Showing posts with label #CoupleFun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #CoupleFun. Show all posts

Monday, November 9, 2020

Hot Apple Cider For Cool Autumn Nights

A lovely fall day is perfect for you and your honey to visit a local orchard. 
Go on a hayride, nibble on some pumpkin doughnuts and drink fresh cider. 
Enjoy hot cider under the stars at night.

I picked up some fresh apple cider during a recent visit to my local orchard (Montrose Orchards). Mulled Cider is a perfect warm autumn drink to enjoy while snuggling under a blanket on the porch.  This hottie toddy gives a quiet opportunity to warm up with some spice and romance. 
 



Ingredients
  • 1 apple
  • 2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 quarts apple cider
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • Pinch grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup dark rum
  • Cinnamon sticks, garnish
  • Directions

    Stud the apple with the cloves. In a medium pot, combine the studded apple and remaining ingredients except the rum. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the rum. Discard the apple. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.



    Check with local orchards regarding current covid restrictions.

    Wednesday, November 4, 2020

    #Thursday13 - Favorite #Couple-time Ideas

    Flyboy & I celebrated our 29nd anniversary on Monday. We aren't "empty nesters" yet and we had to plan an evening around our 15 yr old's football practice. However, Flyboy made a couple of  "to die for" steaks on the grill, broiled lobster tails while I whipped up some yummy butter beans. Sharing a meal and wine while listening to OUR music was a delightful treat.

    Anyways... this week's TT is some of my favorite things to do with my honey. 
     
    1. Go junkin'. We love to drive around and find garage sales. The best treasures are found at barn sales. 
    2. Go for a walk. We live in the woods and take the dog with us. We walk on the road or in the back, it's nice to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.


    3. Exploring farmers markets.

    4.  Visiting Traverse City or any small, quaint town in Norther Michigan.

    Visiting North Peak Brewing Co.
    Traverse City, MI

    5. Visiting local wineries, breweries and distilleries.

    6. Cooking outside. Grilling. We work together to create the best marinade or try out new recipes. Cooking over the bonfire. Sipping wine while sitting near the bonfire.

    7. We love cooking anything together in the kitchen. Sometimes it turns into a family event. I'm proud to say my boys enjoy cooking almost as much as they like to eat.

    In the kitchen - aprons on!

    8. Visiting neighbors. In our neighborhood it's common for neighbors to grab some drinks and head to each other's homes.

    9.  Heading to Frankenmuth for a mini adventure; wandering through the quaint shops.

    10. Snuggling on the couch reading while he watches the Tigers or Lions play.

    11. Sitting in the bleachers with our friends watching our son play football or baseball. (Yeah, we still have one at home.)

    12. Cuddling on the couch watching a funny movie.

    13. Well.... yeah... of course THAT!  But I didn't want to brag or make anyone jealous.

    They are not listed in any particular order. I would say top couple-time things to do are cooking together and exploring quaint towns. (And of course, #13.)

    What do you like to do with your honey?


    Visit more amazing Thursday 13 lists HERE

    Saturday, October 24, 2020

    Michigan Fun for Couples in Autumn


    Summer has been awesome and we manage to have some vacation time. I have two football players so we have to plan short little trips when we can. Hubby and I always try to make time for just us...you know...for a bit of adventure with a dash of romance.

    I love living in Michigan. The changing seasons create many opportunities for adventures. During every weekend, a festival is going on someplace. Couples traveling to Michigan can find scores of activities and destinations perfect for falling in love,
    sharing a special moment or rediscovering what you love about each other.

    The weather also creates a perfect growing environment for wine making grapes. Michigan wineries are fun to visit. Nothing spells "romance" like visiting a vineyard and opening a bottle straight from the source. Enjoy wine tasting and "wine trails" through Michigan's wine country, which stretches along the coast of Lake Michigan along the lower peninsula's northern and central shores. 

