Reflecting on August

August flew by. The last two weeks especially were crazy. Now Steve has completed his first Ironman (in 12 hours!!), and he is looking to do one more triathlon in October (an Olympic distance). It's good to have him in a more "normal" workout routine. Here's a pic of Steve from the Ironman:

We are settling into fall semester classes and the new schedule that comes with. With my classes in the afternoons and evening, dinner plans and eating are a little different. I need to plan more and do more crock pot meals. But I am enjoying being able to get work done at home in the morning as well as get to the Y on occasion (not as much as I'd like, but I am working on that too).

This past week brought the "passing" of my espresso machine; I had to research and order a new one. Regular coffee every day is NOT enough since I started making mochas and lattes at home 16 years ago (can it be that long:?). I have owned 3 machines during that time. More on this later...when I report on the new machine.

We also picked up our second order of produce from the co-op. Good stuff again, and we are working on eating all the fruits and veggies. A picture of our order:

Above is a pic of the penne with pesto and sauteed eggplant I made the other day. It was very tasty and was only one of the many meals and desserts were made this summer. I will be making a big pot of veggie soup soon. Our garden is still producing some cherry tomatoes. Below is a bowl full of our juicy bounty.

Fall Semester Begins Tomorrow

The 3 weeks between summer and fall semesters flew by. I tried to catch up on some cleaning, get Eric packed and moved back to SIU, get some shopping done, and do the everyday tasks as well. Last week I worked diligently to get my syllabi done and things posted to the online sites.

My schedule this fall is different from what I have had in recent semesters. I have no morning classes, and I have classes after 2 p.m. It should be interesting to see the types of students who take 3 p.m. and 3:30 classes as opposed to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. classes. I am looking forward to having mornings to get to the Y and get some housework and schoolwork done. But I will have to plan dinners well because on Mondays I will be getting done with class at 5:50 p.m. (probably be a crock pot or leftovers night). Tues. & Thurs. I get done at 4:45 p.m. and Wed. I have only an evening class at 7 p.m. Fridays are no classes (yea!).

I feel almost ready. There is a little excitement in the air. Just like when I was a kid--the first day of school had an almost magical feeling. A new outfit to wear, new school supplies and sometimes a new lunch box. Anything is possible the first day of school.

produce from the Co-op

After reading an article in the O'Fallon Progress about Community Helpings Co-op, I decided to try it out. For $23, I was supposed to get about $50 worth of fruits and veggies. I pre-ordered and pre-paid through their website http://www.communityhelpingscoop.com/ (I used my debit card, but also accepted are credit cards and payment through PayPal. I think orders need to be placed by the Friday before the pick up date (may depend on the location).

They have a pick up at a church near me every other Tuesday (yesterday, Aug. 17 was in O'Fallon, IL). The website lists the locations and days for pick ups.

I took my son Andrew with me in case I needed an extra hand. Pick up was 5-5:30 p.m. I waited in line (lots of others were doing this--a good sign). My name was checked off, and my bag of goodies was waiting for me (a really big bag with my name on it). Andrew and I transferred the items from the bag into a box and smaller bags.

What did I get for my $23? Glad you asked. Here is the list:

• 1 large head broccoli
• 2 bunches celery
• 1 head lettuce (butter lettuce)
• 3 tomatoes 
• 1 small paper bag of fresh spinach leaves
• 7 small-medium cucumbers
• 4 heads garlic
• 3 red bell peppers
• 1 16-oz. bag babty carrots
• 1 8 oz. package white mushrooms
• 1 large melon
• 4 "doughnut" peaches
• 8 apples
• 4 pears
• 3 large plums
• 3 grapefruit
• 5 lemons

The items vary from week to week, depending on the seasons and providers. Some items are locally grown. The site also sells other items (again they vary) such as locally made tortilla chips. Everything looked fresh and ripe, not beat up and bruised. I sorted the items and cleaned and cut up the celery. My produce bins in my fridge are overflowing, and I am happy so far.

