Shrubs of the day

My name is Mike, I am Chelsea's betrothed. This is my first blog post ever. I actually didn't even know what a blog was until a few weeks ago. I guess I'm not really hip with what the kids are doing these days. Anyway, I am not a very creative writer so I will make this short and sweet.

Today's walk through the beaver damn section of the UConn Forest, along the Fenton, yielded three new shrub species. I know virtually every tree native to Connecticut, but very few shrubs. It is winter, so I was forced to use my superb twig-identification abilities that I purchased from the University of Connecticut for a modest $180,000. Here is what I found:

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Habitat: Forest edges, meadows, fields, river banks
Form: Shrub
Leaf arrangement: Opposite
Leaf form: Compound, elliptic, toothed
Fruit: Black fleshy fruit, small berries in clusters
Flowers: Small, white, flat topped clusters
Twigs: Slender, warty lenticels, lenticels very large on older growth
Buds: Very small, overlapping scales, scales "loose"

I had been looking for this shrub for Ed Barreis, a wandmaker in Stafford. He has had multiple requests from the wicken-folk for elderberry wands. Elderberry wood possesses a myriad of magical powers, including the power to enlarge the wielder's penis ten-fold. No wonder it is in such high demand. The berries are also used for wine, syrup, and jam. Do NOT eat the RED berries of RED elderberry. You will die.

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Habitat: Wetlands, floodplains, fields
Form: Shrub or small tree
Leaf arrangement: Opposite
Leaf form: Simple, fine-toothed, elliptic, long pointed
Fruit: Blue-black, fleshy
Flowers: Small white clusters
Twigs: Smooth, slender, resembles maple twigs
Buds: Appear naked, end flower bud is bulbous at bottom, then tapers out

This was a pretty cool little tree sitting on a peninsula jutting out into the Fenton. The tree was rather tall for a shrub, about 15 feet. The mature bark somewhat resembled that of young white-ash, but much darker. The buds appeared to be naked, with the end flower-bud resembling a disturbingly swollen tendril.

Maleberry (Lyonia ligustrina)

Habitat: Forests, wetland margins
Form: Shrub
Leaf arrangement: Alternate
Leaf form: Elliptic, hairy beneath
Fruit: Dry, brown capsules, bell-like
Flowers: Small white bells, blueberry-like
Twigs: Tan, splotchy, zig-zags
Buds: Valvate, pink, sharp, hugs twig

This unimpressive little seedling was spotted hiding along the bank of the Fenton. In the winter, the buds are noticeably pink. How feminine. I am almost offended that this is named "maleberry" and not "femaleberry". This little thing is related to blueberries, although the fruits mature into a dry crumbly capsule instead of a delicious berry.

Farewell fellow travelers. 

Easy Veggie Breakfast Burrito

Sometimes you just really need a burrito - for breakfast! I make this easy burrito recipe if I am feeling especially hungry in the morning. Its packed with protein and delicious vegetables to keep you going until lunchtime. If you find yourself making this recipe a lot, try experimenting with different veggie combos to keep things interesting. This recipe is also makes a great egg scramble without the burrito if you are trying to watch your carbohydrates.

Serves: 1
Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 3 cherry tomatoes, halved 
• 1/3 cup broccoli, chopped 
• 1/8 cup green peppers, chopped 
• 1/8 cup yellow onion, chopped 
• 1 small-medium sized burrito or sandwich wrap 
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese 
• 2 tablespoons salsa (optional) 
• Salt & pepper to taste 
• 
  

Directions:

1. Sauté vegetables in a small frying pan using 1-2 tablespoons olive oil 
2. Sauté for about 4 minutes until just barely browned
3. Meanwhile, scramble (whisk together) 2 eggs in a small bowl
4. Pour egg mixture on top of vegetables 
5. After about 2 minutes, add cheese 
6. Let cook for about 5-6 minutes on medium heat, stirring continuously 
7. Once eggs are cooked through (be sure not to overcook them, or they will turn brown), transfer the egg mixture onto a warmed burrito or wrap
8. Add salsa, hot sauce, ketchup, sour cream, or other toppings
9. Wrap or fold burrito to hold in contents 
10. Enjoy! 

