Das Coles: June 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Backyard Cherry Cobbler and Brinner

I promised we were going to make a dessert with our cherries, and we did! Behold, our "Backyard Cherry Cobbler". It's basically a standard cherry cobbler as seen in this recipe, but we used veggie margarine and soy milk as alternatives. De-LISH!

I'd pick fruit desserts over chocolate ANY day! Matt...not so much.

We also have something we do once a fortnight or so called brinner. Yes, that's right brinner. It's breakfast for dinner! Matt is the most amazing breakfast cook ever! Whether it's pancakes or waffles, he knows how to do it right. And he's such a sweetie because he automatically takes the initiative to make everything vegan. Awwww.

Brinner was last night, but we had some pancake batter left over so Matt finished it off with a side of veggie bacon :)

Not perfect only because he attempted "one big cake". He'll get it next time!

And today is my daddy's birthday!!! Enjoy a virtual piece of the cobbler, dad. See you soon!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Nothing says "Summer" like fresh cherries!

We are blessed to have a beautiful cherry and apple tree in our back yard. The cherries have finally become juice and dark red - perfect for picking!

So last night, I climbed on Matt's shoulders and started picking. I really wish we had evidence of this, as I was wobbling about and dropping cherries all over Matt's head.

And as any country girl would do, I googled how to pit a cherry :) About ten minutes in Matt gave up, but I continued until we had a bowl full of beautiful cherries. I plan to make a cobbler tonight or tomorrow.

These cherries are phenomenal. So much sweeter than the ones you buy in the store. They taste like candy! And Patton's been enjoying them, as well. We've been finding, um, proof, in the yard.

I'll keep you updated on the dessert we make with these delights. Last night was a memory I shall not soon forget!

I wasn't aware the pitting cherries made one appear to be a murderer. My hands are still a little red. No wonder people have been avoiding me...I feel like Lady Macbeth!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Snuggle Bugs

Yes, I blog a lot about Patton. I can't help it; he's just so darn lovable.

The thing about Patton is he thinks he's still a puppy. And yes, he gets away with just about everything. We started off with a rule that he couldn't get on the sofa or bed. Well, life's just too short. He's a snuggle bug, and so are we, so now we allow him up on the sofa or bed only if he's with us.

He's also been having light tremors, which seem to be getting much better with medication, but that also changed things around here. If he wants to snuggle, by golly he's gonna snuggle.

Matt leaves for work early, and like clockwork, Pookie jumps up in bed with me.

In the past, when I've been ill, he's stayed in bed with me all day. He knows to give me space, but will lift his head and check on me. The best love bug ever.

And of course, every day when Matt gets home from work, he has to climb on the sofa. He loves his daddy!! During our Sunday marathon of Two and a Half Men, Puppin and Papa snoodle:

I caught Papa Bear asleep sitting up. They are stinking cute.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Euro Trip 2011

So things are finally getting back to normal here in Sembach. After our ten day trek across Europe, we came home to a very happy pup and mountain of laundry.

The first three days of our trip were spent in Laandgraf, Holland at the Pink Pop music festival. It was there that we saw our favorite band, Coldplay, along with Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, The Script, The Beatsteaks, and 30 Seconds to Mars. All shows were fantastic, and we had an absolute blast.

After three days of snacks we brought, and the assortment of festival/fair foods, we were ready for real meals. Not only that, but "real" showers. Let it be known that we were one stinky bunch by the end of the weekend...

Our next stop was Amsterdam. The first day was spent exploring the city, including the famous Red Light District. It was phenomenal! You'd think the prostitutes would be ugly, but they are stinking GORGEOUS!! I've never been so jealous of a hooker since Pretty Woman.

We also stopped by the Anne Frank Huis. That was an amazing experience. Sarah and I were particularly touched because we read her book as youngsters. It's crazy to see what the real place looks like in comparison to your imagination. It wasn't far off at all. And the bookcase - wow.

And then, we were on our way to Brussels. A city known for chocolate and beer surprised me with its beautiful Grand Place. I've never seen such a beautiful square. And the Atomium was a site to see, as well.

But finally, we made it to Paris. Ah, the city of love. Since I read Madeline as a little one I've wanted to visit the city. Since then I've added a million reasons to the list to visit Paris. And like Anne Frank's house, I pictured what the city would look like. It far exceeded my expectations, and I cannot WAIT to return!

We are so grateful to our friend Jérémie for showing us around Paris. Jérémie spent Thanksgiving with us in Virginia along with Max and Flo, and it was great seeing him again. Can't wait to go back for a visit!