It's been a very long time since I wrote anything. I had a spectacular visit to Illinois. It was filled with family, friends, and fun. It also made me aware that South Dakota is officially my home now. It was great to see everyone and go to some of my favorite places, but I missed Rapid City.

My job is awesome. I'm really loving working at Someones In The Kitchen. The people I work with have really made me feel at home. Having this job has gone a very long way to making Rapid City livable.

The weather here has been beautiful. I've fallen in love with Fall in South Dakota. I've been doing a lot of baking now that the weather has become crisp. I've also been decorating for Halloween! We've decided not to throw a big Halloween party, but we are making some fantastic costumes. I'm going as Medusa and Carl is going as the Minotaur. It should be really cool, if we can get everything done.

The Life and Times of Ash

I'm finally beginning to feel at home here. Its about time, considering I've been here for 9 months. I have a job that I adore, working with people whom I adore. Carl and I are getting along swimmingly and are working very hard to continue doing so. I have a wonderful tea shop to hang out in as well as a fantastic bar to frequent. I'm currently at Bully Blends (the tea shop) enjoying a cuppa Hermes Orange Green tea with soymilk and a tasty whole wheat, bran, and raisin muffin. Vino 100 and the Tinderbox expanded their bar, so I now have a quite thinking bar I can spend time in. Its heavy with the aromas of intoxicating cigar and pipe smoke and they get wines and beers that other bars can't. The only issue is that its pricey because they're paying through the nose to get said wines and beers. I'll support them though, because Rapid City needs these sorts of places....I need these sorts of places.

I really want to begin work on my cookbook. Time is such an issue though. If I have free time, like right now, I feel guilty for not cleaning the house. I'm otherwise busy with work or helping take care of Leo. I find it impossible to concentrate on anything when Leo is around. He's a sweetheart, but a three year old doesn't understand when people are too busy to pay attention to them. If I could afford to hire a housekeeper, then I'd free up a huge amount of time. Unfortunately I'd have to pay them in chapters of my book!

I'll be visiting Illinois in a little less than a month. I fly in the night of Sept 15th. I plan to spend several days visiting with my family. That weekend is the big Chloe and Jack birthday party. Leslie and John just purchased a new house in Naperville, its a lovely Cape Cod style home. I'm excited to see it. I'm borrowing Michelle's car in order to visit CU for a few days. I have grand plans for evenings spent eating and drinking at all the places that I've missed since moving. I'll be flying back to RC on the 23rd. It should be a wonderful trip!

Day 1 of Juicing

This mornings juicing experience was great! My recipe:

1 carrot

1 stalk of celery

1 apple

1 orange

1 pluot

Juice it all together and gulp it down! Now I just have to figure out what to do with all the pulp....

Fruits, Veggies, and Plane tickets

My mom and I got my plane tickets this morning for my trip home next month. I'm so excited! I'm going to spend four days with my family and three days in CU visiting friends. Michelle has been kind enough to offer me the use of her car when I go to CU. That will make the trip so much easier.

I'm trying to eat healthier again. My diet hasn't been the best since I moved here. Too many sweets and fried foods. I'm doing a juice fast this weekend, in hopes of shocking my body back into health. I'll post the juice recipes I'm using as I make them and give feedback on what tastes great and what needs help. I also subscribed to VegNews today. I'm hoping it will inspire me.

getting by and traveling along

Today was my third day working at Someone's In The Kitchen. Its wonderful! I already feel at home. This is a very good thing because I'm getting sick. My body hurts in ways that it hasn't for years. Though its slightly scary, at least this time I know what causes it and how to care for myself. I need balance and routine so I can stay healthy.

I'm planning a trip home to Illinois for mid-September. I'm hoping that Carl and Leo can come with me. If they do, its a lot cheaper for us to drive than it is to fly. If they don't, it only cost's $80 more to fly than it does for me to drive. I plan on spending a chunk of the trip at my sister's new house up north for Chloe and Jack's birthdays. Then I'll visit CU for a day or two before heading back here. As much as I wish I could tack on a few days down south at my folk's house, that would add an extra 12 hours of driving. I don't think I can fit it all into a week.

I need to spend the rest of today cleaning our house. It looks like a bomb went off in here. I just haven't had the time or the energy to clean this past week. I've either been too busy or too sick. I wish I could afford to hire a friend to clean our house, but its just not in the budget.

