Squirrel Summer

Here in Austin, the normal high has been around 103 F (between 39 and 40 C) for a few weeks now. Yesterday was actually the 23rd day over 100 F degrees! Usually, these temps don't come around to bake us until August or September...but last year and this year the baking came in June and July.

And then there's our poor Squirrel. I think he's been abandoned by others and/or successful in kicking out the dork Squirrels we've had for the past two years. This boy is industrious - he moves about the Pecan trees in the back quickly, doesn't nervously chew on it as much as the others did, and many days will sun himself on the tree outside our guest room - watching Grete do the same on the guest bed.

In fact, Grete and he have developed quite the relationship - I actually think that he believes he is a cat. Seriously. He loves to lounge in the sun, within a little distance from her...of course, he's outside, she's inside. We've named him Romeo because he's wooing our daughter lately on our kitchen balcony. She lures him with well placed almonds and such...


Chillin with some nuts


Romeo digs a trench in the moist soil to cool off


Grete patiently awaits, singing "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge


Romeo buys himself a drink


The pivotal moment - can Squirrels see through glass? Grete awaits the answer


Now I think this playa' Romeo is just leading our little girl on

Tschüß!

Recap: St. Patrick's Day, March, and April

While I had sent a few picture-posts, I forgot that I temporarily disabled auto-posting after a spammer posted on Valentine's day without me knowing. Sheesh!

So, it was time for my annual St. Patrick's Day feast and we had the boys over to enjoy! Happily, our new Le Creuset pan is the most amazing dish ever (yes, the knock-offs just don't quite work as well). I made Cottage Pie, which is like Shepherd's pie but without the lamb, steamed cabbage, brie for appetizers, and Lemon Cupcakes with Green Sprinkles from the neighborhood "Pie Slice" bakery.







We've had a great March and April, hunkering down and focusing on the house and sloughing off the remnants of Winter. My Kindle is my latest passion - I absolutely love it.

I also have another passion - my bike! I'm becoming more sporty these days, especially after a good six months (or longer?) with our amazing trainer, and am happy to be getting in better shape! Ryan is super happy, because he now has a biking buddy and we had our inaugural ride through downtown last Sunday. Here are some pics:





Tschüß!!!!

Peacock Watch Day 9

They were nowhere to be seen yesterday, but one of the three came by this morning and Ryan helped him with a snack.

Tschüß!

Peacock Watch Day 8

The other night, they slept high up in our neighbor's tree. They're really quite peaceful guys - they go up and roost right as the sun goes down, but were up and at it before the sun rose. One is definitely the leader, another is moderately docile, and the third is submissive. As I watched them climb this tree, flying from limb to limb, the leader and moderate got very high up, but the third was having some issues. After some time, the third settled in where he was, down a few branches. Later in the day, I saw them nesting down in some torn-down bamboo in my neighbor's hard. As beautiful and bright as their colors are...they certainly camouflaged into my neighbor's various backyard junk.

Here's a video of them on the breezeway between our house and the front house. The "beep" in the background is IsaacBird.



Tschüß!!

Peacocks on our property!

The boys who live in our front house knocked on my door (whilst I was cleaning for our brunch party tomorrow) and said, "There are Peacocks on the neighbor's roof." Pretty soon, they were on the front house's roof! Beautiful guys!



I know of two flocks of "kept" peacocks in Austin, but haven't seen them in the wild before...





They made their way around to our backyard and then into our neighbor's garden for a healthy snack.



Afterwards, they moved to the front of the houses and disappeared. Fun times in Austin!

Tschüß!

Chicken in Cashew Nut Sauce (indisch essen)

Indian Food. Ahh...nothing quite like it and I know it's found throughout Germany. (Yes that was my attempt to keep the blog relevant and "on topic.") We were at Barnes and Noble and Ryan found a Indian Food cookbook in the discount area. Why not? Let's try! After buying it (along with an espionage spy novel for moi) we sat in our car and picked a dish to make. Chicken in Cashew Nut Sauce.



We rushed to Central Market and quickly bought the rest of the ingredients, cookbook planted firmly in the cart. We had a bit of confusion trying to find Gram Masala (is it a sauce? powder? ahh...blend of spices...) but finally returned home and I started cooking. The food processor was a Christmas present from Ryan and I've used it a ton -- this night was no exception and it did so well.



