tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88509336803686387102024-03-13T06:13:04.859-04:00shiny happy lifektmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-84287426429745440042011-05-14T10:22:00.002-04:002011-05-14T10:33:01.538-04:00maymay has come along and with it lots more rain. in between downpours, we have ben's t-ball games. what an adventure this is! he takes it very seriously and believes his sole purpose on this earth is to catch the ball. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5697569063/" title="IMG_5672 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5697569063_820e9ab165.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5672"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5697589465/" title="IMG_5759 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/5697589465_54ff822849.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5759"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5698165004/" title="IMG_5763 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/5698165004_a222455c03.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5763"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5698170942/" title="IMG_5800 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/5698170942_6521e110af.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5800"></a><br /><br /><br />the yard and gardens here are beautiful. i can't believe they are mine. every day almost brings a surprise. flourishing bleedings hearts, huge hostas. thriving berry patch. lilacs, clematis, roses. so exciting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5698135824/" title="IMG_5632 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5698135824_773c84ac60.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5632"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5698135490/" title="IMG_5630 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/5698135490_81c0bc6df2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5630"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5698135984/" title="IMG_5633 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/5698135984_29d5b84efd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5633"></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-84828654879169608892011-05-14T10:06:00.003-04:002011-05-14T10:22:37.967-04:00aprilwe have been enjoying a lovely (if wet) spring. lots of fun over easter. ben hosted his friends at the house for an egg hunt.<br /><br />carson came for easter as well. we took a day trip to pittsburgh and gawked at the bunny palace. <br /><br />i'll let the pictures do the talking.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5645114230/" title="IMG_5182 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5645114230_62cc38a8ce.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5182"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5633069321/" title="IMG_5034 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5633069321_8d393fc340.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5034"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5633661300/" title="my guy by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5633661300_a42ab556ac.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="my guy"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5633665374/" title="angry rabbit by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5633665374_6f40e4ebec.jpg" width="500" height="388" alt="angry rabbit"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5644555823/" title="IMG_5226 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5644555823_6f9f371ae8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5226"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5648885171/" title="IMG_5322 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5648885171_97af9a273a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_5322"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5651591800/" title="IMG_5346 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5651591800_f3c79b192e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5346"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5651623410/" title="IMG_5468 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5651623410_db0544940d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_5468"></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-64093899954948412152011-03-19T14:41:00.004-04:002011-03-30T22:35:04.271-04:00I suckOk, so I clearly was unable to keep on top of sxsw posts. or any posts for that matter. I'll try to catch up here and now. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5575861446/" title="6th Street by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5575861446_728c921bf6.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="6th Street"></a><br /><br />Day One:<br /><br />Premier of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0945513/">Source Code</a>. Saw it at the Paramount. Encountered Vera Fermiga in the ladies' room.<br /><br />Day Two:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1800401/">Turkey Bowl</a> at the Alamo. I love you, Alamo! Very comfortable film, relatable. And did I mention that I love the Alamo?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1509787/">A Bag of Hammers</a>. Love this movie!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1839648/">The Pee-Wee Herman Show</a> at the State Theater. Paul Reubens present. We were in Austin. That's over HEEEEYAH!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1594562/">The Innkeepers</a> at the Paramount. Hated it. WTF.<br /><br />Frog Design Party. Delicious apps and copious amounts of alcohol. Lovely starlit Austin skyline.<br /><br />Day Three:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/newsarchive/1000/01/a_mouthful_paul.html">A Matter of Taste</a>. Loved it. Visiting <a href="http://www.cortonnyc.com/">Corton</a> is now on my to do list.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1864288/">Conan O'Brien Can't Stop</a>. They aren't kidding. He's hyperactive, self-absorbed, and fascinating. