The Coles' first skiing venture

Today we went skiing at Axamer Lizum, just outside of Innsbruck. Because we had never skied before, we took lessons while our friends TJ, Emily, Tom, and Rhonda hit the slopes. It was well worth it!

Emily kept me company on the bunny hill today, while Matt and the others did an intermediate run. That's right, his first day skiing (in the Alps of all places), my husband was taking care of business. Is there anything he's not good at?!?

My favorite part of the day (besides making it down the bunny hill without wiping out) was lunch at the top of the mountain. They were partying hard up there! There was a band, tons of food, and an unhealthy amount of alcohol. Folks were taking shots and drinking ginormous beers. Fantastic!

I was not doing so hot so I refrained from adult beverages and enjoyed a nice refreshing mineral water, my new favorite drink.

Then after a successful last run down the hill, Emily and I celebrated with a heisse shockolade mit amaretto (hot chocolate with amaretto). Ummmmm!




The view from our hotel room



Another view




All day I kept looking for the Governator, though I know he is in California. Our ski instructor said "Supa!" just as he would, and it was hysterical.

Until tomorrow,
Britt
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Arriving in Innsbruck

First view of the mountains!








Finally in Innsbruck!



Matt goofing around in the hotel room

Matt and I decided to make the best of this four day weekend and head to Innsbruck, Austria. Though I skied once when I was six, I haven't been since. Now, I get to learn how to ski in the Alps!

The drive in was gorgeous! I took a million pictures, but they just don't do it justice. The mountains are...well, there are no words to describe it.

I kept seeing green hills in front of the snowy mountains and it reminded me of the opening scene from the Sound of Music. Matt and I were singing songs from the film on the way in, ha!

Right outside of the Austrian border, we stopped at an American diner for lunch. It was adorable! They had American sports and music memorabilia everywhere. And American food! Basically burgers and fries. Matthew ordered a turkey burger with fries, and I got tomaten zuppa (tomato soup).

That's another thing. The Coles have been working on their German. We spoke only German at the restaurant (to the waiter). A pretty big step!

Matt gets a little awkward with it. It's quite hilarious to watch.

Well, we are getting ready for dinner so ta ta for now!

Britt and Matt




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Gotta love Quinoa!

Have you heard of quinoa? It's a grain packed full of protein from South America. I often use it as a meat substitute is meals such as stuffed bell peppers.

Last night we attended an FRG meeting that was pot luck, so we decided to make the quick and easy recipe I threw together a few months back - quinoa casserole. You just combine cooked quinoa and sauteed peppers, onions and tomatoes. Then you top it with cheese and bake at 250 until the cheese gets gooey.

It's that easy!

And while we made it for dinner, it's my favorite breakfast food. Just sprinkle a little hot sauce on top. Yummmmm!







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Spaghetti Squash Dinner

Tonight we decided to try a recipe I've been wanting to test for a while - spaghetti squash marinara.

I've had spaghetti squash a couple of times, only at restaurants. It is an amazing vegetarian dish; incredibly tasty and aesthetically pleasing. There's just something whimsical about noodles coming from a squash.

And it's easy! All we did was bake a punctured spaghetti squash in a 375 degree oven for an hour. While it was baking, I concocted the marinara we use on everything. Just process 2 garlic cloves and half an onion until very fine. Add it to hot olive oil and sauté.

Purée a can of crushed tomatoes and add whatever veggies you want (tonight we added green bell pepper because it needed to be used) along with red and gold cherry tomatoes.

Add a pinch of salt and simmer.

After an hour, we removed the squash and cut it in half. Separating the seeds from the pulp, we raked the spaghetti looking pieces with a fork:





After putting it on a plate, we added the marinara (Matt added grilled chicken), blanched asparagus and fresh Parmesan. For the love of God, toss out that green can of processed "cheese" you keep on your fridge. After using the fresh stuff you'll never go back. And I promise you, it's not a huge price change, yet quite a step up in quality.




Matt's with chicken




All veggies :)

I hope you get a chance to try this meal. It's scrumptious and a change of pace. Something different to spice up the usual menu.

Until next time,
Britt
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THE TIGERS ARE ON TOP!

Matt and I woke up at 2am to watch our Tigers play in the National Championship. We are currently regretting it and trying not to head bob in our German Culture class.

Here are some highlights on our side of the pond:




Matt watching the game







Yay!



Patton is yelling "war eagle!"



It's too early for all of this cheering!

WAR EAGLE!
Britt and Matt
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The Sofa, Assembled!

OK, I promise this is the last post on the sofa. Matt and I just spent two very tense hours assembling it. The directions were in German, and let's just say we had to hug it out afterwards.



The last screw!



Angle one



Angle two



And of course, it's not a DIY project without random leftovers

Now, we have a big game to watch!

Cheers!
Britt

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Sofa King

Our sofa came today! Unfortunately, the Mobel Fundgrübe guys just dropped it off in pieces and went on their merry way.




When Matt came home for lunch we unpacked everything and laid out directions, screws, and so forth.

After he left, I started getting a bit stir crazy and tried a go at it. I am usually challenged when it comes to puzzles and things of the sort, but I surprised myself. As a matter of fact, all I'm waiting on Matt for is to lift connecting parts so I can attach them. Still, our living room looks like a furniture store exploded in it.



An don't you fret, I can guarantee that pictures will be posted as soon as it is assembled. Just in time for the big game!

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