Green Onions

The End of a Search, The Beginning of a Journey

2011-03-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

So many turbulent emotions are coursing through me today after the follow up consultation with my new doctor yesterday. As we went through the results of numerous lab tests, I felt a myriad of things: vindication, anger, frustration, relief, sadness, gratefulness and hope. Today’s visit was the culmination of an eleven and a half year search for the cause (and hopefully, cure) of my chronic health problems.

Finally, the answer: I have Lyme Disease plus co-infections of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Ehrlichia Chaffeensis & Anaplasma Phagocytophilum (HME & HGE Ehrlichiosis). Not Fibromyalgia or the umbrella term Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction syndrome as previously diagnosed by another doctor. Lyme is a great imitator of the symptoms of many diseases.

Vindication, because I’ve suspected Lyme Disease might be the probable cause since finding a tick imbedded in my skin during a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in August of 1999. About 5 days later I fell ill with what I thought was a severe bout of flu but from which I never fully recovered. My health completely fell apart then and has never returned to normal.

Anger, because my primary care doctor at the time refused to test me or refer me because he claimed that Lyme was not endemic to Florida or the Dominican Republic and there was “absolutely no way” that I could be infected with it.

Frustration, after being diagnosed with CFIDS in January of 2000 by an integrative MD who ignored my history of tick bite and instead gave me the umbrella term for a group of symptoms rather than look for a root cause to my debilitating fatigue and body-wide pain.

Frustration again in 2007 after both a positive Lyme test and a call from the CDC to collect statistical data did not result in treatment or referral to a Lyme specialist. My health continued to spiral downward for another four years.

Relief, that I held tangible “proof” that I am indeed ill. (Not that I needed it. The last nearly twelve years have hammered that point home beyond all doubt). But perhaps now the naysayers and the “Karen must be depressed/anti-social/mental” crowd will be quieted.

Sadness, for the years of health and life I’ve lost including not being well enough to pursue adoption, continue my nursing career or attend family gatherings and community fellowship.

Gratefulness, that I have found this specialist and that I have a treatment plan from an experienced physician with a proven track record with Lyme and other chronically ill patients. I can rest from my continuous research and quest for the cause and possible cure of my no-longer-mysterious illnesses. Once that burden lifted, I realized the tremendous amount of mental and physical energy I’d expended over the past decade on this obscure search. Gratefulness for the help of my awesome husband and a few dear friends, including a new neighbor who has brightened my life. Grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and continue to learn and especially the deepening of my faith in the midst of the hard journey.

And, finally, blessedly, true hope! For healing and resuming a normal life once more after all these years.

It’s not going to be an easy or quick cure by any means. I will feel a whole lot worse before feeling better but I’m ecstatic. We don’t know how much permanent damage the Lyme spirochetes have caused. The crushing, debilitating fatigue will eventually lessen and hopefully, completely resolve. Will my arthritis be cured? The damage to my nervous system? Will the dizziness and fibromyalgia pains go away? Only time will tell but it feels so good to have a direction and a plan for the first time in all these many, long, difficult and lonely years!

I’ll be updating the blog more. I’ve been tired and discouraged and haven’t felt like saying much the past several months. I’ve also been debating about creating a separate blog for health updates but my husband reminded me that one blog is hard enough to keep up and he’s right. The blog will reflect our life - the good, bad, ugly and the recipes LOL!

Keller Christmas

2010-12-27T17:37:00.001-05:00

The Gang

(Mom Carol, 5 sons, 4 spouses, 5 grandkids, cousin Roz, hubby Keith

and little Hope. Rob's beautiful wife, Krista, is taking the photo).

Krista and Jackson

Jeremy, Isabella, Jayden and Hope

Dani and Keith

Sabrina, Keith and Carol

Lindsay, Me, Carol

Us!

Carol and Jayden singing with the biggest microphone

on the planet

Hope and Madison

It was a tight squeeze but our house was full of love and family for the Keller Christmas celebration last night.

I hope you have a blessed holiday season!

Skywatch Friday

2010-12-03T07:00:00.009-05:00

Sunrise

New Smyrna Beach, FL

I've rarely experienced such stillness of waves

on the Atlantic and, oddly, no wind.

The "No-See-Ums" were fearsome indeed

but it was worth it!

A Barrier Island Down South

2010-10-26T23:31:00.000-04:00

It was very hot today, Ya’ll! Autumn pretended to be settled in for the duration but apparently decided to mess with our minds and let Summer come back for an encore. “Good-bye” windows open to nature. “Hello” sad, over-worked air-conditioner about to keel over.....hang in there wee thing, you’ll catch a break in a month or two. The bright side is, I still get to use the pool!

Back in September, my husband had a conference down in St Pete so we tacked on a couple of days for a getaway. We spent four days on Siesta Key, a small barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, snugged between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. I know surfers and boogie board fanatics love the Atlantic for the waves but I really enjoy the Gulf beaches, many of which have powdery, white sand, turquoise water and nice trees but all have a front row seat to amazing sunsets. That’s something we just don’t get here. One weird thing about the Gulf of Mexico though is it’s quietness. No roar of the ocean surf like back home, just gentle, lapping wavelets. It’s fun to float and relax in and the color of the water is beautiful.

Naturally, the most gorgeous sunset was the very first night’s. We checked in and quickly chucked our gear into the tiny rental “villa” before hurrying to the beach for the show. Thunderheads and storm clouds moving inland, illuminated by the setting sun, made for a spectacular site and we sat in awe. So much in awe, that it did not occur to either of us to go back to the villa for our camera to take a photograph. Or, hey, the iPhone in the man's pocket even. Dang. We consoled ourselves with the thought that surely there would be another phenomenal sunset that we could capture on film in the next 4 days, right? Uh, no. Beautiful, yes, but not as spectacular. One of these days I’m going to learn to be attached at the hip to my DSLR so as not to miss photo opportunities. Like the Great Blue Heron standing 10 feet away from us!

I cheated on the order of the pix, the first shot is actually the last one taken, after the sun had completely set. We thought the next two looked like a pirate's ship and a whale. Maybe a pirate ship pursuing a whale?

One of the many mystery series I enjoy reading is set on the key so it was a lot of fun looking for local landmarks. On one of our drive arounds I actually remembered to bring the camera! I really loved this wavy, brick wall. Something about the contrast between the stodgy brick and playful shape spoke to me. Can you imagine how much work it took to build this?

And this view was behind that nifty wall.........

Over the weekend, we spent a day at the extremely popular, Siesta Key Beach. These people are serious about cooking out and beach volleyball. There was an amazing forest of pines that made the perfect, cool, shady tent to grill out under, safe from the unrelenting heat. Evan was happy to see the four sand volleyball courts.

He had a blast and was able to play for a few hours. Meanwhile, I sat in the shade of an enormous pine tree and tried to read, cheer my man on and dodge the biting ants. I would have liked to have sat by the water but it was scorching hot out and the sand seemed to stretch for about a quarter of a mile. Not really, but it was crazy how far away the water was! I’ve never seen anything like it.

I’ll have to share in another post about an AMAZING restaurant on neighboring Anna Maria Island the, “Beach Bistro”. Right on the beach with incredible views, especially at sunset. I don’t even have the words to describe the food - it’s an exceptional experience.

We really enjoyed our stay on Siesta Key and plan to go back. Excuse me while I drool over the Beach Bistro’s menu and decide what I’m ordering next visit. Oh, and take a gander at the view from their beach cam, especially around sunset.

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is Here

2010-09-13T15:38:00.001-04:00

The comment, "But you don't look sick!" always elicits several thoughts but my first and foremost is a heartily felt, "thank God for that".

Most illnesses aren't visible to the naked eye: diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, CFIDS and autoimmune diseases to name just a few. Yet, we tend to carry the idea in our minds that if you don't look ill, you can't possibly be sick.

Nothing could be further from the truth and part of the purpose of NICIAW is to spread awareness.

September 13-19, 2010 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. This annual event, started in 2002 by Lisa Copen, features a variety of ways to get involved including a virtual conference September 13-17 online for free with speakers each morning 10:30 – 12 USA Pacific time.
There is a Meme “30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness”, you can sign up to blog for the cause, read guest bloggers’ posts, and get involved in the campaign on Facebook. There is even a free 80-page ebook when you sign up for email updates, with 263 tips!
With nearly 1 in 2 people living with a chronic condition, about 96% of those people are suffering silently with invisible illnesses. See InvisibleIllnessWeek.com

I hope you will check out some of the information at InvisibleIllnessWeek.com.

Summer Fun

2010-09-07T18:32:00.002-04:00

This summer has offered unexpected outside enjoyment. Mostly due to the beautifying projects my dear honey has put so much thought, time and energy into but the piece de resistance is the new pool. It’s not elaborate, as pools go, but it’s definitely refreshing to take a dip in. Who could have imagined such a simple and inexpensive, 3ft x 12ft, inflatable kiddie pool would make such an enormous difference? It’s fabulous! We have it set up just off the back stoop, under the camphor tree and the water stays very cool. In fact, it can be downright cold at times. Having a delightful way to cool off makes an incredible difference enduring the stifling, sticky, summer heat and humidity.

We had great fun growing watermelons for the first time. From one packet of twelve seeds we had vines going absolutely wild, their delicate tendrils grabbing onto anything nearby with a death grip. We lost a few due to splitting but had plenty to enjoy.

There was breezy weather and lowered humidity to relish while hurricane Earl was churning off the Atlantic coast (thanks, Earl!) and a sunny day for our beach house birthday bash on August 28^th. We had 27 adults and 14 kids who enjoyed the pool and surf. Can you believe we forgot to take photos of the shindig? Here are a few that my sister-in-law, Lindsay, snapped.

Lindsay & Stephen (Evan's next to youngest brother).

The four above are the cute kids of Krista & Rob (Evan's older brother).

The youngest niece, Isabella! Sabrina & Jeremy's (Ev's youngest brother).

Dunk the Unc! (Dani, Ev's younger brother).

The handsome birthday guy!

Our birthday date a few nights later. =D

Apparently, according to magazines I've been reading, it’s now Fall and time to reflect on the changing of the seasons while enjoying the crispness of the air and reveling in the coziness of sweaters and warm throws. Huh. Sadly, that’s not happening in my world. Here in Central FL, it doesn’t begin to cool down until Halloween (if we’re lucky). November offers the faint hint of crisp air and the chance to, cross your fingers, wear long sleeves. Maybe that’s why I love the winter season so much for that’s when I can finally pack away the shorts, bathing suit tops and sandals. It’s the time I can look forward to drinking my morning coffee or tea sans ice cubes and to not broil to death doing errands in the car (otherwise known as the “Metal Furnace of Death”). Ahhhh, to be chilled, nay, even cold without standing naked in front of the freezer or immersed in pool water; to snuggle into the softest of fleeces with a purring cat on my lap, a good book to read and a cup of tea….that is true happiness. Now, if I only had a fireplace!

I hope you are enjoying whatever type of weather is in your neck of the world!

Novica Giveaway Winner

2010-08-09T00:52:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Melissa G for winning the $50 gift certificate to Novica.com and thank you to all who entered!

=D

Novica: Fair Trade

2010-08-03T17:51:00.003-04:00

Hooray my friends, have I got an amazing giveaway for you! (No, the vase pictured is NOT the prize). The wonderful folks at Novica.com are providing a generous $50 gift certificate for the lucky winner.

Fair Trade products have become my favorite source for gifts. I like the fact that the artist has been paid a fair price and will not be taken advantage of by greedy middlemen.