Yippy Skippy

Yay! Betsy from Someone's In The Kitchen called and offered me the job I wanted today! To start out I'll be working Part-time running the coffee bar and helping customers on the floor, but she'd like me to take over some of the receiving in a month or so. This means I get to give notice at Seattle's Best tonight. I'm going to offer to stay on Part-time until I go Full-time at the other job. As much as I dislike the people I work with there, I do like my boss and I don't want to let her down when I know she needs my help. Plus, we just had a conversation about assholes who no-show, no-call the other day. I don't want to leave them in a bind, but I don't want to work there either. I start at SITK on Thursday morning, can't wait!

The call couldn't have come on a better day, I was very depressed this morning. I cried myself to sleep on the couch, because I was so lonely today. I often feel out of place in this town. I come from the land of liberals. I find myself sensoring what I say and what I tell people about myself here, far more than I did in Illinois. It makes me sad. Everyone I've met at SITK have made me feel like I'm at home. I'm hoping that continues as I work there.

Well work went mush smoother last night. Last night's shift supervisor overcompensates for the fact that no one else cleans. Which would be fine if she tried to communicate with the other employees about what needs to be done and why, but instead she just jumps everyone's ass and complains. I did get to come home early last night, but cutting me early doesn't help me learn how to close the store. I'm excited about my interview this afternoon, I have wishful thinking that Someone's In The Kitchen will be my new Art Mart.

Which would go a long way to make me feel far more comfy here in RC. I'm in the process of formulating a plan for how to make this place my home. I realized the other day that being out of my routine is a huge part of my being homesick. I'm the only one who can change that. I need to do the things that helped enrich my life and root me in CU. I've begun to look at the things I did when I was living in my studio and trying to figure out how to balance my relationship, and my new role as a "step-mom", while doing those things as well. I'm working towards happiness!

This is a bad sign.....its only my third day of this job and I already don't want to go to work.....Its not Barista work when all you have to do is push a button to make a shot of espresso....there is no skill involved, which sucks all the fun out of the job. Plus....I'm not fond of many of the other employees. They don't take their job at all serious. Two of them actually argued about who was going to show me how to make something because neither of them wanted to. None of them know the recipes. The shift supervisor last night spent the last hour on her butt watching tv out in the cafe.....

I have an interview tomorrow at a store that is a lot like Art Mart.....I really, really hope they offer it to me.

I started off the day in a wee bit of a funk. I'm feeling better now and hope I can hang on to this up swing. My criminal background check finally came back, so I can start my job tomorrow morning. As far as tonight goes, its just me and Leo. Carl has to work a double today at the bar, so me and little man are on our own.

I spent part of my afternoon sewing cute little clutch bags. I was hoping to make curtains today too, but for some reason my machine wants to eat the curtain fabric. I played with the tension setting, but had no luck. Perhaps another day.

I have a booth at the 4th of July festivities to sale my artwork. I hope it goes well. I'm going to start carving a new block this weekend. This one is the image of a teapot.

Oodles and Art

Oodles to do today. I have an interview at Seattle's Best Coffee this afternoon. I applied for both a Barista position and the manager position. Either would be fine.

I have to get my stuff ready for Hot Summer Nights tonight. I hope I do as well as I did last week. I'm so happy that people seem excited about my artwork. Its a big lift to my self-esteem.

I also need to start getting the house ready for our visitors next week. There's lots of cleaning to be done before my folks arrive. I'm really looking forward to their visit. I miss them.

Rocky J Squirral and Etsy bits....

I'm currently watching Rocky and Bullwinkle....its the episode were Sherman asks Mr. Peebody if they're going to Paris, IL or Paris, France. Leo is napping on the couch. I don't understand why his mom thinks its so hard to get him to nap....all I do is cuddle with him while we watch some cartoons and within 15 minutes he's out.

I applied for yet more jobs today. I'm starting to freak out just a wee bit. Bills are coming due and I'm going to have to pick which get paid on time. I hate doing that, but alas that's life. Hopefully I'll do well at Hot Summer Nights again this week. I went and bought envelopes for the cards that I plan to sale at Sandi's antiques store. I also stopped in to chat with her today. She's a really sweet lady and her husband seems pretty nice too. I've decided to open an Etsy store as soon as I take some pictures of my work. That's on the list of things to do this weekend.

