<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Texas Archives - ON TAP FOR TODAY</title> <atom:link href="https://ontapfortoday.com/tag/texas/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>http://ontapfortoday.com/tag/texas/</link> <description>fun loving, inspired living</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:36:26 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-ACS_1560-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>Texas Archives - ON TAP FOR TODAY</title> <link>http://ontapfortoday.com/tag/texas/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">42026970</site> <item> <title>Today: Austin to Boston, and Boston to Austin.</title> <link>https://ontapfortoday.com/2012/10/26/today-austin-to-boston/</link> <comments>https://ontapfortoday.com/2012/10/26/today-austin-to-boston/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:34:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Photographs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Places and Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Austin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bloggers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Boston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eat local]]></category> <category><![CDATA[food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[local food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Massachusettts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ontapfortoday.com/?p=7106</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>I’ve only been to Texas once. I flew in on a Tuesday, stayed in a creepy Marriott (I used to think a Marriott was a Marriott… and then I landed in one that shared a driveway with the Diamond Ladies “gentlemen’s club”), worked at a local middle school for a day, and flew out that Thursday. The one time I ate out, there were shrimp hidden in my salad. Having never eaten seafood before, I wondered if I might be allergic. I didn’t want to die in a hotel overlooking Diamond Ladies. That would just be too sad. Needless to say, I didn’t get much in the way of local flavor while I was there. So you’ll understand my delight when I opened a package from Kasee, my Austin to Boston match, to find some truly Texan treats. From Austin to Boston Strangely the chewy pecans Kasee sent did not survive long enough to be photographed (ahem, Nick). He vouched for their deliciousness, though. I am sure he’ll help me sample all the other goods, too. We go through quite a bit of hot sauce and bbq sauce in this condohold. Friday fun fact: 25 Massachusettses would fit inside Texas. How cute is this Texas cookie cutter? The Alamo air freshener cracked me up. I wonder if it smells historic. I’ll report back. Edible Austin and black eyed peas – I’ll have to break these out on New Year’s Day. I haven’t been very adventurous lately, given all the food allergy testing and whatnot, but I cannot wait to crack open this jar of okra pickles. I like it hot. (Which is why I have perma-heartburn. Don’t tell my RD.) I know the bbq sauce will be put to good use as well. Peach jam and local honey, two breakfast favorites of mine And even more spicy sauces: roasted raspberry chipotle sauce, hatch chili salsa, and “that green sauce” …my curiosity is peaked! You can count on seeing a whole lot of heat in upcoming posts thanks to Kasee’s generous package of treats. Clearly, I need to make a return trip to Texas. …And Boston to Austin I had just as much fun shopping for Kasee as I did enjoying the surprises she sent my way. I searched high and low for Necco wafers, as we live just a few blocks from the old factory, but I couldn’t find a single roll. I used to love those things. Except for the brownish greyish ones. I think we can agree that candy shouldn’t be brownish greyish. Here is what I did find and send her way. Besides that gourd-geous thing. Edible Boston and a copy of the Whole Foods Market Holiday magazine, which includes a little shout-out to On Tap for Today (blatant horn tooting, sorry) A swan boat ornament, featuring one of Clark’s favorite Boston scenes A few of my favorite local baked goods (which I no longer indulge in since forgoing gluten… it’s nice to have a reason to share!): Dancing Deer Baking Company maple leaf and gingerbread acorn cookies and Lark salted rosemary shortbread -both of these treats are made locally and taste divine. They make great hostess gifts. And regular gifts. You know what I mean. Clover honey from McClure’s of New England – I love this in tea, over oats, or just plain ol’ on a spoon. Spicy apple ginger chews from the Ginger People – A favorite sweet snack, perfect for travel Stonewall Kitchen maple pumpkin butter – made in Maine, not Massachusetts, but New England flavors nevertheless. I felt it was okay to bend the rules a bit, seeing as Maine is my true north. Literally and figuratively. I’ve loved getting to know Kasee through her blog, The Apron Gal. She posts the most delicious sounding recipes, and has inspired me to break out my aprons more often. Thanks for all the Texas treats, Kasee! Also On Tap for Today: Getting “Sunday things” out of the way two days early Obsessively checking the weather Wishing Theodora lots of luck this weekend What is your favorite local food find?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2012/10/26/today-austin-to-boston/">Today: Austin to Boston, and Boston to Austin.