Day 31 - January 31, 2010

What a great way to start the last day of January! We woke up this morning to the delicious smell of cinnamon buns - something my mom made for us when we were kids on the weekends growing up. I always used to offer to frost them, so I could be sure to put extra frosting on the rolls I wanted. I didn't offer to frost them today, but I sure did make a big fuss about using them to take my picture of the day before anyone could eat one. Being as though this was a long time tradition growing up, and brought back childhood memories of a far simpler time, they just had to be the photo of the day!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 30 - January 30, 2010

Conditions at Jiminy Peak today were awesome! Great packed powder with a little bit of loose powder on top. It was a great day for snowboarding, except that it was SUPER cold! The neat thing about Jiminy Peak is that 33% of the resort's power comes from the windmill you see here behind Eric. The thing is super huge in person, and it's amazing that something so clean and natural can create so much power. I don't know why more people don't use green power like wind or solar. I would love to get a little wind turbine for our house! More snowboarding tomorrow - can't wait!!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 29 - January 29, 2010

Well we're up in the Berkshires at Jiminy Peak, and we were greeted by the brightest moon of the year so far! It's viewable everywhere obviously, but it's just so beautiful and big tonight! I used my zoom lens to take this shot - and it's not quite the sharpest, because I didn't lug my tripod up, but I used the railing on our condo to steady it enough to make it as sharp as possible. It's the first time I've been able to really get an image of the moon like this, so it's super exciting! Tomorrow, we hit the slopes and enjoy all the Berkshires have to offer!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 28 - January 28, 2010

I am so glad that it's snowing today! This whole rainy day warm winter thing just doesn't sit right with me. I know a lot of people mumble and grumble about snow, but we live in New England, and I expect to have my snowy winters and unbearably muggy summers! Watching snow fall outside has to be one of the most relaxing and peaceful things a person could ever experience. Put on some snuggly pajamas and toasty slippers and enjoy your hot cocoa, because it's snowing outside! It would be better if it was on a weekend, but alas, I can't be too picky! Heading to Jiminy Peak for the week, so I'll be updating from there so long as the internet agrees with me!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 27 - January 27, 2010

Every so often, when the clouds and the sky and the timing is just right, when the sun sets, my neighbor's birch trees look like they are on fire. Today happened to be one of those days! I was inside getting a few things done, and I glance out and see this! It's just need to see these normally white bare trees just light up in an orangey glow. It only lasts for maybe 5 to 10 minutes max, so I hustled to get my camera and snap this shot before it went away. They've since gone back to plain ol' boring white...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 26 - January 26, 2010

Yummy, yummy! It's always a treat when Mom makes her Eclair Cake! I've already asked her to make some for me for Superbowl (so all of you who are attending Superbowl at our place, you have this yummy goodness to look forward to!). It's a very simple cake really - you layer graham crackers (reduced fat) and in between you put a mixture of vanilla pudding and cool whip (all low fat or sugar free). You then put a layer of chocolate on top, made with baking cocoa and some sugar. You chill it until it sets, and then serve!! Oh gosh it's sooo amazing I just HAD to make it the picture of the day when I found out Mom had made some! Aren't you JEALOUS? ;-)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 25 - January 25, 2010

Rain rain go away! It's January, there should be snow outside, not rain! I don't want to get to Jiminy Peak on Friday and have everything be iced over! That would just stink. Turn this all into snow! White, fluffy, snow! It was sad to look outside my window this morning and see this - though my eyes are less blurry than my camera makes this picture look! It's amazing to me that the Mid Atlantic states have gotten far more snow than us New Englanders...something has GOT to be wrong with our atmosphere and our climate. I hope this isn't the wave of the future - warm winters without snow. What a sad outlook that would be...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 24 - January 24, 2010

Today we took Daisy Doo to the Wethersfield Dog Park because it was a bit warmer and she hadn't been in a while. But while Daisy was off sniffing around and playing with other dogs, it seems that some of the dogs took a liking to Ang. Ang was sitting on the bench when this cute little pupster came over to hang out - and he just wanted some lovin' and some pets! It was super cute! It's always fun to go to the dog park and see all the other dogs - dogs are definitely theraputic! Anyways, after about 25 minutes we left, because we had some errands to run before heading back for football - I hope the Vikings don't win today...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 23 - January 23, 2010

There is something relaxing about lighting your favorite candle and just letting the scent calm and sooth you. My personal favorites are the spicy and woodsy ones. This particular candle is like a vanilla creme brulee and it just smells amazing! It makes my kitchen smell like I've been busy making some big elaborate dessert or something (but I really wasn't - I do like to cook, but desserts aren't my thing). I have two candles I've been using as of late - this creme brulee one, and another one called Farmer's Market - which smells like everything autumn all wrapped up into one apple cinnamony scent! Yummo! Perhaps I'll go light that one now...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 22 - January 22, 2010

