Cheese Tasting 101

As a last hooray prior to starting Bible stuff again, we held a cheese tasting for our life group. The smells, comments and laughter were infectous and at time nauseous (the cheese, not the company).

The spread for the night included nine different cheeses; samples included goat cheese, cave-aged, English varieties, French Rochette, gruyere, etc.


Various individuals supplemented the spread with crackers, cookies, bread, wine, and Prosciutto.

With everyone situated, one by one I served the samples with interesting reactions of either "yums", "oh, dense", or "bleck". Scribbles of notations were put on tally sheets. Phrases heard throughout the evening included:

"I think this one is herby."

"I classified this one as butt." This particular cheese, number five, became known as the un-caged derreire.

"The rating system is as follows: Ten is that the Almighty Heavenly God stepped from heaven and bestowed this mighty gift to his people. One is 'wow, I can't believe the cow gave milk or this.'"

Question: "Vegan cheese? How do you make vegan cheese?"
Response: "Well, you get milk from a vegan goat."

"Did you put cream cheese in here to mix us up?!"

"Never buy cheese that is wrapped in paper--it means it smells bad."

"Should I be worried that a rating category is rating the crunchiness?"

Overall, it was a great night. I love random activities such as this and sharing them with great friends.

A Year in Pictures

'Tis the week when reflections of the past year stream by with dreams of the new year. I thought I would start this reflective week with pictures. Of the thousands saved, these are the twelve that I thought:

• "Wow, I am glad we did that!"
• "Ooo...beauty."
• "This makes me smile."
• "Ahhhhh! How do I pick one!"

PS: They would probably change by tomorrow! ha ha!

JANUARY

FEBRUARY
MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE
JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

A Hodge Podge post

SKI FRENZY

We received word this weekend that Bob Banker will be spending the January 23 weekend with us.It is a ski trip, and we are extremely excited! Though Zach and Bob will be whizzing down the mountain, and I need to find myself a fellow bunny sloper to join me. Though skiing alone has its benefits--no wipe out stories to follow!

DROWNED RAT LOOK

We gave Smokes a bath tonight. As always it was hysterical; she was feisty and we were quite mocking. She smells 'oh, so pretty' but continues to growl at us if she sees us.

CHEESE

This Tuesday our life group will embark on a culinary tasting of cheese. Zach and I made the purchases today, and we are so excited about the variety! By the end of the night we will be cheese connoisseurs.

Celebrations of the Season!

Tuesday, December 22: 10:42pm

It began with the Sherman tank sound.

Zach was playing hearts and I was quilting last night. All that was quiet and calm became shattered by a deep throttled rumble. I perked up and said, “What is that sound?!” Zach responded with a quizzical look and a shrug of the shoulders. I responded, “I hope it is not the neighbor’s sister trying to get into our parking lot again!”

To date we have helped push her out multiple times. It is getting tiresome and every time we think they are on their way, we shake our heads and cringe.

But instead of a Land Rover framed by our window, it was a large white van. Zach said, “Who the heck is that…(trailing off). Is that Comcast?” *

Grinning from the driver’s window was Robert Green! We laughed, waved, and greeted our visitors! Within a few moments, Matt showed up soon followed by Nancy. With tool junkie Robert at our fingertips, Zach used the moment to ask if he had any shovels. He had two. As Carol and I settled to quilt/knit, the boys began the laborious task of freeing the CRV and clearing the drive. Robert took the role of the government worker—picture taking and driving the van to and fro to pack snow down. Zach took a proactive approach to the driveway and cleared the way for all the neighbors so that we would (hopefully) not have to push anyone out.

I jokingly yelled at Zach that a lot has changed since this picture was taken 25 years ago.

Then I confessed that I had never shoveled snow. In the country, shoveling the pastures is just not efficient. So Zach stuck the shovel in my hand and said, “Shovel our walk, woman!” I whacked him and then shoveled.

After the shoveling had been completed, we gathered to chat, share stories, laugh and be introduced to the Peppermint pig. Robert’s brother sent a Christmas package containing a peppermint pig, hammer and red velvet bag.

