Bye, bye espresso machine

Last night we finished the workshops for literacy tutor training! It ended up as a family affair. My mother and I went the full sessions, and then the last session last night,  John came for the math tutoring (he didn’t need all the reading stuff). He has to go for one more training class on GED preparation, but I decided to work with basic literacy and not GED. I will go next week and get matched with a learner and we should have our first meeting after Thanksgiving!  This is a long commitment.  It is meeting weekly for a year.

Anyway, I am glad all that training is done and that it is Fridaaaaaaay! Back to lifting! I have not gone in a week in order to really rest my foot and my wrist. I missed my lifting.

Exercise Set/rep/weight Muscle worked
Barbell Split Squats 3 sets of 10 with 65# bar Lower Body
Dumbbell Pullover 3 sets of 10 with 25# DB Back
Dumbbell Chest Fly 3 sets of 10 with 15# DBs Chest
Good Mornings 3 sets of 10 with 60# bar (increased) Hammies, low back
 Captain Chair 3 sets of 10 Core
Triceps Kickbacks 3 sets of 10 with 15# DBs  (30# total) Triceps
Arnold Press 3 sets of 10 with 10# DBs (20# total) Shoulders
Lower Back Extension 3 sets of 10 at 80# Low back

Then I treadmill walked before heading home for brekkie.  I decided to toast up the last of the grain-free bread I made, and paired it with the apple cranberry topping for something different.

This was surprisingly filling because the bread has a higher fat content.

Then it was off to the races for work.  So busy right now.  I think some people have gone on vacation early, or are just slacking on Friday.

It was a cold day today, so soup was in order for lunch.  I ate up the last of my roasted red pepper tomato soup.  I added a bunch of chili powder, then added in some chopped cooked chicken breast and topped with 1/2 ounce of shredded cheddar and some light sour cream.

Tasty! Dessert was some of these:

Both John and I were quite busy in the afternoon.  I took a break to make lattes.  Latte time is actually a pretty specific time of day.  2:30 pretty much.  Today it was a little late because we were both caught up in work.

Alas, there is a sad moment here.  Our espresso machine died today.

Just as I finished up the lattes, the machine sort of blew up.  It blew out the seal and all this steam came out.  Then it smelled kind of funny. I imagine that could have been something really bad if it had happened when the most pressure was in there instead of the end.  Occasionally luck does go my way.  Let’s all have a moment of silence…

Here is its last latte:

We salute you Mr. Coffee with a little pumpkin liqueur.  Cause it is Friday, after all!

Now to shop for a new one.  We have been thinking about upgrading for a while, and probably will be getting one of those little hand press ones that are supposed to be for coffee snobs.  Not that I am a coffee snob…Or much of one… Okay, I’m a coffee snob.  But nothing wrong with that!

After a walk, it was time for dinner.  John decided he wanted pizza, but I was no grain today.  So he walked down the street and I made up some yummy dinner!

I sauteed up some broccoli, then added chopped cooked chicken thighs to heat up.  I remove that from the pan, then added a tablespoon of butter to the pan, 1 ounce of light cream cheese and a tablespoon of milk to the pan.  I heated that up until the cream cheese melted, added salt and pepper and then tossed with the chicken and  broccoli.

Served over top of a potato, which you can barely see.  I try to buy potatoes that are a proper portion size of 5 ounces and that actually is a pretty small potato.  This was a very good dinner!

I have a pan of grain free pumpkin pie bars in the oven right now.  I revamped a recipe to make it grain free and subbed out a few things and I really hope these turn out so I can share the recipe.

The batter looks good at any rate!

Looks like we might get in one last bike ride for the season this weekend.  I really hope so.  I know I am just reaaallllly glad it is the weekend.

Question:  Any fun weekend plans?

18 thoughts on “Bye, bye espresso machine

  1. Lisa

    Interesting idea with the cream cheese! I’ll have to try that. And your other recipe looks tasty too.

    This weekend I’m going to have a small dinner party. I’m excited to cook some yummy stuff!

  2. debby

    I have already had too much fun this week. I plan to have fun by staying home in my pajama clothes tomorrow!

    Oh oh oh, I hope those pumpkin bars turn out–that looks luscious. Love the potato idea, and that is a delicious looking bowl of soup. Chili’s coming out of the freezer for tomorrow!

  3. Kimberley

    A moment of silence for the espresso machine. May you find a replacement as soon as possible.

    That batter certainly does look delicious!

    No plans for the weekend. Probably just grocery shopping and the gym. The Boss’ father had surgery yesterday, so we are laying low.

  4. Jill

    So sorry about your espresso machine. I would be devastated if my Kurig died. Fun weekend plans… my husband and I are riding in an organized bike ride Sunday. 25 miles!! Can’t wait. It will probably be the last ride of the season!!!

  5. Shelley B

    Nothing wrong with being a coffee snob! RIP espresso machine. I hope you find a wonderful replacement…can’t imagine you going too long without your latte!

    I am working tomorrow – fun! Well, I hope so, anyway. Our town has exploded with people for a football game and ring day (Aggies getting their college rings – apparently parents come in for that???) so except for work, I’m staying away from stores this weekend.

  6. Leah

    I like your idea for the cheese…

    We’re cleaning house this weekend, enjoying nice weather. Nothing too special.

    I took a moment of silence for your espresso machine. Have fun shopping for a new one!

    Enjoy your bike ride!

  7. Amy

    I think that is so great that you are going to help someone read! Being able to read is such an important skill and can bring so much joy into your life, I couldn’t imagine not being able to do it…

    Too bad about the espresso machine 🙁

    1. Lori Post author

      Reading is so easy for me that it is hard to understand what it is like to not be able to read. I really hope I can help someone find the joy of reading and also to be able to better their lives.

  8. Sharon

    Hurry up with that Pumpkin Pie bars recipe! I’ve got pumpkin coming out my ears and that looks like something I’d love to try! No pressure here, but I’ve got about 3/4 fresh pumpkin in my fridge right now just screaming that it would like to made into Lori’s pumpkin pie bars. LOL!

  9. Fran

    Well coffee snob: let’s shake hands! I love my espresso machine although mine if fully automatic.

    Congrats on finishing the tutor course succesfully. The one that gets you to help him or her out is a lucky person.

    Have fun on your bike ride, since it’s maybe the last one for the season: please give me a cupcake to drewl on.

    Not many plans this weekend, tomorrow we’re celebrating R’s birthday with the family.

  10. Jody - Fit at 53

    Looking forward to those pumpkin pie bars! 🙂 Looked delish uncooked!

    So glad your foot is better & you got back to lifting! The few times I have not been able to work out, I miss the weights so much!

    I guess you best replace that espresso machine soon – will you survive?? 😉

    We are having an early turkey day celebration this weekend. Trying to get to sides of the family together & this is the day that worked best!

    Hope you have a great one!

  11. Cammy@TippyToeDiet

    My condolences on the loss of Mr. Coffee. May he rest in peace(s). 🙂

    Kudos on completing your tutor training! That’s a truly wonderful thing you’re doing. Can you imagine not being able to read? *shudder*

  12. Satu

    I’m sorry to hear about your espresso machine. 🙂 I trust you have a new one by now?

    I’m afraid my blender is soon going to join your esperesso machine in kitchenware heaven.

    I had a perfectly boring but feverish weekend…

  13. Pingback: Pumpkin Pie Bars – grain free! | Finding Radiance

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