A Weekend at LBL Piney Campground

After what has seemed like forever we were finally able to set a weekend aside to go camping. We had originally planned for Easter Weekend but with the unforeseen events of the Westy crapping out on us we had a little set back. The hubbs went away for training for a while and well now he's back. 

Friday afternoon we loaded up and headed out to Land Between the Lakes (LBL) as soon as I got home from work. 

I'm absolutely loving that it stays lighter out longer now. Spring / Summer weather please stay awhile won't you. We made it to our spot for the weekend at Piney Campground, set up and had time to relax and kick our feet up before the sun went down. It was a bit chilly that evening, which I wasn't expecting. Nothing that a little campfire and some S'mores couldn't cure. 

Waking up to the sounds of the birds chirping, the wind blowing and a chill in the air was absolutely the best. The pups were enjoying a relaxing morning laid out by the Westy while I was cooking up some breakfast. 

Pancakes and Turkey Sausage was the perfect way to start our morning. I could really get used to this, sitting out on the picnic table enjoying our breakfast. Doesn't get much better than this. 

Our campsite was right near the boat dock with a little path leading across. After breakfast the pups and I took a little walk out to the pier while the hubbs met us there on his bike. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I could have sat there for ever just over looking the lake. 

After breakfast we decided to take the pups for a walk around the campsite before heading out on a bike ride. We ended up going for a good 16 mile ride down to almost the other side of LBL and back to our campsite. Man where there some nasty hills we had to up and down along our ride. I managed though, not one time did I have to stop and rest. I pushed through, telling myself each time "just make it to the top". 

After our ride, a nice little nap and some tasty lunch we sliced open some watermelon to cool down with. One of my favorite summer time fruits, it was just what I needed. 

For dinner we did something a little different. Hobo Stew. I'd never had Hobo stew before and wasn't quite sure how it would turn out but I'm a believer. It was a perfect campfire dish. We chopped some 

veggies, marinated bison rolled it all up in foil and tossed it on the fire. About 30 minutes later we where feasting on this fine meal with a side of cornbread muffins. 

Another first for me, campfire popcorn. The hubbs went up to grab some more firewood from the general store and came back with popcorn. I've seen it before in stores I've just never made it myself. It didn't seem to be popping at first. I assumed it would start right away but took a bit. But once it got going and was finished we had a lovely little buttery snack. 

Can we just go ahead and talk about how spoiled these two are. Bailey clearly was just fine laying on the gravel earlier that morning but for some reason she seemed so much more relaxed laying on the blanket once I pulled it out. Spoiled much. Then you have Dingo who can't be more than a couple inches away from us it seems like. After we had finished off our s'mores and were sitting by the fire he helped himself in to the hubbs lap. They both think they are lap dogs and take full advantage of it. 

The next morning we had breakfast before taking the pups on a walk and packing up to head back home. Fired Eggs with Turkey Sausage between a toasted English Muffin with a slice of melted Pepper Jack Cheese. I think it might have been my favorite meal of the weekend. Aside from the S'mores of course. And I mean you can't beat a view like that now. 

We decided just to leave the bed down for the drive home since we where going to be washing the sheets and the inside needed a good cleaning. So of course these two mutts took full advantage. I'd be pretty tired to if I decided to go darting through the back screen of the Westy in the middle of the night and run around the camp site. Yup that would have been Dingo. He must of saw or heard something and jump right out. The mesh screen we have for the back that allows you to leave the hatch open does not attach to the bottom. Only the top and sides so he just went right under it. He's such a turd!!!  

We had such a great time and are already looking forward to our next trip out in a few weeks.

Gone In The Blink of a Eye

It seems like forever since I've last blogged and well if we're being honest it really has been forever. I feel like we've done so much since the New Year started and I haven't had the chance or taken the time to sit down and document it. I want to keep up with this here blog of mine for my own personal self. Being able to look back years from now and read through our journey's is something I know I'll enjoy. Sometimes I feel like we just get caught up living in the moment and enjoying life that the last thing I want to do is sit down in front of the computer. Even more so now that I'm taking 3 classes, 2 of which are online, so that tends to consume a bit of my time.

Over the last few weeks we've enjoyed a few outings around town and into Kentucky. We went up to BowlingGreen, KY and toured the Lost River Cave which was really neat. We did a little shopping around town and grabbed lunch at Chuy's Mexican Restaurant before heading back home. We really did enjoy ourselves and it was so nice to get away and explore a city we hadn't yet been to.

The hubbs had a week where he was working some late nights for awhile. These guys really missed him and would sit at the entry way just waiting for him to walk through the door. Poor puppies miss their daddy.