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’ve only been to Texas once. I flew in on a Tuesday, stayed in a creepy Marriott (I used to think a Marriott was a Marriott… and then I landed in one that shared a driveway with the <em>Diamond Ladies</em> “gentlemen’s club”), worked at a local middle school for a day, and flew out that Thursday. The one time I ate out, there were shrimp hidden in my salad. Having never eaten seafood before, I wondered if I might be allergic. I didn’t want to die in a hotel overlooking <em>Diamond Ladies</em>. That would just be too sad. Needless to say, I didn’t get much in the way of local flavor while I was there. So you’ll understand my delight when I opened a package from <a href="http://www.theaprongal.com/" target="_blank">Kasee</a>, my Austin to Boston match, to find some truly Texan treats.</p> <h2><strong>From Austin to Boston</strong></h2> <p>Strangely the <strong>chewy pecans</strong> Kasee sent did not survive long enough to be photographed (ahem, <em>Nick</em>). He vouched for their deliciousness, though. I am sure he’ll help me sample all the other goods, too. We go through quite a bit of hot sauce and bbq sauce in this condohold.</p> <p><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="texas cookie cutter and alamo air freshener" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/Austin%20to%20Boston%20and%20Boston%20to%20Austin/IMG_4883.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></p> <blockquote><p>Friday fun fact: 25 Massachusetts<em>es</em> would fit inside Texas.</p></blockquote> <ul> <li>How cute is this <strong>Texas cookie cutter</strong>? The <strong>Alamo air freshener</strong> cracked me up. I wonder if it smells historic. I’ll report back.</li> </ul> <div><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="edible austin and black eyed peas" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/Austin%20to%20Boston%20and%20Boston%20to%20Austin/IMG_4874.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></div> <ul> <li><strong>Edible Austin</strong> and <strong>black eyed peas</strong> – I’ll have to break these out on New Year’s Day.</li> </ul> <div><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="okra pickles and bbq sauce" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/Austin%20to%20Boston%20and%20Boston%20to%20Austin/IMG_4872.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></div> <ul> <li>I haven’t been very adventurous lately, given all the food allergy testing and whatnot, but I cannot wait to crack open this jar of <strong>okra pickles</strong>. I like it <em>hot</em>. (Which is why I have perma-heartburn. Don’t tell my RD.) I know the <strong>bbq sauce</strong> will be put to good use as well.</li> </ul> <div><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="honey and peach jam" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/Austin%20to%20Boston%20and%20Boston%20to%20Austin/IMG_4870.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></div> <ul> <li><strong>Peach jam</strong> and local <strong>honey</strong>, two breakfast favorites of mine</li> </ul> <div><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="spicy sauces" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/Austin%20to%20Boston%20and%20Boston%20to%20Austin/IMG_4867.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></div> <ul> <li>And even <em>more</em> spicy sauces: <strong>roasted raspberry chipotle sauce</strong>, <strong>hatch chili salsa</strong>, and <strong>“that green sauce”</strong> …my curiosity is peaked! You can count on seeing a whole lot of heat in upcoming posts thanks to Kasee’s generous package of treats.</li> </ul> <div>Clearly, I need to make a return trip to Texas.</div> <h2><strong>…And Boston to Austin</strong></h2> <p>I had just as much fun shopping for <a href="http://www.theaprongal.com/" target="_blank">Kasee</a> as I did enjoying the surprises she sent my way. I searched high and low for <a href="http://www.necco.com/Seasonal/Halloween/NECCO%C2%AE-Jr-Wafers.aspx" target="_blank">Necco wafers</a>, as we live just a few blocks from the old factory, but I couldn’t find a single roll. I used to love those things. Except for the brownish greyish ones. I think we can agree that candy shouldn’t be brownish greyish.</p> <p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="kasee gourd" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/IMG_4844.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></p> <p>Here is what I <em>did </em>find and send her way. Besides that gourd-geous thing.</p> <p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="edible boston swan boats" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/IMG_4852.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></p> <p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="On Tap for Today in Whole Foods Magazine" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/IMG_4863.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedibleboston.com%2F&ei=1d6KUJfTJMew0AGOmoD4Bg&usg=AFQjCNHYyKLsd0N-0QoMHhPoucEmjj2UCA" target="_blank">Edible Boston</a> and a copy of the Whole Foods Market Holiday magazine, which includes <a title="Today: A weekend at home." href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2012/10/14/today-a-weekend-at-home/" target="_blank">a little shout-out to <strong>On Tap for Today</strong></a> (blatant horn tooting, <em>sorry</em>)</li> <li>A swan boat ornament, featuring one of <a title="Today: The Swan Lake mistake." href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/06/21/today-the-swan-lake-mistake/" target="_blank">Clark’s favorite Boston scenes</a></li> </ul> <div><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="Lark shortbread and Dancing Deer cookies" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/IMG_4847.