tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87887782608944022602024-03-06T15:44:49.792+09:00The Harrington TimesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.comBlogger585125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-32576604340480825672016-03-16T04:22:00.001+09:002016-03-16T04:22:39.612+09:00Christmas 2015: The Sturgis Edition<p> Something that Mike and Melissa have always been grateful for, are the numerous opportunities they have to spend holidays with family. Other than the two years they spent in South Korea, the couple has either been affiliated with a school holiday schedule or been their own bosses. Done right, self-employment offers the freedom to celebrate the holidays with both sides of the family without too much hassle or inconvenience.</p><p> </p><p>Following up a grand time celebrating the holidays with the Harrington crew and a quick weekend of slinging beer and pizza at The Burlington Place, Mike and Melissa made their way to Sturgis, South Dakota in order to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with Melissa’s family.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmhgZ4mqEcpsWkunLQSQI6wtVL-YFUgDzhMa0PdjQ0lOZgXmQ5EWJjhceuGzhYpyYrVC-rvJ3L1hz8IlAF8APVLDgiNiTrPsLaEpZOSXhAw9bRMAIvKp0v_sFmJQUOMb3h1O4otl_rCE/s1920/Photo%25252020160315132145525.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmhgZ4mqEcpsWkunLQSQI6wtVL-YFUgDzhMa0PdjQ0lOZgXmQ5EWJjhceuGzhYpyYrVC-rvJ3L1hz8IlAF8APVLDgiNiTrPsLaEpZOSXhAw9bRMAIvKp0v_sFmJQUOMb3h1O4otl_rCE/s500/Photo%25252020160315132145525.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758032.1443" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p>Arriving on a Tuesday afternoon, the Harrington duo took to lounging and enjoying snacks, brews, etc with the Allen parents. Fire crackling, menus being planned, small talk being had; the first night in SoDak was perfectly relaxing. </p><p> </p><p>Upon waking up and slowly getting ready Wednesday morning, the crew made a quick decision to head on into Deadwood and try their hands at a slot tournament. The slots of downtown Deadwood and the Deadwood Lodge were not too eager to pay out for the Harrington’s, but there was just enough winning to keep all participants engaged and entertained for a more than a few hours. After lunch and a few more pulls at the slot machines, the Allen/Harrington crew made their way back into Sturgis. In anticipation for the upcoming day of festivities, Melissa and her father headed to the grocery store and checked off the list of items that would have them enjoying entirely too much junk food and French Dip sandwiches in celebration of the New Year the following day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw7t-lonq390-WOZYJ_n7zLZS07CyLd8jIo8rlJSl5s-STrQP-76XkD1kAyVcroJYMuIIEoDuCWy8ynDQxU3epzW4kzy0IsrZZz5n044eA9MBr4aesf7fwR2trABnexdVXfGUjddtLp8/s2048/Photo%25252020160315132145830.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw7t-lonq390-WOZYJ_n7zLZS07CyLd8jIo8rlJSl5s-STrQP-76XkD1kAyVcroJYMuIIEoDuCWy8ynDQxU3epzW4kzy0IsrZZz5n044eA9MBr4aesf7fwR2trABnexdVXfGUjddtLp8/s500/Photo%25252020160315132145830.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758063.683" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> </p><p>Awaking New Years Eve day, Mike and Melissa were horrified to discover that their heads were stuffy, their muscles achy, and their overall energy levels dangerously low. An entire year of decent health came to a screeching halt as both Harrington’s set out to spend the New Years holiday feeling under the weather. Fortunately, there were no plans to leave the Allen’s cozy home, therefore, it was 100% acceptable for the Harrington duo to remain in their pajamas, drink hot lemon tea and take in some Emergen-C with hopes of feeling semi-decent when additional family arrived ready to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JF5ntkD_D9OUJjJIZ_vmHZ40aLZzISjDyZ6itVO4Y597nqydxHO8Bix5w4EOVmplAJEiP8xGZpEVRDW51-IkDBtKsdEfMBa-umyteNClQi_fj1mMi9G8y7GGI0yLgsyObFNEhGnQxTU/s2046/Photo%25252020160315132146088.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JF5ntkD_D9OUJjJIZ_vmHZ40aLZzISjDyZ6itVO4Y597nqydxHO8Bix5w4EOVmplAJEiP8xGZpEVRDW51-IkDBtKsdEfMBa-umyteNClQi_fj1mMi9G8y7GGI0yLgsyObFNEhGnQxTU/s500/Photo%25252020160315132146088.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758109.7869" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LjSdUjkpKO68CRktEU-HA1NNXnLYz_YcTGYly-OAJ-HI_JbwNt9hZ9akl5vmRbiHoOuEuGSMu4NbG6PBdCNcpbAZYmr29elPWzock85T-zQ2sbMmfLbDeEe5ZobGYvEDaoa3JpyDAUU/s2046/Photo%25252020160315132146307.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LjSdUjkpKO68CRktEU-HA1NNXnLYz_YcTGYly-OAJ-HI_JbwNt9hZ9akl5vmRbiHoOuEuGSMu4NbG6PBdCNcpbAZYmr29elPWzock85T-zQ2sbMmfLbDeEe5ZobGYvEDaoa3JpyDAUU/s500/Photo%25252020160315132146307.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758119.9565" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_VopmGHSs4I/Vuhg8D_bvqI/AAAAAAAAR3s/x87Tb1Z9ISk/s2047/Photo%25252020160315132146771.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_02Uo12oieT93F7xS0cAVUjUJl6y0vUnVQ5ddu_6bSRxyZecMeAIYFsLzS3bU4zs9boSf0LJOMEdZMs5yZXmmUAWieStE90u9RBPTxNw8rgSVuJf2fFNqEQ2u3eOc74jJkxvFt4_KnE/s2046/Photo%25252020160315132146511.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><p>As the evening hour set in and the rest of the celebration crew arrived, M&M were unfortunately still feeling under the weather, but did their best to keep pace with the family; young nieces and nephews included. The afternoon began with the joy of Christmas giving; colorful paper flung far and wide, childhood exclamations of joy and excitement being shouted out and gifts being turned over and admired in the hands of many. Soon, Christmas activities were “out of the way” and the houseful of celebrants set into motion the joys of New Year’s Snacking, imbibing and gallivanting.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_02Uo12oieT93F7xS0cAVUjUJl6y0vUnVQ5ddu_6bSRxyZecMeAIYFsLzS3bU4zs9boSf0LJOMEdZMs5yZXmmUAWieStE90u9RBPTxNw8rgSVuJf2fFNqEQ2u3eOc74jJkxvFt4_KnE/s2046/Photo%25252020160315132146511.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_02Uo12oieT93F7xS0cAVUjUJl6y0vUnVQ5ddu_6bSRxyZecMeAIYFsLzS3bU4zs9boSf0LJOMEdZMs5yZXmmUAWieStE90u9RBPTxNw8rgSVuJf2fFNqEQ2u3eOc74jJkxvFt4_KnE/s500/Photo%25252020160315132146511.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758072.244" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_VopmGHSs4I/Vuhg8D_bvqI/AAAAAAAAR3s/x87Tb1Z9ISk/s2047/Photo%25252020160315132146771.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_VopmGHSs4I/Vuhg8D_bvqI/AAAAAAAAR3s/x87Tb1Z9ISk/s500/Photo%25252020160315132146771.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758091.2124" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p>Between numerous dips, crackers, chips, roast beef sandwiches and out of this world sweet treats, the crew took part in a variety of activities. The children were given canvases for finger-painting (a future gift in the making) and a robot to build. Adults continued snacking and lounging in their pajamas. Movies were a go on Netflix, and Catchphrase made numerous passes around the dining room table. Soon enough, tiny eyes could no longer remain watchful and the over 18 crowd began a rousing, yet generally inappropriate game of “Cards Against Humanity”.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOBzIg6cwRMjWHqEGOpKHYh-Klfa5Dqe1whx2S8iLFHgngV-viusDekbdimoLPyEsZQGV2zz34-K0m_9F6xfDXRXFG_2TVpZ84CuMJTZvSWhssfFFOjqrwjifjl76BjyJ2Eiv5j9zn90/s2048/Photo%25252020160315132147046.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOBzIg6cwRMjWHqEGOpKHYh-Klfa5Dqe1whx2S8iLFHgngV-viusDekbdimoLPyEsZQGV2zz34-K0m_9F6xfDXRXFG_2TVpZ84CuMJTZvSWhssfFFOjqrwjifjl76BjyJ2Eiv5j9zn90/s500/Photo%25252020160315132147046.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758036.9941" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="281"></a></div><p> </p><p>As the clock struck midnight, champagne was toasted (as were a few celebrants) and the Harrington duo begrudgingly gave up their spots at the game table and went to bed, hopeful that the morning would find them feeling less in the dumps.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHkjHTBse_B18sqscv7Ans-ksqaynD_Gp9JNjUngurgUl80_gjKo-i9N-X4A_qs3ArD1obeVV3Ez3IJwz-ZfZ4WtEeUIMZw67db7ZLMrjSTs5TGfmCjyLMbsKGHXY7AG0wEAmkL23FC8/s1920/Photo%25252020160315132147184.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHkjHTBse_B18sqscv7Ans-ksqaynD_Gp9JNjUngurgUl80_gjKo-i9N-X4A_qs3ArD1obeVV3Ez3IJwz-ZfZ4WtEeUIMZw67db7ZLMrjSTs5TGfmCjyLMbsKGHXY7AG0wEAmkL23FC8/s500/Photo%25252020160315132147184.jpg" id="blogsy-1458069758069.8052" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>Upon waking to the year 2016 for the first time, the Harrington’s were still below 100%, but could feel that progress was being made. The couple took their time packing up their belongings, old and new, said their good-byes and made their way back to Burlington, eager to see where the year 2016 would lead.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-46717041913315396642016-02-18T06:06:00.001+09:002016-02-18T06:06:52.648+09:00Lights Out for Valentine’s Day: 2016<p>Traditionally, Mike and Melissa have cooked together as their unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day (in theory: flowers, cards and chocolate are relegated to "surprise" moments). However, owning a restaurant, the couple now finds themselves cooking for others on this ever-popular dining out holiday. For the past couple of years, the couple has featured a weekend special at The Burlington Place which features two salads, two desserts and one of two of the Valentine pizza specials all for $25.00. Reminiscent of the meals the couple prepared together, this pizzas feature a few aphrodisiac items and flavor combinations that are all together lovely. Diners choose from either the Aphrodite which features asparagus, prosciutto and feta on a lemony garlic olive oil or the Pizza Enamorado which features fresh tomatoes, Anaheim peppers, red onion, bacon and an avocado drizzle all on a garlic olive oil. Each year, Melissa also develops two dessert specials for the occasion. This year, diners could choose from a Rumchata Pudding Shooter or a Sangria Brownie Tartlet. The plotting and execution of Valentine’s specials is always a joyful, hectic, crazy experience for the Harrington's, but one they ultimately anticipate and look forward to.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lMC3_tx01QI/VsTg3YcoGLI/AAAAAAAAR2g/WsWqm1bnApk/s2048/Photo%25252020160217140632597.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lMC3_tx01QI/VsTg3YcoGLI/AAAAAAAAR2g/WsWqm1bnApk/s500/Photo%25252020160217140632597.jpg" id="blogsy-1455743211224.6902" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> </p><p>This year, however, a bit of a freakish wind surge had other plans for Saturday afternoon and evening diners. After a full and bustling second-Saturday brunch and Bloody Mary bar, Mike and Melissa had their Valentine plans shocked when the entire electrical system of The Burlington Place clanked off. Each whispered a few obscenities and waited with bated breath for a possible quick return of electricity on what should have been February’s busiest day. A couple hours later, after forcing the remaining heat of the pizza ovens to cook one last pizza for a couple who had called minutes prior to the outage, Mike and Melissa posted notices on the door: <strong><em>No Power, No Pizza</em></strong>. The duo then headed to Abode 212 to plot the next steps. Upon entering their home, the distinct smell of natural gas filled their nostrils and led the couple to their second spewing of obscenities. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GOjIFjbgwa4kqjV5tvkdLWIVK8LpcL8zl65EVvV6eJlgtBkWio2TEde7MgTwOcWYvOC9Ri_zc3O69M6fcs2oYOzx2Pzb9G1MqYURLD_RH2nNswjmbJlYUVV4hsN04IWboJ7gOa3MSNM/s2048/Photo%25252020160217140632865.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GOjIFjbgwa4kqjV5tvkdLWIVK8LpcL8zl65EVvV6eJlgtBkWio2TEde7MgTwOcWYvOC9Ri_zc3O69M6fcs2oYOzx2Pzb9G1MqYURLD_RH2nNswjmbJlYUVV4hsN04IWboJ7gOa3MSNM/s500/Photo%25252020160217140632865.jpg" id="blogsy-1455743211173.9207" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> </p><p>While plotting their next steps (for home and business), Melissa texted a friend to inquire what her and her husband were doing for the evening. Together, Mike and Melissa decided that if electricity was not on by 4:00, they would leave The Burlington Place closed (seeing how the ovens take an hour to preheat, there was a very distinct window of time for electricity to return and allow the evening dinner hour to function relatively smoothly). If they were unable to return to The Burlington Place, they would then head to Worland where their friends would be watching Worland Warriors in their last home basketball game of the season before heading out to dinner themselves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bd4RRwLcgas/VsTg5L66CGI/AAAAAAAAR2o/R7O1-TZB7GA/s1080/Photo%25252020160217140632962.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bd4RRwLcgas/VsTg5L66CGI/AAAAAAAAR2o/R7O1-TZB7GA/s500/Photo%25252020160217140632962.jpg" id="blogsy-1455743211195.1946" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p>As 4:00 rolled around, the plan began to look a little clearer. The Harrington duo had a representative of Wyoming gas en route to turn off the gas and they themselves were loading into their Subaru to make their way to Worland for basketball and dinner with friends. Mike and Melissa were about to experience a Saturday night akin to those experienced by all those who don’t devote their lives to the service industry.</p><p> </p><p>The Warriors conquered the New Castle Dogies and Mike and Melissa even had a chance to catch up with Tom Harrington <strong>and</strong> give a few hearty waves to John and Donna Harrington. Following basketball, the Harrington duo packed themselves over to Rumours where they enjoyed a couple of beers, wings and burgers with their good friends Cole and Lisa Nicholas. At approximately 8:30 p.m. Melissa received a text from her neighbor informing her that the power was finally back up in running. Good riddance.</p><p>Relieved to return home to power (although, no heat or hot water since the gas had been turned off), M&M said farewell to their friends, shrugged at the luck of the day and gave thanks for a surprise night out on the town. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGFpABhRr_U/VsTg6SuwlTI/AAAAAAAAR2s/n1F6mRa-rJ8/s2048/Photo%25252020160217140633199.