Doug had another set of days off last week, but after a bunch of long-distance, long-haul travelling and a particularly gruelling “hitch” (days on), we decided to go the “staycation” route and hang out close to home.
This turned out to be a good thing since here in Southwestern Wyoming we got hit by a week of frigid temperatures and a couple of decent snowstorms. So we hunkered down, got stuff off of our to-do lists, and tried to generate body heat at the gym (where snow was blowing in under doors).
During the two-day clear weather window last week, though, we did head out to Park City and Salt Lake City, just across the state line in Utah. The roads were good, our Visa was paid off, and the sales were on at Tanger Outlets, so we left Riker at the kennel and drove west.
2 1/2 hours later we were in Park City right as the outlets opened and were the first through the doors at Columbia. We blitzed through a couple of stores, loading up on cold weather gear like snowpants (Doug got his for $18!) and a knee-length down coat to keep my thighs from freezing when I walk the dog. Then we headed over to the Red Rock Brewing Co. where both of us immediately zeroed in on the Kobe Burger on the specials board. I tell you, every once in a while I think I should go veggie, but it is meat-a-licious meals like this that keep me from it (I did keep my fingers crossed that it was ethically raised and slaughtered and said a little thank you to the cow that gave up its life. Mostly I thanked it for being so delicious, though…).
After lunch we drove to Salt Lake City to check out spinning bikes at a couple of fitness equipment stores. Some of you may recall that a few months ago I was a little afraid of group cycling classes (aka Spinning). Well, I have been converted to this awesome workout that now regularly kicks my butt. And Doug decided that indoor training might be preferable to risking life and limb on the icy sidewalks so we started talking about a home gym for the new place in Edmonton. Treadmills are too noisy and crap out more quickly because of the beating they take (makes you wonder about your knees!) and ellipticals are large and very expensive. But with our budget we could get a pretty good mid-level spinning bike that will likely last 10-15 years because of the activity’s low-impact nature.
We’d found some pretty good deals online but wanted to actually get on the bikes to check them out. So we stopped in at two places in SLC and were immediately icked out by the used-car-salesman vibe we got from the people there. So we decided to go for the person-free transaction of online shopping and free shipping to our doorstep. It’s supposed to arrive in a week or so – review to follow!
The main reason for stopping in SLC was to get the Mini brake pads checked out. The light had come on a few weeks before but everything seemed fine, so we just kept driving it until we had time to make it to the Mini dealership 300 miles away. Another reason I can’t wait to move to Edmonton: there Mini is right in town!
$400 later our rear brake pads were fixed and we were ready to drive back to Park City to check in to our hotel, The Yarrow. We’d booked it through hotwire.com, our go-to for killer deals on hotels and for $70 it was more than decent. My only complaint is that they’d had the heating turned off in our room and so it was probably hovering around 10 degrees when we arrived.
This wouldn’t have been such an issue if we could have just turned on the heat and headed out to dinner, but our Visa had been declined at the front desk and so Doug wanted to figure out what was going on before eating. Well, that turned out to be a huge hassle (which it tends to be when the Schlumberger Employee Credit Union is involved). Thirty minutes later after calling multiple phone numbers and only being able to get through to a live person after saying “help” repeatedly (and pitifully) into the handset, we were both ready for a stiff drink.
Instead, we ended up walking uphill in snow into a stiff wind on Main St. But it was all worth it when we arrived at the Riverhorse . It was decorated in a sparkling, festive way and had classic holiday tunes playing. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and most importantly, the food was amazing. The chef sent out an amuse-bouche just as our glasses of red wine arrived. Then came the cranberry-walnut bread from a local bakery. We decided to share the appetizer sampler: smoked salmon on crunchy potato latkes, chicken satay skewers, and to-die-for goat cheese wontons. Doug’s lamb was perfectly done and his butternut squash and fig risotto – heavenly. My pear/praline/blue cheese salad was also incredible and then we topped it off with a warm apple and toffee cake. It sounds like a lot of food (okay, it kind of was – hence the spinning bike), but the portions were just perfect. Unlike so many restaurants these days, the Riverhorse really focuses on quality over quantity!
