Boats & Bites

With a working teenager in the house and a hubby on third shift, family outings can be a bit of a scheduling headache.  We end up making the most of moments that we find in each week, between the comings and goings.

But at some point this weekend, once realizing the beautiful weather forecast for Sunday, we decided to make an impromptu trip to Kentucky Lake.  It's one of Noah's only for sure days off, as the restaurant is closed.  And while Tim normally goes in on Sunday night, he was able to shift some things around.  It was a good thing since we didn't roll in last night until almost 10 pm!

Oh, what a beautiful day it was!

I'm always at peace on the water but Kentucky Lake is one of my favorite destinations.  It's about as close to a beachy/ocean feel as this bluegrass girl can get to without a full day's drive.

We spent Saturday getting everything prepped so that we could head out quickly Sunday morning.  Of course, we didn't get out the door quite as early as we'd like, due to our not-a-morning person teen we love.  Since he was our driver, we needed to ensure he was fully awake!

It was his first time pulling the boat such a distance and he did amazing.  Although we made a little game of counting the road kill along our trip, I was silently praying all wildlife stay clear of the interstate.  But enough about all that....let's get back to the lake.

My hubby would say would there are no bad days on the boat but I'm a little high maintenance.  (Don't tell him I just admitted that!)  I want sunshine...but not too much, so I don't sweat.  I want clear-ish water and snake-free zones, so I don't hyperventilate.  Beautiful views are a bonus.  And a nice cool breeze doesn't hurt.

I'm happy to report we achieved all of these yesterday.  The water was sparkling, as the sun stretched its way across the lake.  Just as we'd begin to get a little heated, God would send us a cooling draft of air.  My views weren't obstructed, so I could scan for slithery things and take in the sailboats.  We floated and fished, being rocked by waves.  Our Sunday even included having "church" on the boat, as ours offers a podcast so we listened from our phone.

The only problem was the fish weren't really biting.  Despite the terrific fishing forecast, they more nibbled than bit.  Tim won our regular bet of "who catches one first" with the first and only good catch of the day.  I had the best fight but it was a trash and toss fish.  And poor Noah had zero luck.  Of course, it didn't help that part of his time was spent snoozing and the other on his phone!


More than anything, we just shared a wonderful day together.  Lots of laughs.  Great moods. Good tunes. Yummy food.  In fact, our food was the best "bite" of the day!


We picnicked under the bridge for shade.  Well, really we grazed all day.  I've become pretty good at packing a boater's lunch with a few year's practice now.  What I've learned is that nobody wants a big heavy meal all at once.  Instead, I pack cheese and crackers, fruits and veggies, and meats to snack on throughout our day.  Even with that simple selection, Noah invented a new culinary masterpiece - cheese Pringle, square of cheddar and pepperoni.  That boy...

By late afternoon, once my hubby realized the fish just weren't going to participate, we opted to hop over to Patti's for dinner.  Noah didn't remember the restaurant at first, as it is a splurge and one we don't get to do often.  After perusing the menu online, he knew what he wanted and was eager to get the boat on dry land and food in his belly.

After the sampler platter, two flower pots of bread and strawberry butter, salads, so much dinner we all needed doggy bags and a massive ice cream dessert, I remembered why we don't eat out often.  All kidding aside, it was fun watching him enjoy every morsel.  And he was so appreciative he offered to help pay!  We told him to save his money for the fudge and gift shop.

      

We arrived home a little burnt and a lot tired but so thankful for the blessing of a family day.  God is good.  All the time.  But maybe even more so on a sunny, family-filled day at the lake!

What's in Your Bucket?

Hello, my name is Heather...and I'm a food junkie.

Or, as the cool kids say, a Foodie.

Although I know my love language is quality time, if a new category opened up in "food" I'm sure that would be mine.  At least, it's the way I think.  If you're sick or feeling blue, it is just in my nature to head to the kitchen and whip up something for you.  I love gifting food to others.  When trying a new recipe, I smile inside awaiting the reactions from the family or friends.

One of my most favorite gifts ever from Tim has been the mixer he bought me this past year.  And I'm sure we'll spend a long life together.  Well, Tim can stay too.  (wink)

As much as I love cooking and enjoy being in the kitchen, I absolutely adore trying new food experiences. When I travel, it is a rule that we can't eat anywhere we have at home.  It's my preference to not even eat anywhere we've ever been before.  And much of my planning in preparing for a trip is to scope out restaurants or dishes off the beaten path.  Forget the tourist traps, I wanna eat where the locals go.

When I eat around my neck of the woods, I'm known for rarely eating the same thing.  Even though I loved the customers who ordered "the usual," as a waitress, I try to order something new every time.  

The adventuress foodie in me has rubbed off on Noah.  He shares my passion for cooking and trying new things.  He just sometimes regrets what he orders.  And normally I'll trade with him.  Except for the latest mishap he received.

This past weekend we were boot shopping for his welding class and were strapped for time to squeeze a much needed dinner in plus make it across town to another store before they closed.  We opted for a Asian restaurant next to the shoe store.  A quick glance at the menu agreed with my budget and appetite so we were seated.

While Noah will try new things, he sometimes has a hard time choosing quickly.  This particular night Mom had to step in.

"Do you want sushi, Chinese, or Hibachi?"  (they offered all three)

"Chinese, I guess," he says.

After a few glances... "Ok, Noah, how about this, that, or this?"

He found something called Shrimp with Lobster sauce, which sounded decadent, but included no information so we asked.  Language barriers kept us from really understanding her answer but Noah decided to go for it.

SEVERAL minutes later, after I'd resigned myself to the fact that we wouldn't make it to other store, his food arrived.  And (gulp) it moved.

It wasn't alive, but it wiggled.  

A slimy, gelatinous mixture of goo was on his plate with a side of rice.  

If you're eating don't read this next line....

Basically it looked like an elephant sneezed out shrimp and crab.  

Yuck.  Ick.  And no thank you.

As adventurous as I am, I couldn't do it.  I give him mad props for even putting any of it in his mouth.  He took a few bites and then when he started playing with it, I moved it to the other table so I could actually finish my food.  

And although this particular story wasn't a yummy win, most of the time our adventures are good.  Part of the fun is just in trying and learning about different cuisines.  I've tried alligator, eel, octopus, turtle and goat, to name a few, fruits I can't remember the name of in Jamaica, and to-die-for risotto and escargot on a cruise.

But there's so much more out there I want to taste.  As such, I have a food bucket list.

Some things I just want to try to say I've done it.  

Pho - a Vietnamese noodle soup, Rocky Mountain Oysters (look it up if you don't know) and Caviar are among the top of my list.  

Other foods I want to try IN the location they're known for.  Call it a Foodie Road Trip.

Among them my tops are authentic Fish & Chips, a beignet from Bourbon street, and a deep, ooey-gooey pizza from Chicago.

So, of course, now I want to know yours.  Give me your top three, whether it be something you've always wanted to try.  Or, places you want to experience.  

My taste buds are waiting.