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGFpABhRr_U/VsTg6SuwlTI/AAAAAAAAR2s/n1F6mRa-rJ8/s500/Photo%25252020160217140633199.jpg" id="blogsy-1455743211196.8308" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>Sunday morning saw M&M enjoying a brunch of Steak and Avocado Toast together prior to heading into The Burlington Place to serve up a decent handful of Valentine specials and learn very little about the previous days power outage. By mid-day Monday, all the weekend mishaps had been cleared up as the gas was back on and the smell was attributed to high winds making a strange mess of the ventilation system. </p><p> </p><p>Cheers to all the love, all the delicious foods and all the unpredictable things that each life holds!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-6355851028814870382016-02-06T06:41:00.001+09:002016-02-06T06:41:19.719+09:00Sunday Brunch: January 2016<p> With a few less holiday obligations to hi-jack the joys of weekly brunching, January proved to be a lovely month for enjoying relaxing Sunday mornings with some of the tastiest of treats to break the nightly fast.</p><p>Many brunch recipes came straight out of Melissa's Culinary Goals of 2016. Migas from The Pioneer Woman's cookbook (cookbook goal) and Popovers (popover goal and recipe box goal). Other items were just plain fun to dream up and devour!</p><p>The month began with a delicious dish of eggs, peppers and corn tortillas. Straight from <em>The Pioneer Woman's cookbook</em>, this recipe for Migas left Melissa desperately wanting a 12" skillet (which she has since ordered off of Amazon) and once again thrilled with her cast iron skillet...because, well, it's cast iron and that makes the world a more tasty place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnvWdPUb6yYEAbboeAPwjt1BQH28xXdKvLQstddh1wFNm-JHqcz4ucl0HLLtpNVb94_YdzHH_K5978mFx5Elka4keFoD5sGqsCDIegIQt5IV1q5NQJIVz4mGF9_y9BtgU6_vyPnGBHHE/s2046/Photo%25252020160205144020576.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnvWdPUb6yYEAbboeAPwjt1BQH28xXdKvLQstddh1wFNm-JHqcz4ucl0HLLtpNVb94_YdzHH_K5978mFx5Elka4keFoD5sGqsCDIegIQt5IV1q5NQJIVz4mGF9_y9BtgU6_vyPnGBHHE/s500/Photo%25252020160205144020576.jpg" id="blogsy-1454708478022.7092" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Another, fairly regular brunch tradition is the ever beloved Steak and Eggs. Having bought a side of beef late in 2015, the Harrington's ultimately have more beef than they can get through on their tight schedule, however, that does not stop them from trying and few things are more satisfying than a big, juicy, local steak with eggs and a homemade Bloody Mary on a Sunday morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJNo9MoDiP5E_2YNW8Jc_oubjwTIKopT16vlYDD8M5_pMNKW0ywmymks9JEkCAhfzhsssCcJZcUaept1lsw4oBkz6h-exbUa0kAiJlJnHhhnzDr3oezhayLkhXU2acWyazME_x2JFGOs/s2048/Photo%25252020160205144020905.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJNo9MoDiP5E_2YNW8Jc_oubjwTIKopT16vlYDD8M5_pMNKW0ywmymks9JEkCAhfzhsssCcJZcUaept1lsw4oBkz6h-exbUa0kAiJlJnHhhnzDr3oezhayLkhXU2acWyazME_x2JFGOs/s500/Photo%25252020160205144020905.jpg" id="blogsy-1454708478019.984" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="889" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4qzuYxFa24aedQRkGdi8Ji39yqdczfByn74MXVU68varngVVAqUUcl64uLHJBae-6oYZz3NQexuBWhcgpKOuLWP0VuRLxjWthgEkmJ-ZllLiaCWcN9nOeqVTOsvPd8Z_aOXXLZJYjaw/s2046/Photo%25252020160205144021167.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4qzuYxFa24aedQRkGdi8Ji39yqdczfByn74MXVU68varngVVAqUUcl64uLHJBae-6oYZz3NQexuBWhcgpKOuLWP0VuRLxjWthgEkmJ-ZllLiaCWcN9nOeqVTOsvPd8Z_aOXXLZJYjaw/s500/Photo%25252020160205144021167.jpg" id="blogsy-1454708478041.443" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> Later in the month, Melissa decided it was high time she busted out her never-used Popover pan and try her hand at the fluffy, custardy little morsels. Using her mother-in-laws recipe (with a little help from the <em>Better Homes and Garden's cookbook </em>since one key ingredient seemed to be missing from the recipe card), Melissa whipped up a batch of Popovers. Having had this pan and recipe for as long as she has, Melissa had decided at the start of 2016 that making popovers would indeed be a Culinary Goal - not that popovers are intimidating...it's just there are some things Melissa has yet to get around to making. The muffin look-a-likes were full of fluffy goodness that held onto a bit of butter and jam in the most supreme of manners. Not to mention, they were the perfect compliment to a Hard Chai Latte!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ryujG4xrqwg6i8g4pNlLw3m_1cFmuyLq-MluU-9Yqy7JqwkGQWsbT6obCWGGn0n2OcGtY8VErIPIDpncx2YKYrusH2_eL-vkjxXWTJ6bAA2AxAuLKAvq37TG8G93G6d1bFuepMASdu8/s2048/Photo%25252020160205144021470.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ryujG4xrqwg6i8g4pNlLw3m_1cFmuyLq-MluU-9Yqy7JqwkGQWsbT6obCWGGn0n2OcGtY8VErIPIDpncx2YKYrusH2_eL-vkjxXWTJ6bAA2AxAuLKAvq37TG8G93G6d1bFuepMASdu8/s500/Photo%25252020160205144021470.jpg" id="blogsy-1454708478085.5227" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rYE-5E6mHbq0C7pzP0TBsiHU5k1R4merg0DZwBZ3m4lvfpMZQRISP3M3BEJZ5tsr7NsISthUL-rHHxF1yPnv7gVDsShJ1AvarvcSG_m65-QrZ7eeWiaWFx-kb38S6I6VWPI_WQUYfdQ/s2047/Photo%25252020160205144021767.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rYE-5E6mHbq0C7pzP0TBsiHU5k1R4merg0DZwBZ3m4lvfpMZQRISP3M3BEJZ5tsr7NsISthUL-rHHxF1yPnv7gVDsShJ1AvarvcSG_m65-QrZ7eeWiaWFx-kb38S6I6VWPI_WQUYfdQ/s500/Photo%25252020160205144021767.jpg" id="blogsy-1454708478115.5027" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> The month concluded with Breakfast Burrito Bowls. This was the one brunch of the month the Harrington's were able to share with a family member. Having come to town to assist Mike and Melissa with their late season crow hunt, Katie was keen to dig into this inventive breakfast. The recipient of quirky kitchen items like tortilla bowl makers, Melissa figured breakfast burritos were just as easy to transform into a bowl as a taco salad and set about filling her bowls with cilantro lime rice, black beans, bacon and scrambled eggs. The completed dish was lovely, delicious and well suited to Bloody Mary's, of course.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TiikHHuUNKoQB6M6uiFQsXdNxxtHC_aMWrXDsyRDItDkvZW43jI4y8KAUUH2v3lFJws5CjffuYsKeGy-yfsHFtMTeEjh49mBQri6v6rGdR_rojLtwCdjPd7kOW5uJ7933xgF16NhKKc/s2048/Photo%25252020160205144022086.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TiikHHuUNKoQB6M6uiFQsXdNxxtHC_aMWrXDsyRDItDkvZW43jI4y8KAUUH2v3lFJws5CjffuYsKeGy-yfsHFtMTeEjh49mBQri6v6rGdR_rojLtwCdjPd7kOW5uJ7933xgF16NhKKc/s500/Photo%25252020160205144022086.jpg" id="blogsy-1454708478057.541" class="aligncenter" width="889" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>Sunday Brunch continues to be the weekly routine that brings a semblance of normalcy to Abode 212, tricking the Harrington's in believing, for just a few moments, that their life doesn't revolve around managing, maintaining and staffing The Burlington Place.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-70871179686575300632016-02-05T05:13:00.001+09:002016-02-05T05:13:22.990+09:00Christmas 2015: At Home with the Harringtons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-EdpSJtqlQ/VrOw4AX883I/AAAAAAAAR04/AxzJgYthXZY/s2046/Photo%25252020160204131311633.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-EdpSJtqlQ/VrOw4AX883I/AAAAAAAAR04/AxzJgYthXZY/s500/Photo%25252020160204131311633.jpg" id="blogsy-1454616801500.1106" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> Following a lovely brunch the morning of Christmas Eve at sweet little Abode 212, Mike and Melissa began the task of loading up the Subaru with gifts, pajamas, a few sweet treats and eventually themselves and their mutt. With Worland only an hour away, Christmas with the Harrington's is an easy, quick trip. Mike and Melissa arrived on Bluebell Lane just in time to crack open some beers and mingle with family members in preparation for a full series of Christmas Eve traditions.</p><p>Yearly, the Harrington's Christmas Eve table is set with a Seafood Casserole (prepped just as Grandma Carolynn had done for years) and, depending on who's cooking and who's coming, a pot of Oyster Stew can be found on the stovetop. Bread, veggies, fruit salad and desserts round out the meal which always preludes the Christmas Eve Service at the United Methodist Church. Filled with the once-a-year meal, steeped in tradition and holiday memories a plenty, the Harrington family makes their Christmas Eve trek to the United Methodist Church for the lighting of advent candles, gospel readngs and the infamous candle-lit singing of Silent Night.</p><p>Following this series of advent and Christmas-Eve traditions, expectations and joys, Mike and Melissa along with siblings, in-laws and parents return to Bluebell Lane for the making of much merriment and joy. Traditionally, the crew returns home, begrudgingly yet willingly agrees to take a family photo, knowing that they'll be in no hurry to dress in the morning to. take the beloved photo prior to the Christmas meal the following day. Thus, Christmas 2015 was no different, following the service, family members agreed that although they'd love to be wearing their pajamas, they'd rather take the family photo right away rather than attempting to wake up and get ready early enough to take the photo Christmas morning. So the crew piled around the tree, grabbed their pups and smiled long enough to capture a couple of photos before throwing on the pajamas and hunkering down for some gift unwrapping.</p><p>Being an all adult and dog Christmas experience, the unveiling of gifts took on a leisurely pace as each person opened one gift with all eyes on them awaiting joyful expressions, laughter and heartfelt thanks. While the Harrington clan is not all too eager to spend thousands and encourage the commercialization of the holiday, they are eager to give useful, thoughtful, fun gifts. One particular highlight included a smattering of outdoor backpacking themed gifts (including a pack for the brother-in-law who has yet to experience a good ol' Harrington backpacking trip) which promise to be used in the summer of 2016 for a family excursion into the wild. With the giving of gifts and the planning of excursions going late into the night, the crew soon found themselves brushing their teeth and making their way to bed.</p><p>As has been a Tom Harrington family tradition for ages, Christmas morning was not just a time for stockings but more notably the sharing of eggs, sausage and Grandma Carolyn's Apricot Coffee Cake with a beloved family friend; Heidi. Heidi is a sweet friend of the Harrington's who yearly makes Christmas breakfast with the Harrington's a priority. She arrives on time, every time. She excuses the fact that most of the Harrington's are still in their pajamas and have yet to finish their first cups of coffee. She says hello to all who are joining her, including the dogs. She gracefully allows the Harrington (and Dawson) men to carry or wheel her and her wheelchair into the basement family room. She politely accepts the meal, a glass of juice and a variety of gifts from the Harrington clan. She kindly offers a gift for the Harrington's, typically addressed to Patty, yet meaningful for the family as a whole. Heidi's experience of the holiday is a bit different than the full set of seasonal traditions as experienced by the Harrington's and most Americans. Yet, each and every Christmas morning Heidi reminds us all that love is the central element to the holidays and a life being well lived.</p><p>Following the breakfast tradition that ties family to generations past through food and the character of loving others as though they are family, the day continued by hitting the road toward Cody. Mike and Melissa had a quick stop over in Burlington to frost a few dozen mini eggnog cupcakes and grab some beer before heading on to John and Susan's for the family meal. Upon arrival on Sunshine Lane, the guests and hosts alike enjoyed festive cocktails, cold beers and all the most tasty appetizers while the scent of prime rib filled the air. The big meal was followed by take-away bingo, a family tradition that yields many guests walking away with something another deemed ridiculous, BUT everyone leaves with a gift and lots of laughter fresh from their bellies.</p><p>Wanting to soak up as much time as possible with parents, sisters and brother-in-law, Mike and Melissa returned to Worland for a night of games and snacking, opting to wake-up early in the morning in order to get the ovens on and a weekend's worth of work in at The Burlington Place before heading on to their next family engagements in Sturgis, South Dakota.</p><p>Wherever and whenever the holidays are celebrated, Mike and Melissa find themselves filled with immense gratitude and contentness at having been given these people to celebrate with and these traditions to carry out year, after year. </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-82820025524761303102016-01-27T07:13:00.001+09:002016-01-27T07:13:50.655+09:00Work Perks: Hitting the Slopes of Sleeping Giant<p> Since graduating college with a double major in both International Studies and Spanish, Melissa has found herself with at least one foot in the world of education. Stateside, she's served as a paraprofessional in three different schools and while living in South Korea she served as resident Native English Speaker in three different Korean Elementary schools. These positions have all held their various perks and moments of pure joy, always revolving around the students and gaining added favor with a variety of "work perks". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJotiEk6ECg/VqfvkfkN1uI/AAAAAAAARz8/uGCs_iihJIw/s2048/Photo%25252020160126151327046.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJotiEk6ECg/VqfvkfkN1uI/AAAAAAAARz8/uGCs_iihJIw/s500/Photo%25252020160126151327046.jpg" id="blogsy-1453846428691.926" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> </p><p>This past Monday, January 25th, Melissa and Mike both enjoyed the perks of being connected to Burlington Schools AND of owning their own business complete with a respectful clientele that understands M&M need/deserve the occassional break. So it was, the couple, along wtih middle school and high school staff and students found themselves enjoying a day of skiing, snowboarding and outdoor enjoyment at Sleeping Giant Ski Areat just outside of Yellowstone National Park. This, all in thanks to a school that values offering students opportunities outside of textbooks and tests AND a small community that's will to chip in and ensure the day is available not only to students but to community members at large.