Memorial Day Weekend Adventures Part II/III

Yesterday...well, it was a much needed break from the heat. I don't have central AC, nor have I installed a window unit AC yet. This is a problem. However, the heat has subsided, so I have a little more time to get it installed (hopefully) before the next heat wave... and luckily the evenings cool down pretty well. Anyway, I opted to go shopping and then tackle the remaining items that needed to be organized/reorganized due to my move. And, I hung up my artwork on my walls.  Success, I say! I topped off the night by making a grilled eggplant parmesan dish. Actually, I was a vegetarian/cheese-a-tarian all day! Go me! ... I know, the real kudos will come when I do a vegetarian day WITHOUT including cheese. Don't hold your breath, that may never happen...

Eggplant-Parm Dish

Today I spent the day cooking/prepping for future cook-outs. I made up lamb and turkey burgers and stuck them in the freezer for another day. I also made mediterranean meatloaf (not pictured), lamb chops (topped with a dill-mint herb blend, served over left-over Noodles Wisconsin Mac-n-Cheese) for lunch, and pizza for dinner. It was a productive culinary day in my kitchen (and on my grill outside).

Lamb chops.

And here's my pizza!

Memorial Day Adventures, Part I

I went exploring...hopped on my bike around 8am to check out the nearby town of Westwood. All said, I got in 13 miles before 10am. That was key, since it reached a humid 92 degrees today.
Below are a few pictures (but none of Westwood), including some of Adam's Farm which was a happy-accident to discover. It has trails and other recreational facilities, so I'll be back to check out the trails for sure.

House on Willet Pond.

Here's an old Lithuanian church that has been converted into condos. 

It's about 3 blocks from my house. Interesting!

When I got back, I dropped off my bike and headed to Cedar Market for some produce for the weekend.

On the way back, I stopped at The Common Cafe for a butter walnut cookie and a seltzer water.

And then I grilled salmon! 

I made a dijon-mustard-maple-cumin-glaze for the salmon and
served it with a side salad of herbs, cucumbers, and radishes.

Yum.

Later, for dinner, steak with chimesto (a hybrid between chimichurri and pesto)!

Ready or Not

As I've mentioned, I have a new job. It's great so far...and Friday it got even better! They let us out early, at 3pm. 

I took advantage of it by 'getting ready' to enjoy the long weekend. I ended up getting gas for my grill (I haven't grilled since my big move from the midwest), fixing my bike (buying and replacing a missing front tire skewer, and getting enough air in the tires), and making a stop at my local butcher shop. That's right, I have a neighborhood butcher shop! It's just down about 3 blocks. Friendly folks run the shop, and now I am stocked up on seafood (salmon, swordfish) and a little steak (a special grilling treat) for the long weekend. 

After my flurry of productive activities, I took a quick nap and then planted myself on my back porch with a glass of wine. 

One of my neighbors gave me honey yesterday evening. I've been hacking up a lung for a week or so, and he thought it would help. Very kind! 

So, here's to Memorial Day weekend-- ready or not (but I'm ready!).

The 'Burbs in New England

So, my home is just a short commute from work. The business park is right next to a cute li'l  suburban enclave... very peaceful and that's where I take my lunch-time stroll.  Here's a glance at some of my favorite houses in that neighborhood.... btw, it was almost 90 degrees the last few days here.

(But the one below is the one I want =)

No, it's not for sale and if it was, it wouldn't be in my budget.)

 

walk this way

Although I'm in a new place, and have a new job, I'm trying to keep up with getting in a couple of good strolls a day.  Tonight was not an exception. Despite being under the weather, the weather gave me no excuse not to get out on my own two feet and explore. Beautiful evening. Here's a glimpse.

 Center of Town.

And the LIBRARY! Gorgeous building, with a lovely sunset behind it (see below).

This is a real thing (as in, there is no joke, that there is an Italian Social Club), and its quite popular!

Some things change, some things stay the same

New address, same fish deal! Different fish, same resolution =)

This is swai....over a bed of kale salad, with avocados, walnuts, and craisins. On the side, oven-roasted sweet potatoes, sprinkled with spicy chili powder, brushed with honey.

Moving Hiatus

To those of you who are wondering... My hiatus in posts is due to a vacation, a new job, and moving. The move will be complete by the end of the weekend, so I should begin to be able to get back to some more cooking, hiking, and other posts soon.
So, the Worcester scene will be pretty much behind me (us?) but we'll explore the greater Boston area...and more importantly, be MUCH happier 40+ hours a week in my career. So...I promise, soon the posts will be back in full swing.