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1785492/">No Matter Wha</a>t. Slightly depressing but refreshing in a way. The leads are not professional actors. A touching movie, actually. Enjoyed watching it but enjoy it even more in retrospect. Director was gratingly pretentious, however. Ugh.<br /><br />I know we attended some type of party because I ended up at <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1647483/">Wasted on the Young</a> well on my way to healthy buzz. Downed two Alamojitos while watching this feature length Australian version of the OC on steroids. The film was on steroids, not me.<br /><br />Day Four:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1647483/">The Dish and the Spoon</a>. Um, lame mumblecore that I should not have put us through. I think I enjoyed it far more than husband only because I've been spending vacations in Rehoboth since I can remember. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790867/">The Other F Word</a>. I pray this film gets distribution. An engaging look at punk rockers who find themselves in the compromising position of being fathers. <br /><br />Flim Florida Fish Fry. Conch fritters and fried fish. Yummo.<br /><br />Day Five:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1737747/">Something Ventured</a>. Cerebral but fascinating doc on the venture capitalists who gave Silicon Valley its start. Bad combovers and private submarines. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1853563/">Foo Fighters</a> at the Paramount. Um. Greatest thing ever. Um. They were there. Um, I was two feet away from Dave Grohl and got to say hi to him. Um, we were in line and got wristbands for a private show at Stubbs. Um, we were in the FOURTH ROW AT A FOO FIGHTERS CONCERT WHERE THEY PLAYED THE NEW ALBUM IN ITS ENTIRETY WITHOUT STOPPING. Um, can you say awesome? Then they played everything else. We were right behind the person who filmed <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/agenthal#p/u/20/x9JMIAD725s">this</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5532345340/" title="Grohl by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5532345340_1e1c863bcb.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Grohl"></a><br /><br />Day Six:<br /><br />New Music from Wales. Annual showcase sponsored by the British Embassy. Handpies, rarebit, meatless sausage. Yum.<br /><br />French Party. Canada Party. New Zealand Party- oh wait, I missed that. At this point I got a little carried away and forgot that I'm not actually a college coed. I'm a 34-year-old mother. Yikes. Blur.<br /><br />Brett Dennen and Matt Nathanson at the Moody Theater. I wish I could say I didn't feel like puking the entire time we were there.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.berryaustin.com/index.html">Berry Austin</a>. Trip number one.<br /><br />Day Seven:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjoA4nYBD5U">The Head and the Heart</a>. My new favorite band.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylFhglfqJOA">Devotchka</a>. My other new favorite band. I've enjoyed them for years, but it's amplified now for sure. We saw the show in the clip.<br /><br />No clue what we did that evening. According to Matt we went to the second floor of Maggie Mae's on 6th Street but left because it was weird. Then we stood in line at Esther's Follies but did not get in. I think I got street pizza and went to the room and watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098844/">Law and Order</a>. <br /><br />Day Eight:<br /><br />Sunbathing at the pool. AHHHH.<br /><br />Showcasing Scotland at the British Embassy. I hate to say it, but sort of a disappointment. <br /><br />Fabulous seafood at <a href="http://trulucks.com/pages/arboretum-austin">Truluck</a>s. Flight of Chardonnay. Seafood tower. Scallops. Berry Austin number two. I love you Berry Austin.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5575858134/" title="Berry austin by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5575858134_b313196d9b.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Berry austin"></a><br /><br />Day Nine:<br /><br />Yorkshire and North East at the British Embassy. Tacos and techno.<br /><br />MMM watched WVU lose while KTM got a sunburn at the pool.<br /><br />Watched the Willie Nelson documentary and listened to Billy Bob Thornton yammer on and on and on and holy crap is he crazy.<br /><br />Berry Austin number three.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5575268219/" title="Fro yo by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5575268219_ffd1f4b0e3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Fro yo"></a><br /><br />Day Ten:<br /><br />HOME!!!!ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-74583889361169232832011-03-12T09:56:00.002-05:002011-03-12T10:04:39.583-05:00austinhere we are again. <br /><br />80 degrees. sunny. free-flowing alcohol. i am in heaven.<br /><br />i am noticing that the older i get the harder it is to turn off the everyday laundry list of worries and just relax. we had a great day yesterday, but still, this morning i woke up in my usual "shit i'm late for work and i have 50 things to do and oh my gosh i just want to lie here" groucho mood. it took a few minutes to look around and say "wait a minute, i'm on VACATION."<br /><br />we were incredibly lucky travel-wise yesterday. flight out of PIT left on time and our Midway flight was only about an hour late. and just like that we went from 30 degrees and 4 inches of snow to 78 and sunshine.<br /><br />we arrived, registered and hit the ground running, or, well, walking really fast. went to a few lounges. experienced a sobe apple margarita. very tart and yummy. however, it's been, oh maybe 7 months since i've had hard liquor. i did fine, though. <br /><br />we grabbed sushi on congress and went to the premier of source code. it was good, but probably the least favorite opening night flick i've seen here. we skipped out on the second premier and went to a random bar on 6th and watched the funkadelic "jean claude van jamme" perform. there is no way to describe the absurdity of this scene, and only my husband will understand when i say "when the man in the kilt tells you to dance, YOU DANCE!" truer words have never been spoken.