</p><p>The day saw Mike Harrington busting out his snowboard after about an 8 year hiatus. As should be expected from <em>the man- the myth- the legend</em>, he took to his snowboard as if it'd only been on hiatus for 8 months. After a quick reacquaintance with his board, he was shredding his way down the mountain, impressing numerous students who were convinced his skill set was fairly well limited to pizza-builder extraordinaire. By the close of the day, Mike had made just over 20 runs, for a total of 73 minutes, 12 miles and a top speed of 36 mph - feats he deemed were just a bit more exciting, active and enjoyable than lounging around at The Burlington Place building the weekly trivia.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu4LgYDC0aPAfW_Zq9iywdQLCJMCI9J9K1ul58tsjk19N-NHh6sDbr_Z-AewpZsa1G71HZsYNwDPOxczCWeBRe9wAGQ1F2s5gIs6vg_WDQM76UID1NKDZLit7YeEBRigaAxMKx3q9Rsk/s1080/Photo%25252020160126151327128.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu4LgYDC0aPAfW_Zq9iywdQLCJMCI9J9K1ul58tsjk19N-NHh6sDbr_Z-AewpZsa1G71HZsYNwDPOxczCWeBRe9wAGQ1F2s5gIs6vg_WDQM76UID1NKDZLit7YeEBRigaAxMKx3q9Rsk/s500/Photo%25252020160126151327128.jpg" id="blogsy-1453846428678.4536" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p>Melissa opted to don a pair of skis for the first time since middle school, remembering how miserable she felt after her first and only time snowboarding about 10 years ago as a college student. She sat in on student lessons, learned a few things that made skiing a bit more pleasant than it was 17 years ago, pizza-wedged her way down the bunny slope, made it up the chair lift with her hubs once and then mostly enjoyed lounging around, drinking a bit of coffee and taking in the lovely winter scenery. She also had the added joy of running into Mike's aunt and uncle Cowger who were touring with a friend of theirs who was visiting from Maine - talk about the joys of Wyoming being one expansive small town!</p><p>Students and other teachers all enjoyed the day similarly to fit their own personal interests. Many students conquered the mountain on skis and snowboards, whereas a slew of 6th grade and middle school students received lessons and tried their hand (and legs, minds, muscles, core, etc) at winters pleasurable sports for the first time ever. A handful of students made their way down a few sledding runs while still others enjoyed games of Apples to Apples, Connect Four, coloring and chatting in the ski lodge. Overall, Monday, January 25th was among a special handful of Mondays that does not impart a case-of-the-Mondays to the workers and attendess of Burlington Schools. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWY--xcaqA4/Vqfvm5z4J7I/AAAAAAAAR0M/YDpvpmlFuds/s2048/Photo%25252020160126151327367.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWY--xcaqA4/Vqfvm5z4J7I/AAAAAAAAR0M/YDpvpmlFuds/s500/Photo%25252020160126151327367.jpg" id="blogsy-1453846428692.4329" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p>As an additional perk to getting out and closing up shop, the duo made plans to enjoy dinner with a couple teacher friends and their spouses at Pat O'hara Brewing in Cody, Wyoming before returning home to soak in the hot-tub and rejoice at having experienced a bonus day off without having to travel far and wide for a holiday or wedding. </p><p>Somedays, work feels like just another day of engaging in the same ol' daily grind with a few small joys but nothing necessarily brag-worthy...somedays however, you can really get your brag and love that you are in a position to enjoy some fairly major "work perks". </p><p>Cheers to you and yours and here's to hoping you have some work perks to look forward to!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-84504829661825509302016-01-21T22:32:00.001+09:002016-01-21T22:32:14.556+09:005 Years Ago: Lady Annyeong's Adot-a-Versary<p> The Harrington's have opted out of the traditional Christmas Card. Not because they are complete scrooges, but because Christmas is a busy, stressful season! The duo obviously loves receiving all the holiday cheer, but, since returning to the states and choosing to live life in Burlington, the couple has taken a more haphazard approach. This year, the celebratory card comes as a celebration of five-years sharing hearts and homes with a sweet little three-legged mutt named Lady Annyeong.</p><p>Thanks to Vistaprint, these postcards can be adorned with as many pictures of her majesty as the Harrington's so choose and a letter can be produced on the back side with very little effort. To family and friends, Mike and Melissa hope you've received your official copy in the mail - if you've mooved recently, perhaps now would be a good time to send a Facebook message or email to on the Harrington's so they can get their address book updated and add you to their relatively-annual holiday mailing list!</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.aspx?s=5462298015&preurl=%2fshare-design.aspx%3fdoc_id%3rd3150477128%26shopper_id%3d4QDUTFN1V00DZ7IQH2MZV6HWMJN777WP%26xnav%3dsharesource_4%26share_key%3d0b717cb4-b224-47f8-aba9-039e91f4bcb8" target="blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.vistaprint.com/lp.aspx?alt_doc_id=3FDV7-M3A66-3G3&width=250&shopper_id=4QDUTFN1V00DZ7IQH2MZV6HWMJN777WP" id="blogsy-1453383033638.221" class="aligncenter" width="525" height="340" alt=""></a></p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vistaprint.com/postcards.aspx?pfid=126" target="_blank">Oversized Postcards</a> by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vistaprint.com" target="_blank">Vistaprint</a></p><p> </p><p>Greetings and Happy New Year!</p><p> </p><p>A couple years ago, we opted out of the yearly Christmas card and decided to be a bit more haphazard and spontaneous in our mass update mailings. Thus, our mailings are unpredictable to say the least. For the year 2016 (specifically January, 21st) we are celebrating our 5-year Adoptaversary of Lady Annyeong Harrington. Hoo-ray! So, you have the pleasure of receiving an update adorned with the face of the sassiest, three-legged mutt from the streets of Seoul, South Korea. </p><p> </p><p>A few Lady Factoids: She’s obsessive over cheese-sticks, jumping up on the chests of her humans for regular cuddles, and wagging her little nubbin’ of a tail. She’s queen of Abode 212, inside and outside. She loves her backyard access and is certain that the queen size bed was purchased with her in mind. She is the source of great joy, many giggles and all the best feelings - five years with Lady has provided us a lifetime of great happiness.</p><p> </p><p>Aside from celebrating life with Lady, we continue trucking along with the community of Burlington and our rockin’ little pizzeria/gastro-pub/bar. The Burlington Place is our constant source of joy, annoyance, success, ridiculous stories, inspiration, faith in mankind, disappointment in mankind, great eats, fresh beer, innovative cocktail experiences, and so much more. A few BP factoids: Record pizza sales in one day - 84; 10,000th pizza sold in April. 456 Crows killed at our most recently hosted crow hunt. Over 1,000 views on the #TBPPizzaSpecial known as More Than a Club (cream cheese, chicken, bacon, tomato, pickles and raw onion). </p><p> </p><p>And some non-business factoids from the life of M&M: There are two guest rooms available at Abode 212 in Burlington, WY. M&M celebrated 8 years of marriage in September 2015. In 2015, M&M were able to attend the Mountain West Conference basketball games in Las Vegas. They also attended the Great American Beer Fest in Denver, CO. Mike built a patio and deck in the backyard AND set-up a hot tub(!) Melissa has resurrected the blog (www.theharringtontimes.blogspot.com) if you’re so inclined to stay relatively updated, that’s your resource.</p><p> </p><p>Cheers to you and yours! (especially your furry friends!)</p><p>Mike, Melissa and Lady Annyeong Harrington</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-38450130131052709242016-01-07T06:20:00.001+09:002016-01-07T06:20:01.454+09:00Christmas at Abode 212: Burlington Traditions<p> Two thousand fifteen marks the third year Mike and Melissa have enjoyed the holiday season with Abode 212 as their home base. In that time, a few traditions have been well established with a couple more finding their way into the mix.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9CeB9g4hDs/Vo2E6LhAaTI/AAAAAAAARy4/hMMkvEMqLSM/s2048/Photo%25252020160106141925049.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9CeB9g4hDs/Vo2E6LhAaTI/AAAAAAAARy4/hMMkvEMqLSM/s500/Photo%25252020160106141925049.jpg" id="blogsy-1452115199735.6313" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="281"></a></div><p>Each year, a Sunday afternoon is deemed the "Heathen Cookie Exchange" - an event for those of us who are more often found at the local bar than the local church. The event always features a healthy assortment of appetizers, a good deal of win and liquor, copious amounts of fresh baked cookies (each attendee is asked to bring 6 dozen of their favorite cookie to share with others) and loads of holiday cheer!</p><p>This year may have been the biggest yet: Cookies were lined out on every available surface, the infamous flaming cocktail was imbibed, bellies were overstuffed and this little community of heathen women showed-up in true fellowship format, filled with love, good-will and holiday cheer. The Heathen Cookie exchange is one of the most cherished (and, ironically, long standing) Burlington holiday traditions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY_t0LwtncdI3JSOmL9-6UYRWo14vlVDPupkYmObTgPcE48mCciYaYTijDlM0whBH0ipvBLozRGJKdFcQfhmoAFXfg4Kk-nhfP1wWxOEA0Is0qhghT2SDFXmKBrQZ9k3UvluEsrbBAts/s2048/Photo%25252020160106141925314.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY_t0LwtncdI3JSOmL9-6UYRWo14vlVDPupkYmObTgPcE48mCciYaYTijDlM0whBH0ipvBLozRGJKdFcQfhmoAFXfg4Kk-nhfP1wWxOEA0Is0qhghT2SDFXmKBrQZ9k3UvluEsrbBAts/s500/Photo%25252020160106141925314.jpg" id="blogsy-1452115199650.4343" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> Other "traditions" to be described here within, are only traditions in terms of having been successful in their initial year, and therefore are now held as tentative plans and traditions for future years of Burlington living.</p><p>The Hot Chocolate tradition. As a paraprofessional at the local middle/high school, Melissa was eager to offer a gift for all co-workers, but was a little less excited about going to all the work to figure out a cute gift to give. She combed her Pinterest memory and suggested to her "Resource Nook" co-workers that, as a team, they host a Hot Chocolate bar for all faculty and staff. The idea took hold and soon the team had plotted who would bring cups, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, coffee creamers, candy canes, whip cream, sprinkles and so much more to make the event truly memorable and absolutley delicious.</p><p>The day of the "teacher-lounge-hosted" event, the wind was blustery and the temperatures a bit uncomfortable, making Hot Chocolate that much more enjoyable and appreciated. Many adults enjoyed multiple cups of Hot Chocolate throughout the day (Melissa enjoyed a grand total of 6 cups of hot chocolate; that includes two on the day the hot chocolate bar experience was shared with resource room students). The day(s) were so much fun and the hot chocolate so incredibly delicious, that the Resource Nook decided unanimously to instate the Hot Chocolate Bar as their yearly tradition.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTlNwDtB_ubR_bPmV14HagjBHU6kDPL97C0fkMO7BvttZHAcYWtfAj6aZKdvn-l_n_K30SKZxTqcUhYM0sJZr4CmJ4g_X8_m8agjm1RVkoEQmE4a-FJjC2wnt8o4sas_EMOMeCU4FkZg/s1080/Photo%25252020160106141925421.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTlNwDtB_ubR_bPmV14HagjBHU6kDPL97C0fkMO7BvttZHAcYWtfAj6aZKdvn-l_n_K30SKZxTqcUhYM0sJZr4CmJ4g_X8_m8agjm1RVkoEQmE4a-FJjC2wnt8o4sas_EMOMeCU4FkZg/s500/Photo%25252020160106141925421.jpg" id="blogsy-1452115199699.8757" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p><strong> Hot chololate combinations of note: </strong></p><p>hot chocolate + pumpkin spice coffee creamer + whip cream + nutmeg + gingerbread marshmallow = perfection!</p><p>hot chocolate + spoonful of Nutella = heavenly</p><p>hot chocolate + peppermint mocha creamer + whip cream + red/white sprinkles + peppermint marshmallows + candy cane = elevated classic</p><p>Finally, to add to the list of traditions that are yet to be traditions but are worthy or tradition status, Mike and Melissa hosted family at their home for a Christmas Eve Eve dinner of pizza (one even featured beer-battered pheasant from a pheasant Mike shot earlier that day!) and beer, games, chatting and puzzling. Morning rolled around and had everyone enjoying Brunch Sliders and a Bloody Mary Bar (using nothing less than the infamous infused vodka straight from The Burlington Place). As family slowly departed to prepare for traditional-tradtions of Christmas Eve, Mike made a quick offer to wear out the dog--nieces with a bit of hunting. Upon returning, the dogs and man were sufficiently exhausted and the rest of the crew at Abode 212 was set to head on to Worland and prepare for the continuation of Christmas traditions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskSERVRs-NG0YeYWbXdAGDC1CNGG2pq54A3pEUPdgHxfOtlP6axS9cxk7XtyC32nFtPhUFNgh2db8riWVAtUk8_Qik5i5HM60Vi2mvgiwVPNkrUwrBy4ijOqNTY5Sl-ZJI4rvDdLfWJ0/s2046/Photo%25252020160106141925732.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskSERVRs-NG0YeYWbXdAGDC1CNGG2pq54A3pEUPdgHxfOtlP6axS9cxk7XtyC32nFtPhUFNgh2db8riWVAtUk8_Qik5i5HM60Vi2mvgiwVPNkrUwrBy4ijOqNTY5Sl-ZJI4rvDdLfWJ0/s500/Photo%25252020160106141925732.jpg" id="blogsy-1452115199718.9983" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UqVL6WMPxbNnMyysUf7u8geAs3MkRLuF9QI4QRA7NVL7PA6tSAK_SD8QudYbrJrdtGiMQF023J1_GRytgr6TusSTSHTdcyZyUE19_ikZ92IcneGX1gybhs4F_V1iHyjtRm9gKaOxcoc/s1920/Photo%25252020160106141925901.