The G's Are In The House

Tunas/Prickly Pear is a seedy, melon-like,
 sweet, refreshing fruit!

Pan or Mexican sweet pastries are great
with a strong cup of coffee.

A weekend at home with the G's.  We try to get to the Mexican store twice a month to pick up awesome produce and specialty products, such as tunas (prickly pears or cactus fruit), fajitas, pan, the best tortilla chips ever and guacamole.  There are several Mexican grocery stores in the Chicagoland suburbs.  We go to Cermak, on Route 31 and Indian Trial, in Aurora.

I had a lovely conversation
with "the most interesting
man in the world."

We were lucky today, a lady was serving elote con crema.  She gladly allowed me to video tape her making this traditional Mexican dish.  You can make this at home too.  Typical serving size would be about a cup.  Boil frozen corn (1 cup), mayo (1 tsp or Tbsp, to taste), butter (1 tsp or Tbsp, to taste), cotijo cheese (1-2 Tbsp; plastic container in specialty cheeses) and Tajin or Pica de Gallo (rooster on label) seasoning (to taste, find in the Hispanic aisle).  I'm sure it's 50 million, thousand points in Weight Watchers!  It's a very tasty treat!!

After going to the Mexican store, we go to paleta store and buy a sweet, tangy, salty icy treat called mangoneada, which has mango sorbet, chamoy, fresh mango, the juice of half a lime and Tajin seasoning.  I discovered this a few years ago.  I highly recommend it!!  At least get a small one to share with someone else, but don't get too far from the store; because after you taste it, you are going to want one all for yourself!!  Trust me!!  It's really good, try not to eat it too fast because you'll get brain freeze!!

A favorite icy treat called mangoneada!

Purchase arracheras for
making fajitas.  Typically, they
cost $7.99/lb.

Fajitas (Marinate 2-3 days in advance)

I only get my fajitas at the Mexican store because they know how to prepare it.  I took a picture of the butcher's sign at the Mexican store (Cermak), so you would know what to purchase.  As far as how much to purchase, estimate about a half pound per person.  Ask the butcher to trim off the fat, butterfly and run it though the tenderizing machine.


Ingredients needed to make fajitas for four:

• 2-3 pounds of arracheras, cut flanks into lengths of 10-12 inches, easier for grilling.  You can cut into fajita serving sizes after they are done cooking. 
• Adobo seasoning (different flavors, we use the green cap, which has a little more cumin, you can get pepper, lemon, etc...)
• 2-3 limes
• 2 beers (I prefer Tecate, the beer will make a difference in taste)
• 1 large white onion
• 1 large green pepper
• 2-3 packages of El Milagro corn or flour tortillas (I think one dozen tortillas come in a pkg.)

In a super large bowl, sprinkle the bottom with Adobo seasoning
and squeeze the juice of a lime, then lay down a layer or two of meat, then repeat with seasoning and lime and meat until the meat is used up.  Pour beer over the meat.  I lift the layers of meat so the beer is thoroughly mixed throughout.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or press and seal and then store in fridge for at least one day.  The longer it marinates the more flavorful and tender the meat. I usually let it sit in the fridge for two-three days.

The Grill

We have a charcoal grill, so after the coals are ready, but before putting the meat on the grill, we prepare the onion and green pepper for the coals.  We cut the onion into quarters, then wrap it in aluminum foil.  We cut the green pepper into strips, then wrap them in aluminum foil.  We rest the wrapped onion and pepper in the coals, place the grill grate back on the grill and begin grilling the meat.  By the time all of the meat is cooked, the onion and green pepper will be thoroughly cooked.  Do not leave the meat while grilling, because it is cut thin and has marinated, it won't take that long to grill, especially if the coals are plenty and hot.  If you have a gas grill, prepare the onion and green pepper the same way and just rest on the rack while grilling the fajitas.

When coming to the end of the grilling of fajitas, begin warming the tortillas on a dry frying pan or griddle and then keep warm between towels.  You could warm up the tortillas on the grill as well.

