There's No Place Like Home

Beren and I traveled "home" last night, arrived just in time for take-out dinner with Kali & Jesus who are in the process of moving back into the Castle. We're so happy to have them back, and so excited by the changes they're making not only in their lives but in our shared living space. For example, while she's away at college, Lily's bedroom is being transformed into an art studio/tattoo shop/guest room..futon on the way for overnight guests.

Art Studio/Tattoo Shop in Progress

They've already made a lot of progress but am sure that within a few more days the place will look amazing! In the meantime, we're managing to deal with the slight messiness!

Loki's determined to sleep on "his" couch, despite the obstacles!

Musicians in the house!

One determined client insisted on an appointment despite chaos; clearly Kali was still able to work her magic despite the less-than-perfect conditions! She's a true professional.

Life is Sweet

After dinner we met up with Strider, went to see our old friend Artie B perform at a local venue. We shared some laughs & fond memories over a couple of beers.

old friends

Today we have some errands to run, including long overdue hair appointments, a planned visit with my Bambi, then a possible happy hour with some old friends. Dinner tonight is vegetarian-friendly with a side of sausage for the carnivores.

Caribbean Rice and Beans

Ingredients: 2 to 3 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 cup sliced roasted red pepper 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans (15 to 16 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons white vinegar few dashes Tabasco 3 cups white rice, cooked 1 tablespoon dried oregano salt and pepper, to taste Preparation: Heat oil in a large skillet; sauté onion, red and green peppers and garlic until softened. Add black beans, vinegar and Tabasco.Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in cooked rice and oregano; heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with additional Tabasco. Serves 6.

Have a great day, TGIF!

Rapunzel~

On My Hearth: Simple Shepherd's Pie

Tonight's dinner is going to be simple comfort food using what is on hand. My supermarket had instant potatoes BOGO this week, making this a fast budget-friendly meal. Since there are only two of us eating tonight, I'll be reducing the recipe, baking the pies in individual casseroles. To make this veggie-friendly, I'll be making my own "gravy" using onion soup mix and a bit of water, and substituting veggie crumbles for the beef.

Simple Shepherd's Pie

Photo by Taste of Home

8 ServingsPrep: 10 min. Bake: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (12 ounces each) home-style beef gravy
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 
  ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):
• 2 to 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Paprika

Directions

• In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink;
• drain. Add the gravy, vegetables and onion. Spoon half into a
• greased 2-qt. baking dish or four oven-safe 2-cup dishes. Top with
• mashed potatoes. Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
• 
  
• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated
• through. Place the remaining beef mixture in a freezer container and
• freeze for up to 3 months.
• 
  
• To prepare frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator; transfer to a
• greased 2-qt. baking dish. Top with the potatoes, butter and
• paprika; bake as directed. Yield: 2 casseroles (4 servings each).

Enjoy!

Rapunzel~

Biketoberfest

One of the appealing aspects of living in this area (Daytona/Ormond Beach) is the peacefulness..the laid-back lifestyle. There's rarely any traffic to speak of, most shops close early and aren't open on Sundays. It's a far cry from the hustle & bustle of Broward county. About 80% of the time, Ormond Beach is a sleepy little town, and that's how we like it. However, that all changes a couple of times per year due to bike events and race events. The Daytona Speedway is about 5 miles from our house and there are several popular biker bars just minutes away. Suffice it to say, when Biketoberfest, Bike Week and the Daytona 500 take place, we feel it. The restaurants and hopping, traffic is heavy, and the bars are full of race fans and/or bikers. I imagine that the locals either love it or hate it; I'm the latter. Though I'm not a biker nor race fan, I love the energy they bring to the town, the special events going on all over, the roar of the engines, the rows of colorful bikes (and bikers) lining the streets. There's always something going on, whether it be 11 am or midnight. Beren and I always don our faux biker attire and head out to immerse ourselves in the experience. We have a few beers, rock out to the local bands and get our fill of people-watching. There's never a dull moment. Over the years we have made some really great memories with good friends, family, or just alone.





Today is the last day of Biketoberfest, my personal favorite of the events because the weather is usually comfortable at the outdoor venues and there's a Halloween aspect to the celebration. Biker chicks are dressed up even more than usual, adding silly or spooky elements to their primarily black wardrobe. We got our fill of beers, bikes & bands yesterday so I don't think we'll be headed out again today but you never know.

Have a wonderful Sunday, however you spend it!

Rapunzel~

The Adventure Continues

It's been more than a month since I took a short leave from my job and headed north with Beren. My plans were to regroup, restore and explore, and so far I've done just that.

This has really been a mini-journey of self-discovery, or, more accurately, re-discovery. Rather than introducing new interests into my life, I have fired up some of the old passions that were lying dormant for some time. Books. Cooking. Crafts as well as The Craft. Nature. Films. Art. I've visited museums, book stores & libraries and spent a good amount of time with Mother Nature. I've donned my apron and practiced my kitchen witchery. I've connected with my partner on a level we haven't ever before, simply because we have the time & space to do so. I reconnected with an old friend with whom I was estranged for years. Some days I've done nothing other than putter around the house and rest.

Oh, and I also lost my job. For the first time in my life I am unemployed, and not by my own doing. Oh, I guess I knew this was possible, that perhaps my employer wouldn't continue to hold my position for so long, had tossed around the idea of quitting before they could fire me. But what I didn't expect was the way in which it was handled, nor how hurt & betrayed I would feel afterward. This, too shall pass, but it's only been a week since I received the news, and I'm still licking my wounds.

So, here's what I've learned so far: At the ripe old age of 47, I'm still just as creative, passionate and alive as I was in my 30's, just without all of the needy, insecure baggage that came with that age. I'm much more self-confident and self-assured, at peace with solitude but also relishing companionship. Of a practical nature, I'm still a good cook, crafter and homemaker. I'm a decent writer though nowhere near as good as I used to be, something I plan to practice a bit more. I am more flexible and resilient that I'd ever believed, adapting quite well to this "gypsy" lifestyle. I am not a good accountant, and have no desire to return to that line of work if I can help it. I am intolerant of unnecessary drama, have no time or space for it. I can spot phoniness a mile away and would rather be alone than settle for false friendship. Though I have some issues to work on in the physical realm, I am pretty comfortable in my skin and appreciate the body I've been given. Overall, I like myself, and love the people I've chosen to surround me. My life is good.

Looking forward to the continuing adventure, excited to see what happens next on this fabulous journey..hope you'll travel along with me..

Blessings,

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: The Week in Review

Rapunzel~