tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81650608211630678452024-03-13T21:30:07.605-05:00Musings, Memories, and MoreThe melange of my lifeSuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-51614605341222367722011-07-26T13:11:00.000-05:002011-07-26T13:11:32.291-05:00Tuber-fantastic!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klo5D8kgprM/Ti7wSmCTvBI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wi9S-eicJjw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klo5D8kgprM/Ti7wSmCTvBI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wi9S-eicJjw/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amazing what a few dollars of seed potatoes, good soil, sun, water and a little love can produce! Today I harvested about 20 pounds of delicious red and white potatoes, as well as a small group of Russian Banana fingerlings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Home vegetable garden, gotta love it!</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-68355898392435329842011-06-28T19:55:00.001-05:002011-06-28T19:56:28.995-05:00Summer JewelsCherries! Cherries! Cherries!<br />
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Cherry picking season in Crestwood has officially begun...yesterday my brother Glenn and I picked for about an hour which resulted in 15 pounds of tart, ruby cherries. Unfolded paperclips in hand, a vinyl tablecloth, plenty of paper towels and several hours later my Dad, Glenn and I had pitted and sorted all the cherries.<br />
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It was getting a bit late to do anything with the newly pitted fruit, but I was prepared. A few days earlier I made a batch of pie pastry and it was calling out from the refrigerator, screaming to be used in a glorious cherry pie! I quickly assembled and baked the pie. It was left cooling on the counter top on a wire rack, for about an hour. It takes a pie several hours to cool so that it is edible, unless it is a assisted by half an hour of sitting over an vent blowing cool air ;) So at 8:30 p.m. Mom, Dad, Glenn and I enjoyed the fruits of our labor ala mode, mmmm, delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2obyEMeQdM/Tgp13bHBVsI/AAAAAAAAAiM/TZ9cPpup2kE/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2obyEMeQdM/Tgp13bHBVsI/AAAAAAAAAiM/TZ9cPpup2kE/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a>I spent several hours today joyfully chopping, measuring, stirring and boiling cherries, sugar, and pectin to create the canned wonder of Cherry Jam. (Insert sigh of contentment.) I suppose some would consider it "work" but when you love what you do and the resulting creation, it is a cheery time in the kitchen.<br />
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Today's kitchen efforts also yielded a free-form Cherry Galette topped with sanding sugar, just as yummy as yesterday's pie (yes, the first pie is gone).<br />
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We should have enough jam to last us until next year...but I <em>might</em> just make another trip to the cherry trees, we'll see.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-26825740117195704462011-05-04T13:27:00.000-05:002011-05-04T13:27:38.711-05:00Duck Eggs Anyone?We have a Mallard nest in the backyard, so I guess it is official, Sable is a spoiled indoor housepet and definitely not a hunter.<br />
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While working in the yard this afternoon, Sable got a little too close the area where a mama duck was hanging out and she flew off. Sable trots over to investigate the nest, which until that moment I was unaware of, and I think "Oh no, not a nest! Sable is going to be all over the eggs.". But no, our intrepid huntress sniffs the eggs and then runs away to get a toy. That's our girl, ever ready for playtime but lets a Mallard build a nest in her territory.<br />
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I'm all for protecting wildlife and ducklings are adorable but I would prefer them in someone else's yard. Since Sable seems to be disinterested in the eggs, I guess they are safe. I don't know what will happen when the eggs start to hatch, which according to internet sites is anywhere from 23-30 days. I will have to start posting Duck Bulletins on my blog to everyone up-to-date.<br />
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I carefully checked the area and took a couple of pictures and a count, there are eight large eggs in the nest, well disguised among the plants and leaves, clever Mother Nature!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5osv45vcYM/TcGZxsEe6kI/AAAAAAAAAiI/dyylBXPTZ9Y/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5osv45vcYM/TcGZxsEe6kI/AAAAAAAAAiI/dyylBXPTZ9Y/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-61037340984966981352011-05-01T09:39:00.000-05:002011-05-01T09:39:52.160-05:00Sunday Morning Sweets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOkrWWs563k/Tb1uo_GbO5I/AAAAAAAAAiE/nVcybWmI2zo/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOkrWWs563k/Tb1uo_GbO5I/AAAAAAAAAiE/nVcybWmI2zo/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>What a lovely way to start Sunday morning, or any morning for that matter, than with a homemade quick bread.<br />
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This morning I made two loaves of Lucinda Scala Quinn's Coconut Bread, which smelled delicious as it was baking. Here is the recipe: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/348472/coconut-bread">http://www.marthastewart.com/348472/coconut-bread</a><br />
