As a kid, I do not remember ever having any serious allergy issues of any kind. My parents learned when I was 2 (an age that I do not remember whatsoever) that I am allergic to cedar. Later, I learned that I was allergic to red ants (who isn't) after being stung a couple times. (Or is it bitten?) From that point on, I pretty much just stayed away from Christmas tree farms, cedar chests, and ant hills. Thankfully, I've never had to deal with a food allergy, nor have I had any major run ins with zombie cedar trees trying to attack me.

My life remained pretty allergy free until adulthood. I'm not really sure what it is about allergens that allows them to seemingly randomly wax and wane over time. I'm not mad at the trees. But, when you haven't had to deal with allergies most of your life and then you do, well that's no fun.

So, having moved back to Texas this last time, I've found that Spring is lets-line-the-pockets-of-the-Kleenex-corp time. It's also the time I get sick if it's going to happen. I got sick in Spring 2009, 2010, and I just recently go over being sick this year. My thinking is the pollens start doing their thing, my body starts acting up, and thus I am more susceptible to a cold or whatever. I have no medical degree, but that makes sense to me.

I decided to finally become knowledgeable about what I am and am not allergic to. I made an appointment and stayed off any OTC allergy medicine for about two weeks so I could get a clear panel of tests. The staff did a full verbal medical history of any time that I remember having an allergic reaction to anything. Lucky for me, that list is not all that long. But I can imagine they would really spend a lot of time with you if you had a long, broad history of allergies. Once that was over, they decided what kind of panel they were going to do. For me, it was 56 different allergens including a control positive and control negative test.

Man, I was not expecting it to be quite as painful as it was. I guess it's like a mini-tattoo since they need to break the skin with the allergen soaked needle in order for the test to work. The nurse told me how important it was that I stay still and not move, but when she was sticking little needles onto my ribcage it was very hard to comply.

I guess I did an ok job of remaining still, because she was able to read the results just fine. There was one super itchy one on my right shoulder blade. I asked her which one that was because it was driving me nuts. She said, "oh, that one's cedar." Figures.

Anyway, I am happy I did it. I think it's really important to be informed about yourself, your health especially. I was also a little surprised by the results as I found out that I have no indoor allergies whatsoever aside from one species of mold. Outdoor allergies, on the other hand, are a different story. Spring trees are my worst (no thanks to you, cedar), but I also have winter trees, plus one species of summer grass that is very common to this area.

I was prescribed some allergy meds and given two sets of instructions. One set is for off-season where I feel fine. The other set is for Spring and/or any time my allergies seem to be kicking into high gear. I do feel much better having gone and gotten this information. I also like the doctor and staff at their office, so if I need to go again, I'll definitely see them.

All in all, if you've never been to an allergist but suffer from allergies, I recommend going to see one. The information alone was worth the co-pay.

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You'll have to pardon my skipping a couple days of posting. I've been trying to keep you up to speed on our recent culinary delights. Our meals by the Locavore Chef didn't end with the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas. Oh no, there was more to come. On Friday night, we had Tofu and Curry. Unfortunately, this photographer didn't get a good shot; and beyond that, I spent much of my weekend relaxing... not blogging. Then, Saturday we went out for dinner and had delicious Pho (think Vietnamese noodle soup if you're not familiar). Finally, tonight was the last of our personal-chef-prepared meals. We had Lentil and Black Bean Chili.


This was another moment where the warming of the food on the stove was olfactory bliss. This veg-ful, health-ful chili was seriously delicious. Plus, Melanie had prepared enough for three dinner servings worth. So, we thawed (previously frozen on the day Melanie made it), and warmed one dinner's worth. And we still have two more in the freezer for when the mood strikes. Yay!



Can you smell it? mmmmm. The beans and chunky veggies really made this a hearty chili. We added some shredded cheddar (as is our custom) and ate it with Saltine crackers (also our custom). I'm definitely looking forward to the next two times I'll be eating this in the future.