Remove the onion and green pepper from the coals, open up the foil and squeeze some lime juice on the onion and green pepper.  We add a little salt to the onion and pepper when making our own fajitas.  It depends on taste.

Total grilling time about one hour for 2-3 pounds of fajitas.

Enjoy!!  Provecho!!

Guacamole (Easy, I think; you let me know, okay?)  Makes about a one and a half cups

I have never been very good about picking out avocados, but lately I've been okay.  I buy them when they are green and firm.  Wrap them in newspaper for a day or two and then they are perfect.  I am not very good at picking out ripe avocados at the store.  You might want to google the avocado masters on how to find the "just right" avocado.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium to large avocados, diced
• 1 small white onion, finely diced (Use half, add more for taste)
• 1 medium Roma tomato, diced (I use Romas because they are firm.  Start with one, you can always add more if you like)
• cilantro, chopped (Start with about a Tbsp, always easier to add more)
• salt, diced, just kidding (to taste)
• 1 lemon or lime (Start with about a Tbsp, add more to taste)

Dice the avocado, finely dice the white onion, dice the tomato(es), chop the cilantro and add some lime juice.  A bowl would be nice for mixing these things together, ay?!  Add more of any of the above ingredients. Ours is always a little chunky, semi-smooth.  If you want a little kick, but I wouldn't do it, add a little finely diced jalapeno, go easy, like I said you can always add more.

Warning:  Guac consumption can vary!!  If you love guac or are surrounded by guac lovers, then I might purchase (double it?) more avocados and tomatoes and then use the entire onion.

Cabin Fever? Try Starved Rock State Park

Our family treks to Starved Rock all the time, but believe it or not, the time that we frequent there the most is in the winter.  

About twenty years ago, my husband and I stumbled across Starved Rock’s most celebrated Eagle Days in January.  As we turned down the drive that follows along the Illinois River, we spotted several eagles perched on the trees on an island in the middle of the river.  The eagles flock here because the lock and dam does not allow the river to freeze over in winter, so the eagles can fish open water.  It is awesome to see an eagle lift off from the tree branches with just a few beats of its massive wings and then it skim the river’s surface looking for a fish.  Really exciting when you see them catch a fish! We typically go to the lock and dam station located across from Starved Rock and the advantage in doing so is that you are closer to the eagles so when they soar the sunlight hits their white head and tail feathers, which really contrasts against the bluffs of Starved Rock.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Many people flock to the rock with their big telephoto lenses and binoculars to take pictures and catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.  At the Starved Rock Lodge they have lecturers come in to speak about the eagles and they have hands-on exhibits.

In the cold, frosty air of winter, nothing warms you like the smell of a fire from the fireplace at Starved Rock Lodge.  We will go to the lodge to warm up after hiking the frozen waterfalls.   That’s really fun to do on a sunshiny day in winter.  All you can hear when hiking in the woods is the muffled silence of winter and the snow crunching under your boots.  Little surprises pop up in the woods like wild turkey or deer.  It’s pretty cool.  Also near the welcome center, the Starved Rock staff keeps bird feeders full to take care of the songbirds in winter.  It’s fun to sit on a bench and watch the birds bustle about.  It’s a very busy place.  Inside the welcome center they have exhibits on the history of Starved Rock.

In March, over spring break, our family stayed a few nights in one of the cabins at Starved Rock.  It was really fun!  In the morning, when we woke up there was a fresh dusting of snow on the ground and cardinals were perched on snow-covered branches nearby.  We went for morning swims in the indoor pool and then ate a mid-morning breakfast at the restaurant.   During the late winter days, we would hike up to the top of Starved Rock and what a treat it was to see a flock of white American Pelicans soaring high above our heads and then dropping into the Illinois River.  Apparently, Starved Rock is part of the migratory path for the pelicans.  It was really weird to see pelicans in the Midwest in winter.  I had no idea they passed through there.  In the evening, because there was no T. V. in our cabin, our family had fun playing cards until 10:00 every night by the fireplace at the lodge.  Great family memories!!  They still remind me of my excellent card playing skills!!