<br /><br />street pizza and bed after that. <br /><br />i'm going to try to do a better job of capturing our activities this year. we'll see if i can keep it up.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-50637937099296585882011-03-06T21:03:00.003-05:002011-03-06T21:21:09.894-05:00feet upon the snowlove this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIg5E_ZbtD0">song</a>. <br /><br />the past couple of weeks have fluctuated between glimpses of spring and debilitating respiratory infections. i am beginning to feel like we will never again go for more than a day or two without someone being sick. (insert my standard whine here- i eat healthy, i exercise, i sleep, i have a relatively stress-free existence- how can i be sick so much?).<br /><br />during the springy interludes we've finally been able to explore our new yard and neighborhood. there are so many beautiful old houses (including our own) and very interesting old trees.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5484307112/" title="IMG_4753 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5484307112_d963136b97.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_4753" /></a><br /><br />we have tromped around the soggy yard, laying out spaces for herb bed, veggie bed and fish pond. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5483717249/" title="IMG_4768 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5483717249_3d06a6f01f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_4768" /></a><br /><br />we moved rowan's hutch across the yard. he seems fat and content as usual. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5483718483/" title="IMG_4773 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5483718483_d759c26c93.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4773" /></a><br /><br />shannon's birthday was this weekend. i volunteered dessert. tartine's lemon meringue cake. a time intensive cake with many steps. i enjoyed every second of it. i also enjoyed having yet another reason to use my kitchen torch. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5504189787/" title="IMG_4808 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5504189787_cae3e7ee38.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4808" /></a><br /><br />all told, i think the cake has something like 17 eggs in it. a chiffon base, lemon cream filling and gorgeous meringue frosting. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5504187255/" title="IMG_4794 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5504187255_75e95981b2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4794" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5504188683/" title="IMG_4801 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5504188683_626cee2bf6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4801" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5504782468/" title="IMG_4802 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5504782468_c328c95a6d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5504190941/" title="IMG_4814 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5504190941_47051d4008.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4814" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-2629802350911052162011-02-21T18:43:00.002-05:002011-02-21T20:09:55.350-05:00l'operaour good friend came for supper yesterday. it was his first time at our new house.<br /><br />i made giada's chicken and penne in a lemon cream sauce. i loved it. the guys? not so much i don't think.<br /><br />i also took opportunity to make a dessert i'd been wanting to try out for quite some time: opera cake.<br /><br />it was an enjoyable cake to make, but the clean up was out of control. three different sauce pans! hand mixer! stand mixer! sheesh.<br /><br />i gave the leftover cake to my mother so i wouldn't eat it. i regret that decision.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5466156523/" title="IMG_4731 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5466156523_611fbe3b3e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4731" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5466157039/" title="IMG_4733 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5466157039_7a2367f2e4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_4733" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5466157687/" title="IMG_4739 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5466157687_9f5be28c9a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_4739" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5466756340/" title="IMG_4747 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5466756340_70ac85be0d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4747" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-40047607075783253232011-02-16T21:58:00.002-05:002011-02-16T22:49:10.012-05:00benny had his four-year well-child visit today. he loves the attention he gets at doctors' offices and he absolutely loves his pediatrician. he blushes and giggles when she touches him. it's very cute. verbal skills and fine motor skills are very advanced. smoothness with the ladies? not so much.<br /><br />after his appointment we took advantage of the warmer weather and went to friendship hill to hike and ride bikes. we explored the grounds, pretending to be chasing bears, really tracking dear, and speculating on spectral activity. felt great to be outside, not wearing a coat, breathing fresh air.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5452004703/" title="IMG_4687 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5452004703_38f1aee1d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4687" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5452618690/" title="IMG_4702 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5452618690_9eddd40657.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4702" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5452621938/" title="IMG_4720 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5452621938_b9093a3a64.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4720" /></a><br /><br />i really do love something about that place. ben call's it albert's house and loves it there as much as i do. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5452011633/" title="IMG_4727 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5452011633_7c1a11736a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_4727" /></a><br /><br />we ate at apple annie's on the way home. good food and such a friendly atmosphere. they have an incredible dessert case. easily over 20 choices of cakes, pies and pastries. all made in house and all clearly delicious. i won the bad parent award for the day and let ben eat this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5452070723/" title="IMAG0355 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/5452070723_8aaeb37182.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="IMAG0355" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5452068193/" title="IMAG0356 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5452068193_e3c2e0f8f0.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="IMAG0356" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-13411236492409993102011-02-15T21:46:00.004-05:002011-02-15T22:04:12.456-05:00oh yeahi think we are finally over our various illnesses. <br /><br />trying hard to regroup at home and at work. i'm wiped out and it makes it difficult. all i really want to do is sleep. and watch niche programming on obscure cable channels. <br /><br />tooling around on youtube this evening and remembered how much i totally and completely love this song. <br /><br />a little <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFadTILdKqM">roxy music</a> to help you settle into your evening. god, i love to sing this song.<br /><br />realized i forgot to post about something absolutely lovely. a few weeks ago we went to see lyle lovett and john hiatt. i might have posted about that, but what i know i did not post about was this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNmnzwGT4Ic">song</a>. <br /><br />reminds me so much of my childhood. my parents, brothers and me, riding on country roads, piled into the car, singing songs, listening to stories. god. is there anything more family than that?ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-47642386611831550802011-02-09T23:16:00.003-05:002011-02-09T23:26:31.538-05:00breadi have been hankering for good wheat bread for days. fresh out of the oven, substantial wheat bread. <br /><br />after a day like today (our house fell victim to what appears to be a CTA-induced stomach flu) a hearty treat became a necessity.<br /><br />i tried the nine-grain whole wheat bread recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Soul-Baking-Sur-Table/dp/0740773348">the art & soul of baking</a> and it did not disappoint. there is no way to describe the smell of it baking. it came out with a beautiful, hard, brown crust. the inside was, praise the lord, not dry at all. this has become my new favorite bread recipe. goodbye baking with julia's white bread.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5432699234/" title="IMG_4665 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5432699234_15b23eaa81.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4665" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5432698598/" title="IMG_4666 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5432698598_0f5b06c2ef.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5432089699/" title="IMG_4668 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/5432089699_362f50531d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4668" /></a><br /><br />munched on bread and cheese while watching the season premiere of justified. i think this season might even top the first. some very strong characters emerging.<br /><br />here's to a sickness-free tonight and tomorrow.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-37461527110087684532011-02-07T22:48:00.003-05:002011-02-07T22:58:13.674-05:00home, sickwe have been taken down by some insidious cold virus. it is evil and everlasting. it has also turned my kid into an emotional timebomb. more highs and lows than a pregnant lady watching a hallmark commercial. i feel bad that he feels bad- i really do. but enough, already.<br /><br />stayed home today and made up my mind to fight this cold psychologically. take it on from the inside out since nothing else seems to be working. i've banished the OTCs and have resolved to fight it with the neti pot, yoga, and chicken soup.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5426426933/" title="IMG_4660 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5426426933_0fee605046.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4660" /></a><br /><br />thinking today about how much the new house inspires me. it's just so pretty and cozy and comfortable. makes it hard to leave it sometimes. there just aren't enough hours in the day to tackle all the projects i'd like to. let alone finish them. <br /><br />i did, however, finish making cherry oatmeal chocolate chip cookies today. as well as a batch of apricot ginger granola. comfort food at its finest. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5427032190/" title="IMG_4664 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5427032190_c048ca15ea.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4664" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-9662380838266341652011-01-27T20:04:00.003-05:002011-01-27T20:13:59.270-05:00benny's birthday bashlast sunday we hosted ben's first REAL birthday party. invited the usual crew plus every kid in his class. we had quite a turn out, too! <br /><br />we partied down at a local gymnastics facility. can you say "anticipation"?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5382641955/" title="IMG_4544 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5382641955_142682415a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4544" /></a><br /><br />the kids were precious- every single one of them. and, get this- BEN WAS WELL-BEHAVED. he was perfect. gracious. took turns. was polite. didn't throw fits. incredible. he and aj cracked us up hatching an evil plan of some sort.