Fun Weekend in Chicago!

Back in the swing of things after a fun weekend in Chicago visiting my sister Sallie and her fiance David!
Can’t believe the trip is over already. Trips always go so fast!
And speaking of fast! Where did May go? Can’t believe Memorial Day weekend is nearly here!
So, May has been a good month. It started out with the half marathon, followed by a fun Mother’s Day weekend with the fam trying out the Bohemian Cafe in Omaha and then touring the Lauritzen Gardens. I’v written about the Lauritzen Gardens before. We have visited a couple times already this past winter. However, we had never been there in the spring or summer when you can tour the outdoor gardens. I had no idea there were over 100 acres with so many different types of gardens to see! Definitely worth a visit if you have never been before! So, back to the Bohemian Cafe. Wasn’t one of my favorite places to eat, but it was something different. If I ever go back, I will stick with the Goulash. I had the Svickova (Czech Sauerbraten, which was roast beef in a sweet, creamy gravy), which was just too sweet for my liking. Tim had the Jaeger Schnitzel (veal steaks in wine sauce and mushrooms), which was also too sweet. The Goulash was more savory and tangy. My sister had that. My parents had the duck and turkey, which were good.
But anyways!
Back to Chicago this last weekend!
It was a great time. We did our usual — Friday we shopped till we dropped! We visited Crate and Barrel Outlet, Ikea, REI and the Chicago Premium Outlets. Nordstrom Rack was also on our list, but we didn’t have time and went there Sunday instead. Friday night, we were greeted by Sallie and David after getting off work. They grilled us up a great supper of fish (steak for Tim, of course) zuchini and sweet potatoes. It was fabulous! (As was sitting on the porch and drinking lots of wine! ha!)
The next day, Sallie and David took us to Geneva for shopping in all of its cute little shops and lunch at this most awesome restaurant called Bien Trucha. Holy cow. This Mexican Tapas place was so freaking good. We started out with freshly made, muddled drinks. Next up it was freshly made gauc and chips and rice and corn. The corn! It was so good! Cheesy and peppery! I must try to make this at home! ha! Next up was the main course — three different types of tacos — Pescado –
crispy beer battered tilapia, red cabbage, onion, tomato, lime, chipotle-morita aioli; Pastor — chile ancho and guajillo marinated pork, cilantro, onion, grilled pineapple, chile morita salsa; and Bien Trucha — grilled skirt steak, home-made chorizo, manchego, roasted tomatillo-serrano salsa. We got seconds on the Bien Truchas! ha!

Dessert was at the Galena Cellars in Geneva where we did a wine tasting and enjoyed wine slushies out on their patio.

Next up it was time to board the train into the city! We used the train stop in Geneva, so just had to walk up to it. (After having to run back to the car to get our Cubs tickets I nearly forgot! doh!)
In Chicago, we hoped on the L and went to the Cubs vs. White Sox game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost, but we had a good time!

It was a great day.

Sunday, we had breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe in Naperville. I think this is another favorite when we go out and visit.
All in all, it was a fun trip. Can’t wait to do it again.
I am so happy the weather is nice and warm and summer kicks off this weekend! Happy summer!

Things I love!

Yay!
It’s almost time for Jazz in June! yippie!
Jazz in June is one of my favorite things to do in Lincoln. And, the Sheldon Art Association just announced its 21st season of Jazz in June.
Tim and I LOVE riding our bikes down to this event, lounging on a blanket and taking in the sites, sounds and people.
So excited to go to the first one on June 5, the day before my birthday!
So, I had mentioned in my last blog post, I have a couple of exciting trips I’ll soon be able to write about, but in the meantime, I thought I’d write about things I love!
Last night I had my last Junior League of Lincoln meeting of the year, and it was a great event, recognizing those who really made a difference, and also women telling their stories about what the league has meant and done for them. It got me thinking, that I really love the JLL and am so glad I joined. I almost skipped that first recruitment meeting I attended back in the summer of 2010. So glad I didn’t. I have made so many great new friends and am excited for our upcoming year!
I also am really loving the beautiful spring we are having. Weather has been warm and sunny. My favorite! And I also am excited for this summer!
I love the longer days!
And I love being outside more often!
I am excited to cross some states off my list this summer, and I am excited to hang out with friends and family “up at the lake.”

You may remember this blog article I wrote last year: Summertime.

