Have you ever watched a moon rise over a mountain? We spent out last night in the Benson rental home watching the moon rise. It was the most spectacular sight we’d seen in our time in Arizona. The picture is only proof of the event because there is no way my iPhone was going to capture the awesomeness. Pretty cool parting gift!

moonrise

Aside from moonlighting, other jobs last night included cleaning, packing, and scrounging for dinner. Well, I scrounged, Daniel had Wendy’s…again. I’ll toot my own horn for managing to come up a very satisfying dinner! Pumpkin oatmeal (thanks to the last unused can of pumpkin from Thanksgiving.) This is surprisingly delicious considering it doesn’t contain a single “fresh” ingredient. Did you know that canned pumpkin is packed with incredible nutrients? Plus it rates a big fat zero on my guilt-factor scale with only 80 calories and 1 gram of fat per cup. Pumpkin contains essential nutrients like beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A responsible for orange color) and vitamin K, along with plenty of fiber. Beta-carotene helps protect eye health to ward off cataracts and macular degeneration. It has also been studied in the prevention of certain cancers. Friendly warning: canned pumpkin is pretty bitter when eaten alone, but it sure can make-over a dull bowl of oatmeal in no time flat.

the last supper

Pumpkin Oatmeal
1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
dash of pumpkin pie spice
dash of ground cloves
dash of ground nutmeg
pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients and heat in microwave for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes. Stir in a splash of milk and devour. You may be wondering how I came up with the spices in an “empty house.” No mystery here. Just some tupperware. Don’t you travel with your spices?

traveling kitchenette

A little bulky, I admit, but anyone who has stocked a pantry before knows how pricey spices can get. I opted to take ours in our checked bags instead of buying all new when we get to Hawaii. I could’ve sent all the spices with the other shipped goods, but that would mean 2 months of eating bland food (or Wendy’s) until everything arrives. No thanks.

With a warm belly of oats, we got ready for floor.

slumber party

Luckily it was a very short night on the concrete carpet before we had to get up to drive Charlie to the airport.

that is 1:23a.m.

We are happy to report that 15 hours later Charlie has landed in Oahu. We’ll be there soon, buddy!!