    Our favorite place to visit is Traverse City. I LOVE the shops downtown! Stop in Cherry Republic to try some cherry salsa while sipping cherry wine! The girls and I like to hit the resale shops in search of treasures. (Sometimes the guys tag along, if we promise to involve food.) We follow the Resale Trail. (Download your Traverse City Resale Trail Map HERE.) 

    Michigan offers a wonderful selection of breweries open all year round for tours and tasting. Hubby has a Bucket List of craft breweries he wants to visit. We always seem to stumble upon local wineries or brew pubs. Several offer wonderful food along with their beverages. 
    We're heading up north for Beer Week, Nov. 13-20. 



     As temperatures drop, activities don't stop. Frankenmuth is our favorite spot as it is only a short drive for us. Getting away for a weekend is easy. This quaint town explores German heritage with Oktoberfest, and the Holiday Balloon Fest takes place in December. We enjoy walking along the streets to visit our "regular shops" anytime of the year.

    In today's busy world, it is very healthy for couples to spend some quality time together. Hubby and I think Michigan certainly provides many romantic opportunities.

    Visit Pure Michigan for more information or to plan your weekend getaway.

    Wednesday, October 21, 2020

    Thursday 13 - Autumn Romance


    Fall is a beautiful time of year here in Michigan. I love the incredible palate of colorful trees and shrubbery. Nature’s pure fragrance of leaves and earth as well as the temptations of pumpkin pie, baked apples, and hot mulled cider create a wonderful setting. This time of year is also the time to pull out the winter woolies and time for some old fashion cuddling. It is a time for Autumn Romance.
    Here are a few tips to help you leap into romance!

    1.       Get football fever. As many of you know, I am a Football Mom to three boys and spend countless hours at their games.  Being at a game snuggled up to my honey under a stadium blanket while sharing hot cocoa helps us capture a bit of romance.  When I look around during the game, I see we are not the only couple using the opportunity.

    2.       Plan a special morning. Romance isn’t just for nighttime. Enjoy coffe on the porch, just the two of you. Make a special breakfast. Pack it into a picnic basket and eat outside or visit your local cider mill and enjoy some cider and doughnuts.

    3.       Enjoy the patio at night. Or build a bonfire for two. Curl up together under a blanket and sip a cup of hot apple cider.

    4.       Rake leaves. This is something the whole family can do. Rake a pile of leaves and yes…. Jump in!  It’s not just for kids.  Let your hair down and play!  Laughing is great foreplay.

    5.       Hit the trails. Go for a walk holding hands or a nice bike ride. Stop periodically to enjoy the view. 
    This is a great way to stay in shape and relieve tension as well as giving you a chance to talk.  However, if you come to a hill… I dare you to roll down it!

    6.       Go camping. Try it in your own backyard.  Cook outside on a grill or over a bonfire.  Enjoy the fresh air and each other.

    7.       Visit a carnival, county fair or craft show. Wander around holding hands and nibbling on Elephant Ears.

    8.       Have a fireside picnic. Slip into something sexy. Pour your favorite wine and play your favorite love songs.

    9.       Go on a hayride. Many apple orchards offer hay rides through November. Night time hay rides are very romantic. Enjoy a scenic tour while sitting close to each other and holding hands like a couple of teenagers. 

    10.   Visit a local vineyard.  Many offer tours through December. Take advantage of their sampling room and select a bottle to take home.

    11.   Take a train ride.  In Michigan we have the Snow Train that runs only during the winter. However, many areas offer special color tours and dinners. Check with your local railroads for more information.

    12.   Go apple picking. Whether it’s at an orchard or your own backyard, pick some apples together then head into the kitchen for some fun. Make an apple pie and crack open some whipped cream. Just make sure to leave enough whipped cream to have on the pie! *wink, wink*


    13.   Go for a stroll in a park. Take time to let your inner child out. Play hopscotch or push each other on the swings. 

    Visit the New Thursday 13 page to read more wonderful lists.

