Where is spring?

<--- This is how the Hudson River looks right now at West Point Military Academy in NY.  Its pretty but man, is it still cold.  Last night was so windy, I swear our brick house was swaying in the wind, it was THAT strong.  However, I noticed as I snapped that picture there, that most of the ice has melted and chunks of it were floating away down stream.  YAY!  A fews weeks ago, the river was solid ice except for the wide path the few barges had made through that whole mess.  I'm glad to see the ice melting...that means spring can't be far behind.  Today as we were out driving, I saw the water running off the mountain side in a near waterfall effect from how much is melting.  I wanted to clap with joy.  I'm so ready to open my windows and say hello to crisp spring mornings. 

I'm tired of making heavy stews and soups.  Big casseroles and thick chunky bread.  I want my spring menu!  I want light brothy soups with leeks and roasted chicken in it.  I want chicken salad sammies and picnics by the lake.  (were I in Ohio still but I'm sure I'll find some lake to picnic by soon)  I'm just ready for grilling!  Enough with hot ovens!  lol 

I am looking forward to March 15th-28th around our area.  Orange County here is featuring Restaurant Week, where, for $28 per person you can enjoy some fancy schmancy 3 course dinner meals at some snazzy restaurants or $20 for lunches.  I am so excited by this!  I know we're hitting up the Thayer Restaurant here on base at the hotel b/c its uber fancy...and I think the Big Easy Bistro with its Cajun menu and I think the Castle of the Hudson, a big place overlooking the Hudson.  (should be beautiful at night!)  Its a really great deal all around.  You get to try new foods and then vote on who has the best "what" to offer.  Exciting!

I'm also excited this week to try some new stuff off Tasty Kitchen.  I also discovered MixingBowl.com by accident and haven't yet made it through all there stuff but it looks pretty good as well.  Also found a really good looking red beans and rice recipe off Fonts for Peas site as well.  Who knew a scrapbooking site would have such good looking food?  LOL!