Now I have to build meals around this bounty so I can used everything up. It bothers me to waste any food, no matter the cost. Tonight I will be making something with the spinach and mushrooms, along with a BIG salad. They will go along with the grilled chicken thighs I bought at Trader Joe's.

Basil = Better Dishes

In the spring, I planted 3 tomato plants (2 cherry), 2 pepper plants (1 red, 1 orange), 3 butter crunch lettuces, 3 basil plants, 2 parsley plants, and 1 each oregano, dill, rosemary, and eggplant. The thyme was planted last year and came back very strong. (Picture of the herbs above was taken in early June. You should see the plants now.)

Well, much of the lettuce was munched by a visiting rabbit, most of the red peppers rotted (I think from too much rain), and most of the orange peppers have been very small (and some turned red instead of orange). The cherry tomatoes have been steadily producing, giving us bruschetta, roasted tomatoes, and salads. The eggplant has produced 3 eggplants, not yet ready to pick. The herbs overall have been fantastic, giving us more than enough to add to and garnish our food.

If I had to pick only 3 items to grow, I would limit myself to basil, tomatoes and parsley. It's been great not having to buy these products at the market. As much as I use basil and parsley, I have recouped my full garden investment (pots, soil, plants). I love being about to step outside to get the fresh herbs.

So many dishes can use a little (or a lot of) basil. Thinking back over what I have been making this summer, I realize many of my favorites used basil. Some of these dishes include the following:

• couscous stuffed peppers with basil sauce
• caprese salad
• caprese pasta
• spaghetti with beef, smoked almonds, and basil
• homemade pizza
• roasted garlic pesto cream pasta
• mini Italian pub burgers
• black bean, corn, and tomato salad
• orzo with roasted veggies
• penne with sun-dried tomato pesto

If anyone has a favorite recipe that includes basil, let me know. I still have plenty to use. And I have lots of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley. The dill fizzled out a few weeks ago, but still gave me enough to add to tuna salad and toppings for salmon.

Summer Reading

Now that August has arrived (and fall classes will soon be starting), I must admit I have not read as many books as I had planned to. I had half a shelf filled with books I had started but not finished plus scattered around were lots and lots of "to be read" books. Of course, I bought at least a half dozen new ones to add to the mix.

Where did time go? Hmmm, summer classes, gardening, supporting Steve in his triathlons, cooking, cleaning, shopping (mostly for food), catching up on Facebook, etc. But I have been trying to read some every evening before bed.

I also discovered Shelfari (thanks to Dianna Rockwell Shank). That is a cool site where you can build a virtual bookshelf and fill it with books you are reading and have read. It's shown here on my blog page with some of the books I've read.

I have read a few cookbooks. Yes, I mean read them, not just flip through the pages looking at the pictures or searching for a recipe. I read the intro, the stories that go along with the recipe, the recipes themselves. I have read books about food--buying, cooking, growing, etc. I have read books about food and the environment and our health. I even read the book about the founders of Facebook (an interesting, fast read), The Accidental Billionaires. I finished Fatally Flaky, a mystery with a caterer heroine (yes, food again--there are recipes included).

Now I must turn some of my attention to reviewing the texts for my fall composition and grammar classes. But I will still try to whittle away at my fun reading list.

If you have read a good or great book, let me know. I always have shelf space for one more!

Summer Triathlons

My husband Steve has been training for his first full Ironman competition, which is now a month away. He will be competing in the Louisville Ironman on Aug. 29. The event includes a 2.4 mile swim (in the Ohio River), a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run (marathon distance).

Leading up to this event, Steve has participated in a few shorter triathlons. The first was an Olympic distance triathlon at Carlyle Lake in late May. There is finished first in his age group; he also did a half-ironman distance -- Cutting Edge Triathlon in Effingham in June. He also placed first in his age group; last weekend he completed Iron Abe Olympic distance in Springfield, IL, again placing first in his age group. In addition to these events, he completed 3 century rides (100-mile bike rides).

