Here, take my sweater...

Good evening!

...Writing to you live from our show with Ingrid Michaelson at Turner Hall Ballroom. The house is packed, and so far everything is going great. The opener, Matthew Perryman Jones, is playing right now. I am digging his acoustic, mellow sound as I type away in the tech office.

Do you guys like Ingrid Michaelson? I've gotta admit, her songs have me hooked. "The Way I Am" (aka the Sweater song) is constantly stuck in my head and I am guilty of singing it in the shower. Her new single "Maybe" is pretty fun.

So lately I haven't had much time for new posts... nor have I been enjoying much interesting food. Today though, I did get to do something fitness-related... a horseback riding lesson!

I didn't get any photos today, but will fill you in. I found a wonderful person who is willing to give me private lessons for a nominal fee. In exchange, I am expected to tack and groom my horse, help with horse training, etc. Needless to say... this is VERY EXCITING and I am pinching myself to make sure it's really happening!

My horse's name is Chance, he's a certified Paint / Pinto mix gelding and is very well trained. I have never worked with such a well-behaved or gentle animal. Here's a photo from the owner's posting - isn't he handsome?

We had a great two hours today getting to know each other, and I can't wait for the next lesson. Eventually I will be riding the trails of Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine area, which will be incredible to experience.

I really enjoyed the ride to and from the farm, which was about an hour away from my home. The trees are at their peak of fall colors right now, and I absorbed all of the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows from my viewpoint behind the wheel of Edward.

Other highlights... Zak bought some Honeycrisp apples and shared one with me. WOW are these great. How have I never tried one before? What's your favorite type of apple?

Gonna get back to work. Have a great evening!

More Horseback Riding and Caramel Apples... a Sweet Sunday.

It's been a good day.

Does this look familiar?

I had a great time today with my friend Yvonne, horseback riding and visiting an orchard farm.

Back up a moment... I would not have been properly fueled up for my day without the help of oats.

I made these with 1/3 cup oats, 1/3 cup soy milk, 1/3 cup water and about 1/2 tbsp each of peanut butter and PB&Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams. Perfect.

After about an hour drive from Milwaukee, Yvonne and I found Fantasy Hills Ranch in Delavan, WI. I found this place online while researching trail rides on horseback in Southeastern Wisconsin. $30 for a 50-minute ride? Sounded good.

Unfortunately I have mixed reviews about this ranch. For one, the clerk at the check-in desk had us fill out the same waiver form. This seemed really odd and unprofessional to me because the information was cramped. If there was an emergency, how would they be able to read the accurate information?

The guides seemed like nice people, but weren't the most knowledgeable. I asked one how long she had been riding, and she said just three months. The ride was mostly through pasture trails and a little bit of wooded hilly area, and the horses didn't seem to like the deep mud. Also, my horse seemed really jaded and bored. I had requested a horse that could run and while she could, the guides told me that she was mostly a walking horse. I don't know why I was put on a walking horse when I requested a running one.

On the positive side, I did get to try out a trot and lope which is a first for me. Very challenging! The horse didn't like it much... she didn't really lope as much as she trotted more quickly. But, I digress. It was a good time. After last week's great experience with the best of the best wranglers and ranches, perhaps I am a harsh critic.

The petting zoo rocked! Yvonne had a little man swooning.

After our ride, Yvonne and I headed to The Elegant Farmer in East Troy, Wisconsin. The city is known for its historic trolley line. We found a couple photo opps in the parking lot...

Once inside EF, we immediately hit up the "Make Your Own Caramel Apple" area. Kids and families everywhere. There was a line, but it was worth the wait.

I selected a JonaMac apple and Yvonne chose a Zestar. We both opted to have the apple cut into sections.

Topped with hot caramel sauce, I added my own sprinkles, chopped peanuts and jimmies - mmm.

I noticed these guys across from me as I started to dig in. Felt like a little piggy myself!

This is the second Sunday in a row that I've enjoyed a sweet treat - I am seeing a trend of 'Sweet Sundays'.

We headed into the market @ EF and had a great time looking at all of the goods. Some highlights included a wealth of cheeses and, of course, the incredible bakery.

CHOCOLATE CHEESE?!?

This bread looked great but I passed on buying it.

What a cool technique for frosting these leaf-shaped cookies. Will have to try and experiment with different shades the next time I make roll-outs.

The final verdict? I spent $20 on cheese!

All local cheeses: Dill Havarti, Pine River Port Wine Spread and a Sartori Cheddar, aged in New Glarus Brewery's Raspberry Tart Ale.

A wonderful trip!