Ode to Austin Grill

I've been going to this restaurant since I moved here in 1992 and have been trying to perfect its salsa recipe since then. By 1996, I think I finally did it, so here's the recipe:

Beth's "Austin Grill - like" Salsa

2 cans of whole tomatoes
1 bunch of fresh cilantro
juice from 1 lime
one shallot
1 clove of garlic
1 jalapeno (large or small - depending on how hot you like it)
Stick everything in a food processor and blend together. Add salt to taste.

Enjoy!!!

I'm Just that OCD

I've been dreaming of the day when I have everything organized and all I have to do is click a button and all my digital photos are available online. Well, that day has finally arrived! Click on the link http://picasaweb.google.com/chrisbethKateCutler/ to see what's been going on.

Next project - recipe organization!

If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.

This weekend was spent at Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, where Chris grew up. He took me here when we were first dating to see Gilbert & Sullivan's "Iolanthe" in the outdoor theater. The place is so beautiful - it's almost like walking into a dream from which you don't want to wake. Check out the website at http://www.longwoodgardens.org.

The Next Anna Pavlova...Or Not...

Saturday marked another milestone in Kate's life - her first ballet recital! I honestly didn't think that she would pull it off - the dress rehearsal was less than stellar. I talked it up all week with her - "aren't you so excited? You'll get to dance with your friends on the stage! If you're a good girl, we'll go for ice cream afterwards," etc. Yesterday, it was 100 degrees here, and Kate had to wear a brown, velvet leotard with a brown tutu and thick pink tights. The elements were all there for a massive tantrum and I braced myself. I made Chris sit out in the audience, because if he were sitting with Kate, me and the rest of the students, she would've never gone on stage. Things got even more tense when Kate kept saying (loudly) backstage "Turn the lights on!" and proceeded to collapse on the floor before she and her group went on. Fortunately, Miss Sarah (her teacher), picked Kate up and held her during the first 2 minutes of the routine, then set her down on the floor where she started to spin. And spin. And spin. Jump. And spin. Bow.

I can see how this was nerve-wracking for my mother when Allyson & I were growing up and had to go through so many recitals (piano and dance). Hopefully, this won't be the last one......but I certainly can wait for the next.