    Sunday, September 27, 2020

    #CoupleFun – Make a Wish Jar

     Couples often look for ways to entice a partner to expand his or her perspectives on the possibilities in or even out of the bedroom. Often planning a special romantic evening as a surprise for your honey often doesn’t go as arranged. Kids, pets, families, work… so many things may interrupt. It would be much easier to plan something with your partner rather than planning a surprise.

    I found a unique and fun idea.

    Pick out a couple of cute jars from a craft shop or dollar store, decorate yourself.

    Keep two “wish” jars in the kitchen, one for each or you. 

    Take some index cards and cut in half. Stack the cards next to the jars. Whenever something comes to mind that would be fun to do together, it gets written down on a card and dropped into the appropriate bowl.

    Create a ritual for the “big drawing”. At the beginning of each month, sit down at the end of the day with a glass of wine and some cheese. Pick five cards at random from each other’s jar. Read them over, talk about them and maybe even negotiate a bit.  The only rule is you have to agree on two activities to be done during the next month.

    Friday, September 25, 2020

    Sexy Games Lovers Play - Guess What This Is

    Sexy games can bring the spice back to any relationship. You may have had a terrific sex life before, but the hassles of day-to-day existence have made sex less of a priority. Maybe you and your honey are looking for a little something different, something to add some zing to your love life. Perhaps, you simply need an exercise to encourage intimacy.

    Shutterstock image

    Sexy games don't have to be confusing or complex. Find a game that both of you would enjoy to have fun and created intimacy.

    Discuss the need to set some ground rules before playing sexy games. Be sure to respect each other's vulnerability, especially when trying something new in the bedroom. Both partners must be able to end the game at any time, for any reason. 

    Shutterstock image

    A fun game is GUESS WHAT THIS IS

     This game requires some thinking and planning. Have two baskets, one for you and one for your honey. Start by thinking tactile and have your honey fill his basket with items and you do the same. Do not tell each other what your baskets hold! 

    Item suggestions: What could be used on your lover’s skin to create goose bumps? Gather things such as feathers, ice, a piece of fur, light string or rope, a length of silk, wool, and a knobby fabric. Other items to use might include a soft ball, a back scratcher, or a damp sponge. Let your mind go wickedly wild. Assemble all the textures and place in a basket. 

    Take turns blindfolding each other and lay in a comfortable position. Begin by massaging your partner with an item from the basket. Massage or tickle his body and let him guess what is touching his skin. Ask your lover to describe how it feels.


    Enjoy your time together and enjoy each other!

    Tuesday, September 22, 2020

    Take Time Together

     



    Home is where the heart is, so take time to spend together at home. You can find many delightful ways to spend time together around the house. Morning coffee in bed is one of my personal favorites or breakfast on a sunny deck. A card game or watch a video on a rainy day. Unplug yourselves from the electronics and quiet time at home can be simple. Just sitting together watching a ballgame is cozy contentment. Go for a walk or take a nap. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine, play soft music and give each other a massage.

     

    Take a break from the daily grind and revive that feeling of being relaxed and close.

    Saturday, September 19, 2020

    Where's The Romance in Fall Football?

     Fall brings football to our little town. The stands full of families cheering, hot chocolate flowing, and cuddles under warm blankets. But 2020 has different plans.

    This year, is so very different. Each player is allow two guest per game. I picked up my season passes in the office this week. Despite being so few, we still hung banners, cheered loudly and rang our cowbells in support of our boys. We don't complain, this season wasn't even supposed to happen. The Michigan governor wanted football to be played in the spring. Ah... we have snow until April. (?????) Lucky for us the powers-that-be in high school athletics managed to keep fall sports in the autumn but with few adjustments. (Read the MHSAA article.) We parents complied because our kids NEED this and the games are for them not us. We are simply supporters.

