Well friends, we survived the bad storms over the weekend. Sadly, Mississippi and a town about an hour from us got hit pretty hard by tornadoes. My heart and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones and homes.
Tragedies like this really make you appreciate your family and friends even more. The day after the weather hit, my sister, Tiffany, and my niece, Kristen, got here safely from Virginia Beach. They live in Pennsylvania, but will be moving to Virginia Beach in the next month and decided to drive down for a week-long visit. It has been so good having them here — it’s been almost a year since we saw them last!
I ♥ being an aunt.
Tiffany and Kristen are staying with my other sis, Sarah, tonight (my niece, Elizabeth, is loving all the time with her cousin!), so JD and I were on our own again for dinner. I was starving after our hour+ walk with Mr. Tex, and craving a big salad.
Mixed organic greens, sauteed shrimp, black olives, cucumber, celery, cilantro, feta cheese (pasteurized) and toasted walnuts drizzled with light raspberry vinaigrette. Twas perfection!
Celery, walnuts and raspberry vin also made an appearance in another salad I fixed this week.
The goods:
- 6 ounces wild Alaskan salmon, chopped
- 1 strip bacon, crumbled
- broccoli, onions and celery, chopped
- a few sprinkles chopped walnuts
- about 1/2 cup organic low-fat plain yogurt
- a splash or two of light raspberry vinaigrette dressing (Sweet flavors with fish = awesome!)
This salad was so tasty. I loved the crunchy components, and the bacon definitely gave it a little something extra.
I have one more day of work before my early weekend officially begins. I’m taking off Friday so I can spend some more time with Tiffany and Kristen before they leave to go home. Rumor has it we may go to a strawberry farm and do some picking. I just might have Tiffany teach me how to make her delicious homemade strawberry jam. My last batch ran out months ago, and I’d love to stock the freezer with some more! (Hint, hint, T!)
I’m also going to have Kristen help me complete this monster:
She loves puzzles, and asked if we could put this 750-piece replica of New York City together. We started it Monday night, and it is definitely a doozie. Do you see all those blue pieces?! I’m determined to finish it though.
I hope you all have a great rest of the week! Lots of happy birthday wishes go out to one of my favorite bloggies, Becca!
Question for the readers: What kinds of activities do you like to do with your family?

















