Easter Feaster

The Easter bunny decided to join Kav and I at breakfast on Sunday.  He was delish :-9

 

The weather was the nicest it has been all year peaking at about 80 degrees!  I am claiming that this marks the start of bike season (for me at least).  So after breakfast, Kavan headed off to study and I headed on my bike down to the Common to enjoy the scenery.  Almost everything was in bloom, the swan boats were paddling around the pond, there was a drum line near the visitor center...  Little girls in white fluffy dresses and little boys in miniature suits pranced around discovering all of the sights and sounds at the Common.   Everyone was in their Easter Best.

I decided to take a different route back home, and oh boy what a ride!  The bike trail curved alongside the Charles River, which today was filled with drifting sail boats and lined with thousands of delicate blossoms.  I stopped several times to take pictures.

Finally, it was time for the Easter Feaster.  I didn't go all out, but it was nice to make a well rounded dinner.  Of course, it wouldn't have been complete without Easter Bunny carrot cake! One of my own, new traditions :)

<3 Liz

My First Marathon Monday!

Every April all of Boston shuts down, not for what is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, but for Patriots' Day commemorating the first battle of Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord.... yeah right.  We all know that the only reason state workers and the majority of people are off of work is to avoid thousands of people drinking on the job.  Luckily I was able to take the day off and save myself some HR troubles.

Kavan also had the day off from school and was able to accompany me to my friends' little get together, conveniently positioned at mile 23 of the race.  Watching the marathon was such a thrilling experience!  All that stood between us and the runners was a little aluminum fence.  Of course a race isn't much of a race without heartbreak and drama.

Kim Smith had an unprecedented lead.  At one point she was almost a full minute in front of the others.  She made it all the way to mile 18 when she injured her calf muscle and was forced to drop out at mile 20.  That wasn't all.....  Desiree Davila almost became the first American woman to win the marathon in 15 years!  She was neck and neck with her Kenyan opponent, and sprinted to the lead a couple of times in the last quarter mile only to lose by seconds at the finish line.  The men's race was also close with the top two runners beating the world record.  Here's a good article if you want to learn more: http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/articles/2011/04/19/early_leader_smith_is_roped_in_by_calf_woes

I managed to get some pretty cool pictures with my sports setting, which acts as if my camera has turrets. 

Desiree Davila in the lead, followed by the winner.

 

The men's world record holder in Marathon running!

There were so many runners! I think in total there were about ~20k.  They were very interactive with the fans.  They high-fived, posed for the camera, gave kisses, and even grabbed food and drink that was hanging too far over the railing.  This video from the Globe really captures the essence of the race.

One marathon convention that I didn't know about was the COSTUMES. Some of the best were the bearded ballerina, burgerman, a high-fiving gorilla (whose hand was really sweaty :P ) aaaand a sultan! I am definitely making Marathon Monday my tradition.

Indulgent Food.... the only way to make it through the Boston Winter

I was going through some pics today trying to pick some for my post, and I can't believe some of the photos I neglected to post.  Before I came to Boston, I had heard horror stories of the winters up here.  I was pleasantly surprised that not only did I not mind the cold (I love you cuddle duds), but I also kinda liked the winter wonderland that engulfed the landscape of the NE.  Nonetheless, I did my fair share of baking to ease the winter chills.  Here's a couple highlights from the past few months:

 

Breakfast: 

Poached eggs with asiago and sopressata over toast 

with a pear arugula salad topped with pecans and goat cheese

Dessert:
Coconut cream pie

Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the carrot cake, cheesy garlic polenta squares with caramelized onions, paella, or andouille sausage pizza, but Summer cooking is just around the corner! =)

First Beach in 2011

It's been over two months since I've posted, which I know is a big no-no for bloggers.  My apologies. Instead of taking on the task of creating the most epic of all blog posts to catch you up, I thought I would just share some photos that I took during the trip to the beach that Kavan and I went on today.

The temperature managed to get up to a whopping 66 degrees today in Boston, perfect weather as far as I'm concerned.  Everyone was out and about -- kids were on the playgrounds, hipsters were on their fixies, men in leather were on their hogs (I especially like that one).  The energy was exhilarating!

Kavan went on a few joy rides along the coast last Fall before I moved to Boston, so when he suggested we go on one today it was a no-brainer.  I was thrilled to leave the city. He had visited a town along the bay called Hull, where he happened upon a place with mouth watering fish tacos over looking the beach.  Hull isn't that far from Boston so it was a great day trip.

The drive to Hull was complicated, but I am happy to report that, for once, we didn't miss a turn! When we arrived at the bay my first reaction was that it looked like the ocean, scattered islands were barely visible on the horizon.  The beach at Hull was busy.  There were dozens of dogs, kids, grandparents, couples, and teenie boppers trying to get the most out of the change in weather.

 

There were a few kites whipping in the wind when we arrived.  My favorite was one of a scuba diver complete with fish.  We ate lunch overlooking the bay, and then romped around the beach a little before heading back to Boston.

(see what I mean about the leather)

Interesting enough, you can even see Boston from the shore.

Last but not least we have the stereotypical picture of a New England lighthouse.  Of course I was super excited! I really don't think I will get used to those ;)

Love it! =)