The Race Continues~Omaha Midnight Run 2013

Register Here To Run With Us: https://omahamidnightrun.ejoinme.org/MyPages/OmahaMidnightRunRegistration/tabid/479108/Default.aspx

As most know, we have worked very closely with the Omaha Midnight Run to raise awareness of non-profits who are making a difference in our city.  This year, the Omaha Midnight Run partnered with the Hope Center for Kids-http://www.hopecenterforkids.com/- a non-profit organization striving faithfully to inspire hope in North Omaha youth and children through education, employabilty, collaboration, and faith.  

It has been a rough summer for Omaha.  Too many deaths, shootings, and fatal crashes have left our community reeling and looking for answers.  This is the environment our children are being raised in and  if we don't continue to stand-to fight, we will lose our City to the unnecessary evil of violence and hate.  This is the reason that we fight to make our streets safer, our neighborhoods cleaner, and maybe give our community a chance to hope. 

Please join us by registering on the link above or donate $30 to sponsor a runner by emailing us at:

publicrelations@omahamidnightrun.com

Let's give Omaha something to Talk, Run, Hope about!

Vegan Dishcrawl

 We recently attended Omaha's first Vegan-themed Dishcrawl.  Our stops were kept a secret until the day of where we learned of our first meeting place by email.  From there, we were escorted-on foot-to four establishments.  The Dishcrawl was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, try new restaurants that cater to the theme, snack on scrumptious bite-sized treats, and try the label "foodie" and "critic" on. Our vegan guru's-The Schulters-were our close companions throughout the night even though we were surrounded by young couples infatuation, seasoned married couples if you will, and sweet smiled singles who all seemed to know each other.  Topics from place of work to "green foot-print" to politics to preaching veganisim was heard throughout the night.  Talk about stimulating conversation!

Our first stop was at the newly opened "Kitchen Table"-http://www.kitchentableomaha.com/  By far, this was our favorite place of the evening.  Our meal consisted of: Super tasty heirloom beans and greens, smokey carrot and lentil soup, PB & J with peach preserves and mixed nut butter. The environment was filled with old school love touches with a hint of urban decor.

 Our second stop was Indian Oven in the heart of Downtown's main street-
http://indianovenomaha.com/  On the menu was: An awesome rendition of Batha Ganouj, spicy jalapeno and spinach Pakoras, followed by a bland stuffed Paratha.  We didn't find anything super special about this stop as we are well versed in Indian cuisine.  The spice filled aromas swirled within the room amongst modern art and swell conversation.

The third stop for the group was a restaurant that Nick and I had never been to, Block 16-
http://www.block16omaha.com/   A small venue with conversations overlapping and an interesting menu to boot!  Jackfruit tacos, meatless "meatball" sliders, and gangsta/dirty fries.  We didn't care too much for the Jackfruit, but hope to try the restaurant out again.

Our final stop was Bliss Bakery.  An up and coming joint meant for the hipster crowd and their friends.  On the menu: Lemon Coconut Cookies, white cupcakes with raspberry frosting, and a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting.  A Yummy way to end the night!

Colorado Odd's and End's

 Colorado left a mark on us so fresh and so deep, that we have vowed to continuing exploring it's forest and waters until we can no more.  It is with an adventurers spirit that we headed into Colorado and it was that spirit that was with as we pulled over to the side of the road multiple times to look at streams, watch mule deers and antelope, search for mountain goats and hope for a bear, soak our feet into the coolness of water from melted snow-covered mountain tops, or risked looking like tourist as we stopped at kooky little side-shops bearing the label "Ghost Town Treasurers."

By far, our favorite aspect of the trip was the river.  It's soft gurgling or the careening streams, stilled the air with a quiet calmness we had yet to discover.  We took our chances on the Arkansas River rafting with only a guide and paddles in our hands. The rush of danger filled our bones and gave excitement to our eyes. No matter where we found ourselves, some body of water was found or heard or being played on.  The kayaker below, showed off a few moves for us as we once again watched from the side of the road.

One cool thing we found on our stay was that the creative soul lives within anyone who calls the "Rockies" home.  The following pictures are two of my favorite pieces of art that we came across.  The first being the front yard of a Preschool. Above ground planters teeming with life and a welded toy-shaped heart placed amongst it.  The second picture is of a living room setting made of ceramic tiles and iron.  We found this sitting next to what else-the river.

Once our trip was completed and our adventurers spirit was exhausted, we left the winding mountain roads of Colorado, cool wooded forest, the laid back way of life, for the flat plains of Nebraska, the deep Midwestern good life, and-our home.

Exploring Colorado Nature

What is there to say about Colorado nature that hasn't been already said?  Poet Walt Whitman, President Theodore Roosevelt, Lao Tzu, several bloggers, artist, and aspiring writers all lend their craft of word and hand towards the beautiful mountains, streams, forests, and wildlife of Colorado.

As we drove up and down the mountainside, we were awed by the general splendor and majesticness of the wild.  It was if mankind had yet to touch the naked land and yet, log cabins and RV Parks spotted the countryside reminding us that there is nothing man has yet to put it's mark on.