Robert read the ‘legend’ and ‘tradition’ of the pig. The tradition was to stick the peppermint pig in the bag and pass the bag around the circle. Each person was to state a good thing/happy memory of the year, then hit the pig with the hammer. As Carol stated, this was an experiential present. Each of us said a memory and took a whack. It was comical and at the end we had a crushed peppermint pig. Thus was the tradition of whack a pig.

*We have been contemplating getting internet at the Banker abode. Zach has been tangling with Comcast over pricing and such. Randomly Zach received a call last night about installation. After a few minutes of haggling, they hung up on him. Within ten minutes a big white van was in front of our apartment. Freaky.

Wednesday, December 24: 8:47am

Merry Christmas, BD!

Love,
Bike

Wednesday, December 24: Christmas Eve

Our morning was quite productive. We busted through the snow fort which held the CRV captive! We are no longer chain virgins—Zach and I deciphered the cryptic instructions to make the CRV road worthy…or at least driveway worthy.

With our newfound freedom, we proceeded to pillage the Richards’ house for stashed gifts, and kidnap Rod for our excursion to WinCo. Ironically, he was a happy, kidnapped, Hawaiian-shirted man.

After a slow trek home and a quick round of showers, we were puttering our way to Mosaic for the Christmas Eve service. After forty minutes we arrived; fifteen minutes late. It was nice to see friends, but I confess the service was not much to write about. I think one thing I really miss from Mosaic is the originality and creativity. Each week it is two songs, sermon, communion, songs, announcements/offering, and one final song. I admit that I had an expectation of something special; extraordinary un-normal for the Christmas Eve service. Not that pyro-technics or amazing graphics, but something unique to set the mood for an earth shattering night in history. Nope, did not happen; songs, reading of Jesus’ birth, sermon, song, offering, and songs. I believe next year I will look for a massive cathedral and listen to a crazy awesome choir; think Home Alone!

After church, we returned home for a night of baking and hanging out with friends. Barbara and I baked biscotti and gingerbread cookies, as well as pre-made all the breakfast items for tomorrow morning. While I was finishing the biscotti, Robbie, Zach and Barbara played a game of LIFE. They added me in a player and Zach ‘played’ for me. As of now, they are all FIRED because I ended up with six kids, two grandkids, and 22 puppies. However, they kept telling me that it was ok since I went on many trips for free since I was the travel agent. Sorry, but that does not offset the trauma of six kids; two being twins!

Thursday, December 25: Christmas: 8:53pm

The morning began with Zach waking up at 5:45am—wide awake. Ironically, this is the second morning that we both have woken up at an ungodly hour to no avail of returning to slumber. I laid in bed, tossing, while he turned on Die Hard in hopes of lulling himself to sleep. It did not work for either of us. At 8:30am we surrendered to our whimsical bodies and arose. We armed ourselves with tea, coffee and biscotti, and proceeded to open our gifts. Zach surprised me with two tripods (a bendable/gripping travel one and the typical full size), a tea kettle, Fablehaven and Warrior heir book series, Christmas stories around the world, cutting board, chopping knife (hallelujah!), silicone marinade brush, sea salt, bubble bath, and a square spatula. I was spoiled! Zach relished his Clone Wars DVD, French press, and marinades/sauces.

Our fellow holiday orphans showed up about eleven and we enjoyed a scrumptious brunch. I declare that I think I will take any good Christmas brunch over a traditional meal. Breakfast is so underdone.

We spent the afternoon napping, playing games, laughing, and playing with my tripods.

At the close of the day, sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree, I am thankful for a good day. A day to enjoy friendships. A day to test new breakfast recipes with great success. A day to see how my husband loves to surprise me. A day to quilt. A day to play with new gadgets.

