One Iowa

I'm a fan of www.oneiowa.org and I think this video shows why.

Dear Wind,

Why do you have to be so blowey this week?  You take away from the fun of riding my bike when you try to knock me over.  It was bad enough on Sunday, but there were beers and catching up with Hartman halfway through that ride, so I could overlook your attack.  But today?  Today I rode home from work and you pummeled me in front of traffic.  I must have looked like I was in slow motion, fighting against you with all my might.  So lay off, would ya?

Sincerely, 

Sarah Jane

Easter

Happy Easter!  I headed to Cedar Falls to have some fun with the family.

Ellie & Lil' Ellie in their matching dresses.

Some crazy wrestling.

Rowan hangs out with Kathleen.

Brew Year's Eve

Last weekend we headed down to CABCo to celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition.  Never one to say no to a costume, I was very excited to dress up as a flapper and hang out in a basement speakeasy.  It was a great time, except for the headache on Saturday morning.

Doggie Haircut

Before:

After:

It's kind of hard to believe that he's the same dog.

NKOTB

Last night was amazing.  Allyson and I went to see the New Kids on the Block.  

I hadn't screamed so much at a concert since the last time I was at a New Kids concert.  It was so much fun.  I danced and sang along to every song.

We went with the cheapest seats possible.  Luckily they decided not to use the section where our tickets were, so we were upgraded to much better seats.

NKOTB still dances a lot, which was fun to see.  They are great entertainers.

It was nice to see how they have matured.  It was fun to watch them perform as adults.  Well, except for Joe.  My favorite New Kid thinks he's Frank Sinatra.  He did a tap dancing number and wore a gold lame jacket for part of the show.  It was just sad.

Best. Encore. Ever.

Holy Crap. YUM!

Do you ever try a new recipe only to find yourself shocked at how tasty it is?  Do you ever find yourself thinking "I think this is what I would make if President Obama stopped by"?  

That happened to me tonight.  I tried a new recipe.  It was actually my second choice.  I don't have an oven safe skillet (come on Sarah, you cook enough, just buy it already!), so I moved past the maple glazed salmon to the Orange-Glazed Salmon Fillets with Rosemary.  It was a great choice.  The sauce is amazing.  Someday I'll make it for Patrick, because he loves rosemary (it's amazing what I learn when I visit Kansas City).

Trust me.  You should try this.   I halved the recipe, and it turned out great.  I would take a picture, but if you compared it to Mary-Claire's I would feel sub par, so you're just getting the recipe (from Cooking Light).

Orange-Glazed Salmon Fillets with Rosemary

4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (1 inch thick)

1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

cooking spray

2 T minced shallots

1/4 c dry white wine

1/2  t fresh rosemary

3/4 c fresh OJ

1 T maple syrup

Sprinkle fillets with salt & pepper.  Heat a nonstick skilled over med-high heat.  Coat pan with cooking spray.   Add fillets; cook 2 min each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.  Remove from pan.

Re coat pan with cooking spray.  Add shallots; saute 30 sec.  Stir in wine and rosemary; cook 30 sec or until liquid almost evaporates.  Add juice and syrup; bring to boil, and cook 1 min.  Return fillets to pan; cook 1 min on each side or until heated.

Enjoy!