Oh the Snow, the first winter I was here it was pretty and I enjoyed it. Now I'm just over it. Although I am not very comfortable driving in it I have managed to get around and make it to work on the day's we where open. I think the pups are still a little unsure of it. Sometimes they seem to not mind it and then other times they seem to hate it and won't even go off the back porch when we let them outside. We took them out for a walk and they just wanted to lick it and try to eat it the whole way. I'm ready for Spring, Warm Weather and FLIP FLOPS please!!!

One snowy afternoon the hubbs decided it would be a great idea to make homemade pizza for dinner. Sounded delicious to me, however we didn't really have anything at home to make pizza with. I told him if he drove we could go to the store and get what we needed, so that we did and this was here was created. Let me tell you it as simply fabulous. I can't believe we don't do homemade (crust included might I add) more often. It's so fun and tasty.

The following morning we had big plans for breakfast, a biscuit, sausage and gravy bake. I came across this recipe on pinterest a while back and had been itching to try it. So of course being snowed in, this seemed like the perfect time. And since I had all the time in the world I figured I'd try my hand at homemade biscuits. There's first for everything right. OMG they came out so so good. I was in heaven. And it was so easy. All this time it seemed so daunting so I never tried making them. I don't know that I'll ever buy store biscuits again or even a mix.

The breakfast casserole turned out simply fabulous and we even had it for left over's the next day.

There was about a two week period just recently where the hubbs was gone for training. Here but gone. I had a much needed girls day with two of my favorite people here. We met up for pedicure, followed by Chinese for dinner. From there we went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a craft to work on while we Skyped and watched a movie with Amy's Mom and Sister that live in Utah. It was so much fun. We had yummy snacks, lots of laughs and all managed to work on our cross stitch that we picked out a bit. I don't know that any of us really paid much attention to the movie although I was totally fine with that. It was just what I needed. I didn't get home that night till almost 1am and yet I was still wide awake the next morning at like 6:30-7:00am. Thankfully with the hubbs being away and needing to work on school work I had a lazy day to myself with the pups.

Taco Monday: sure it would have sounded more catchy being Taco Tuesday but it was a Monday night. I went and had our taxes done and the hubbs cooked up the chicken for me so I could get dinner going quickly when I got home. Another one we haven't had in a good long while. These where Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos and let's just say, they where so good. I could have stuffed my face with one more. But I chose not to and saved it for my lunch the next day and it was just as good then to. Now the rice on the other hand, not really sure what went wrong there but it wasn't all that great. I'm a huge fan of rice to, so I was a bit disappointed. Thankfully the taco's made up for it.

Thursday night we had a Hail and Farewell at The Blackhorse downtown. It's always nice to get out with the hubbs and enjoy a evening together. I still don't know many wives in his company and this was a Battalion level event so there was quite a few people I didn't even recognize. It was only Platoon SGT's and up which made it a small quant gathering.

I had originally made cookies for a few of the girls at work and well long story short my annoying very very bad dogs some home managed to get the entire tray of 4 dozen cookies off the kitchen counter while I work and ate the entire thing. You can bet they got sick and threw up and I didn't feel the least bit sorry for them. I was so mad. So after the Hail and Farewell I decided to make some homemade brownies to take instead. I needed something easy and quick that I could pull out of the oven and cover to let it cool. Of course they couldn't be just any old brownies. I had to fancy them up a bit. I made up some peanut butter cookie dough and dropped spoonful's in the brownie mixture and topped them with sprinkles. Boy let me say they turned out great. I was still mad about the cookies but I think this ended up being just a tad bit better than what the cookies would've been.

Friday at work the kiddo's had their Valentines Exchange and Party. They had so much fun and defiantly loaded up on some tasty treats and cute cards. I made these cute little Gold Fish Valentines for them and I love the way they came out. So simply yet so cute.

Wrapping up 2015

Of course it wouldn't seem right if I didn't do one last "dump" post before the year was over would it now. I've had a few pictures and drafts waiting for a place on this here blog of mine for a good minute and well I just haven't had the time or energy to sit down and put the words together. So here you go, the last little bit of 2015 and how we spent it.

*Early December we went to the Hubbs Battalion Ball down in Nashville. We ended up staying the night down there and had a great evening out with friends.

*The morning after the ball we went to breakfast at Biscuit Love. I'd been wanting to try it for a while now and well it was tasty, I have to say its not some where I'd rush back to.

*While the hubbs was at a match I took advantage and tagged along. After dropping him off I headed into town to check out the Franklin Factory and Market. I picked up some tasty 100 layer donuts and some Bison for our Christmas Dinner.

