Where did the Summer GO?

This Summer was a blur.  Did we have Summer?  If you would ask my husband he would definitely say no way due to his recent job venture that turned out to be a nightmare!  He worked, and than worked some more, and yep, worked even harder at this 7 day a week job for 3 1/2 months which began late May.  As of just recently, he made a brave but smart decision to leave his Corporate position and move on to new things.  Yes a bit Scary but also Exciting.  

As for me, I ran a few races this summer after recovering from Bronchitis in March over in Italy which I mentioned in my last post.  My first half marathon was in May around Lake Minnetonka.  It was FUN!  I ran a 1:49 which was great considering the rolling hills and I was still not fully recovered from my cough.

In June I ran a 10K around Lake Calhoun for a very worthy cause......Feeding the Starving Children.  There is nothing more motivating than running around the lake with pictures of starving children cheering you on and giving you inspiration.  I was first in my age group too with a time of 49 minutes.  Not a PR but I was pleased since it was HOT!!  However, I much prefer Hot over COLD.  Brrrrrrrrrrr Winter is here.    

In July I ran two half marathons in the same week.  One on July 4th........RED WHITE AND BOOM.  Speaking of hills.  OH MY GOSH!  I managed to pull off a 1:49 again but it was much more difficult.  

My favorite run this Summer however was the GREEN LAKE RUN in Spicer, MN.  It was my brother's first long run and it was a 12 mile loop around Green Lake.  IT was almost 75 degrees at the start and probably close to 90 when we finished.  We had a blast though and he did GREAT!  His favorite part and mine was jumping in the lake almost immediately after we finished.  I of course loved my Massage and ART after the run. To my surprise, when I joined my husband and brother at the award ceremony, I was handed a third place metal for my age bracket.  I wasn't even racing......just running for fun.  Gotta love that! 

Since this run I've been running but haven't committed to any races but hope to start training again soon for another marathon...my 20th hopefully somewhere warm this winter! 

When I wasn't running and racing I was busy working my Shaklee Business, keeping up with House stuff, and of course enjoying our CSA goodies in our box weekly.  Since My husband was working so much and traveling lots, it was challenging to use everything up before my next box arrived, but I managed to do some canning, freezing and sharing with my Mom too.  It was a GREAT Season for tomatoes so I did a fair of amount of canning.  I did tomato sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, Tomato Soup including this Heirloom version below served with pan seared shrimp.  I also did a Roasted Tomato Soup.  One of my favorite ways to prepare pasta is with a fresh pesto sauce using fresh basil and I often toss in some fresh or roasted tomatoes.  Have you ever tired using Ribbons of Summer Squash?  They make a great substitute for noodles.

That about takes care of my summer of running and unfortunately Winter has arrived once in again but gotta LOVE Minnesota!

The Spirit of Eating and Running.....

Is it really June?  Although it may not feel like Summer, I am trying my best to stay warm but I'm about to give up and turn my fire place on because I am freezing.  It's June for heavens sake.

The only thing I know for sure is I've enjoyed the cool summer for Running but even so........I WANT SUMMER IN MINNESOTA.  I've only ran one half marathon since returning from Rome in late March but in all honestly, the racing season here in MN just began since our Winter went on forever.  The first weekend in June we had 40 degrees in the morning and it hasn't gotten much above 60.  Unbelievable.  Bring on the SUN!

But back to my half Marathon around Lake Minnetonka the first weekend in May.  Although I hadn't fully recovered from my Bronchitis, I decided to run to test my breathing after several weeks of recovering from a bad bad cough.  It was another chilly start but it was a beautiful run around the lake and the course was great except for several rolling hills making it a somewhat challenging run.  I had fun and besides a few coughing spells along the way, I felt pretty good finishing in a 1:49 which turned out to be 8th in my age bracket so I was content with my results.  
http://www.goraceday.com/event/44/

This Summer/Fall I'll probably do a couple more half marathons and possibly look into doing a full this fall.  What excites me most is going back to Rome to take in the Rome Marathon for the second time, this time praying for a much healthier experience!  As I was looking at the Rome Marathon Website I came across this clip on a movie coming out this Summer.  In fact it premieres June 12th here in MN.  THE SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON II - ROME.  WOW how cool is this!  We loved Italy and have so many awesome memories.  The streets of Naples, the pizza, the pasta, the gelato,  the people.  Ahhhhhhhhh.  So special.

http://www.marathonmovie.com/

One of our Favorite Streets in Naples

Dinner with my Cousins Friends

Gelato.......Yum.  I want more!

More Pizza at the Neighbors.  My husband is in Heaven.  

Enough about the Spirit of Running in Rome...lets move on and talk about more the Spirit of Eating from the Farm.  All runners love to eat good wholesome food.  At least I do.  Love CSA season.