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5382662951/" title="IMG_4506 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5382662951_ca894856ac.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4506" /></a><br /><br />he wanted a pirate party (again). i found a kit to make a pirate ship cake and was happy with the results. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5383269358/" title="pirate cake by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5383269358_6dbc8ce872.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="pirate cake" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5383270394/" title="IMG_4375 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5383270394_68d4b9afda.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4375" /></a><br /><br />still can't believe my baby is four. brings a tear to the eye.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-17737127344446498872011-01-18T17:40:00.005-05:002011-01-18T19:44:25.856-05:00three no moreYesterday my baby turned four. FOUR! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5365796746/" title="IMG_4356 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5365796746_262e130ce9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4356" /></a><br /><br />We started the day with snuggles, presents and a sugary breakfast. We built a fire early and watched Scooby Doo meets Batman and Robin. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5365783970/" title="IMG_4300 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5365783970_3af1949f26.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4300" /></a><br /><br />Around noon we started baking Ben's cake- vanilla bean with white chocolate buttercream.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5365173751/" title="IMG_4314 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5365173751_f0c2e2f8f8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4314" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5365790758/" title="IMG_4331 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5365790758_59c12c1fe8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4331" /></a><br /><br />Began baking dinner. Beef braciole and pasta. I made Lidia's tomato sauce recipe and it was very good. Looking forward to leftovers tonight.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5365792280/" title="IMG_4335 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5365792280_eb1eb2e5ab.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_4335" /></a><br /><br />Family came over. A nice time celebrating Ben, the lovable maniac that he is.<br /><br />Still tired from it all.<br /><br />Ny brother-in-law shared these two very different covers of "I am trying to break your heart" with me. Trying to decide which I like best. Both are very good. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHl1NJ1PBeA">Lauren O'Connell</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7-7x5lJiaQ&feature=related">JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound</a><br /><br />the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlxH9-TYseY">original</a> for comparison.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-76313029707542884802011-01-16T23:49:00.006-05:002011-01-16T23:57:13.116-05:00stacksfeels so good having old friends in our house. <div><br /></div><div>my books have been in storage for weeks. made their way home today and it makes things feel even "righter."</div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5362276369/" title="IMAG0253 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5362276369_2a69839a65.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="IMAG0253" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>busy pounding, banging, stacking, arranging today. my fingers and toes are all smashed. i'm wearing five different bandaids! ben just thinks that's the greatest thing ever. </div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/5362280425/" title="IMAG0249 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5362280425_48cb49f91b.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="IMAG0249" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>sitting by the fire, watching the eels concert dvd. before i sputter out.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6frf8koOw4">she's a jar</a> is the song of the day. reminds of a certain professor i had and a last ditch effort to get an A in his class. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-80713656061447698322011-01-15T23:16:00.005-05:002011-01-15T23:32:20.916-05:00braised<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5358611117_776e29ffb0_m.jpg"></a><br />catching a breath here, somewhat. the house is truly feeling like home and being here just makes me happy.<br /><br />winter is wearing out its welcome with me, mostly because i'm tired of cleaning up salty melt tracks all over the house. and i'm tired of trying to keep a coat on ben. he's good with the hat thing, but he sees his coat as a mortal enemy of sorts.<br /><br />the weather is lending itself to two things consistently: hearty food and saddish music.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKlibntJmTc">good arms vs. bad arms</a>. does it get any sadder than this song?<br /><br />as for the food... braised beef ribs this afternoon. 750ml of cabernet started it off- in the pot, not our glasses. we enjoyed several hours of a delicious-smelling kitchen.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5359223168_6b2d034de4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span>sous chef benny helped me roast fingerlings. i attempted to recreate an onion tart that matt likes, but i apparently missed the mark. still good, but not the recipe he remembered.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5358611117_776e29ffb0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5358611609_3e6b0b4cf2_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span>chocolate pie with the leftover crust.