More from the Land of Cheese and Beer

I never thought it would happen. Ever. My husband actually uttered the phrase "I'm kind of beer'd out." He would be a disgrace to his family if they had know that those words had slipped out of his mouth. I was in awe. I guess that's what Wisconsin will do to you if you're not a native. I'm not much of a beer drinker, this was my drink of choice most of the weekend because I didn't want to feel left out!

I'm not sure if I had mentioned that the reason we had ventured to the north was to celebrate the marriage of one of my closest friends from High School. He married his college sweetheart, and they had a wonderful wedding in Milwaukee. The reception was A-maz-ing! They had a family style sit down dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant, where they brought out HUGE servings of 4 different main courses, and you served yourself. Awesome. I am such a naughty photographer-friend though, I was having way too much fun at the wedding (and stressing out about passing out when I did the reading!) that I really only took these two photos! I wish I had taken some of the bride, she had the cutest dress, and her hair was SOOO gorgeous. Beautiful day, beautiful people.

I feel so blessed to have friend that have traveled through life with me, going all the way back to middle school! It has been so fun to watch us all grow up, and find those people that we committed our lives. I'm excited to see what is in store for all our futures, and hope that we will all continue to stay close through out our lives. 

                          

Love these people. Will always have a spot in my heart and in my life.

Tomato, ToMAto

About a year ago a coworker gave us a salsa recipe that revolutionized our lives (Thanks Traci!)! Hubby has to make it because it involves chopping a whole onion, and if I even look at an onion cross eyed, it starts the waterworks.

Anyway, a friend came over and shared a fresh tomato from his garden with us, and it is a GIANT! It's a brandywine tomato, and I loved how unpredictable it was. It grew bulges on top of bulges, unlike the refined tomato's of our age. So much more personality!

So Ryan made one batch with the store bought tomato's, and one with this rouge giant, and it made a load of difference! Nothing can beat fresh ingredients. Maybe next year I will get up the courage to start my own garden, instead of bumming off friends.

PS if you want it, here's the salsa recipe:

Traci's Tasty Salsa

• 2 large Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped (or fresh grown Brandywine!!)
• 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes (Mexican style) -- put in the chopper to get a more fine texture
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cumin, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large vidalia onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/3 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, to taste