It's hot outside. Not a little hot. Heat index over 100 degrees hot. Only proper excuse for being outdoors is jumping in the lake hot.
So what did I do? I went outside and jumped in a lake. Refreshing, but I really need to build up some proper beach feet. My poor toes were not happy with the rocks and pebbles they encountered. I'm sure they will improve, especially over the next couple of weeks.
Which brings me to the topic of today's post. This morning, I saw my fiance off on his first of two field season trips this summer. He's off for two weeks to measure trees along the shores of Lake Superior. It's beautiful country, but I can't say I'm envious. He'll be working from sun rise to late in the day and camping at a site with no running water or electricity. And yes, it's pretty hot up there today, too! I'm just hoping he'll keep his phone charged and find enough cell phone coverage to be able to keep in touch.
Needless to say (but I'm gonna say it anyway), I'm going to miss him. A lot. But I'm also proud of him. A lot. So last night, I wanted to make sure his last dinner here before roughing it was something special. A couple of giant rib steaks got rubbed with my favorite chipotle-laced seasoning and tossed on the grill. A couple of portabella mushrooms soon followed. When the grilling was done, the mushrooms were sliced and the meat was allowed to rest while I sauteed some green garlic, potato onions and red pepper. Israeli couscous was added and when it was done, everything was taken to the table. Marinated chunks of feta cheese were added to both the couscous and sprinkled over the steaks and we called it dinner.
Oh, did I mention we washed it all down with mango-chili blended martinis? More on that another day. Now, it's time to focus on staying cool!