There's nothing like spending a Friday night with some great friends at Bowl-O-Rama on the Berlin Turnpike for some bowling and karaoke! After going to the Wolfpack game, that's exactly what we did. Joanne (my super bargain bowling ball that I got at a tag sale for $2) is ready to knock some pins down here - the holes are a little small for my fingers, but hey, for $2 including the bag, I can't really complain. After one game, Carolyn and I went to see what she could win out of the claw machine. Last time, she was able to get something like 12 giant beanie babies. We were not as successful this time - just one Webkinz. Oh well. At least Joanne had a blast (and a couple of strikes too!)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 21 - January 21, 2010

So over the last few months, Eric has been on a coffee kick. But not just ANY coffee kick - he loves freshly ground high quality coffee that is prepared french pressed! Whoa! Now many people out their love their coffee, and I personally am a huge fan of iced coffee, but if you've never had good french press coffee - you don't know what you're missing! Delicious nutty coffee goodness that is strong but flavorful. I love having it every once in a while, even though Eric chides me for using cream and splenda in it. I guess I'm not as hardcore as he is! Anyways, next time you go to Starbucks, get some french press and see what you think! Oh, and by the way - for all you folks reading out there...don't be shy! Leave a comment every so often! I love hearing from you :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 20 - January 20, 2010

I was on my way to pick up Eric and Justin from work to head to Manchester to see Avatar (which, by the way, was an amazing movie!) when I decided to just open the shutter on my camera for a bit on the Turnpike to see what would happen. At night, if you've never been on the Berlin Turnpike, it's just a hodgepodge of different lights and places, and the colors can be pretty amazing! I like this one because it looks more like a modern art painting than a photograph. I'm not big into experimental photography, but perhaps I'll give it a whirl every now and then to bring some more unique photographs to the blog :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 19 - January 19, 2010

I love to cook! My friends know that I host tailgating on football Sundays not only because I love watching football, but because I love cooking food for everyone. Sure, that means preparing every weekend for it, trying new recipes and frequently making things that I don't even eat (the crummy side of being a picky eater), but it's so enjoyable for me! Eric probably doesn't mind either too much, as he gets to benefit from my enjoyment of cooking quite frequently! Anyways, of all my kitchen equipment, these two gadgets are by far my favorite. My salt and pepper grinders are not only handy in the kitchen, I think they make a great subject for a still life photo! Talk about a multipurpose kitchen gadget ;) Alton Brown would be proud...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 18 - January 18, 2010

Today was our last day in VT - and after about 6 inches of fresh powder, we had a great snowboarding day. I didn't have my snowboarding backpack, so no D90 on the slopes. When we left after lunch, we HAD to stop at the Vermont Country Store, even if it wasn't quite on the way home. It was a couple of miles off the highway, but that place is so amazing! They always have free samples, and today I tried some Maple Smoked Cheddar (which we bought), some Maple Smoked Bacon (holy hell that was tasty! Bought some of that too!) and some Pepperoni - very good, but we didn't buy that. If you've never been, if you're ever in Vermont, definitely do go stop by! They also have this cute little bridge - the Kissing Bridge. We didn't stop, since we needed to get back, but I snapped a shot anyways. I love VT!!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 17 - January 17, 2010

So today, conditions on our first day snowboarding prevented me from bringing my camera up on the mountain, however tonight, we went up to Woodstock for dinner, and it is such a cute town! It was a half hour of twisty turny driving away, but we had a good time! Mom, Dad, Denny and Brandon had to head back to CT after dinner, because they have work and what not, but Ang, Eric and I are staying one more night. Tonight it's supposed to snow a bit - maybe 4-6 inches...so a little bit of fresh powder to snowboard on tomorrow before heading home!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 16 - January 16, 2010

First day in Ascutney, and unfortunately, internet is hard to come by. I apologize readers, but I will do my best to get pictures up every day, but if I can't, I will as soon as possible! Anyways, tonight we went for a walk around the resort, and the sun had set as we returned to our condo, and the light through the trees was just so beautiful. My dad thought it would be a good idea to be in the picture, but I nixed that idea, at least for the one I was gonna post on here! Tomorrow, we'll be hitting the slopes and I am very very excited!

Until Tomorrow (I hope!)