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UqVL6WMPxbNnMyysUf7u8geAs3MkRLuF9QI4QRA7NVL7PA6tSAK_SD8QudYbrJrdtGiMQF023J1_GRytgr6TusSTSHTdcyZyUE19_ikZ92IcneGX1gybhs4F_V1iHyjtRm9gKaOxcoc/s500/Photo%25252020160106141925901.jpg" id="blogsy-1452115199661.1287" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p>Having the chance to fill Abode 212 with family twice during the holiday season was a true joy for Mike and Melissa, to the point they are plotting future opportunities to invite their loved ones into the whole of their Burlington life, not just the work part of their Burlington life. </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-48746930145240876762016-01-05T07:20:00.001+09:002016-01-05T07:20:23.289+09:00Sunday Brunch: December 2015<p> When work schedules dictate that you serve more dinners than you eat, you find your attention turning toward breakfasts and brunches. </p><p>For the past year or so, it has been a regular routine for Mike and Melissa to enjoy Sunday Morning brunch at Abode 212 prior to opening The Burlington Place at 11:00. Typically, the monthly line-up varies from something that serves well with a Mimosa or an orange beer or alternatively, something that pairs well with a Bloody Mary.</p><p>With holiday vacationing taking up a decent amount of food preparation energy, December ended up being a month of only two brunches, both of which featured the same meal since it was joyfully consumed the first time and the second time it was to be shared with family the morning of Christmas Eve Day. The concept is stupidly simple and easy to execute and wildly customizeable to your tastes or refrigerator ingredients.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rVjVpI-YOk2L1BVUtiYYn4fwHZ5NsXcJZOpipdzZlNoCa4g9ueT0CKX2uWoMwzktBhnjkXKrEybI315hKzhW3bE0TeX3eZt-_FJuFMod1uQuPArqHQ_NItMC9efi7QYF0pNaOaroT5s/s2046/Photo%25252020160104152001748.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rVjVpI-YOk2L1BVUtiYYn4fwHZ5NsXcJZOpipdzZlNoCa4g9ueT0CKX2uWoMwzktBhnjkXKrEybI315hKzhW3bE0TeX3eZt-_FJuFMod1uQuPArqHQ_NItMC9efi7QYF0pNaOaroT5s/s500/Photo%25252020160104152001748.jpg" id="blogsy-1451946021691.2012" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p><strong>Breakfast/Brunch Sliders</strong></p><p><em>Ingredients</em>:</p><p><br>1 Dozen Rolls (Sweet Hawaiian, recommended)</p><p>Sliced Deli Meat, Cooked Bacon and/or other Breakfast Meat</p><p>Sliced Cheese (about 10-12 slices)</p><p>Scrambled Eggs (I typically scramble 6-8 eggs for 1 dozen rolls)</p><p>1/4 cup melted Butter</p><p>1 Tablespoon Mustard (I've been using a brown-horseradish version that's LOVELY)</p><p>1 1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar</p><p><em>Procedure</em>:</p><p>Without breaking apart each roll, simply slice through the middle of your dozen rolls. Layer in meat, cheese and scrambled eggs (veggies could most definitely be added if you so desire - you can also double up on cheese...because, well, CHEESE!) Place the top on the rolls over layers of proteins. Melt butter and mix in mustard and brown sugar, spread over top of rolls (this will make for farely buttery fingers while eating, so if you'd prefer, you can mix up the sauce and spread on the inside of the rolls.) Let rolls sit for 30 minutes before covering in foil and heating for 15-20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. </p><p>Serve with a killer Bloody Mary and you'll be sure to have a most enjoyable brunching experience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsiEZapWG8jY0DTKPyMahgBtXVxHxqMkJlOvQBfuguHKCBV9UV7cNYji8gz5w-vxY5OTAZlVLFcboaAXTVnItdwNJ-cNEIrNEsVRQ2gpGFpiZn2tTSWUGMGvJXDXb0-UfXmdM05UpeSQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160104152002089.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsiEZapWG8jY0DTKPyMahgBtXVxHxqMkJlOvQBfuguHKCBV9UV7cNYji8gz5w-vxY5OTAZlVLFcboaAXTVnItdwNJ-cNEIrNEsVRQ2gpGFpiZn2tTSWUGMGvJXDXb0-UfXmdM05UpeSQ/s500/Photo%25252020160104152002089.jpg" id="blogsy-1451946021602.59" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-46065268763395648352015-12-17T06:20:00.001+09:002015-12-17T06:20:35.112+09:00Red Lodge Ditch Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXI4Yu9muqoHhdVhAQnawDgsgRx-YYVCrdt2T7Nsn3GsioammzMbp6OlXlMJuWXYLgpFQK_QqtLCneJBqGnybnmkqBbaMPDILbB1WplRH21mK2VlFDZZnL_RM7UAfCZjpz0IT8nGOgw4/s2048/Photo%25252020151216142014295.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXI4Yu9muqoHhdVhAQnawDgsgRx-YYVCrdt2T7Nsn3GsioammzMbp6OlXlMJuWXYLgpFQK_QqtLCneJBqGnybnmkqBbaMPDILbB1WplRH21mK2VlFDZZnL_RM7UAfCZjpz0IT8nGOgw4/s500/Photo%25252020151216142014295.jpg" id="blogsy-1450300833067.3005" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> Melissa is not ashamed to admit that on occassion, she needs to get the hell-out-of-dodge and experience a little life outside of her normal two-block radius (the school and TBP are both two blocks away from Abode 212). Therefore, when the itch to run begged to be scratched, Melissa proposed a "ditch day" to her fellow co-worker and friend, Lisa. With full enthusiasm, Lisa agreed to join in the shenanigans and Melissa took a long, thoughtful look at upcoming Tuesdays (the only day that perfectly lends itself to down-time and ditch days). Being perfectly centered between the holiday breaks, December 8th was the day fated to serve the whims and desires of two women on a mission: drink coffee as frequently as possible, eat delicious things, drink something with alcohol, buy some gifts, gallivant and perform a couple of heel clicks - all in the sweet little mountain, ski town of Red Lodge, MT.</p><p>The ladies met up in Cody, WY where the wind about knocked them over but also provided the proper amount of "push" to head toward that Montana border and a day of freedom and fun! With a "Christmas cookie latte" making its way down the gullet of each traveler, the Jeep was put into drive and Winter Ditch Day 2015 began.</p><p>Upon arrival in Red Lodge, the first order of business was to grab a morning snack at the newly opened Wild Table. A quintessential chalkboard sign in front of the bakery/cafe/hole-in-the-wall-of-perfection, advertised freshly made Chocolate Croissants, which seemed to be the perfect beckoning off the streets and into the most perfectly quaint, seasonally decorated dining nook. </p><p>Full Disclosure: The Wild Table is a new business in Red Lodge, MT. It is owned and operated by a good friend of Melissa's. While her opinon may be biased, the truth is, owner Sheena is a phenomenal, creative, professionally trained chef who knows her way around pastries, breads, seasonal produce, holiday classics and all the comforts of delectably prepared foods. Melissa embraced her bias and not only enjoyed a croissant in shop but happily ordered dinner and dessert for her and Mike (as well as breakfast and lunch for the following day). All in all, Melissa gratefully devoured these foods from The Wild Table: Chocolate Croissant, Egg Salad sandwich on a Ciabatta Roll, Tomato Soup with Brandy and Cream, Minty Rice with Feta and a Pomegranate Relish, Caramel Apple Pie and Carrot Muffins. None were disappointing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKHSX7Xf63qGcSpTTZDlRBxJR5H0MYPEJWqJ4ZNrmkmsDhHwYF0gZGr3o1RPgF48eN85tPk3dLyWsg2clNCwusR1OeqTUZl1kbiHrD8H_A8-R_5DXxZeVUqMzDKSK0rNWl8UO4ZyRbek/s1080/Photo%25252020151216142014402.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKHSX7Xf63qGcSpTTZDlRBxJR5H0MYPEJWqJ4ZNrmkmsDhHwYF0gZGr3o1RPgF48eN85tPk3dLyWsg2clNCwusR1OeqTUZl1kbiHrD8H_A8-R_5DXxZeVUqMzDKSK0rNWl8UO4ZyRbek/s500/Photo%25252020151216142014402.jpg" id="blogsy-1450300833035.311" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> With enough caffeine and perfect pastry love coursing through their bodies, Melissa and Lisa began their shopping spree day in downtown Red Lodge. They made stops at a variety of outdoor goods stores, Back Alley Metals (impressively welded gifts and more) and Babcock & Miles (the finest wine and food selection for any lover of good and delicious things). As they increased thier piles of goods that would need to be wrapped for husbands, kids and family they worked up enough of an appetite to stop at Bogart's for their famous Margaritas, a couple bowls full of chips with salsa and main entrees which would put them on the verge of sleep while simultaneously carrying them through the last hour of gallivanting.</p><p>As the last stops on the gallivanting through Red Lodge came to pass the ladies ran back to The Wild Table to pick-up their dinner and then made their way to Red Lodge Coffee Roasters to ensure just enough energy to get themselves back to their respective homes and evening responsibilities. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLbvEjtthIcR-wXgOkrSl46jsx63oONS-kHMSnaEkokyHmvtwKD-8SYrNxwTTOGZIZhLByPQoR7LsGOduXZM4rcMkR1KlvqpFD9d6uaeA6FX9nW7AYV25Uy_f1JOYxCubc5z7SbPnOU8/s1920/Photo%25252020151216142014547.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLbvEjtthIcR-wXgOkrSl46jsx63oONS-kHMSnaEkokyHmvtwKD-8SYrNxwTTOGZIZhLByPQoR7LsGOduXZM4rcMkR1KlvqpFD9d6uaeA6FX9nW7AYV25Uy_f1JOYxCubc5z7SbPnOU8/s500/Photo%25252020151216142014547.jpg" id="blogsy-1450300833000.1282" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p> The ladies returned to a wind-blown Cody, made one last gift-getting run to Sierra Trading Post then went their seperate ways feeling rejuvenated and excited. The event was such a roaring success that the girls are already plotting future ditch days and Tuesday outings to refresh, revive and rejoice in all that is delicious and fun! When bragging about their adventures to students Melissa and Lisa have made sure to add the following at the end of each conversation: #BFFGoals #BFFWinning #Adulting</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-29910354533481084262015-12-04T05:14:00.001+09:002015-12-04T05:14:23.824+09:00Thanksgiving 2015: The Hosting<p> While many aspects of <a href="http://theharringtontimes.blogspot.com/2015/12/thanksgiving-2015-preparation.html" target="_blank" title="">plotting out the Thanksgiving Holiday took place weeks prior to the actual event</a>, plenty of tasks were left for the day of and the day prior. With weather forecasts predicting snow, guests of Abode 212 opted to travel one-day early and arrived on Tuesday evening. This implied the added perk that they would be able to enjoy Mike and Melissa at home, as opposed to at The Burlington Place (courtesy of The Burlington Place being closed on Tuesday's). Mike had run a few errands in town and agreed to grab sandwiches for dinner (original plan - Breadboard. secondary plan - Subway. Original plan failed because the small business ran out of bread...bummer). Melissa's parents offered to bring chips and an assortment of breakfast breads for the following morning. And Katie offered to bring dessert. Guests and food in place, Tuesday was shaping up to be a lovely evening at home.</p><p>Upon the safe arrival of all guests (after one set replaced a tire in Buffalo AND not a single snow-flake had fallen by the time night fell...go figure), the crew spent some time chatting, catching up and enjoying a cozy evening at Abode 212. The following day would see Katie taking on a long shift at The Burlington Place so that Melissa could stay home and work out some of the Thanksgiving meal preparations that couldn't be done weeks in advance. Thus, the home of holiday-prep was filled with lounging pets, a singing father (so. much. joy.), an eBaying mother and a busy worker bee host. Melissa had made sure to get her turkey set on the booze train first thing in the morning (a salty brine of hard-cider, bourbon, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, thyme, allspice berries and plenty of chicken stock was the track for said booze train), then at home set to work on the barley-mushroom salad, <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/lemon-rosemary-potato-rolls/" target="_blank" title="">lemon-rosemary rolls</a> (THE MOST AMAZING ROLLS EVER!!!), <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salted-pecan-bourbon-pumpkin-pie/" target="_blank" title="">bourbon-pumkin-pecan pie</a> (similar recipe <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes/how-to-make/bourbon-pecan-pumpkin-pie/" target="_blank" title="">here</a>), hummus, vegetable prep and of course the cheesecake!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKYIZTzO6rB-9a57qqv4ao6X2EmngR3XKPs9gQHQ96O1OFjlXkSaB6JGUbDa4WR2BsxodopKX7WIPbWdIigPqa6u6xx6F5na8bWcIimlOpLq9xCIgKl1nwFUXCHW0h250rtodwIm7oNc/s2046/Photo%25252020151202130349085.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKYIZTzO6rB-9a57qqv4ao6X2EmngR3XKPs9gQHQ96O1OFjlXkSaB6JGUbDa4WR2BsxodopKX7WIPbWdIigPqa6u6xx6F5na8bWcIimlOpLq9xCIgKl1nwFUXCHW0h250rtodwIm7oNc/s500/Photo%25252020151202130349085.jpg" id="blogsy-1449172621005.4885" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wednesday ended with Melissa heading down to The Burlington Place with her parents to grab a couple of beers, a pizza (specifically The Sweater: pepperoni, sausage, buffalo chicken, jalapeno, and banana peppers on garlic olive oil with lots of additional buffalo sauce drizzled all-over!), greet some favorite customers and catch-up with Melissa's bestie (deets: the art teacher from Burlington Schools, Lisa: she's awesome and the students have decided she and Melissa are besties, one student even commented that the two were an example of #bestiegoals). Following these evening pleasantries, Melissa and her parents returned home at a decent hour, whereas Mike and Katie got stuck shootin' the shit with a handful of enjoyable customers until the late, late hours of the day (a.k.a. the early hours of the morning).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRmXH2sxu_lzphC932S_tZvnkDzNXp5oooNmqMY1CbqUzNbUk9CqWk5SeDAT2_izvT8NMUWTtU3aBJNNKYZwBloicfRG4X599Ncu-HNy09om9_MMg0bnIbo0yzwEtfYEpZFpZEU3Di7U/s2046/Photo%25252020151202130349357.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRmXH2sxu_lzphC932S_tZvnkDzNXp5oooNmqMY1CbqUzNbUk9CqWk5SeDAT2_izvT8NMUWTtU3aBJNNKYZwBloicfRG4X599Ncu-HNy09om9_MMg0bnIbo0yzwEtfYEpZFpZEU3Di7U/s500/Photo%25252020151202130349357.jpg" id="blogsy-1449172621069.4263" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Come Thanksgiving morning the entire crew of guests and residents of Abode 212 were "game-on" for grubbing. Muffins, danishes, bagels, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate and all the proper add-ins were set on the bar cart, allowing everyone to dish and booze-up (that's right, the add-ins were most definitely boozy: Rumchata, Bailey's Irish Cream and Bailye's Chocolate Cherry Cream) as they were so inclined. Mike and Katie had agreed that there were some significant college basketball (Gonzaga!) and football games to have access to throughout the day, so Mike worked some magic with the newer TV from the bar, various wires and mobile access to the BP cable provider. Thus, the afternoon entertainment entered Abode 212 as Katie eagerly and excitedly cheered for the Zags (go, Jose!) and had Melissa's parents on the edge of their seats a bit shocked at just how vocal Katie could get. Additionally, at some point prior to the holiday meal, Mike, Katie and Zuma suited up for some chilly weather pheasant hunting. Most notably, hunting provided the perfect opportunity to fall into shit-holes (litterally) and wear the dog-out just enough not to be a beggar during the holiday meal</span><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As the mid-day hour passed, the bar cart was re-arranged and played host to various dips, vegetables, olives, pickles, crackers and chips - just enough to keep everyone from becoming hangry prior to the full holiday meal. Thus the turkey continued to roast and fill the house with delicious and enticing smells, while guests kept themselves entertained with a puzzle, phone games, texts and calls to friends and family, cuddling the pups and choosing new brews to try (since Mike and Melissa keep a nice "little" collection on hand always).