We want to venture Starved Rock’s satellite parking lots which have unique bluff formations and cavern-like structures. Waterfalls and bluffs are easily accessible. Trust me we are not serious hikers, so the fact that I was able to get these beautiful photographs wasn't hard. That's the cool thing about Starved Rock. There are trails for die-hard hikers too. It's worth the hour and half drive from the Chicagoland area, especially when you need to get outside!! It just doesn't seem like you would find this geographical find in Illinois!!

Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp

Good times with friends.

Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp in Onekama, Michigan has been a standing vacation for the last twelve summers.  It's a great family vacation!!  We are very fortunate to have such a place like this.  We stay in an air conditioned cabin overlooking a clear beautiful spring-fed lake.

Beach Day
We have full beach access and the use of water toys which include paddle boards, jet ski's, sailboats, canoes, paddle boats and kayaks.  Camp also has a speedboat for boat ride outings to Lake Michigan to view the dunes.

Land Activities
Daily activities available at camp are arts and crafts, bags or corn hole, shuffleboard, volleyball,

pickle ball, basketball, carpet ball, roller hockey and  high ropes course.  Sometimes the games are organized or pick up games pop up due to campers' interest.  There is a crazy relay race called the Portager Challenge, which involves running, climbing, swimming, canoeing, and building, with limited supplies, a fire hot enough to pop a Jiffy Pop.  The camp staff organizes big field games like soccer tag or Braveheart, which I think, from what I can tell, is Capture the Flag.  The camp staff also coordinates off site excursions such as horsebackriding, canoe trips, and hikes to the dunes or the natural water slide.  There is a golf outing and local shopping available as well.

New Activities Discovered at Camp
It seems like every year, there is something new to experience at camp and if I'm ever wondering where my kids are, that is where they will be.  They spend many hours every day playing these new games at camp.

Gaga ball
My daughter came back to the cabin absolutely excited and filthy because she was playing gaga ball.  Needless to say, I had to check this out.  An almost circular

Gaga ball in action.

structure, with 3 ft high walls was filled with kids of all ages, who were hunched over, shrieking and jumping out of the way, so as not to get hit.  Gaga ball originated in Israel.  It is similar to dodge ball, but not as out of control as regular dodge ball.  A volleyball is used and the object is to hit the opponents legs with the ball.  If the opponent catches it, they remain in the game and the other person gets out.  If the opponent gets hit, but doesn't catch it, then that person gets out.  We have noticed a few gaga pits in surrounding parks and school playgrounds in our area.  It is quite fun, but I figured I'd better get out of the pit and leave that game for the kids.

Crate stacking
A new use for milk crates.  Crate stacking is placing regular milk crates side-by-side and then stepping up on top of one of them and then taking another crate to stack on the adjacent crate. The participant continues to stack crates alternating from side-to-side, building higher and higher. You are building and moving up a level every time.  This is dangerous and a safety helmet, harness and spotters are required for this activity.  The higher one gets the more wobbly the stacks get.  It was fascinating to watch to see how high people could go.  Our daughter made it to the top of the gymnasium ceiling, about 22 rows of crates.

Nine square
Nine square is like four square's older brother.  This idea had to have originated from a volleyball camp.  The court is an elevated tic-tac-toe grid made out of PVC piping.  The person in the middle is king and they begin the volley.  Basically, the players volley the ball from one square to another and then if a person misses, they are out and everyone rotates a square forward.  The goal is to become king and stay in the center as long as possible.

Archery Tag
In a confined, protected area, participants are equipped with a face mask, similar to a catcher's mask,
with padded arrows.  I really don't know the object of the game, but the guys on the camp staff were playing this game with many kids on the tennis courts.  The kids had a ball!