My parents are coming to visit next week. I can't wait to see them! This is the longest I've ever gone without seeing them. Seven months is too long! It'll be nice to wonder about the hills with them. I'm hoping to have more visitors this summer too. If anyone needs a vacation and wants to see a really historical area of the US, come on out!

Wonderous White Bean Dip

While making the base for Vegan Dad's seitan lunch meat, I discovered a wonderful white bean dip hidden within. Here it is:

1 can white beans drained and rinsed

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp Braggs

1 tbsp Paprika

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Fennel Seed

a mix of chopped fresh or dried herbs

Blend it all up in your food processor and enjoy!

Wonderous Wonders!

I'm currently watching Martha Stewart make tasty looking boozy drinks. I love her and her amazing staff of crafty people! I find them very inspiring. I made lots of art yesterday afternoon and managed to sale quite a bit last night at Hot Summer Nights. I have an order for a large Cupcake print in rainbow colors and an order of my cards for a local store!

My interview seemed to go very well yesterday at Black Hills Health and Wellness. I really like all the people I've spoken with there. I feel like it would be a very positive and loving environment to work in.

In other news I'm going to experiment with making a Coconut Cake today. If the recipe is awesome, I'll be sure to post it later today.

Happy Thursdayness!

Today is a fantabulous day! I've been making so much art lately. Carl and I are going to start selling our work at the Hot Summer Nights on Thursdays. He also started his new job today. He decided after much debate to go back to doing kitchen work. He's also planning to start college this fall. I'm so proud of him and so excited to see him relaxed and happy! I have an interview in about 1/2 an hour at Black Hills Health and Wellness to be their new Front Desk person. I really hope I get it. They're very into authentic self work and treating the whole. I want to work with wonderful people who do wonderful things! Carl's mom is coming to town tonight. She'll be here visiting for the weekend. I love spending time with Syndi! She's an awesome lady!

Coffee Cake of My Dreams

The batter for this is more like a dough, but it bakes up moist and amazing!

For Cake

1 cup caster sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup vegan butter

1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

2 cups all-purp flour

2 cups fresh fruit (I love it with Rhubarb)

For Topping

1/4 cup caster sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375. Prepare a 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish. Cream sugars, butter, and apple sauce. Add dissolved cornstarch and vanilla. Fold in flour and fruit and spread into baking dish. Sprinkle on topping and bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

Crazy Crunch Salad

This is a fantastic summer salad that I came up with while fiddling around the kitchen yesterday.

1 bunch radishes sliced

1 bunch spring onions sliced

4 stalks celery sliced

1/2 cup toasted walnuts

2 to 3 tbsp Veganaise

1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/8 tsp dill

salt and pepper to taste

mix all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl and enjoy!

Banana Bread

My tummy is currently very rumbly.....I have the kettle on to make some Bengal Spice Tea...I also have some wonderful banana bread that I made awaiting me. Here is the recipe for my tasty banana bread! Check out www.hillsthrills.com later in the week for another awesome recipe!

I double this to make two loaves, because one is always devoured 30 seconds after it leaves the oven!

8 tbsp Earthbalance at room temp
3/4 cup Florida Crystals
2 tbsp Cornstarch dissolved in 6 tbsp Water
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
3 large ripe mashed Bananas
2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350 and grease bread pan. Cream Earthbalance and Florida Crystals until light and fluffy. Add dissolved Cornstarch and Vanilla. Mix in All-Purpose and Baking Soda. At this point you'll have to start using your hands to add the Whole Wheat Flour. The dough gets pretty thick and its easier to just use your hands. Once the Whole Wheat Flour is well incorporated, mix in your Bananas. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

local food and what not

I discovered a wonderful website this morning. http://dakotalocalfoodnetwork.com/ It has fantastic listings for local farms, the farmer's market (which starts the first Sat. in June), local beekeepers, etc... I'm so excited! Through it I found out that there is a non-profit group here called, The Rapid City Urban Orchard Project, they're working with the park district to plant fruit trees in public spaces. Awesome!