I'm sure the farmers would agree with me too about our cool summer.  The Farmers Market has been a bit scarce so far this year but I've been able to score some yummy leafy greens, spinach, and lots of Asparagus.  However, even those items are limited due to all the moisture and cool weather.  This is a pic of my CSA owners working away.  Such dedication and hard work.  THANKS so much



Of course I can never get too many greens, but I've also been buying asparagus by the bundles.  Usually 3 or bundles at a time if its available.  We're loving the fresh taste raw, roasted, sauteed and even made into a pesto.  Yes I did say a pesto.  I really need to take pictures of that one next time I make it.  It truly was worth repeating.  DELICIOUS.  Some simple ways to prepare your asparagus is roasted with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, broiled asparagus with a yummy poached egg and a splash of Fresh Lemon Juice, a spring asparagus risotto, a spicy asparagus stir fry with a black bean sauce, shaved asparagus with fresh Mozzarella Cheese Pizza (another one I just have to repeat for a pic), and many more.  I told you I've been buying lots of  asparagus.

Most recently, I made a yummy Asparagus Lasagna for a dinner party and oh my........it was a big hit.  I have some awesome running buddies (some pictured below) and last minute I decided to invite a few of us dedicated runners over to celebrate friendship, a birthday and of course have some great food, not to mention good wine!  

Us Runners just showing off some Plank move

All runners love to eat right and most love pasta and as you can guess, I used asparagus for my main ingredient.  I decided on a lasagna since I can do most of the work in advance.

I stared off by sauteing a few bunches of asparagus with some onion and garlic.  I combined the mixture with about a cup of Ricotta, Salt and Pepper.  Set aside

Next I browned up some Pancetta......bacon works just fine.  I like it very crispy too.

Next I took two jars of sun-dried tomatoes and chopped them very fine.  I stirred in about a cup of pesto and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Those are your layers for your noodles.

To assemble you start with the a little of the sun-dried tomato mixture on the bottom of your 9 x 13 baking dish.  Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top and than spread the noodles with half of the asparagus mixture.  Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese (fresh whole milk type) and some Parmesan cheese.  Make another layer in the same fashion and top with a third layer of noodles some sun-dried tomato mixture, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.  I used about 2 cups of mozzarella total and a cup of parm.   Dot with butter and presto..........Its ready for the oven.

I love making Lasagna for dinner parties because its so nice to be able to sit back and have some wine with my guests, a few appetizers all while a delicious dinner baking away in the oven.  This is what was left............yep it was a big hit.

What Happens In Rome......

Today I decided what Happens In Rome doesn't stay in Rome:-)  I've been home now for almost a month and the only excuse I can find for not writing is that I've been a bit overwhelmed.  Not only with lots of catching up to do with my Shaklee Business, but also nursing myself back to 100% health.  Unfortunately this process is taking a lot longer than I ever thought it would.  You'll soon discover why.

We did have a FANTASTIC Vacation and loved everything about Italy including the Rome Marathon........one of the Main Reason's for our Vacation.

My Medal and other goodies earned for running 26.2.  

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This is Rob and I getting ready to run.  I unfortunately came down with a bad cold a couple days before we left Minnesota and by the time we landed in Rome, I was one sick little girl.  I did make it through the Marathon and my husband ran by my side the entire way.  He made a promise to my Mom he wouldn't leave me........he kept his promise.  So needless to say, not a fast marathon for us but number 19 down in the books for me.  A beautiful scenic course too.  We plan on running again next year if our schedule allows and of course we can find some affordable tickets.

After a few days in Rome, we ventured on to Naples which was the other reason for our vacation......to visit my lovely cousin Marcia and her husband Tim.  Although we loved Rome, espeically since we were there during the election of the new Pope, Naples is truly a Remarkable city.   The most  memorable part of Rome was actually being there during such an exciting time in history.........here is the Pope Live!  Yep we saw the POPE.......well kind of anyhow....on screen.  Too cool!  To be in Rome with all the Cardinals from around the world was quite sur-real.

We took the train back to Naples on Sunday late afternoon after our Run, arriving in Naples about 7 pm.  Marcia had all ready contacted her physician and we saw him immediately the next morning.  Diagnosis...........Bronchitis.  WOW.  never in my life have I run and finished a marathon with Bronchitis.  I hope to never repeat that experience.

We had many fun filled days in Naples.  All the food was incredible!  Marcia made us so many wonderful dishes.  Baked Eggplant with Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella and Red Sauce.  Pasta with Artichokes which I tried to replicate at home, and Pasta with Baby Zuchinni......all delicious.  

Can it get any better...........Pasta, Sauteed Eggplant, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella  and Red Sauce with lots of Parmesan

Rob is in Heaven........Pizza Napoletana

Big Fat Donuts.  Yum

More Pizza....Pizza Grande 

Mussels in a Spicy Sauce......bread to soak up the juices.  Heaven!

Lunch in a buggy.  Only in Naples.  Big fat buns stuffed with Greens and Cheese.  Yummy.  And she was so cute!  

Gelato....need I say more.

Drive along Amalfi Coast - Positano

Dinner in Saorrento

More Pizza...homemade at the Neighbors.  We became such very good friends.  Now to learn Italian before we go back so we can communicate more.  They were so much fun!

Homemade Sausage to sample.  Rob loved every bite.  

Yep a good Time had by all.  

Even Desert..........Rum Cake.  Italian Specialty.

Seafood Pasta at Marie's.  Delicious.  Best I have ever had.  

