Bom Bom Island

Just thinking of my mom today...

Land.

Many are talking about getting some but, it's still early for most of us. In the meantime, we can find sweet rentals like this one that my friends Sage and Dave found located just off of Rt. 7 in Ferrisburg. They will be there for 6 months. It's heavenly there and completely inspiring. Bring on the BBQ's!

5th Annual Birthday Bike Brigade Pub Pedal!

Another year, another AMAZING bike brigade! Happy Birthday to Nelia, Jay, Nate, Joanna (and Neil too)! This year's ride didn't disappoint. We started at Jay and Maegen's place for some delicious apps and drinks. We hopped on our bikes at around 8pm and headed towards the bike path just in time to see the sunset. Destination: The Old Northender. While we were there, we spent some quality time drinking pitchers of Budweiser and catching up with each other. Then we packed up, realized the single roller blader in the bunch had no skates (stolen while we were inside-lame) and continued on to T. Ruggs. I bought Nelia and Laurel a shot. It was supposed to be Nelia's choice. She reluctantly said, "Is whiskey okay?" Laurel and I said, "Sure...but, how about a Kamikaze instead?" Bullet dodged. Finally, we were packed up and read to head to our 3rd and final location. JP's. For the last few years we've traveled to JP's via Church Street, even though cyclists aren't allowed to ride their bikes there. People weren't as welcoming this year as they have been in previous years but, it was still pretty epic. We parked our bikes on Main St. and headed inside. It was a good crew. We enjoyed lots of laughs before the group decided to head to Juniors for late night pizza. It was a great night for a ride! Thank goodness, since it only happens once a year for me.

Fish Tacos.

I had some time to myself tonight-no plans and a quiet house. I cleaned up a bit before taking a walk to City Market to pick up the ingredients for fish tacos. I've never prepared them for myself before so, I documented the process and got a little practice with my macro lens. Here is the recipe:

-1/4 lb tilapia with hot red pepper flakes

-chopped up fresh veggies with lime juice, salt, pepper and a splash of extra virgin olive oil

-cilantro and green olive salsa (YUM!)

-shredded pepper jack cheese

-a couple of corn tortillas

I cooked the fish at 350 until it was flaky. Then, I put the veggie mixture and fish into the tortillas and added a thin layer of pepper jack cheese. I broiled them for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese. Voila! Dinner was light but, it hit the spot!

Note from Mom.

JUST got back from Botswana tonight...left the Elephants this morning, taking an ultralight to Maun, Botswana, then...another flight to Johannesburg, and then, tonight, a flight back to Capetown. It was an extraordinary time at the falls, on the Zambezi river, (having Hippos chase us) and then, in Botswana, our cabin right opposite a water hole filled with elephants, Kudus, antelope, birds and even a leopard visited each night...yesssssss...we stayed inside unless with a camp escort. Amazing game drives and now, back in Capetown. Hope to send some pictures. No net or any communication except short wave radio for 8 days. Beds were fab, with mosquito netting and such...but no bites and taking my malarone religiously...no worries.

LOVE.

This pic from Garance Doré just feels so light! Maybe spring calls for a little faded denim and a white suit...and some new specs!

Shelburne Vineyards & Shelburne Art Center.

I was finally able to visit the Shelburne Vineyard last Thursday. Mike Colburne played a free concert that was open to the public. I got to taste three different wines that were produced using grapes from the property and the best part...10% of the proceeds benefited The Shelburne Art Center! My good friend Sage has been working to build their infrastructure over the last 6 months. Check them out!

http://www.shelburneartcenter.org/

Sugarin'

Last Sunday was a delicious Vermont adventure. Glad I finally got to taste a maple tree's nectar! Wonderful.

Joy Formidable.

Last weekend, a small group of us hopped in the car and headed to Albany for the night to see the band Joy Formidable. They don't play in the US very often so, we figured we should probably make the trip. We each paid $10 to get in. They rocked! I'm glad I took your advice.

I had my camera with me. It was dark in there and I'm a newbie with the fancy settings. I was reminded that I have a lot to learn about getting a great shot in a low light situation. I managed to get one shot that wasn't horrible but, that's it of the (maybe) 50 shots I took. Hmm...