The Charlie Chronicles: Pt 1

So today started out with a bang!  I got up, had a big cup of coffee, and got a huge amount of work done.  Big exam on Wednesday…I’m going to kick your bum 🙂

I think my amount of energy is also in part due to the delicious green monster I made.  Haven’t had one in a few days, and I definitely didn’t have as much pep in my step.

I put 2 cups of fresh wilted spinach, 2 tbsp flax seed, 3 tbsp crushed pineapple. 5 chunks frozen mango, 4 frozen strawberries, 1 whole banana, vanilla soymilk, and 3 ice cubes.  Made the Magic Bullet go spin spin and this healthy and yummy concoction greeted me. 

More on the greenmonster movement.

Then I was to have a visit for a cat adoption.  I applied a few days ago for a 4 year old cat named Charlie.  Loved the name, loved his picture.  I think the people on pet adoption sites purposefully take the cutest and sappiest picture of animals they can find to lure you into adoption.  I have “Sucker” written across my forehead. 

I’ve been watching Jerry Maguire all weekend, so please excuse my bad allusion to the movie, but Charlie really had me at "hello”.  He roamed the apartment and when I couldn’t find him, he was sprawled across my closet floor on his back….SOLD!

Here’s a chronicle of his first day:

 

^“Whoa that flash is bright!  Is this going to be a constant thing?”

^Little blurry, but I believe this is when he asked where the litter box was.

 

^“Great view mom!  Look at all those birds!”

 

^“Don’t worry, I’ll be here when you’re done cooking….By the way…Smells great!”

 

Yep!  That’s right!  Charlie was a part of the Labor Day cookout festivities.  He’s a great host. 

The Menu:

Grilled Burgers with Provolone Cheese

Steamed Fresh Green Beans with Onion and Bell Pepper

Fresh Corn on the Cob

Peach Berry Crisp for dessert (my favorite part)

Peach Berry Crisp:

1 large jar of canned peaches (from my Aunt’s trees :)), 1 bag of frozen berries.  Mix together and pour into a greased baking dish.  Mix 1/2 cup AP flour, 1/2 cup spelt flour (extra fiber), 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup rolled oats.  Cut in 1/2 cup butter and 1/3 cup shortening (hey at least there’s fruit in it!).  Top fruit with crumb mixture.  Bake for 35 minutes at 375. 

 

Steamed Fresh Green Beans with Onion and Bell Pepper

Take about 2 lbs of fresh green beans and trim off the strings.  Dice a small onion and yellow bell pepper small.  In a large pan, heat 3 tbsp olive oil, add 3 minced cloves of garlic and the onion.  Cook for about 2 minutes over medium heat.  Add green beans and bell pepper.  Add 1 cup chicken broth (can use vegetable too).  Turn to medium low heat.  Place lid over top, but keep tilted off slightly to allow steam to escape (very important).  Cook for about 20-30 minutes or until beans turn soft, but still maintain a crunch.  Serve and watch your guests eat vegetables without complaining.

 

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Tonight Charlie and I are going to snuggle in a get a good night’s sleep.

He likes to blog though:

But this is his favorite spot right now while I do work:

It’s a bed behind my desk.  I think he will be sleeping in my bed tonight….what do you think?

 

Quote for the evening:

“There is something about the presence of a cat… that seems to take the bite out of being alone.”  ~Louis J. Camuti