Yes, it tasted as good as it looks. I didn't know the Indian food has so much Cilantro -- I've always associated that with Mexican food.



It surprised me how easy the dish was - we're moving on to a Chicken Korma, one of my FAVORITE dishes. But I couldn't find Curry Leaves or Onion Seeds at the store...so maybe an Indian Foodstore might be open tonight to help me out.



Bliss. Last night we hit Ranch 616, one of my favorite restaurants in Austin; we've eaten there on my birthday for the past two years. The food was spectacular and the city was abuzz. We hit Molotov to watch the cars and bikes putter on by...it's the bike rally. Most of the time they're nice...but on my way to watch the soccer game yesterday I was crossing the street with a "WALK" sign protecting me...and some turning yuppie roadpigs told me to "Fucking go man!" as in walk faster. Eat shit -- you and your wrinkled broad are nothing but posers and next time we meet at Whole Foods and you're in your dry-cleaned white button-down picking up a Vouvray to go with your take-out pizza from Homeslice...I will still kindly put the rubber "Thank You For Shopping" stick down between your wine and mine.

Tschüß!

RUS 1 - GRE 0

I guess I would root for the Russians over the Greece...convenient, now the game is over. How fun, I am enjoying a beer and reading the paper with a busy room around me. I have a new blackberry and it is actually Blogger-friendly! Neat.

On topic, are fried chicken tenders irish? Haha, they are certainly good here.

The town is hot and abuzz with the biker rally (our 4th year seeing it!), and Pride, which isn't the sad repressive shit in Utah. We need to enjoy the city buzz. Cab ahoy! :)

Finishing my Spaten and the paper...then off to the hot afternoon.

Tchuess!

Rotkartoffelsalat

I made that title up -- but I made a really good batch of it yesterday for a Sunday BBQ at the Jeff and Steve's house. I didn't want to make an American-style version with loads of Mayo and French's Mustard...so I went with a Paula Deen recipe that turned out perfectly!



Tip: Instead of shelling out $1.79 per pound for the Class 'C' Red Potatoes, which are really cute and small, go for the $.79 per pound regular Red Potatoes. For this recipe you want the bulk of the potato, not just skins.

Click here for the Red Potato Salad Recipe

Meanwhile, most of the day we relaxed and recovered from our night out. These days, we don't go too crazy with hitting bars but we did have a great date night - I bought tickets to Indiana Jones and we walked to the theater (people are going to be sick of me gloating over that but it's really one of the coolest things in the world) -- it was a sticky afternoon and even though we arrived early, we were about 3/4 back in the line...right at the door. The sticky heat of summer air rushed through the doorway, right past our legs into the lobby.

The movie rocked!! We both really enjoyed it, as well as two pitchers of hoppy IPAs...I've been anti-IPA for some time, but I can't remember exactly why. Tasting these, I'm actually enjoying the flavor of the hops!

We left the movie, stumbled home and at the last minute Ryan pulled me toward the Horseshoe Lounge and we stopped in for a beer. Well, after talking to a few of the regulars and three beers later we finally made it home.



Ryan sleeps off his migrane

It didn't help that we have both been sick because Ryan had a migraine the next day (yeah yeah in most countries we call that a hangover...but this was pretty bad) and my cough was a bit strong.



Even our pet Squirrel was sleepy and wanted to nap

At about 3, Ryan rolled out of bed and declared he wanted to mow the lawn! He's such a good mower and I'm glad he likes yardwork. I'll take care of the kitchen, he'll take care of the landscaping, and all will be well in the world.



Ryan expertly mows the lawn

At the BBQ, we were comparing couple's notes with Jeff and Steve -- they had a similar arrangement when they first got together. Jeff does the lawn, Steve does the finances. Although for Ryan and I, we were so young and I really had no concept of domestic life. I suppose at the time my life was school, laundry, write papers, live cheaply, date Ryan. Sounds nice and easy!



Isaac and Scott

Now, it's work, fold laundry (Ryan does the washing around here), write checks, try to live cheaply, love Ryan......cook meals, grocery shop, love my bird, love my cat, clean up after the bird, scoop out cat poop, play Wii, read magazines, check e-mail, forget birthdays, drink good beer and good wine, read newspaper, listen to music, and try, try, try to live well.