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I followed the recipe exactly except that I used sweetened coconut as that is what I had available, and for extra crunch and sparkle I topped the bread with coarse sugar. The bread is light and not too sweet and plenty of coconut flakes give it a wonderful chew. I topped my slices with my homemade Pine-Cot Jam (pineapple-apricot), yummy!<br />
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Definitely give this bread a try if you like coconut, it will become one of your baking staples.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-30758516714230404412011-04-13T09:08:00.000-05:002011-04-13T09:08:20.641-05:00Garden ExpansionYesterday was a beautiful day for working in the yard and I began expanding the fruit and vegetable garden. <br />
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The space we have been using for several years followed the original circular shape of the landscaped grass. Last year I considered expansion but didn't want to go through the work of saving the grass and moving it to another location. However, last summer's weather ravaged the lawn and we are left with a patchy, weedy ground cover--an opportunity for expansion!<br />
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My first step was to move the fence and change the shape from circular to a straight line. I pulled up the existing posts and tried to drive them into the ground in a new spot until I ran into rocks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvebeocduKU/TaWi_dNrAeI/AAAAAAAAAhk/TB-AW6Ld0qI/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvebeocduKU/TaWi_dNrAeI/AAAAAAAAAhk/TB-AW6Ld0qI/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So I had to dig holes and remove rocks, lots of rocks. It was actually cool to find all the rocks, I wasn't in any hurry and I can use the rocks in the garden. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rock pile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aside from the rocks, there was the usual excavation finds of glass bottle shards, roof shingles, and one small piece of ceramic. Alas, I will not be reporting any dinosaur bone discovery to The Field Museum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fosi_b9IaBU/TaWiWuEmiwI/AAAAAAAAAhc/DbwH-y3w-Ok/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fosi_b9IaBU/TaWiWuEmiwI/AAAAAAAAAhc/DbwH-y3w-Ok/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I did not labor alone, I was assisted by my buddy Sable. <br />
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I would like to be able to comment that in this photo Sable was bringing a pole to me to use on the fence.<br />
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However, Sable's only concern was herself and finding something to play with and chew.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H67O8p-rRy4/TaWoYj4LewI/AAAAAAAAAhw/m89Aphjwt-E/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H67O8p-rRy4/TaWoYj4LewI/AAAAAAAAAhw/m89Aphjwt-E/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Sable didn't bring me poles or tools, but she did accomplish some hole digging of her own in the garden and keep me company during the expansion project.<br />
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</div>The fence has been moved and is in a straight-ish line (I wasn't too picky about that) and ready for a load of garden soil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVUx_ibuJ6k/TaWjTxakMLI/AAAAAAAAAho/S1eL_EB60BU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVUx_ibuJ6k/TaWjTxakMLI/AAAAAAAAAho/S1eL_EB60BU/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqBhQbFZoNQ/TaWjnWGDs6I/AAAAAAAAAhs/BhisSgjDwWI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqBhQbFZoNQ/TaWjnWGDs6I/AAAAAAAAAhs/BhisSgjDwWI/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We will now have space for the raspberry plants, more beans, and of course more tomatoes and maybe a few things we haven't grown in the past. Suggestions?</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-54619916215697714872011-04-08T17:24:00.000-05:002011-04-08T17:24:02.436-05:00Soup Day<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The combination of chilly, rainy day and beautiful leeks at the grocery store inspired me to make soup. I made Potato Leek Soup for the very first time following Jacques Pepin's recipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXC-hl1cSbI/TZ-J2TawD-I/AAAAAAAAAhU/Dp7xm9qwb-A/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXC-hl1cSbI/TZ-J2TawD-I/AAAAAAAAAhU/Dp7xm9qwb-A/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>The recipe was quick and easy and the soup is delicious. As it is Friday during Lent, I made one alteration to the recipe and used vegetable stock. I pureed about two-thirds of the vegetables to end up with a silky smooth soup with a few bits and pieces of leek, onion, and potato. I will definitely make this soup again.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-58432401031079672712011-04-06T08:37:00.000-05:002011-04-06T08:37:27.972-05:00Sprouting UpJust a quick walk around our garden reveals so many natural wonders breaking through the cold, firm earth to brave the chill winds and get a bit of warmth from our Spring sunshine. What a wonderful world...