Reason #7 why I love where we live

I really love our community and I feel so lucky to live here.

This morning, Thatdog and I went for our morning run. Since we didn't have plans till 11, I figured I could use the time for exploring. When I run down to the beach I've noticed a sign for a trail that I've never taken, because I'm heading to the water. I don't like running Thatdog down to the beach because I run beside some bigger, busier roads. So today we checked out the trail. It's pedestrian only and runs between some communities, overhung with trees. I love that where we live has so many running trails!

After the run, and a nice long shower, Thatboy and I went to lunch with his "train crew." Back before Thatboy worked in his current unit, he rode the train to and from work each day with the same group of people who all worked in the same unit. But currently, none of the train crew works in that unit, and only one of them still takes the train! It's been a while since we've all gotten together. There are 2 new babies in the group, and obviously one on the way. So we met today for lunch at the McDonalds in our neighborhood.

The McDonalds in our neighborhood is no ordinary McDonalds. For instance, does your neighborhood McDonalds have leather seating options?

Chandeliers?

Trompe L'Oeil Walls?

Drapery?

And my favorite part, a completely un-McDonalds like menu? The "Bistro" serves paninis, salads, pastas, sandwiches -

And Gelato

Our chefs wear fancy getups

I always end up with the same thing - a buffalo chicken panini.

But Thatboy loves being able to sit under a chandelier when eating his favorite - A Big Mac

Now, I'm no gourmet McDonalds, but I'd like to think I can put a nice meal on a plate. We're lacking in chandeliers and leather furniture, and given that it's Saturday night, the sofa bed has already been pulled out. But a nice cut of meat can sometimes make up for the less than atmospheric atmosphere!

Braised Veal Cutlets
4 Tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb veal cutlets
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 onion, sliced
1 celery stalk
1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp Sherry

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cream 1 Tbsp butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread over the veal cutlets.
2. Melt the remaining butter in a dutch oven. Add the meat, onions, celery, and 3/4 cup water. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes.
3. Remove the veal, strain the remaining broth and place on a burner on the stove.
4. Stir in cornstarch and sherry and stir until smooth and thick. Serve over the veal.