Since it's Memorial Day, I should be thinking about those lost in War. I don't understand war (couldn't corporate innovation and teambuilding help vet out issues???? haha!) but proudly have two grandfathers who served in World War II, a father who was in the US Army, an uncle who served in Vietnam, and ancestors who fought in the Civil War (both sides!) and the Revolutionary War!



My grandma and grandpa (dad's side) reading cards at their 70th Wedding Anniversary. My grandpa served in Europe, driving German soldiers back to their home towns

Off to go have a nice Memorial Day -- it also means lots of furniture sales and we need chairs for our new dining table!!

Tschüß!!

Chicken Shit Bingo

I think that people have the wrong idea about Texas. (Well, once that baffoon in the White House is back at his ranch, it'll certainly help.) I did when I first moved here.

In all reality, Central Texas is an interesting mix of great-great-great-grandchildren of German and Czech immigrants, a healthy dose of Mexicans (don't forget, we live in former Mexico), pockets of hippies (and now kids of hippies), and then 'tech-transplants' like me.

A few weeks ago, we went with Kris to drink our cares away in memory of her son Micah's passing 5 years ago. So, where does one go? Why not a dive bar to listen to Rockabilly music, drink cheap Pearl beer, and play Chicken Shit Bingo!

Proof:

Now, I have no proof that Ginny's Longhorn Saloon has any connection with German immigrants, but there is a tie-in later. Let me explain the Chicken. Every Sunday at 4 p.m. you can line up to buy a numbered square on the plywood straddling the pool table. It's quite a confusing operation, with the band playing 15 feet away from you, crowds of old ladies and yuppies all trying to navigate the piles of old chairs and formica tables. Eventually, Ginny herself leaves to grab the chicken, who lives out back, and deposits her in the cage -- corn is strewn about. The chicken eats, the crowd watches, Ginny feeds it pieces of something that looked like cooked egg (?!) and eventually......YEEEAAAAHHHHH!! The chicken shits. The number is announced. The winners split the pot.



I'm serious! It actually just made Esquire's Best 100 Bar list, too.



Bring your own liquor too, if ya want!



Or your dog -- we discovered Pearl beer, which has faded in popularity. Interestingly enough, it's recipe comes from Bremen, Germany -- from the same makers of Beck's. Although the brand is now owned by Pabst and brewed at a Miller brewery in Dallas, it was mighty tasty.



OK, beyond that I also wish a happy 70th wedding anniversary to my grandparents, Sam and Hila. I was able to spend a lot of time with them at the beginning of the month in Salt Lake City. They're both so cute and haven't changed a bit.



Tschüß!!

Radler and Frühlings

Both of us are definitely jumping into Spring with both arms wide open -- lots of changes around here. Before we get into the tour, let's make sure you have a Radler beverage in your hand. Shiner (a local and independent brewery in central Texas that has been running since 1909 -- the brewery's actual name is Spoetzl or Spötzl which is a common last name) is brewing an Anniversary Beer that is in the München Helles style that is a bright gold lager with high white foam...perfect for a large Maß or stein.


How do you take a beautiful beer like that and make it a nice spring/summer drink? Add sparkling lemonade of course! Our preference is the San Pellegrino Limonada with the awesome foil safety top. You can mix them half-and-half, or to taste. I prefer to put this in a traditional stein since it keeps it nice and cool.


Above: Ryan enjoying a Radler in Stuttgart, 2006.

Beyond that, other changes around the house mean Spring is here. We're both on a "healthy eating" binge with dinners of a protein and loads of fresh vegetables...no starches. That also means not much German food is being cooked at the moment, but I just need to get creative.


Above: We painted the green wall white since all the outside greenery should cast their own color on the wall.


Above: Ryan's beautiful assortment of plants on our front porch.


Above: Can't you smell the Jasmine on our back porch?


Above: The skyline view is gone until winter, but the greenery is spectacular.

We had two strong storms roll in Friday and this morning -- the moisture is great and it didn't hail at our house! Going to be unseasonably cold today (in the low 60s) so it's definitely a "Mall" and "Target" sort of a day. Which is fine -- I just hate doing all that when it's super beautiful outside!

Tschüß!!!

Back in Austin

I love Austin. I was seriously missing some home time -- I loved my trip and had a fantastic time...but there is nothing like coming home, cooking some good grub, and getting ready to watch "Dancing with the Stars." It was sad to leave this morning, but I feel like this trip was the right amount of time and I accomplished all that I wanted to: spend some quality time with Mom and Dad, hang with my brothers and their families, see the new doggie, spend some time with Ryan's parents, and then have a brunch outing (courtesy of my friend Ann and her husband -- Ann used to be my boss but will always be a fantastic friend).

