Smoothies!

     My wife's name was in a drawing and she "won" several free smoothies.  We have rather enjoyed trying different ones.  Figuring to enjoy some others at home, we purchased a cheap bag of ice (it is stored in the freezer), plopped the Vitamix one the counter and have rather enjoyed making smoothies. 
     Today we started with a banana, a couple of small pears, and a fresh peach ... topping up the container with ice, a bit of sugar-free raspberry syrup, 2 packets of sweet-n-low, and a cup of water.  buzzed it for 30 seconds, poured it into two big cups, and took a small sample to Daniel when I took the remaining ice back to the shop freezer.  YUM!!
     Yesterday was banana, orange, and half of a big Red Delicious apple, with a dollop of black cherry syrup, along with the remaining ingredients.  We need to try pineapple, coconut (coconut milk?), and white chocolate ... with or without a banana.  These are tasty and refreshing in this HOT & MUGGY weather. 
     Yes, we know that a Vitamix costs about $500 ... but quality lasts.  And this machine has been with us for a good 12 years now.  We've only had the bearing on one container freeze up the blade mechanism, and were able to buy a replacement bearing unit without having to purchase an entire container.
     We are thinking about purchasing a GrainMaker Mill from Montana.  It will probably outlast us and be something for the kids to fight over when they sort through our junk.  :-)