#FridayFinds - Aubree's (U.P.)

The internet was my friend in helping to find a decent restaurant in Marquette.
My original choice didn't work out as they are closed on Sunday and Monday. :(
Yes, they are still on my list of things to do if we ever go back to the U.P.

Tator Tot Nachos - YUMMY

Chorizo, Cheese Sauce, Roasted Corn Salsa, Fritos, Diced Tomatoes, Green Onions, Sour Cream

Bacon Brussels Sprouts - Super Yummy!

MBB's Chicken and Bacon Pizza

For some reason, my Cajun Chicken Pasta picture disappeared.  Both MBB and I liked it as well.
This was definitely a repeat for me... especially since we found out that the original Aubree's is in Ypsilanti...

Namaste.

Traveling to Lake Michigan

A family vacation to Lake Michigan was amazing...
My bucket list was to visit all five Great Lakes - I have now crossed four of them off of my list.
One more to go!

Torch Lake

Charlevoix Light House

Tunnel of Trees

Namaste.

#FridayFinds - Tanglewood Restaurant (U.P.)

After a long day riding an ATV around the northern part of the U.P. (we put about 120 miles on it), we stopped for food as we were heading to Marquette.

We didn't realize that if we had just waited about 10 more minutes the restaurant choices were very plentiful.  Wish we would have waited...

MBB had a Philly Cheese Steak...

Though it was heavy on the green peppers, he said it was good.

I had to try a "Pasty" since the U.P. is known for them...

Unfortunately, mine wasn't one that could be held and was very dry.

I have been told that this wasn't the typical "Pasty" and I need to find another.

The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was nice... but I don't think this is a repeat for us.

Namaste.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my other half - MBB!

It's been an amazing ride so far and I can't wait to see what else is in store!

Namaste.

#FridayFinds - Tahquamenon Falls (U.P.)

On a spur of the moment, MBB and I decided to head to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a long weekend.

We made it to Tahquamenon Falls - which is breath-taking... Both the lower and the upper falls.
The upper falls has a restaurant that was decorated very rustic. The service - very rustic (AKA slow).  The food - similar to the service.

Filet Mignon and Fries

The toughest filet mignon we have had at a restaurant... 

Probably didn't help that they overcooked it!

I had the special - Breaded Salmon on Flat Bread.

It was yummy... but didn't make up for the tough steak.

A look at the inside of the Salmon on the Flat Bread...

Overall, I am glad we tried it...
But if we ever back in the U.P. - we will pass on a return visit to this one.

Namaste.

Traveling up to the Upper Penisila

A long weekend unexpectedly brought MBB and I to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

It was an amazingly beautiful.  Definitely, God's masterpiece.

Yes, I love nature.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Lake Superior

Picture Rocks

Namaste.

#FridayFinds - Hash House, Take 2

So, this isn't really a find, since we found it a few trips ago...
But, we did have some "new menu items', so it is is again...

Chicken Pot Pie (no mushrooms)

Pancake big as our heads (yes, it said that in the menu)

Even though I finally ordered the "small" pot pie, I still couldn't finish it.
In fact, no one finished any meal:

Still a favorite...



Namaste.

#FridayFinds - Tovala Oven

We have a new appliance...
And a new meal delivery plan...

And I am loving it.
Meet the Tovala:

In the picture was the first "delivered meal" that we cooked in the Tovala - Chicken Pot Pie.
And it was yummy! If they offer it again, I'll be flagging it for delivery...

It is great - take plastic off the containers, put in the oven, scan the bar code and hit start!
Usually takes me about 2 minutes...
Add a few if you need to pour a container of sauce over something...

I am a big fan!  We only order 4 meals a week, so 2 nights worth and there are some nights that I am disappointed that we don't have more.  The portions are perfect for me (I feel full even counting calories), but MBB has to supplement sometimes to have a full meal.

I will say their meal plan is a bit pricey ($12 per meal - that's for one person)...
But then I remember that we would spend more if we ate out...
Most of the time I don't feel like cooking after a 9 hour day at work...
And this is a bit more on the healthy side too, which is big with me counting calories again.

Another benefit?

You can scan stuff that you buy at the grocery store to cook...
Sometimes, it is there (Grands Cinnamon Rolls) and sometimes it isn't.
If it isn't, you can program the cook time (and adjust it for future cooks if you need to) and it will save it for future barcode scans.

And - the Tovala is a steam oven... I'm not sure how that works, but stuff like the individual Red Baron pizzas cook way better here than in the microwave! At least that's what MBB says.

Namaste.

*Note - Tovala did not pay me to write about them.  They don't even know I exist.
But, if they see this and want to offer me a few free meals, I wouldn't be opposed!  :)

Trying Again...

So, I was doing pretty good earlier in the year with intermediate fasting and dropping some pounds...
Then June 11th happened.
Any I couldn't deal with everything at once, so it all came back on (and then some).

I'm still not over this summer...
I still have paperwork and stuff to deal with...

But - it is time to try again...
I can't let my health get completely out of control - that is why I lost my mom.
So, I am going back to what worked about 12 years ago...
It's time to count calories again.

As miserable as I will be, it will be nice to be healthy again.
To be able to ride my bike without getting winded.
To feel like I can go up and down the stairs without my knees hurting.

And it is time to get going again.

Today was Day 3...

And I need to celebrate that I have had three successful days!
Here's to 100 more...

Namaste.

Remembering - The man who stepped up

On August 24, 2016, I got a call that no one wants...
And I was in an airport, not able to hear well and didn't understand what was going on...
Then a text cleared it up - I wasn't going to be able to say goodbye to my dad...

And even three years later - I miss him like crazy.
We didn't talk often - he wasn't the type to talk on the phone.

But, if I needed him - he was there.
When the tornadoes of 2012 hit us - he was there.
When my kids and grand kids had birthdays - he was there.
He even drove to KY about two months after having open heart surgery - by himself.
He was there.

And it really hurts that as much as he would want to be - he can't be here anymore.
He will never make the drive north to my new place...
He will never see my grandkids play sports...
He wasn't there to talk over the swingzeebo or the dining room table with MBB...
He wasn't there to hug me when I said goodbye to my mom (and a divorce would not have stopped him from being there)...

I miss my dad.

Namaste.