Night Time
Gentle waves brushing the shore, Adirondack chairs around fire pits down by the lake, canteen offering popcorn, ice cream, soft, hot pretzels, candy bars and pure sugar for the kids right before bedtime.  Cappuccinos and ice coffee drinks to allow the adults to stay up a little later to participate in board games or conversation with friends.  Night time entertainment might be big games of Pictionary, game shows or skit night all organized by the camp staff.

The Time is Yours
There really is no schedule at camp except meals, which are provided, and chapel.  Everything is optional, I guess, but you'll find yourself not wanting to miss anything.

Chapel
The worship team sets the tone for chapel services.  In the morning, the kids go to Day Camp where they sing songs, memorize a Bible verse or make up a skit.  The adults have a Bible study session about living a life with Christ.  Night time chapel is more like a sermon that might be experienced at a Sunday morning church service.  The music and messages are uplifting, inspirational, and reflective.  Camp is a time to rejuvenate, refresh and push the reset button.

If you belong to a church, you should find out if there is a camp-like experience available for your own family.    It is a time to relax and reconnect with one another.  It gives you downtime to pause from the business of life and enjoy God's creation and hear His voice.   All are welcome at Portage Lake Bible Camp.  The Covenant Church has camps all over the United States similar to Portage Lake.  The Midwest Conference has two other camps Covenant Harbor, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Covenant Point, in Iron River, Michigan.  These camps have kids camps for third grade up through high school, maybe even college, and then some have family camps.  Check out the links to find out more!  Whenever I ask my kids if we should go back to camp next year, it is a unanimous YES!!

Traveling Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Our family ventured into the upper peninsula of Michigan.  This was a year of exploring and getting reacquainted with the U. P. after not having been there for 20 years.  There are a few things to keep in mind:

• keep a full tank of gas and make the most of these stops, as cities are few and far between,
• speed limit is 55 mph, so plan accordingly, and
• it takes a while to get anywhere in the U. P., so pack a sack lunch or snacks with a cooler full of drinks.

Miner's Castle

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, in Munising, MI, on the north side of the peninsula, on Lake Superior.   Touring the lakeshore can be by car or by boat.We prefer to tour the National Lakeshore by car, the other option is a 2.5 hour boat tour for approximately $38/person.  There are opportunities to kayak the cliffs as well, not sure of the cost.  Miner's Castle is the most photographed and well-known rock formation of Pictured Rocks.  The clarity of the water and the different shades of blue remind me of the ocean.  Rock collecting at Miner's Beach ate up the rest of the afternoon.  Everyone was captivated by the colors with unique streaks and designs with different shapes and smoothness.  It was a beautiful day!  We found it difficult to leave, but look forward to next year's venture back to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, MI, east side of the peninsula.  The Upper Falls are easy to access from platform viewing, absolutely beautiful.  At this location there are gift shops, restaurants, ice cream, etc.  To cool off, my kids waded through the Lower Falls.  It's crazy because there are many layers and levels everywhere; it's very spread out and vast.  People were wading, swimming, and taking a row boat from one side to the other.  Visitors still need to exercise caution because there are areas with currents and larger drops in the falls.

My kids looking for rocks.

Mackinac Island, MI, departing from St. Ignace, MI.  Arnold's Shuttle was the least expensive ferry to the island $18/person and $8/bike.  Yes, we biked it.  Arnold's made it completely hassle-free to transport our bikes to the island.  People of all different skill levels were biking the island.  Total distance was 8.2 miles, about 45 minutes non-stop at a moderate speed.  I thought it would be a hassle having to keep track of my bike on the island, but it really wasn't; I could still enjoy walking and shopping down main street without worrying about my bike.  We will be going back to Mackinac again because we didn't do and see everything we wanted to see.

2016 Trip to the U. P.
Manistique - Fayette State Park and Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring) and Bear Camp in Newbery
Pictured Rocks - east end of the lakeshore
Grand Marais - Lakeshore and Lake Superior
Whitefish Point - Museum and Edmund Fitzgerald
Sault Ste. Marie - Soo Locks

Rocks from Lake Superior

If you have any recommendations for U. P. destinations, let me know.  We love it UP NORTH!

