Pumpkin and Spice

Today was my day off, so, of course, I slept in. When I woke up, it was chilly! It's been "warm" the past few days- in the 50s. Since we have a big glass patio door that makes up almost an entire wall of our room, once the sun's up, it usually warms the room nicely. This morning, even with the sun, it was cool in the room. I looked up the temperature online, and it was 37F out! Now, I realize that isn't so cold to those of you that live in places with real winters, but I've been spoiled by five warm Florida winters, and I was cold! I had to put on a sweatshirt while I poked around the room. I decided to make "toast" for breakfast. I don't have a toaster, so I spread peanut butter on a slice of double fiber bread, and microwaved it for about 15 seconds. I topped it with a sliced banana, and folded it over to make a melty, warm pb&banana sandwich. I was in a tea-kinda mood today, so I had a mug of Stash Double Bergamot Earl Grey tea.

My plan today was to get as much walking in as possible. I had to go to Wal-mart, because I left my off-set spatula in FL, and of course, I needed it at work Wednesday. They're not terribly expensive, so I figured I'd just by a new one. I also needed Sharpies, because for some reason I only brought a silver one. (It's a little known fact that Sharpies are the most in-demand tool in a professional kitchen,) Wal-mart's too far to walk, so to get in some walking, I walked to the Transit Center, which is maybe a mile away, to catch the bus, instead of using the bus stop right in front of our lodge. Oh, and the whole walk was uphill. (Somehow, everything in this town is uphill.) Twenty minutes later (panting and wheezing) I arrived at the Transit Center. There's also construction going on by the Wal-mart, so the closest the bus could drop me off to Wal-Mart was about a block and a half down-hill. A very steep hill. So there was more walking, more panting and more wheezing. Someday I'll get used to the altitude... and my calves and butt should look awesome by April. 

Once I collected what I needed, I took the bus home and ate lunch. (At this point, it was 2:45p!) I decided to do a light lunch, since dinner wasn't too far away. I had a warm, cozy mug of mushroom soup and a handful of tortilla chips.

After lunch, I grabbed my parka and my re-usable shopping bag and walked to the grocery store. (To the store is actually down-hill. However, that means that once you have heavy bags of groceries, you have to walk up-hill to get home!) I was craving a hearty, cold weather meal, like meatloaf... but decided to go with a faux-thanksgiving-style meal. Once I bought all my dinner fixin's as well as food for the next few days, I walked home.

Here's what I had for dinner- roasted chicken tenders and mashed potatoes (from the heat-and-eat food section of the store), steamed brussels sprouts, cranberry jelly (I loooove cranberry jelly from a can!), and a salad.

Of course, for dessert, I had to have pumpkin pie! (With fat-free Cool Whip) It wasn't as good as homemade, but without an oven, this was the best I was gonna get.

Oh! And look what I found at the grocery store! Kyle can attest to my obsession with Bonne Bell LipSmackers. I'm totally crazy for them- I plant tubes around the house so one is always in reach, and I freak out if I leave the house without one. These are Bonne Bell LipLites- they're like LipSmackers for grown-ups! They have a slight hint of color, and the flavors are more "adult"-  sweet sugar, cappuccino and strawberry gelato. I'm so excited about them!