Date Night

Friday, I landed in Russia.  Ryan planned a much needed Date Night.  Relaxing dinner of wine, salad, and pizza at ilForno.  Dessert and drinks at GQ Bar.  It was a perfect "welcome back" evening.

Welcome Back Bouquet.
It had a rough ride from the airport. 

Before leaving the hotel.  Modeling our Russian fur hats.

Window picture from our dinner table.  

Moscow may not be my favorite city, mainly because we have an abusive relationship in regards to the temperatures.  But, I will admit, it is probably the most beautiful city at night.  

After dessert at GQ, I insisted we walk back to the hotel.  I wanted to catch the various landmarks at night.  I still pause every time I see Saint Basil's Cathedral.  

At this point, I was getting pretty cold, but my head was still warm.  No taxi, did not give in, I was determined to get pictures.

Gum (pronounced goom) Department Store.
*Sidenote- I really need to figure out how to type in Russian, so you can see the Russian characters.

Spasskaya Clock Tower 

My brother needs to come here and take some professional photos.   My pictures do no justice. 

State Historical Museum.  

Bolshoi Theatre

New Year, New Recipes

Tonight is my final night.  Tomorrow, I board a plane, and return to Russia.  I can't say I am completely excited.  I am very excited to see Ryan, I am excited to see friends in Russia, and I am excited to continue our Russian adventure, but I am not excited to leave family and friends here, or Macy.  The 2 months in the States have reminded me how convenient life is in the States, and I will not try and sugarcoat this, I love the conveniences!!

Convenience is very evident in terms of cooking.  I never have to worry if I will be able to find a certain ingredient.  I have tried many new recipes, and for the most part, I should be able to cook them in Russia, or be able to make substitutions for items not available.

I took a couple snapshots of my new recipes.  Mama and Papa Pagels ate very well during my stay in their house.  :)  Papa Pagels was spoiled with a full, happy belly, and Mama Pagels was spoiled in not having to cook after work.  :)

French Onion, Shepherd's Pie

View of the filling.  It was good, but I am not a huge "meat and potatoes" fan, and this was a bit too "meat and potato" for me.  I prefer my other shepherd's pie recipe that is much more vegetable filling.  

I can't remember the last time I made a box cake mix.  I found a red velvet mix in the pantry, and decided to "whip it up."  It was very simple and uneventful, I have decided I prefer baking from scratch.  In order to add some excitement, I made it a layered cake and made my own cream cheese frosting.  

Mama Pagels had a request for Oven Baked Fried Chicken.  This was my first attempt, and I loved it.  I will definitely make this again!  Yum, yum.

Apple Pie.  No more box cake mixes, hello homemade apple pie.  *Not a new recipe, I have made this before, but not for Papa Pagels.

Turkey Quinoa Chili and Mexican Cornbread.  Two, big thumbs up!  Love quinoa, and love this chili recipe.  If I ever find quinoa in Russia, this will be the first thing I make.  

What good is an apple pie picture if you can't see the yummy filling?

Apple pork chops with sweet potato latkes.  Again, 2 thumbs up.  Love sweet potatoes, and sweet potatoes are the one food that I miss most in Russia.  I actually contemplated bringing a sweet potato in my suitcase and attempting to plant and grow my own sweet potatoes.

My parents took such great care of me during my stay, so it was only appropriate I took care of them.  I hope they enjoyed being "guinea pigs" for the new culinary creations.  

Two months went by quickly.  I enjoyed my time in the States, but it is time to return to my life in Russia.  I have my 2 huge suitcases and carry on packed (more weight in luggage then my body weight, don't get me started on airline luggage weight limits).  

Look out Russia, HERE I COME! :)  

Valentine's Day

Second Valentine's Day that Ryan and I are not together.  Last year, he was in Moscow and I was in Houston.  This year, he's in Moscow and I am in Indiana.

No worries though.  In two days I will be back in Russia, and we will celebrate with a much  needed date night.

Our love is strong enough to reach around the world.  I love you Ryan!

Flowers from Ryan.  

Shadow...

I believe Macy's name should be changed to Shadow, more specifically, Papa Pagels' Shadow.  If my father is home, and you are not able to locate Macy, it is pretty safe to assume, she is near my father.  Anywhere he goes, Macy is sure to follow.

Ryan and I were curious how Macy would adjust to life at the Pagels Household.  Any worries or concerns have been swiftly thrown out the door.  Actually, from the minute Macy met my parents, she was in love.  As for my parents....well, I believe they were in love too.

It has been very interesting to watch Macy interact with my parents, and to see how much my parents are in love with such an adorable, four legged, snuggle bug.  I have no worries Macy will be in loving hands when I return to Russia next week.  As I return to Russia, and my separation from my little pumpkin butt begins, Macy will be enjoying life in Indiana, and all the spoiling from Mama and Papa Pagels until July.

Snuggling on Mama Pagels' chair.  

Oh no, Macy!  What happened?  I warned my parents, they finally experienced her true shredding abilities.  The cute, fluffy toy that was.

This may be the reason she is such a dedicated shadow.  Papa Pagels decided to make a puppy sandwich.    

Two dog treats with peanut butter.  No worries everyone, Macy has actually LOST weight since arriving in the States. 

Puppy on her throne.  Would you agree that she has adapted well? 

So as I prepare to return to Russia, without Macy, I have no worries.  Well, maybe one, Macy may completely take over the Pagels household.  I think she has found her palace.