In other news, Christopher and I went to the mall this weekend. We both found a few things to bring home. I found a bathing suit. I've been searching for one for literally years. I have had the same one since ....let's see.... 2003. Wow, that's pretty sad. I won't mention the one that I bought in high school that I still wear for exercising in the pool. Ok, just mentioned it. So, yeah, I've been on the look out for a new bathing suit since 2004, pretty much. With the help of very friendly and knowledgeable sales women, I tried on about 4 or 5 different suits and chose one I really like! Woohoo!

What made buying the bathing suit even better was the bag! Check out this cute burlap reusable bag. It's really sturdy and could be used as a beach bag. I used it for some groceries at Whole Foods (a Kalamata olive loaf and organic baby carrots on sale 2 for $3!) earlier today.



I was off on a long-weekend, but have to go back to work tomorrow. Luckily, I had a really great weekend to help get me rested and well (almost all the way better now, still some coughing but much less sneezing).

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It's been a rough week at work. A few things are going on in management, it seems, that may not be popular. I have been under the weather, staying home from work on Wednesday, and not feeling like I am getting as many things done as I'd like. Home life, on the other hand has been fan-tas-tic (still sick, but at least Christopher has been taking care of me). If you haven't read the previous two posts. I invite you to do so; you may become a little spiteful of our good fortune. But that's ok, because I know the Locavore Chef, and I can get you her number.

Tonight's meal, just like Monday and Tuesday's, was written clearly on our notes posted on the fridge. Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas.



Man, doesn't that look mouth watering? All I had to do was warm it up in the oven. Melanie had made this dish using roasted dark meat chicken (which she seasoned and roasted), corn tortillas, beans, and green chili sauce (I wasn't there when she made it, not sure what's in it - but it's awesome). There's also some cheese going on, as you can see from the melted goodness on top.

To the right/above the enchiladas, is a big bowl of spinach salad with buttermilk chive dressing (homemade fresh by the one and only Locavore Chef). I added some chives to the bowl just for fun. Also, we have some leftover green onions in the fridge, and I hate to see a good green onion go to waste. This was supposed to be the arugula salad. But, if you read yesterday's post, you know that we accidentally already ate that one. oops!



Here's what it looks like on my plate. Yes, I agree, I might need a bigger plate. :) We added some lime juice over the enchiladas per Melanie's instructions. The first bite was heavenly. We both commented how we'd order this dish in a heartbeat were it on a restaurant menu. The whole cilantro-chicken-lime-corn-tortilla-little-slice-of-heaven-on-a-fork just really worked. Overall, I hesitate to call this dish "enchiladas," although that was Melanie's title, so I'll stay true to the chef. I'd call it closer to a casserole or lasagna based on the layers and that the tortillas were laid flat instead of rolled. It's definitely a modern take on the traditional enchilada, and it's an update that gets four thumbs up from the Watsons.

I'm excited, because there were leftovers. That means I get to have another taste tomorrow at lunch! Oh - and there was no coconut in this dinner whatsoever. Since we did have lime, I had the song stuck in my head.

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As you know, this week we are having the special treat of the Locavore Chef prepared meals. Yesterday was a delicious etoufee, and we had that again today for lunch - courtesy of our leftovers - over a large bed of spinach. Unfortunately, I am sick. Therefore, I feel that my congestion is probably making the meals seem ever so slightly less tasty than they really are. I hate being stopped up. Fortunately, the food so far is so full of flavor, that it's still very delicious to my ailing nose. Today's dinner menu included a surprise.

Melanie, aka the Locavore Chef, left us very clear instructions posted clearly on our fridge of what to eat and when (and how to heat it up, what to pair it with, etc). Did I mention they were clear? Tonight's dinner menu was supposed to include a spinach salad with chicken and walnuts dressed in a lemon vinaigrette.


That's not a picture of spinach. That's a picture of the salad as we prepared it, because we saw "salad" on our menu, and grabbed for the giant bowl of salad in the fridge instead of the box of spinach to use as the leafy green base. Sorry Melanie! I'm not sure how annoying it is to a chef to have her handiwork messed up; hopefully, not that annoying.