The heat and humidity have been a challenge to keep training--swimming 3-4 days per week, along with various rides and runs. I am looking forward to seeing him complete the Ironman -- he has been motivated and has worked so hard. One more month!!

Season Finales & Summer Viewing

When spring semester ended, I entered that wonder gap of "free time" between grading work and planning for summer classes. It was "my time." And I enjoyed it. I have been catching up on shows I DVR'd and books I started to read but never finished.

For TV shows, I still have to watch the last few episodes of season 1 of "The Good Wife." I couldn't avoid all the promos, so I know a little of what will happen. I did catch up on "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Big Bang Theory." Both are so funny, and I am looking forward to new seasons in the fall. I watched "Chuck" and continue to be impressed with the writers' ability to weave multiple story lines and keep the show funny, fresh, action-packed, and a little romantic too. "Glee" has not wrapped season 1 yet; I still love to watch the drama and musical numbers. Yes, I watched the "Idol" finale. It was a bit overdone, but I saw the season through and was fine with Lee taking the title. And I did watch "Celebrity Apprentice." I admire the editors of that show. They don't give too much away, but kept me watching till Donald said, "You're Hired!" to Brett Michaels. It's great to see him bouncing back after his multiple health problems.

Now we are transitioning into summer TV viewing. What used to be Re-run Time has become a great place for reality TV and some Cable TV scripted shows. What am I looking forward to watching. Well, here is my list:

1. "Hell's Kitchen" (after a few episodes I may lose interest, but I do enjoy watching Gordon slam these chefs).
2. "Burn Notice" (a fave spy show--I would love to see "Chuck" meet up with "Michael Weston.")
3. "The Next Food Network Star"
4. "Drop Dead Diva" (yes, I DVR'd the marathon of season 1 on Sunday and have been re-watching them to prepare for season 2 which starts this Sunday).
5. "The Closer" (TNT played with me by showing a few episodes during the winter. I am ready for a full season).
6. Warehouse 13--part history, part action, part mystery and crime, great characters. SyFy has a hit with this show.

Along with teaching classes, cooking, shopping, and house projects, my summer TV shows will keep me busy. What are your favorite summer shows?

Our New Addition

Some of you may remember I posted about losing our beloved family pet Gabriel in January. We adopted him in Dec. 2000 when we lived in the Azores. Since January, I have been giving lots of love and attention to our other cat Shadow (he was adopted in Feb. 2004).

When our boys returned from college, I promised them we'd consider adopting another cat. Eric was home 2 days when he convinced me to start looking. We went to PetSmart where we found a dozen cats/kittens needing a home. Although I would love to have a houseful of cats, it's not practical nor logical.

Based on our needs, Eric and I chose Rocco, a 3-year-old male cat. He was very shy, with sad eyes, and it was unknown why he was left in a box on the doorstep of a vet. I knew we could have a few issues with the unknowns, but we had taken a chance on Shadow six years ago.

We opened our hearts and our home to Rocco. Shadow has done the normal hissing and growling and moping, but the two have not had any physical encounters yet. Rocco doesn't like people messing with his tail, and he's a bit skittish. But he's eating fine and loves to chase the laser light. We are optimistic he'll settle into our family and Shadow will accept him as friend/brother.

Spring Break 2010: top 6

Although I had work to catch up on during my break, I made a little time for fun. Here are my Top 6 activities/events from break.

1. August:Osage County at the Fox Theatre. What an awesome play. It lasted nearly 3 1/2 hours (with 2 intermissions), but what an experience. It was powerful, funny, and had a couple recognizable actors.

2. Up in the Air on DVD. My husband and I watch this movie last Friday night. Very well done, fun to see St. Louis places. I like quirky, unpredictable movies. Great blend of comedy and drama.

3. Eating lunch at a new restaurant. My friend Kelly and I went to a new Vietnamese/Chinese place in Brentwood (behind Best Buy off Hanley). The name was Mei "something" (my mind has lost it....). Great food. It was so fresh and tasty. The egg roll was delicious as was the noodle bowl and hot green tea. I will definitely go back.