If I can find items produced by microentrepreneurs in impoverished areas, so much the better. Rwandan coffee is one such product that I buy on a regular basis from “Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company”. I continue to purchase it because it's the best coffee I've ever tasted. Helping widows and orphans of the Rwandan genocide is a phenomenal side benefit. (More in a future post).

You’re probably very familiar with the Chinese proverb by Lao Tzu, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Helping to support micro-business owners in poverty stricken areas is an easy way to follow that ancient advice, enabling people to support themselves and their families while helping them to maintain their dignity.

Although the entrepreneurs featured on Novica.com are established artists and not usually living in extreme poverty, you are still making a positive economic impact and helping to preserve traditional crafts and culture across the globe.

Novica ships worldwide so this is open to you no matter where you live. The website is easy to navigate and payment options include PayPal (yay!).

You will love the amazing selection of handcrafted treasures and I guarantee you’ll be as hard pressed to make a choice as I was. After hours of debating, my husband and I choose the beautiful, handblown glass vase pictured above. I’ll post a review once we receive it.

**Contest is over - winner to be announced Sunday, August 8th.

~~Giveaway rules:~~

~~1 entry:~~ ~~Visit~~ ~~Novica.com, come back and leave a comment noting a favorite item. (~~~~Please make sure I can locate your email to notify you if you win).~~

~~1 additional entry:~~ ~~Leave a comment here about how the Novica artisan loan program differs from that of Kiva.org.~~

~~1 additional entry:~~ ~~Join Novica’s Facebook group and post the link on your wall. (~~~~Provide a link to your page, either here or via email. Sadly, if I can’t find it, I won’t be able to award the point)~~.

~~2 additional entries:~~ ~~Post about Novica on your FB wall and attach a link to their website. (~~~~Provide a link to your page, either here or via email. Sadly, if I can’t find it, I won’t be able to award the point).~~
~~1 additional entry if you are a follower or become one.~~
~~3 additional entries: Blog about this giveaway. (~~~~Provide a link to your page, either here or via email. Sadly, if I can’t find it, I won’t be able to award the point).~~

~~Entries accepted until Saturday, August 7th at midnight EST. Winner will be announced the next day.~~

Quick Links:

They also feature a unique “Corporate Gifts” program for any business looking for a Fair Trade corporate gift.

Good Luck!

*Note: In exchange for my posting an unbiased review on this blog of my shopping experience at Novica.com, I was given (2) $50 electronic gift certificates (one for myself and one to giveaway).

Skywatch Friday

2010-07-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

Canaveral National Seashore Sunrise

A funny thing happened on the way to the post office

2010-07-22T17:49:00.000-04:00

We had a fun outing on our way to send a package to a blogger friend in Edinburgh. Quickly deciding to forego the long lines at our local post office, we enjoyed a scenic drive to a nearby quirky little one. Isn't it cute?

The scenery on the drive over was very peaceful. Trees overhanging the road cast cool shade with pretty moss-draped limbs and we passed a house with horses pastured in the front yard.

Amidst this bucolic setting, we stumbled upon something very unique and quite uncommon in our experience.....Gargoyles!

These "little" guys were perched atop the tall stone columns of a wrought iron fence. Being vertically challenged at 5' and some change, I didn't think I could get a good shot of them. Happily, they turned out but I'm sad that I couldn't get a photo of the beautiful dragon fountain with it's spreading wings. I didn't have my telephoto lens and felt awkward trespassing. The property was quite shady from the overhanging trees providing a very appropriate atmosphere for the creatures.

We took a different route home and came across another odd site.

Wait a darn minute! A copse of palm trees in a circle? Really weird as they don't naturally grow this way but I like the owner's sense of humor.

Errands are elevated to a whole new level when you are looking for blog post photo ops, LOL!

Sunny, Sunny, Sunny

2010-07-20T02:51:00.001-04:00

The sun and wildflowers are growing like mad and what a happy sight they are. I've got loads of photos to upload and lots to catch up on: standing stones, watermelon patch gone wild, our new "sort of kiddie" pool and my guy's 15 mile hike to the 'Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site' - with beautiful shots of native Florida.

Parachutes! Two of my brothers-in-law jumped out of a plane from about 14,000 ft today. Skydiving is popular in our town and individuals and teams come here from all over the world. I've been mulling over the ~~very, very slim~~ possibility of doing a jump for my birthday. "Possibility" being the operative word!

The mercury is really starting to climb into the stratosphere. It is so incredibly muggy and hot that it's like being suffocated in a wet blanket. Still, our two hottest months are just around the corner. Joy. Oh. Joy. No wonder I always dream of Christmas when it's July!

The past few weeks have been a bit of a struggle to keep things up around the house and in my life as I haven't felt well but I'm hoping things are looking up. I've missed reading my favorite blogs and am looking forward to seeing what's been happening out there in Blogland.

How about ye?

2010-07-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

The fabulous, Brittany Ann over at "Living in the Moment" very kindly gifted me with this award a while back. Britt you are a sweetie! I'm not at all convinced I fit the bill as a versatile blogger but I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I'm supposed to list seven things about myself and that is tough. Seriously. Do I go light hearted and funny, tongue-in-cheek or get all serious and personal? Are there really people who want to know these things about me? What to do? What to do?

Oh, what the hey? Here goes:

1. I'm a woman in transition: over-achieving, super responsible, workaholic, multi-tasking Karen is finally ~~getting it beat into her thick skull~~ learning that "doing" does not define a person and that it's okay, if not better, just to "be".

2. I was raised in a home with two cultures and I'm happy in my bi-racial skin.

3. I'm deathly afraid of spiders! I'm so freaked out by them that I can't even look at a picture of one without getting the heebie jeebies.

4. I've struggled with two chronic, invisible illnesses for well over a decade: Fibromyalgia since 1992 and Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome since 1997.

5. I'd give a lot to have the talent my husband does for drawing, painting and sculpting but I'm learning and enjoying other forms of creative expression.

6. I feel like two people: an adventurous, Jeep loving, travel hound that loves to experience other cultures trapped in a tired, energy deprived, no-can-do, wrung-out body.

7. My husband is five years younger than me. =D

Okay, now I'd like to learn more bout you. If you so choose to accept, I bequeath this unto:

1. Sophia @ "Scotland for the Senses"
2. Angela @ "Unveiling Radiance"
3. Melissa @ "The Missionary Mama"

BTW, what is up with the funky spacing situation? On my draft it looks normal but the actual post has spacing gone wild attributes. It also happens if I edit a post. Anyone know how to fix this?

Skywatch Friday

2010-07-09T09:33:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, on a cloudless day,

you have to

make your

own.

Skywatch

Fruit of His Labors

2010-07-08T23:37:00.003-04:00

A lovely summer pleasure....juicy, sweet watermelon. This little beauty was just a wee seed a short time ago, planted by my hardworking guy. Today, we got to enjoy it's cool, refreshing taste! It could have done with a tad more time to ripen but it was still delicious. And I must mention that it is bigger than it looks in that "up in the air" shot. Our first homegrown watermelon - fun, fun, fun!

What are your favorite summer treats?

Skywatch Friday

2010-07-02T00:06:00.001-04:00

My view of the sky

from my tree swing

when I gaze up

through the leafy branches

of this magnificent

camphor tree.

Peace and tranquility.

Skywatch Friday

Two Fun Giveaways

2010-06-24T01:46:00.000-04:00

First, Valerie is giving away an apron from "Scarlet Threads", HERE. This is in honor of a worthy cause that is dear to her heart.

Next, Sophia from "Scotland for the Senses" is generously giving away a copy of her favorite music: the new CD from Duncan Chisholm. After reading her post I was intrigued and had to find out for myself about this artist and his music. I was stunned! My own words are too inadequate to describe it but I was deeply moved as I listened to clips from his previous albums.

I hope you visit both of them and good luck if you are entering (but I confess that I really hope to win the CD)!
=D

Pink Feathers?

2010-06-18T17:46:00.000-04:00

I'd bet most of your mornings follow a predictable, set routine like mine do. You probably wake up, roll out of bed and head out to the kitchen on auto-pilot looking for your first jolt of caffeine to help your poor, sleepy gray cells ignite. Me too, so imagine my surprise when I opened the living room blinds, pre-jolt, and casually glanced across the street to see this unusual sight. "Hmmm...geez", I thought to myself, "Betty's got some flamingos on her lawn." Wait! Huh? What?

Yes, I do live in Florida but I've never seen the birds except at theme parks or zoos. I think they may hang around further south, like Miami or Key West, but here? Nope! Then I took a closer look and started laughing. Someone had pranked my neighbor with a batch of plastic birds complete with nifty "ransom" sign. The technical term, I've learned, is referred to as being "Flocked" and apparently pretty popular with some schools and organizations as a way to fundraise. Your donation insures prompt removal of the offensive lawn ornamentation. Apparently everyone is more than willing to cough up some cash to encourage the flock to disappear. Quickly.

All in all, it's a pretty fun way to start the day - at least it is when you don't have the dratted things in your own yard. Have a really great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday: Iris from the Garden

2010-06-09T11:23:00.001-04:00

Happy Wednesday!

Love Tea? Enter the Giveaway!

2010-05-25T21:35:00.000-04:00

Sophia at "Scotland for the Senses" is holding a generous international giveaway for a lovely tea sampler! Please stop by for a visit - her blog is fantastic, full of evocative photos and great writing. Plus, she's a really wonderful person!

=D

March Beach Getaway

2010-05-23T19:27:00.002-04:00

Thanks to some very generous friends, we had a wonderful weekend getaway on New Smyrna Beach back in March. The water was entirely too cold to swim, in fact, our brief and very windy walks on the beach were freezing cold! I loved it but my honey is not one for cold winds.

What a sight we made, multi-layered beneath our winter coats and wrapped in scarves with hats pulled down tight! The wind was steadily pushing at our backs walking southwards. But, when we turned back to the north, it was ferocious and bitingly cold. Our faces turned bright red!

Just a few houses down from ours a family was out on the beach in shorts, bathing suit tops and short-sleeved T-shirts. I caught a bit of their conversation and I'm pretty sure they were Norwegian. Based on the curious looks sent our way, I bet they had a good chuckle over our bundled-up appearance.

We love New Smyrna Beach just south of Daytona. There is no driving allowed on the sand and it's quiet. Most of the folks you see are either residents, families on vacation or a few surfers. Oh, and if you are lucky, you will see Dolphins!

The house is right on the ocean with windows on the entire east wall. The soothing rumble of the sea quickly works it's magic. As you take in the beautiful scenery and lungfuls of the briny air, peace suddenly surrounds you.

One thing though, the sun does rise early. It quickly gets very bright with the light reflecting off of the water. (The inside photo above was taken before 7am).

Sunsets were over the Intracoastal Waterway but I couldn't get a good photo due to the houses and power lines blocking the view. I did like the one above, taken from the second floor balcony, of the setting sun through the Sea Grape plants.

Naturally, I really like this one as well!

I'll leave you with one of our private jokes. It started waaayy back during one of our first motorcycle rides. Not having headsets and unable to talk while driving, Evan made a "dog" puppet out of his gloved hand to make me laugh. It's stuck all this time. I hope you had a fantastic weekend!

Last day to enter!

2010-05-19T12:51:00.000-04:00

My lovely friend, Melissa, is holding a giveaway and it's the very last day to enter!
Go on over to her blog for a chance to win a CSN $40 gift certificate!

What a Guy!

2010-05-16T17:16:00.001-04:00

Evan and I have been married 18 years today! Where have the years gone? Truly, it only seems like yesterday, not twenty years since we fell in love.

