7.13.2008

Strawberry Shortcake

Stawberry Shortcake has a distinguished history in the Furner Family. It all began during our first of many visits to John Escuaga's Nugget Casino in Reno.

Of course the steakhouse provided other experiences as well... like when us kids would try to sneak a quarter in a slot machine or when I was 4 or 5 and plopped a heaping soup spoon of what I thought was sour cream in my mouth, which turned out to be creamed horseradish... but the main reason we visited the bright lights of the Nugget was for dessert... the syrupy smooth strawberry shortcake. It wasn't the traditional shortcake. It was served in a large bowl, with a strawberry soup puree at the bottom, the disk-shaped cake floating on top, a generous spray of freshly whipped cream and, teetering on the top, a generous scoop of sliced berries. It was a great balance of textures, color and, most importantly, taste.

Since moving almost 20 years ago, it seems we might still be on a quest to find a shortcake that compares to the Nugget's creation. Until then, I'll settle for a recipe I've been making since my first trip to Switzerland at 14... a simple shortcake bursting with fresh cream and slightly sweetened berries.






I think my dad

& Daniel agree!

7.12.2008

Porch Garden

During the warm days of May I got super excited about the idea of
planting a porch garden. I haven't had much luck at caring for live
things -my fish have died, the frog grew mold and the beautiful cut
flowers Daniel brings home don't last as long as they should.
But... if I'm trying to be better to Mother Earth, I might
as well try growing a few things. Plus, maybe this
will compensate for the energy
we use for the Wii playing!

I planted the array of pots with varieties of tomatoes (roma, beefsteak and patio's), hot peppers, basil, lemon balm, strawberries, mint and sweet peppers. I wasn't expecting much when I planted the little sprouts in May but have been pleasantly surprised. It's fun to see them gain height and flower. Then watching the blossoms being replaced by little green bundles, eventually sprouting into jalepenos, tomatoes and banana peppers.

We've had our first little harvest... two tomatoes so far.
There is just something so rewarding about growing your own food,
having the ability to go out to the garden
and pick the fruit from the vine.




The Tibetan flags that
flutter in the wind.





Yum Yum Peppers

Yummy fresh caprese salad made with porch-grown tomatoes
and basil with fresh mozzerella after the harvest!

7.11.2008

Wii Fun


Last summer we spent the last of our wedding money on a Wii gaming system. For those debating on getting one, it's great! Video games were new to me. My only encounters with the Mario Brothers happened at my cousin's house who lived 10 hours away. So, needless to say, I was a bit apprehensive about this purchase but once I saw it in action, I was super excited about it. The activity level is great with the Wii... the first time we played tennis and boxing our arms were sore the next day!


Daniel received Mario Kart for his birthday and we've been playing it ever since. It combines my childhood affection for racing games and my love of quarters. I always hated seeing "10, 9, 8, 7, 6...INSERT 2 CREDITS TO CONTINUE...5, 4, 3, 2, 1.... GAME OVER" flash across the screen. We're so excited we've taken a few photos. Enjoy!


Me beating the first level, my Mii in a proud pink race suit. Her name is Fifi.



Daniel's giant Mii statue. His name is Pepe.


The juxtaposition of the giant media screen and the Buddhas.
Hey... both are in 1st place?!?



Victorious Daniel

7.10.2008

And one more makes 9!

On Monday my sister Molly gave birth
to the 9th Furner grandbaby!

Luke Hunter Gickling

I love the significance of this photo...
an infant brother looking up to his older sister.
Can't wait to see you in August!

For more photos:
http://gicksters.blogspot.com/



Recycling the old fashioned way




Our apartment complex doesn't recycle. Isn't that ridiculous? The neighborhood to the right does. The homes to the left do. But the apartments in the middle? Nope! Daniel makes bi-monthly trips to the recycling center on his day off. Last week we went together and it brought back so many memories of our trips in Reno.

As a girl of seven or eight growing up in the littlest biggest city in the world (that would be Reno...), I would be on the lookout for any cans that littered the sidewalk or playground. Once we got enough cans together, my family and I would take them to the recycling center near the center of the city. During the drive I would always hope that I would be chosen to carry the large aluminum -filled sack into the lot... well.... at least on the trips where the sack wasn't torn or dripping! We would walk up to the man standing guard and, slowly, as not to miss one, count each can as we dropped them onto the large conveyor belt. It seemed to magically wisp them to recycling heaven. I think we earned about 2-4 cents/can. I didn't really understand why we were getting paid for something we should just do but I also didn't complain as I could get my dolls a new dress with those few dollars. However, we weren't doing it for the money. We were doing it because it's just right. It's just right to use a product again if you can. Why not?

Last week Daniel and I went to the recycling center together. It was different than Reno, no conveyor belt or financial reward for our beneficial offerings but my feelings were similar... that we were doing something good for Mother Earth, our nurturer. More importantly we were doing what's right. I was impressed at how many dumpsters there were, each with different signs describing what could or could not be deposited.

It's rather ironic... having to have to drive and burn oil to be able to get our reuse-ables recycled but it's worth it. It just is.