    Nevertheless, the game went off without a hitch. Our team is wearing a first of it's kind type of  shield on their helmets so they don't have to wear fabric over their mouths on the field. (Read the article here.) The players have matching gators around their necks they pull up when they are on the sidelines sporting their team name and colors. Coaches sport masks and gators showing their team spirit and unity.

    2020 Montrose Rams games look very different than years past.

    Teams are a little smaller this year and they struggle with all the Covid restrictions. No team dinners or bonding exercises are allowed. Masks, spatial codes, crazy school schedules, online courses and mental stress are all factors weighing on these boys. Somehow, the boys manage with a team group chat and having fun on the field. 

    As I sat in the stands, I closed my eyes for a moment. Was the romance of fall football gone?

    The cool breezed carried the faint smell of  bonfires and grills tickled my nose. The grunts and and smacks of powerful young men pushing themselves to their limits for the love of the sport could be heard between the cheers of proud parents. 


    I opened my eyes to look around. Bottles of water and a thermos or two were spotted among  the small crowd. Moms were chewing on their nails when their boys hit the ground. Dads jumped and shouted encouragement to their sons. Couples cuddled close and smiled at each other with love as if to say, "That's our boy!". The sky blessed us with a lovely sunset. 

    Love and pride abundant. The romance of fall football remains.

    Friday, September 11, 2020

    Friday Food Romance

    So you're planing a sexy dinner with your honey.  
    Candles? Check
    Playlist? Check
    ]Sexy lingerie? Check
     Hooker heels? Check
    You have desert covered, let's focus on food and wine.
      

    Have you ever eaten a meal where the wine and food were so good that you could not forget about it? Then, did you later have that same wine with a different dish or the same dish with a different wine only to be disappointed?

    Count yourself fortunate to have experienced the perfect marriage of wine and food. When the wine balances with the food in flavor, texture and taste, both food and wine enhance each other.

    These are a few hints to help make food and wine pairing simple. But remember that if you like a certain wine with a particular food that is all that matters.

    1. Use the same wine in the recipe as you will be serving with the meal.

    2. Mask salty dishes with slightly sweet wines.

    3. Serve cool, sweet, low alcohol wines with hot, spicy foods. Higher alcohol accentuates heat.

    4. Balance acidic foods with sweet wines or round, dry, low acid wines.

    5. Combine sweet wines with desserts. Make sure the wine is always sweeter than the dessert.


    Combos for Beef

    Beef roast, steak, hamburgers
    Classic Red
    Merlot
    Classic Blush
    Cab/Merlot
    Cabernet Sauvignon

    Wild mushroom sauce
    Merlot
    Cab/Merlot
    Cabernet Sauvignon

    Red wine sauces, stew, short ribs, beef stroganoff
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Merlot
    Cab/Merlot

    Stir fry, chili
    Pinot Noir
    Classic Red

    Brisket, meatloaf
    Merlot
    Classic Red

    Beef Wellington
    Classic Blush
    Cab/Merlot

    Beef Bourguignon
    Merlot
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Cab/Merlot







    Wednesday, September 9, 2020

    #Thursday13 - Rewards of Romance

     We all know romance is an important element in a relationship.

    "Real-life romance is something I encourage you to engage in every day. Just give it a try. Many times it's all about the little things and just going with your heart. Trust that your desire to create romance is enough to get things started, and give it your own spin." - Barton Goldsmith Ph. D, Emotional Fitness

    Just letting her know you think she's wonderful can become a romantic moment.

    Here are some key rewards of being romantic.

    1. Adds spice, sparkle and zest to our lives

    2. Hugs, kisses, caressing

    3. Makes us feel sexy and attractive

    4. Helps love grow

    5. Helps a couple feel closer

    6. Provides intimacy

    7. Keeps things fresh

    8. Makes daily routines bearable

    9. Brings fun and joy into a relationship

    10. Provides an atmosphere of mutual support

    11. Let’s a couple hear the little things that are important

    12. Makes us feel special and valued

    13. Reminds us how lucky we are to be sharing life and love together

    ******

    Many people don't try to do anything romantic because they simply don't know how. 

