Falling off the Rails - An apology blog post

Hello family -

Unfortunately, Nate and I have been swamped and this is the first moment I've had to write about what is going on with us.  Nate recently started a new job at Data Center Incorporated as a Card Services Specialist moving from IT Help Desk work.  I have been busy working from production to production since early July.  With literally no break between productions (a thing which I will be avoiding in the future).

On our vacation to Eureka Springs in June.  We escaped the
Ullom family vacation in Branson for an evening.

So, let's start with Nate.  Nate has been working at DCI for almost one year. In late August, a job came open in a department that gave Nate a significant promotion.  He applied for and was accepted for the position in early October.  This was after applying in early September.  Part of the delay was the extreme amount of overwork and stress that the department is under.  Which Nate has now jumped into.  Thankfully though, my impression is that the department is making good progress and that Nate is making a difference.  Part of the position is the implementation of DCI's banking/credit card product which requires on-site conversions and assistance.  The estimated level of travel was more than 50% of the job. 

Friend Dell Swearer with Nate and myself during photo booth fun at the
Cosmosphere's Gala "Everything Under the Stars"

We've had the good fortune of Nate being gently initiated into the travel portion.  The only traveling he's had came in October.  The second week at his new position saw him assisting his work group with an install in northeastern Kansas.  He took a week break at home and then heading out to Oregon the last week of October.  I think that he is enjoying the prospect of traveling but is also enjoying the time at home, particularly since his travel won't begin in earnest again until February.  Which coincides directly with when I begin my evening rehearsals again.  So, that is good timing. 

Since July 1st, I have gone from The Laramie Project to Godspell (which actually rehearsed over The Laramie Project) to Talking Tombstones to Almost, Maine without a pause in the schedule.  Throw in auditions for Fiddler on the Roof and it is just a constant go, go, go. 

Stage 9's Godspell - with lighting and scene design by me

Almost, Maine's closing moment

Auditions for Fiddler on the Roof - Callbacks

My scenery and lighting design for
The Odd Couple [Female Version] 

Almost, Maine's lighting effect for the Northern Lights

Some more fun with lighting...this time on the Laramie Project

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While there have been a lot of challenges, I've enjoyed spending time as I can with family and friends.  And Nate and I have managed to do a couple of fun things here and there.  Including an impromptu trip to Worlds of Fun and a bizarre trip to Atchinson to watch the Eclipse in down pouring rain only in the last minute to have the opportunity to see Bailey's beads and full eclipse with a view. 

Staying dry in Atchinson prior to the Eclipse

Mom and a personal friend, Jo Stropes,
hanging out prior to the Eclipse

We also added a member to our family in the form of a Irish Setter puppy.  He is adorable and Hampton Hunter Halstead is so much fun to be around.  He's giving Aspen a run for his money.  And Nate and I are enjoying his company.

Hampton at his first vet appointment.

Thanksgiving was a quick day and the decorating that followed was great.  Even my friend Estelle made a trip to Wichita and I enjoyed several days of spending time with her. 

On Estelle's visit to our home

And now we are on our way to NYC.  Hanging out in St. Louis, we flew Southwest Airlines and our plane out of Wichita was the same plane that we will ride to NYC on so Nate and I hung out with the flight attendants with the entire plane by ourselves.  It was amazing and the first time I'd ever done that even though I've traveled so much in my life. 

St. Louis including the arch this morning on our flight.

St. Louis including the arch this morning on our flight.

We're in NYC until December 12th.  We'll hang out with Mary, Kurtis and Aurora, see some landmarks and sights since it is the first time that Nate has been to NYC, see Santa Claus at Macy's, enjoy the Christmas in the City moments and attractions, see productions to rejuvenate my artistic soul and finally, spend some quality time with Nate.

All my love.  And deepest apology for the delay.

Charles (& Nate)

Here's one that we have started using regularly


Bush's black bean quesadilla triangles
(Shook version)

6 t canola oil divided
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 in wide pieces
1 can Bush's black beans
1/2 c frozen corn, thawed
1/3 c favorite salsa
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
8 8 inch flour tortillas

Heat 2 t of oil in a large nonstick skillet over med heat.  Cook peppers stirring frequently, until tender about 5-7 min.  (I don't always precook them.  - just enjoy a little crunch)
Mix cooked peppers, cheese, beans, corn and salsa in a large bowl.  Spread 1/2 of the mixture over 1/2 of each tortilla.  Fold over, press down gently and set aside.

Heat 1 t of oil in the large nonstick skillet over med heat.  Cook 2 quesadillas at a time pressing down occasionally with a spatula until tortillas are crisp and golden on bottom.  4-5 min.  Flip tortillas and cook an additional 3-4 min.  Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.  Cut into triangles and serve .  Top with salsa, guacamole or sour cream.  Refrigerate leftovers for lunch!

Grandma's Meatballs

One of my favorite main dish recipes is Grandma’s Meatball recipe.  It is the first main dish recipe that I remember learning.  Below is the version that Grandma wrote for me:

         1.       Cook up one can tomoato soup according to can.  (can use square metal pan)

2.                                Mix rice, flour salt and pper with hamburger meat.

3.                               Make the above into balls.

4.                              Put in 350 oven and let them bake for one hour.

5.                              Eat them!

Orecchiette with Squash

We make this one a lot, especially when we get butternut squash in our CSA box. Enjoy!

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/orecchiette-with-squash-chiles-and-hazelnuts