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></div> <ul> <li>A few of my favorite local baked goods (which I no longer indulge in since forgoing gluten… it’s nice to have a reason to share!): <a href="http://www.dancingdeer.com/" target="_blank">Dancing Deer Baking Company</a> maple leaf and gingerbread acorn cookies and <a href="http://www.larkfinefoods.com/" target="_blank">Lark</a> salted rosemary shortbread -both of these treats are made locally and taste divine. They make great hostess gifts. And regular gifts. You know what I mean.</li> </ul> <div><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" title="Stonewall Kitchen Ginger People McClures honey" src="https://i0.wp.com/i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q641/elizabethev/IMG_4850.jpg?resize=819%2C546" alt="" width="819" height="546" /></div> <ul> <li>Clover honey from McClure’s of New England – I love this in tea, over oats, or just plain ol’ on a spoon.</li> <li>Spicy apple ginger chews from the Ginger People – A favorite sweet snack, perfect for travel</li> <li><a href="http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Stonewall Kitchen</a> maple pumpkin butter – made in Maine, not Massachusetts, but New England flavors nevertheless. I felt it was okay to bend the rules a bit, seeing as <a title="Today: Must do in Boothbay Harbor and {a giveaway}." href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2011/07/20/today-must-do-in-boothbay-harbor-and-a-giveaway/" target="_blank">Maine is my true north</a>. Literally and figuratively.</li> </ul> <div>I’ve loved getting to know Kasee through her blog, <a href="www.theaprongal.com" target="_blank">The Apron Gal</a>. She posts the most delicious sounding recipes, and has inspired me to break out my aprons more often. Thanks for all the Texas treats, Kasee!</div> <p>Also <strong>On Tap for Today</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Getting “Sunday things” out of the way two days early</li> <li>Obsessively checking <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/weather/weather_wisdom/2012/10/sandy_will_be_historic_storm_i.html" target="_blank">the weather</a></li> <li><a href="http://losingweightinthecity.com/2012/10/mcm-time-goals-your-mcm-recaps/" target="_blank">Wishing Theodora lots of luck this weekend</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>What is your favorite local food find?</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2012/10/26/today-austin-to-boston/">Today: Austin to Boston, and Boston to Austin.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ontapfortoday.com/2012/10/26/today-austin-to-boston/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">7106</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Today: Hot sauce in the mailbox.</title> <link>https://ontapfortoday.com/2011/12/31/today-hot-sauce-in-the-mailbox/</link> <comments>https://ontapfortoday.com/2011/12/31/today-hot-sauce-in-the-mailbox/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:18:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Humans]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Places and Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bloggers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[foodie pen pals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ohio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ontapfortoday.com/?p=5239</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]After a particularly busy end to the year, I am playing a bit of catch up. I have not one, but two month’s worth of Foodie Pen Pal packages to share. In November, I receive a lovely package from Lindsay, who organizes this fabulous exchange each month (click here to learn more about participating). She sent me all kinds of Ohioan (is that a word?) goodies! We immediately broke into her homemade pumpkin, cranberry and chocolate chip bars– they were delicious! I am not usually a fan of pumpkin, but Lindsay may have converted me. She also sent a few cooking magazines, locally made peanut butter and raspberry jam (one of my favorite pre-run combinations), really tasty crackers and chipotle salsa, granola and buckeye-flavored coffee. I loved it all– especially the jam. In December, Laura spoiled me with a box full of Texas treats. She sent me an adorable questionnaire, and armed with my answers, got to shopping. I was delighted by her selections! From organic whole wheat pasta to authentic Texas hot sauce, Laura knew just what to send. 🙂 She also included Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups, instant refried beans, salsa verde straight from Fort Worth, and the most adorable Bunny Bars. I definitely recommend checking out Lindsay’s and Laura’s blogs. 🙂 The Lean Green Bean Becoming the Odd Duck Participating in Foodie Pen Pals has been a great way to “discover” blogs, while sampling food from around the country. I love perusing the aisles of my own local markets each month, scouting out the perfect items to send from Boston. Our mail carrier might be suspicious of all the hot sauce coming my way, but um… please… keep it coming. Also On Tap for Today: Enjoying this last day of 2011 🙂 Looking for the perfect toast-worthy drink for midnight? Greece IMAX movie! What’s your favorite local product?