Stashing and Shipping Mishaps

On this Christmas Eve's Eve, the beauty of the season has been jaded a bit due to realization that the Banker household has experienced some stashing and shipping mishaps. As two adults, who turn giddy around the holidays, we are notorious for trying to outsmart each other in our stashing and shipping of Christmas presents. It is amazing that within the past five years, we have never hidden our gifts in the same spot, even though we have lived in a 900 sq ft apartment the majority of the time. The credit for this feat hinges on a few tactics:

1. Shipping to the current school/office of choice
2. Stashing at friend's home
3. Hiding items in the little nooks of vehicles
4. Layering items within blankets in the closets
5. Others that cannot be revealed due to relativity to the situation

The tactics prove to be fatal in foul weather conditions because:

1. School/office is closed and FedEx refuses to deliver or change shipping address
2. When there is 14+ inches of snow, one cannot get to the friend's house to retrieve items
3. The vehicles are buried under feet of snow, then encased with an inch of ice
4. I did not employ this method this year, nor did Zach it seems
5. These maneuvers have yet to be determined of their effectiveness

However, uncharactistic for us, we have had some pre-Christmas gifts due to the current situation.

SKIS
In anticipation that I could not get them by myself, I relented and took Zach
to Joe's to retrieve his 'new' skis. The look on his face and astonishment of
my creativity was worth the early giving.

SNOWBIBS
While at Joe's retrieving the skis, we found a pair of snowbibs on uber-sale
for me. Zach had one gift left to get and we agreed this would be a good
investment should we head to mountain often. Little did we know....

ORNAMENT
One of our traditions is to purchase an ornament for each other and hide it on
the tree to be found. I have watched Zach sweat this morning since it seems
mine is not going to make it in time for the big day, but his is on the tree.
He has already found it and laughed.

It is in reverence to our deep love of sushi.

SLIPPERS
As mentioned in a previous post, these beauties have graced my footsies many
hours thus far.


Alas, it is the thrill of the season and it seems the Bankers will be celebrating for weeks to come, but I am not complaining!

Forget day by day; think hour by hour!

Saturday, December 20: 7:15pm

Awestruck, flabbergasted, and perplexed have been common emotions within the Banker household the past week. The weather is the hot topic in the Northwest, but in defense of the hysteria, this is NOT normal weather. Granted, I confess this is oodles better than the despondent, depressing rain, but the bipolar weather patterns have been unnerving. It is weird to see weathermen shake their heads and confess that it is changing hour by hour. One radio DJ read the latest weather predictions and finished by saying, "Check back in ten minutes, it will have changed."

We awoke this morning to blustery, snow conditions and approximately an inch to two inches on the ground. After hearing what the day would bring, we decided to brave the weather to fetch our Christmas cards, milk, and a few other odd and ends. Zach and I grew up driving in this type weather, so we were not too worried about the driving. Plus we figured we would be one of few on the street. We were wrong! All week it has been a barren snowscape with businesses and schools shut down. However, today, the worst weather day by far, the streets were packed—by the week's standard. With our mouths agape, Zach and I stood in the packed Costco parking lot trying to figure it out. Hours later, we still do not have the answer but many stupid driver stories to share.

After gathering our odds and ends we decided to spend the afternoon with the Labrums. The decision was made due to the fact that we were already out and Liz had made her infamous cookies. By 4:15pm neither the snow nor the wind had l let up; deep snow drifts were a common sight. We made the decision to begin the trek home. It was a slow crawl, with stupid people decisions sprinkled throughout. Nonetheless, we made it home with great photos and a video of the mighty wind.

As I type this, Zach and I are hunkered down for the duration. The hot water is on for tea and the bathtub is calling my name. However, in the spirit of 'hunkering', Zach felt it was appropriate to bestow upon me one of my Christmas presents early.

Hello, leopard print slippers! Welcome to my feet!

The cool part is that when I stand on our rug, my feet are camouflaged.

Saturday, December 20: 11:07pm

The freezing rain has begun. A few moments ago Zach looked out the window and said, "Why can't it just snow…just snow!?! We cannot even enjoy what we have because the weather keeps trying to one up itself!"

Darn God—always trying to outdo himself in weather havoc 101.

I personally think the freezing rain is the icing to the current sugar cookie. Who knows what the sprinkles will be!

With a cup of tea drank, a bath taken, and have plodded my leopard print slippers around the house, I lay in bed gazing at the trees whip to and fro. I cannot help but wonder what my eyes will see in the morning. No alarms have to be set since church has been canceled; not that I think anyone would venture into this mess for a service. I take that back; there are the diehards. I am not one of them considering I can be diverted from a church service by the mere mention of water, paddle, and canoe.

Oh geez! I just thought about Gerty! I may be turning her into a sled for the season; Crisco the bottom. Would that not be a great picture—people piled into a canoe speeding down a snowy hill?!

Sunday, December 21: 4:31pm

For it to be the shortest day of the year, it has been packed with punches. This morning our CRV gleaned with its new coat of ice and our back porch table appeared to be the largest snow cone to date.

Zach and I concurred that this was to be a day for hibernation and that a day of hibernation was best started with a round of French toast.

Though we took a vow of hibernation, our friend Matt did not. With his mad Alaskan driving skills at hand, he trekked his way to the Banker farm to join Zach in a Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon. While they have been stationed in front of the TV, I have been downstairs quilting and watching my nostalgic Christmas movies. Throughout the afternoon, I have watched and giggled as our neighbor boy, Joshua has entertained me with his snow antics.

The snow has started to fall again, with the weatherman tagline of "two to four inches more" with this latest batch. Zach and I stand at our front windows wondering what the week will bring. Work? We cannot envision trying to get the CRV out of the parking lot, much less to our offices. If anything we will be snowshoeing to the closest coffee shop to check emails, post this blog, and enjoy the winter wonderland around us.

Sunday, December 21: 10:14pm

Thanks to weddings, Canon D no longer holds it evocative potential. However, thanks to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra the song has gained a new life as the Christmas Canon. It is a song I can play over and over and over and never tire. As I type this, it is streaming forth its melodious tune. Then it is on to Enya Christmas, which also sends my heart into aflutter. In the glow of the Christmas tree lights, Zach and I pause to sit and sing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", one of our favorites.

The world outside seems to have calmed for the moment, though the inside of the apartment is full of life. Matt is playing it safe and spending the night with us. No matter how long I know that boy, I am continually amazed as to his preparedness. Oh wait, he just demonstrated his Alaskan ice scraper maneuvers! Meanwhile, Zach is sticking his head on the space heater. We are cheap and will not turn on our baseboard heating for fear of the enormous electric bill. Both have declared the Buffy marathon complete for the day—eight hours after it started.

My evening has been quilting while watching Frosty the Snowman, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Prince Caspian. I was hoping to watch A Year Without A Santa Claus, but it is on VHS which is not compatible with an HP laptop.

Zach has already received word that Multnomah is closed. We are jovially contemplating how to break the news to my boss that I am not getting to the office tomorrow unless a miraculous heat wave descends overnight.

The shortest day has come to a close.

Monday, December 22: 12:01pm

Each morning the anticipation of what I would see once opening the bedroom curtains has been comical. Once again this morning, I tore open the shutters and threw up the sash to see the newfallen snow. It seems as through the night fairy has bestowed upon us a few more inches with flakes falling from the sky. We were not driving anywhere.

We bundled ourselves and walked down the way to Coffee Romance.

The sight from my comfy chair is a winter wonderland dotted by (stupid) people attempting to drive in small cars and no traction devices; even the F150s are not doing so well.

I confess, I am quite jittery this morning. It may be the hot cocoa, the fact that some people who shall remain anonymous irk me, or that I have not been to the gym in a week. I am itching to get out and play! Until then, I am stuck at a coffee shop monitoring emails. Bleck.

Parka or Bikini?

Today dawned a bit overcast but rather clear, compared to the past three days. Zach and I got up, showered, dressed and went our merry ways to work.

Fiften minutes later the sky unleashed a mighty blizzard.



I made it to work, but received a call from Zach within thirty minutes that Multnomah was closing and I needed to come get him. I frantically did a few things in the office and crept my way to Multnomah.

I got distracted along the way. The snow was beautiful, calming, and demanded the attention of my camera lens. Multiple times I pulled off to gaze at the snowflakes, trees, and landscapes.



I finally reached Multnomah and frolicked in the snow with Zach for a bit. We could not let a such a moment pass us by!


We ran into fellow snowbunny friends!


Zach's co worker, Dee, even joined in the fun with her fancy traction boots.



Now two hours later the sun is shining, the snow is melting and it seems as though I should don flops and work in the garden.

This is madness! Probably by the time I finish this post it will be blizzard conditions once again.

Nonetheless, I will be content in the moment of "working from home" in a coffee shop.