    Super hint: There are NO Secrets to romance. Most of the time, people are doing romantic gestures without even realizing. After all, anyone who has read a romance book or watch a romantic movie have a general idea about romance. Grand gestures are needed and simple things are appreciated. For example, a daisy freshly picked from a field is just as romantic as a dozen long-stemmed roses. 

    My favorite romantic gesture is when my honey reaches out to hold my hand. 


    It tickles me pink when I see Mom and Dad holding hands.

    Check out more Thursday 13 posts from some of my amazing friends HERE


    Thursday, September 3, 2020

    Romantic Dinner for Two

     What better way to wind-down from the week than a nice meal on Friday night. Preparing a meal together is good for a couple. It's a chance to talk, tease, laugh and kiss. According to some studies, cooking is one of the top activities couples can do together to strengthen their relationship. Cooking together is a soothing experience. It's great to relieve stress; think chatting and chopping. Using your hands to create the meal, maybe even sipping wine or sharing a beer, can easily turn into a sensual experience. Take a moment to hand feed a sample to your honey and follow it with a kiss.

    A man who cooks is hot.

    When you set a timer for pasta or veggies, use the opportunity to discuss something important or have a make out session. When the timer dings, the moment is paused.

    Preparing a meal at our house is a family affair. We've always included our sons and each one enjoys cooking as much as he enjoys eating. Over the years we've included friends and girlfriends to take part of the fun. 

    With eldest son now married, he and his new wife join us once a week for a meal. They often talk about meals they've prepared together.

    Son #2 lives 3 hours away. He and his girl will go to market together then prepare the meal.

    Son #3 is still underfoot, and tolerates our PDA during meal prep. However, occasionally hubby and I enjoy an evening alone.

    The key to enjoy meal prep is keeping it fun, busy and communication is important. If you and your honey don't see eye-to-eye in meal prep you need to  communicate, compromise,or simply take turns in the kitchen.


    Check out the article Couples Who Cook Together Stay Together, Says Science.

    Check out this article on cooking together by Jillian Kramer 


    Thursday, August 13, 2020

    #Thursday13 - Love Notes

    Simple little love notes are a great way of letting someone you love know you are thinking of them. 

    This is a recycled post from 2018 but I thought about it would be perfect today.
    My fly-boy hubby leaves today and I've already slipped some cute little notes in his suitcase.
    I carefully tuck them between folds of clothing. He enjoys finding the love notes during his two weeks he's away from home. 
    It's fun to leave little love notes around the house.


    Stash a note somewhere you know your honey will find it. Here are a few of my favorite hiding places...

    1. In his underwear drawer.
    2.Tapped to the bathroom mirror.
    3. Inside the case of his favorite CD.
    4. On the visor in the car.
    5. In a favorite coffee mug.
    6. As a sticky note on the computer monitor.
    7. Under his pillow.
    8. Inside the latest Bass Pro Shop ad.
    9. Wrapped around the dog's collar.
    10. Tucked in his sneakers.
    11. Taped to the TV.
    12. In the refrigerator on a carton of milk.
    13. On the TV remote.


    Happy Thursday 13!
    CLICK HERE to read some more amazing Thursday 13 lists!

    Saturday, August 8, 2020

    Romance During Family Vacation

     A family vacation full of fun and chaos may be hard to squeeze in a little romance, but it's not impossible.

    Letting Son #2 drive the boat while hubby & I play footsie.


    Vacation time is the perfect time to break the every day routine and enjoy new moments of romance. Many couples find watching a sunset together every night during vacation as their romantic  moment. 

    Hubby & I found waking before everyone to enjoy a cup of coffee together as our special romantic moment. 