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2011/12/31/today-hot-sauce-in-the-mailbox/">Today: Hot sauce in the mailbox.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]After a particularly busy end to the year, I am playing a bit of catch up. I have not one, but two month’s worth of Foodie Pen Pal packages to share. In November, I receive a lovely package from <a href="http://www.theleangreenbean.com/" target="_blank">Lindsay</a>, who organizes this fabulous exchange each month (<a href="http://www.theleangreenbean.com/december-foodie-penpals/" target="_blank">click here to learn more about participating</a>). She sent me all kinds of Ohioan (is that a word?) goodies!</p> <p><a href="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/november-foodie-pen-pals.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5242" title="November foodie pen pals" src="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/november-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?resize=600%2C428" alt="" width="600" height="428" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/november-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/november-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?resize=300%2C214&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/november-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?resize=419%2C300&ssl=1 419w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p> <p>We immediately broke into her homemade pumpkin, cranberry and chocolate chip bars– they were delicious! I am not usually a fan of pumpkin, but Lindsay may have converted me. She also sent a few cooking magazines, locally made peanut butter and raspberry jam (one of my favorite pre-run combinations), really tasty crackers and chipotle salsa, granola and buckeye-flavored coffee. I loved it all– especially the jam.</p> <p>In December, <a href="http://www.oddduckblog.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a> spoiled me with a box full of Texas treats.</p> <p><a href="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/december-foodie-pen-pals.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5240" title="December foodie pen pals" src="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/december-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?resize=600%2C171" alt="" width="600" height="171" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/december-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/december-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?resize=300%2C85&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/december-foodie-pen-pals.jpg?resize=500%2C143&ssl=1 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a></p> <p>She sent me an adorable questionnaire, and armed with my answers, got to shopping. I was delighted by her selections! From organic whole wheat pasta to authentic Texas hot sauce, Laura knew just what to send. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> She also included Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups, instant refried beans, salsa verde straight from Fort Worth, and the most adorable <a href="http://www.18rabbits.com/products.html#bunnybars" target="_blank">Bunny Bars</a>.</p> <p>I definitely recommend checking out Lindsay’s and Laura’s blogs. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.theleangreenbean.com/" target="_blank">The Lean Green Bean</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.oddduckblog.com/" target="_blank">Becoming the Odd Duck</a></li> </ul> <p>Participating in Foodie Pen Pals has been a great way to “discover” blogs, while sampling food from around the country. I love perusing the aisles of my own local markets each month, scouting out the perfect items to send from Boston. Our mail carrier might be suspicious of all the hot sauce coming my way, but um… please… keep it coming.</p> <p>Also <strong>On Tap for Today</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Enjoying this last day of 2011 <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></li> <li>Looking for the perfect <a href="http://www.eatboutique.com/2011/12/28/cranberry-champagne-cocktail/" target="_blank">toast-worthy drink for midnight</a>?</li> <li>Greece IMAX movie!</li> </ul> <p><strong>What’s your favorite local product?</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2011/12/31/today-hot-sauce-in-the-mailbox/">Today: Hot sauce in the mailbox.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ontapfortoday.com/2011/12/31/today-hot-sauce-in-the-mailbox/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5239</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Today: Take a breaki for some Reiki.