Second Course......Roasted Artichokes,  Grilled Summer Squash, Squid in Spicy Tomato Sauce and Grilled Prawns.
No Kidding...........We ate every bite!   

Yummy Pastries for Desert.  Marie even made Tiramasu.  Needless to say this meal went on for hours and hours.  

After 8 days of touring Naples and meeting many of Marcia's friends,  it was time to say good bye.  Here we are headed back to Rome for one more day of sight-seeing and eating back at our favorite restaurant.

Sad to leave Naples and Marcia.  Tired too!  

House Specialty back at our Favorite Restaurant in Rome.  Our last meal before  we head home.  Pasta with Cauliflower, pancetta, and shaved Ricotta Salata.  Delicious. 

Pasta with Peas, Bacon, Mushrooms, in a light Cream Sauce.  Mom's Favorite

Rob's Number one pick.....Buccatani in read sauce with spicy sausage.

It was a good trip and I can't wait to go back.  Ciao.  

Where Does the Time Go?

     

Well Turkey Day is long gone and we just finished celebrating Christ's Birthday and we're well into January.  WOW....Where did the time go?  Just like everyone....we were very busy.

I love how the farm looks when it's covered in a blanket of snow.  I am not so sure my brother appreciated all the shoveling and blowing but I believe most everyone here in MN loves Snow at Christmas time.  My family does.......

Its the time of year where family gathers near and far and this year we were fortunate because we were all together again. My brother Bruce from China and his family flew home for Christmas and my other brother Dave and his family made it from SD.   It was definitely a whirlwind of activity.

It started with a trip to the airport early Friday morning after my 14 mile run.  Yes I was out the door at 5:30 am running with snow falling, wind hollowing and temps below 0.  UGH......training for a Spring Marathon in a MN winter is definitely challenging.  After my run, core and stretching, I quickly showered up was on the road before 10 am to pick up luggage and a couple of my nieces.  Although my brother rented a van, it was a bit difficult to fit all their luggage and 6 bodies into one vehicle..... I was happy to help.  Traveling with 4 teenage girls all the way from Beijing is no easy task when it comes to traveling light.  Bruce loaded my car with the luggage and my triplet nieces all piled into my back seat while Bruce, Lisa and my oldest Niece Lauren took off for the University of MN for a college visit.  I for one hope she gets accepted and more importantly picks our U!  Gosh I'd love to have her in MN for her college years.

Once everyone arrived back to Hutch, we headed to our favorite restaurant here in town, ZELLA'S to celebrate Lauren's  18th Birthday.
WHAT FUN!

Since the Schlueter family from Beijing is still on CHINA time (12 hour difference) they all went home and crashed after dinner.  Two of my nieces at my house, and the rest at my moms.

The next two days were quite busy filled with shopping, eating, more shopping and more eating.  Its a good thing I run and spend time at the gym:-)

As you can see.........when us Schlueter's get together, we have such fun.

Saturday and Sunday night we all gathered at my home for good food, drinks and most of all.......laughs.  We all had such fun and as you can see, the Men did what they normally do after dinner..........VEG in front of the TV.  You probably also noticed, my man cave isn't a "typical" man cave.  At least I am sure most man caves don't have stuffed animals, pillows, family pics and definitely not a white Chenille over sized chair.  The truth is, since our wedding, we've been too busy to look for a new home to call "ours" so we're still living in "my" home.  We have a very nice home but it's just not quite big enough and my Husband would enjoy a  "real" man cave.

OK.......I bet you're wondering what I made for dinner on Saturday and Sunday.  Since it was our Christmas, we had the "traditional" Christmas dinner we usually have when family comes home.  Saturday night we had Turkey and Prime Rib with all the yummy sides.  Everything was delicious!  But seriously........once you've seen one Roasted Turkey or Prime Rib for that matter.......Do you really want to see another?  How about we just move on.........

Sunday night for the last hurrah.........I made Shrimp Lasagna  Roll Ups with Creamy Marinara.

The recipe is quite basic but ohhhhhhhhhhh so good.  I'll paste it below.    ENJOY!  It came from one of my favorite cookbooks by  Giada De Laurentiis

• 1 pound lasagna
• 3 tbls. olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 (15 ounce) containers whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella

DIRECTIONS

• 1
  Preheat oven to 350°.
• 2
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender but still firm to a bite, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain. Meanwhile , heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and the garlic to the pan and sauté until the shrimp are cooked, about 4 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat and let cool. Coarsely chop the cooled shrimp and place in a large bowl with 2 cups of the ricotta, the parmesan cheese, eggs, basil, 3/4 tsp. salt, , 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, and the nutmeg. Stir to combine.
• 3
  In another bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the remaining 1 cup ricotta cheese and stir to combine.
• 4
  To make lasagna, cover the bottom of a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with 1 cup of the marinara mixture. Lay four noodles flat on a dry work surface. Spread about 1/4 cup of the shrimp mixture over each noodle. Roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish . Repeat twice more to make 12 rolls. Drizzle the rolls with the remaining marinara mixture and top with grated mozzarella . Bake until the lasagna rolls are heated through and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 25 minutes.