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTnFLn8xwQ4/TZxmX3Fzj4I/AAAAAAAAAg8/ekxJ38wO50k/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTnFLn8xwQ4/TZxmX3Fzj4I/AAAAAAAAAg8/ekxJ38wO50k/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaM9t8Q_duQ/TZxm0Xt67GI/AAAAAAAAAhI/R-coGInyIbI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaM9t8Q_duQ/TZxm0Xt67GI/AAAAAAAAAhI/R-coGInyIbI/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19kwJYeNE0Q/TZxm-f2fXiI/AAAAAAAAAhM/S2ARfv0Hlds/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19kwJYeNE0Q/TZxm-f2fXiI/AAAAAAAAAhM/S2ARfv0Hlds/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bearded Iris</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqJae-yccD0/TZxnHGsmGHI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/2nEp0LcgtBg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqJae-yccD0/TZxnHGsmGHI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/2nEp0LcgtBg/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXq3joZL0S0/TZxme7UJTBI/AAAAAAAAAhA/erD-53Gf1_s/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXq3joZL0S0/TZxme7UJTBI/AAAAAAAAAhA/erD-53Gf1_s/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y0ujCXowg4/TZxmqsw2TrI/AAAAAAAAAhE/kD3E4skoFCM/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y0ujCXowg4/TZxmqsw2TrI/AAAAAAAAAhE/kD3E4skoFCM/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the blink of an eye, we'll have such a colorful and interesting garden. Isn't Mother Nature great?!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-72626701846290170082011-03-22T16:42:00.000-05:002011-03-22T16:42:34.145-05:00A Bit of Sunshine on a Rainy DayThese sunshine yellow and white Millefiori beads are just adorable!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hIhbeRtzpnc/TYkXP3Ntz0I/AAAAAAAAAg0/nbW1-dVHeSs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hIhbeRtzpnc/TYkXP3Ntz0I/AAAAAAAAAg0/nbW1-dVHeSs/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I mixed the Millefiori (translation: thousand flowers) with matte opaque white and matte transparent yellow seed beads for some contrast. A little sparkle is added via a pale yellow Swarovski Element crystal beads. I had enough beads for a complete ensemble, necklace, earrings, and a bracelet.<br />
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I think these cute Millefiori beads are a perfect Spring or Summer accent!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-39824146114732634822011-03-09T19:30:00.000-06:002011-03-09T19:30:28.502-06:00Cold Oven Pound Cake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the cookbook America's Best Lost Recipes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A strange name for a cake, but it doesn't matter because it is delicious. A cold oven, not pre-heated, is exactly how this cake starts. The pound cake has a dense yet light texture, rich flavor, and a crunchy top crust that melts in your mouth. If the picture is tempting you give the recipe a try, you won't be disappointed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>Cold Oven Pound Cake</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>3 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup skim or 1 percent milk (see note)<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
5 large egss, separated, room temperature<br />
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened<br />
1/2 cup vegetable shortening<br />
3 cups sugar<br />
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1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position. (Do not heat the oven.) Grease and flour a 12-cup tube pan. Whisk the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk the milk, vanilla, and egg yolks in a large measuring cup.<br />
2. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Beat the butter, shortening, and sugar together on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low, and add the flour mixture and the milk mixture alternately in two batches, beating after each addition until combined. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the egg whites. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and place in the cold oven.<br />
3. Heat the oven to 300 degrees and bake the cake for 45 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 325 and bake until a toothpick instered in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan for 20 minutes, run a knife around the edge of the cake, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely, at least 1 hour. Serve. (The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.)<br />
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<strong>Note: </strong>It is important to use skim or 1 percent milk, using 2 percent or whole milk will result in a heavier cake, with less height.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-23003388833931203372011-03-07T16:55:00.000-06:002011-03-07T16:55:57.662-06:00Spring is here...in the garage!Last year, we wanted to add raspberry bushes to our garden. We didn't really have the room in the area allotted for vegetables (Dad is always pushing for more tomato plants!).<br />
<br />
So we purchased two bushes and planted them in large white ceramic pots and placed them where they would receive full sun. The raspberry bushes thrived, produced good fruit well into to the fall. They produced fruit so long that I couldn't safely transplant them in the ground. The heated garage would serve as winter storehouse for the bushes.<br />
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The first day of Spring may be two weeks away, but as far as I'm concerned, it has arrived in our garage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zxUisIxWvfU/TXVgNlC8OcI/AAAAAAAAAgo/zPUgBddyNPo/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zxUisIxWvfU/TXVgNlC8OcI/AAAAAAAAAgo/zPUgBddyNPo/s320/032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