4. Food, Inc. on DVD. I have been wanting to see this documentary since it came out last fall. After watching Fast Food Nation and Super Size Me, I thought I knew a lot about our food supply and production practices. However, parts of this movie were VERY difficult to watch. If you have read anything by Michael Pollan, you will want to see this (he is in it). I have a new outlook on the meat I eat.

5. Sleeping in. A couple days I got to sleep past 7 a.m. That may not seem late to you, but I am usually up no later than 6 a.m. on weekdays. It was a treat to wake up w/o an alarm, drink my cafe mocha leisurely while doing the Sudoku and reading the comics.

6. Walking and working out. I finally got back to the YMCA after months away. I also walked around the neighborhood, even one day walking in the rain. I am determined to make exercise a regular activity once again (it's so easy to get out of the routine). I feel more energetic and can focus better when I have taken time to walk, cross train and lift a few weights.

I hope all of you had a good break, even if you just had a break from the routine of school. I feel a little more caught up and ready to tackle classes again.

Florida Weekend

Two weekends ago, my husband Steve & I went to Florida with 2 of our friends. The guys ran the Ft. Lauderdale A1A Marathon, and we got to spend some time with my family. It was great getting out of the cold weather for a few days.

Friday night my sister made dinner for us. We had pasta and salad, and my mom made a cake for dessert. Saturday, we did some sightseeing on a boat ride. We saw multi-million dollar homes and yachts. Quite impressive. Saturday night, I made Sunset Orzo with Spanish Shrimp, one of my favorite meals.

Sunday was the marathon. It started at 6 a.m. (Eastern Time), so we were up very early. After coffee and a 5K walk from the starting line to the finish line, I was feeling fine. The finish line was next to the beach. Following the marathon, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap.

Sunday night was dinner at Bonefish Grill, a favorite restaurant of mine in Coral Springs, where my sister lives. Then we visited with my sister's family (5 of the 7 kids were home). Monday was early to the airport, then a long day of flights and layovers.

Now it's back to the reality of our cold weather and no ocean nearby.

February, Please Fly By

This month, the shortest of the 12, is dragging on for me. It's been a month with too many tasks to do and too many sad events to deal with.

I do not like being "over booked." I like to stay busy, but not so busy I can't catch up with my "to do" list and take a little breather. Some of the busyness has been my own doing, but some is just life happening. For the most part, I have good time management skills. However, it there is too much to fill the hours, where is the time to manage?

First, I must scale back a little. I have taken on too many online classes, so I am looking forward to 2 of them finishing the end of the month. An online class is just as much (if not more) work than a face to face class for the instructor.

Second, I must slowly catch up on reading/commenting on blogs (and blog report #1), reading all the interview notes/questions (I am almost done), then offering feedback on all the interview essay drafts. These are fun to read but take time.

Third, I have a number of house projects that need attention. They have been put on hold since last summer due to lack of time. Day to day life is crazy enough w/o all the extra projects to work on.

Fourth, this month started just after my cat died, and on Feb. 6, my mother-in-law passed away. It's been difficult to deal with all of this sadness, but life does go on. I hope we can make our lives as full and productive as possible. I don't want to regret what I have and have not done.

Now, I look forward to this next weekend in Ft. Lauderdale seeing my family and watching my husband run a marathon. I wish I could leave all my work here, but I will have to log in to all my classes over the weekend.

I will breathe a sigh of relief when the calendar changes to March. Spring break, then official spring, will be right around the corner...no March Madness for me (except the basketball games).

Sweet Gabriel

Some of you know that one of my family's cats, Gabe, got sick last fall. He had a recurrence of fatty liver disease (he originally had a bout with it in Dec. 2006). He started to improve, but around New Year's Day relapsed and did not recover. We lost him on Jan. 25.

