On the road again....

Work travel has been a bit much recently.  (I know, I know - there is at least one person who reads this blog that I can not hold a candle to their work travel schedule.)  Summer generally brings a spate of speaking engagements and professional meetings.

For the past five years, I teach for two solid (and I do mean S.O.L.I.D) days at a particular university located in Madison, WI.  Between traveling to and fro (along with giving that pesky exam the students seem to enjoy so much), it takes about 4 days out of my crammed summer schedule and zaps the heck out of me.  (While I do enjoy talking, lecturing almost 8 hr a day for two days straight is a bit much.)

If I am lucky, I finish up lectures one day in time to hit the Penzeys Spices right down the street from the university.

They have expanded since last year!

(Yes, I asked the staff if it was OK for me to take pictures while I shopped.  They are so kind, they didn't in bat an eye when I told them I wanted to blog about it.)

 This gives you a minute example of what awaits at every store.

Personally, I thought I did pretty freaking well.

1) I only spent $68 on some fabulous new things and a few old favorites that needed replenishing.
2) I was "quick" and actually finished just at 7p when the store was closing.  (I didn't arrive until 6p.)

Other random things from the trip.

This was my view on the flight from Chicago to Madison.  I asked if I had been assigned that "time out" seat.  The flight attendant and I spent a good bit of time chatting since she was seated in front of me most of the flight (only 21 minutes flying time).

This water fountain ROCKS.  As a person who carried a stainless steel water bottle with me almost everywhere, it was awesome to have a water fountain available to accommodate reusable water bottles.

It doesn't take a whole lot to excite me.

Want to attract all young girls within a three gate area at the airport?  Knit a splashy colored pair of socks.

Most exciting news yet?

The offspring has earned his first level provisional black belt in Taekwondo!

He is beyond excited and we are extremely proud!

Spice, spice baby!

I have a love affair with Penzeys Spices.  A true, deep, burning love (of the culinary kind).  If you live in an area with a local store - YOU ARE SO LUCKY.  I order mine (or visit any local stores when on travel).

What's not to love?  You can buy your spices and spice blends in jars or bulk bags.  You can see exactly what is blended into them.  Most contain no MSG (which I have developed an allergy to as years move on).  The quality is absolutely awesome.  The staff (if you call or visit a store - I have been to many) is very pleasant and knowledgeable.  The pricing is much more affordable than the little jars of crap in the grocery store.  All around, it is a wonderful experience.

What are our family's favorites?  (in no particular order)

4/S seasoning salt - great all-purpose seasoning.  I keep all varieties on hand and frequently give as gifts.
Cajun seasoning - I use this for lots of foods.  It is great for blackening fish and meats.  It is wonderful on pastas and vegetables.  I always use it in crab cakes.  One of my "go to" blends.
Chipolte pepper - The smokey notes and moderate heat is a wonderful addition to a variety of foods.  We especially enjoy it in macaroni and cheese.
Mural of flavor - I received this one as a free sample and we loved it.  It is great on vegetables and in pasta moistened with a bit of olive oil.  Fabulous on fish also.
Northwinds seasoning and Northwinds fire seasoning - Love to use this on briskets before smoking and grilling.
Taco seasoning - I always keep these on hand.  Super fast and easy to make as little or as much base for tacos/enchiladas/nachos/etc.  It is great for those fast dinner evenings after practice/meetings.
Parisian bonne herbes - this is wonderful in light, fresh dishes and fish.

There are many more!  Explore for yourself.  Since I buy spices in bulk, I needed to store them.  I ordered a spice storage set from Custom Magnetic Spice Rack.  I used magnetic primer according to directions and topped with latex wall paint.




Recently off the needles:
During the recent work travel, I knocked out a helix scarf.  I love it.

US 1 needles.  My handspun yarn (Forest Has a Long Memory, BFL/silk, Spinning Awesome Good).