New growth is popping out all over!<br />
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What a nice surprise to find on a cold, overcast day. Both of the plants have survived and are sprouting. Another reason I can hardly wait for warmer weather, home-grown raspberries!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-65101342528638132042011-03-01T11:17:00.000-06:002011-03-01T11:17:23.501-06:00No more snowy walks, I hope!It was a chilly 26 degrees this morning as Sable and I went for our walk, but we didn't mind at all.<br />
<br />
The snow is gone (mostly!), the skies were blue and bright, and the birds were singing--what wonderful accompaniment! All along our walk I could hear the male Cardinals calling out and I spotted two of them, a gorgeous, shock of red in the drab winter scenery.<br />
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I'm not trying to rush the seasons, but I do hope that we don't have any more days like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mAr5V0RW_vY/TW0p27jFH9I/AAAAAAAAAgk/-oWZXy0TkK0/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mAr5V0RW_vY/TW0p27jFH9I/AAAAAAAAAgk/-oWZXy0TkK0/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-73731892314311320652010-04-27T15:54:00.000-05:002010-04-27T16:04:31.481-05:00Happy Mistake<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S9dOCIBXatI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/YybmwSH3taA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S9dOCIBXatI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/YybmwSH3taA/s200/006.JPG" tt="true" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I accidentally purchased chunky peanut butter :( Of course, I only discovered this fact <em>after</em> I opened the jar! It wasn't bad on an English muffin, but I thought a better use would be to make cookies.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Boy was I right! The cookies are light and crisp with chopped peanuts and chocolate chips scattered throughout, mmmm!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you're in the neighborhood stop in for a few before they're all gone.</span></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-40891920737607015752010-04-17T08:13:00.000-05:002010-04-17T08:13:52.783-05:00Ahhh, Spring!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know we have been enjoying Spring for many days now, in fact the first day was on March 20th, but to me yesterday was really the first day. Dad and I stopped by the roadside to cut some Lilac for Mom. These Lilac bushes grow unkempt and you might say wild. Mom has been wistfully eyeing this stand of bushes for many years. I find it amazing that my Mom can tell a "good" Lilac from a "bad" Lilac just by looking at it, from a speeding car no less! A good Lilac are the scented ones and of course the bad ones are unscented.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S8mzxfBj_gI/AAAAAAAAAfI/xz8s9_dUmPs/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S8mzxfBj_gI/AAAAAAAAAfI/xz8s9_dUmPs/s320/009.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mom was thrilled! So, now we have a large bouquet of one of the best heralds of Spring filling the house with its wonderful scent. Nothing better. Ahhh, Spring!</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-73190958959376323802010-04-07T09:03:00.000-05:002010-04-07T09:11:49.026-05:00Craft Night - Glitter Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On March 25th, we had another busy craft night! As usual, we began with chit-chat and food, we snacked on fruit, veggie dip, and then munched on lettuce wraps and a turkey stir-fry. But the Pièce de résistance was Barb's generous purchases from Weber's Bakery! YUMMY! There were so many goodies it was hard to decide what to eat, we definitely could have skipped all the other food and jumped right into the bakery treats!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJtEV3alI/AAAAAAAAAeg/xiOUCWtMwCY/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJtEV3alI/AAAAAAAAAeg/xiOUCWtMwCY/s320/019.JPG" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was hard to put the goodies down, but we did and started our crafts. Using styrofoam eggs on wooden skewers, slightly thinned glue, paint brushes, and lots of glitter, the crafters got their creative <em>mojos</em> going.</span></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even Sable wanted to participate!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJ-FWbd8I/AAAAAAAAAew/mY2BTkUDc5I/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJ-FWbd8I/AAAAAAAAAew/mY2BTkUDc5I/s320/021.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Artfully looped ribbon makes for easy display.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yKFpKRKVI/AAAAAAAAAe4/bgFtwtTFQ4Q/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yKFpKRKVI/AAAAAAAAAe4/bgFtwtTFQ4Q/s320/024.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJY0_O70I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/3Nvepsfa5G0/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJY0_O70I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/3Nvepsfa5G0/s320/017.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Although missing her "crafty" friend, Barb did a wonderful job on her two eggs!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJg4MObDI/AAAAAAAAAeY/Ut11_vl399A/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJg4MObDI/AAAAAAAAAeY/Ut11_vl399A/s320/018.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our youngest crafter, Jessica, is very creative, she braided some ribbon for her hanging loop!