*I'm in love with our new fire place mantel picture. I had originally planned to put it over out bed but I just love it here.

*It just wouldn't be a complete holiday with out some freshly made Gingerbread loads and a Candy Cookie Cake for our work New Years Eve Pot Luck.

* I hadn't been to a match with the hubbs recently so I decided to tag along this particular day. Bonus we had lunch in Nashville and did a bit of window shopping.

*Our first ever date way back in 2006 was to "Ice" at the Gaylord in Texas. When I found out last year that they did it here at the Opryland Hotel & Resort I told the hubbs we had to go. We enjoyed it and had such a great time.

*My childhood puppy I had before moving to Hawaii was adopted by my best friend Ang. we found out late on Sunday night that she ended up having to be put to sleep. She had, had so many problems of the years but lived a long long life!!!

*Right in the mist of preparing dinner one evening after work our power went out. We decided to take the pups on a walk to give it time to come back on but no such luck. Out to dinner we went and ruffly two ours later when we returned there was still no power. I decided it was the perfect time to watch a movie on my computer.

Christmas Weekend 2015

We had a wonderful relaxing low key Christmas weekend this year. We stayed home through the Holiday. We didn't have any family come to visit, it was just the two of us. Plus of course the furry mutts. But it was just perfect. It was nice not to have to worry with the hustle of trying to get from one families home to another. Staying home we where able to do our own thing and simply enjoy each other. I unfortunately had to work up until the day before Christmas Eve, which I suppose wasn't that bad. Other that the fact that I would have much rather been at home with the hubbs. I ended work late Wednesday night due to us having our Preschool Christmas Spectacular Concert. It went off great and everyone really seemed to enjoy it.

Christmas Eve Morning we woke up and went for a bike ride on post. I really enjoying riding together. It's become something I look forward to doing on the weekends. After our morning ride we went home and I made some delicious GingerBread Pancakes for breakfast.

The hubbs had plans to go shooting with a buddy of his early afternoon which left me home alone. I took full advantage of the day and cleaned the house top to bottom. I even straighten up the garage and took the pups for a walk. It's such a wonderful feeling so have a spic and span home. 

We lounged around the rest of the day and watched Christmas movies. For dinner we carried on a Family Tradition having Sandwiches for dinner. We enjoyed some tasty Turkey, Ham, Bacon and Cheese Croissant Melts with a side of Sweet Potato Puffs. One of my favorites :). Followed by more Christmas Movies.

Christmas Morning we managed to sleep in a little bit, which was nice and much needed. We agreed to wait and exchange gifts till after I got breakfast in the oven. At his request, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Don't mind if I do, I absolutely love them. With breakfast in the oven, the hubbs gave the pups their gift, a large bone each. They seemed to really enjoy it. We too turns opening gifts from each other as well as my Nene. Generally each year it seems like I end up going with a theme for his gifts and this year was no different. It was all about it bike. He received clip on peddles, a bike maintenance book, a bike maintenance rack and clip on shoes. Of course there where a few other odds and ends added in there as well. I received lots of kitchen ware, a oldie but most defiantly a goodies. A new complete set of tubberware (seeings the hubbs has managed to loose not one, two but three sets since he's been home, don't even get me started), a waffle maker, a electric pancake griddle (both of which I'd been wanting). The hubbs also gave me a new Garmin Fitness watch which I'm still learning and playing around with. We of course did get each other a few things for the Westy. Christmas wouldn't have been complete if we hadn't.

We spent the day lounging around doing absolutely nothing, we stayed in our pjs all day and just relaxed. Something we never do and let me tell you it was so nice. For dinner we went a non-traditional route, Kabobs. Our menu included: Seared Bison topped with sautéed Mushrooms and Feta, Grilled Chicken and Veggies with a Plain Baked Sweet Potato. It was just perfect and tasted fabulous.

Saturday, I decided to go with the hubbs to his match,  this way we could go down into Nashville afterwards and do a little shopping. After grabbing some lunch we headed back home to de-christmas the house. I absolutely love the Holiday's and the way our home looks when its decorated but I was ready to get it back to normal. We managed to get everything down, packed away, the tree and loads of boxes that had been piling up loaded in the truck and off to the dump. It was a great feelings to have all of that done and behind us.

Sunday, we went on a ride, came home busted out the new waffle maker for breakfast and made Belgian Waffles. The rest of the day was just kinda hanging out. We ran a few earns but nothing to fancy. It was a bit rainy and ugly out so we took advantage and chill-axed at home.