</title> <link>https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/22/today-take-a-breaki-for-some-reiki/</link> <comments>https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/22/today-take-a-breaki-for-some-reiki/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 22 May 2010 14:25:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Boston]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Clark]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pawsitive Dog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ontapfortoday.com/?p=1632</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If you’re reading this, I made it home (mostly) in one piece. After 3 hours of sleep and 11 hours spent in airports and airplanes, I touched down at Logan with just a few hours before the Blues Run, the first race of this year’s summer series along the Charles. Running 4.2 miles while overtired and under-hydrated made for a less-than-Amazing-Race. At one point I got passed by a geriatric golden retriever. I am not even sure he was in the race, he may have been out for his afternoon stroll. By the time I finally crawled into bed Thursday night, I felt like (Texas) toast. I am so grateful to be back in Boston. Really. There is no place like home. Especially when your home sends you emails like this at 6:26 AM: After last summer’s roller coaster condo hunt, we found our own little oasis in the city. Although, I think I’d be happy any place, as long as it was with these two goofballs. Speaking of the boys, while Nick was playing hockey last night, Clark and I went on a little adventure. The Pawsitive Dog, where we take the Frenchie for training and day school, hosts monthly lectures. This month’s lecture featured Linda Crabtree from Circle of Peace talking about Reiki… for… um… dogs. As my mom said, anytime you have a chance to learn about something new and interesting, it’s a good thing. I’m as skeptical as the next person, but I have to say, my interest was piqued, especially after watching how certain dogs responded to Linda. Here’s a bit of what we learned last night: Reiki is an ancient Tibetan hands-on method that encourages healing for the whole spiritual, physical, mental and emotional body. During a treatment, the universal life force energy flows through the Reiki practitioner to the animal’s body, bringing warmth, calm, comfort, and relief of pain. Some of the signs an animal is responding positively to Reiki (all are indications that an animal is relaxing): Softening of the eyes, licking and chewing, lowering the head, yawning, clearing the nostrils, swaying from side to side, falling asleep, stretching, and passing air. (Hmm… Clark may be getting beamed Reiki on the reg without us knowing.) I really liked when Linda explained the 5 principles of Reiki and how they’ve helped her to be a better person. The principles are: Just for today, I let go of worry; Just for today, I let go of anger; Just for today, I will express gratitude; Just for today, I will do my work honestly; Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing. To the last principle, Linda added “and myself.” Still in doubt? Dr. Oz’s wife is a Reiki practitioner. And Dr. Oz knows Oprah. Bazinga! Instant credibility. Also On Tap for Today: We’re heading up North to visit Nick’s parents Can you believe LOST ends tomorrow? Let’s make some smoke monster popcorn. Ahhh! A baby hippo! What are your thoughts on Eastern/complimentary medicine? Is it wacko, or does it worko?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/22/today-take-a-breaki-for-some-reiki/">Today: Take a breaki for some Reiki.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you’re reading this, I made it home (mostly) in one piece. After 3 hours of sleep and 11 hours spent in airports and airplanes, I touched down at Logan with just a few hours before the Blues Run, the first race of this year’s summer series along the Charles. Running 4.2 miles while overtired and under-hydrated made for a less-than-Amazing-Race. At one point I got passed by a geriatric golden retriever. I am not even sure he was in the race, he may have been out for his afternoon stroll. By the time I finally crawled into bed Thursday night, I felt like (Texas) toast.</p> <figure id="attachment_1635" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1635" style="width: 231px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2569130092_01612d92e4.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1635" title="2569130092_01612d92e4" src="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2569130092_01612d92e4.jpg?w=231&resize=231%2C300" alt="" width="231" height="300" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2569130092_01612d92e4.jpg?w=306&ssl=1 306w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2569130092_01612d92e4.jpg?resize=231%2C300&ssl=1 231w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1635" class="wp-caption-text">Photo source: flickr.com</figcaption></figure> <p>I am so grateful to be back in Boston. Really. There <em>is</em> no place like home. Especially when your home sends you emails like this at 6:26 AM:</p> <p><a href="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/screen-shot-2010-05-22-at-9-31-56-am.png"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1633" title="Screen shot 2010-05-22 at 9.31.56 AM" src="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/screen-shot-2010-05-22-at-9-31-56-am.png?w=300&resize=300%2C80" alt="" width="300" height="80" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/screen-shot-2010-05-22-at-9-31-56-am.png?w=585&ssl=1 585w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/screen-shot-2010-05-22-at-9-31-56-am.png?resize=300%2C80&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/screen-shot-2010-05-22-at-9-31-56-am.png?resize=500%2C133&ssl=1 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p> <p>After last summer’s roller coaster condo hunt, we found our own little oasis in the city. Although, I think I’d be happy any place, as long as it was with these two goofballs.</p> <figure id="attachment_1634" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1634" style="width: 226px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/img_3980.