Pleasantly full, we endured the cold once again until we got back to the room, now warm. The hotel boasts a heated year-round swimming pool and hot tub, though, so it wasn’t long before we squeezed ourselves into swimwear. While there is nothing quite as nice as sitting in a hot tub when it’s chilly outside, it is also true that stripping down and getting to said hot tub when it’s
This wouldn’t have been such an issue if we could have just turned on the heat and headed out to dinner, but our Visa had been declined at the front desk and so Doug wanted to figure out what was going on before eating. Well, that turned out to be a huge hassle (which it tends to be when the Schlumberger Employee Credit Union is involved). Thirty minutes later after calling multiple phone numbers and only being able to get through to a live person after saying “help” repeatedly (and pitifully) into the handset, we were both ready for a stiff drink.
Instead, we ended up walking uphill in snow into a stiff wind on Main St. But it was all worth it when we arrived at the Riverhorse . It was decorated in a sparkling, festive way and had classic holiday tunes playing. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and most importantly, the food was amazing. The chef sent out an amuse-bouche just as our glasses of red wine arrived. Then came the cranberry-walnut bread from a local bakery. We decided to share the appetizer sampler: smoked salmon on crunchy potato latkes, chicken satay skewers, and to-die-for goat cheese wontons. Doug’s lamb was perfectly done and his butternut squash and fig risotto – heavenly. My pear/praline/blue cheese salad was also incredible and then we topped it off with a warm apple and toffee cake. It sounds like a lot of food (okay, it kind of was – hence the spinning bike), but the portions were just perfect. Unlike so many restaurants these days, the Riverhorse really focuses on quality over quantity! Pleasantly full, we endured the cold once again until we got back to the room, now warm. The hotel boasts a heated year-round swimming pool and hot tub, though, so it wasn’t long before we squeezed ourselves into swimwear. While there is nothing quite as nice as sitting in a hot tub when it’s chilly outside, it is also true that stripping down and getting to said hot tub when it’s -20 is probably one of the worst! Nevertheless we did it, loved it, and Doug showed off for the other patrons by periodically getting out and rolling in the snow…
Friday we got up early (okay, I got up early and bullied Doug into waking up) and went to the hotel’s restaurant, the Mountain Grill, for breakfast. It was pretty chilly in there too, but we snagged a seat near the fireplace and by the time we tucked into our carafe of coffee and our breakfast skillets, we were warm and happy.
Then we split up – Doug to Best Buy and other places and me to the outlets to continue my hunting. By noon our budgets were exhausted and we were hungry again (Again?!!). I’d read about a neat-sounding restaurant called the Hapa Grill, that did a Japanese-Thai-Hawaiian fusion, and it exceeded our expectations. The Miso soup was fantastic, our fried calamari with Hawaiian salsa exquisite, and the California roll scrumptious. Doug also ordered a wrap he only got halfway through that was tasty (and spicy!) and the fries that came with were awesome. Surprisingly they really do it all!
Our last stop on our foodie adventure was to pick up supplies at Whole Foods, a supermarket that specializes in organic and yuppy-hippy foods we love. Our neighbour had given us a shopping list as well, and we managed to drop a pretty penny on curry stuff (that we shared with friends the next night) and some goodies for our own personal Christmas celebration later this month. I feel like I already got my presents, though!
I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this web site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Thanks alot : ) for your post. I would really like to write my opinion that the cost of car insurance differs from one insurance policy to another, mainly because there are so many different issues which bring about the overall cost. For instance, the make and model of the car will have an enormous bearing on the purchase price. A reliable outdated family automobile will have a less expensive premium than just a flashy racecar.
After examine just a few of the blog posts in your website now, and I really like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site checklist and will probably be checking again soon. Pls check out my web page as effectively and let me know what you think.
This web page is really a stroll-through for the entire info you wanted about this and didn抰 know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you抣l definitely uncover it.
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your website by chance, and I am stunned why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Spot on with this write-up, I really suppose this web site wants much more consideration. I抣l probably be again to read way more, thanks for that info.