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJzRWaeBI/AAAAAAAAAeo/cNrDhQM5iP0/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yJzRWaeBI/AAAAAAAAAeo/cNrDhQM5iP0/s320/020.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> BFF's, Jen and Lisa, showing off their sparkling creations</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yKPCujVUI/AAAAAAAAAfA/hKZxZnJhDyA/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S7yKPCujVUI/AAAAAAAAAfA/hKZxZnJhDyA/s320/025.JPG" /></a><span style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Mom made goodie bags for everyone and as a special treat each of our friends received glittered birdhouses for Spring home decorations. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thanks again to all our crafty friends for another wonderful night filled with fun and laughter!</span></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-43280911481275822062010-02-25T15:30:00.000-06:002010-02-25T15:30:35.618-06:00Tell Me About Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you were speaking on the phone with someone whom you've never met and they asked you to "tell me about yourself", what would you say?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Go ahead; think about it for a few seconds. What are the first things that pop into your head?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S4bjCnFeHyI/AAAAAAAAAdo/X-8yZMJv-fk/s1600-h/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S4bjCnFeHyI/AAAAAAAAAdo/X-8yZMJv-fk/s200/015.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The color of your eyes or hair?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Did you think about your smile, or perhaps a beauty mark?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S4bjIArM-8I/AAAAAAAAAdw/YaKqqTcWCAo/s1600-h/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S4bjIArM-8I/AAAAAAAAAdw/YaKqqTcWCAo/s200/018.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div align="right" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Did your height come to mind?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S4bjQ_PykYI/AAAAAAAAAd4/ySl3yEHhQK4/s1600-h/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S4bjQ_PykYI/AAAAAAAAAd4/ySl3yEHhQK4/s200/021.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Or maybe your weight or body shape flashed into focus.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today, I watched a bit of a morning talk show where a celebrity was discussing her weight gain and attempts to lose the extra pounds, <em>again</em>. This discussion got me to thinking about how much we focus on our physical attributes.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If someone were to ask me to tell them about myself, I would probably start with my green eyes, and height, etc. These are just superficial things, a part of who I am, yes, but not the most important things that truly make me--me and you--you.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think we should start focusing on the best things that make each of us unique:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> bubbly personality</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> sense of humor</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> positive outlook</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> love of reading</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> interest in nature</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> fondness of romantic movies</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> boundless energy</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> a smile that lights up the room</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> ingenuity that keeps the boss guessing</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> faith in a higher power</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> fierce loyalty to family</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> creative flair</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Etcetera...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The next time you look in the mirror, don't focus on gray hairs, blemishes, extra pounds, or other physical imperfections, take a second and think about a few things that make you special.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I hope you realize (in a non-pompous way) how wonderful it is to be you!</span></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-34940957441937783582010-02-18T10:09:00.000-06:002010-02-18T10:15:17.759-06:00Ordinary Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S31OwdIpFEI/AAAAAAAAAdg/OdDAu9eMBw8/s1600-h/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S31OwdIpFEI/AAAAAAAAAdg/OdDAu9eMBw8/s320/035.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The simple gesture of holding someone's hand, the sharing of warmth, the immediate sense of familiarity is so comforting. Something that is so everyday ordinary and yet it is so special.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I often sit with my mother talking or watching television and we will occasionally hold hands. There is always a tender squeeze that says “I love you". Sometimes I am taken back to my childhood, walking hand-in-hand with my mother; the memories are warm and loving. We would play a game with my mother squeezing my hand a certain number of times and I would respond with the same number of squeezes. In silence, walking along, back and forth quick successions of squeezes in attempts to fool the other person. Such a simple game but it is embedded in my memory of a happy childhood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When next you hold someone's hand be it friend, spouse, child, or family, savor the moment, the sensations, and simply enjoy.