"Get Lost in Rochester!"

by Leslie

Today I was watching some reality TV about weight loss.  Typically, I am watching those shows while eating a brownie or stuffing my face with chips.  Today, though, I was feeling physic-ally fit so I decided to go on a nice leisurely walk and listen to my new favorite podcast.  I took my usual loop and saw the entrance to an appealing looking trail.  I decided today was the day to see where it led.

It was actually a beautiful trail with lots of trees, a babbling brook, and wildflowers.  Unfortunately, there were also lots of different paths I could take on the trail.  I took several routes, making sure I went back to entrance I took.  But then I decided to go on a different, more appealing path and ended up exiting in another area. When I stepped off the trail it was like I entered some weird suburban alternate universe.  Every street I went on was a cul-de-sac.  There were no people.  It was getting hot out.

So after 30 minutes of wandering I found a highway and walked in the ditch for a while.  Then I found a stoplight, and finally, a numbered street!  Eventually I made it home.  On the way, I found a gas station, a few new churches, and several of the apartment complexes we had looked for (and not found) when we were first moving here.

So, in honor of that, I Erin and I decided Rochester needs a new motto.  "Get lost in Rochester, you never know what you might find."

You know what I found?  A lovely farmer's tan.

After a walk of that nature, I came home wanting what every person wants after a "traumatic" experience.  A popsicle.  Fortunately, I had made some that very morning.

I used a variation on this  recipe to create a chocolate banana milkshake the same day I made the popsicles.

With what was left of the shake, I made popsicles in a cheap-o mold from Hy-Vee.  Worked like a charm.

Here I am woofing that thing down to sooth my soul after a long walk in the sun.

The recipe for this shake/smoothie is really easy and the original was created by a dietician as a healthy snack.  That means you should try it out guilt free!

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Adapted from a recipe by Linda Wagner

Into a blender place:

1 frozen banana

1 cup of lowfat milk

2 T. cocoa powder

2 T. of sugar substitute (I used Stevia)

1 tsp. vanilla

Blend until smooth and creamy.  Enjoy cold out of the blender.