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5359223762_81f1ae8066_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span>all in all a lovely, homey day. </div></div>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-51602295169146319672011-01-11T22:12:00.002-05:002011-01-11T22:20:30.044-05:00radio, radiomonths have passed and here we are. new house, new way. life is good. <br /><br />watching elvis costello doing i his thing in a very purple suit. how can you not love him? <br /><br />so many things to take care of in our new (old) house. i should spend some time here explaining how we've unwittingly moved into morgantown's own grey gardens. take from that what you will. but day by day it becomes ours a little more. comforting, homey, home. pictures and projects coming soon.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-51590207863674015792010-05-19T19:53:00.003-04:002010-05-19T20:23:42.051-04:00springy spring<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4610502610/" title="IMG_9734 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/4610502610_d0646ab55f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_9734" /></a><br /><br />we're in the midst of a rainy spell, but still, it's just spring.<br /><br />lots of cleaning, organizing and yard work going on.<br /><br />we had a great trip to the zoo on saturday (except for my getting us lost a few times). <br /><br />nothing really going on, just the usual flow between work and home. <br /><br />spending a lot of time with bbb outdoors. the botanic garden has become one of his favorite places. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4609894115/" title="IMG_9736 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4609894115_a7e9459d58.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9736" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-25342223427990816862010-05-02T21:21:00.002-04:002010-05-02T21:58:04.784-04:00overflowingbest of the best of weekends. after a relaxing friday evening, bbb and i hit saturday with a vengeance. we were both glad to see the return of the farmers market. i picked up a pint of cherry tomatoes and two steaks. this was my first experience buying beef at the market. i've been making a significant effort to be a locavore. mostly after watching food, inc. my reaction to this movie requires its own post.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4573291810/" title="IMG_9695 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/4573291810_aec2ff892b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9695" /></a><br /><br />after the market we took a picnic to the botanic garden. a nice lady directed us to sandy beach by the old dam. ben got his toes wet and i took some nice pictures. we also spent some time sketching the old water tower. there are so many interesting remains there, and so much wild life. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4569045866/" title="IMG_9663 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/4569045866_15fe018b50.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9663" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4569050630/" title="IMG_9673 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4569050630_1227d654fa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9673" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4569052320/" title="IMG_9676 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4569052320_eb20098eb9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9676" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4569055362/" title="IMG_9682 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/4569055362_d8378354f4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9682" /></a><br /><br />the first 90-degree may first i remember, we set up the paddling pool when we got home. after hours in the sun we went in and i went on a baking frenzy. why? because i discovered the greatest baking blog ever. i know i'm late to this party, but <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/">joy the baker</a> is phenomenal. ben saw a picture of her<a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/01/hot-fudge-sundae-cupcakes/"> hot fudge sundae cupcakes</a> and requested them immediately. i also made bread and <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/02/knotted-and-stacked-disappearing-acts/">smitten's pretzels</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4572652377/" title="IMG_9688 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4572652377_c5e85eb238.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9688" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4573292508/" title="IMG_9704 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4573292508_3f8424687d.jpg" width="500" height="364" alt="IMG_9704" /></a><br /><br />i put the tomatoes to good use in pasta with leftover mushrooms. i think, no, i know i gained five pounds this weekend.<br /><br />today we went to church, lunch at max and erma's, then shopping. back home and bbb and i tackled joy's <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2008/06/homemade-twinkies/">twinkies</a>. incredibly sweet and fluffly. yum.<br /><br />now, sitting on the couch, relaxing but secretly wishing i had energy left over to do more. how i love my weekends.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-19216743218824977532010-04-27T23:05:00.002-04:002010-04-27T23:15:02.700-04:00middletown tripour spring trip to maryland was probably one of the most-needed trips i've ever taken. i truly relaxed and came back totally refreshed. how often can you say that? both bbb and jake were very well-behaved. we spent 90% of the time outside, didn't eat out at all, and hiked all over the place. it was great to watch bbb enjoying himself and exploring the great outdoors.<br /><br />i did get to hike my first couple (tiny) sections of the AT. headed south at Gathland State Park. Beautiful and peaceful in the rain. <br /><br />The light was great all weekend- a perfect opportunity to take beautiful pictures:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4551583621/" title="IMG_9426 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/4551583621_47e7871020.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4551598821/" title="IMG_9450 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/4551598821_14560b1376.