He has been secretly planning ways to make our back yard a more inviting retreat. Well, that part wasn't secret but the anniversary gift was. Above is a beautiful River Birch tree that he planted for me recently near a back corner. He's mad about trees and we joke that it's a "sickness" because he keeps bringing them home and we are running out of spaces to plant them, LOL. If not for the drain field down the middle of the yard, we could plant a tiny forest. That would be lovely as the summer heat from the afternoon sun on the west side of the house can only be described as hellish broiling.

However, the Birch was not the surprise gift but this beautiful hammock.

And a bouquet of gorgeous, Gerbera Daisies!

Can you see the tree swing in the background? That was my husband's Christmas gift to me and I've rediscovered the joys of swinging and gazing up at the sky through the beautiful, leafy canopy.

He planted wild flower seeds all around the hammock area and back fence line too! (They are just visible in the background of this picture. Not blooming yet of course).

Sigh.....what a man! I count it my life's joy to be married to him. =D

Hot House and Roses

2010-05-05T12:09:00.002-04:00

Spring departed our area last Friday night and I'm very, very sad. I'll sorely miss the cool temperatures, leaving the windows open and hearing birdsong. Now, the a/c unit is wheezing away and, if our thermometer is to be believed, it was 96 F (35C) in the shade yesterday and very humid! Time to start arising before dawn to get all the washing/drying and baking/roasting/cooking done as well as running all the errands before noon at latest. Then, back home shut up tight in the air conditioned box for the worst heat of the day not to emerge until nearly sundown. November's cool down can't come soon enough for this gal!

My single rose bush went a little crazy this year with 12 buds on one branch! The shot above was taken a few days ago and was the only one that turned out nicely. I've cut the spent roses off and hope it will continue to bloom during the summer. We shall see!

I enjoy episodes of "House Hunters International" quite a lot but I do think the folks wanting to move to a tropical climate are more than a little strange. Granted, they are usually near a beach so they have lovely sea breezes as well as refreshing swimming pools to enjoy as we do not. Still, the tropical humidity would be a deal breaker in my book. As it is, I've discovered my friends and I have been doing the same things lately to keep cool: frequent cold showers, bathing suit tops and staying indoors with a/c on and ceiling fans whirling so fast they are in danger of lifting off. Really, there are only so many clothes you can do without before risking indecency and even at that you can't get cool. Blah! Give me cold and mountains any day!

Wherever you may be and whatever your climate, I hope you are having a happy day........

Aaaarrgggh, the Agony!

2010-05-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

My guy is leaving today for a week and we are busy with last minute preparations. I hate it when he's gone and he travels quite a lot for his job with InterVarsity......sigh.

Should be an interesting week with the FIL. Saturday, we moved him to a duplex in town that's closer to us. He does not do well with change and has some minor mental issues that severely complicate things. He's already gotten lost once on his adult tricycle. That was near dusk but he did very well yesterday so I'm hoping he won't need to be rescued too often, LOL!

Everything in good condition and of value has been taken to the new digs but I'm dreading the inevitable fall-out this afternoon once he realizes his old place has been cleared out of all the junk clutter. Being very attached to "things" regardless of their condition (most being candidates for the trash heap), he's a hoarder of the most dramatic nature. By the time he realizes this, my dearly beloved will be on a plane and unreachable.......hurray, one guess as to who gets to have all the fun - Yikes! He can be quite persistent and volcanic so thanks for sending any good thoughts and prayers this way. I'm a bit of a nervous wreck thinking about it.

On another note, this past week I got some good shots that I hope to post very soon. I hope your week is wonderful!

PS Is it Sunday yet?!?

Wordless Wednesday: Hawaii

2010-04-28T11:19:00.002-04:00

The Winner Is........

2010-04-26T10:12:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone for making my anniversary giveaway fun with your kind comments! I'm happy to announce that Brittany from Que Sera Sera has won the apron giveaway.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-04-26 13:52:37 UTC

Brittany said...

What a neat giveaway! I'm a new follower and I love, love, love the Lucy! Happy Anniversary!!

APRIL 22, 2010 3:57 PM

She's chosen the "Lucy" apron, pictured above, which I really love! Please email me your mailing address Brittany so you can get cooking in your cute, new apron.

I hope you all will help spread the word about Scarlet Threads.

Have a wonderful week!

Hilariously Hot

2010-04-26T07:00:00.008-04:00

When I read this, I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face!! Happy Monday everybody! =D

To Fan or Not to Fan

by Ginger Kenchel

It started again when my husband was in the living room watching television, his favorite pastime. That warm feeling was coming back, from head to toe. I thought, Oh no, not again!

The sweat rolled down my armpits, then my forehead. I went from warm to 1,000 degrees in seconds. It was so hot that I stripped off my soaked blouse just to try and cool down. That did little good, so I proceeded to take off the rest of my clothes. I frantically looked for the fan and realized it was in the living room, and so was my husband!

Up to this point I had been having a few episodes of hot flashes, but they hadn't been so bad that my husband had yet noticed. But this episode was a really bad one, and I just had to get to that fan. Frantic, I streaked into the living room, in between my husband and his beloved television, yelling "Hot! Hot!" I felt a sudden wave of cool relief as the fan swept across my face and upper body - I was in hot-flash heaven. But when I turned around, to my surprise I found my husband standing in his undies!

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked.

"You yelled 'hot!' and I thought you wanted me to play fireman!" was his answer.

I know he was trying to be romantic, but I just started laughing. He looked puzzled. I then explained to him I was going through the "change." We went out that very day and bought a fan for every room in the house so there would never be another confused signal.

Husbands? Ya gotta love 'em!

(From "Who Turned up the Heat?" in Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause).

Scottish history discussion anyone?

2010-04-25T15:03:00.001-04:00

This month, Sophia, from "Scotland for the Senses" gave away a copy of this wonderful book on Scottish history. What began as a giveaway has now evolved into an international book discussion set to begin in a week or so!

Our local library had the book but I wanted my own copy which I've just received from Amazon. The group is open to anyone so if you would like to join in you can email me and I'll forward your message to her. Or, you can leave a comment directly on her gorgeous blog HERE or on Facebook HERE.

Green Enchiladas

2010-04-23T07:30:00.003-04:00

I was lucky to find a really tasty recipe for green enchilada sauce a while back. It's not quite as fast as opening a jar of store bought salsa verde but it's quick, simple and light years ahead on taste! I hope you give it a go. I don't think you will be disappointed, it's been a definite crowd pleaser for us.

Green Enchilada Sauce
Recipe

from: www.mex-recipes.com

* 1 pound peeled (paper skin) and washed
tomatillos, cut in halves
* 2 medium white onions coarsely chopped.
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 4-6 cloves garlic, smashed or 2 -3 teaspoons garlic powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon mild chili powder (or to taste)
* 2 cups roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped Anaheim chilies
* (Or)1 can diced green chilies -- (4 oz)
* 3 cups mild chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction:
In a medium sauce pan, place the olive oil, onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add the broth,tomatillos, cumin, chili powder and green chilies and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cover, continue cooking until the tomatillos are soft. Cool until room temperature. At this point, you may refrigerate sauce for later or freeze. When ready, process sauce until smooth in a blender or food processor until smooth.

To assemble Enchiladas:

Flour or Corn Tortillas

Grated Cheese

Finely diced, cooked chicken

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place a small amount of sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish to keep enchiladas from sticking. Wrap flour or corn tortillas around cheese and chicken. Place seam side down in the dish. Carefully pour some green sauce over the enchiladas but don't over do it or they will be super soggy. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, add a little more sauce if they look like they need it, sprinkle grated cheese over the top and return to oven to bake for 10 additional minutes until the cheese is melted. Makes a great meal on it's own or serve with black beans and rice.

Enjoy!

Book Review: The Gospel According to Lost

2010-04-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

My husband and I are big fans of Lost and have been both intrigued and vexed in equal measure during the course of the series. I'll say one thing for the writers, they certainly know how to keep their audience on the edge of their seats. Every time we think we might see an answer to a twisty question, they blow our theory to bits. This book does not contain any spoilers or great plot revelations so if that is what you are looking for you will be disappointed. However, it does dig into the psyches of several of the main characters and I enjoyed reading it very much. I love a good mystery and Lost is certainly that.

I once read a quote by Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, "People tend to find in books what they look to find". I think this can be true of any story that deals in some way with moral values wether it be in books we read or those we watch on the big screen.

Only time will tell if the writers truly intended the show to reflect biblical values or philosophy in general but one thing that the show certainly does is cause viewers to think more deeply about the themes of faith, reason, guilt, fatalism, redemption of our inner nature and character and the ability to make choices that change the course of our lives, either for better or worse.

Although the show is nearing it's end, this book would make a nice addition to any Lost fan's library.

Note: I received a free copy of this book through Thomas Nelson's Bloggers program. The only requirement is to give an unbiased review and I received no compensation.

Wordless Wednesday: Kauai

2010-04-21T06:00:00.005-04:00

Where are you from?

2010-04-20T23:16:00.005-04:00

I met a really nice young woman from Shanghai today and she asked me where I was from. First off, do you know how rare it is for me to even see an Asian person in my neck of the woods? Disney aside, we rarely make it to the theme parks anyway because it costs an arm and a leg. Besides, it's not the real Florida, not even close, but that's a subject for another time.

I used to get asked this question on a regular basis but it had been a really long time. I answered as I always did, that I was born here but my mother had immigrated from Japan after she met and married my father while he was in the military. She smiled and said, "Oh, that's why you looked Asian to me". =D

It's strange to walk around in a society where half of yourself is not represented in the faces you see around you. And also where there's now a bizarre 180 degree attitude shift regarding my not being 100% of the majority ethnicity. My school years were pure torture. Long before the days when being half Asian was considered kinda cool. Back then I was never allowed to fit in or forget that I was "different". Taunts, cold shoulders and a couple of instances of getting whupped on in the playground were the norm so imagine my frustration now when many people learn of my parentage and respond with, "Really? You don't look it". HUH? Is that meant to be some sort of a compliment? Where, I wonder, were all of these folks back when I desperately could have used someone with their perspective to balance out everyone else's? Oy Vey! Not that I would want to change the past. It's made me sensitive to others and given me the ability to appreciate people and cultures that are different from my own.

There was one hilarious incident when I was sixteen and riding the Grey Hound bus to visit my American grandma in Alabama. Two little kids in front of me kept peering over the seat backs and staring. Finally, the little girl gathered enough courage to ask me if I was from Mexico, LOL! We had fun talking, they peppered me with questions, until they got to their town and had to leave, waving and smiling until the bus pulled away.

I enjoyed talking to my beautiful Chinese friend during our too brief encounter. She had moved to Miami just a year ago, met the man she's now married to and has settled into American life. Her parents could not get Visas to attend the wedding here. Although she misses them terribly, and the "Chinese" food here is "awful" and unrecognizable, she likes the quietness of the neighborhood she lives in compared to the crowds and noise in Shanghai. Still, I'm sure she's often homesick being a stranger in a strange land. I admire people who have the courage to live in a culture not their own. I wish I'd had the chance to delve deeper into this with my own mother.

How about you? Have you ever been the odd woman out? What are the favorite things you enjoy about different cultures? What foreign country would you live in if you could?

1 Year Anniversary

2010-04-19T00:01:00.023-04:00

It's been 365 days since I tentatively entered the hallowed halls of blogging. Mind you, I've been neither consistent nor scintillating in my posts during that time....but there you go, I've just sort of described my life in general, LOL.

I have found such great pleasure in discovering interesting blogs and visiting other places, here and abroad, all seen through your own eyes. Amazing recipes, stories, locales and photography abound in the blogosphere! It's inspiring!

To celebrate, I'm giving away an apron from Scarlet Threads. I love this organization that's helping women become self-sufficient in China and have ordered two of their aprons so far. The Caroline and Phoebe (pictured below).