</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-22881777623584036882010-02-12T10:25:00.000-06:002010-02-12T10:25:35.358-06:00I could bake everyday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3VffsOVooI/AAAAAAAAAbw/_0SIZwnAW50/s1600-h/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3VffsOVooI/AAAAAAAAAbw/_0SIZwnAW50/s320/005.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With the gift of farm fresh eggs from my sister's friend, yesterday morning began with a baking spree...Angel Food and Sponge Cakes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Fresh egg whites yield a fluffier, higher Angel Food Cake so I wanted to use the eggs for this purpose. As you may or may not know, Angel Food Cake only uses the whites of the eggs, no yolks. Also, it is best if the whites are at room temperature, so while the whites warmed up I made a Sponge Cake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3Vfqf1YIWI/AAAAAAAAAb4/2nklPu7UyrM/s1600-h/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3Vfqf1YIWI/AAAAAAAAAb4/2nklPu7UyrM/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sponge Cake only uses the yolks so it is a great way to use up the yolks. Sponge Cake is a very light and airy cake, not at all dense and squishy like a kitchen sponge. Since Valentine's Day is close, I chose heart pans.</span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3Vf0caZSLI/AAAAAAAAAcA/pTxccJrkmXI/s1600-h/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3Vf0caZSLI/AAAAAAAAAcA/pTxccJrkmXI/s320/011.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V8UChIVjI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ehPTuyIWWOw/s1600-h/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V8UChIVjI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ehPTuyIWWOw/s320/016.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I kept one heart for my family and drenched it in a decadent, rich chocolate ganache, <em>mmmm</em>.</span></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V8fbf5K6I/AAAAAAAAAdA/GPNNq8xrIrs/s1600-h/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V8fbf5K6I/AAAAAAAAAdA/GPNNq8xrIrs/s320/021.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The second heart received a blanket of strawberry butter cream using some homemade jam and decorated with fresh berries. This cake was happily given as a gift to my Aunt Patsy and Uncle Bob.</span></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thank goodness for electric mixers, otherwise I don't think I would make a scratch Angel Food Cake. Look at the marvelous volume of whites whipped to stiff peaks!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V9z-af3YI/AAAAAAAAAdI/06gbKF3KgLg/s1600-h/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V9z-af3YI/AAAAAAAAAdI/06gbKF3KgLg/s320/013.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After carefully folding in flavorings, cake flour and sugar the cake baked to a golden perfection.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V-AxnMppI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/7qmp7laXa90/s1600-h/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V-AxnMppI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/7qmp7laXa90/s320/015.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cooling the cake upside down is required so as not to deflate all the delicate air bubbles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes I like to frost Angel Food Cakes, or serve with berries and whipped cream. But yesterday we enjoyed the cake "au naturale".</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V-Jum8QmI/AAAAAAAAAdY/ksUrZ-Lq6Do/s1600-h/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3V-Jum8QmI/AAAAAAAAAdY/ksUrZ-Lq6Do/s320/024.JPG" /></a></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-22325314146557088212010-02-10T15:55:00.000-06:002010-02-10T15:55:25.186-06:00Christmas Crafts...delayed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3Mk9UlY1dI/AAAAAAAAAbo/tFl7f__vrjw/s1600-h/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S3Mk9UlY1dI/AAAAAAAAAbo/tFl7f__vrjw/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As a Stocking Stuffers I made a bunch of felt snowpeople, each of them unique. I was working down to the wire, in fact, I was stitching on Christmas morning. In the hustle and bustle, I neglected to take pictures of my snow family.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But I made two more, a snowman with a top hat for Dad and Mom wanted an angel. Without a Christmas deadline, took my time to fininsh this pair. They were actually completed the end of January and I'm only getting around to posting the picture. I figured with all the recent snowfall the snow duo were still appropriate and well, you know, better late than never.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cute couple, just like Mom and Dad!</span></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-85244765974206519932010-02-02T13:26:00.000-06:002010-02-02T13:26:13.050-06:00Two Two<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2h7JEdJKSI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/Wn-ljRAwrt0/s1600-h/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2h7JEdJKSI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/Wn-ljRAwrt0/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">February 2, 2010 and it is Tuesday, so it is 2-2-10 Tuesday! I like the way the alliteration sounds, try it, say it out loud.