Home again, home again

Nate came home safe and sound from his trip to Portland. I enjoy having my buddy back to warm my side of the bed before I get in, plus he brought me these...


from Voodoo Doughnut.

This quirky independent doughnut shop has been featured on a number of food and travel shows. I've wanted to go there for a while should I have the chance to visit Portland again one day, so you can imagine my disappointment when we decided it would not be practical for me to join Nate on his trip. Luckily that disappointment was erased as my sweet husband carefully wrapped up the doughnuts in their white paper bag, stowed them away in his backpack, and flew them home. That is true love right there.

Let me tell you the bacon maple bar, while strange looking, is mouthwateringly delicious. Crisp thick bacon with just a hint of smoke, not-too-sweet maple glaze, and soft fresh yeasty dough, it's like a breakfast platter in your hand. As Nate told me about his trip I devoured my delectable treat only to realize after the fact that I hadn't taken a picture of it. Thankfully Voodoo Doughnut and the internet filled in where I fell short.

I guess in the end time apart wont be so bad as we appreciate our time together that much more...plus there's the possibility of goodies. Wonder what he could bring me back from Tucson?

I'm all alone, there's no one here beside me

My husband left me yesterday.

It's only for 42 hours but regardless he's gone. He's off galavanting through the streets of Portland, meandering the mountains and coast line, eating yummy Tilamook factory ice cream and squeaky cheese, while I'm here. Home. Alone. For the first time since we got married. Sure he's worked a few late shifts at the hospital, but he always came home that night.

It's funny how quickly we develop a routine and how odd it feels when that routine is disturbed. Surely dinner can't be over, Nate hasn't come home and who is going to do the dishes? Surely it can't be time for bed, who's going to kiss me goodnight, tuck me in, and keep me warm? Yes it is time (and don't call me Shirley).

Lying in bed, trying to fall asleep, all my senses felt heightened. The house seemed dark, too dark. The silence sounded too quiet making all pops and creaks magnified. Even the normal sounds of my digestive system sounded amplified to startling levels. Nights like these make me wish we had a dog, or a gun, alas the mega Mag light will have to suffice.

To enjoy my 42 hours of ME time, I did make myself a treat of some of my neglected food friends. Lemon dill baked halibut (Nate dislikes things from the sea), and a sauteed vegetable medley of grape tomatoes (the only good tomato for Nate is a processed one) and cremini mushrooms (there's usually not much fungus among us). Deliciouso! A meal so nice I think I'll make it twice.

Over the years I'll get used to the nights apart as we enter residency and nights on call will take their spot in our routine. I get a second shot at this whole alone thing in a few weeks when he goes to Tucson. I think fish, Mag light and I will become fast friends, though never fully comparing to or replacing my best friend, I still prefer him over anything any day.

Finally Fall

FALL IS CREEPING into the Valley of the Sun, and I have to admit it's one of my favorite times here in Arizona. The first inclings of fall signal the light at the end of the tunnel, the coming sweet reward for enduring the refiner's fire of summer. Respite is on its way. The sweet summer treats of strawberries, cherries, and melons disappear from grocery store and are replaced by pumpkins, apples, pomegranates and squashes of all different shapes and colors.

Fall in Arizona means double digit temperatures, lower electric bills, open windows and fresh air. Fall in Arizona means coming out of summer hibernation and enjoying the outdoors again with bike rides, hikes, and nights relaxing on the back patio. Fall in Arizona means ASU football and letting the kids go trick-or-treating without wearing a big jacket to keep warm.

There's only one thing I miss about fall that we don't get much of in the valley, changing leaves. To find evidence of autumn leaves you have to head North, and even then it doesn't quite compare to the autumn leaves elsewhere. This is one thing I'm earnestly looking forward to in our upcoming trip to Philadelphia. So listen up Philly trees, you have 2 weeks before I get there and I expect to see a full fall spectacular. Rich reds, bright oranges and golden yellows, the WORKS! I don't know when I'll ever make it back out your way thus making this possibly a once in a lifetime trip. Don't be shy or modest, show me what you're working with.

Everything you need to head out into the world...