Mark's dream

Mark had a dream last night...that he was having an in-depth discussion with the Manchester United soccer team coach, Sir Alex.  They discussed "Giggsy" and "Scholesy" and also why Carrick wasn't playing.  Well, Giggs and Scholes both started and Carrick came on as a sub.  So who knows, maybe Mark is an assistant Manchester United coach, subcontracted in his dreams.

In other news, I owe all of you Baltimore and updated house pictures.  Also, I am know a proud owner of a Janome sewing machine.  I've bought the fabric for place mats and am hoping to have those at least started by next weekend.

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Mark!

Today is our second anniversary. Sadly we are 100 miles apart. But, in the grand scheme of life this is the best thing...and I have a pretty great setup in Dallas.

This marks the second year that we've spent our anniversary somewhere other than home. Last year we were in Montana, where we started our "foodie" dinners.

I'm so glad we both enjoy restaurants that are just a little bit different (rattlesnake, elk...) and can share those experiences.

This year, we went to Tim Love's Lonesome Dove Bistro. Yes, the Tim Love of Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef (he beat Morimoto!). We drove over to the Ft. Worth Stockyards a little before our reservations, stopped in a few shops, read some historical markers, and wandered around.

We ducked in a local wine bar and tasted some local wines (surprisingly good).

After that we made our way to The Lonesome Dove bar where Mark had boring drinks and I had the most wonderful cocktail I've ever had - Hendrick's gin, lime, blueberries, and cucumber. Yum!



And then we had the best meal I can ever remember. The entire meal was spectacular. Mark thinks it was hands down the best meal of his entire life. Don't worry, I'll do a separate post about dinner but most of those pictures are on my camera.

Mark, here's to 2 years...and 50 more! Thanks for joining me on this great adventure! I love you!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tomorrow

Tomorrow evening is the Manchester United v. MLS All-Stars.  Mark is as excited as a 5 year-old on Christmas Eve (in my family, that would be Christmas Eve after tamales while the dishes are being washed).

He's got all his gear ready - his Manchester United jersey (it's long sleeve, but that won't stop him from wearing it) and Manchester United scarf.  If you thought he was cheering for the United States team, you would be seriously mistaken.

Hopefully, this guy will be playing and the Red Devils will put on a show.

Happy Birthday, Mark!

Strawberry Mojitos

I made this tonight - and they are really good!  A little bit of work, but a good special occasion summer drink!  I will definitely hang on to this recipe (oh, and the soda water makes all the difference.)

Strawberry Mojito Cocktail Recipe
adapted from The Berry Bible

   * 1.5 ounces of simple syrup
   * about 3 fresh strawberries
   * about 4-5 fresh spearmint sprigs (chopped if you prefer smaller mint pieces in your cocktail)
   * soda water
   * 1/2 lime
   * 2 ounces of light rum
1. In a chilled glass (about 10-12 ounces), muddle the simple syrup, strawberries and mint leaves together with the back of a spoon or muddler. Crush the strawberries and mint leaves well.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lime into the glass, add the rum and stir well. Fill glass with ice and top off with soda water.
3. Garnish with mint sprigs or strawberry slices. Makes 1 drink.

It was only a matter of time before Rocky realized that a dryer full of warm clothes is even better than the laundry basket.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Laundry

I got a new iPhone app so I can post from my phone - including pictures. Hopefully this will mean more posts!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:iPhone App

Cafe Madrid

Mark came to Dallas this weekend and we made sure to take advantage of the big city restaurants!

Friday night was pizza from a little restaurant - Olivellas. Mark said it was very close to the pizza he had in Italy!

On Saturday night we had tapas at Cafe Madrid. I don't remember the last time I've eaten there (probably around age 5 when I had cow's brains), but after having great tapas in Houston with Megan & Greg, we were excited to have tapas again. They were GREAT!

Diablo Pulpo (grilled octopus in spicy sauce. This isn't on the menu, but was Mark's favorite.



Breaded eggplant with manchego cheese



Roasted red pepper stuffed with goat cheese (Mark might have changed his opinion of goat cheese)



Grilled chorizo



Cheese & spinach croquettes

We will definitely be going back to Cafe Madrid!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone