Away from the sprawl

“Sometimes I wonder if the world’s so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl

Living in the sprawl
Dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains
And there’s no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights”

Arcade Fire singing our theme song, golden light from the setting autumn sun drifting across our faces, the city in the rear view mirror….an overnight getaway was the perfect start to our weekend.

After work on Friday I surprised Jeremy with a night at the Hounds Tooth Inn outside the foothill community of Oakhurst. The quaint, Victorian-style bed and breakfast provides guests with a quiet escape, a peaceful sojourn from life and all its pressures. This was exactly what I was hoping for; to unwind after the work week and enjoy an evening with no interruptions or plans.

Our time at the Inn was short but sweet. We woke at our leisure, without an alarm clock or barking neighbor dogs. Breakfast was a yummy spinach quiche, toast, fruit salad and coffee served in the dining room. Not only was it delicious, but I didn’t have to prepare a thing! After breakfast we found a quiet sitting area under the shade of a tree, complete with the cats that roam the grounds, and basked in the peace and quiet of our surroundings.

It’s amazing what one night away can do. The hour-drive back down the hill was a relaxed one. We were refreshed and ready to enjoy the remainder of our weekend.

Where did Brussels sprout?

Earlier this evening, as I was preparing my new favorite vegetable dish, sautéed Brussels sprouts, a question came to mind: did Brussels sprouts actually originate from Brussels? I imagined these perfect miniature cabbages growing row upon row in a quaint Belgium garden. And then I wondered if perhaps these tasty morsels are nothing more than a weed to the Belgium, a common dandelion or thistle loathed far and wide by gardeners and yard guys alike (although yard services don’t seem very European to me….)

At any rate, as I stood at my stove, stirring the browning sprouts in the hot pan, I decided to add Brussels to my places to visit before I die. Then I could find out once and for all where Brussels sprouts came from.

Okay, I couldn’t stand it any longer. Judging from the lack of upcoming vacation time and the fact that we are saving to put in a back yard, I knew that a trip to Belgium was not in my near future. So I improvised. According to Wikipedia (did I just hear a collective groan from my former professors?) the predecessor of the modern sprout was likely found in ancient Rome. “Brussels sprouts as we now know them were grown possibly as early as the 13th century in what is now Belgium.”

Case closed. Now do as your mother told you, and finish eating your Brussels sprouts.

I'm back...

I know. I know. What good excuse can I offer after a near three-month hiatus from my blog? Three words: Netflix Instant Watch. I blame Netflix for turning my brain into mush, holding me hostage on the couch night after night, feeding my addiction with endless episodes of Dexter, Prison Break and Pushing Daisies. Damn you, high-speed internet and streaming video technology.

I admit, copious amounts of television programs were consumed these past few months, and although this may sound like my summer was wasted away in a state of complete and utter laziness, I’ll have you know that it was not a total right off. July was a flurry of birthday parties (including a totally rad ‘80s-themed party for Jeremy’s 30th!), a visit from my little brother, a few day-trips to the coast, barbeques with friends and a lovely night out with my hubby to celebrate our 8th anniversary.

Jeremy's 30th - celebrating '80s style!

In August, we spent 10 gloriously relaxing days in Canada visiting family and friends. Even though I haven’t lived in Saskatchewan for eight years, slipping back into the quiet country life I grew up in was effortless. Jeremy and I always joke that visiting my parents’ house is like going on a little retreat. It is truly peaceful. I love walking out onto their balcony, looking out toward the rolling hills, the clear horizon stretching as far as the eye can see, and breathing in the silence; complete, enveloping silence. Over the past eight years I have slowly (and often begrudgingly) made Fresno my home. And I love Fresno now, I really do. However, there’s nothing quite like returning to your childhood stomping grounds, so familiar and comfortable, welcoming you right back.

Dining al fresco - what an amazing view of the prairies!

So in two short paragraphs I’ve summed up a sample of highlights from the lazy days of my summer. Now it’s back to business. Autumn arrives this week, and I have no excuses. My no-brainer Netflix pastime is waning. Productivity abounds. Fall decorating projects, new recipes and a stack of books beckon. Forget January 1, autumn is my favorite time of year to make resolutions and set goals. And as I step back into the blogging world, I resolve not to let another three months slip by without a word.