What Is This??

Is anyone out there knowledgeable about entomology? If so, could you tell me what kind of bug this is? I've been finding them on my carpet in our house. They are dead when I find them, and they measure to be about an inch long. Of course my first worry is that it could be harmful to my puppy, but it might be nothing. Regardless, they give me the heeby-jeebies every time I find one.

Tis the Season

The Christmas season seems so go by so quickly here in Texas since the weather isn't very cold and doesn't feel wintery, so I've started early this year to make it seem longer. We've never decorated or put up lights or had a Christmas tree until this year, so it's rather exciting for us. Okay, so it's exciting for me. I think Chris could care less about it all, but I enjoy the holiday season. Here are a few pictures of the Christmas décor we've got going on thus far. I'm really excited about our Christmas party that we're hosting this year. The theme is "Eat, Drink, & Be Merry with the Bonsers." Should be fun. 45 people are planning to come! Chris also invited his co-workers, so our humble 1300 square foot house should be quite cozy that night. Also some pictures of our updated rooms.

Looking at the front door from the front hall.

Our first Xmas tree! It's about 5 feet tall.

Finished living room with the new furniture. I'd still like to put something above the sofa and we need to paint trim along a different wall, but for the most part, it's done.

I love how the TV is hidden when not in use.

Simple greenery on the mantel. Eventually we'll sand down and paint the backdoor white. And the kitchen color will be a brick red color that will continue into this room and touch the fire place. It's the wall above the backdoor.

We installed a cabinet in the guest bathroom for extra storage. And once it was in, I switched the shower curtain back to the old one because there was too much white going on with the other curtain.

The master bathroom. Again, just some finishing touches like painting trim until it's completed.

View from the front door.

Thanksgiving in Indiana

I got to spend a lot of quality time with my friends last week. We were in Anderson for 7 days and I packed in the schedule with visiting people. It was nice to spend time with family, too, and see everyone on Thanksgiving. Chris got to go to Purdue one day and hang out with his crowd. We are very thankful for our Indiana people. We've missed them since moving here.

Andy & Mandy

Carrie, Abby, Carey

BFF: Jenny

Jen & her new beau

All 7 of us, minus Marley Poo

"The Girls;" me, Jen, Susan, Steph, Michelle

Thanksgiving Kisses!

I love my siblings.

And Chris Bonser.

update on the important stuff

my two new favorite songs: "no one" by alicia keys, and "bubbly" by colbie caillat.

Tarry

tar·ry ¹ (tr)

v. tar·ried, tar·ry·ing, tar·ries

v.intr.

1. To delay or be late in going, coming, or doing. See Synonyms at stay¹.

2. To wait.

3. To remain or stay temporarily, as in a place; sojourn.

v.tr. Archaic

To wait for; await.

n.

A temporary stay; a sojourn.


God has been reminding me lately the importance of taking a Sabbath. My favorite days with Him are when I escape for a hike with Marlow. When I seek out that time of solitude, I always hear Him speak. Thinking of this, I am reminded of the hymn, "In the Garden." (Except for me it would be called, "In the Greenbelt.") What great words it speaks. The chorus goes: "And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known." And humming it to myself, I get stuck on the word tarry. That's not a word I often use, but I love it. Isn't that exactly what God wants for us when taking our Sabbath?

My Belly is Happy

This was another restaurant on my list of places to eat and last night we did just that. It was impressive, and neat to see the chef and pastry chef are both women. They had an extensive wine list and a nice selection of entrees, all highlighting seasonal ingredients.
We ordered:

Appetizer: Crispy Oysters on Yucca Root Chip with spicy aioli and brunnoised tomatoes. I'd read several great critiques about this particular appetizer and it was excellent.

Entrees: Duck & Shrimp with Strozzapreti and Brandy & Quince Glaze and Green Peppercorn Ahi Tuna with Baby Artichoke Ragu & Fingerling Potatoes

Desserts: Pear, Huckleberry & Brie Pie with Pear Sorbet & Rosemary Anglaise and a medley of Peanut Butter, Cappuccino, and Vanilla Ice Creams with delectable cookies for each.

You'll Want More of This Stuff

I am cooking from home today for a few clients and I made a dish that I must say is pretty darn good. I was so excited about it that I thought I'd post it here for you to try. It's not anything amazing, but the flavor profiles of it blend so well together that is just melts in your mouth and makes you want more. This is great especially during the colder months.

Sable with Creamy Leeks--about 4 servings

Combine 1/2 c. sour cream (I used fat-free and it turned out great!) and a pinch of flour in a small bowl. Set aside.

Season with salt and white pepper (or black if that's what you have) 4 servings of sable (or another firm to delicate white fish...like cod or pollock), about 6 oz. each. Set aside.

Prep your leeks by thinly slicing them.

Sauté leeks in butter (about 2 T.) until they become almost translucent and light in color. Season with S & P. Add 2/3 c. water to pan and stir with leeks, simmering. Add sour cream and stir. Cook 3-5 min. Add fillets of fish to pan. Cover with lid and continue cooking about 5 minutes or until fish is opaque and begins to fall apart. (You don't want to cook too long or you'll lose the integrity of the fish texture.) Remove from heat. Spoon into bowl. Sprinkle with a little bit of chopped dill. (Not too much or you'll overwhelm it.) Eat with a nice, soft dinner roll and a glass of a buttery, oaky Chardonnay. Yum!

Halloween Grill-Out

We grilled out last night with several of our neighbors and passed out candy as kids stopped by. I overbought on candy again this year, so Chris took the rest of it to work this morning so that it wouldn't be home alone with me.

I work long days today and tomorrow, but I've got Saturday and Sunday off, which is really nice. It's been quite awhile since I've had a weekend off, and it's just getting busier with the holiday season coming up.