And then there were none…referring to the mice I’m trying to catch in our cellar.  However, I think there might be some kind of “WELCOME – ENTER HERE” sign somewhere outside our house because so far I’ve caught three mice.    Unless it’s one mouse who is goofing on me and keeps coming back for more peanut butter, knowing full well his life is not in danger. 

Now I have to add that where I am catching them is a wine room, cold storage so we don’t go in there often.  It’s not like we are living with all these mice running around our home. AH!

The first mouse was taken up the road early in the morning on Thursday and let go.  He paused a minute then leapt from the trap.  The second, I let go in very close proximity to the first.  He/She hopped out of the trap, paused for a second, gave me a salute, then scurried away.  The third was in the trap this morning.  After Shane and I returned from our run and Ted came home from breakfast with the “boys”, we checked our catch.  Sure enough, there he/she was.  Ted wouldn’t touch it.  Some kind of excuse about a bad back and not being able to bend over….I think he was scared.    Anyway, I took this 3rd mouse up the road a little farther and opened the trap in a leaf pile.  The little guy sat there looking at me.  I wish I had my camera but, really, who wants to spend too much time looking eye to eye with a field mouse?!   

He finally left the trap and sat in the pile of leaves.  He was scared but I’m sure took cover and went to find a new home.  Hopefully not back in OURS!  The mouse trap saga continues…stay tuned…. 

Want to visit Perugia’s with us again?  That’s where Ted and I went last night.  The restaurant was busy and service was a bit slower but not annoyingly so.  We walked to what seemed like going through the door to meet family. What a great place!

The variety of flavors offered in different bread rolls.  The Szechuan Shrimp Stir-fry (hot with Chilean spice)…

The Garden Salad with toasted walnuts, granny smith apples and all delicately laced with a balsamic vinaigrette.  The  citrus sorbet to cleanse our palettes.

The Sesame Encrusted Pan Seared Ahi Tuna with sake, soy, ginger, and an eye watering wasabi over spicy mei noodles….look how THIN those noodles are?!!!!

Another dinner so enjoyable at Perugia’s.  I overheard a conversation at the next table and they are already booking for Christmas…. make your reservations NOW!

Baking in the Apple Crumbles kitchen…

Ted wanted a healthy sweet treat with PROTEIN.   I’ve made these before and they hit just the right spot.  Kind of like that itch you can’t reach but your best friend can…

Jo’s Healthy Treats (simple but so very good).  Cut into about 30 bars.

Preheat the oven to 425 F.  Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Mix together the following..

• 18 oz Jar Peanut butter (your favorite – smooth or crunchy)
• 1 1/2 cups Oats (gluten free if you want to make a gluten free treat)
• 1 cup Protein Powder (your favorite brand – remember vanilla won’t change the flavor)
• 4 TBS honey
• 1/3 cup Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• 2/3 cup Roasted Sun Flower Seeds *either the pumpkin or the sunflower should be salted but not both.
• *Optional:  1 cup raisins   …OR…1 cup chocolate chips….OR…1 cup dry cranberries(the addition of these will change the nutrition stats. below).

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press down. 

Bake about 10 –12 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.  Slice into desired size bars and enjoy! *Best to slice when slightly warm.  These are crumbly. They are SUPPOSE to be. That’s what makes them so good!