</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wEPG2t5OS2wA-H0-J-d6Gqe8H24OHAryIoxolSn_KlxmVs85ptMwDHIBROsW3lUs6idfQTyY9_-_e5qSQ3o1wTR3dU03FGjpl6LNT2vaim87Dl_TFg0bCT4rmF8J4E1LZvUktwk1YwQ/s2047/Photo%25252020151202130349662.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wEPG2t5OS2wA-H0-J-d6Gqe8H24OHAryIoxolSn_KlxmVs85ptMwDHIBROsW3lUs6idfQTyY9_-_e5qSQ3o1wTR3dU03FGjpl6LNT2vaim87Dl_TFg0bCT4rmF8J4E1LZvUktwk1YwQ/s500/Photo%25252020151202130349662.jpg" id="blogsy-1449172620993.2053" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;">As the last parts of the meal came together: heating the twice-baked potatoes, preparing the stuffing, boiling and seasoning the green beans, etc; Melissa set the table. Of course, this wasn't just a matter of pulling down the plates, Melissa had spent nearly as much time dreaming about the perfect dining table as she did dreaming about the perfect foods to adorn said table. So it was, the table was set with the Blue Willow plates Melissa has inherited from her grandmother and great-great aunt, white linen napkins with fall-themed napkin rings and a lovely holiday centerpiece (that Mike thoughtfully picked up while in town just a couple of days prior to the holiday). With the meal prepared and the table set, guests took their seats, spent a thoughtful minute going around the table and offering up their gratitude for family, friends, health, etc. and happily began filling their plates with all the bits and pieces which so perfectly came together to comprise the holiday meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="assets-library://asset/asset.JPG?id=9C7D6904-53A5-4F46-B9A5-A50A4964C35E&ext=JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLd7NTfzbWD72k6Zzw6NkFmV78LzGPgNumXrWaIcV7JB9t-ZUvKRPW7D9MwAxs0PprHjc86vRDNAjTO0VCmEiqdETpQEKVOvwAQU07elerU9wwO3C3O-8gzsDTL8kHWsseWDaceB8Y5I/s2046/Photo%25252020151202130349964.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLd7NTfzbWD72k6Zzw6NkFmV78LzGPgNumXrWaIcV7JB9t-ZUvKRPW7D9MwAxs0PprHjc86vRDNAjTO0VCmEiqdETpQEKVOvwAQU07elerU9wwO3C3O-8gzsDTL8kHWsseWDaceB8Y5I/s500/Photo%25252020151202130349964.jpg" id="blogsy-1449172621060.7563" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Food comas setting in, nobody could imagine stuffing down a slice of pie directly after the main meal. So couching up or resting on an empty bed, the afternoon was spent relaxing and continuing the earlier projects of the day; namely pup cuddles, puzzle building and a round of Pandemic. As everyone shifted just enough to free up some belly-space the dessert plates found themselves filled with tasty morsels of pie and cheesecake. Then, as daylight faded into evening, Tom and Patty headed home to their dogs and the guests and residents of Abode 212 found their way into pajamas, beds and comfy spots for movie watching.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KZ2xM4ephYs/Vl9OxSlTOKI/AAAAAAAARqE/Zt1kJlld8-Q/s2046/Photo%25252020151202130350201.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KZ2xM4ephYs/Vl9OxSlTOKI/AAAAAAAARqE/Zt1kJlld8-Q/s500/Photo%25252020151202130350201.jpg" id="blogsy-1449172621017.0496" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhJPdmXlfyGa_sfqrigov2vvKOvtc1yKHg8AihKYEVFeF9EQcoyM016aCighDavdg12cfgp-r9VWwOM53t6RHtXinazop6O-4VSXeA4m2KU_DN0zupza3YxjX1DetN4OfHIGwPDOTWoQ/s2046/Photo%25252020151202130350420.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhJPdmXlfyGa_sfqrigov2vvKOvtc1yKHg8AihKYEVFeF9EQcoyM016aCighDavdg12cfgp-r9VWwOM53t6RHtXinazop6O-4VSXeA4m2KU_DN0zupza3YxjX1DetN4OfHIGwPDOTWoQ/s500/Photo%25252020151202130350420.jpg" id="blogsy-1449172621049.9417" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p> Friday saw everyone rolling out of bed at their leisure with most opting to remain in their pajamas for the entirety of the day. Melissa threw some ribs into the roaster, to be ready for a late lunch and continued forth with her day by adding Rumchata to her morning coffee. If napping were a popular activity on Thanksgiving day, it was wildly trendy the day after. Snack. Drink. Nap. Repeat. That was the basic routine of Black Friday at Abode 212. After chowing on some ribs and thanksgiving leftovers Mike and his father took Zoe and the Dude out hunting (everyone else continued forth with the Snack. Drink. Nap. Repeat. routine). Later in the afternon, Mike made a good, hearty go at hot tubbing, spending a few hours lounging and listening to <em>The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian.</em></p><p>As evening set in and the cocktails got a little creamier (lots of Rumchata, Tequila Rose) and harder (9% beers, whiskey, etc); Cards Against Humanity made it's way to the living room center and had the whole abode filled with tear-filled laughter (although the subject matter cannot be repeated here...or anywhere for that matter). Having chuckled and gasped their way through the entire contents of Cards Against Humanity everyone began to move from comfy couches and chairs into comfy, warm beds for their final Abode 212 holiday slumber.</p><p>With the arrival of Saturday morning, guests of Abode 212 began packing their belongings while the regular residents set about returning to their regular routine, including long shifts at The Burlington Place. While returning to a routine can often feel like a complete drag, all who enjoyed their holiday at Abode 212 entered their routine well-fed and well-rested, shouting: bring on all that good Holiday Cheer, December!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-31499520860010222002015-12-02T12:08:00.001+09:002015-12-02T12:08:17.769+09:00Thanksgiving 2015: The Preparation<p> Melissa is a bit obsessive about food. (Let's be real, it's a bit more than a bit.) For example: she carries with her a small, green notebook to record ideas of names and ingredients for the infamous #TBPPizzaSpecial. Recently, while visions of cranberry sauce and the perfect turkey danced in her head; her mind landed excitedly upon the idea of a "Thanksgiving Series" of pizza specials at The Burlington Place. Not your typical "throw-the-leftovers-on-the-crust" concept, but...well, see if you can follow: This year, the Thanksgiving special is the Muchas Gracias - a pizza built on top of a cranberry salsa for sauce, dollops of cream cheese, fresh red onion, fresh jalapeno and ground turkey. Future pizzas will be built using Arigoto, Danke, and Merci as their nominative inspiration. Fun, right?</p><p>And whilst dreaming up the next five years worth of Thanksgiving Series Pizza Specials, Melissa was planning her own, booze-driven Thanksgiving meal. Having mastered both a Rumchata Cheesecake and Cabernet Blueberry-Cranberry sauce for last years "No-Parents, No-Rules" holiday extravaganza, the rest of the traditional dishes needed to undergo a boozing factor for Abode 212's first ever Thanksgiving meal (to be shared with Katie, Tom, [maybe Patty], Harland and Brenda).</p><p>Having only limited opportunities to run to town for groceries, planning had to begin just over a month in advance. Food magazines from the previous three Novembers littered the living room floor, Pintrest was at the ready and consideration for food traditions loved and loathed was at the forefront of the decisions to be made. This meant, that Melissa took into consideration facts like her folks are non-sweet potato eaters, and Mike will always pass on the green bean casserole and traditional pumpkin pie, so why work hard to incorporate those as main dishes? To be expected of a girl who prepared her first, full-on turkey dinner her senior year of high school (for the pure joy and experience of it all), Melissa felt no intimidation at seeking out new dishes, new methods of preparing a turkey and new ways to incorporate all the classics (sweet potatoes will find their way into the hummus this year, served on the relish tray as opposed to alongside the stuffing and a mushroom barley salad will fill the gap for the green bean casserole). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HigsywnFmWM/Vl5glivKvzI/AAAAAAAARpI/RFY3LQPO7Ro/s2048/Photo%25252020151201200756840.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HigsywnFmWM/Vl5glivKvzI/AAAAAAAARpI/RFY3LQPO7Ro/s500/Photo%25252020151201200756840.jpg" id="blogsy-1449025696439.602" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="281"></a></div><p>The menu began to take shape with boozy concepts taking a firm hold on most menu items- Melissa was struck by recipes for a bourbon brined turkey and a hard cider brined turkey (therefore, it should be no surprise she combined both concepts and had a hard-cider-bourbon-brined turkey to serve). As the turkey brine began to take shape in mental format, cooking the bird became the next matter of interest. Having a small kitchen and one small oven and NOT wanting to run down to The Burlington Place to take care of various parts of the meal, Melissa began her research on using an electric roaster oven to prepare a turkey (conveniently, an electric roaster came with the purchase of The Burlington Place, so Melissa owns one by association). Many bloggers and roaster experts had high praises to sing of their turkey's prepared in an electric roaster, claiming it was quicker, resulted in a juicier turkey and most importantly freed up oven space, Melissa was convinced and brought home the roaster to be cleaned and used on the big day.</p><p>While, some parts of the meal had been decided a year in advance: the Cabernet Blueberry-Cranberry sauce and Rumchata Cheesecake; the rest had to be decided upon in time for the bi-weekly grocery run. As such, from the piles of magazines a Mushroom Barley Salad (courtesy of Food & Wine), Lemon-Rosemary Rolls (courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens), and a Salted Pecan-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie (also courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens) made it onto this years menu. Additionally, a sweet-potato hummus and roasted chickpea appetizer (each courtesy of Pinterest) made it onto the snack cart. Brenda and Katie rounded out the holiday meal with twice-baked potatoes and lemon-butter green beans respectively.</p><p>Other, aesthetic details that came together in the preparation stage of planning the meal included the purchase of white linen napkins complete with paper-leaf napkin rings (an homage to Mike's grandma Carolynn who believed in the power and purpose of a well-set dinner table, no matter the occassion). Melissa also purchased a sturdy, folding bar cart to use as the brunch and snack station to be located in the living room so guests could easily snack without getting congested in the small kitchen of Abode 212. (Brilliant!) Melissa also repurposed her old, OLD, dorm fridge for a convenient, dining room drink station, another trick to avoid the congestion of the kitchen. Additionally, Mike conquered the building of shelves in one guest room so that boxes of beer (just a small collection that the Harrington's have been building for a few years now) could be better organized and less obtrusive in the small room. Mike also added small hooks to the back of both guest rooms for robes and towels (now that guests have the opportunity to soak in a hot tub). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvtbUZT8Jvk/Vl5gnrT3IDI/AAAAAAAARpQ/xQj9ujJIOuU/s2048/Photo%25252020151201200757094.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvtbUZT8Jvk/Vl5gnrT3IDI/AAAAAAAARpQ/xQj9ujJIOuU/s500/Photo%25252020151201200757094.jpg" id="blogsy-1449025696434.3335" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p>In the life of Melissa Harrington, preparing for guests and big meals is just one of lifes great joys, the actual hosting obviously trumps the whole process, but the immensity of joy to be experienced in the whole of the event is truly life-giving. The small details, the big details, the menu plan, the cleaning tasks - all played into the execution of a most enjoyable, incredibly delicious Thanksgiving holiday.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-1127736421556095432015-11-30T00:37:00.001+09:002015-11-30T00:37:41.267+09:00Strange Call(s) <p> Working in a small town bar offers numerous opportunities to be enlightened or stupidified by the stories and anecdotes of our fellow man. Plenty of conversations at the bar have left Mike and Melissa shaking their heads in wonder, dismay or shock. (Don't get us wrong, plenty of conversations add to the beauty of humanity as well, but those stories aren't quite as entertaining.) However, it isn't everyday that multiple phone calls end up being the primary source of confusion. Yet, Saturday, November 28th, provided a most memorable series of phone calls to The Burlington Place that left Melissa shaking her head and Mike rolling his eyes.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Call One</strong>.</p><p>Melissa: The Burlington Place, this is Melissa.</p><p>Female Caller: Hi Melissa, do you have spaghetti sauce?</p><p>M: Uhm...we have pizza marinara...?</p><p>F.C.: Oh...well...is this not the store?</p><p>M: Nope, this is the pizza place in town.</p><p>F.C.: Do you have the number for the store?</p><p>M: I don't know it off the top of my head, let me ask...</p><p> </p><p><strong>Call Two</strong>.</p><p>Melissa: The Burlington Place, this is Melissa.</p><p>Male Caller: Hi, can you tell me what's on tap tonight?</p><p>M: As in, what we have for beers on tap? (because this could also be understood as a question regarding whether or not we were hosting some kind of event on a Saturday night, right?)</p><p>M.C. Yeah.</p><p>M: Uhm, well we have Atlantic City Gold, Saddle Bronc Brown and Black Butte Porter.</p><p>M.C. Okay.</p><p>M: Are you planning on coming out for a cold one or coming with a group for dinner?</p><p>M.C.: Oh, coming with a group.