Monsters!

I saw three monsters last weekend. This cookie eating monster was in the best grocery store in New Hampshire (Hooksett Hannaford! but I also really like Tuttles). I really wanted to eat it but I didn't. :(

This is the Bruno monster. He can be used as a pillow for short periods of time. Beware, he might hit or bite. Some people don't mind. (I do, I would never use that little danger dude as a pillow!) Last but not least, here is a closer peak at this mini-monster. Such a cutie monster!!! This wild one is also known as "Monster":

:)

Springy Boston

Spring is Boston is great! There are lots of fun activities to do like going for walks: Playing ball with friends: Dining al fresco with cutie puppies and views of Fenway Park:Living in baseball world:Spending time on the esplanade:

Kicking the soccer ball:

Looking at spectacular trees:

And rolling in the grass:

Ahhhh!

Paula Deen and the Carters

This afternoon I watched "Paula's Home Cooking" and it was the sweetest episode ever. Paula Deen went to visit Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, at their home in Plains, Georgia. President Carter gave her a tour of the farm where he grew up and told her about his childhood. Then they cooked dinner together for themselves and Rosalynn and ate on the couch using TV trays because that's what the Carters usually do. They made grits and quail. Paula said, "you have to stir those grits.... now!" haha. The Carters were so sweet, quiet, and funny! Rosalynn was really quiet but almost everything she said made me laugh. Jimmy Carter told really nice stories. I just love his smile. And his clothes! G&G don't even wear jeans. :) Paula on the other hand was as wild as always, of course. She really loves the Carters, and they were so kind to her. I think she started crying at the end. The whole episode was so heartwarming and fun. I really recommend watching it if it's on again!

Green Quinoa

Quinoa is one of my favorite things to eat lately. I would make it every day, except Rafael might get tired of it. :) It's delicious and I love how it pops when you eat it. It's also very healthy. I made green quinoa last week using the green rice recipe from my Frida's Fiestas book. I started with puree-ing poblano peppers with some water. I DID NOT expect it to look like this: I drained the weird foamy stuff and it got a little more normal. Next I sauteed the quinoa with some onion and butter. The recipe says to soak the rice first but I don't have a strainer so I didn't. Next I added the pureed peppers (not pictured) and let it cook for a few minutes. Then I added chicken broth, lime juice, and cilantro:

Here is the finished green quinoa:I thought it was delicious and I want to make it again. I think I'm also going to try it with Frida's white and red rice recipes too. I want to think of more ideas of how to make quinoa. Maybe a sesame or miso version? I've even heard of breakfast quinoa with raisins and nuts, but I'm not so sure about that yet.

Good News

There are LOTS of signs of Spring around lately which is very good news for me and everyone else who just survived the super snowy last few months. (It actually wasn't that bad for me since I don't drive, but I got really sick of wearing my boots!) I saw these little white flowers at the mall:
And this beautiful pink tree on Beacon Hill:I just love it when the pansies come out:Purple is my favorite, of course. I think the leaves will be coming out soon:I always want to say, "buuuuuud" like Rudy Huxtable when I see them, but I'm not allowed to around Rafael anymore. I said it too many times one night. oops. :(
This place has lots of daffodils:As you know, the frogs come out in the Spring too (I think?):And so do the dinosaurs:HAHAHAHAHHAAA! Now for a few funny photos. This part is not funny: One of the "Make Way for Ducklings" ducklings was stolen out of the Public Garden a few weeks ago. I think they found it, but it's not back in the park yet. Now for the funny part: We went by today and a golden doodle was sitting in the missing duckling's spot!Can you imagine anything cuter?!?!?! I just love those guys. And last but not least, this came in the mail the other day:(OMG!!!) Have a lovely day everyone!

Love, Girlfriend :)