Losing a pet is very painful. I grow so attached to my pets, that the loss leaves a void and sadness in my life. Gabe, a beautiful orange and white tabby (a Garfield lookalike) was with us for nine years. He was a stray that we adopted as a kitten literally off the streets in the Azores. He loved to eat, especially chicken and tuna; my husband encouraged him to beg (as a dog might). As we left the house, he would watch us from the window, then greeted us at the door when we returned home.

He played with our other cat, Shadow, and treated him like a younger brother. He also liked to chase the laser light and nap in patches of sun. Gabe was very protective. When a neighbor cat came into our yard, he hissed and growled. Also, he was a snuggler and bed hog, often taking up a third of our king-size bed with his stretched out body.

Gabe, we'll miss you.

Spring Semester Has Arrived

I hope all of you starting classes have a good spring semester. The break went quickly for me, and I never feel 100% ready for classes to start.

My English 102 classes will be starting their blogs this week. So, again, I am blogging with them. Our first entry should be somewhat of an introduction. Here is my introduction...

My name is Denise Keller. Please call me Denise (if you feel comfortable) or Mrs. Keller. I earned a Master of Arts in English/Professional Writing from University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/PR.

I hope everyone will become better writers from where they are now. I would ideally like to have a class of questioners, who dig into topics and strive to learn more, strive to write better, and strive to be a supportive community.

Some of my favorite topics to read and write about are food, cooking, fitness, and education. I enjoy writing profile essays/articles. I am concerned about the health and wellness of people, the food system in the U.S., and our education system.

I have taught here at SWIC for more than 7 years. I have taught Journalism, English and Literature courses here as well as served on various committees, such as faculty development and textbook committees. In addition to teaching here, I teach online courses for other colleges, which keeps me very busy.

My hobbies include reading, cooking, trying new restaurants, and socializing with friends. I enjoy watching movies and a number of TV shows. My top favorite TV shows are Chuck, The Big Bang Theory, The Good Wife, American Idol, Burn Notice, and The Closer.

I have been married for 24+ years and have 2 boys, both in college. They both attended SWIC before transferring to SIUE and SIU.

Describe yourself in 3 words: inquisitive, caring, and hopeful. I am inquisitive because I want to know more. I believe in life-long learning. That is one reason I enjoy reading. I am currently reading a mystery, Fatally Flaky, by Diane Mott Davidson. Usually, I am reading a couple books at the same time. Besides books, I read the newspaper every morning (the paper paper) as well as read news and other articles online. I think I read more online although I prefer paper.

If anyone has questions for me, please ask. I look forward to getting to know each of you this semester.

New Decade, New Year, New Month, New Day...

New Year's Day--such a fresh start. I woke up to a clear, cold, sunny day. I felt invigorated, especially after drinking my grande cafe mocha (made at home, not at Starbucks) while doing the Sudoku puzzle from the newspaper. The 4-star puzzle required my using little numbers to complete. But for someone who spends so much time dealing with words, I enjoy the challenge of the number puzzle.

I am debating whether I should make any resolutions. I am no good at keeping them (like so many other people). What I most want from this year is to enjoy each day, spend quality time with family and friends, do my best in my job, and be generally healthy (body, mind, spirit). I will not make a list of "things to do in 2010" and try to check off items every week or month. I don't need added pressures and stresses in my life. I will not obsess over a number on the scale. Feeling good is better than achieving a weight or waist size.

I do want to make the most of my time, finish reading all the books I have started, try new foods and new restaurants, and see some new places. I can do all that without making a list.

What I am looking forward to this year are some milestones. My husband and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary in November. Our older son is graduating college in May (he is finishing in 4 years--yea!). Our younger son will turn 20--no longer a teenager. In May will be 25 years since I graduated college with my bachelor's degree and 15 years since I earned my master's degree.

You may think that admitting all these show my age, but I have earned every wrinkle and every creaking bone. I'm not THAT old yet. And I don't want to be 20 or 25 again. I am much happier, much more content with myself that I was in my 20's. It's okay to get older.

I wish all of you the best year -- be happy with who you are, be the best person you can be, be truly happy.