Entries Tagged as 'cat'

Dave’s Surprise Birthday Dinner

November 15th, 2011 · No Comments


Dave & Brian


Bob, Cat, Dave


Brian, Dave, James

For Dave’s 40th birthday his wife, Cat, and his friends planned a surprise birthday dinner for him at Francesca’s Forno. Cat took the kids and went out to her sister’s house in the suburbs, making Dave think he had a free night to go out with the guys. Dallas and Andy and Brian hung out with him and played bags in the backyard – it was unseasonably warm for November. Then they convinced him to go to Flat Iron to play pool at about 7:00. Flat Iron is right across the street from Francesca’s, which maybe wasn’t the best idea, since everyone else had planned to meet at the restaurant at 7:00. Francesca’s is right across the street from the Damen Blue Line and as I crossed, I just about ran right into Dave and Dallas and the group. I swore that Dave looked right into my eyes, but I quick dashed out of the way and turned a corner. Whew!

So, the rest of us met inside Francesca’s. The guys left Flat Iron to go to get some wings at Northside. As they were passing by Francesca’s they said “oh, Brian texted me and is here for a drink, let’s stop in” and so they came into the restaurant.* The funny thing is that Brain was there… sitting at our table, a table with Dave’s wife and friends… and Dave saw him and the first thing he said was “wow, Brian is here with a big group!” And then it hit him. He was so surprised!

For dinner we had a ton of appetizers for the table – pizzas, charcuterie, cheese, meatball sliders. I was almost too full to order an entree. I got a grouper in browned butter with capers and crispy potatoes and really liked it. I love capers. And the potatoes were great. Dallas got the seasonal risotto and did not like it. He said it wasn’t cooked right and it was way under seasoned.


Other than the risotto, we liked of the food we had. I’d only been to Francesca’s Forno one time before and it was years ago. Since then they’ve done a whole remodel and overhaul of the restaurant. I liked it.

After dinner we went to the Northside, but most people only stayed for one or two drinks. It was packed in the bar and Dallas and the guys had been drinking beers since 3 p.m. We called it an early night and went home at about 11.

* I think this is what happened but I’m not 100% clear! The important part is that they got him over there and it was a surprise. Also, Dave does not remember looking right at me.

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Off to the Allergist

July 11th, 2011 · 6 Comments

Dallas and I have tossed around getting a dog for a few years. It never seemed like the right time and then when it was, when we owned our condo and didn’t have any trips planned for a while, we decided not to. And then I got the urge again and then we were planning the wedding and after that was finally maybe the right time again. But I’d been noticing that Dallas would get an itchy face when visiting the houses of some of our friends who have dogs. Also, since coming back from Hawaii he was snoring like crazy! So, I asked him to go to the allergist for both of these reasons. Since I hadn’t seen an allergist for years, I went too.

On a recommendation from Kristin, we went to see Dr. Anne Ditto at Northwestern. We actually both went on the same day with our appointments spaced just a half hour apart. Northwestern is a teaching hospital, so we actually saw different student doctors with Dr. Ditto overseeing.

After our allergy tests we found out that I am allergic to mold and Dallas is allergic to tree pollens and that we are both allergic to dogs, cats, ragweed and dust mites. So… there go our thoughts of getting a dog! The doctors said we could get one anyway and see what happens and do treatment, but my allergies to cats when they lived with me was so severe, they did not recommend it. When I had two cats I would wake up not able to breath and had to have an inhaler for allergy-induced asthma. Not fun times!

Anyway, we got updated prescriptions and advice on how to deal with seasonal things. We’ve put covers on our pillows and mattress to help guard against dust mites. Oh. Also? All that snoring? Dallas had a sinus infection! So he got antibiotics for that too.

We both have follow up appointments scheduled.. hopefully we’re on the road to feeling better this allergy season!

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Donkey Balls Factory and Store

March 26th, 2011 · 3 Comments

As we were driving south of Kona, on the way to Greenwell Kona Coffee Farm, we passed by an interesting sign on a store. On the way home we just had to stop.

This is the home of the original Donkey Balls factory and store as well as the Surfin’ Ass Coffee Company. Hm. Very interesting.

We went in and were right away asked if we wanted to try samples of Donkey Balls. I didn’t even know what they were! Turns out they’re all different variations of chocolate covered macadamia nuts.

All of the different Donkey Balls have slightly dirty names. But when you break it down, they all make sense. Sunkissed Balls are Hawaiian macadamia nuts covered in semisweet chocolate and then a Layer of white Chocolate flavored with orange. Balls of Fire are Hawaiian macadamia nuts covered in rich chocolate and then a layer of cayenne pepper. Flaky Balls are chocolate-covered Hawaiian macadamia nuts rolled with flakes of coconut. Jitter Balls are Hawaiian macadamia nuts covered with chocolate and 100% Kona coffee. I think you get the drift.

In the storefront window there was a cat sleeping.

I soon found out that his name is Mr. Butters and that he has a coffee named for him!

I also spotted a guy making donkey balls on site.

They also sell a small selection of Hawaiian products. We just stuck to the balls, though.

Caroline and I ended up getting Salty Balls (chocolate-covered Hawaiian macadamia nuts rolled in sea salt) and Crusty Balls (Hawaiian macadamia nuts covered in rich chocolate and toffee bits added). I think. Don’t quote me on that. I tasted a lot of balls and in the end I can’t remember exactly what we bought. They were delicious, though, and made a good dessert after dinner that night.

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Zipline Dip

March 16th, 2011 · No Comments


Lunch!

After the first 8 ziplines we stopped to take a break before the final line, King Kong. Our break included lunch – chicken and vegetable wraps, Maui chips and cookies. Lunch hour was also when we got to go swimming. There was a waterfall and swimming hole right next to our lunch area. The water was kind of muddy from the rains, but we were all so hot we didn’t really care. Also, there was a small ledge we got to jump from into the water.


Jeannette

Jeannette was the first to jump in. .. like immediately! Everyone else ate then went in the water.


Cat that lives on the ranch.

There are 3 wild cats that hang out by the zipline lunch spot. Well, wild, as in they don’t have a home, but at least one of them was tame enough to let you pet and feed it. Keiki, our guide, told us that the zipline manager once tried to adopt one of them. She took the cat home, to the vet, got it shots and everything. And as soon as she opened the door the cat ran out. No one saw it for a few days and then it reappeared at the lunch spot! They figured if it was determined enough to walk several miles and return then it deserved to be left living there. Keiki said not to worry, those cats eat several times per day, every time a tour comes through people are always feeding them. I’m sure the zipline manager leaves food out, too.


Amanda jumping in.


Stephanie jumping in.


Paul Baker jumping in.

After our lunches were finished, the rest of us jumped in. The water was…. refreshing. Which is to say, very cold! But jumping off the ledge was so much fun.

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Violators will be scratched, neutered, & definitely towed!

October 15th, 2008 · 1 Comment


River North, Chicago

I used to take the #11 bus down Lincoln Avenue and Wells Street from my neighborhood to River North a lot. It took a little longer, but it was relaxing and I could always get a seat, unlike when riding the train. The bus passes by City Cat Doctor and their funny parking signs. I always wanted to take a photo, but never wanted to get off the bus then get back on just to do it. One day after work a few days ago I was walking around and came back across City Cat Doctor and took these photos.

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