Gym Graphics
New art was applied to the walls in the group exercise room this week. Obviously this room is geared towards girls! Haha… i think they look nice. Very Valentine appropriate in fact. But i’m sure these will hang around more permanently.
Surprise Visit from Dad
Jeff’ dad came for a last-minute visit because he got stranded at the San Francisco Airport on his way to see Pat. It was a nice surprise to have him come and spend the night and see our house for the first time. We took him out (well rather, he treated us,.. thanks!) to Monterey Coast Brewery for dinner, and we went back to the house to watch the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics in Vancouver.
Gray Kitty - Now Known as Henry
Gray kitty has been dubbed “Henry” and has been hanging out in the new Schipper office….he comes meowing every morning and Theresa lets him in. He likes to get pets and bother us on our desks, even likes to drink water from the mug. Sometimes he puts his paw in it then licks from his paw. What a silly boy.
Snowmaggedon! 2!!!!!
National news media coverage is funny. Snowmaggedon… 2…!! Its like a movie!! But its REAL LIFE, ZOMG. Take THAT global warming!
Heat My Space, Please
The new office is considerably colder than the old office. Thank you old and trusty space heater for saving my freezing feet. It’s been a while since i’ve needed you… actually its been since we were in the very first place that i’ve needed you. Must be this “side” of the building.. no direct sunlight.
Rooster Walking
Took a walk to a meeting with one of our local clients in San Juan Bautista. Happened upon a rooster, whadya know?
Superbowl Party
Part 2 of 2 “Housewarming” parties is Jeff’s Superbowl Party! Saints vs. Colts in Miami Florida. I made a bunch of food, as usual, and we played some gambling games. Traditional “squares” based on the end of quarter scores and Commercial Bingo where you cross-out things you see in the commercials on your play board.
Party-goers watching commercials for a bingo win. Jeff filling out the squares.
Mini chocolate cupcakes in blue and gold. 7-layer bean dip with tortilla chips.
Family portrait courtesy of James.
New Workstation
Moved offices today - we’re expanding into the next office building so Kathy can have her own “office” and the New Media guy we hired, Corby, can have his own workstation too. I also lowered my desk so its now officially ergonomically correct for my short height - so now it is a lot lower than the other tables and i feel like i am in the handicapped spot in the room!
Banana Bread
Baked some Banana Bread tonight with some ripening bananas i had on hand so i could bring some in for tomorrow’s office move. This cookbook is awesome. I got it for Christmas, and i actually bought it for a friend of mine a couple of years ago. America’s Test Kitchen is a TV show on PBS and they test out recipes and products a bunch of times to get the perfect recipe. I also have an online subscription to their web site and are always getting my best recipes from them. The bread turned out yummy but i think i overbaked it so it was a little dry, but pretty good for my first time making it.
BANANA BREAD
| 2 | cups unbleached all-purpose flour |
| 3/4 | cup granulated sugar |
| 3/4 | teaspoon baking soda |
| 1/2 | teaspoon table salt |
| 1 1/4 | cups toasted walnuts , chopped coarse (about 1 cup) |
| 3 | very ripe bananas , soft, darkly speckled, mashed well (about 1 1/2 cups) |
| 1/4 | cup plain yogurt |
| 2 | large eggs , beaten lightly |
| 6 | tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and cooled |
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla extract |
- Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of regular loaf pan, or grease and flour bottom and sides of nonstick 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. Combine first five ingredients together in large bowl; set aside.
- Mix mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla with wooden spoon in medium bowl. Lightly fold banana mixture into dry ingredients with rubber spatula until just combined and batter looks thick and chunky. Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan; bake until loaf is golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Superbowl Party Menu
Figuring out the menu for our Superbowl party on Sunday. Drawings always help.. and are definitely more fun that plain lists!
