Hiking with Vlad... and Starbucks

Carl, Vlad and I headed out this afternoon for a walk near our old diggs - our old house on Oaklawn Drive.  There is a snowshoe trail that people around here also use as a hiking, biking, and running trail near the water purification plant, close to our old house.  People also bring their pups to walk off leash there - kind of an understood situation that you will control your dog and be responsible.  We used to go to "the well fields" at least 2 or 3 times a week with Vlad.  Now that we don't live close to the trail anymore, we hardly ever go. :(  But, today we surprised Vlad, and brought him to his old romping grounds.

Before we headed out, I had a tasty snack - a Red Delicious apple with peanutbutter.

I thought that it was warmer outside than it really was today!  The sun was deceiving, and making the living room nice and toasty.  I thought it was around 50 degrees, but it was only 36 degrees!  Brrrr!  I of course suggested that it might be a good idea if we stop at Starbucks for nice, warm coffees before hitting the trail. 

There nothing like walking with a little java. :D  Vlad didn't really care about coffee, he just wanted to run and play.

I think Carl's coffee was too hot for him...

Time to hike!

We hiked for about 40 minutes.  Vlad had a great time sniffing, digging, walking in mud, eating (what I don't know, and I don't want to know).  Carl and I chatted, and caught up with each other - it's been a busy couple of weeks for us. 

We had a great hike!  Vlad was so happy. :)

Dinnertime!

When we got back home, it was dinner time.  I decided to grill tonight.  I love grilling!  There's no pots and pans to clean up AND it's a healthy way to cook.  Two pluses!  You can't beat that!

Tonight's menu was grilled boneless chicken breasts, brown rice w/ soy sauce, and roasted veggies.

This is how I grilled the chicken:
- prepped the chicken breasts and put them in a glass pan for a quick marinade
- poured a 1/2 cup of white wine I had on hand over the chicken, AND about 3 TBSPs extra virgin olive oil
- seasoned with garlic, onion powder, Mrs. Dash Table Blend (my fav Mrs. Dash), and black pepper
- let marinade for about 10 minutes
- turned the grill on low, and placed the chicken on the barbie
- cooked each side of the chicken about 5 minutes

YUM!!!!

Here's the whole dinner:  chicken, rice and veggies.

Carl and I really enjoyed dinner.  It was nice to have something healthy, and so good!  Now, it's time to get to some serious reading.  I got two new magazines in the mail today - Health and Minneapolis St. Paul!  I'm drowning in mags, and I really need to delve in and take care of some reading.  Wish me luck!