</p><p>M: Well, we recommend calling ahead if you plan on dining in.</p><p>M.C.: Okay, thanks.</p><p>(Follow up; no groups came in that were particularly concerned with our tap selection)</p><p> </p><p><strong>Call Three</strong>.</p><p>Melissa: The Burlington Place, this is Melissa.</p><p>Male Caller: I'm calling about the crow hunt.</p><p>M: Okay (lots of ensuing conversation about the details, how to pay, how to participate, did you know the number on the poster is wrong - why yes I did, good for you for Googling, etc)</p><p>M.C.: Well, I thought maybe there was just one farmer who hosted the event in the field, you know so everyone can have the same opportunity, so it'd be more about shooting skill.</p><p>M: Well, generally people just get permission to shoot wherever, some take it pretty seriously with calls and decoys, others just want to drive around and shoot at shit every once in a while.</p><p>M.C.: Chuckles, okay, well we'll call later this week and let you know if we're in.</p><p>M: Sounds good, thanks.</p><p>(Follow-up: Melissa is relating the conversation to Mike and patrons, because she doesn't know a lot about crow hunting, but is pretty sure being in the same field would yield about 20 minutes of shooting opportunity before all the crows would wise up and leave that field for the day or season. Mike reflects on the phone conversation and concludes, if we hosted the event in that way, it'd likely be a skeet shoot...not a hunt</p><p>Note, we understand where the caller was coming from and his desire to have access to a place with plentiful crows, equal opportunity, less opportunity for cheaters to cheat, etc - Just not sure how that would play out in real life.)</p><p> </p><p><strong>Call Four</strong>.</p><p>Melissa: The Burlington Place, this is Melissa.</p><p>Caller (soon to be identified): Is Mike there?</p><p>Melissa: Mike Harrington? </p><p>Caller: Yes.</p><p>Melissa: He sure is, is this Tom?</p><p>Caller: Yes. (mumbles about the IRS or some such thing while Melissa hands off the phone to Mike)</p><p>Mike and Tom: Back and forth conversation of this sort </p><p>T: Blair's has Bourbon County Stout, why didn't I see Bourbon County Stout at your Place?</p><p>M: We have it too.</p><p>T: Why didn't I get some? You're a bad salesman.</p><p>M: We have it, I'll make sure you get some.</p><p>(Continued on and on with plenty of accusations, chuckles, "apologies" and promises of letting the crow counting judge have one for his services next weekend.)</p><p>Generally speaking, phone conversations at The Burlington Place are pretty straight forward:</p><p>1). Are you open/what are your hours?</p><p>2). We'd like to make a reservation for _____ people at _____ o'clock</p><p>3). I'd like to place an order for pick-up</p><p>So, having this series of phone calls, in one day is absolutely out of the norm, but good for a few chuckles nonetheless!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-66476459336226156802015-11-28T08:29:00.001+09:002015-11-28T08:29:21.062+09:00Memories: A Pre-Thanksgiving Reflection<blockquote><p>I am grateful for the power and potency of memories. I love the opportunity to reflect on all the moments before that have fed into this particular time and place: the way our table will be set with linen napkins in honor of late Grandparents who valued such things, the way we'll chuckle about holidays past and the ways we enjoyed them as children vs. how we now enjoy them, the way we'll take a moment to remember all those who aren't gathered with us whether due to death or distance, the way we'll remember our own celebrations from far off lands and all the friends who filled in for family on those occassions. These are the memories that tie the present together, keeping us rooted to the past and giving us the wings and courage to enter all the unknowns, all the new settings for new memories.</p></blockquote><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-24369534539232118302015-11-26T17:01:00.000+09:002015-11-26T17:01:00.536+09:00Thanksgiving 2014: #tbt4tht<p> As we prepare to add a new set of Thanksgiving memories to the files, we joyfully reflect back on Thanksgiving 2014 - the Thankgiving of "no-parents, no-rules!", Williston, ND.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwUWHl3VxhI/VlTCx_SF5II/AAAAAAAARdU/oKYdopIvkN0/s1996/Photo%25252020151124130416689.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwUWHl3VxhI/VlTCx_SF5II/AAAAAAAARdU/oKYdopIvkN0/s500/Photo%25252020151124130416689.jpg" id="blogsy-1448395486882.8428" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p> The years 2013-2014, for the extended Harrington clan, saw some fairly major changes. Big moves: across the state, to other states; graduations and the beginnings of grad programs; engagements, wedding plans and a wedding; business start-ups; and all the small, bric-a-brac that accompanies life - giving fullness while also contributing to all the mundane. Therefore, as Thanksgiving 2014 approached, the Harrington children and their partners in crime (be it dog, spouse or both), were eager to spend the holiday creating a new, different set of memories, specifically a set of memories, that regrettably would leave out the parents.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFohN6lg3Ty781mSuSCub_wvHaTAlTYR0EN01JmNeVdSJIeEdjblLp9G7Z9msox80hfrgw6tFl89Xv2gOyIRWa6MdMObgUaFZ07KQxNWoC4HzP4JSOu0FFf1EhGc2nhKvhd5XAoDYKDHI/s2048/Photo%25252020151124130416970.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFohN6lg3Ty781mSuSCub_wvHaTAlTYR0EN01JmNeVdSJIeEdjblLp9G7Z9msox80hfrgw6tFl89Xv2gOyIRWa6MdMObgUaFZ07KQxNWoC4HzP4JSOu0FFf1EhGc2nhKvhd5XAoDYKDHI/s500/Photo%25252020151124130416970.jpg" id="blogsy-1448395486837.8633" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> </p><p>With satisfied bellies and a recently walked mutt, Mike and Melissa continued on and after having endured blowing snow and the flat-flat lands of North Dakota, were welcomed into the home of Molly and Landon. As one would expect (regardless of whether parents are present or not) the foursome cracked open some beers, found some snacks and caught up, made jokes and plotted the Thanksgiving festivities.Prior to Mike and Melissa entering the scene for a Harrington Thanksgiving minus Tom and Patty, they took a minor (read, major) detour through Spearfish, SD in order to share a round of drinks, fine lunch fare and heartfelt hugs with Melissa's parents and sister/sister's family clan. A cozy lunch stop at the Bay Leaf in Spearfish left Mike and Melissa feeling the true warmth of the season regardless of the frigid temperatures outside (and unbeknownst to them, the long miles yet ahead on their journey to Williston, ND).</p><p>The following day saw the arrival of Katie, Zuma and friend of the two, (soon to be friend of us all) Kristina.The day was spent baking, snacking, boozing (seriously: no-parents, no rules!), lounging, being impressed with Kristina's ability to win over the sassy little Lady Annyeong. As the dinner hour made it's appearance we opted to shove ourselves into one vehcile and head over to Williston Brewing Company (which ironically does not brew any beer of their own - BUT do provide a decent selection of local brews, so...) Full bellies, lots of laughter and a continued mantra of "No Parents - No Rules" lead the Williston Thanksgiving clan back to Chokecherry Lane for shots of Patron (with cinnamon sprinkled orange slices rather than salty limes...a VERY good idea), Rumchata Root Beer Floats, Apple Crown on the Rocks, glasses of wine, bottles of imperial stouts and imperial black IPAs, and on and on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XA296GisVpuDOjNzbzKgk8nkIow8jEUGXtBrZu9DfoJk7ROV_l5KoEzBnFczkgLnCpJblVlj18JQYzqWl0ENGgmMfZKH34yBR_PUb57BX7lGblMbIqfyLdV3v8AzmezjADyzuOdCFGo/s2047/Photo%25252020151124130417248.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XA296GisVpuDOjNzbzKgk8nkIow8jEUGXtBrZu9DfoJk7ROV_l5KoEzBnFczkgLnCpJblVlj18JQYzqWl0ENGgmMfZKH34yBR_PUb57BX7lGblMbIqfyLdV3v8AzmezjADyzuOdCFGo/s500/Photo%25252020151124130417248.jpg" id="blogsy-1448395486865.4355" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9uMaE0wl5Y8/VlTC3HTz1qI/AAAAAAAARdo/Pd7mfDYOvYI/s2046/Photo%25252020151124130417509.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9uMaE0wl5Y8/VlTC3HTz1qI/AAAAAAAARdo/Pd7mfDYOvYI/s500/Photo%25252020151124130417509.jpg" id="blogsy-1448395486793.195" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>Thanksgiving morning brought with it the tried and true American tradition of enjoying the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Meanwhile and throughout, Landon began preparations of the big meal and the day carried forth with all the makings of a perfect holiday meal: Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetables, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, the whole works! With full hearts and fuller glasses of wine the clan sat down to enjoy all the holiday had to offer. Games of Pandemic, viewings of football/futbol and of course boozing (including Bloody Mary's the morning after) rounded out the holiday weekend on the whole. While the entire clan knew that having had parents would have changed little in terms of thier holiday enjoyment, the mantra of "No Parents - No Rules" carried them through and will forever summarize Thanksgiving 2014. Among the most memorable of holidays, when all were young adults, conquering change and putting tradition (new and old) at the center of all things to be carried into the always unpredictable, always full, future.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-13973163028098929382015-11-25T05:11:00.001+09:002015-11-25T05:11:30.609+09:00Life Snippets hosted by Lady Annyeong: Fall 2015<p> Fall highlights from the perspective of the "Lady of Abode 212":</p><ul> <li>Winter arrived later than usual, which meant more time lounging in the backyard.</li> <li>M 'n' M have finally figured out how to "help" this Lady warm up to visitors - FOOD! I have met some new friends, of course they are only friends after handing over a treat (cheese-sticks being the #1 choice).</li> <li>Mom thought it'd be real cute to dress up as a cat for Halloween, truth: it wasn't that cute, I'm far cuter <em>without</em> a costume!</li> <li>Dad likes to throw me in his loud, rickety trucks to drive to town. The Alabaster Disaster (T.A.D.) kind of freaks me out, but I do adore cuddling up next to him for our weekly trip to town, so I''ll deal with that bit of inconvenience.</li> <li>I had this AMAZING habit of storing my dry dog food all over the house, in case I got the midnight munchies. Apparently, this annoyed my humans - they commented it was something like stepping on Legos...so, their solution? Feed me wet dog food. Let me just say, this is all my doggy heart needs to be fully satisfied, I don't even mind not being able to store food for munchies, this food trumps all that dry, hard food I'd been forced to choke down over the years.</li> <li>Mom has made a solid habit of journaling, reading, praying and drinking coffee in the mornings. This means, bonus cuddling and having a giant bed to lounge on for an extra 30 minutes everyday - pure bliss. She's also decorated the room a bit better (one of hte guest rooms that is) and dad even put some shelves up recently to store all their beer...seriously, the things they do in the name of "research" - I should say I'm starting a cheese stick factory so I can just eat all the cheese sticks I want and claim that it's my "duty".</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pon31hvtqaE/VlTEbqMz5pI/AAAAAAAARd4/yfYJqLM_AUM/s2047/Photo%25252020151124131117310.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pon31hvtqaE/VlTEbqMz5pI/AAAAAAAARd4/yfYJqLM_AUM/s500/Photo%25252020151124131117310.jpg" id="blogsy-1448395888753.7698" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>Fall lowlights from the perspective of the "Lady of Abode 212</p><ul> <li>Mom and Dad left me alone, <strong><em>twice</em></strong>, in September - for a wedding and beer-filled, Denver weekend - seriously, how can leave this sweet face behind?</li> <li>Mom went back to work at the school and there have been some "busy" nights at The Burlington Place, which generally means I get a few less walks...as if I can handle <strong><em>only</em></strong> having a huge back yard to run around in, so much neglect in my days.</li> <li>The parents also got a hot tub this summer, finally set it up this fall...which means, they go outside more often, but guess who has no desire to get into the hot tub? This mutt. So what good is this thing that takes my cuddle people away? No good, no good at all!</li></ul><p>Well, as my people would say: Cheers humans! If you come a knockin' you better be holding a cheese stick!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-47787258418178039012015-11-23T05:58:00.001+09:002015-11-23T05:58:35.983+09:00Will Trade: Pizza for Donuts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUwMSEjn5_w/VlIseRw1QPI/AAAAAAAARcU/vMbvTdnW0L4/s2048/Photo%25252020151122135824320.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUwMSEjn5_w/VlIseRw1QPI/AAAAAAAARcU/vMbvTdnW0L4/s500/Photo%25252020151122135824320.jpg" id="blogsy-1448225914181.7842" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="889" alt=""></a></div><p> Since thier first fall here in Burlington, Melissa has heard rumors of mythical, magical donuts prepared by a particular, deep-rooted, Burlington family. These home-made, legendary, donuts are most commonly available on All Hallows Eve. However, for the Harrington's, being well over trick-or-treating age, without any children in their care AND having to manage a bar...there have been few opportunities to seek out these highly acclaimed morsels.</p><p>This year, the third Halloween of Mike and Melissa being present in Burlington passed with only a small teaser. Melissa begged and pleaded with numerous high school students who had stopped at The Burlington Place for their fill of candy, and eventually the Harrington's were recipients to one (only ONE!) of these sweet treats. </p><p>However, the youngest son of the ever-famed donut making family, assured Melissa at school the following week, that these home-made donuts should only be eaten fresh. This particular conversation lead to Melissa striking a deal that the next event which warranted the preparation of donuts, would be the ideal time to hold some fresh donuts aside and deliver promptly to The Burlingotn Place.<br></p><p>So it was, on the evening of Friday, November 13th, a caller rang into The Burlington Place, asked for Mrs. Harrington and claimed to have some fresh donuts available. Payment required? A simple, one topping pizza. Could it be done? You bet your sweet tooth!</p><p>Therefore, prior to some kind of crazy, unpredictable pizza rush on Friday the 13th, Mike and Melissa each devoured 3.5 home-made donuts, just the right amount to see them another TBP Friday night. This moment in history also marks a true coming-of-location, the creation of a root, the deepening of belonging, the truth of feeling as if one is truly a member of a long-standing community.</p><p>Cheers to donuts that give you roots!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-70019900694298861202015-11-22T08:32:00.001+09:002015-11-22T08:50:38.823+09:00The Great American Beerfest: #TBT4THT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here we go, a Throwback Thursday for The Harrington Times.<br />
