Toys?

We don't need no stinkin' toys!

Over the past few days, I've been wondering why we even bother buying toys for the kids (and, for the record, we really don't - they mostly get toys as a gift). The kids seem perfectly content to empty the cupboards of random stuff or strip the beds to create their own play spaces. And you know what? That's OK by me.

On Saturday Benny built an elaborate contraption for making basil pizza:

And today he was building himself a two-room house on the couch. He is standing in the bathroom:

It's so fun to watch his imagination grow. And to see Lila mimic all of his crazy, silly ideas.

Book Review: Runaway

Runaway by Alice Munro is the first collection of short stories I've read in a very long time. I had forgotten how much I love to read short stories - especially when they're done well. Munro has an amazing ability to capture a story in 50 pages or less. And she manages to describe things in great detail and tie the story up in a way that makes you want more!

Munro is a fairly well-known Canadian author, but I had never heard of her. I have a slight obsession with Canadian authors right now. None of them have ever disappointed me. What is it about the air up there?

All of the stories in this collection are about women in Canada. Many of the stories span several decades. They describe relationships and emotions and everyday relationships that would appear mundane if anyone else wrote about them.

The only criticism of the book is that all of the stories end on a depressing note. Each ending came with a touch of longing and pain that have been hard for me to shake off. I think this book, more than any others, will create some interesting discussion at book club this month.

Pork Saves the Day!

Between school drop off, playing with Lila, grabbing coffee with a friend, mowing the lawn, attending a lunch meeting for work, watching Michelle Obama's speech (very important), picking Benny up, running to the library and finally meeting friends at the park, I wasn't sure how I'd fit dinner preparation into my day.

Then I remembered the pork shoulder waiting patiently in my fridge and this recipe:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients

3-5 pounds pork shoulder
3 tbsp. paprika
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 tbsp. coarse salt

Method

Mix the dry ingredients up and rub on the pork. Let sit for an hour and up to overnight.

Cut an onion into coarse strips. Place half of the onion in the bottom of the crock pot. Place the pork shoulder on top. Cover with the remaining onions. Fill the crock pot up so that about 3/4 of the pork is covered. Cook on low for 6 hours, or until the meat falls off of the bone.

Once the pork is finished, simmer the following ingredients in a sauce pan:

1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Pour the sauce over the pork and let sit on warm until you're ready to eat.

I was motivated by Debbie to make this recipe. She suggested that I steam some kale to put on top of pulled pork sandwiches. I steamed/sauteed some kale with a dash of salt. It was an EXCELLENT addition to the sandwich. Thanks for the recommendation, Debbie!

Fresh from the garden: Onions, garlic, kale, green beans and tomatoes.

Eight Is Enough

I was all set to run another half marathon on September 22. My legs were feeling pretty good. My motivation was high. Then I ventured online to register for the race. $115!?! (The same thing happened last year, so I'm not sure why I was so surprised.) So, after running a long run of 8.5 miles last week, I'm hanging up my shoes, figuratively, for now. The registration fee coupled with the time to train are major inhibitors to my psyche.

Instead, I'm going to use the registration money to pay for some yoga classes. At this point in my life, running just isn't enough to keep the extra flab and pounds off any more. I need a more varied and aggressive approach! My body seems to be used to running. So while my legs and butt are getting a workout, my upper body is neglected. It's probably about time I give them some love as well.

It's not that I'll stop running. Rather, I'll run shorter distances and focus on my speed. I've been cutting time off each run. And I'll run for fun - not because I HAVE to.

So, I'm wondering, has anyone else bailed on training over halfway through a training plan? I'm sure many have bailed on training due to injuries and whatnot, but what about money? And time?

P.S. I also bought a pair of new boots. I couldn't justify both a registration fee and boots. It was a tough call, obviously.

Labor-less Day

We spent the day with some dear friends. In the mountains. Where it was cool and peaceful. Ahhhhhhh.