I think this one is my most favorite. So flirty and feminine!! The winner can have their choice of apron from the $27 or less category. Check out the new Spring line HERE.

The giveaway is open internationally. Here's how to enter:

1. Please visit Scarlet Threads and tell me, in your comment below, something you found interesting or a product you liked and earn one entry.

2. Become a follower of Green Onions for one entry.

3. Post on your blog with a link back to my site for two entries (please let me know you've done this).

4. Grab my button for three entries (please let me know you've done this).
5. Grab the Scarlet Threads button (from their site) for four entries (please let me know you've done this).

*You don't need to enter separate comments for each item you choose to do. You can list all of them in one comment if you like. =)

Giveaway ends April 25th at midnight EST. Winner will be announced Monday April 26th. Good Luck!

Win Prizes and Help Bring Khloe Home

2010-04-18T21:24:00.001-04:00

Please visit this blog for a chance to win several different prizes and to read about one family's adoption journey!

Here's a part of the post TanyaLea wrote recently...

"Khloe Mei, as we have named her, will be coming home soon. She just turned two back in Feb. and we are beyond excited to meet her in person! Khloe resides at New Day Foster Home near Beijing where she is thriving and growing into a fun little toddler. She arrived there at barely 3mos. old, in dyer need of their top-notch love and care. Khloe was born with a condition called bladder exstrophy, where her bladder was literally exposed on the outside of her body. Because of her more serious need, not even the larger city hospitals were equipped to handle her case. At just over 8mos. old, Khloe traveled with her caregivers to Hong Kong to undergo various tests and meet with specialists to prepare for the extensive surgery. On Sept. 20th, 2008, she underwent her long and complicated surgery, and it was clear she was not alone...God was there with her! She experienced great 'miracles' that are now part of her testimony, and ours. You see, I was part of the emergency prayer team and had the privilege of praying for this sweet baby girl, long before I knew she would one day be our daughter! (I will share "our story" on our family blog sometime in the not-to-distant future; I promise!! ...It is a neat one, with God's fingerprints all over it!) Khloe is now a flourishing toddler and our family is beyond ready to have her home!"

Evan and I have always wanted to adopt a little girl from China so this story touches my heart. Khloe is such a beautiful little girl and blessed with her family-to-be.

Thanks for checking out their story!

My Favorite Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2010-04-17T18:37:00.011-04:00

With the first taste, I closed my eyes, swooned, then did a crazy, happy dance around the kitchen!!! OMG! Finally, a chocolate chip cookie I could eat without serious repercussions to my health? One that is free of gluten, eggs, soy, flours, dairy and all but a smidge of sugar from the chocolate chips? That tasted fabulous and not gritty or cardboardesque? It must be too good to be true, I thought, but I now know that Elana is a genius and I love her more than my 6qt, Epicurean Kitchenaid mixer and that's the honest truth.

Okay, so you normal people may wonder why I'm rhapsodizing about a cookie perhaps? Just imagine that you, a true foodie fanatic, have not had a cookie pass your lips in over a year. Nor, a freshly baked, tasty cookie (gluten-free, gritty, tasteless, store bought cookies aside) in a year and a half. You've baked batch after batch of yummy cookies and numerous other treats for your husband, friends and strangers yet never enjoyed these goodies yourself. Now imagine you finally find a recipe free of "No! No!" ingredients so you try it, all the while thinking it will probably not be so hot compared to the "real thing" which you, sadly, cannot ever have again. And THEN imagine your elation when your taste buds start singing as the first cookie passes your poor little cookie starved lips. Ahhhhhhhhh....joy oh joy!!!

I don't know how, but these gems even taste buttery! My cookie connoisseur husband liked them too, imagine that. I ate a couple six, maybe seven, or was it eight. Hey, they are actually very thin as you will see for yourself when I post photos. Today, I was too busy baking and eating them to worry about little things like pictures, LOL!

One thing, if you have an almond allergy then this recipe won't work for you.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free, Vegan)

*Courtesy of Elana at www.elanaspantry.com

2 1/2 cups Blanched Almond Flour
1/2 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup grapeseed oil (I might try coconut oil next time)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (I used "Frontier's" alcohol-free vanilla)
1/2 cup agave nectar (I used honey)
1 cup dark chocolate 73% (I used “Enjoy Life's” allergy-free chocolate chips)

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Stir together wet ingredients in a smaller bowl.
Mix wet ingredients into dry.
Form 1/2 inch balls and press onto a parchment lined baking sheet. (My small cookie scoop worked great)
Bake at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes.
Cool and serve.

If you have any loved ones with gluten issues, I hope you give this recipe a try.

Excuse me please, I hear some cookies insistently calling my name again.

=D

Visit Cherry on a Cake

2010-04-16T17:08:00.005-04:00

I just discovered another beautiful blog, Cherry on a Cake! Zurin is hosting a wonderful giveaway so please go on over and visit her lovely site.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Monday

2010-04-12T07:00:00.007-04:00

Head on over to "Miss Bloomers" and congratulate Sonia on the one year anniversary of her beautiful blog! To celebrate, she's generously hosting a Pottery Barn giveaway.

=D

Sunday Joy

2010-04-11T19:58:00.005-04:00

I'm writing from my back patio as I enjoy the gorgeous weather and cool breeze. The weather has been amazing these last three days and I've had the windows open to enjoy it. During the sticky, stifling summer, I think I miss the cool breezes the most. It gets so still and hot that you've got to have the a/c cranked up. Forget about opening any windows unless it's early morning before sunrise. But not today! What an amazing day!

Evan planted the square foot garden today as my shoulder is not yet up to par. There are four squares of about 4x4 feet each. Seems like most of the folks I've been talking to lately are putting in gardens. I think that's one of the positive side effects of our difficult financial times. I sure hope our tomatoes are more successful this year than in the past. I've got plans to freeze or can lots of marinara sauce. My mom was a fantastic gardener. Come to think of it, she could grow any plant effortlessly. I wish I had paid closer attention as a teenager. Seems like the "easily growing green things" gene might be missing from my DNA, LOL! I think our combined growing skills are in the "fair to middling" range.

My rose bush is my one outstanding success and I'm sure it has nothing to do with me personally. I don't give it a lot of care, just water and pruning once a year but it flowers like mad. The first ruby, red rosebud has already begun to open, it's gorgeous and so sweet smelling.

There's a beautiful, big, Camphor tree in our neighbor's yard that grows over our property. It's been dropping truck loads of leaves in our yard (and pollen!) but yet it's green canopy is full, full, full! Each Spring Mr and Mrs Pileated Woodpecker make a home in a carved out portion of the tree for their brood. We always look forward to seeing their beautiful flame crowned heads and marvel at how large the birds are. I've never noticed before when the young ones fly off to begin their own lives. Suddenly, one day we realize they've gone.

Thanks for the emails checking up on me! Physical therapy three times a week and exercises twice daily at home have taken up a lot of time these past six weeks. I've had trouble getting things done with that added into the mix but I'm beginning to notice some improvement. My shoulder range of motion is moderately improved and the pain, when not exercising, is very mild at most. Thankfully, I can cook, wash dishes and drive without help now. And typing on the laptop is much easier. My neck is especially grateful that I can now sleep lying down rather than having to sit up as I did for a month and a half. Ah, the things we take for granted, eh?

Well, the biting gnats are beginning to feast on me so I'll take a few more minutes to enjoy the pretty lavender and salmon colored sunset before heading in. I think I'll sit on the bench, tree swing my husband gave me for Christmas, look up through the camphor leaves and count my many blessings!

Weekend Rest

2010-03-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

Surely a man needs a closed place
wherein he may strike root
and, like the seed, become.

But also he needs the great Milky Way
above him and the vast sea spaces,
though neither stars nor

ocean serve his daily needs.

~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Wisdom of the Sands

I like the images that this quote evokes in my mind. Growing up, I always craved being rooted in one place.

Thanks to generous friends, stars and vast sea spaces will be a balm for the soul this weekend. The two of us are headed off for a quiet beach getaway, our first time away in quite some time. It will be cold but their spectacular house is right on the ocean! It is such a restful place full of peace and space to breathe. Hope to have some photos to post next week.

I wish you a weekend full of joy...........

What Helps You Get Through?

2010-03-03T16:25:00.006-05:00

Recently, I've experienced the worst pain I've ever felt. I'm sure it doesn't compare to the pain of giving birth or perhaps a broken bone but since I've not had either of those life experiences this one ranks at the top of my personal pain chart.

Currently, my challenge is trying to adapt to living my life with one arm tied behind my back. Well, not actually tied you see but I am "limb-erally" challenged (sorry). Last Thursday I landed in the ER after injuring my left shoulder. I truly wish I could say it happened during the course of sky diving, horseback riding or a particularly mean game of volleyball but, alas, it was not anything quite so exciting. No indeed, this happened as a result of repeated hoisting of cast iron cookware. What? Did you not realize that cooking could be a hazardous sport? Well, I'm here to testify that it is. Oh, it so very much is, especially if you are a complete nutcase like me and have enormously sized cast iron pieces (giant wok and 15 inch frying pan) in addition to assorted dutch ovens and normal sized pans.

I cook a lot. I really enjoy it and it saves a few bucks but preparing several meals a day and washing up can equal quite a lot of iron lifting and I'd gotten into the very bad habit of reaching down into the cabinet and grabbing a pan with one hand. The unsupported repetitive movement coupled with age related changes in my shoulder joint finally came to fruition. Who knew tendonitis and Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder) could be so incredibly painful? Thankfully, the cortisone injections and pain medications are helping with the excruciating muscle spasms. The doctor says it's going to be a long haul to recovery and physical therapy is in my immediate future.

Since I have very little movement in my left arm/shoulder, my awesome guy is stepping up to the plate in a major, huge way. While I struggle to do things one handed, like fix my hair and get dressed, he's helping me with dishes, meals, laundry, shopping, and a zillion and one other things I need assistance with. I'm truly blessed and thankful to have him!

BTW, have you ever tried rolling your hair in a velcro roller using just one hand? YIKES! One day when you are bored with nothing better to do, try it out along with another little exercise in futility agility: applying solid deodorant to your armpit using only the hand attached to the same arm. So far, I haven't been brave enough to ask him for help in my usual attempts to get some volume and lift in my hair. The thought of a flat iron wielding man who does not have professional salon skills is a bit frightening, you know?

Meanwhile, I'm curious. I wonder how you take comfort in the midst of your own daily struggles? How do you relieve stress? Remain optimistic? What do you do for fun? What brings laughter to your heart? I'd love to know!

Beautiful Scottish Blog

2010-02-25T23:13:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite blogs is "Scotland for the Senses". Until I can fulfill my lifelong dream of visiting that phenomenal country, I get my thrills vicariously through blogs such this delightful one written by PurestGreen.

Please visit her blogs and say "hello"!

Anatomy of a Blog

2010-02-18T11:16:00.005-05:00

What constitutes a good blog in your opinion? Obviously that will be based on the desires of the specific reader. Some folks want blogs that are dedicated to a single thing: food, motherhood, life in foreign places, fashion, giveaways, specific health issues and witty musings just to name a few.

My friend, Angela, and I had a discussion recently about posts. Our two blogs are very different. Her’s is deeply spiritual, poetic and she boldly bares her soul. Mine, not so much. I admire her transparency but to tell you the truth, I struggle with how much detail to go into about certain areas of my life. I guess you could say I'm still trying to find my Bloggie legs.

