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I don’t usually blog about what I cook (because let’s be serious I’m no professional like my fav Pioneer Woman is!) Well, putting aside my lack of ability, last night I made Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana (for you non-Italians out there that translates to Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan). It was sooooo good. And very bad for me. That always seems to make things taste better doesn’t it?
One of the best features of this meal was how simple it was to make. Seriously….so simple yet scrumpdilicious. Dessert was an adventure as well. Just before sitting down to watch Obama make his speech (more on this later on in the post) I threw a few key ingredients into a big coffee mug, stirred them together, threw them in the microwave and three minutes later I had a chocolate cake with chocolate/caramel chips. Simple, yummy, and once again…bad for me. Especially that extra large scoop of cool whip I threw on the top. If any of you internet folks want these revolutionary and simple recipes feel free to comment or email me and I’ll send you the info you need, along with a pair of new pants one size larger.
Now, moving on to the good stuff. Obama made history last night and I was happy to watch. I haven’t talked much about politics here on my site…what can I say, but I don’t like to fight and I really don’t always have much to add that hasn’t already been said by others. Regardless, I’m throwing in some thoughts..and mostly questions for you.
Last night while watching the speech I was happy to see him address how he though he was going to change things. I was wondering all throughout how he was going to do it and have the money for all these new programs. He gave his answers and seemed to do a good job answering my questions. The only thing that troubles me is that I’ve heard so many politicians make promises and not think twice about those promises once they’re in office. After this speech (that I wish I could fully believe in) I’m left wondering…How can I believe him? It’s a bit like faith in some ways. It involves trust and belief, no?
I’m not decided on whom I’ll vote for. In truth I really haven’t done enough digging and questioning of either candidate to make a solid decision yet. It’s important for me to know why I’ll vote and do what I feel is important and correct. So…I’m asking you internet, blog-reading friends to “enlighten” me as to how you go about doing this. How do you decide? Are you a party person…only Democratic or Republican? Do you flip a coin? Vote on one or two biggie issues that matter to you? Vote for the cutest future pres? Vote for the richest or poorest candidate? Vote for Nader and say screw it? Or do you *gasp* not vote? Please come out of your de-lurking closets and fill up my comment section with your advice as to how I figure these guys out. Thanks my friends 
My awesome hubby helped me out with downloading some pictures from our vacation. You see, his workplace has this fancy pants high speed internet. And I have….the dreaded dial up. So, without further ado…here’s our vacation photos!
Our friends from Gustavus Adolphus College. All but Dave (the red headed guy on the far right) and I went to GAC. The four girls were roomies and every year we all get together here to spend the weekend on the lake. It’s by far the highlight of my summers. All ten of us, plus three kids and two dogs…what a group!
Girlie “drove” the boat.
Driving a boat really tires a little one out. She zonked out on our boat ride…either that or the straightjacket er…lifejacket restricted her movement enough to help her relax and take a nap!
After her snooze she was recharged and ready to hit the beach with Daddy.
Our family at Lake Pokegame. What a wonderful day!
I discovered kayaking while there. It was so peaceful being on the water watching the fish swim and spending some time alone. I even managed to stay upright!
We had a fun paddle boat ride as a family. It took Miss Girlie a while to appreciate the calm of sitting and looking at the lake around her. We managed to avoid her going overboard.
Here’s the family at Lake Superior. We headed there after our weekend with our GAC friends. It’s such an awe inspiring location. Truly magnificent nature views everywhere you look.
Four generations!! Erik, Grandma Jo and Great Grandma Lydia with Girlie.
Quite a nice shot from our Lake Superior adventures.
Grandpa Chris and the Daddio…
and a very happy flying kiddo :)
The place we stayed at was called Cove Point Lodge. They had these fun huge chairs next to their entrance and also had regular people sized chairs for their guests to relax in with a nice lake view.
The Brekke clan with Cove Point Lodge in the background.
Look, Daddy!!
My favorite picture from our trip. I love how the reflections of Erik and Girlie can be seen in the water. Even though the lake was a “balmy” 50 degrees splashing was still the favorite activity here.
Girlie’s second Minnesota Twins game. She’s full of luck as they’ve won at both of her visits. This time they beat the dreaded evil Yankees…yippee!
Here are a few samplings of what life is bringing me these days….yeah, I know…drama in it’s fullest.
Miss Girlie, much inspired by the Olympic Gymnastics action these days, decided to join in the fun. Her new trick as of yesterday was climbing up on top of our coffee table and waving her arms like a crazy lady. Mama’s new trick was trying to discipline her without laughing. Mama failed. Thankfully, the little gymnast knows how to “dismount” from the coffee table safely and she has not taken up the art of “tumbling”….yet.
Another scene around this house is my cursing of all rodent,bushy-tailed, flea ridden, horrible digging creatures that live in our maple tree. Each year I have a hanging basket of shade flowers that nicely dangle from our lowest maple branch. This year some hairy demon has decided my flowers are there for them to dig up, eat, and toss out of the pot to the ground below. This has happened a few times throughout the summer, yet miraculously, while we were on vacation the plants flowered and remained undisturbed. Ahh…were they ever beautiful. My little red and white impatient flowers. The evil chattering things waited until I was home to show me their latest trick. Yesterday I looked outside and saw one plant hanging from the basket and one plant was entirely gone. Mr. red impatient is no more. I hope the little furballs had a nasty stomach ache.
That’s the drama from this household. Oh, I almost forgot one last piece of drama.
WE HAVE NO (as in zero) PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND.
Amazing. I’m sure we’ll be so bored out of our minds that we’ll do house projects or call all of our friends in the Mad city to come over and entertain us. Or…we could try and relax for once. Nah.
Well, here I am at home again. There’s no place like home. Dorothy sure had it right!
It was a great ten days of vacation for us in Minnesota. Time with family, friends and amazing weather and scenery were among the highlights. The big finale of our time there was the wedding of my brother in-law Luke to Juli (MY NEW SISTER–WAHOO!) last Saturday the 16th. It was a beautiful day full of laughter, family, and way way too many happy tears. (I seriously cried myself silly!!)
I’ll have more to share with ya’ll later about what we did, who we saw and I’ll hopefully be able to post some of my photos, we had quite a few good ones. For now, here’s one of my favorites from the wedding.
Here’s the newest Mr. and Mrs. Brekke dancing at their reception.
I’m sitting on my friend LIsa’s couch watching Olympics (go USA!!). Lisa said I should comment on the great peanut butter pie we just ate. Ummmm. Feel a bit sick, but in a good way
Still on vacation, too….ah yeah. Things are going well. We had a great time in grand rapids with friend at their cabin and also spent a nice three days on the North Shore. It was so beautiful….I love Lake Superior.
Now, we’re hanging out with our buds the Igls and getting set for the big Luke/Juli wedding event for the weekend. Hope you’re doing great Internet. I’ll have some great pictures when I get back to the land of cheese, brats and beer.