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4551605487/" title="IMG_9459 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/4551605487_ef9d9162e5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9459" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4552245396/" title="IMG_9464 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4552245396_fc81d219d9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9464" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4551624769/" title="IMG_9490 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/4551624769_2e1f093ba2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9490" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4551641995/" title="IMG_9521 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4551641995_7e7aaea084.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9521" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4552283616/" title="IMG_9528 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4552283616_2577ce8f86.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9528" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4551688939/" title="IMG_9611 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/4551688939_5b41f6d94a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9611" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-30109107043954517502010-04-18T21:22:00.003-04:002010-04-18T21:56:16.735-04:00allergiesthat's where i'm at.<br /><br />is it too late to recap easter? or anything from the past nineteen days? my head has been in a fog.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4487891694/" title="IMG_9273 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4487891694_d314107227.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9273" /></a><br /><br />easter was beautiful. we got out with brother number one on good friday and hiked around the old camp. i baked a lot and thoroughly enjoyed that. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4497877445/" title="IMG_9305 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4497877445_37ed448903.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9305" /></a><br /><br />i've been working in the yard as well because the weather has been so nice. until THIS weekend. cold and rainy and ick. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4532729217/" title="IMG_9368 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4532729217_d814194662.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9368" /></a><br /><br />saturday evening i got a nice dinner date with my girls. lots of mommy talk and laughs and the general feeling that i'm not a lone in all this. (and a very nice rainbow trout stuffed with goat cheese, if might add).<br /><br />today was a sunday. church, lunch, visiting with friends. mmm returned and was kind enough to entertain bbb while i got some work done. i didn't really give him much of a choice i don't think. oops. <br /><br />almost forgot- last weekend we saw wilco in pittsburgh. always a treat. lunched a lidia's- another huge treat! <br /><br />gearing up for work tomorrow. so much to do it makes my head go numb.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-67306068917292097342010-03-30T20:56:00.005-04:002010-03-30T21:15:12.473-04:00spring!spring for real this time. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4477925450/" title="IMG_9243 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/4477925450_01bb44c500.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_9243" /></a><br /><br />i love baking and decorating for easter and spring. bbb and i have been busy making cookies and egg decorations for our easter tree.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4477925844/" title="IMG_9242 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4477925844_f8e0e750f5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_9242" /></a><br /><br />we've also been busy in the garden and starting seeds. peas, arugula, spinach, swiss chard and mesclun outside. tomatoes, zinnias, eggplant, basil, rosemary and pumpkins inside. so far, so good. <br /><br />in other wonderful news, the mounties are headed to the final four. along with mmm and kw! i'm so psyched for the the team and for my guy. momentous! tremendous! stupendous! we're taking bbb to the send-off rally tomorrow afternoon at the coliseum. i just can't let him miss out on this!<br /><br />since mmm will be otherwise engaged, i'll be spending the holiday with my mom. i'm kind of excited about this as well. it will be fun to wake up in my mom's house on easter morning and do the whole easter bunny routine. also looking forward to eating as many deviled eggs as i possibly can. yummmmm.<br /><br />trying to think of what to make for easter dessert. so many options....ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-8609614325840925222010-03-30T20:53:00.003-04:002010-03-30T21:13:52.709-04:00familythe boys and ruth came for a spring break visit. it felt so good having everyone here and best of all the weather cooperated. we were able to play and eat most meals outside. lots of nice pics from the visit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4458020211/" title="IMG_9169 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4458020211_01886e0425.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9169" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4458004789/" title="IMG_9115 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4458004789_911010c021.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9115" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4458031877/" title="IMG_9214 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4458031877_7af81259cd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9214" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4458822536/" title="IMG_9033 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4458822536_1410de8bfc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9033" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4477298179/" title="IMG_9232 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4477298179_d8601e3f78.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_9232" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-91207322897053403392010-03-12T22:50:00.001-05:002010-03-12T22:51:53.409-05:00homehome! ahhhh.....<br /><br />still jet lagged. hoping to get to sleep easily tonight after the big east semi-finals of course. let's goooo mountaineers. <br /><br />looking forward to a very normal weekend at home.ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-509612388209293382010-03-12T22:38:00.002-05:002010-03-12T22:50:40.789-05:00kids don't float!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417949261/" title="IMG_8887 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4417949261_00b601537b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8887" /></a><br /><br />by far the best part of our trip to alaska was our trip to seward and the day cruise we took from there. it was quite simply alaska, just the way you picture it. what pictures can't give you, though, are the icy cold wind, the bobbing of the sea, the bounce of the tour bus and the strange and wacky character of the people who choose to live in such a wild and expansive place.<br /><br />the city of anchorage is the size of CONNECTICUT. helloooooo, that's huge. and only 300,000 people live in anchorage. 600,000 in the entire state. a state that is much bigger than texas. a state with only 6 highways. a state whose capital cannot be reached by car. what?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417616113/" title="IMG_8867 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4417616113_e00f3d4889.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8867" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4418019200/" title="IMG_8779 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4418019200_440cb84d85.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8779" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417950034/" title="IMG_8721 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4417950034_299c4189fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8721" /></a><br /><br />anyway, back to the cruise. we saw wildlife- moose, otters, dall porpoise, bald eagles, mountain goats, and the spray of a whale (i think!). seals and sea lions as well. our guide knew just where to go to find the creatures. we also saw bear glacier which was a thrill for me. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4418061890/" title="bear glacier by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4418061890_3c2e67f2b5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="bear glacier" /></a><br /><br />highlight of the trip? mmm being charged by a musk ox at the wild life preserve on the way home. classic! this guy meant business...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4418165735/" title="killer musk ox by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4418165735_bab4ab0d56.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="killer musk ox" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-32688601769036907372010-03-06T20:15:00.004-05:002010-03-12T22:38:11.953-05:00iditaroddid i mention that anchorage is the craziest place i have ever been? it's just..... strange. unlike anywhere else.<br /><br />i mean, how many places do you go where you see this?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417790102/" title="IMG_8590 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4417790102_fb47964e2e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8590" /></a><br /><br />or this?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417061457/" title="IMG_8629 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4417061457_ea9a4c9c61.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8629" /></a><br /><br />or eat this?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417845514/" title="IMG_8647 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4417845514_3941d8880e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8647" /></a><br /><br />i did eat a whole lot of this, though...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417882730/" title="IMG_8679 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4417882730_426c5ed617.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8679" /></a><br /><br />the iditarod start was great fun. i absolutely loved hearing the dogs yapping in the street. they were spastic, jumping like reindeer in a christmas movie. as soon as they started pulling their mushers, though, they would hush up and run their tails off. lots of characters in town that day for sure. we took lots of pictures, but, really, they all look the same. dogs in shirts and booties!<br /><br />this dog wouldn't stop staring at mmm:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartin20/4417100425/" title="IMG_8663 by kriswvuf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4417100425_dd8af6be5f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8663" /></a>ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850933680368638710.post-23032040064160706122010-03-04T20:35:00.003-05:002010-03-04T20:42:01.446-05:00alaskai still can't believe we are here. it was an incredibly long day of travel (with a seven hour layover in minneapolis). we got to our hotel in anchorage at about 1:30 in the morning. i , for one, was cranky.<br /><br />but today we definitely hit the ground running. nice breakfast in the hotel followed by walking around downtown. we went to the anchorage visitor center and got some very good advice. from there we took the city bus to the south side of the city. the native arts show is being held in the diamond center mall. <br /><br />i learned something about myself. now, i'm far from a peta person. i not even close to a vegan. i wear sheepskin boots. but something about all that seal skin and otter fur makes me want to cry. i just can't do it.<br /><br />the bus ride to and from was full of color. one lady said to a fellow passenger "you- you psychotic. you know. that means you follow your MIND." uh, ok crazy bus lady.<br /><br />back in town we walked some more and shopped for souvenirs.<br /><br />luckily, bbb doesn't miss us much.<br /><br />waiting for the pictures to load!ktmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598233771297996604noreply@blogger.com1