Now, don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to hide anything and I have an awesome life. I’ve been in love with an incredible man for two decades and we’ve been married for nearly 18 of those years. I have a snug little house that I love. Two furry “babies” that bring me much happiness. Hobbies that I enjoy. Friends that bring grace and laughter into my heart. And many, many more blessings. And yet, there are also burdens that I bear daily and my life's activities are often limited by very narrow boundaries.This frustrates me and since I've been reminded of them each day for over a decade now......well, I kind of like that I can be “normal” on my blog, you know? The real me, the woman I used to be, capable of doing all the things I used to do.

My burdens weigh heavily at times but I think my friend may have a good point. That sharing a bit deeper about my life just might encourage someone and if nothing else, will be a good outlet for me.

So I’m going to give it a go.......but not today.

***What’s that I hear? Are you making clucking sounds as if to imply I’m chicken?!?***

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T16:20:00.002-05:00

Scentsational Giveaway

2010-02-12T17:05:00.002-05:00

My lovely friend Melissa is holding a great giveaway. Go check it out!

Spicy Sausage and Potato Soup

2010-02-08T23:30:00.004-05:00

"Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down
the violence of hunger,
eliminates the tension of the day,

and awakens and refines the appetite."

Auguste Escoffier

A little cold front recently came through and yesterday was a chilly day, perfect for a nice pot of hot soup.

We take advantage of any and every cool weather day to indulge in soup, stews and chili as most of the year it's just too hot to eat it.

I made a nice loaf of bread from "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day". It's got a great texture and a warm, buttered slice of bread was a perfect accompaniment. I'll post the recipe soon.

Spicy Sausage & Potato Soup

serves 4

1 Hot Italian Sausage

1 Bratwurst or Mild Italian Sausage (use 2 hot italian sausages if you like more spice)

2 med potatoes, scrubbed & cut into chunks

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1 cup baby carrots

1/2 package frozen spinach, thawed and coarsely chopped

1 quart chicken broth or water

1 tablespoon “Better Than Bouillon” chicken paste or 1 large cube chicken bouillon (may need more if using water)

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream or evaporated milk

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Black pepper to taste

In a frying pan, cook sausages until brown; set aside. In the same pan add a little oil and saute onions until clear. Add garlic and cook for just a couple of minutes, stirring constantly so as not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat. Cut the sausages into bite sized pieces.

In a 2 quart pot heat the broth to boiling then add the potato chunks and carrots. Cook until tender. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the optional flour) and simmer until thoroughly heated.

If you desire a thicker soup: 3 tablespoons all purpose flour mixed with cold water into a smooth, runny paste. Stir into boiling soup, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened.

Melancholy

2010-01-27T16:48:00.002-05:00

Man could not live if he

were entirely impervious to sadness.

Many sorrows can be endured

only by being embraced,

and the pleasure taken in them

naturally has a somewhat

melancholy character. So, melancholy

is morbid only when

it occupies too much place in life;

but it is equally morbid for it to be

wholly excluded from life.

~~Emile Durkheim

Friends Hurting in Haiti

2010-01-26T20:18:00.018-05:00

(Joseph, Rosario, Eddie, Adam, Nixon (back), Gracia, Mike, Michelin, Watson)

(Visiting General in the hospital)

It's been two weeks since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Like many around the world, I've been consumed by searching the news for information, crying, praying and giving. I've not wanted to write about it before because we have Haitian friends in a village near Leogane that we have not been able to connect with but for a very brief email through another American friend.

We think everyone Evan knows is alive. Junior (the president of the fraternity) and his family are alive. His 6 month old son has a terrible abrasion on his face. They are sleeping outside beneath the trees. What meager homes and possessions they had have been destroyed. There is no food, water or shelter. There are no medical facilities or aid workers. If aid has been slow to reach a large city like Leogane (the nearest town and epicenter of the 7.0 earthquake), small communities throughout the country will most likely have their suffering prolonged. Sadly, suffering is what the Haitian people are all too familiar with.

(Pictures from previous visits)

(Junior and his wife)

Evan has traveled to Haiti five times in the past three years to Neply a small community of perhaps 300. He had fallen in love with the people and was grieved by the terrible burden of poverty they struggled against. He asked one Haitian friend how often they ate. He replied, "We are lucky if we have one meal a day."

(Gracia, Jimmy, Evan, Isaiah)

In Neply a local group of Christian men had formed a fraternity whose goal was the betterment of the community (photo at top of post). They were blessed to have a water source in Neply- a communal well. Many of the trips there were projects to help dig trenches into the hard packed soil, mixed with rocks, with pickaxes in order to lay small PVC pipe to connect homes to the well. A spigot outside the house was a pure luxury (no running water in the homes themselves). There were still many homes left to connect to but we have no idea if the well survived.

(Junior)

Most homes were small, unreinforced concrete structures and some crafted of simple wood, dirt floors and (if lucky) corrugated tin.

(Junior & his mother in front of her house)

(Milfort's adoptive mother's house)

Shelter.......food......water - so problematic for the Haitian people to obtain before in "normal" times and now........it's inconceivable.

Here are photos from Junior, of Neply and his family, after the earthquake:

(Junior's 6 month old son's injuries)

We wonder how General, Isaiah, Rosario, Michelin, Gracia, Gladimir, Sonny, Asher, Nixon, Joseph, Pastor Antoine, Eddie, Milfort, Prof. Franken, Elifet, Adam, Junior, Jimmy, Gregory, Elam, Yram, Steven, the ladies: Jonika, Eve, Samantha, Madame, Carlina and Anitas (an elderly man) and all of their families and friends are.

Please continue to keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. It's going to be a long, difficult road for them and they will need the help of those of us in the global community for some years.

Scottish Castle & Gardens

2010-01-11T12:41:00.009-05:00

My father's family was originally from Scotland although I do not know when they immigrated. I hope to trace our genealogy some day. One of the numerous places I'm longing to see is Scotland, particularly the Highlands. I want to experience all of the beautiful Highlands but especially the wild coasts of the north and west, Aviemore area, Cairngorms National Park and Drummond Castle Gardens (my maiden name is Drummond). The castle itself is not open to visitors as it is still a private home but the gardens are open to the public during certain times of the year. Part of the movie "Rob Roy" starring Liam Neesom was filmed in the gardens.

Are you an armchair traveler like me? Or perhaps one of the lucky ones that actually travels? What are the places that draw your heart and soul and cry out to you? The places in Scotland pictured below call to me.

(Above) A solitary spot in the enormous Cairngorms National Park.

Thinking Warm Thoughts

2010-01-10T18:27:00.011-05:00

(Photo courtesy of Cottage Chic Store)

I'm thinking that this beautiful Aga cooker would be a very nice thing to own today. It's been another unusually brisk day and we expect another night in the mid 20's with wind chills between 14-18. Quite rare in these parts. I have a bit of a dream of owning a gas cooker like this but obviously not while living in the Sunshine State as the Aga continuously puts out heat. But, it would be perfect if I ever get to fulfill my fantasies of moving to a locale with mountains, four seasons, gorgeous vistas and cool climes. A place where a fireplace is a necessity rather than an eccentricity that might be used once or twice a year...if you're lucky. Guess there are a lot of lucky people around here this year come to think of it.

The cast iron Aga is a familiar sight in many parts of the UK, although it was first developed in Sweden. You can learn more about them Here and see photos of Aga kitchens Here. They come in several colors!

Sometime during the wee hours yesterday morning snow pellets must have fallen from the skies. At least, I believe that's what they are called (you folks living up north would know). As soon as I woke up around 8am, I went outside and found small accumulations on the patio umbrella and chair coverings. Nothing on the ground though. At first I thought it might be snow but when I touched it I discovered they were tiny round pellets of frozen rain. Then my brain kicked in, if it was actually snow, then it most likely would be on the ground and foliage as well. Whatever it should be called, pellets or sleet, it was pretty. No sign of any white stuff this morning though.

Kids across the area had a blast making "snowmen", more like snowball men but cute nonetheless, even a "snow shark". You can see some photos online from the local news channel Here.

Thankfully, we aren't one of the thousands experiencing power outages and my heart goes out to those families. Most homes have electric stoves and no fireplaces. I'm enjoying the cold weather although I'm finding that we don't have quite the right winter gear but layering what we do have is seeing us through. Cotton socks are frustratingly useless but thanks to Evan's hiking experience he's got a stash of wool blend socks that are perfect for keeping the tootsies warm and dry. I've a new appreciation for wool blend socks, fleece, flannel sheets and hot cups of tea. Now if I just had that fireplace with the cheerfully crackling fire that my heart's been yearning after for decades.....sigh.

I hope your Sunday was restful and renewing! Should I confess that my Christmas tree finally came down just this very day?

Apron Giveaway

2010-01-09T19:09:00.003-05:00

(Photo courtesy of Never Enough)

The gals over at "Never Enough" are giving away a very cute, handmade apron. Go on over and say "hi" to enter for your chance to win.

Chance of Snow Flurries and Sleet?!?

2010-01-08T17:40:00.007-05:00

Wow, okay, I did a double take last night while online checking the weather to see how low the temps were gonna drop: the headlines said "Chance of snow flurries and sleet". That had to be a typo, I thought, seeing as how this is Central Florida. I checked the other local news websites and found it was true.

Yes, it's been a record cold snap in both lows and number of consecutive days. Not since 2001 has there been one that lasted this long they say. I do remember snow flurries back in '89 (sounds like an old timer talking eh?) during December. We had rolling brown outs across the area thanks to the enormous demands on the power companies, amazing icicles and the high was 19 degrees F!

My husband and I had just been dating for a couple of months. I remember he drove his MOTORCYCLE an hour to my apartment...yep, he's nuts like that. Once the little heater in my rinky dink car got up to speed, he had a chance to thaw out on the drive to his mom's house in Wildwood. It was on the drive home that we encountered the wondrous snow flurries!

Then there are the fond memories of the evening snowball fight I got to enjoy back in 5th grade while living in Apopka. I'd guess it was about 1975 or 1976. Around 7 o'clock in the evening I heard a commotion with lots of shouting outside. All the neighborhood kids were out screaming with glee and running around like maniacs. I had about an hour of fun before my dad burst my bubble and made me come in for the night. Oh it killed me to stay inside when I could still hear my friends having a blast outside. Seriously, when would I ever have another chance to play in the snow in Florida?

Well, I'm sure hoping to see flurries tonight and tomorrow! Our poor square foot garden may not survive but we've got lots of seeds to start over. I want to see some snow!

Hope you are warm and snug and enjoying whatever weather is in your neck of the woods. Think I'll go make a cup of hot chocolate.

PS Forecast for tomorrow night......Lows in mid 20's with wind chill readings of 11 to 14 degrees F!!!! YIKES!

Friendship Cake

2009-12-30T17:45:00.019-05:00

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. “

- C.S. Lewis

I'd be willing to wager that, at one time or another, you've probably been the recipient of a ziplock bag containing an innocent looking, beige colored bit of "goop" and some rather extensive care instructions. If you followed the directions to the letter, you would keep the concoction alive and happy until the joyous day finally arrived for you to use part of it to bake a scrumptious cake and parcel out the rest of the goop to your friends. You know, spread the cheer of goop around and all that.

That's right, I'm talking about the ubiquitous "Friendship Bread" starter that gets passed out to friends, relatives and sometimes in desperation to total strangers. Those harmless looking little bags have a tendency to breed faster than a tankful of guppies and totally wear out their welcome. Why? Because according to the strict instructions, you can't *GASP* refrigerate it or *No! Heaven forbid!*....freeze it so you must bake it or get rid of it...right? I'm very happy to say "Nope!"

Thanks to a tip from a friend several years ago, I learned that you can indeed freeze one cup portions up to 12 months. She'd been doing it herself for years in order to have starter to make dozens of cakes each and every Christmas. Seriously? Woohoo! Freedom from those demanding little bags that must be squeezed daily and fed on a precise schedule until you are suddenly overrun with the little suckers.