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Three is said to be a magical number. Three is often used in mythology and fairy tales. Even in modern myths three is significant, i.e. "celebrities die in threes".</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2h7PcbdnhI/AAAAAAAAAbY/3ZZcNSdHmO0/s1600-h/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2h7PcbdnhI/AAAAAAAAAbY/3ZZcNSdHmO0/s320/003.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But I <strong>like</strong> two. Two is cozy, friendly.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Two has been heralded as well in its own adages: "Table for Two!" "Two to Tango" "Two's company, three's a crowd." "Tea for two." "Two peas in a pod." "Cocktails for two." "Two wrongs don't make a right." "Two can play at that game."</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2h7SCLDrdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/ezWDFlNXnxQ/s1600-h/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2h7SCLDrdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/ezWDFlNXnxQ/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Enough of my ramblings, my <em>two cents</em> if you will, about the number two. I will put the subject to rest with this thought, there are no two ways about it, I am not of two minds, but of one in my brief homage to the number two--Twoday is tremendous!</span></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-9247709291374334092010-01-31T19:58:00.000-06:002010-01-31T19:58:57.048-06:00Mixing It Up!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Down to the wire, last day to enter Betty Crocker's "Mix It Up with Betty!" annual cookie contest. I experimented with two recipes and entered Peanut Butter Snack Pies and Get Up and Go Cookies.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In March I'll find out if I'm a finalist, I'll let you know.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wish me luck!</span></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-63862277345420626442010-01-29T17:03:00.000-06:002010-01-29T17:09:03.695-06:00Craft Night - Beaded Bracelets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2NiUxlvoXI/AAAAAAAAAaI/cJPSC1xxLgM/s1600-h/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2NiUxlvoXI/AAAAAAAAAaI/cJPSC1xxLgM/s320/003.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our 3rd Craft Night had a Valentine's Day theme and was all about the glitz and the glittery!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We first feasted upon homemade Cheese Puffs hot from the oven and delicious Chili Cheese Dip (yummy, thanks Jen!), followed up by salad, Beef Stroganoff, and Citrus Cupcakes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2NiZ1ffEcI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/KhpwUx88-J8/s1600-h/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S2NiZ1ffEcI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/KhpwUx88-J8/s320/005.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mom and I opened up our bead stash as well as newly purchased baubles to the bead novices. Our eager beaders (ha ha!) could make two bracelets one in red for Valentine's Day and another in any other color. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The novices made interesting and bold selections to create their masterpieces. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The bracelets were quickly strung on stretch cord or tigertail and I assisted by doing the knotting (sometimes not too well, oops!) and finishing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The dining room rang with lots of chit-chat, laughter, "oo</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">hs", and "ahhhs" as finished bracelets were proudly displayed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thanks everyone for another great Craft Night, Mom and I had fun and hope you did too!</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-41356842401550866682010-01-13T08:27:00.000-06:002010-01-13T08:30:24.736-06:00Middle Child<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S03KlQ2FCvI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_8JbiReAhQU/s1600-h/Musings+Blog+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S03KlQ2FCvI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_8JbiReAhQU/s320/Musings+Blog+001.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Welcome to the world</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">baby girl!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Diane and Jerry welcomed their fifth child on this day in 1968, Lisa Ann. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our little cutie at 3 months old.</span></em><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S03Kxf8DdOI/AAAAAAAAAZw/p7XTND_4hKQ/s1600-h/Musings+Blog+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S03Kxf8DdOI/AAAAAAAAAZw/p7XTND_4hKQ/s320/Musings+Blog+002.jpg" /></span></em></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Lisa is the middle child of nine, she is also the middle girl--a double whammy! My fun loving sister, pictured front and center in 1971 in the brown dress, had to deal with four older siblings trying to tell her what to do and in turn had four younger sibs to boss around. I think here in her formative years is where Lisa developed her outgoing nature, her ability to multi-task, and her competitive streak.