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1634" title="IMG_3980" src="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/img_3980.jpg?w=226&resize=226%2C300" alt="" width="226" height="300" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_3980.jpg?w=2141&ssl=1 2141w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_3980.jpg?resize=226%2C300&ssl=1 226w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_3980.jpg?resize=773%2C1024&ssl=1 773w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_3980.jpg?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 226px) 100vw, 226px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1634" class="wp-caption-text">Laser eyes!</figcaption></figure> <p>Speaking of the boys, while Nick was playing hockey last night, Clark and I went on a little adventure. <a href="http://thepawsitivedog.com/" target="_blank">The Pawsitive Dog</a>, where we take the Frenchie for training and day school, hosts monthly lectures. This month’s lecture featured Linda Crabtree from <a href="http://circleofpeace.com/" target="_blank">Circle of Peace</a> talking about Reiki… for… um… dogs.</p> <p>As my mom said, anytime you have a chance to learn about something new and interesting, it’s a good thing. I’m as skeptical as the next person, but I have to say, my interest was piqued, especially after watching how certain dogs responded to Linda. Here’s a bit of what we learned last night:</p> <ul> <li>Reiki is an ancient Tibetan hands-on method that encourages healing for the whole spiritual, physical, mental and emotional body. During a treatment, the universal life force energy flows through the Reiki practitioner to the animal’s body, bringing warmth, calm, comfort, and relief of pain.</li> <li>Some of the signs an animal is responding positively to Reiki (all are indications that an animal is relaxing): Softening of the eyes, licking and chewing, lowering the head, yawning, clearing the nostrils, swaying from side to side, falling asleep, stretching, and passing air. (Hmm… Clark may be getting beamed Reiki on the reg without us knowing.)</li> <li>I really liked when Linda explained the <a href="http://www.renewed-spirit.com/reiki/five_principals.html" target="_blank">5 principles</a> of Reiki and how they’ve helped her to be a better person. The principles are: <em>Just for today, I let go of worry; </em><em>Just for today, I let go of anger; </em><em>Just for today, I will express gratitude; </em><em>Just for today, I will do my work honestly; </em><em>Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing. </em>To the last principle, Linda added “and myself.”</li> </ul> <p>Still in doubt? Dr. Oz’s wife is a Reiki practitioner. And Dr. Oz knows Oprah. Bazinga! Instant credibility.</p> <p>Also <strong>On Tap for Today</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>We’re heading up North to visit Nick’s parents</li> <li>Can you believe LOST ends tomorrow? <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/lost-finale-recipe-smoke-monster-popcorn-116997?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fthekitchn+%28The+Kitchn%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Let’s make some smoke monster popcorn.</a></li> <li><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l2pegpk4Nk1qc0liro1_400.jpg" target="_blank">Ahhh! A baby hippo!</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>What are your thoughts on Eastern/complimentary medicine? Is it wacko, or does it worko?</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/22/today-take-a-breaki-for-some-reiki/">Today: Take a breaki for some Reiki.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/22/today-take-a-breaki-for-some-reiki/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1632</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Today: Houston, we haaave a blog post.</title> <link>https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/18/today-houston-we-haaave-a-blog-post/</link> <comments>https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/18/today-houston-we-haaave-a-blog-post/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 01:09:35 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Humans]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Places and Spaces]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Reading]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pat Green]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://ontapfortoday.com/?p=1625</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>I knew I was in Texas no longer in Boston when, upon disembarking the plane, I was greeted by a man wearing a camouflaged fanny pack (which was very much visible, for the record). I am experiencing a bit of culture shock, but am happy to have landed safely and on the whole, people here seem lovely. Take, for instance, the taxi driver who transported me to my hotel in his Sunkist orange minivan. You are going to curse me for not taking a picture, but trust that I was extremely overwhelmed. Allow me to paint you a mental (seriously, mental!) picture: The side door opens to reveal leopard carpeting, and wait… where are the seats? All have been removed, save for a two seater in the way back, which is adorned with leopard throw pillows, the cup holders filled with breath mints. I scanned for a taxi medallion and confirmed that yes, somehow this is a legit cab. In scanning, I also confirm that yes, there is a giant TV/VCR combo smack between the driver and