About two months ago, my friends at the post office had a feverish and slightly glazed look in their eyes -well before the start of the holiday crush. One gal practically jumped over the counter when she saw me come in, knowing me for someone who loves to bake and a sucker for friendship starter apparently. "Karen", she almost sobbed then began speaking very rapidly, "You'd like some starter, right? You have friends who'd like some, right? We've got so many bags back in the break room and we are all tired of squeezing them and keeping up with what day it is in order to feed them. Please, please take some. How many bags do you want? Wait right here. I'll go get them. You'll wait won't you? Be right back!" Poor thing, of course I took some bags but she was skeptical when I explained you could freeze 'em.

I've been freezing this starter successfully for over twelve years without a problem and so can you. It's simple, when you get to baking day on Day 10 of the cake instructions, just pour 1 cup portions into a freezer container (ziplock bags or my favorite, Gladlock) and freeze.

Ready to bake a cake or grow another batch? Thaw a one cup portion out on the counter. Once completely thawed, add a tablespoon of sugar, stir and use to bake a cake. Or if you want to grow more starter, count it as Day 1 then follow directions as usual.

Don't have any Amish friends to beg a bit of starter from? No problem, you can grow your own (see the recipe at the end of this post). Skeptical? Have questions? Feel free to email me. =)

Amish Cinnamon Friendship Cake

Day 1: You receive the fermented batter. Transfer to a gallon sized zip-lock bag or large glass container with a loose fitting lid. Do nothing to the batter today.

Days 2-5: Squeeze the bag several times to expel excess air or stir batter with a wood or plastic spoon. (Not metal).

Day 6: Add 1 Cup each of All-Purpose Flour, Sugar & Milk. Stir well.

Days 7-9: Squeeze the bag several times to expel excess air or stir batter with a wood or plastic spoon. (Not metal).

Day 10: Pour all of the batter into a large Non-Metallic bowl and add 1 Cup each of All-Purpose Flour, Sugar & Milk. Mix well with a wood or plastic spoon. You should have approximately 5 Cups of starter now. Take 4 Gallon size zip-lock bags; pour 1 cup of starter into each and give away to your friends with a copy of the instructions. (Or freeze up to one year. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature. Once completely thawed, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir and use to bake a cake. Or, if you want to grow more starter, count as Day 1 then proceed as instructions direct).

*Don’t forget to keep one bag to bake your own cake, grow more starter right away or freeze!

To the remaining cup of batter add:

1 cup Oil (or ½ oil and ½ Applesauce)

½ cup Sugar

1 teaspoonful Vanilla

3 Eggs

½ cup Milk

2 cups All-Purpose Flour

1½ teaspoonfuls Baking Powder

½ teaspoonful Salt

½ teaspoonful Baking Soda

1 teaspoonful of Cinnamon

2 Regular Sized Boxes of Instant Butterscotch or Vanilla Pudding (has to be instant).

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease pans; set aside. In a large, non-metal bowl mix all of the ingredients
thoroughly with a non-metal spoon. Pour into prepared pan (bundt, tube, 2 Loaf or 6 Mini-Loaf). Bake for 45 minutes
or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust time for smaller loaf pans.

Variations: Add 1 Cup of Raisins, Nuts, Fruit, Chocolate or flavored chips etc. Try fruit juice substituted for the milk
(i.e. Orange Juice). This works fine if using Vanilla Pudding but be careful what you add if using the Butterscotch!

Make Your Own Starter for Amish Friendship Bread

Culture:

2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

2 cups warm water

1 pkg active dry yeast

To “Feed” starter on Days 5 and 9:

2 cups milk

2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

Day 1:

In a non-metal bowl, mix the three culture ingredients above. Leave uncovered at room temperature.

Days 2, 3 and 4:

Stir the mixture well with a non-metal spoon. (Don’t add anything, only stir it)! Leave uncovered at room temperature.

Day 5:

Stir well then “feed” the starter by adding 2 cups milk, 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour and 2 cups sugar. Stir again until well incorporated. Continue to leave uncovered at room temperature.

Days 6, 7 and 8:

Stir the mixture well with a non-metal spoon. (Don’t add anything, only stir it)! Leave uncovered at room temperature.

Day 9:

Days 10 & 11:

Stir the mixture well with a non-metal spoon. (Don’t add anything, only stir it)! Leave uncovered at room temperature.

Day 12:

Stir well then ladle 1 cup of starter (approximately) into four, one gallon ziplock bags. Save at least one for yourself and give the others to your friends with the instructions included with the cake recipe (above).

Have fun and bake a little sweetness for someone you love today!

Tagged!

2009-12-29T12:52:00.008-05:00

Several weeks a month ago, a sweet friend tagged me to answer some questions. Due to all the moving, holidays and general craziness of my life I'm a tad behind on posting. (That's me you know, master of the understatement).

So, with apologies to Melissa from "The Missionary Mama" here ya go............Oh, and I now do so solemnly swear to bequeath said tag unto Angela at "Unveiling Radiance".

1.What is your current obsession ?

BBC Shows (Monarch of the Glen, Doc Martin, Pie in the Sky, Rosemary & Thyme, House of Eliott, Waiting for God, Last of the Summer Wine) and reading is always an obsession.

2. What are you wearing today?  Khaki uniform pants, dark purple scrub top, grey long sleeved Tshirt and sneakers but earlier today it was "Hello Kitty" pj bottoms and a fleece pj top.

3. What’s for dinner?  Chicken Cacciatore

4. What’s the last thing you bought? ”The 36 Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias and Memory Loss in Later Life”

5. What are you listening to right now?  Monarch of the Glen on DVD

6. What do you think about the person who tagged you?  I love and admire her!

7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?  A seaside cottage high atop a wild, craggy coast (Scotland? Ireland? Maine? Oregon?)

8. What are your must-have pieces for summer? Shorts, t-shirts & most importantly, an air conditioning unit.

9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Wow, tough question! I’d like to see so many places but if it’s just for one, teensy, short hour…….I’d say Florence, Italy. I’d spend it in one of the 70 museums there.

10. Which language do you want to learn?  Japanese, Italian, French

11. What’s your favourite quote “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” – Martin Luther King, Jr

12. Who do you want to meet right now?  Jaden Hair from “The Steamy Kitchen”

13. What is your favorite color?  Red

14. What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?  The Kimono my grandmother sent me from Japan.

15. What is your dream job?  Writer, or food/travel host.

16. What’s your favorite magazine?  Biblical Archeology Review

17. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?  Books, probably.

18. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?  Thong underwear…..why people?? I just don't understand it!!

19. Who according to you is the most over-rated style icon?  Just one? How about Mischa Barton.

20. What kind of haircut do you prefer?  Shoulder length

21. What are you going to do after this?  Plan next week’s menus, make a grocery list and paint some cupboards.

22. What are your favorite movies?  Snow Falling on Cedars, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Mummy, Tomb Raider, O Brother Where Art Thou, Shawshank Redemption, Freedom Writers, Indiana Jones, Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda, Akeelah and the Bee, House of Flying Daggers, Memoirs of a Geisha.

23. What are three cosmetic/makeup/perfume products that you can't live without?  Body Butter, Foundation, Eye shadow.

24. What inspires you?  Beautiful natural settings, hearing people’s life stories, God.

25. Give us three styling tips that always work for you?  Ummm, is this for clothes or hair style? I’d say:

1. Wear clothes that fit well but are also comfortable (not too tight & not too baggy) 2. Dress according to your body type 3. Avoid colors that are not flattering to you.

26. What do you do when you “have nothing to wear” (even though your closet’s packed)? 
This doesn’t happen as much now that I’ve cleaned out my closet and only keep things I really love and look good in but if it did, I’d just suck it up and choose something.

27. Coffee or tea?  Both, but coffee more often.

28. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?  Watch Monarch of the Glen or other funny BBC shows, read, pray for someone, talk with my husband.

29. What is the meaning of your name? Karen (pure), Lana (light)

30. Which other blogs do you love visiting?  The Missionary Mama, Unveiling Radiance, Living in the Moment, Pioneer Woman, Bakerella, Steamy Kitchen, Asian Aisle and a ton more that are listed on my blog roll.

31. Favorite Dessert/Sweet?  Dark chocolate

32. Favorite Season?  Winter

33. If I come to your house now, what would you cook for me?  Potato & Leek soup, Hot Roast Beef sandwich with pesto and provolone, Orange Cranberry scones and freshly ground and brewed Rwandan coffee.

34. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?  Boy, tricky one. If those people happen to be family, you often don’t have the luxury of avoidance. I’d try to work on my responses to the hurtful attempt, that way, no matter what anyone purposefully tries to do, you don’t let it get to you.

35. How do you calm yourself down when you are agitated or angry?  Sit quietly for a few moments and take deep breaths, go outside.

36.Who is the modern ideal girl..the one who knows how to shop, dress and enjoy or the one who is simple but manages the house, kids and herself well?  I lean towards admiring the second type.

Ginger Pumpkin Bread

2009-11-05T17:00:00.005-05:00

Guess what? Today, I've got my windows wide OPEN - hurray!!! I woke up to lovely Spring-like weather and have been enjoying the chirping of birds rather than the incessant whine of an a/c unit. To celebrate and to try to make it feel more like Fall, I've decided to make this very tasty pumpkin bread.

The original recipe can be found at Inn the Kitchen. The author is also the owner of Tremain Street Cottages located in Mt Dora, a short drive from here. Check out the cute cottage where I had a brief getaway in September. I LOVED the "Rendezvous Cottage". It was cozy and feminine with absolutely no FrouFrou-ness about it. The inn keeper, Rachelle, is good friends with Jaden from Steamy Kitchen. If you are a follower of The Pioneer Woman, you'll recognize Jaden's name from Ree's post today on cookbooks. AND, did you know that The Pioneer Woman also knows Bakerella and Smitten Kitchen? It's a small world!

Ginger Pumpkin Bread

(1) 15oz can unsweetened Pumpkin
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed Brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf or tube/bundt pans; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, both sugars, oil and vanilla; mix well on low speed (or by hand). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients (or sift). Add half of the dry mixture into the pumpkin mixture; beat well. Scrape sides and bottom of mixing bowl. Add remaining dry mix and beat until thoroughly incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared, greased pans: (2) loaf pans, (4) mini loaf pans or a Tube or Bundt pan.

Bake at 350 for approximately 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (or a few crumbs). *Adjust for less baking time when using mini pans.

(Adapted from Inn the Kitchen)

Happy Fall!

Changes

2009-11-04T22:07:00.002-05:00

My, it's been over a month since my last post and there have been a lot of changes around here. Sadly, I have to say that cool Fall weather is not one of them. I believe we had 3 entire days of "cooler" Spring-like weather several weeks ago sandwiched between record high temperatures. I think my a/c unit is about to croak from overuse.

Now, I know a lot of folks would love this heat but really....it's November for goodness sakes and I'd really like to turn off the air conditioner, throw open my windows for the first time in 7 months and wear something besides shorts, T-shirts and flip flops for a change. I want the weather to reflect the upcoming seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. I'm entirely weary of being tightly closed up in a box and would like to actually use my patio furniture sometime. Come on lower temperatures! I'm rooting for ya! (Pretty please)?

No, the big change here is that Evan's 63 year old father, Bob, is living with us. For now, it's part-time as we share hosting duties with a couple of Evan's brothers and their wives but it looks like we'll need to step up to full-time in the very near future. In late September, he suddenly became too confused to continue to live on his own, forgetting his address, PO Box, all of his regular travel routes, taking his medications and paying the bills. We believe it's early onset of dementia. Needless to say, it's often very stressful and difficult nowadays in our tiny house but we are glad to know that he's well cared for and safe. It's going to be a long, difficult road ahead I'm afraid.