And the date is set!

Photo of our venue, the West Mountain Inn from tripadvisor.com

Today Michael and I finally set our wedding date!! 

We originally thought the wedding was going to be held on October 3rd 2015, but I really wanted my campus pastor Lucas to marry us, and he was not available on that date due to RUF Fall conference. So we went with a week earlier, on Saturday September 26, 2015. This way we can still get married in early fall, and have Lucas marry us. I could seriously not be happier. I finally get to marry my best friend in 594 days! :P

Photo of our venue, The West Mountain Inn, from www.kellykollar.com

Whiskey Review #3 - Eagle Rare

Name: Eagle Rare
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Alcohol Content: 90 Proof

Chelsea's Review
Nose: Strong vanilla, strong pear or related fruit, light maple, light oak
Palate: Strong woody flavor - dry but pleasant, mild fruit or berry undertones, faint almond, nutmeg, light cream
Finish: Dry, woody and fruity. Very smooth!

Overall rating: 8/10
Chelsea's Final Thoughts: Great! I think it is a little dry, but the flavor is very mild and easy to drink. Very smooth.

Michael's Review
Nose: Mild, strong vanilla, mixed berries, light maple, light oak
Palate: Very smooth, oaky, vanilla, pear
Finish: Light maple, smooth 

Overall rating: 8/10
Michael's Final Thoughts: Very smooth, delicious, but not incredibly complex. A little too mild, but still good. I prefer a stronger flavor, but this whiskey is still



PS - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZONDRA!

Snowday Snowshoes

Yesterday afternoon while I was sitting at work I received a text from UConn saying that all classes would be canceled on Wednesday, February 5th. Thank the Lord! It's only February, but I already feel like I need another break from classes. I guess I just have a terrible case of senioritis. (But seriously, is it August yet?) Anyway, Michael and I woke up this morning and decided to go snowshoeing by the Fenton River. The weather was pretty crumby... sleety and slushy... but the Fenton looked beautiful as always. Michael and I even saw a winter wren - a species we had never seen before! The little guy was very talkative as he was flittering in and out of the exposed roots along the river bank. I'll have to be sure to add him to my life list later. 

Snowshoeing is actually a lot more challenging then I thought it was going to be. While Michael had gone snowshoeing in the Adirondacks a few winters before, today was my first time ever strapping the odd pieces of equipment to my feet. After taking my first few steps, I was sold. Snowshoes really do make walking in deep snow a hell of a lot easier then just wearing plain ole' boots. No wonder why they're so popular. 

Today I had one of those moments where I was reminded how blessed I am to have such any amazing guy in my life. While we were walking along my favorite section of the Fenton, Michael stopped and put his face close to mine. He pulled the hoods of our jackets up around our heads so it felt like we were enclosed in our own little space. The snow and sleet kept falling around us, but everything else fell quiet except for the sound of our heavy breathing. Michael looked at me shyly and smiled with those lazy golden eyes I love so much. When he kissed me, I could feel myself start to melt like the snowflakes that kept landing on my nose. It was one of those moments where you think to yourself, God, what did I do to deserve a love like this? I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.

I will say though, snowshoeing is definitely a leg workout. When Michael and I finally got back to his apartment, all I wanted to do was sip some hot chocolate and put my feet up. Overall, it was definitely a successful snow day :)

Easy Creamy White Wine Pasta with Peas

Michael loves pasta. I'm convinced that if he had never met me, he would be eating pasta for dinner (and lunch, and possibly even breakfast) every day of the week. I actually never really ate pasta before Michael and I started dating, but I am now starting to make more Italian food to please my man! This vegetarian recipe is so simple to make - it only took me about fifteen minutes. I was even able to sneak some vegetables into this dish, which is always a plus if your husband generally tends to avoid anything green in color. Plus it makes a ton of food, so Michael will be able to bring the leftovers to work with him for the next few days.