Colorado seemed to draw out the adventurers in us and despite the usual planning of a vacation we decided to hop in the truck and leave the day to exploring and well, getting lost.  One particular site that we found was called "Cottonwood Pass."  We drove for what seemed like forever up and down the winding roads. Finally, we were half way up this rugged mountain when a lake appeared.  It was so calm, peaceful, and quite, that all we could do is stare in silence with only the "jumping fish" breaking the sound barrier.

We leave you with the following quote: 

"I swear to you, there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell"~Walt Whitman

Colorado Food-Fun

So, who knew there was such a thing as "coffee politics?"  Well, apparently in every small town in Colorado, there are seven to a dozen coffee shops waging war for costumers.  We were lucky enough to check out the top two "awesomest roastery's" in Buena Vista-Brown Dog Coffee Co.-http://browndogcoffee.com/ and The Buena Vista Roastery-http://bvroastery.com/the-roastery/our-team/.  In my humble opinion, Brown Dog won hands down for taste and behind the counter service while Nick picked the Roastery for it's smells!

One fine meal we had in CO. was at Eddyline Restaurant and Brewery in "Old Buena Vista"  While the little town didn't look a day over 15, it's sidewalks led you to magical stores with hemp clothing, hand-painted tiles, and cow-hide moccasins.  We stopped at "Eddyline" on the suggestion of our rafting guide.  The restaurant was packed for 2:00 on a Wednesday afternoon, but we got in and sat amongst the locals and listened to the chatter about "the river." Nick ordered the "Mt. Princeton Calzone" filled with ricotta, feta, mozzarella, pepperoni, prosciutto, roasted red bells, scallions, and green chile's.  He could barely finish it!  Considering it was my "meat day,"  I went for the "wood-Fired Wapiti Burger" which was 1/3lb of All-Natural ELK with caramelized onions and cheddar.  It was interestingly good!

The last "local-cool" place we ate at was the Boathouse Cantina in Salida. The brick boathouse is right on the Arkansas river.  As a "green establishment," they choose an open air approach to their dining as well as the food coming from as many local farmers as possible.  Nick enjoyed the sporty environment and being able to watch kayaks pass by. He barely finished his 5lb black bean and rice burrito with green chili sauce while I on the other hand, inhaled my Boathouse Rellenos made with vegan cheese, green chili's, avocados, black bean and corn salsa, with a bowl of vegan green chili. YUM!

Stay tuned tomorrow for our final Colorado post-Exploring Colorado Nature

A Colorado Anniversary

What do you get when you have 2 people who absolutely adore each other still after 10 years of marriage? 4 days exploring the beautiful Colorado Rockies!  While this was a BIG anniversary to celebrate, we decided to take a small trip and just enjoy being together in Colorado.  The drive was 9 hours and I made it my duty to find the most interesting places to stop along the way-much to Nick's dismay because it ended up being a 10 1/2 hour trip.

Buffalo Bill's Ranch, Colorado Visitor Center, and Boot Hill

When we finally pulled into Colorado, we couldn't help but pull off to the side of the road for a picture and an opportunity to dip our feet into a swirling rush of cool mountain water. 

We stayed at the beautiful Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort and Spa-http://www.mtprinceton.com/
Our room was considered a "cliff side room" with an awesome view of the surrounding mountains.  There were 5 pools to choose from, 4 being hot springs, 1 with a 400 ft. water slide, and 1 was a creek- which was FREEZING!

Each morning we would wake up to the quietness of the mountain and have breakfast on the back patio.  Sometimes we would have a furry friend or two checking us out.  At night, we would once again hit the back patio to watch the sunset the best we could with mountain blockage, but one night stood out in particular.  A few patio doors down, we met a man from Arkansas who played some "backwater bluegrass" on his mandolin for us.  His talent was unreal and I loved having the story that we had our very own "mountain-man" playing for us in the "Rockies."

Stay tuned for post on "Colorado Food" and "Exploring Colorado Nature"

Flatwater Music Festival

If anyone knows me well, they know I have a love for bluegrass-backwater- banjo-Americana music.  Which is why when I won tickets to the Flatwater Music Festival in Hastings, Nebraska, I crowed like a rooster, packed my bag a week early, and memorized every word to "Rock Me Mama"-which was played by almost every band there.  Click on the following link to learn more about the festival at Prairie Loft: http://www.prairieloft.org/Prairie_Loft/Flatwater_Festival.html

 When we got to the festival, we were greeted by three large barn/lofts, half a dozen gourmet food vendors, a Lucky Bucket beer garden, several crafty tables, massage therapists, and the sounds of harmony.  It just so happened that my luck followed me to Hastings and after buying a set of raffle tickets, I won the VIP Lounge for a set!  We had a great time listening to the Ukulele trio named "Star Belle" and chomping on fried oreo's-delish!

Night two of the festival found us saying goodbye to our friends Brian and Angie and leaving us to venture to Prairie Loft on our own.  We had fun walking the grounds, checking out the vendors-again, and listening to "Nora Jane Struthers and The Party Line."  Being the smart alec that I am, I told Nick, "I'm going to test my luck and only buy two raffle tickets this time."  Low and behold-I won-again. The best part about the festival-besides the music, was talking to the people and watching Nick totally in his element talking to the farmers about equipment and being invited to meet "the family."  This brought about an opportunity for me to get the band I manage a chance to perform next year so, consider this your invite y'all!