So, between shifting our house around to re-locate my office in with Evan's, fixing up the second bedroom, multiple doctor's visits and generally adjusting, I haven't had much time online. I've really missed posting and catching up with my favorite blogs.

There are many really tasty recipes I want to post but I've had this mental block that I must have an enticing photo to go along with them at the time I post. Problem is, I spend all my time cooking meals and washing dishes (by hand - Boo Hoo) that I rarely have time to stop to take photos. The hungry men don't want to sit there while I fool around trying to take a picture of their food you know? What to do? What to do? Duh! Post the recipes then go back to add photos when I can, right? (Hey, it takes me a while sometimes but I generally get there in the end, LOL)!

Here is a new recipe I tried out on the guys last night. I was a little nervous as the hubbs hasn't been too open to recipes that include meat and fruit (other than in curries) but it was a great hit with all three of them. I served it with white rice and seasoned green beans.

Creamy Apple Cider Chicken

serves 4

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness

Salt & Pepper to taste

4 teaspoons Olive oil, divided

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

3 tablespoons chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried Thyme

1/2 cup apple cider or pressed apple juice

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon sour cream or plain, full-fat yogurt

*If you need to further thicken the sauce, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a small amount of water.

Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat half the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and saute until well browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil. Add apples, onion and thyme. Cook, stirring often, until softened. Add cider and broth, bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. *If thicker sauce is desired, use the dissolved cornstarch, stir often and cook until desired thickness.

Return chicken and juices to skillet; reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is cooked through. Transfer chicken to a warmed, shallow dish. Stir sour cream or yogurt into sauce in skillet; season with salt and pepper to taste and heat until warm. Pour over the chicken and serve immediately over rice, mashed or roasted potatoes, pasta or polenta.

(Adapted from the “Dinner Diva” at www.savingdinner.com)

Wherever you are, I hope you are thoroughly enjoying the Fall season!

Birthday Songs, Cookies and.......Nudists?

2009-09-26T21:50:00.015-04:00

My husband went to a nudist colony on his birthday! Gee, how many times do you have an opportunity to make a comment like that? Okay, let me clarify, he was called to give an estimate for tree work on his birthday and it happened to be at a nudist colony. (Of course, he wasn't entirely in the know about what type of establishment it was beforehand). Thankfully(?), it was a retirement community for people of a certain age which made me feel loads better knowing there were no throngs of young, lithe beauties milling about in the buff.

Who knew there was such a place around here anyway? I mean we live in a relatively small university town. In addition to many other fine establishments we have Super Walmart, both Office Max & Depot, various fast food restaurants, the UPS Store and Lowe's but a nudist colony? (Sorry, I just can't help repeating that phrase). Anyway, to be more accurate, it's not in our town but located about a half hour to the north of us.

So, I get a phone call from Evan asking me to guess who sang "Happy Birthday" to him that day. Turns out, besides the usual serenading suspects (thanks Mom!), a few of the colony members did as well. I guess he will never forget his 39th birthday as it's indelibly etched into his psyche.

To help alleviate the shock and stress to his ~~retinas~~ system I made an Indian themed dinner and what have been christened "Double Dark Cookies". They are a variation of "Chewy Chocolate White Chunk Cookies" from Maria at "Two Peas and Their Pod". Evan is all about the dark chocolate and pronounced this cookie as "awesome" and his new favorite. I made them using extra dark cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate chunks and pecans but you can lighten it up by using normal cocoa powder (I used Hershey's Special Dark) and semi-sweet, milk or white chocolate as the original recipe calls for if you aren't a lover of dark chocolate.

Hope you give the recipe a go and (just a bit of advice) stay away from those nudist colonies will ya?!?

=)

Double Dark Cookies
(Adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod)

Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2/3 cup Dutch-process Cocoa Powder (I used Hershey’s Special Dark)
1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, cubed and at room temperature
1/2 cup white Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Vanilla
1/3 cup Milk
1 cup chopped Bittersweet Chocolate (or semi-sweet, milk, white or peanut butter)
1/2 cup chopped Pecans

*Substituting with natural, unprocessed cocoa is not recommended. The “Oreo-like” flavor comes from the richer, dutch-processed cocoa.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and cocoa - set aside. Beat the butter until light, add sugars, creaming well. Add Vanilla and beat until smooth. Add the flour mixture in two batches, alternating with 1/2 of the milk after each batch. If dough too dry, add tiny amounts of water until desired consistency; mixing well. Stir in chocolate and nuts. Chill dough for 15 minutes.

Scoop dough onto the lined baking sheet (or take one tablespoon of dough, and roll into a ball). Slightly press down the dough ball and bake for 13-15 minutes for a normal size cookie. Let cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an air-tight container.

***Want hot, fresh baked cookies with no fuss anytime? Form dough into cookies and place on baking sheets in the freezer. After they are completely frozen, store in ziplock bags or in an airtight container. Separate each level with saran wrap if desired when using a hard container. Then, whenever you want to have a fresh baked cookie, preheat your oven, place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes for a normal size Double Dark cookie (you’ll need to add approx. 3-4 minutes onto your normal baking time for most frozen cookies depending on your oven and the size of the cookie. Just keep checking them every few minutes after the initial time).

I do on a regular basis for my husband since he loves freshly baked cookies and I've discovered that it works well with various types of cookie recipes. We found forming the cookie dough first before freezing worked better for us than rolling the dough into a log, freezing and then trying to slice it but you can do that instead if you prefer to slice and bake.

Orange Cranberry Scones

2009-09-11T08:52:00.012-04:00

Please don't judge a book by it's cover. Sometimes scones are just not feeling photogenic, you know? Kind of like people I guess but I swear to you, in person, they are beautiful to behold and simply delicious. (Hopefully I'll be replacing my blah point and shoot food photos with nifty SLR ones very soon).

My friend Angela stopped in for a visit and we had coffee and scones! Well, I enjoyed coffee but had to give the scones a pass as I must avoid wheat, eggs or dairy. True torture for a food lover I tell ya so I'm thankful that I get so much enjoyment from cooking and feeding others. I was excited to try out this new recipe and she said they were, "the perfect scones!" (Thanks, Ang and I always like spending time with you even if you hadn't been favorably inclined to them ~GRIN~). My husband, not so much of a cranberry/orange or scone guy, usually preferring chocolate chip cookies, ate three and really liked them. I pressed them mercilessly for details since I couldn't taste these myself (dang it). The consensus? Moist with a nice crust, tender, very flavorful, not too sweet, cranberries not overwhelming but nicely distributed in each bite, buttery and really good plain but both liked the addition of the orange glaze which I had served on the side just in case.

The recipe makes a great base so you could change out the flavorings and substitute heavy cream for the buttermilk. I'm going to try blueberry with a lemon glaze, maple pecan and apple cinnamon. They freeze and reheat in the microwave well.

ENJOY!

Orange Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze
(adapted from Epicurious.com)

3 cups All purpose flour
1/2 cup Sugar
2 & 1/2 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
2 Tblsp Orange Zest
1 stick Chilled, unsalted Butter cut in 1/2 inch pieces (I freeze it a bit then grate it)
1 cup Dried Cranberries (soaked, drained and chopped)
3/4 cup Buttermilk (Don't have any? Mix about a tablespoon of lemon juice into 1 cup regular milk & allow to curdle).
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1 tsp Almond extract

Glaze:
1 cup Powdered Sugar
Orange Juice mixed until glaze is desired consistency

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat liners. Soak cranberries in boiling water for 10 minutes. Squeeze dry, chop into small pieces and set aside.

Sift the first five ingredients into a large bowl (or you could simply place them in the bowl and stir well with a balloon hand whisk). Add orange zest; stir to distribute evenly. Add cranberries; stir to distribute evenly. Mixing your add ins now gives them a nice coat of flour, helping to keep the goodies suspended throughout. We don't want them hanging out down in the bottom of the dough. More flavor in every bite!

Grate the butter directly into the flour mixture and stir well to distribute evenly (alternatively, add the 1/2 inch pieces of butter and rub with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal).

Combine buttermilk, orange juice and almond extract. Gradually add to the flour mixture, tossing with a fork until moist clumps form. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. It will be on the wet side. Knead briefly and gently to bind dough together (don’t overwork the dough as it will make for tough scones). Add scant amounts of flour if your dough sticks to the board.

Divide dough in half and pat into two 1 inch thick rounds (I did this directly on my prepared baking sheet). At this point you could refrigerate the dough covered in plastic or in a ziplock gallon bag for up to a day. Cut each round into 8 wedges and bake at 350 degrees until tops are golden brown (25 to 35 minutes). Allow to cool on baking sheet 10 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

You could brush the tops before baking with a buttermilk wash and sprinkle with sugar. Or better yet, make the simple, tasty glaze to drizzle over scones after they have cooled a little or serve on the side.

Have a great day!

Flowers & Friends

2009-09-10T21:38:00.011-04:00

I got a HUGE, beautiful, bouquet of a dozen red roses and lilies for my birthday. It looks deceptively small in this photo. When I sat in the dining room chair, I completely disappeared behind it. It was really gorgeous (ya did good, Evan)! I didn't get to enjoy it for very long in it's original state because we were surprised to discover that I'm highly allergic to lilies (boo!). My neighbor, Betty, was nice enough to give them a home for me while I continued to enjoy the roses. The blossoms had thick, multiple petals and were as big as my palm.

And these are my two favorite redheads!

They brought me this cute birthday bag filled with great gifts:

Neck comfort wrap, yummy candle and a gift card!

Thanks, girls! I love ya!

PS Tomorrow - Cranberry Orange Scones

Alternate Coffee Winner

2009-09-09T10:48:00.013-04:00

Sadly, I haven't been able to reach Reginald but that means I have the fun of choosing an alternate winner. Congrats to CarolPie! Thanks for your quick email response, your coffee will soon be on it's way.

carolpie said...
Julie and Julia.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 2:54 PM

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

26
Timestamp: 2009-09-09 14:33:34 UTC

Enjoy!
=)

Princess Lilli

2009-09-08T18:28:00.013-04:00

I'm blessed to be an honorary aunt to a spunky little redhead (and her awesome older brother, Noah) who loves princesses, the color pink and "Hello Kitty", naturally!

Lilli Ann turned six recently and sadly I missed her party due to feeling under the weather. Yes, that would be the party where her entrance was announced with a brass horn no less. I think the word trombone was mentioned! I'm sure it was absolutely fabulous just like the guest of honor!

On this day, Kelli brought Lilli by so I could give her a gift - the "Hello Kitty" outfit with accessories. It's extremely hilarious to me that as much as Lilli looks like a perfect "mini me" of her mom at that age - she is so totally not shy. Please note the pose and funky, feather boa for an example of this "unshyness" (that's not a real word but I like it anyway). Kelli was a super shy little munchkin as a kid. The first time I "met" her, all I could see was her head peeking around a corner, briefly, then she disappeared...Poof! LOL!

Happy Birthday Princess Lilli. I'm glad you are in my life!

Love,

PW's (Insanely good) Onion & Blue Cheese Sauce

2009-09-05T20:47:00.008-04:00

(Photo and recipe courtesy of Pioneer Woman)

Are you familiar with Ree aka "The Pioneer Woman"? She writes a fantastic Blog with numerous subsections. It's actually many blogs in one and although I love to spend time reading everything, her "Confessions" and "Cooking" sections are probably my favorites. But wait, I really love the "Photography" and "Home and Garden" sections and shoot, basically, the whole darn thing. Her posts on how she met and married Marlboro Man had me laughing out loud often (check out "Black Heels & Tractor Wheels" for fascinating reading). Take a stroll on over there when you get a chance but be prepared to lose track of large chunks of time.