Here is what I said were some of my favorite summertime things:

– Sitting on our patio drinking, grilling and watching lightning bugs.
– Going to Jazz in June and other summer outdoor concerts.
– Movies on the Green (we haven’t done this for a couple years, will have to try to make it this year). Did not end up doing this last year. Will have to try again this summer.
– Taking long bike rides.
– Wearing shorts and tank tops.
– Not wearing socks to work all summer long. Wearing sandals with painted toes.
– Not having to worry about taking a jacket.
– OKOBOJI!! Especially, the very first trip up there of the summer.
– VACATION!!! Even if its just a three day weekend at home.
– Slower pace on campus.
– Swimming, especially jumping in a pool on that really hot day.
– Farmer’s Markets, especially sweet corn season. We love having sweet corn and cucumbers at every meal!
– My Garden, especially having so many tomatoes that we have to give them away.
– The first BLTs of the summer with my own garden tomatoes.
– Making bruschetta and pesto with my own garden ingredients.
– Fourth of July Fireworks.
– Laying out, tanning, that smell of sweat and sunscreen.
– Yard work. Yes, I know, sometimes a chore, but still love the physical labor and sweat that it brings.
– My birthday!
– Our anniversary!
– When the Colorado peaches hit the grocery store!
– Getting ice cream cones at Zesto and the UNL Dairy Store.
– Picnics
– Exercising Outside
– Summer movies

Not sure if I am too excited about any movies coming out this summer. But I do love heading to the theater on a hot summer night where it is always nice and cool inside.

That is all for now. Hope all of you are getting excited about summer too!

Just checking in

Well, don’t have too much to report on today, but thought it was time to check in.
I was going to write a post about what I am passionate about.
I also thought about writing what I would be making for dinner this week, but realized I am only making dinner once this week! If you are curious, I am making Indian Food that night. Just a curry out of a jar on chicken served with rice and naan.
I also thought about writing about running the half marathon on May 6. To tell ya the truth, though, I wasn’t too excited about that either. My time was like 9 minutes slower than last year. It made me feel a bit down. But I know. I know. At least I did the darn thing, right? All 13.1 miles?
But back to this passionate thing.
What got me on that kick?
Well, it came up today in a question about work. And, as usual, I had to think a minute. I think since I wrote this post last year, I’ve come to realize, one thing that I am particular passionate about is traveling.
I like to read travel guides. I like to read travel memoirs.
I even like to plan pretend trips on Expedia, I never actually book. Does anyone else do that?
And, I can’t wait to write about some upcoming travels! I wish I had more travels to write about in this blog!
I would love to write about a trip to Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat or Dubai. I would love to write about beautiful beaches and mountains. Cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Seeing the Taj Mahal or the Eiffel Tower. Bliss.
However, for the purpose of the question asked of me today, I couldn’t really go on about my travel daydreaming. So, what I said was I like to plan things and see people satisfied with my work. Which is true.
And, this is when I started writing this blog article.
Because I wanted to blog about something. But wasn’t feeling passionate about cooking or the half marathon at the moment.
I am excited summer seems to be here early. And I am excited about having a couple of fun things coming up to write about.
Besides that, just checking in.
I know I probably didn’t give you anything earth shattering to read about today, but I do hope you continue to enjoy my random ramblings and daydreaminess.

What’s for dinner?

I’ve said this before, but sometimes I can be a bad blogger. I should write a post on the same day of the week, every week.
When I don’t feel like blogging, I should blog anyways.
But enought of that. Have you been wanting some new ideas for dinner?
Well, here is what I’ve been cooking in the Karstens house.

Sunday night I made a new favorite of Tim and I’s — the coffee-rubbed chuck roast.
I’ve shared this recipe before, and you can find it on a previous blog post at the link above.
A chuck roast works best. When you grill it, it stays nice and juicey as this cut is a tad more fattier than a rump roast. Totally easy and totally yummy. We paired this with salads and crusty bread.

Monday night it was was turkey tenderloins on the grill with sweet corn (frozen from Mom and Dad’s farm, of course, although my supply is getting low. Can’t wait for sweet corn season! Which, I am thinking will be ready before July 4 this year. We’ll have to see!) We also had tossed salads with this. The turkey tenderloins are just from Hy-Vee. I got a good deal on 8 of them for like only $6 one day. So, have like 4 more of them left. They are a great summertime grilling staple in our house.

Tuesday night it was something fast and easy. I tried out the frozen chicken low mein and vegetables from Trader Joes. All you do is dump the bag in the skillet, and viola, dinner. I had good intentions of making chicken tacos in the crockpot, which is what I did Wednesday night. But forgot to get it ready the night before. So, glad I had this bag of low mein on hand. This is the first time I tried this product from TJs and it was pretty good. Paired it with a tossed salad and strawberries and whip cream for dessert. Which makes me have to say, I sure am glad it is strawberry season! I love strawberries and always stock up on them this time of year. Strawberries and cream are one of our favorite springtime desserts.