    We also found a lot of fun in tormenting our children with PG-13 open displays of affection. 

    Needless to say, find a few moments every day during vacation time to add a little romance.

    Tuesday, August 4, 2020

    Love, The Next Generation

    As they grow, children look at their parents as an example of how balanced love is. 

    Parents fight but they also make up.  Parents disagree but also respect each others opinions. Parents experience sadness and show how they comfort each other. Parents continue to have fun and laugh. Parents show their kids, that no matter how old they are, they can still be romantic. 

    Being on vacation with our adult children has shown me that we've done a pretty good job setting an example of love for our boys. I've seen snippets of our romance in them.

    My son and his wife of less than 2 weeks, enjoyed quiet time reading together. 

    Son #2 and his love are the picture of silly romance, 
    they have a lot of fun simply being together.


    When you go on vacation with adult children, let the love flow. 


    Wednesday, July 29, 2020

    Touch Me, Babe

    Listening to an old tune from The Doors while in a Covid lock-down inspired this post.

    The media has featured how people are suffering depression and isolation because of not being able to be social. This lack of in-person communication and lack of personal touch plays havoc with the psyche.

    Sure, sexual touches help with physical intimacy and keeps a relationship fresh and exciting. Touch between lovers, is a subtle reminder of the connection. But non-sexual touch is important too. A touch is reassuring and uplifting. It feels like some else understands us, relates with us and connects to us. A simple touch is a sign of trust, and the comfort reduces anxiety.

    A touch makes you feel more loved, safe, and happy. The humblest movement leads to a happier, healthier you! Next time you touch someone or are touched, take note of how you feel.

    Today's exercise:
    Hold a hand
    Give a hug
    Tickle someone
    Play footsie






    Thursday, July 16, 2020

    Blueberries? Wine Not?

    Sometimes the lack of patience overcomes me.
    I wanted a cool glass of wine but the fridge was bare of vino. So like a bad girl, I added a couple of ice cubes to my glass. I grabbed a handful of fresh berries and tossed them in my mouth. As I bit down, freezing cold shot through my jaw. Holy cow! Someone had turned up the temp of the veggie drawer.
    Hmmm... I grabbed another handful of berries and dropped them into my glass then added the wine. 



    The wine chilled nicely, abet watered down. As I finished my beverage, the treat of wine soaked berries awaited my consumption. And oh, what a treat it was!

    Leelanau Cellers is one of my favorite wineries located in Northern Michigan. Their Riesling wines are some of the most sought after wines in the state. Semi-sweet wine with ribbons of seasonal fruit such as peaches, apples, or pears ready to wrap your senses into a delightful bow.

    The Tall Ship family of wines honors the heritage of the tall ships, or schooners, that were common on the Great Lakes. The huge canvas sails of these ships were truly majestic and became representative of a nostalgic escape to a time and age when fine craftsmanship reigned.

    WINE TIP: 
    The Tall Ship Riesling is a late harvest fruit layered wine. Great enjoyed alone or with your honey. Try pairing it with cheese and smoked fish. 

    WINE TIP:
    To cool wine quickly, place a strainer with ice cubes over a glass. Pour wine. As the wine passes the ice and through the strainer, the temperature cools without watering the wine down.

    Sunday, July 12, 2020

    De-Stress With Sex...Or Not

    Orgasm provides substantial release of tension, intimacy melts a lot of anxiety.
    Nothing beats being wrapped in loving arms, it's the marriage of love and peace.
    Pure relaxing bliss.


    A study of Welshmen ages 45-59 showed those who had sex at least twice a week were less likely to die over a ten-year period than those who had sex less than once a month. Other studies revealed sex enhances your life, boosts the immune system, releases endorphins that can relieve pain. Some studies show regular sex can help you feel healthier, look younger and add years to your life.

    Okay... so we know sex is good for you. 
    But sometimes at the end of the day, it's hard to get in the mood.