This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
I do believe that a foreclosed can have a important effect on the client’s life. Foreclosures can have a 7 to ten years negative effect on a client’s credit report. A borrower who have applied for a mortgage or virtually any loans for example, knows that a worse credit rating is, the more challenging it is to obtain a decent financial loan. In addition, it could possibly affect the borrower’s capability to find a really good place to let or hire, if that results in being the alternative property solution. Good blog post.
Thanks for the ideas you write about through this web site. In addition, lots of young women who become pregnant tend not to even make an effort to get medical insurance because they are concerned they won’t qualify. Although a few states currently require that insurers produce coverage in spite of the pre-existing conditions. Rates on these guaranteed programs are usually higher, but when considering the high cost of health care it may be your safer route to take to protect the financial future.
Also a thing to mention is that an online business administration study course is designed for college students to be able to well proceed to bachelor’s degree courses. The 90 credit diploma meets the other bachelor college degree requirements and when you earn your associate of arts in BA online, you may have access to the modern technologies with this field. Several reasons why students would like to get their associate degree in business is because they may be interested in the field and want to find the general knowledge necessary just before jumping in to a bachelor college diploma program. Thanks alot : ) for the tips you really provide inside your blog.
Thank you for another great article. Where else could anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Great work!
One thing I’ve noticed is always that there are plenty of misguided beliefs regarding the banking companies intentions while talking about foreclosure. One misconception in particular is that often the bank desires your house. The lending company wants your cash, not your own home. They want the bucks they gave you together with interest. Staying away from the bank will only draw a foreclosed conclusion. Thanks for your post.
https://www.ifashionstyles.com Fashion Styles
wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You must proceed your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Interesting post here. One thing I would really like to say is the fact that most professional areas consider the Bachelors Degree like thejust like the entry level requirement for an online education. Though Associate Certification are a great way to get started on, completing your Bachelors opens up many doorways to various jobs, there are numerous online Bachelor Diploma Programs available from institutions like The University of Phoenix, Intercontinental University Online and Kaplan. Another concern is that many brick and mortar institutions offer Online types of their degree programs but normally for a extensively higher charge than the providers that specialize in online college diploma plans.
Needed to write you that little bit of remark in order to say thanks over again on your stunning thoughts you’ve provided on this site. This has been so shockingly generous with you to present openly all that some people might have advertised for an e book to generate some bucks on their own, chiefly considering the fact that you might well have done it in case you considered necessary. These advice likewise worked like the fantastic way to fully grasp the rest have a similar fervor like mine to understand good deal more concerning this matter. I know there are several more pleasant instances ahead for those who examine your site.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
As I site possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
Virtually all of the things you mention happens to be supprisingly precise and that makes me ponder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this with this light before. This particular piece really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this particular subject goes. Nevertheless at this time there is one position I am not really too comfortable with so whilst I attempt to reconcile that with the core theme of the point, permit me observe just what all the rest of the visitors have to point out.Nicely done.
I have seen that car insurance corporations know the cars and trucks which are susceptible to accidents along with other risks. In addition they know what type of cars are given to higher risk and also the higher risk they may have the higher the premium price. Understanding the straightforward basics regarding car insurance will help you choose the right form of insurance policy that should take care of your wants in case you become involved in an accident. Many thanks for sharing your ideas for your blog.
I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!
Thank you for another informative web site. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.
Somebody essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Wonderful job!
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one抯 blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to provide one thing back and help others like you helped me.
You made some first rate points there. I seemed on the web for the problem and located most individuals will go together with with your website.
Yet another thing to mention is that an online business administration study course is designed for scholars to be able to well proceed to bachelor degree programs. The Ninety credit diploma meets the lower bachelor education requirements when you earn your associate of arts in BA online, you will get access to the most recent technologies within this field. Several reasons why students are able to get their associate degree in business is because they can be interested in this area and want to find the general knowledge necessary in advance of jumping right bachelor education program. Thanks for the tips you actually provide inside your blog.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!
whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.