I could use one of these right about now...

I'm feeling sick (no, not before my trip!) And I'm day dreaming about the pie I made a couple of weeks ago. It's times like these when I wish I wasn't home alone and that I had someone to make me soup, tea, and give me a piece of Strawberry Rhubarb pie- ala mode, please!

I couldn't resist making this pie when I saw the fresh Rhubarb stocks at Fred Meyer. I guess it truly is Spring despite the snowflakes falling outside my window today (should I be blaming this on Global Warming?).


(Can you see the bird on a wire?)

I realized quickly when I got home that I did not have enough Rhubarb to pull the America's Test Kitchen recipe off. So I improvised! And it was so delicious I thought I'd share.

Use whatever pie crust recipe you have and then fill it with the following. I'll give you the real recipe and then my revisions in parenthesis.


Strawberry Rhubarb (Apple) Pie-

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1.5 lbs rhubarb peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces yielding 5-6 cups (I had 3 Rhubarb stocks...only about 2-3 cups, I would still use 4 stalks but that's plenty because I added 1 fuji apple to help fill in)
1 cup plus 1 tblspn sugar
3 tblspns arrowroot
pinch salt
1.5 lbs strawberries, hulled & quartered yielding 5 cups
.5 tspn vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated zest from 1 orange (I used lemon- it was all I had around the house and it gave it a nice kick, more tangy then an orange)
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

- heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high until smoking. add the rhubarb and 1/4 cup of the sugar and cook, stirring frequently until the rhubarb has shed most of its liquid but is still firm, about 5 minutes. transfer to a large plate and refrigerate until cool
- prepare the dough (your own recipe)
- adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat to 500
- in a small bowl mix 3/4 cup of the sugar, arrowroot, and salt. in a large bowl, toss together the strawberries, cooled, rhubarb, (1 apple peeled and cut into 1 inch. chunks), vanilla, and (lemon zest). sprinkle the sugar mixture over the top and stir to combine. spoon in to the pie shell.
- place top dough over the filling and press with the tines of a fork
- cut 8 slits in the top (very important to let out moisture, otherwise you'll have a soggy pie)
- brush the top with the egg whites & sprinkle with remaining sugar
- place pie on baking sheet and lower temp to 425
- bake until top crust is golden, about 25 minutes
- rotate pie from front to back and lower oven temp to 375 (this is where I put a pie crust shield on the edge, so it didn't burn)
- back until juices bubble and crust is deep golden brown, about 30-35 minutes longer

I thought it was fabulous..and I'm not really a pie fan. Although pie making does run in my family...my Great Uncle Leonard is a pie genius!

Papa Gough

How Many, How Much
BY Shel Silverstein

How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em.

Happy Birthday Steve!
We love you very much and we love how much you love others through your words and actions.
Hope you've had a blessed day, as you are such a blessing!

Lessons Learned and Something Inspired

I got to spend the day taking care of her little rascal. He was such a joy! Eating well, napping easily, and grabbing the remote saying "dadadada". Ryan- how much time do you spend watching TV? Oh yeah, it's March Madness ;)

I did learn some lessons today, one with Sean and two when I got home.

The 1st- Always park near the playground! Sean and I went to Green Lake for a stroll and some time on the swings..I decided to park on the opposite side of the lake from the playground and let's just say the way back to the car was a sad one with me repeating...I just need to make it back to the car..are we there yet?

The 2nd- Never wash and dry a knit. I had intended on only washing my scarflet..but somehow it also sneaked into the dryer. I almost cried when I pulled out this pathetic shrivled little thing!


Anyone need an interesting coffee sleeve? I can't even really salvage the buttons...the paint chipped in the wash. :(


The 3rd- OxyClean really is an all purpose cleaner! After scrubbing our claw foot tub with Comet, to no avail, I went on a hunt for some bleach...no bleach, but let's give OxyClean a shot! It worked like a charm getting out the dark stains that had been building up. Who knew?

And lastly, I was inspired by Katie's post about documenting some of the trees in her yard and so I've decided to join her. Below are the first signs of spring on an unknown tree in our front yard. I'm hoping more happens by next Wednesday...because Jeff and I will be away from home for a month and a half- we're going to Europe! So, Lindsay...will you take some photos for me?


I'm hoping to have a very productive week...there's a lot to do before our trip!

To a wonderful Mother (in law)

Happy Birthday!


You are an inspiration- a mother of 4 amazing sons, wife to a generous and loving husband, follower of a true God, and a comfort and joy to all those who are blessed to call you their friend.

I have loved you since I first met you as my substitute teacher (call me a teacher's pet).

Many blessings to you in this next year- I am very much looking forward to celebrating with you soon!

Love you Paula!

Simply Swiming

Jeff and I joined a gym....and I'm embarrassed to admit that I have only been there 3 times in the one month we've been members. Ah, membership- sometimes it feels good to belong!

