This past November, I decided to take my first-ever weeklong staycation. The week after Thanksgiving, I spent the entire week relaxing, puttering around my house and checking a few fun things off the 40 by 40 list. So here’s what got checked off during my glorious time off…
14. Visit Elephant Rocks State Park
I had always heard of and seen photos of Elephant Rocks State Park and marveled that I’d never been even though I’m only a few hours away. So, on the Thursday of my week off, I took the scenic route just over three hours away to check it out. The rocks themselves aren’t visible from the entrance, but there’s an easy one-mile trail through the park that takes you around the rocks and has a spur to climb to the top, which has some really incredible views. The park is on the site of a former quarry, so there are also great interpretive signs along the trail. I’m so happy this was on my list and that I was able to find a warm day in December to make my visit.
16. Make Pasta From Scratch
This task has long been on my list of new things I wanted to try. I’m a huge fan of all cooking shows and have seen countless chefs throw together beautiful pasta dough that looks easy and delicious. I researched a number of recipes and decided to give it a go.
Now, I must say, the pasta was not as easy and beautiful as those TV chefs made it out to be. While it is truly just a mix of flour and eggs, I think I got a little carried away working the dough together and combined it all a little fast. I also had to use a wine bottle as a rolling pin (improv!), so I couldn’t get the dough as thin as would have been best.
Still, while the dough may not have been perfect, once I cooked it and tossed it with some garlic, butter, lemon zest and black pepper, it was darn tasty, albeit a bit tough. Is the photo above of my past? Heck no. Will I make it again? Absolutely.
29. Watch Casablanca
While I dined on my homemade pasta (it sounds so fancy!), I sat down to watch a true classic that I had somehow never seen. After watching it, I can now see how it’s stood the test of time. The characters, the setting, the story…all lovely. It was the perfect pair with my noodles and will for sure be a repeat view.
The week off was exactly what I needed to recharge, get ready for the end of 2021 and to realize that I have only a year (now less!) to finish up my list. Time to get planning and get going!