And now for Wednesday. There is nothing more easy than throwing some meat in the crockpot and having it be ready when you get off of work. I love this. And things always taste good in the crockpot. This time it was 2 large chicken breasts, some lime juice and a half package of taco seasoning. I also added about a cup of water. I let this cook all day and came home and shredded it. It was really good. I served it on two corn tortillas along with sour cream, tomatoes, cheese and black beans. Yum. This chicken also is good if you throw in salsa, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes or green chilies into the crockpot too. But just used what I had on hand. And this meal is even better as there is are leftovers for at least 4 more lunches.

Tonight Tim is on his own, grilling a burger as I have JLL Book Club tonight! Yay! I joined a book club. This has been something I always thought would be fun and finally found some women interested in starting one. I have my list of book ideas all ready for tonight. Excited to make up our list of books tonight and get the club organized. And, it should be a fun time too as we are meeting at a local winery — Deer Springs. Tim and I visited this local winery this fall on our annual fall foliage tour we do to Nebraska City.

And finally, Friday night, Tim and I will most likely grill up something. Right now I am thinking chicken breasts marinated in a sesame ginger marinade from Lawrys paired with cliantro lime rice and salads. Love that combo. I call it our Hawaiian night. ha! I also have some Ribeyes I am excited to try, but think I’ll wait on those for next weekend when we run the big Lincoln Half Marathon! woo hoo! We got some beef again from some friends of ours. Sure do LOVE that stuff!

As for Saturday, going to leave that up in the air, but am thinking eating out might have to be in store.

And that is a week of meals.

I have been in such a great mood lately because of the excellent weather we’ve been having lately! Tuesday and Wednesday highs were in the 90s! As you all know, I so love summer and so love that we are having summer temps in April! yay!

I also am happy that teaching is done for the semester, papers are graded and grades are figured. Always a welcome relief.

Happy day!

Can’t say I even missed winter

So, I read Rainbow Rowell’s column today: Rainbow: When winter’s a no-show, it leaves some of us cold

And boy, I couldn’t disagree more!

I loved this winter. I loved that I only had to wear my really thick sweaters for only a few weeks this winter. And I also loved the fact that when I did wear my big warm sweaters I usually got hot wearing them. For those of you not accustomed to cold winters, you know it is cold outside when you do not get warm even when you are wearing your warmest sweaters. And you don’t even get hot wearing them indoors because when you do enter the indoors from the frigid outdoors, you spend the next 8 hours trying to warm back up.

I also love the fact that I did not have to break out my long underwear this year! Yes, some days are so cold, I’ll wear my long johns to work.

I love that I rarely wore my really cute stocking cap Tim got me for Christmas.

And I didn’t even miss those cashmere-lined Coach gloves I lost in Chicago last March. Because this cheap pair of gloves I had did just fine this year.

I also love that I haven’t wore socks since about March 1 because we’ve had really nice weather since about then. I love my Smart Wool socks in the winter, but am so glad that I didn’t have to wear them all that much this year.

I loved that the sweater I bought for Thanksgiving this year got taken off (I had another shirt on too) about an hour after I had it on as it was about 80 degrees at Thanksgiving this year too.

My new, long black wool coat also didn’t get much of a workout this year. And my new scarf.

Boy, next year it will seem like I still have all new winter gear and clothes as much of it didn’t get much of a workout this winter.

And all of that is just fine by me.

I’ve said this before in this blog that Tim and I so plan to winter somewhere warm someday. Arizona, the Carribean, if we win the lottery, Hawaii! ha ha! Can’t say I would mind a year that starts out spring, goes into summer, fall, and then right after Christmas I’d like to head right back into spring.

And that would be fine with me!

Heoya

So, I had to write a post about Heoya. Tim and I had to go there again tonight! ha! We just went there a couple weeks ago. It is worth the drive over to 13th and South streets! That is where it was tonight. Click on the link and visit its Facebook page to see where it is. It changes daily.
Anyways … it makes for a nice Thursday night. We do our 6:25 p.m. weight lifting class, then drive over to Heoya to pick up dinner. (You can call ahead so your order is there waiting for you.)
On a side note, I must say I am very proud of us this week! We nearly skipped our class tonight, but went! That makes working out 4 days in a row this week! Yippie! And Saturday is our long run. Only 2 more Saturdays of long runs! Then a shorter run, then the half marathon May 6.
SO, back to Heoya.
If you go there, you MUST get the spring rolls. They are so yummy! The translucent rice papers are wrapped around a scrumptious mixture of noodles, lettuce and three kinds of meat: shrimp, steak and chicken. You get two for 3.95. And they come with a peanut dipping sauce.
The first time we went there I got the chicken rice box and Tim the Koren BBQ tacos. It says the tacos are a starter, but two tacos and a spring roll made a great meal. Oh, we also spilt some firecracker rangoons. I have to say, though, I don’t think the rangoons, the regular or firecracker, are that good. Whatever they are wrapped in is really thick and chewy. Not a fan. The rice boxes also come with a regular crab rangoon.
The second time we ate there Tim got the chicken rice box and I the tilapia rice box. Best tilapia ever! It tasted very fresh — no fishy flavor. Tim also enjoyed his chicken rice box, and again we spilt an order of spring rolls. The rice boxes are very hearty. I couldn’t finish mine either time.