Forest Preserves and Parks Along the Fox River, Tri-City Area

As our kids were growing up, we looked for inexpensive, entertainment, so we turned to exploring parks and forest preserves. We are very fortunate to live in an area that looks for ways to preserve our woodlands and waterways. Cities have made constant improvements making these special places more accessible for everyone. Every season brings forth new discoveries from flowers pushing up the forest floor to identifying tracks in the snow in the silence of winter. Hopefully, you will find new treasures, like we have, at these local parks.



Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville, Illinois

Spring fed crystal clear ponds stocked with bass and trout.  The spring is so clear you can see the blue gill,  bass and turtles in the water.  While sitting in the shade of the mighty oaks, we listen to the chorus of croaking frogs along the water's edge.  My son, continuously casting in hopes of catching a bass.  An unexpected splash encourages him to throw out his line in another direction or try a new spot.  My family likes to hike along waterways.  We, not only explore along rivers, but follow the little creeks that feed into the river.  In the creek, we find beautiful rocks and little springs, here and there, churning sand granules forming perfect little circles in the water. Silver Springs State Park is a nice outing for the day. There is a little concession stand that serves hot dogs, burgers and ice cream and live bait for the fish. Silver Springs State Park is located in the northeast region of Illinois. If interested in spending the day outdoors, look up Silver Springs State Park.

Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia, Illinois

Red Oak Nature Center is part of the Fox Valley Park District. Our family has enjoyed this park in every season for years. We never get tired of the interactive, educational nature exhibits and live animals. Also, the many programs they offer throughout the year, such as maple tapping, nature walks, and talks. There are stools to sit on in front of a huge picture window to watch the very active bird feeders. I check the sightings list for birds and animals, who have been spotted at Red Oak. Down by the Fox River is a viewing area to see the river and water fowl. Winter is our favorite time to visit Red Oak because eagles are often found south of Devil's Cave. One winter when we were down by Devil's Cave, an eagle flew silently past us. It was absolutely amazing!! We love looking for eagles. It's exciting to know that they are re-inhabiting the Fox Valley area. The walking paths are both paved and covered with bark chips. In the fall, the colors of the oak trees are breathtaking. The walking path becomes illuminated with brilliant yellow leaves. This would make for a perfect outdoor setting for family or graduation portraits.

Lippold Park

Lippold Park is located on the bike path adjacent to Red Oak Nature Center. This was an archery range and then it had become run down with overgrown marsh. This park has been beautified! They created a bog walks that serpentine through the little marsh where you can see frogs, turtles, ducks, bass, and muskrat. Also, a beautiful structure with seating, fire pit, and natural playground could make for a nice afternoon at the park.

In my searching for links for the above parks, I had found Go West Young Moms. It is specifically geared toward the Chicagoland area. Check it out!  

If you have a favorite park that you enjoy going to in the Fox Valley Area, I would love to hear about it, especially if it has access to marsh lands or bodies of water.

About My Family

MY BLOG

I have decided to share with viewers the places we have gone and share the things we have done as a family.  Perhaps other families with similar interests will benefit from this blog.  It is my hope that they will share with me some ideas as well.

WHO WE ARE

We are an average middle class family with 2.5 children, ages 13 and 16.  We live about 35 miles west of Chicago.   My husband and I enjoy the outdoors and are thrilled that our children have taken a similar interest in our love of nature.  My family is very close and we enjoy each others' company. I wouldn't describe us as an extreme hiking, biking, climbing, camping bunch, but we do like light hikes, looking for wildlife, admiring plants, trees, flowers, and rocks.  We do take advantage of the bike trails in the area, but nothing too long or strenuous.  We like ponds filled with frogs, turtles, and fish.  Bass fishing in local ponds on a cool, sunny afternoon is fun.  Miscellaneous interests are going to baseball games, movies, restaurants, museums, forest preserves, and state parks.