Fresh 15 Race Weekend + Visit to Family

I wrote about my travel oopsies on Monday. Now I'll share about the travel blessings, 15 of them to be exact. See, I had it on my #bucketlistproject to visit my brother and sister-in-law and run a 5K together. Brother suggested the 5K that accompanied the Fresh 15, and I was like, "Okay. Here we go!" There were certainly more blessings than these, but these are my tops:

1) Seeing the sights of everyday life for my brother and sister-in-law.

2) Meeting my cat-niece.

3) Picnic in the park.

(Spinach sweet crisp salad from The Corner Bakery)

4) Target shopping. Brother humored me and I found one shirt, plus a dress I didn't need, but can use for Easter.

5) Home cooked meals by team brother and sister-in-law. (They've got a system!)

6) Finishing the 5K (not my fastest time, but done!)

7) This is only the second 5K for Sister-in-law, and she finished well. I'm pretty stinkin' proud of her!

8) Doubling over in laughter at the silliest of things

9) Sushi + Thai food

10) Catching up with the hostess of my first trip to visit brother in his "real life."

11) Spending plenty of time outside.

(Look at the ponies I saw!)

12) Good old gospel singing and Scripture-preaching at church on Sunday

(I'm the shorty of the family.)

13) Lunch with a soul-friend

(She treated me to shrimp remoulade salad at Newk's.)

14) Long and leisurely naps

15) Overall quality time with people I love

30 Days of Oatmeal: Thai Apple Oats

Those who know me well know I love Thai food, especially Thai noodles. The savory, spicy, sweet sauce made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and a few other ingredients is one of my favorites. Drawing on the Thai condiments in my cupboard, I developed this recipe.

Warm apples sautéed in sesame oil, chopped peanuts, and if you're brave, a little rice vinegar in the oat base. Are you ready?

Ingredients:

1/2 t sesame oil
1 apple, chopped (I used gala)
1/2 c quick cooking oatmeal
1 c water
1/2 t cinnamon
1 T rice vinegar
1/2 c unroasted peanuts, chopped
Sea salt for topping

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the sesame oil. Add the apples and sauté over medium heat until slightly brown.
2. In another pan, combine the oatmeal and water and bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat to low and simmer until oats reach desired consistency.
4. Stir cinnamon and rice vinegar into oats and transfer to a bowl.
5. Top oats with a scant layer of sea salt, the chopped peanuts, and the sautéed apples.