Athina

Day 15 - January 15, 2010

Ahh snowboarding! How I missed thee! Tomorrow we head up to Ascutney for our first trip of the season, and our first snowboarding of the season as well! It should be fun - we're staying right at the mountain in a 3 bedroom condo. I just pulled out the snowboard from storage and I have to get all my gear together tonight before we head out tomorrow. I wish I had learned to snowboard earlier in life, instead of at 22, though I guess better late than never! There is something so exhilarating about getting to the top of the mountain on a crisp clear winter's day and having fresh powder awaiting you. I guess everyone has their own thing, and snowboarding is definitely mine!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 14 - January 14, 2010

If there is anyone in the world right now that needs a guardian angel, it's the people of Haiti. I have read devastating reports of the loss of life in an event that lasted mere minutes. Anywhere from 50,000 to 500,000 are estimated to be dead. So many people lost family members, friends, colleagues in such a short amount of time. Those that remain are homeless, without food and water, and injured. There are ways to help, and every little bit matters. American Red Cross is making it easy to make a donation. Text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to help. You can also text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to help the earthquake victims. Whatever you do, keep these people in your thoughts - and donate if you can.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 13 - January 13, 2010

Mac (left) and Cheese (right) are two of the three bunnies we have. Pickles (the third) doesn't get along so much with Cheese, so letting them all out at once turns into a giant disaster. Once, we made that mistake, and Pickles and Cheese were tangled up in a fight with fur flying everywhere! We love our little boogers, even though they've chewed through multiple walls, many wires, and some of our furniture. Sure, it can be annoying, but how can you not love these cute little faces? July of 2010 will mark their 6th birthday (Mac and Cheese are litter mates) and we've had them for all but 8 weeks of their lives. They can be hard to photograph, but with a few treats and some coaxing, they become pros!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 12 - January 12, 2010

Ang has been staying with Eric and I for the week as a sort of mini vacation for both my parents and Ang. Today, we went to Starbucks to meet with Heather after school and just relax a bit with some coffee goodness. Since Ang is with me this week, I figured it would only be fitting for her to be one of my "Photos of the Day" so here she is, enjoying her Caramel Frapuccino. I have no idea how to spell that, and spellcheck doesn't either, so that will have to do. All you Starbucks aficionados can correct me if need be!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 11 - January 11, 2010

So I get back from the gym, grab my camera, snap a few shots of things that I think would be a good "Photo of the Day" for today's post. It takes me maybe, about 10 minutes or so. I come inside, and before I sit down, I grab a string cheese from the fridge as a mid afternoon snack before uploading to see what I've got. Well no sooner than I open the fridge, does Daisy amble out from our bedroom to see what's going on. She knows that there is food involved for sure...she always seems to appear when the refrigerator door is opened! Anyways, I sit down to eat my cheese, and this is the face I have to look at. How can I NOT cave and give her some? Darn she's just too cute! Anyways, the last three posts were about Daisy, I know...but we spend a lot of time together, and she's just the cutest thing ever!

Until Tomorrow (when I think I might hit up Mount Southington, so you'll definitely get a non-Daisy picture),

Athina

Day 10 - January 10, 2010

Today we decided to take Daisy Doo out to the schoolyard to let her run around for a bit. Eric and I brought the "ChuckIt" which is this gadgety thing that allows you to throw a ball really really far. So we get to the schoolyard and Daisy is super excited and starts prancing about, and Eric throws the ball and Daisy decides to go sniff something instead. This happens a few times, where Daisy is totally uninterested in the tennis ball (as you can see in the picture). Eventually though, she got into it and had a blast. I think a my nose snapped off in the cold, but other than that, it was a fun morning! Football time...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 9 - January 9, 2010

Eric, Daisy, Heather and I went over my sister's house today to help paint the walls (which is never a fun task). Music blaring, paint flying everywhere - we all had a pretty good time (and did our best to not hit the ceiling with the roller for fear of Dad telling us that we're useless!) Anyways, Daisy, as seen in the above picture - was also working very hard as well, at being cute! It took her a little while to get used to all the tools and sounds and such, but once she calmed down, she got comfy! And she survived without getting to much paint on her (I think just one little blue patch on her side). I'm sure if Daisy had opposable thumbs though, she definitely would have helped paint...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 8 - January 8, 2010

Ahhh...water. The beverage I love to hate. Yet it's the one I need to drink 64oz of every day to keep me healthy and hydrated. I actually accomplished this feat yesterday, so I'm looking to make it two days in a row today! Had 32 oz at the gym, and some at lunch. I will probably take some with me while running errands...I just hope they all have bathrooms available! Anyways, I hope that 2010 is the year that H2O and I become good buddies - I'm gonna need it! Wasn't this an exciting and entertaining subject? Heh...

