The (de)Vol went down to Georgia

To appear in the Field Guide to the Georgia Bulldog, forthcoming

I've been partying down in Athens, GA for the past week, if one's definition of "partying down" includes attending class for six hours followed by reading for six hours, and sleeping in the between time. It's a great college town, which means it has establishments much-loved for their ability to provide or alleviate hangovers, ideally in an inexpensive manner.

I'm playing the part of grad student for the next two weeks, with weekend sojourns to Atlanta to maintain sanity. I'm keeping up with the running, but my black-and-red crocs are not hill-friendly.

Please pardon the interruption. Normalcy will be restored in a fortnight.

Recovery Waffle

Whole-wheat buttermilk waffle topped with lemon pudding & blueberries

I accidently (ok, on purpose) ran 26.2 miles today (minus 18 miles). I ran well the whole time, which is so reassuring. After last week, and then having some late nights this week, my legs felt tired and heavy during every run.

A cold leftover waffle hit the spot. I wanted a topping more substantial than syrup, but not as blatantly unhealthy as whipped cream, so I went for the lemon pudding I'd made a couple of days ago. Lemon and blueberries love each other, so I added a handful. Oranges are just pretty.

I need to try making something similar with a crepe. My sister's crepes are apparently crepe-tacular. Maybe she'll share her technique!

A small price...

When you are a guest in our house, we try to make you as comfortable as possible. DH cleans; I cook. There might be a little clutter or dust here and there. If the food isn't great, you may at least be assured it was prepared in earnest. Never fear taking advantage, for all who enter must pay a price.

We have this dog. Her name is Penny. She's a beagle. She's no longer a puppy. She's a little thing, but she acts like an entire menagerie of animals.

To wit: She jumps like a kangaroo. A couple of weeks ago, she made off with a cupcake from the kitchen counter.

She climbs on the backs of the couches like a cat.

If you are sitting in a comfy chair, she'll sit on your shoulder like a parrot.

If she's feeling especially playful, she'll hug your arm or leg like a bear, sometimes inadvertently scratching you.

If given the opportunity, she'll give you a kiss on the face or lick and sniff your hands to see what you've been into. This is very hound-like.

Luckily, her silly behavior delights toddlers, even as she excitedly knocks them down and licks them. Most adults are tolerating, certainly more than I would be. Perhaps even they are aware that all must pay the Penny tax. It doesn't sound like a lot unless you've had to pay it yourself. Proceeds go toward a comatose state the following day.

Bratwurst, Greens, and Penne

The open kitchen at City House

The pulled pork/mustard greens/pasta combo at City House got my noggin’ going when it came to the brats in the fridge left over from Memorial Day. I know I’m not alone in my fear of greens, having experienced a bitter and smelly version served up in the cafeteria all through gradeschool. Yech!

I can’t believe my husband and I actually agreed that this would be a good idea, but it sure was. The greens were an excellent backdrop for the spicy wurst, and the tomato and onion added a hint of sweetness. Here’s what I did.

6 ounces mustard greens, washed and chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cooked bratwurst, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
¼ c water or white wine
Dash of red pepper flakes
¼ lb whole wheat penne pasta
1/3 c grated parmesan cheese

Boil greens in a large pot of salted water for 2 minutes. Using a spider or mesh sieve, remove greens to bowl. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 8 minutes.

While pasta is boiling, sauté onion and bratwurst in olive oil until onion is soft. Add tomato paste; cook until caramelized. Add water and simmer 1-2 minutes, until most is evaporated. Add red pepper flakes to taste. Toss with pasta and cheese.

An Unplanned 15

Saturday morning I decided to do the loop I'd discovered a couple of weeks ago -- 11.7 miles of windy, fairly shady road with rolling hills. The best part is that, like most of my routes, it starts at my doorstep. I set out at 6, thinking I'd have plenty of time to get home, break my fast, shower, and relax before going canoeing later.

It was hot and humid, but there was not a cloud in the sky and a light breeze was blowing. I turned off the main road and was deep in thought about the deliciousness of French toast, the hotness of Ira Glass, and the gloriousness of life in general. I missed my next turn-off by 1.7 miles, realizing my mistake only when I saw the interstate in the too-near distance.

I arrived back in the subdivision 150 minutes and 15 miles later, having slowed to a walk several times to contemplate my stupidity. My husband had gone out looking for me, and I sheepishly accepted his offer for a ride back to the compound.

It was a bit of a rush, but I met my canoeing companions at the appointed time. We had great fun renting from Foggy Bottom Canoe. They're good people. After three hours of lazy paddling, picnicking, and a few "rapids," I drove home from Kingston Springs, hugged husband and dog, and leaped into bed for a longish nap.

This is all to say that I absolutely earned my 10 p.m. Chocolate Elvis from The Mad Platter.