The way we ended up eating it, though, was awesome. It included an arugula and chive leafy base (prepared by Melanie), white meat chicken (roasted by Melanie), walnuts, home made croutons, and lemon vinaigrette (made by Melanie). We tossed the salad with all the fixin's first, and then Christopher made the croutons. So, the salad had a little bit of time to sit and rest. The salad was wonderful. Despite not really being as the chef intended...

To follow dinner, we had a sweet dessert - nectarine cobbler. I really don't think there is anything bad anyone could or would say about any cobbler of any kind. They are just sweet and warm and gooey and ...even better a la mode!


In my opinion, the photo does not really do it justice, I couldn't get a picture I really liked, but the ice cream was smooth and creamy and cool next to the cobbler. Just as nature (and the Locavore Chef) intended.
We might be becoming just a bit spoiled...

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We like food. We like local business. When these two things come together in delicious harmony, it doesn't take much for us to get behind it. Case in point, how many times do we have to tell you to go to the Global Peace Factory? Go there people! Where did I have my birthday lunch last year? That's right, another local eatery, The Salad Stop. This in mind, it was our pleasure to have The Locavore Chef prepare some meals in our home today.

The Locavore Chef is one Melanie Ester, personal chef. Her business is developed around providing custom meals with seasonal, sustainable ingredients (local and organic as much as possible). She was in our kitchen today cooking from before 11am until 2-something. When she was done, we had meals stocked in our fridge for 5 nights of dinners (plus leftovers and a dessert!). Not only that, but I came home on my lunch break, and Melanie prepared lunch as well.

Our first meal (lunch) was a delicious spinach salad with strawberries and walnuts. This was followed by a hot pasta dish with a tomato sauce including green bell peppers and onions. I have to say, it felt a bit like our apartment was a restaurant. Because, one, someone else was cooking. And, two, while we were finishing up our salad, Melanie walked over with our pasta bowls. It's odd to be served in your own home. But it was certainly relaxing!

Dinner was delicious. Melanie prepared etouffee and told us how to heat it up appropriately and add shrimp. It was hands down the best shrimp etouffee I've ever had. I say this not having sampled a million of them, but enough to know that the sauce must be hard to make. When I've ordered it in restaurants before, I'm generally disappointed at how oily everything tastes. This tasted fresh and flavorful. Plus, with Melanie's clear instruction, the shrimp was perfectly done.

If the plating doesn't look good, that's our fault. We spooned everything out and added the scallions/parsley. But, I think the plating isn't bad either for a couple of amateurs.


I'm very much looking forward to our Locavore Chef meal tomorrow. We'll be eating tonight's leftovers for lunch and customized meal #2 for dinner. Yumn!

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For the past couple of months, we've lived further away from Dallas proper than before (as you may know). This change has had some unexpected consequences. One of those consequences has been an increase in exposure to Texas wildlife. There are quite a few old trees, woody areas, and fields nearby. There's also a golf course, but that's neither here nor there. Renn has enjoyed squirrel chasing and bird watching very much.

Each morning, I walk Renn sometime between 5:30 and 6:00am. It is still dark at this time, and all the nocturnal creatures are going about their business.

Last week, maybe Tuesday, we were walking and Renn tugged on the leash to sniff the trash that was set out for pick up. He grabbed something. I saw it was a cookie (gross) and gave him a stern "No! Drop it!" He reluctantly complied. I could tell he was telepathically saying "But mom, it's still good!" I kept us walking forward.

The next day, I remembered to keep him on a short leash as we passed the same house with the same trash sitting out for pick up (pick up is on Wednesdays, so I'm not sure why they had it sitting out on Tuesday anyway). He started to pull towards the trash, and I thought surely an animal has already picked up whatever cookie mess what there yesterday. I told him no and then finally saw what he was pulling toward.

It was a raccoon! Not just any little 'ol cute raccoon. This raccoon was 1.25 times the size of Renn! And so close to him, I became concerned that the raccoon was going to get aggressive and try something. I've never seen a raccoon that big; clearly it's well fed.

I kept walking at the same pace forward and kept Renn close to me. The raccoon, disturbed from his 5:30am meal, starting circling behind us and off he went into the wooded area across the street. Crisis averted.

