The Grlz Are Heading North!

Pigeon Lake--Heaven

Chimichurri Sauce

First of all, I want to give full credit for this sauce to my sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Lou Santangelo.  They introduced it to me when I was a teen-ager, and they had just returned from a Peace Corps stint in Peru.  (I was introduced to chimichurri Sauce when I was 45 years old and enjoying a chimichurri pizza in the packing shed at the farm.  Thanks Lynne and Lou!)  The first time I had it, it was served with grilled beef heart (that now makes me gag)  (Grilled beef heart has always made me gag.).  Now I like it on any grilled meat/poultry/fish. Dip some good bread into it.  Heaven!

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup onions
1/4 cup parsley (ramp it up to a 1/2 cup) (I ramp it up to just under a cup.)
1 t dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic (this is significantly more than the original) (I put in 8 cloves of garlic.)

Buzz in a processor or blender or a Magic Bullet.  Throw in the frig and use on everything. 

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So Eydie and I are taking a batch of chimichirri "Up North."  Early tomorrow morning we are headed for our annual (this is the second) "Prairie Grlz Week-End at the Cabin."  The cabin is provided to us by sister-friends, Mary and Mari.  Thank you!  It is a seven hour (with potty breaks) or ten (with shopping breaks) trip to the Northwoods of Wisconsin--and you do need to capitalize.  This is God's Country.

There are no photos to share of last year's trip.  We both agreed that what went on in Barnes, Wisconsin in 2012  stayed in Barnes.  Just as well. We looked like hell.  We did create 14 collages, and then we were just making them for friends and family.  Now we are aiming for a wider audience.  Last year, too, we were still licking wounds from marriages gone south.  We were a whimpering couple of messes.  We are a much improved duo in 2013.     

And what will we do for 60 hours?  Well, I can tell you a few things we won't do.  We won't set alarms, wear make-up/deodorant, cook meals, try to reason with three-year-olds, dictate curfews, monitor snacks, ferry beings to swimming lessons, try to reason with sixteen-year-olds, and make our beds.  We will not sort any tomatoes.

We will go to some antique shops in Hixton, Wisconsin looking for those perfect chairs for collage.  We will stop in Prairie Sherry's home for 24 years, Rice Lake, and head to Bargain Bill's--the best place ever for craft supplies.  (Bargain Bill's!!!  Bargain Bill's!!!  I am already panting in excitement!)   I would give you the website, but evidently it is "compromised", and my anti-virus software won't let me link it.  Just drive into Rice Lake and ask anyone on the street.  They will direct you.  You can also get really cheap (inexpensive) toothpaste and duct tape there as well.  Worth the drive.

In addition, we will try to get this dang Etsy shop up and running. We will collage a bit.  We will drink a few mojitos (Yummers).

 We will do a lot of laughing.  (I will not be laughing at any of Sharon's inappropriate tomato photos.)  This is our last swan song before school starts, and when we return, we will not only have to get our children established in their respective classrooms/colleges, but we will also have to get our own classrooms ready for the incoming hordes.

By the way, if you bump into a teacher during the next few weeks, please don't say to them, "It must be nice having the whole summer off."  You may get a very stiff smile.  Teachers are paid for nine months of work.  I haven't seen a paycheck since I left school in mid June.  My next will be in mid September.  Like many other teachers, I have worked that second job all through the summer just so I can pay the mortgage.  It is hard to find those second jobs, and for many of us, it is for minimum wage.  I have enough years in college for a doctorate.  I am not too proud to work hard and long hours to keep the family boat afloat.  The question I hate most is, "When does school start again?" This questions especially reeks if it is asked in July.    

Hmmmmmmmm...I feel a sermon coming on.. . (Uh.  Sharon?  Uh.  Excuse me.  I think you already gave the sermon.) time to go and pack...

Prairie Sherry & Prairie Eydie