If the heading of this post brought to mind visions of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John rocking out on the bleachers with the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds then we should hang out, especially if you can sing the whole song. You be Danny, I’ll be Sandy. Go.
In actuality, I thought we’d do a top ten list today because top tens are fun, and I’m kind of keen on putting things in list order; makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Without further ado, here’s….
The Top Ten Things I’m Loving This Summer
1) My CSA. This is our second year participating in a CSA, I’m finally starting to get into the groove of using everything, and I couldn’t be happier. We picked up week ten last Thursday, and are you kidding? Look at our beautiful produce. If it doesn’t look good to you, then I think you need to adjust your screen, or your thinking.
We got a bunch of sweet (tasting and bad ass) yellow peppers, a green bell pepper, a golden onion, grape heirloom tomatoes, five big beefsteak tomatoes, a head of lettuce and three types of fruit: watermelon, cantaloupe and blackberries, which brings me to my next item….
2) Fruit. This should come as no surprise to anyone who reads my blog, but I’m on a summer fruit bender. My next step may be to seek help. I’m a firm believer in non-violence, but if you get between me and my fruit, I will take you down. They tried to make me go to rehab, and I said No, No, No.
3) My refrigerator. Yep, an unusual love, but true. I adore it because it’s quite simply the nicest appliance I’ve ever owned, and it houses some of my favorite possessions.
Four years ago, we’d given up hunting for a new house and opted to buy all new kitchen appliances instead. I did my due diligence, researched everything on consumer reports and ended up with the Kenmore Elite (look at it gleam). Shortly thereafter, we found our current residence and in a matter of weeks sold our old house and moved, but the fridge almost cost us the whole deal since I flat-out refused to leave it behind. There was a whole lot of haggling, but I stayed strong. I gave up the washer, the dryer and every other appliance we owned, but I held firm on the fridge, much to the realtor’s and the Hubby’s dismay. It was worth it, and in case I needed extra affirmation, I had a nightmare this past weekend. We had moved into a new house with a wreck of a kitchen (think indoor/outdoor carpeting), which housed an awkwardly placed, dirty, rusty, and stained fridge. I woke up in a cold sweat, shaking and hurried to find the Hubby, who said I had “funny nightmares.” Humph.
4) Beautiful Weather. It’s sunny and seventy-five here in Cleveland. The air conditioning is finally off, the windows are open and a gently breeze is flowing through the house. Here’s to hoping the weather stays like this.
5) The Breadsmith in Lakewood. I’ve mentioned them before, but they are worth a second shout out. I’ve become completely spoiled, and I refuse to buy my bread anywhere else. While I’m pretty sure they’re a chain, it’s locally owned, and their bread is baked fresh daily with only the best regional ingredients, without any additives or preservatives. Anyone who can make whole wheat bread taste out of this world deserves a gold star in my book. Last week, we had Tuscan Herb (yeah, I made some bruschetta), and I’m starting off this week with a loaf of their Granola Bread. It has oats, sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, and a touch of honey…sweet, sweet baby jesus; it is good. In addition to their regulars, they have weekly specials. This Friday is Mediterranean Herb, and I can’t wait to get in on that action.
6) Location, Location, Location. The Hubby and I live walking distance from the local park, which is the bomb diggety (oh yeah, I went there) since they have an exercise path, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Best of all, they hold free outdoor concerts every Sunday night in the summer. Since June, we’ve seen Shakespeare in the Park, Jazz, Big Band, Irish, Swamp Pop Boogie (!!) and last night, the Lakewood Hometown Band. We usually bring a blanket, some reading material, snacks (I can’t be without food) and a beverage or two and just hang out while listening to them play. Sunday nights don’t get much better.
7) Blogging. I have officially been blogging for just over three months now (wow, time flies), and last week I renewed my website for an additional six months. I hope you’re not sick of me yet because I’m planning on sticking around a bit longer.
8) Spinning. Not only do I adore spinning, but I really love teaching it. I taught another class last week, and now I’m going to have to look into getting certified because it rocks my world, and here’s why: I have a weird secret desire to help people become healthy (or be the best they can be; maybe I should do recruiting for the army). I want to move them into my house, work them out, and cook for them until they see how fabulous healthy eating can be and want to do it themselves. The problem is no one wants my help ( 🙁 ). Spinning is different though because people are there for the purpose of getting healthy and have their asses handed to them on a silver platter, which is where I happily come in. Channeling Jillian Michaels.
9) Big Brother: the Hubby and I rarely see eye to eye when it comes to television viewing, but this is one show we both enjoy, which means spending several nights a week curled up on the couch together or at least near one other. And in honor of big brother, Happy Birthday to mine. Hope you have a great one, Colin.
10) Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. It’s sort of healthy too. I won’t lie, there’s a fair amount of brown sugar and of course some chocolate (although I use non-dairy chips), but there is no butter, no eggs, no white flour and no white sugar (a.k.a the Devil).
I scored the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/31/deep-dish-cookie-pie/.
Here’s the thing, this lovely, melt in your mouth, pie is made with oats and chickpeas. Super strange, I know. I was extremely skeptical up until the moment, I slowly and carefully placed the first bite in my mouth and tasted nothing but ooey, gooey, chocolate chip cookie goodness. Seriously, I kept waiting for the chickpeas or the oats to announce themselves, and they never did. Not on the first piece, or the second piece or even the bite of the Hubby’s third piece a couple of hours later. Go make this one; you will not be disappointed.
So what are some things you’re loving this summer? Do you remember Grease and do you know all the words to Summer Nights (summer loving had me a blast)?
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