I'll add raccoon to the growing list of animals that Renn has met not including other dogs. So far, this list includes armadillo, gecko, bird, cat, raccoon, squirrel, chipmunk, frog, turtle and bunny.

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We do not usually celebrate Valentine's Day. Not because we are opposed. Simply because we're pretty good at showing our love the other 99.9% of the year; we don't really need to go out of our way just because Hallmark says so. Not to mention, I'm not much of a romantic. And only recently have I started liking chocolate (see post about my personal culinary evolution). However, we were out for a sit at a coffee shop one afternoon, and they were advertising a special for the following weekend - Valentine's weekend, so we thought, why not?

It exceeded our expectations on all accounts. The price was right, definitely not overrated. The food was amazing, and the time we spent there was quite enjoyable.

In total we had champagne, salads, a cheese tray, chicken alfredo flatbread, chocolate covered strawberries, carrot cake, and two coffees. I'd go into detail about each course, but why do that when I can just show you?

Hopped up on caffeine and sugar, we didn't sleep much that night. However, it was completely worth it. It made us realize that perhaps we could be down with the whole Valentine's thing.

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I've missed three days of work this week. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Unfortunately, we have just begun our brand new training class for our new hires (5), so they have been calling me each morning to check on the status of the schedule and try to make it in where possible. Tuesday and Wednesday, I didn't even try to get out. There was clearly too much ice on the road to make it out safely. Thursday I went, and the roads were icy in places but manageable overall. This morning, I gave it a good college effort.


Knowing that there was snow (I had to brush it off to be able to see through the windshield, I had already walked Renn, etc), I left even earlier than usual. I'm not fearful of driving on snow. There's plenty of traction, and I did it in Connecticut two winters in a row with no problem. I got out of my neighborhood easily (wondering how to drive in snow? Just repeat the mantra, "just keep moving - just keep moving - slowly -slowly - just keep moving." Do that, and you'll make it just fine.) I got to the highway just fine as well. Then I got on the highway and that is where I began to wonder about the wisdom in trying to make it to work.

The highways looked as though no road crews had been out at all during the week, which is just not true. I was driving, thankfully, over packed snow. However, under the snow was a sheet of ice. I know this because I drove home on it the day before. Driving down the highway might as well have been going through a school zone. Larger trucks regularly passed me on the left. That was ok with me, if I drove a heavier vehicle, I might have considered going a little faster too. As it was, my car was already bouncing along rather roughly over the unclean road at 20 miles an hour.

A mid-size truck (somewhere between a moving van and a semi) passed me on the left. For whatever reason, I couldn't see his tail lights. He was just a big dark spot on the left. Then he got ahead of me a little further, and started kicking up all the snow ahead. I couldn't see him, and I couldn't see two feet in front of me due to the artificial gale created in his wake. I kept going at my steady speed and just kept the wheel straight. After about 45 seconds (felt like longer), he got far enough ahead of me that I could see again and the snow/wake died back down.

That's about when I decided I probably shouldn't keep going. The condition of the road just seemed to be getting worse as I drove towards Lewisville to make my way to Plano. Without much other choice, I had to call my partner at work to let him know as well as my boss. I don't like to talk and drive under normal circumstances, but this was a bit harry. My boss sounded frustrated (not at me, but at the weather). Her shift doesn't start until a couple hours after mine, so I had to wake her up to tell her that I wasn't coming in. My partner sounded happy. He has two sons that he was going to be able to entertain at home. Then I called (I was annoyed by all the calling) my new hires and let them know training was postponed.

Finally, I got off the highway and turned around. To my surprise, going the other direction was even worse. It was a bit of a free for all. We had about 25 feet of highway with no discernible lanes, so I just made what seemed like the best path for myself. There were much fewer cars on the road going north than there were going south. I got back home at almost exactly 7am, when my shift starts. Right on time, wrong location.

I thought I'd get on blogspot and post about something other than the weather. Afterall, Facebook is blowing up with winter weather photos, complaints, and comments. But then I thought to myself, "I guess my one-hour round trip this morning is worthy enough for a quick read." Sorry if you're already tired of hearing about snow!

Here's yet another cute picture (he doesn't know any other kind) of Renn in snow. He loves it!

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