    Sex & orgasms don't have to be a part of the formula. Intimacy is the key. 

    Intimacy can be simply cuddling, a long kiss or even a joke. Spend a minute being together. Laughing together is actually an intimate act. I often laugh until I cry and it ain't pretty, but hubby loves it. Laughter releases the same chemicals as sex. 

    Have you ever had a super good laugh in bed after sex? 
    If not... you gotta try it!


    Sunday, July 5, 2020

    Romance With An Apron

    Since the bronze age, aprons have been used by priests, tradesmen and homemakers. In so many of the faded photos in our family album, women are wearing aprons for various designs and lengths.

    Gram's aprons were used to hold small cucumbers and tomatoes from her garden. As a small child I enjoyed wrapping myself in the warm comfort of the material while she finished the dishes. I still think of Gram when I look at aprons. 

    My mom had several different designs, as she was a great entertainer. An apron for each holiday and event! Dad would often tie Mom's apron for her then with a spin, he'd hold her tight, dancing to a song on the radio in the kitchen.

    After ruining several very nice (and expensive) blouses while cooking, I've invested in an apron. 

    Well actually, hubby purchased my first one and the boys picked out my second. I find an apron very useful, not just keeping my clothing clean, but also for holding a spoon and quickly wiping my hands.

    I even bough hubby his own apron. (He's ruined several shirts while barbecuing.) 

    Some of the moments I enjoy the most with hubby are when we have our aprons on, sharing a bottle of wine while cooking together. 

    A little bit of romance while wearing an apron. Give it a try.

    Cheers & romance from the Quast Kitchen.

    Friday, June 26, 2020

    #TakeABreak Get on Your Back, Baby!

    Remember when you were a kid during the summer and you would lay on your back finding animals in the shapes of clouds?

    My friends & I would lay on the front yard, school ground, vacant field, beach, or dock  and "see things". Sometimes one of us would doze off due to being so relaxed. Don't you wish you could bring that feeling back? Well, you can.
    I was on my back doing my morning yoga when I something caught my eye. (Other than Maggie's head).
    I saw Shamu. A cloud looked just like a statue of the famous killer whale I bought at Sea Workd when I was 10.

    As I lay there, I saw more.
    Three shapes reminded me of koi fish. There was a koi pond in the middle of the hotel we stayed at during our honeymoon. The critters were literally came to the surface begging for treats from anyone who stopped to admire them. Three clouds "looked like" those fish.

    My heart filled with warm fuzzies with the memories of our honeymoon. I rose from my yoga mat with a smile on my face. 

    Take a moment and lay on your back, gaze at the clouds. Have a friend, a child or your honey join you on this exercise. 

    What do you "see"? What do you think of? How do you feel? Did it wake up the kid in you? Is your heart full?

    Come on...get on your back,  baby. 
    I double-dog-dare ya!

    Monday, June 22, 2020

    Which Wine for Dinner Tonight?

    A hot evening calls for a light dinner.
    I prepared some tilapia filets with fresh asparagus spears. Neatly placed them in a shallow stoneware baking dish, I drizzled melted butter over all then added a bit a salt, pepper and chopped parsley from my garden pot. (Bake at 400 for 15-20 min).  Instead of a heavy starch, we had Michigan produced cottage cheese and chives from my garden pot.
    A reader suggest I try Michcato from St. Julian Winery. This semi-sweet white is a perfect compliment to our dinner. Subtle flavors of mango, pineapple and lemon cool the pallet. Serve chilled. I enjoyed a glass after dinner instead of dessert.

    The wine is made primarily with Traminette grapes grown along Lake Michigan and bottled in Paw Paw, MI. The Michcato is Michigan's version of a Moscato. 

    A great wine with a light meal or just for summer sipping. Sip on a glass while your honey grills or enjoy together after a meal while the kids do the dishes. 


    This wine is also available in a can; perfect for picnics.
    Visit St. Julian Winery for more info.