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 7 - January 7, 2010

Every year for the holidays, Eric received one caroler from his grandmother. And later, when I became part of his family, I too started receiving a caroler as a Christmas gift each year from Muddy. We both continued to receive one until her death in 2008. It has been a while since we even decorated for Christmas, but this year we did, and the carolers were set up in our living room. I was amazed at how many we had! Knowing that Christmas held some sad memories over the past few years (The lost of my grandfather in December of 2004, the loss of Muddy in January of 2008 and the loss of Staley in December of 2008) the fact that we actually put up or holiday decorations this year helped make it a little less painful. I know they are all here with us even though we can't see them. I hope as I come to the holiday season each year that the pain of loss fades, and the wonderful memories they left behind fill me with hope and joy, so Christmas can be wonderful and happy again :) Soon, we'll have to box everything up, but I am looking forward to putting them out again in December.

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 6 - January 6, 2010

What a beautiful winter day! The clouds are just wisps in a bright blue sky, the sun is sparkling off of the snow - this is why winter is my favorite season! This and the fact that I can go snowboarding :) I haven't been yet this year, but next weekend we're going to Ascutney, and in a couple of weeks we're going up to the Berkshires for a snowboard trip as well! It's not as exotic as last year's Tahoe trip, but hey, we can't do Tahoe every year! I loved this picture because the sun looks like how I would draw it as a kid - with the big long lines indicating the rays of sunlight! I would love to have a big ol' Nor'easter come through here though so we can get some fresh powder and hit up the slopes!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 5 - January 5, 2010

What a most exciting day! I get back from my walk with Daisy (who was on a mission for 45 minutes straight out there!) and once the fail whale goes away, this wonderful news is what greets me in twitter! Ron Turner has been FIRED! This man single handedly ruined our season, and I've been calling for his head since the beginning. I am so finally glad that he is gone! Once I'm done posting this, I am going to do a happy jig to celebrate a new era in Chicago Bears Football! Yippie!!! Goodbye and Good Riddance Ron Turner!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 4 - January 4, 2010

Hooray for New Years Resolutions! Started the day with a yummy and healthy bowl of Cheerios (though if I recall, these are store brand, and not the official ones) and some milk. I actually eat my cereal the way my grandfather used to. I keep the milk in a mug and scoop a little bit of cereal at a time into the mug, then eat the cereal out of my mug. It's a great way to keep the cereal from getting all soggy and gross. I also went to the gym today, and lunch consisted of salad and a smoothie. I've got a long way to go, but everyone has to start somewhere! I gotta get ready for the slopes anyways...we'll be at Ascutney in a couple of weeks! Can't wait :)

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 3 - January 3, 2010

So my original idea for today's picture was to get a group shot of my tailgating buddies, but then Cassie and Daisy decided to be cute, and after shooting a few pictures of them, I decided that the two of them in this shot was my favorite. Cassie and Daisy are "sisters" and best friends. They love hanging out together, and whenever Cassie and Daisy are apart (which is often, since Cassie is my in-laws' dog) They both get a little mopey and sad. We like to get them together as often as possible, because quite frequently, hilarity ensues! Cassie is a tease, and loves to find a toy to taunt daisy with, and then Daisy will chase and chase until she gets the toy. Cassie will then find another toy and it all starts all over again! Growing up, I never had a dog, but now I can't imagine my life without one! And to plug a good cause, since we have two cute pups in today's daily picture, please check out www.petfinder.com - give a great dog a great home!

Until Tomorrow,

Athina

Day 2 - January 2, 2010

Two of the most important things in my life are in this picture. I know - we're getting sappy and it's only day two, but Eric and I will have been together 10 years this year so I think that's a bit of a milestone! Daisy Doo is a rather new addition, but she will have been with us for a full year this February, and she is such a wonderful doggie. Sometimes (myself included) we take people in our lives for granted, and we just assume that they will always be with us. Don't take people for granted - let them know that they are important to you and thank them for all they do. So Eric and Daisy, when you see this, THANK YOU! (Eric, be sure to read it TO Daisy...she can't read it herself obviously) You guys make my everyday life interesting and great, no matter what :)

Until tomorrow,

Athina

Day 1 - January 1, 2010

Happy New Year! I always plan on enjoying a cozy and lazy New Years day at home, and what better way to ring in the New Year than sitting by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. But not just any ol' powdered hot cocoa - I saved my $25 bag of Swiss hot cocoa (which I bought myself while in Switzerland) for special occasions, such as New Years Day! So here we have my beverage of choice on this wonderful chilly but bright day. I'm still in pajamas (my Chicago Bears ones, of course) and I'm sitting by the fire enjoying this cup of delicious chocolaty goodness. Life is good so far in 2010!

See y'all tomorrow!

Athina