too). I'll post the recipe at the bottom. So all-in-all we had a very relaxing Christmas.

I went to NY on the 27th to spend a few glorious days with my family. Got to see the Henze's whom I don't get to see very often (weddings and funerals it seems are the only time I see them anymore). I skiied with my nephew, Owen, and loved every minute of it (even though it was only 10 degrees and I was severly underdressed). Owen is a great skiier, just needs a little more confidence. I got to see Granny a couple of times in her "new" place. She's scootin' right along and still telling everybody what to do (only now it's multiple times b/c she forgets what she says). On the 29th we went over to Carrie and Dan's and had fun catching up with the Bartell's. Ross pulled his typical stunt and went MIA just as the party was getting started. I got to meet Carrie and Dan's baby, Jack who was just adorable.

Me, cuz Ashley and Meg

Dad hurt his shoulder earlier in the month and I just found out he has to have surgery on it (exact same surgery he had 2 years ago, different shoulder). Mom is still the best mom ever, spoiling her children and grandchildren, taking care of her mother-in-law, cooking us great breakfasts, I could go on and on.

On the 30th, Ashley and I drove to our Uncle Jeff and Aunt Bobbie's house in VT. They built it a couple years ago and neither of us had been. The house is amazing and they are both doing well. Unfortunately I didn't get to see my cousins. Alex went back up to Potsdam to work, Laura went to Barneveld for New Years and Katrina was working (at Michael Kors, I so have to get her to get me some stuff).

Lisa and Steve met us at the house as they were up in Stowe earlier in the week and we then made our way to their house. We had a VERY relaxing few days. We watched four movies and managed to get out of the house at least once each day. We went snowshoeing through this awesome trail system really close to their house. And of course, we ate some great food that Lisa whipped up. We were in the middle of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button when the new year rang in. Crazy, I know! I'm just impressed I was still awake although being on the east coast I had the advantage of the time difference and never fully adjusting when I'm there. I so needed that R & R and I was truly able to take my mind off of the things that have been weighing on it lately. Thanks everyone for a GREAT vacay!

Proof that we actually left the couch:

Sweet Apple Salad

1 large head red leaf lettuce, torn
2 granny smith apples diced to bite sized pieces
1/2 - 1 c cashews
1-2 c grated mozarella cheese
1 c oil
1/3 c red wine vinegar
1/2 c sugar
2 T poppy seeds
1 T chopped onion

Toss all ingredients together, chill and serve.

Note: I would pour the dressing on sparingly at first. I dumped it all in the first time and I thought it was a bit too much. And I used the maximum amounts of nuts and cheese. Mmm, cheese.