Last week, my first week of NOT working at Costco, I thought..this will be great- I'll totally get to make working out part of my everyday routine (I know Costco had a gym but towards the end there I really didn't feel like getting sweaty during my lunch break). So, on Thursday morning I packed my gym bag- book, yoga pants, swim suit, swim cap, goggles (I have pictures of me in my swim "gear" but I refuse to share- picture a smushed forehead because the goggles and swim cap are so tight they practically cut off circulation AND who thought a swim cap would prevent your hair from getting wet? Well, it doesn't so I think I'll avoid the dirty looks for taking myself too seriously from now on.)...all ready to go here! Then I drove Jeff to work and headed up 99 towards my north seattle gym (thank goodness Ballard is getting one soon and it's going right above Trader Joe's- what's not to love about that?)

I arrived at the gym- the plan: do the elyptical for 40 minutes while I finish Kite Runner (anyone read this? I just finished and had mixed feelings...) and then swim for 30 (don't want to get too pruney). But wait...what is this? No sneakers!!! All that preparation...all my workout dreams...looks like simply swimming will have to do....I think I'm ok with a "swimmers body"- at least I don't have to carry my own weight ;)

Everytime I swim I'm reminded of my Uncle Dick- he wasn't truly my "uncle" but that's what I grew up calling him. Uncle Dick was a friend of my father's- actually, he was more like a father-figure to my Dad and there has been a huge hole in our lives ever since his passing.

I learned to swim when I was 3- Uncle Dick had a pool! I remember the day I first swam without a life jacket very vividly....I waited until all the adults had gone into the house and I thought "i know I can do it...they'll just never let me" so as soon as the last one went through the slider door I tore off my life jacket and jumped right in. Of course, it caused kind of a commotion..but when they came running outside they were surprised to see a little doggy paddling jenny..."i did it!"

Swimming at Uncle Dick's is one of my greatest childhood memories and I can't wait to sing to my children the song Uncle Dick would sing to me without fail, upon request...

Down in the meadow in a itty bitty pool
Swam three little fishies and a mama fishie too
"Swim", said the mama fishie, "Swim if you can"
And they swam and they swam all over the dam
Boop boop dit-tem dat-tem what-tem Chu!
Boop boop dit-tem dat-tem what-tem Chu!
Boop boop dit-tem dat-tem what-tem Chu!
And they swam and they swam all over the dam

10 on 10 :: March :: Feet

Another 10 on 10 is here and this month I chose to journal my feet (sorry Mandy). I typically change my shoes 3-5 times a day and I guess today was no exception! I was hoping the photos would be more diverse, but I got stranded at home when my car wouldn't start so I spent most of the day taking care of some domestic duties. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to participate next month if you aren't already! Visit the 10 on 10 blog for more info.


A late start for Jenny and Jeff...mine are on the left.



Domestic duty #1- doing the dishes.


Venturing outside to head to the grocery store, only to be confronted by a dead battery.


Domestic duty #2- tailoring shirts & jeans...I promised Jeff this would be my first task when I "retired" from Costco.


Domestic duty #3- laundry in the basement.



Jeff comes home and we head out to the gym, I guess I didn't miss too much outside today. I'm so over the rain!


Movie night at the Gough house. Bryan and Dan beat us home and let themselves in. Orange Julius anyone?


Ah, that hits the spot!

Talk About Random...

I was tagged by Mandy to disclose 7 random things about myself. So here goes...

1) I get goose bumps AND tear up when I hear a scary story, mostly if they involve the super-natural, children, and old homes. I'll even tear up if I'm the one telling the story and I know how it ends, it's pretty bad. I've only found one other person who has this same reaction and I LOVE torturing him. Is that wrong?

2) I'm not sure if this goes along with the first...but I startle easily. My teachers would say it's because I concentrate so hard, because whenever they would pass out a test and I'd begin they'd inevitably have to tell the class "one last thing" and it would scare the crap out of me. I guess I like to be left alone while I'm working. Most people I work with learn this about me right away and take every opportunity to make me jump out of my seat. My first reaction is always to hit, I guess I'm a 'fight' in the fight or flight equation. So look out!

3) I like to wash my bangs twice a day, once when I shower and once after work. Must be the Mediterranean heritage...but I hate oily/separated bangs. I think I must have a little bit of OCD in me.

4) I can fall asleep anytime and anywhere. In fact, this past week I was with my Mom at the hospital and I fell asleep in her room while she was getting an ultrasound (no she's not pregnant ;)). Jeff's not particularly fond of this trait as I am always falling asleep during movies- even in the theater.

5) I LOVE beets- roasted, pickled, magenta, golden, you name it! I love the way they taste, look, and make me feel like I must be eating something really healthy. I'm baffled by the magenta color that God created in nature- they're beautiful! And, and interesting side-bar- they make your pee pink ;)

6) Some people are "shoe" people, I'm a "coat & purse" person. I have plenty of both, but seem compelled to buy more.