I've also spent a good portion of my morning looking at homes for sale in the area. The big lovely farm house that I wanted isn't really in the country. Pictures can be so deceiving! Turns out its sandwiched between two other houses and is across the street from a huge industrial building. Sad. Today I found a couple of places with lots of land that still fall into the budget. I might drive out and look at them before work this afternoon.

Speaking of work, its been pretty good this week. Even with our DM in the store. I think she finally gets me as a person. We've had some very positive interaction the last two days and I'm feeling far less prickly towards her.

I'm really hoping for lovely weather this weekend. I want to get some plants started. It seems like the first of May is the right time to do that around these parts, although we can still have a freeze before summer arrives.

Sunday was lovely. Carl and I drove all around the hills for nearly 3 hours, just enjoying the scenery. I forgot my camera, but did manage to snap a couple of pics with my phone. We stopped at the Mangy Moose in Hill City for snacky bits. They have wonderful fried mushrooms there. Then we went to a benefit show for our friend Amanda. She had emergency surgery a few months back and now has 20K in medical bills. Some of the local music folks got together to try and help, as she's been very active in the scene for several years. It was nice to go out and meet a few more people, 3 or 4 of which are very interested in coming to the monthly Vegan Potluck.

Monday was spent in a cooking and baking frenzy. It felt good to spend the day making tasty things. The frenzy yielded Lemon Drop Cookies, Asian Sauteed Cabbage, Creamy Chreezy Pasta, Baked Potatoes, and Vanilla Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberries. I also baked a butternut squash that I intend to use for either pasta sauce or soup tonight. Due to the urging of my friend Debbie and Carl's need for me to stop complaining (I've been homesick lately) I had a shopping adventure at Main St. Market on Monday. Its an awesome natural foods store that carries all the bits that I've been having trouble locating. They ordered me large containers of Soy Yogurt, my order will be in on Thursday. So happy! I did spend more than intended while there, but that's because I found Gimme Lean Soy Sausage, Field and Grain Smoked Apple Seitan Sausages, Facon Bacon, and good quality Nutritional Yeast. The last two times I've bought Nutritional Yeast, its either been old or from a poor supplier. This time, I found the good stuff!

I'm going to be writing the Vegan Recipes Section for The Hills Thrills. Its a local online newspapery thing like Smile Politely back in CU. I'm also auditioning for a local dance and movement group at the end of May. The audition is for a piece called Vita, its about growth and change. I'm very intrigued by the concept. I'm hoping to also find the time to get involved with Staging Grounds, the new art collective downtown, in the near future. At some point I need to start my volunteer hours at The Dahl as well. If only they'd get someone hired to take all the extra stuff I've been doing at the bridal shop.

Speaking of David's, the DM is finally doing interviews this week for Bre's position. I really hope they make a decision by Friday so we can get the person trained over the next 2 weeks. I'm at my wits end as far as balancing the two jobs. The wee bit extra I make for doing so, just isn't worth the effort. They're paying me $1.05 more an hour to do what they'd pay another person $11.50 an hour to do. Which means I'm doing $23.00 worth of job and only getting paid for half of it. Explain to me how this is fair?

That's enough bitching about work. This was supposed to be a happy post. The end is in sight, I just have to have some patience. Something we all know I have very little of. Soon enough I'll be able to focus a bit more on the life I moved here to live and get some balance back into my day to day life. I think May might be the month that brings that routine into focus.

The birthday weekend turned out to be fantastic. We had a wonderful meal at Delmonico's and then went out with some friends. I did slip and fall late in the evening and bruise my forearms and butt. I'm okay though, just a little sore. Sunday night we wrapped up the celebration by hosting the monthly vegan potluck. It was fantastic and included chocolate cake with mocha and walnut frosting. In other news, I have had a nasty cold the last 3 days. Its almost gone though and I should be feeling top notch again very soon. I'm in love with an old farm house in Hermosa, SD. It qualifies for the Rural Development Loan program, which I need to find out more about. I'm fairly sure that our income qualifies us for the program as well. I want to live in this beautiful house with its lovely wrap around porch and hear my bees buzzing the apple and plum trees that are on the land. That would be perfect! Here is the craigslist ad for my dream house http://rapidcity.craigslist.org/reb/1701238893.html Well, its time to do some dishes and finish getting ready for work. Love!