All in All it was a great weekend, just the two of us and I really wouldn't have had it any other way. I hope you and yours had a wonderful Holiday. Merry Christmas!!

Happy Vansgiving

We decided to do things a little nontraditional this year and for go the big hoopla of a meal and all that comes with it. Wednesday afternoon I was able to get out of work a bit early and make it home just in time to help the hubbs finish packing up the Westy. Shortly after we where on our way to celebrate our first holiday of what I am sure will be many to come in the Westy. Vansgivning!!!! 

We arrived at Montgomery Bell State Park just after sun set, set up camp (which in the Westy is seriously so easy.) While the hubbs worked on starting a fire I started getting dinner ready. Bean & Cheese Quesadilla with a side of chips and salsa. We are still trying to figure out what meals work for us on the road / camping and what doesn't so we decided to keep it as simple and easy this time around. We spend the better part of our evening around the fire just enjoying the evening. The weather was perfect not to chilly at all. We roasted marshmallow, made s'mores, and chatted with the In-Loves a bit. 

The next morning we, well I tried to sleep in some but the pups and my ever so lovely automatic alarm clock in my head just didn't let me. One beautiful thing about arriving to your camp site after dark is when you wake up you get to see the beautiful surroundings around you. The stream running right behind us, and the lush trees made for a cozy sight. Which simply put that pep in my step for a early start to our day. Sausage, Eggs and a bagel for breakfast while sipping on some Hot Chocolate. After breakfast we headed out to do a little exploring around the camp site with the pups. I managed to get in over 8000 steps before 10:30 that morning. It always fun to take the pups out walking along the trails, they get so excited. 

The plan was to have Thanksgiving lunch at the Park Resort. It was only 3 miles away so we knew we would just ride our bikes up there. Literally up, it was mostly up hill half way there. Around 11:00am we decided to make our way over to the Resort, knowing we'd probably have to wait a little bit we wanted to get a early start. Much to our surprise the Resort Restaurant was already packed full of waiting guest's to eat. We where told it would be about a 45 minute wait, which really didn't seem to be that bad considering the amount of people there. It gave us time to catch our breath and cool down from our ride. Lunch / Dinner was served Buffet style, with all the traditional Thanksgiving foods and then some. I'd never been to anything like this before and I asked the hubbs if he had either and he said nope. I didn't really know what to expected. I was so used to doing everything myself and or being with family. This was all so new to me, but let me tell you the food did not disappoint. It was simply fabulous, hot, fresh and kept us full. It wasn't a bad deal at all for $15.95 you could enjoy a feast till your heart desired and that we did, dessert included. Although I couldn't help but think about the fact that we had to ride our bikes back. 

We headed out to the parking lot and the hubbs mentioned he figured out a short cut. Ok, I'm all about that, although he failed to mentioned that we would first have to carry our bikes down a couple flight's of stairs ride across a bridge and then straight up close to 100+ stairs to get back up on the road. I wearing boots, blue jeans, a sweat and not to mention I'd just stuffed my face with loads of food. So to say I struggle just a tiny bit would be a true statement. 

The pups did so well staying in the Westy while we where gone. We didn't think we would be gone that long but I'm so glad they didn't mess anything up or get into anything.

 What else do you do after a full Thanksgiving feast, crash out. And that's just what we did. The four of us passed out on the bed. We left the door open to enjoyed the nice breeze coming through and the pups did so good, they didn't even get up to go out once. 

Later that afternoon we went on another little trail hike across the stream back behind our camp site. I loved how it was super dog friendly and yet gave us a pretty good work out at the same time. Gotta work off all that goodness we ate right. 

That evening our site-neighbors arrive, we chatted with them a bit, cooked up some skillet pizza's for dinner, made some s'mores and relaxed around the campfire.

We knew we wanted to head home shortly after breakfast the next morning and of course I did everything I could to sleep in but it just didn't happen. So up early again, I cooked us up some eggs, bacon and potatoes that we enjoyed and then we went on a little walk to get some of the pups energy out before heading out. 

It was the perfect Vansgiving, just the two of us. The weather was amazing the entire time!!! No hustle and bustle of trying to get a big meal prepped and cooked or being on a time schedule having to be at one place or another. I am very traditional and generally want to do things the old fashion way but this was perfect for us. As I grow and experience life I've learned and come to realize that its not all about doing things like everyone else or going all out but rather simply just about being with the ones that matter and that was just what we did this weekend. It was simply but it was perfect!!! 

I Hope You and Your Family had a Wonderful Thanksgiving and are Enjoying the Holiday Season. 

#GabrielVansgiving2015