</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S03K6b7jZkI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/t0xIa2PUyiA/s1600-h/Musings+Blog+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S03K6b7jZkI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/t0xIa2PUyiA/s200/Musings+Blog+004.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My Aunt Patsy, who has a mind for details of people and events, as a child created a newspaper of sorts with all the stories she overheard her adult family discussing. Much to my grandmother's dismay, young Aunt Patsy then distributed copies to neighbors (what else do you do with a newspaper!). Lisa has inherited this detail-oriented mind and can remember soooo many things, even from early childhood--it is scary! She could definitely give our Aunt Patsy a run for her money in the memory department and would have made a wonderful co-contributor of the newspaper.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lisa, loyal friend, generous sister, and devoted daughter,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em><span style="color: black;">Happy Birthday</span>!</em></strong></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One last thought, please note in the above 1981 birthday photo, how I seem to be the only one singing, Glenn has covered his mouth to prevent himself from blowing out the candles, and Renee seems <em>bored</em> by the event...Hmmmm?</span><br />
</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-83228350303583996662010-01-12T12:44:00.000-06:002010-01-12T12:44:11.723-06:00Song in my Head<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S0zBWoFwjqI/AAAAAAAAAZg/hN-xkuuvGYs/s1600-h/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/S0zBWoFwjqI/AAAAAAAAAZg/hN-xkuuvGYs/s320/005.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today, I woke up with a song in my head...<em>"precious and few are the moments we two can share"</em>...I don't know how it arrived it my head. I don't remember hearing it on tv yesterday, I don't recall hearing while I was in the car, and I didn't turn the radio on this morning. <em>"Precious and Few"</em> accompanied me all while I played and walked with the dog. I kept wondering why am I playing this song in my head. My own personal elevator music continued as I ate breakfast. Anytime I wasn't actively thinking, the song merrily bounced around my head, why!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is not an anomaly only to me, getting a song stuck in your head happens all the time to all of us. But why was my brain torturing me with this particular song on constant replay. I finally decided it must be a message! I'll probably sound as syrupy sweet as the song, but I think the message is to appreciate the people around me more, that the moments we have together truly are precious and few. It is not a new thought to me, I am reminded of it as I care for my parents, or spend time with a friend or relative that I don't see often enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I take so many things in life for granted like electricity, clean water, good food, etc. If challenged I could live without many of those things, but what a sad, empty life I would have without my family and friends. So, here's a pledge to my dear ones: may our moments always be precious and never be few. Love to all!</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-4891496095814771942010-01-01T08:56:00.000-06:002010-01-01T08:59:12.467-06:00New Year's Gift<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am going to focus on enjoying life more, all the good, funny, happy moments. I am going to worry less about what has happened and what might happen. Instead of losing myself in negative thoughts, I will try to be more positive. This is not so much a resolution as an awareness of wanting to be a better person--to love more, to laugh more, to enjoy all the truly wonderful people in my life.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/Sz4KJXNCDrI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-krmhypAkvE/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/Sz4KJXNCDrI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-krmhypAkvE/s320/048.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My New Year's Gift to you is to</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><em><strong>Enjoy the Moment</strong>!</em></span></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will.</span><br />
</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165060821163067845.post-39608790756430179842009-12-26T10:07:00.000-06:002009-12-26T10:08:27.112-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/SzYusVr5_KI/AAAAAAAAAZA/Uyb7DTXaGjY/s1600-h/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nv9xDF2PSx4/SzYusVr5_KI/AAAAAAAAAZA/Uyb7DTXaGjY/s400/003.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">May we always remember</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the true meanings of Christmas</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a</span></em><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">s we celebrate the season:</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Love and Charity</span></span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Wishing everyone</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">the gift of time</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">to treasure</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">family and friends.</span></em><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Have a Blessed Christmas!</span></em><br />
</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776817810248219302noreply@blogger.com0