Since re-entering the blog world, I've discovered some true #tbt moments, some drafts which are simply titles, yet speak to the stories I wish would have been recorded. As I work on getting those out of the mines, I figure I ought to work on some more recent memories, moments from the past, but not quite so long ago. I figured, since most of my undone posts are beer related and the stories I most "recently" kept at the forefront of our blog space were beer-related, I might as well take a relatively small step back in time and re-experience the Great American Beer Fest (GABF, if you will).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJipUMjmcG4gaqRzE7CHaA3oNKfMgZm9tgUZ0Sj-a786q65PDZ5u4jrVVYpHISYSg3Ce77c5v0VKR30p0EZukWpGwHeGwrGXXY77zYXePM38BVrONkXz4CbPO9aaiArCmHbNO5ex572wg/s1693/Photo%25252020151121163157008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="500" id="blogsy-1448148747434.0947" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJipUMjmcG4gaqRzE7CHaA3oNKfMgZm9tgUZ0Sj-a786q65PDZ5u4jrVVYpHISYSg3Ce77c5v0VKR30p0EZukWpGwHeGwrGXXY77zYXePM38BVrONkXz4CbPO9aaiArCmHbNO5ex572wg/s500/Photo%25252020151121163157008.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
GABF, is as Mike explains, the World Series of Beer. It is <i>the </i>beer event of beer events, if you have even the smallest love of craft beer, your sudsy-fermented-beverage-loving tastebuds want you to take them there. The challenge, however, is getting your hands on a set of tickets to this highly prized event. Fortunately, for Mike and I, we entered our proprietorship of The Burlington Place well aware that relationship building would be an essential ingredient to our happiness and success. Not only did we seek to build relationships with patrons, but additionally with our distributors, sales-reps and delivery folks. One such relationship, with our Budwieser distributors (who also distribute plenty of fine craft beer) has been 100% rewarding...especially when they have a handful of GABF tickets available and know that the TBP couple would love them and take full advantage of all the perks. Therefore, four tickets in hand, Mike and I made our way to Denver, meeting up with Dave and Julianne en route and began a weekend of sipping as many 1 oz. beer pours as possible in a 5 hour period.<br />
Some key experiences and insights from our time at GABF:<br />
<ul>
<li>Veterans of GABF come adorned with pretzel necklaces, smart</li>
<li>You should go in with a strategy...or develop one quickly. Mike went for the try-any-sour-ale-available strategy whereas Melissa went for the if-it-was-aged-in-a-barrel-it-should-be-rolling-down-my-gullet strategy</li>
<li>Brewers are a very clever bunch considering we drank beers named: Morning Wood, Beavers Milk, Hopspresso, Sodbuster, Good Juju, Helluva Caucasion Stout, Melt My Brain, Sunday Morning Stout and Biere Joi (among plenty of others)</li>
<li>If you have a cousin in the beer industry - you might just run into her while attending GABF</li>
<li>Alas, if you've been emailing somebody in the craft beer/brewing industy, you might just run into him while attending GABF (and since few people can promote craft beer so well in a small, Wyoming town, you just might be a bit memorable)</li>
<li>You CANNOT taste nearly as many beers in a five hour time span as you think you can, however, 1 oz. pours can help you on your way to buzz-dom</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GlWwhlA5ETY/VlD-_cikYBI/AAAAAAAARb0/7FxUQtDN1LM/s1996/Photo%25252020151121163157279.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="500" id="blogsy-1448148747485.1326" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GlWwhlA5ETY/VlD-_cikYBI/AAAAAAAARb0/7FxUQtDN1LM/s500/Photo%25252020151121163157279.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
The evening of GABF festivities was filled with meandering and sipping, comparing and hoping that you would not end the evening with a last call of something less than fitting of your personal style. (Note to futue attendees: beware of the drunks who grab a pitcher off a breweries table, claiming it's their pilsner yet having no true idea what it is...it could possibly be all the backwash and watered down beer that gets poured into...you've got it, random pitchers). Fortunately, if your last call is a bit off color, you happen to be in downtown Denver with plenty of great dining and snacking options. For us, that fine dining option centered on the desire for wings and a lack of desire for researching our full options, so we ended up at Chili's for an assortment of appetizers, a watermelon margarita and a recap of the best beer moments. (One conclusion: Short's Brewery was one of our all around favorites - crazy flavor combos - gin and tonic beer, key lime pie, strawberry shortcake, bloody Mary, etc. and super AWESOME tap handles!) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGbf0tgSINU/VlD_AuS9E_I/AAAAAAAARb4/kEkyzdsWb-c/s960/Photo%25252020151121163157350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" id="blogsy-1448148747479.2644" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGbf0tgSINU/VlD_AuS9E_I/AAAAAAAARb4/kEkyzdsWb-c/s500/Photo%25252020151121163157350.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
So, having had an eventful evening running around America's greatest beer fest, the Sunday after is best served by heading any where that has a Bloody Mary bar and allows for some good eats, fresh air and golf, obviously. Therefore, head to a Top Golf. As our good friend Dave explained, Top Golf is like bowling meets mini-golf. In essence this means, you have your own "lanes" or bay complete with clubs, golf platform and wait staff service directly to your table. It also means you don't actually have to know much about golf to have a good time (similar to mini-golf). Ultimately, you're guaranteed to have a good time sitting, lounging, chatting and boozing it up with friends (and family if you're double lucky! - Thanks Mark and Calley for coming all the way out to see us!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sg-BPcmmd7g/VlD_CpQvABI/AAAAAAAARb8/ZDB56zH3LBE/s1996/Photo%25252020151121163157573.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="500" id="blogsy-1448148747516.4526" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sg-BPcmmd7g/VlD_CpQvABI/AAAAAAAARb8/ZDB56zH3LBE/s500/Photo%25252020151121163157573.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
With beer from the previous night finishing it's marathon through our livers and bloody Mary's to satisfy our typical Sunday morning craving we headed back toward Ft. Collins to depart from our GABF company (only after a typical, epic-proportion, liquor store stop - because, why stop at 1 oz beer pours when you can take a few cases of specialty brews that aren't available in your own market?) A few long hours on the road lead us through Douglas where we stopped for wings and pizza (since we're obviously experts in determining quality of such things) and then continued back to reality...serving our own fine pizza along a killer selection of craft beer!<br />
<br />
Cheers friends!<br />
<br />
<div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" height="20" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-60232564845548691272015-11-19T09:19:00.000+09:002015-11-19T09:19:00.263+09:00Winter Arrival at Abode 212<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOmCP2dj2g4/Vky6VnZFgnI/AAAAAAAAQrU/XaELDyYvmqc/s2048/first%252520snow%2525202015.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOmCP2dj2g4/Vky6VnZFgnI/AAAAAAAAQrU/XaELDyYvmqc/s500/first%252520snow%2525202015.jpg" id="blogsy-1447877709218.6943" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="889"></a></div><p> True to many locations around the state and region, we've had a most lovely, mild fall and are still awaiting the first big snow.</p><p>Considering that this summer Mike built a most dreamy patio in our back yard and we've even managed to adorn said patio with a hot-tub, I'm a bit more excited about winter and piles of snow than I have been in previous years. So, when Wednesday morning came with a quick little spit of snow, I looked out upon our patio and imagined a long, cold winter holding my favorite glass of red wine while sitting in a tub full of 104* water.</p><p>Winter sure will be lovely. I'm not dreading her arrival in the least!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-55219839568513529062015-11-19T04:59:00.000+09:002015-11-19T04:59:45.338+09:00Reviving The Harrington Times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the previous week we have:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Hosted three groups of 20 diners; amid the usual smattering of two-tops, three-tops, four-tops, etc.</li>
<li>Prepared 209 pizzas for dine-in and take-out (in a town of 288 people)</li>
<li>Enjoyed steak and eggs for Sunday Brunch, prior to going to work selling pizza and beer</li>
<li>Watched Dracula: Untold while devouring squash and pork enchiladas</li>
<li>Received a gift of New Glarus brews from a set of hunters that literally come through once a year</li>
<li>Shot a pheasant (Mike, specifically conquered this task)</li>
<li>Began conducting a few flight searches in hopes of some spring travel</li>
<li>Prepared a menu for Thanksgiving to be hosted at Abode 212</li>
<li>Looked over numerous math tests to assist students at Burlington Schools (Melissa, specifically conquered this task)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
And now, some thoughts on reviving the blog space.<br />
<br />
Truly, there is no surprise that in opting to start a small restaurant/bar business has left us with little to no spare time. To that avail, blogging was among the first hobbies to find itself on the back burner, the back burner of our Laramie home nonetheless. So, a bit of searching and reviving, a bit of time management and adjustment has lead me to digging out a new pot. A new pot that will likely find itself on the back burner, however, it will at least be the back burner to our new home, our Burlington home, the home we affectionately call Abode 212.<br />
<br />
In terms of managing a blog that was initiated with the purpose of chronicling big and mundane moments of a life together, it seems a bit overwhelming to jump into our story three years from the previous post. If we’d peacefully lived under a rock in those passing days, weeks and years, it’d be easy to pick up the story from there. However, we’ve been busier than we’ve ever been as The Harrington’s. We’ve learned infinitely more about running a business, tax structures, small town politics, regional success, old buildings, home-ownership, cocktail recipes, the service industry, hosting family and friends while working multiple full time jobs, etc. And personally, I want some of those stories chronicled. I want a resource, a place, where I can return and remember all those moments: big, small, mundane and heel-click worthy.<br />
<br />
So, perhaps the next three years (and the previous three) will be presented in the least chronological of order The Harrington Times has ever known. Perhaps this “phase” will quickly die out and chronological order will be the least of any of our worries. For now, I’ll look forward to regaling any wayward readers with the latest tragedies and comedies of our little Burlington life. Fortunately, in this age of the “hashtag” I can easily take advantage of #memorymonday, #throwbackthursday/#tbt and #flashbackfridays/#fbf in order to document the moments which would otherwise get left on the back burner of our sweet Abode 212. All these moments, past and present, feeling ever crucial to the make-up of our lives, worthy of recording, of remembering and of sharing.<br />
<br />
Cheers to revival friends! Revival of a blog, revival of stories and revival of writing habits (a personal favorite).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-40289092064780363572013-05-02T07:13:00.000+09:002013-05-02T07:13:00.159+09:00Valentine's Day Romantic Dinner Tradition: 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/collagevday.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo collagevday.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/collagevday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As per Valentine Tradition (which, THT realizes has long passed), the Harrington duo opted to stay in and prepare a classy dinner together. Maintaining their comfort by wearing pajamas, the couple spent the evening putting together various appetizers and enjoying them in shifts while taking in a couple of movies, such as<i> I Hate Valentine's Day</i>.<br />
<br />
While going out for fancy, romantic dinners or receiving flowers and chocolates may be the desire of some on the 14th of February, the Harrington's are always quite satisfied to stay home and simply be together, relaxed and focused on their love, respect and appreciation for one another.<br />
<br />