passenger seats, topped by a framed photo of the driver and his wife. As we exited the airport, the driver pressed play, and suddenly I am watching Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, complete with the Britney Spears/Mike Meyers dance off. Surely I have entered an alternate reality. Welp, I was snapped immediately back to reality when we turned down the road to my hotel, which is adjacent to a “gentlemen’s club” (why in good heavens are they called that?) with a sign that boasts “free admission when you show your hotel key.” I almost vomited on the kind sir’s leopard floor coverings. But then again, who am I to turn down such a great deal? Ew. I just made myself very uncomfortable. Let’s switch gears. On my connecting flight to the heart of Texas, I sat next to an adorable woman who was traveling from Louisville with a tote bag full of bone china. She lives in the hill country. I’m not sure where that is, but I really like the sound of it. Especially when Pat Green sings about it. Also On Tap for Today: I’m reading Game Change and Women Food and God Finish writing my speech for tomorrow’s presentation LOST! What are you reading these days?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/18/today-houston-we-haaave-a-blog-post/">Today: Houston, we haaave a blog post.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_1626" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1626" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/texas-flag.jpg"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-1626" title="texas-flag" src="http://ontapfortoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/texas-flag.jpg?resize=500%2C324" alt="" width="500" height="324" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/texas-flag.jpg?w=913&ssl=1 913w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/texas-flag.jpg?resize=300%2C194&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/ontapfortoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/texas-flag.jpg?resize=461%2C300&ssl=1 461w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1626" class="wp-caption-text">Source: www.therealestateblogster.com</figcaption></figure> <p style="text-align:left;">I knew I was <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">in Texas</span> no longer in Boston when, upon disembarking the plane, I was greeted by a man wearing a camouflaged fanny pack (which was very much <em>visible</em>, for the record). I am experiencing a bit of culture shock, but am happy to have landed safely and on the whole, people here seem lovely.</p> <p>Take, for instance, the taxi driver who transported me to my hotel in his Sunkist orange minivan. You are going to curse me for not taking a picture, but trust that I was extremely overwhelmed. Allow me to paint you a mental (seriously, mental!) picture: The side door opens to reveal leopard carpeting, and wait… where are the seats? All have been removed, save for a two seater in the way back, which is adorned with leopard throw pillows, the cup holders filled with breath mints. I scanned for a taxi medallion and confirmed that yes, somehow this is a legit cab. In scanning, I also confirm that yes, there is a giant TV/VCR combo smack between the driver and passenger seats, topped by a framed photo of the driver and his wife.</p> <p>As we exited the airport, the driver pressed play, and suddenly I am watching <em>Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me</em>, complete with the Britney Spears/Mike Meyers dance off. Surely I have entered an alternate reality.</p> <p>Welp, I was snapped immediately back to reality when we turned down the road to my hotel, which is adjacent to a “gentlemen’s club” (why in good heavens are they called that?) with a sign that boasts “free admission when you show your hotel key.” I almost vomited on the kind sir’s leopard floor coverings. But then again, who am I to turn down such a great deal? Ew. I just made myself very uncomfortable. Let’s switch gears.</p> <iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qUT_RPtqqSw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe> <p>On my connecting flight to the heart of Texas, I sat next to an adorable woman who was traveling from Louisville with a tote bag full of bone china. She lives in the hill country. I’m not sure where that is, but I really like the sound of it. Especially when Pat Green sings about it.</p> <p>Also <strong>On Tap for Today</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>I’m reading <a href="http://nymag.com/news/politics/63045/" target="_blank">Game Change</a> and <a href="http://www.oprah.com/health/An-Excerpt-from-Geneen-Roths-Women-Food-And-God" target="_blank">Women Food and God</a></li> <li>Finish writing my speech for tomorrow’s presentation</li> <li><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/05/18/lost-countdown-why-they-died/" target="_blank">LOST!</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>What are you reading these days?</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/18/today-houston-we-haaave-a-blog-post/">Today: Houston, we haaave a blog post.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ontapfortoday.com">ON TAP FOR TODAY</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ontapfortoday.com/2010/05/18/today-houston-we-haaave-a-blog-post/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>7</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1625</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>