Bucket List: Ski all 12 Months

So far so good on the goal! I got November, December, January, February, March, and as of yesterday, April! Sis and I drove up to one of our near by mountain passes and hiked to the snow. It was awesome! Got some good turns in, ate lunch by a creek, practiced with our beacons and dug a snow pit for practice (to determine avalanche probability). It was educational and fun! And tiring! I'm feeling it today for sure. :)

Spring Morning

The wasps beyond my window don't seem the least bit phased by the sudden rain. Clouds are moving quickly, and the sun will be just as brilliant again in a minute or two. Our weekend of warmth has opened up the buds and my street is green again. The fresh skin of leaves so bright and soft. Not yet whipped by wind or marred by summer storms.

It's the Freakin' Weekend!

So much sun! I spent most of the last two days out lounged in the 80 degree sun. At least I got some yard work done too!

Beers enjoyed

Toesies painted

Cat sunned herself

And I got away with wearing a bikini top...in April!...in Montana! Rarely happens! :)

Wonderful, strange, art

I like a good evening of bizarre art and even-more interesting people. Both can be found in excess when our Missoula Art Museum hosts an Artini Thursday. Signature martinis clink while folks browse the galleries to the tunes of a live band and amongst the dance troupes that come. This month's event was more entertaining than most due to being highly interactive. The art was created by carving wood in relief and then using these "stamps" to apply ink to paper or fabric. The work was fascinating. The artist was fun and humble. A photographer captured photos of folks in silly hats from the artist and downstairs you could have your own shirt printed with one of these funky designs. Modern Bluegrass-y tunes filled the space from the band the Best Westerners (love that name!) and ladies in bright colors and bare feet flitted around between their dance numbers. The place was packed. From curly mustached gentlemen to little kids fascinated by the scene. My sister and I just grinned and held up our masks and laughed. (The first 100 in the door got them free!) Best way to end a night like this? A visit to my friend's new empanada shop around the corner. Mmm mmm mmm!

Channeling Uma

Today's outfit, I can't help but admit, is reminiscent of Pulp Fiction. I chose a pair of black capris (I found them in the back of my closet from ~2005's trip to Warped Tour), a white Armani T-shirt, a black cardigan and black heels. I was trying to just look fun and kicky, but I can't help wanting to do that famous dance with Travolta. :)

(Pic from here)

An Update!

I've fallen terribly behind! For about two weeks I had constant headaches (due to teeth and jaw). I did not feel much like blogging! Nor anything else! But my orthodontist fixed it and I am back and doing great. So, here's an update on everything that's been happening in my world!



1. My sis and I went and spent an amazing day skiing at Big Mountain.












2. We got to stay in our favorite mountain accommodations: The Kandahar Lodge













3. Easter came and we dyed eggs like when we were little.





















4. I surprised my best friend with these eggs (each filled with a special message).



















5. My tulips are on their way up!





















6. And the cat is very excited for the sun! (Please pay no notice to the wall and trim that need to be repainted!) :)
















7. My friend just opened her own restaurant this month and it's amazing! (The sarongs hang in the windows because it wasn't revealed yet to the public!)














8. My best friend's Birthday is today! I don't know what I'd do without her in my life! (She's on the left with her little boy)

Easter Baking!

Easter will be here soon! A favorite holiday of mine, it is generally celebrated with a good amount of chocolate. My boyfriend is not a sweets fan though. (What's wrong with him?!) So a chocolate Easter bunny is out of the question. Another option? Bread bunnies! I found this recipe online from Taste of Home and can't wait to give it a whirl. (Mine will be minus the chocolate eggs inside.) Aren't they cute?!

Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 15 min. + cooling
Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
5-1/2 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
16 small milk chocolate eggs
ICING:
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon water
1 drop red food coloring

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, oil, egg, salt and 4 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. For each bunny, shape a 3-in. ball for the body; press a chocolate egg into each ball. Shape dough around egg so it is completely covered. For each head, shape a 2-in. ball; press a chocolate egg into each. Shape dough around egg so it is completely covered. Add a 1-in. ball for the tail and two 2-in. x 3/4-in. pieces for the ears.
Place bunnies 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
For icing, in a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and water; tint pink with red food coloring. With a small new paintbrush, paint a nose and whiskers on each bunny. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving equals 440 calories, 9 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 33 mg cholesterol, 328 mg sodium, 77 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 12 g protein.

Spring!

The world smells fresh, the trees are budding and the rain is falling. I needed one more sign of spring though, so I went in search of my tulips. Yep! They're unfolding leaves greeted me this morning. Growing like mad! I can't wait till they bloom!

I'm Pregnant!

Ha! Just kidding. :) April Fools! Do any of you folks have any wicked April Fools tricks up your sleeve? I've never done too much even when I was a kid. I'm mostly just happy that it's April!! Hello spring! Have a great Sunday, ya'll!