7) Inspired by our church, Jeff and I have decided to read the entire Bible aloud in our new home. We have just begun and are only at Genesis Chapter 3, but I'm excited by this challenge and love the idea that every word of the Bible will be spoken in the place we hope to call home for a very long time. Is anyone else up for the challenge?

And on another random note...a possum ran into our garage while Jeff was pulling in the other night. Somehow it managed to get on top of a door that's being stored in there. We were probably out there for about an hour trying to get it down without getting attacked. Eventually it came down, but remained hidden in our garage so we had to leave the garage door open all night. He's gone now and I kind of miss him...

So, I tag- Katie D, Jocelyn, & Jane. I've really been enjoying reading everyone's random tidbits so I hope you ladies will participate too! Love you.

Last Day

My days of working at Costco have come and gone...Friday, March 7th was my last! It was a manic day, filled with highs and lows. I worked feverishly to "wrap up" my desk and get things ready for Gretchen (turquoise scarf) who will be my replacement. I was also celebrated very sweetly by my co-workers who have been great friends to me these last 3 years (I had been with Costco for nearly 4 years total). They took me to lunch, had a cupcake celebration and gave me a mug with their photo on it, and finally threw a party at Yoon's house- and there was dancing!

I am very excited for this next chapter in my life but as the clock ticked closer and closer to 5 on my last day I was filled with a bit of sadness. I will miss this place, these people. So, here's a list (not comprehensive) of things I am already missing...

- The Shavey Abuse Log, now passed down to Kyle
- Yoon pretty much laughing at everything I say and being thoroughly impressed with my hip hop/rap knowledge
- Jen running to the bathroom like clockwork
- Chris knowing everything about everyone AND his incredible laugh
- People coming to ME with Martha Stewart-like questions...I felt so domestic and creative
- Mike winning the "disgruntled employee of the month" title every month since I've known him
- Color shirt days- 1 Friday out of the month...can you tell from the photo that it was brown?

I know there's plenty more that I'm missing, but I'll just keep those in my head.

I'll miss you Dept. 24! Best of luck!

Remembering Our Wedding Day

It was a day much like today, overcast, light sprinkling...one year ago, exactly!

It had snowed the week of our wedding and I remember worrying about what the weather would be like on the actual day- it was very important to me to have outdoor photos so as I left the house for my hair appointment (in the rain) I could feel the stress building. But I could also feel the excitement!

The morning flew by and the rain subsided as I pulled into the barnyard.

All 9 bridesmaids greeted me in the dressing room- Callie, Jocelyn, Rebekah, Kristen, Cristie, Heather, Amy, Alisha, and Kim. I hurried to put on my own make-up AND my Mom's. ;) Slipped on my dress and shoes and the next thing I knew it was time for photos.

Time to greet my future husband...on the grounds of French Creek Manor where we had dined just two days before at our lovely rehearsal dinner. I loved that country home, in fact, I loved the entire look and feel of Lord Hill Farms..old world-ly, timeless. It felt so romantic- perfect for a wedding.

With rain-free photos checked off the list and guests beginning to arrive it was time to hide back in the dressing room and wait for the word "go" But of course, it's never that easy....with our candle lighter, Dina, finishing the last sticks the fire alarm erupted and brought things to a screeching halt. I'll always remember standing in line to go up the stairs when my sister-in-law, Kristen, said "we better hide, in case they need to evacuate". Can you imagine? Fortunately it was a small hiccup, and we were able to continue without much distraction.

My Father and I walked down the aisle, greeted by loving and joy filled faces. The song filling the old barn was Ave Maria- the same song that was played at my Grandmother's funeral. I was holding up well until I saw Katie crying...and then I thought "oh no, she can't cry...I'll start crying"- and so I did. I looked to Callie for relief, but she was crying too...so, I allowed the tears of joy to continue as I held my Father's hand. I heard my Aunt Pam say "just breath" and I tried, believe me, I tried. Eventually I was able to power through and as my Father handed me over to Jeff I knew I was stepping into a new life, in a few moments I would turn and face my family and friends as...Mrs. Gough.

Richard, our amazing Pastor, did a wonderful job. He reminded Jeff and I of how blessed we are to live in this community, to have the support of family and friends, to have our health, to have careers. We are truly unworthy of it all.

And then the moment came..."you may now kiss the bride"- sweet victory!

It has been an amazing year for us filled with many ups and downs...but mostly wonderfully life giving things. New careers, new nephews, a new home. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. I hit the jackpot when I married Jeff and I never would have dreamed it when I met him as a scrawny little kid in hand-me-down plain flannel shirts back in high school.

This year marks the half way point in our relationship. I have known Jeff nearly half of my life. From this year forward I will have known him longer than I will have NOT known him. I think that's pretty great!

Here's to a spectacular 1st year of marriage and a lifetime more. I love you Jeff.