Observing the Sabbath

This is my plan for what will be going on in our house today. After a visit from the parents, several family get togethers, church and a picnic in the park-Biceps and I need some down time.

For a time, there will be snuggling.

Then, if one of us is a little rowdy (Max), we will go to our separate corners.

And while I write, Biceps will probably fall asleep on my lap and twitch his way to dreamland.

I call this a pretty perfect way to observe the Sabbath. Even God rested, why shouldn’t we?

Skinny Orange Julius w/ Stevia

It’s so beyond summertime here, it’s ridiculous. I’ve been sweating every minute of every day-whether I’m sitting down or vacuuming or doing Crossfit, it’s the same. Stinky sweat and no end in sight.

This brings me always to the same place-I need something cold to drink. But I don’t want to consume my daily caloric intake with one or even two drinks. You can find a printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

(Did you know that the average Starbucks Frappuccino is in the range of 400-500 calories? YIKES!)

I decided to come up with a skinny version of one of my favorite drinks-Orange Julius. The result was a delicious drink without any of the spare tire conversion.

This recipe is a great just as a beverage, but can also be frozen and eaten as Orange Sherbet-(a skinny alternative to icecream)!

Here is all that you’ll need to make your own Skinny Orange Julius:

This Recipe makes a Pitcher of 4-5 Servings:
4-5 Peeled Fresh Oranges
4-5 Cups of Ice
1-2 Cups of Water
1/4 tsp Vanilla Creme Stevia

This Recipe makes one serving:
1 Orange
1 Cup of Ice
1/4 Cup of Water or as Needed
2 Drops of Liquid Vanilla Creme Stevia

In a blender, combine the peeled oranges, adding 1/2 of the needed ice on top.

Add the water and pulse until the ice is broken up into chunks. Add to this the other half of ice.

Next, add the Stevia.

Puree everything until it’s blended, but still a bit chunky.

Pour into a chilled glass, prop your feet up and enjoy.

Make an extra serving to freeze and enjoy later on as a skinny Orange Sherbet.

Watch out summer, I may have you beat.

A “Why?” from a viewer at the K.C. Museum

I enjoy viewing sculptures, paintings and anything else that has to do with art. However, every once in awhile, I am left scratching my head–but doing it in a very cool manner so that others with hipster skinny ties and black horn rimmed sunglasses don’t whisper to their equally hip girlfriend, “She doesn’t get it, does she?”.

I was ecstatic when my brother asked me to join him at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

We enjoyed the grandness of the museum…

…the restaurant which we wanted to partake of, but ran out of time….

…and the chinese temple that’s been displayed for over 80 years.

We saw the new, the not so new and the ancient. I enjoyed every sculpture, painting and “interpretation” of life. When it comes to art, I often don’t ask “why”.

Heck, I know I sometimes can’t answer the “why” behind my own art.

But, seriously-Why?

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Even though my parents are going through one of the most challenging times in their life (“an opportunity for growth” they say), they are putting it all behind them to come visit Biceps and I.

Well, us and the rest of the siblings. But, I believe it’s mainly about us.

I have big plans concerning big amounts of food to keep my dad fueled and big, delicious desserts to force my mom to stay awake past 8pm.

I am so excited to see their smiling faces. The end.