Yesterday was a blast -- family dinner, a Sunday staple, and there was singing, gaming, eating, laughing, caking (?), and simply a lot of fun. We also got to do some family pictures...although we're missing the older three siblings and their family -- this is the core family that make up my High School and College memories.



My flight was fairly early, so I had a quick start to the day -- but my energy peaked on the plane and I did four Deutsch lessons and feel like I made some great progress. Now, I'm cooking turkey filet minions, roasted carrots, a salad, Pilz Knödel, und Drei Pfeffer Soße. I'm a nut! (Ich bin ein Nuße! Okay, that's not quite right...)

If you would like to see the photo album of the trip, then...

2007-11: Salt Lake City

Tschüß!!!

Oktoberfests in Central Texas

Funny, I just attended my third Oktoberfest celebration...of course, in Central Texas they take it literally (it really happens at the end of September in preparation for October) so last week's festival in Fredericksberg was just the start!

Central Market, a local grocery chain, had "Oktoberwest" and I happen to shop there every Saturday...I've been eyeing the signs for weeks and today, solo, I went and had some Pork and Kraut, a draft Paulaner Oktoberfest and a draft Ayinger Oktoberfest (they also call it Märzen, because it's brewed in March and fermented until September for Oktoberfest). Ran into Julie, who was over for our dinner last Thursady, and had a nice chat. The second beer, the Ayinger, I took in the store with me and shopped. At first it felt a little strange, pushing my cart around through the vegetable aisle, list in one hand and beer in the other.

Then, I reminded myself that I'm in Texas...that was followed by several minutes of "OMG, I live in Texas..." a phenom that I've gone through many times during the past 3 1/2 years since we moved to Austin.

Anyway, the Oktoberwest was great -- had an Oompa band out front (not as good as the one from Fredericksberg, but I can't pas up waltzes and marches) -- and I have my eye on a couple others coming up throughout the month. Dare I say, Oktoberfest Slut? :)

Lights and Buses

Phew, I survived the week. Work was full of re-organizations, work on structuring the new team, building curriculum, etc. Home was closing the house, trying to find time to relax (I didn’t find much of that), and starting some little improvements.

On Wednesday, we arranged a dinner with our friends Melissa and Spencer, old neighbors from Mira Monte who moved a few months ago, at planned to meet them downtown at The Belmont. Ryan doesn’t get off work until 7:00 and I didn’t really want to drive from home 2 miles and then have to BOTH drive home.

So, I took the bus. My first ride in Austin and it wasn’t bad for 50 cents. I was only on there for five minutes and it picked me up 1/2 block from our house. It dropped me off about 2 1/2 blocks from Ryan’s work. I loved it! And I’m going to do it again in a few minutes...going to a b-day happy hour at the Gingerman downtown. I heard it’s closing, which makes me sad. It has about 75 beers on tap.

Ryan also worked on a lighting improvement project for the driveway -- it’s quite long and very dark at night...so he found a contractor, met him, and it’s done! It’s beautiful...absolutely stunning!




Better get ready for the evening...and the bus ride. Kind of lame but oh-so-very German.

Tschüss!

p.s. Happy Oktoberfest!!!

Bug on a webcam to the world

Ryan and I were commenting this morning (over our established ritual of coffee, newspapers, and computing in the living room) on a dragonfly that’s been plastered on our Lindau, Germany webcam.


I setup iGoogle a few months ago and we added a few webcams from places we visited in Germany...Munchen, Freising, Oberammergau, Triberg, Berlin, and Lindau. In Austin, we’ve had a ton of dragonflies doing their mating thing and I suppose it’s happening elsewhere.


Our apartmenthaus in Lindau

Reminds me of how, when pressured, Ryan and I can be adventurous to the extreme...some people do that with sport, we like to do it with the direction of our lives I suppose. This house thing has been a surprise, a stress, and a whole lot of fun. We went to the house last night, had a few beers, cranked our favorite songs, and sat on the empty floor and talked about everything and nothing. Lovely.

Although we’re all common dragonflies, I think I agree with our friend in Lindau -- we all have to sit down and rest sometime...why not plop down in a place with a nice view?

Tschüss!