Chicken Rice Box and Spring Rolls

Tilapia Rice Box

There are a few other things at from Heoya’s menu, I’d like to try. I’d like to get the shrimp or fish tacos. I’d also like to try a Heoya salad, Asian chicken cabbage salad and the grill pork rice noodles.
Can’t wait for the next visit!

Are you tired of hearing about pink slime yet?

Me too.
I think one of my fellow ag communicators at the University of Georgia sums things up nicely.
While hamburger patties made with this stuff may not be my favorite, hot dogs aren’t my favorite either.
But let’s not report things that are untrue, and let’s always remember, that we live in a country that produces the safest food supply in the world!

Random Ramblings

So, can’t believe it is April 4. It actually is my Mom’s Birthday today! Happy Birthday, Mom!
I don’t think my Mom ever reads my blog, though. ha!
March
So, I must say, March was an awesome month! The weather was awesome! I am way ahead of half marathon training at this time this year than I was at this time last year.
We’ve gotten lots of yard work done and have done some fun things.
This past weekend we ate at Blue in Omaha. It was yummy as always. I wish I had a list of all the rolls we tried because they were all awesome. I think one was the Crunchy Blue and another the Fiesta. My sister told me Hiro is now the hip place to go, though. Glad I ate there a year and a half ago! ha ha!
Before dinner, we had drinks at Havana Garage. Just kind of stumbled upon it. Wanted to have a couple drinks before dinner. And this seemed to be a nice place.
We really need to get back to Dozo sushi here in Lincoln again sometime too. So will have to do that. I think we could have sushi every day! ha!
SO, yeah, another fun thing in the month of March was The Junior League of Lincoln’s DISH It Up! event. I joined JLL two years ago and have really enjoyed it. Our annual fundraiser is the highlight of our year. We had lots of yummy food from all the best places in town!
Books and Movies
Me and some JLL women have also started a book club. I have some books I’d like to suggest all picked out already!
Speaking of books, I read the book Hick a several years ago. Now I see it is coming out as a movie. I may need to revisit that book if I still have it. I guess, it didn’t impress me on first read. I was really surprised to see it is coming out as a movie. Maybe because my initial take on the book was that it was going to be more about Nebraska, but ended up being about something totally different.
Tim and I saw We Need to Talk about Kevin last month too. Talk about a movie that will stick with you too! Very creepy. Very suspenseful. Highly recommend!
And, of course, I saw the Hunger Games! Loved those books. The movie was fun, but as always, the books are better.
And that’s about all I know
Well, here is to a continued wonderful spring with wonderful weather! And a happy April!
And, Happy Easter!

Daydreaming

So, Tim pointed out this website to me today — TropicalSnorkeling.com. How cool is that?

Kinda makes me think about this snorkeling excursion from our last trip to Hawaii. This from Molokini off of Maui.

Don’t know too much else today. It is a beautiful, sunny spring day. All the flowers and trees are in bloom here already. So early. But I am loving it.

Happy Spring!

Spring is a week from today!

I just realized spring is next week! What the heck! March is zooming on by, as are most months these days!

I’ve gone on and on in this blog about how much I love summer, but spring is my second favorite season. (Followed by fall, and then winter.)

Here is what I love about spring.

1. Getting the yard looking nice. It always looks nice in the spring before fungus and drought seem to kill it in the summer.
2. Spring flowers. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, magnolias, lilacs, cherry and apple blossoms are some of my most favorite flowers. And they don’t ever last near long enough.
3. The smell of a spring rain.
4. Breaking out the sandals.
5. My new spring jacket.
6. Pastel colors.
7. St. Patrick’s Day (technically not during spring, but still makes me think about spring).
8. Easter
9. Sitting outside/grilling/doing most anything outside without having a lot of bugs.
10. Planting my garden.
11. Spring vegetables like cabbage and asparagus.
12. Spring break.
13. Easter candy — is there any better time of year for candy? I think not!
14. Baseball
15. Bike riding
16. Running outside
18. Easter ham
19. Schools Out for Summer!
20. Budding Trees