Obviously, the most important thing for the Harrington duo on these nights is the menu, in 2013 the Valentine Menu centered around Appetizers which included: a favorite combination of <a href="http://519kitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/apple-and-brie-toasts.html">Brie and Apples served on a Baguette</a>; a fresh, slightly tangy <a href="http://519kitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/feta-stuffed-cherry-peppers.html">Feta Stuffed Cherry Pepper</a>; a never-fails to be delicious combination of <a href="http://519kitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/feta-stuffed-figs-wrapped-in-bacon.html">Feta Stuffed Figs wrapped in Bacon</a>; ridiculously delicious and fancy-looking <a href="http://519kitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/pancetta-and-puff-pastry-wrapped.html">Pancetta wrapped Asparagus wrapped in Puff Pastry</a>; and a dish that became lunch <a href="http://519kitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/avocado-salad-with-bacon-dressing.html">Avocado Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette</a> - lots of bacon, lots of cheese and lots of delicious-ness for a singular evening!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/Food%20Pics/DSC06001.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC06001.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/Food%20Pics/DSC06001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/Food%20Pics/DSC06006.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC06006.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/Food%20Pics/DSC06006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/Food%20Pics/DSC06012.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC06012.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/Food%20Pics/DSC06012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/Food%20Pics/DSC06021.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC06021.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/Food%20Pics/DSC06021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/Food%20Pics/DSC06025.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC06025.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/Food%20Pics/DSC06025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/Food%20Pics/DSC06027.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC06027.jpg" border="0" height="480" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/Food%20Pics/DSC06027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-49741332056809262352013-04-20T05:15:00.000+09:002015-11-20T08:49:31.049+09:00Brew Tour: New Belgium, Ft. Collins, CO<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT-rf9mx4EM3hKBTygZQ_KSs6xzm5d5Ih2Vi3FTfXuvodjaUN_33mt0ZKUQJzV-zwsmeJBqHTQ3RmHZbwMpTGGMrQf72bmGFOBtbeH0xdrKJNJqZFw76y0mIzOzqextqNBZijUxlm2d8/s2048/Photo%25252020151119131304640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1447964004425.1653" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT-rf9mx4EM3hKBTygZQ_KSs6xzm5d5Ih2Vi3FTfXuvodjaUN_33mt0ZKUQJzV-zwsmeJBqHTQ3RmHZbwMpTGGMrQf72bmGFOBtbeH0xdrKJNJqZFw76y0mIzOzqextqNBZijUxlm2d8/s500/Photo%25252020151119131304640.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A perk of learning to bartend at the Fort Collins School of Bartending is that we end up in Fort Collins, and our instructor offers a bit of insider advice about the craft beer and liqour markets of the Front Range. One such tip? Try to get in on the last New Belgium Brewery Tour of Friday - it's the bees knees!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, we attended our final bartending course and then made our way to New Belgium where we threw our names onto the waiting list, ordered a couple sour ales (La Folie, specifically) and soaked up some sun on the outdoor patio, fingers-crossed that we'd make it on to the tour route. Low and behold, the brew-gods were looking down on us with mercy and we made it into the tour, and oh-what-a-tour it was!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Multiple stops are included along the path so that guides can explain the brewing process, the breweries histoy, stats, etc. More importantly, each stop includes a fresh pour of a fine New Belgium brew. By the time the tour came to a close we'd confirmed our love for this breweries products and discovered new loves for Trans-Antlantique Kriek (sour cherry ale) and Rampant (imperial IPA). We were impressed with the true depth and extent of New Belgiums commitment to sustainability and the pioneering role they have taken in such endeavors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://httpshttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EhlnWOAKrDXPbZkLsNBajm2-o5I1fjnFgdrZ_q6-vlL3jfiJedGIABk15ao54UmMFnB3nj4YHcofrjnwY6PSJnXFhycQxF5qOD838tw8xK0EU5OWZZNY5D8HwOrWdilwOj4R_uCZFMU/s2047/Photo%25252020151119131304917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="500" id="blogsy-1447964004417.9412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EhlnWOAKrDXPbZkLsNBajm2-o5I1fjnFgdrZ_q6-vlL3jfiJedGIABk15ao54UmMFnB3nj4YHcofrjnwY6PSJnXFhycQxF5qOD838tw8xK0EU5OWZZNY5D8HwOrWdilwOj4R_uCZFMU/s500/Photo%25252020151119131304917.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrsSGWp853qnWVdb5ZNBOM3KgoUoU5jEfQ8d-hFU42fILfmO0lknlaewZCJOiRekUcjlael9M2nA8gofHU_1cRMfD7FgkkVtWXUGBv_gAGGa1OlP405khO1v5Vru1gK1_4in2FQSzImc/s2048/Photo%25252020151119131305156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="667" id="blogsy-1447964004340.4531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrsSGWp853qnWVdb5ZNBOM3KgoUoU5jEfQ8d-hFU42fILfmO0lknlaewZCJOiRekUcjlael9M2nA8gofHU_1cRMfD7FgkkVtWXUGBv_gAGGa1OlP405khO1v5Vru1gK1_4in2FQSzImc/s500/Photo%25252020151119131305156.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Prior to finishing the tour and having an opportunity to order a few more specialty brews (namely a S'more Porter that was literally made of dreams and perfection), tour participants are lead to the tightest little twirly slide so that any actual trade-secrets which may have been revealed will be launched from your memories and leave one feeling ridiculously giddy.<br />
<br />
So, how exactly does a beer-loving couple follow up such an experience? Obviously by getting a hold of Fort Collins based friends, eating a monster burrito, trying more local brews, meeting up at a funky bicycle/coffee/bar establishment and enjoying more beer and a lemon-grass cider - it's all quite clear, if only you think about it!<br />
<br />
<div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" height="20" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-39185428743751033362013-04-19T07:47:00.000+09:002016-01-07T05:58:20.334+09:00Favorite Pup Moments: Winter 2013 #tbt4tht<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/collagelady.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/collagelady.jpg" id="blogsy-1452113871077.074" class="" width="640" height="480" alt=" photo collagelady.jpg"></a></div><p>The winter with the pup has been a lot of couch cuddling and reading, dog-sitting and attempting to make Lady Annyeong become friendly toward other dogs, road-trips, family time including hanging out and attempting to share space with all the family dogs and even watching Lady get a bit active with some dog toys, which is not at all normal for this sassy pup.</p><p>After her initial distaste for Wyoming winters, she's come around and now happily makes her way into the bitter cold for her morning and afternoon walks, but don't let that fool you into thinking she LOVES winter, she just tolerates it and would always choose to curl up in a sunny spot on the carpet rather than expose herself to the elements for a long period of time.</p></div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-6583569660599804362013-04-12T09:19:00.003+09:002015-12-18T06:51:48.215+09:00Bubble 2-3-cut: Bartending School<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> </p><p>When deciding to purchase a business that has a strong bartending component, Mike and Melissa recognized a whole in their knowledge set. While they knew plenty about good food and were well-versed in craft beer, they were lacking in cocktail knowledge. Sure, they'd gone out for a few cocktails and had enjoyed plenty of perfect, beachy-type cocktails on previous travels to Hawaii and Vietnam, but actually knowing what to do to make a cocktail and stock a bar was well beyond their normal set of knowledge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqefKUOQe_xC9OXx7-LO21K7P0Dg4QRWluSp1iO_Nbqy4iKyjWth7Zre6k1JT6OAXcJvzt47lMpuw3KMDO5H49VCoW8jruDJcaggse0XYn1df8eukmhpXW5LVs7icth20xPF3qYZYbRg/s2048/Photo%25252020151217145129282.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqefKUOQe_xC9OXx7-LO21K7P0Dg4QRWluSp1iO_Nbqy4iKyjWth7Zre6k1JT6OAXcJvzt47lMpuw3KMDO5H49VCoW8jruDJcaggse0XYn1df8eukmhpXW5LVs7icth20xPF3qYZYbRg/s500/Photo%25252020151217145129282.jpg" id="blogsy-1450389106134.703" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Fortunately, a Living Social deal popped up offering a weeklong course in bartending, hosted by Fort Collins Bartending Academy. Since the couple was living in Laramie at the time and it was late enough in the spring not to feel too threatened by weather, the duo signed up and began a week of after work travels to learn the art and skills of bartending.</p><p>The course ended up being a private endeavor for Mike and Melissa, as their timing and that of the instrutors didn't align with other students. This suited the situation perfectly, as the instructor, Gina, had tons of valuable bar/restaurant business experience and was able to offer M&M additional insight into what their future lives would hold. So, while learning how to count the perfect shot for all the classic cocktail combinations and essential differences between each type of liquor; the couple also learned how to choose glassware, the importance of inventory and a few tips on managing employees.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLDEpphS3W7LajZjgMNygPKtJxxXg1ik66GpCrue4K8foKBReiVEXfAgnkuA5RYqujhSwHrStdHhOrHyvQc_Rl_viSbFOThJNz8r8JsXzb7hVfETTAvg_iCwaAKGNCgYpOiSVC8zEG5c/s2048/Photo%25252020151217145129547.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLDEpphS3W7LajZjgMNygPKtJxxXg1ik66GpCrue4K8foKBReiVEXfAgnkuA5RYqujhSwHrStdHhOrHyvQc_Rl_viSbFOThJNz8r8JsXzb7hVfETTAvg_iCwaAKGNCgYpOiSVC8zEG5c/s500/Photo%25252020151217145129547.jpg" id="blogsy-1450389106215.3892" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> The class revolved around practicing speed pours, memorizing basic cocktail combinations, learning to pour accurately <strong>every time</strong>, understanding the concept of well - call - premium - super premium, and all the little tips and insights unique to the trade. Highlights included visiting Dancing Pines distillery (where Melissa whole-heartedly fell in love with a Chai liqueur and the DP Gin), being in Ft. Collins and having the opportunity to meet up with good friends in the area, being in Ft. Collins and having the opportunity to meet baby girl Cooley right after she was born (!) and touring New Belgium Brewery (we've posted about that already). </p><p>Now, a few years into owning their bar business, the couple is extremely grateful for the lessons they received during this weeklong course and have used that backbone of information to keep themselves and their business standing strong and serving up fun, well-poured cocktails...that is, when a patron doesn't have a beer-lovers pallet (since that's still the drink of choice at The Burlington Place and in the private stocks of Mike and Melissa). </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-29599083401262494552013-04-12T09:17:00.003+09:002015-12-02T11:44:10.930+09:00Spring Break 2013: A Lesson in Bourbon<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> </p><p>While nearly 3 years has passed since touring the Wyoming Whiskey distillery in Kirby, Wyoming; some details remain clear: The crisp, Wyoming, spring air. The dull-glow of copper kettles. The bready-lively smell of the fermentation process. The intimacy of touring a facility as a group of four; long before the onset of tourist season. The balanced scent of oak barrels working their slow-sweet magic on Wyoming's first "legal" whiskey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Is3LpnLl508/Vl5Zt1MJRjI/AAAAAAAARo4/Qf4S-Y_YImY/s2048/Photo%25252020151201193838761.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Is3LpnLl508/Vl5Zt1MJRjI/AAAAAAAARo4/Qf4S-Y_YImY/s500/Photo%25252020151201193838761.jpg" id="blogsy-1449024172535.4207" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>The tour and the facilities were truly an extraordinary and impressive experience. For Mike and Melissa, the tour was a perfect fit for their "Burlington-bar-purchase-focused-spring-break". Spring Break 2013 was the week in which Mike and Melissa took their finalized business plan to it's full fruition, looked over a ton of loan papers and made some kind of sense of what it would soon mean to own a small-town, Wyoming bar. Little did they know just how much Wyoming Whiskey would become an aspect of their liqour serving lives, the conversations that would rotate around this product which was so highly anticipated around the entire state.</p><p>Unfortunately, it has been painfully clear that Wyoming Whiskey has not won over the hearts of the people for whom <em>Wyoming</em> is home. Released before having had adequate time in a barrel, most Wyomingites first impression was that of paying too much for something too forceful and "green". Owning and more importantly, working a bar, the Harrington's have engaged in numerous conversations regarding this well labeled, poorly executed product. However, they've also had opportunites to try more recent batches and meet with members of the Wyoming Whiskey team - these have resulted in more positive experiences - a better tasting Whiskey (more time in a quality barrel is all it takes!) and down-to-earth sales reps that understand the value of ALL Wyoming beer, wine and liqour establishments.</p><p>Taking time to reflect back on this tour has provided a moment of grateful appreciation for the way the world works and the way things always come full circle, even the smallest of things.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8788778260894402260.post-29887368204998169582013-04-12T09:13:00.000+09:002013-04-19T08:14:06.248+09:00Brew Tour: Neptune's Brewer of Livingston, MT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/melmik07/media/nept2.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo nept2.jpg" border="0" height="640" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z375/melmik07/nept2.jpg" width="479" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After stopping at Fat Jack's Tap Room and continuing forth on their journey to Gardiner, MT to meet with their friend, the Harringtons stopped in at the Thai eatery, sailor-themed Neptune's Brewery in Livingston, MT. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, the couple arrived a little later than desirable, had only about half an hour to sample a few brews (likely something hoppy for the man and something dark for the lady) before the each drank a half pint of super strong Mead Ale and bought a growler to share with friends in Gardiner.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17674713557430658857noreply@blogger.com0