Serves 8,
Unless you invite Michael. In which case, serves about 3-4.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoon olive oil 
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 16 oz bottle dry white cooking wine
• 1/2 cup water 
• 1 lb whole wheat pasta of your choice (I chose spaghetti) 
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas, thawed (DO NOT use sweet peas from a can!)
• 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream 
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan 
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions: 

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot 
2. Add olive oil 
3. Add the garlic, and saute until almost brown
4. Slowly pour the wine and the water into the pot, bringing to a steady boil
5. Add salt 
6. Once the mixture is boiling, add the pasta
7. Stir frequently until "al dente" - about 7 or 8 minutes. Most of the liquid will be absorbed.
8. Once the pasta is cooked thoroughly, add the milk, then the cheese
9. (*DO NOT DRAIN!*) 
10. Stir pasta until creamy 
11.  Pepper to taste, and serve warm

Strawberry Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie

I just tried making this drink for breakfast this morning and I have to say - it is delicious! It is a tad bit sweet though, so I probably would label this as more of a dessert drink than a breakfast smoothie. But nonetheless, here's the recipe anyway:

Ingredients:

• 1 large banana, sliced
• 5-6 whole strawberries 
• 1/4 cup almond milk 
• 1 1/2 cups lemon ginger tea, steeped for 5+ minutes
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional) 
• 1/4 cup old fashioned oats

Blend using a blender or a food processor until well mixed. It's okay if your blender doesn't completely grind up the oats all the way - it gives the smoothie a nice texture! If you would like to make the smoothie vegan, simply add more maple syrup in replace of the honey.

School Days, Future Plans, and Chaga Tea

The spring semester has officially started. I have to admit that I am less than excited. My classes are already proving to be an insane amount of work (Physics & the Environment, Evolutionary Biology, The Short Story, Philosophy & Logic, and Genetics). In fact, this is probably the toughest semester I will ever have during my college career. Seriously, the work never ends!! The good news is that I applied for graduation a few days ago. Its weird to think that I will be graduating in August - almost a year earlier than most of my friends. I am really looking forward to graduating, but the thought of having to find a job by September is also terrifying. While my B.A. in biology will look great when I apply for my MAT (Masters of Arts in Teaching), I'm not really sure what kind of job it will be able to land me prior to applying for grad schools. I guess I'll have to wait and find out!

Luckily, Michael and I already know that we have a cheap place to live in the fall. After I graduate, we will be temporarily moving to New Jersey (I know - hilarious and horrifying at the same time, but we'll make the best of it!). His Dad owns a few apartments in the area, and he is letting us live in one of his lakeside apartments for free while we get settled in together and start saving some money. I am incredibly blessed to have such a generous soon-to-be-father-in-law! Once we have a little bit of money saved, we'll finally be able to start our adventure traveling around the world.

Some Instagrams from this weekend:

 

 

Top Left: Michael sitting across from me at the Middle Ground Cafe in Stafford. The faux plant behind him was a little too close for comfort.  
Top Right: The inside of a black cherry tree Michael started chopping down in order to obtain a large burl.
Bottom Left: My beautiful ring :)
Bottom Right: The first time in an embarrassingly-long time that I actually did my hair

Currently, Michael is trying to make his first batch of chaga tea. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a charcoal looking fungus that grows primarily on birch trees. The chaga mushroom has been used as a folk remedy since the 16th century. Naturalists and homeopathic doctors claim that the antioxidant-rich fungus might have possible anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties. I've been doing a little bit of research online, and there are tons of people who are convinced that drinking 6-8 cups of chaga per day has either helped or completely cured their cancer. I'm not sure I'm totally convinced, but that sounds interesting enough. Michael and I went hiking in the Nipmunk State Forest yesterday in an attempt to try and find some chaga. After about an hour we had a bag full of the stuff. I admit that I'm a little skeptical about trying this tea since Michael just handed me a mug of coffee colored liquid, but it does emit a pleasant woody smell that seems somewhat inviting. Wish me luck!

Oh, and next weekend Michael and I will be traveling back up to Vermont with my Dad to sign the venue contract for the West Mountain Inn! Once we sign the contract, our wedding date will be official! I am seriously so excited. Sometimes I still cannot believe that we are actually getting married in a year and a half.