Meanwhile, you have absolutely got to try this recipe! Please??? For your own sake? It's so easy to make and it tastes........wow, it's difficult to find an adjective to do it justice - it's simply that delicious. I do not like Blue Cheese at all but I love this sauce! It would be great on Chicken, Potatoes, your finger - lol. See her entire post and step-by-step photos at:

Pioneer Woman's Grilled Ribeye with Onion-Blue Cheese Sauce

2 ribeye steaks

2 tablespoons butter

Salt

Pepper

4 tablespoons butter

1 very large yellow onion

3/4 to 1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Salt and pepper both sides of the steaks. Grill in 2 tablespoons butter until medium rare.

Saute onions in 4 tablespoons butter over high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until dark and caramelized. Reduce heat to simmer and pour in cream. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. Stir in blue cheese until melted. Serve steaks on generous portion of sauce. Faint.

Repeat as often as needed.

Run! Do not walk to your kitchen! Seriously, make this soon and tell Ree how super fabulous she is!

Gym Bag Giveaway

2009-09-03T23:21:00.004-04:00

Brittany at "Living in the Moment" is giving away a really cute gym bag. Stop by to enter, say hello and read her interesting Blog!

Click HERE to enter Brittany's fun giveaway. (Thanks Brittany)!

Rwandan Coffee Winner(s)

2009-09-02T01:03:00.012-04:00

Hey, birthdays are for splurging a little right? So, I decided to have two winners! You know that person who buys the gift way in advance and then can't stand to hold onto it very long and ends up giving it early anyway? Well, that would be me. =)

Congratulations to Amy Mayer and Reginald! I hope you guys enjoy this Rwandan specialty coffee as much as I do. Please send your address to me so I can get your bag of whole bean coffee out to you right away.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-09-02 04:33:16 UTC

amy mayer said...I love anything by James Patterson and a new fave called Christ the Lord by Anne Rice.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 5:40 PM

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-09-02 04:42:02 UTC

Reginald said...To Kill a Mockingbird and anything by the author Julian May.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 11:13 PM

Thanks everyone for your entries and fantastic book suggestions. I'm adding quite a few titles to my "need to read" list and I know I have Melissa's followers to thank for providing the phenomenal numbers for the contest. It is so much more fun to have over 50 for a giveaway as opposed to just 2 so I appreciate your stopping by and the kind well wishes.

The wonderful thing about ordering from this company (one of many) is that their coffee is not pre-roasted and sitting on the shelves. The green coffee beans are shipped from Rwanda to Roswell, Georgia then roasted to order and sent directly to you. My order usually arrives here in Central Florida within 2-3 days unless it is near the holidays when I know to order well ahead.

They have four main roasts: Medium, Blend, Dark and Espresso. I like the Blend for versatility. It's a mix of half Medium and half Dark and can be brewed to preference. I like stronger coffee than some of my friends so it's easy to go lighter for them. You can't go wrong with this exceptional coffee no matter what roast you buy. There is also a Hazelnut flavored option for non-purists.

I hope you consider trying some for yourself and maybe keep it in mind for gifts as the holidays roll around. If you are near the Atlanta area, they also have two retail coffeehouses for you to enjoy. Visit "Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee" for more information.

Okay, time for sleep (I'm not getting any younger you know)!
=)

9/9 UPDATE: As I've been unable to reach Reginald, I've chosen an alternate winner. Contrats to CarolPie! Please respond to the email I've sent you. =)

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 2:47 PM
carolpie said...
Julie and Julia.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

26
Timestamp: 2009-09-09 14:33:34 UTC

Perfectly Tender Pancakes

2009-08-31T11:54:00.029-04:00

You can find Potato starch at most health food stores and I was surprised to see it recently in the "Greenwise" aisle of our local Publix.

Personal pancake preferences can get pretty complicated: thick, thin, large, silver dollar, buttermilk, buckwheat, blueberry, chocolate chip...it goes on and on. But here in our house, light and tender pancakes rule (at least for Evan. I haven't had much luck creating a light gluten-free version yet). Happily, I recently came across the perfect recipe in "Gale Gand's Brunch!".

Tender Pancakes
(Gale Gand's Brunch)

2/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup Potato Starch
1 Tablespoon Sugar
3/8 Teaspoon Salt
1 & 1/2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
1 Large Egg
1 Cup Whole Milk
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
Unsalted Butter, for cooking
(I like to add 1 teaspoon of Vanilla or Almond extract)

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, potato starch, sugar, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with a fork and then mix in the milk and oil. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and combine with a wooden spoon, leaving plenty of lumps. Transfer the batter to a pitcher with a pour spout.

Heat a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat (you may want to turn it down to medium-low after you've cooked a few pancakes). Melt 1 teaspoon butter on it (add more butter, 1 teaspoon at a time, as you continue cooking and the griddle starts to get dry). Heat the butter until it foams. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the batter onto the griddle to make each pancake, leaving space in between for spreading. When the top of each pancake has stopped bubbling and no longer looks wet and the underside is lightly browned (about 3 minutes), flip the pancake and cook it on the other side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately, or keep warm on a plate in a 200-degree oven.

I make these at least twice a week for Evan's breakfast. Just halve the recipe to serve one person. I prefer making one large pancake since I'm lazy practical and don't have a griddle or large non-stick pan.

I hope you give them a try!

Another Beautiful Night Launch!

2009-08-29T09:08:00.038-04:00

(Photo courtesy of NASA)

YAY! They finally made it up and it was awesome to see a night launch so close to the Cape!

We braved the crowds and decided to try Space View Park which is about 15 miles from the launch pad, right across the Indian River. Since we weren't able to arrive until 10:30, the best spots at the water's edge were already taken but we found a fairly good place that was comfortable. We struck up a conversation with a very nice couple from New York whose son works at the Kennedy Space Center as a software engineer. He was just 3 miles from the launch pad and called to give them updates. The mom is a third grade school teacher and they were both very excited to see their first night launch.

Discovery was first supposed to launch early Tuesday morning around 1:26 am. As one of our first getaways together in more months than I can remember, Evan and I drove down to Jetty Park campground in Port Canaveral with a travel trailer Monday afternoon hoping to see it but the bad weather caused NASA to scrub that attempt. "No Worries", we thought, since we'd booked for two nights and the second attempt was slated for Wednesday morning around 1 am. But alas, at 8 pm just as I was about to load up on some much needed caffeine, we caught a radio report that the launch was scrubbed again due to a possible faulty fuel valve. We were a bit disappointed but grateful that the safety checks were working. I'm really glad that the Friday night launch was successful as it allowed a lot of kids to attend who otherwise may not have if it had been on a school night as originally planned.

Here are various links you might like:

Orlando Sentinel video and article

Video of Space Shuttle Discovery launch.

NASA's page with all sorts of shuttle, ISS and mission information (video links on the right hand side of their page).

(Chilling as we await the launch)

If you are ever in the Orlando area, shoot on over to the Kennedy Space Center. It's a short drive and a fun place. Be sure to see the IMAX films (get there 15 minutes before show time or you may not get in. We missed out on one because we didn't get there early enough). We did see the second film in 3-D about the International Space Station. It was very cool and gives you an idea of what living in space is like. We also liked the Shuttle Launch Experience but be WARNED!.......lots of shaking and jarring (although not side to side). Check out the tours as well. The park is not large compared to the Orlando attractions, obviously, but it's totally worth a visit. Our ticket was good for a second admission within six days (not the same day) so we did the tours one day and the rest on the next.

We couldn't believe how many other languages we heard being spoken by visitors - it was great!

Birthday Giveaway

2009-08-28T19:56:00.015-04:00

Hiya,

I've been thinking: as Tuesday is my birthday, I really feel like holding a small giveaway! The lucky winner will receive a bag of delicious Rwandan specialty coffee from "Land of a Thousand Hills". It's amazing coffee and the story behind it is as well.

You can learn more at www.RedeemingBean.com.

Times up! Since I'm awake, I'll announce the winner shortly. Thanks everyone for your comments (bunch of night owls aren't ya? LOL).

If you would like to enter, please post a comment by 6 pm EST September 1st and list a couple of your favorite books. I'll announce the winner that evening before 9pm. Hey folks, since my husband is taking me out for a movie tonight, I'm going to extend the deadline to midnight (EST) and announce the winner first thing Wednesday morning. I'm loving your book favs!

Evan and I are off to Titusville in a few hours to (hopefully) see the space shuttle Discovery launch around midnight tonight. It should be spectacular!

~Have a wonderful weekend~

Pay it Forward Present

2009-08-28T18:36:00.006-04:00

I want to send a heartfelt "Thank You!" to Kristen at Watcha Eatin'? for the package of goodies from Canada. I was one of her lucky winners for the "Pay it Forward Giveaway". What a fun collection of items: a cookbook of "Warm Desserts", Montreal seasoning (our favorite for steaks), Vanilla & Sugar crystals (smells heavenly), Smarties candies and the cute and ingenious mini, silicone baking cups!!! I can't wait to try the Chocolate Hazelnut Souffles, Deep Plum Pie, Chocolate Silk Fondue and the intriguingly named...Warm & Saucy Packages. All the recipes sound good to me and I'm going to have a lot of fun!

I'd like to travel to many places and Canada is at the top of my list. One day, I hope I make it to that beautiful country. Kristen included a pretty postcard of her city and that prompted me to Google it. Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, a port city at the mouth of the Saint John River. Strangely enough, my town is located near the St Johns River here in Florida (who knew)?!

It looks like a very interesting city with lots to do. I'd like to visit the museum, theater, many galleries and symphony. I also enjoyed reading the list of notable citizens which included Abraham Pineo Gesner, the inventor of kerosene, and actor Donald Sutherland among many others.

Thanks again, Kristen! I'll be sending good thoughts your way whenever I use one of your thoughtful gifts.

Au Gratin Potatoes w/ Fresh Herbs

2009-07-27T14:45:00.004-04:00

On a recent weekend I made our favorite Au Gratin Potatoes for a potluck celebrating our friend Tony's (way too short) R&R leave from serving in Afghanistan.

This is the recipe that tuned me into fresh Thyme in a BIG way a few years ago. Try not to use the dried if you can help it. It makes a huge difference in this particular recipe. Any hard Parmesan that you grate yourself will taste really good but if you can afford to, please splurge a little on a Parmigiano Reggiano, you won't regret it. And, as usual, I always add more garlic and Thyme than the recipe calls for.

Potato Gratin

Serves 6

2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and sliced paper thin
2 cups heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, split
3 Tblsp chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Leaves from 4 fresh thyme sprigs
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl combine all the ingredients, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Put potato mixture into a casserole dish or 13x9 pan, flatten it out with a spatula, and bake for 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the gratin is bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives.

From: “Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen”

Fresh Herbs

2009-07-20T20:28:00.004-04:00

Earlier this Spring, my guy built a large herb bed for me to plant (the pic below only shows half of it). This is the first year I've grown more than a couple of windowsill pots and it has been a real treat going out to cut fresh herbs when cooking a meal. I feel a bit like a bona fide chef traipsing out to the 'ol herb bed with my kitchen shears and basket. It's so restful to look out my kitchen window as I'm doing dishes and see them thriving. (See, Sharon? I really can grow something, LOL)!

I love braising, it's become our favorite way to prepare meats that are unbelievably flavorful and fork tender. For a time, it was breaking the bank to purchase fresh herbs for the bouquet garni so I'm pleased we planted so many types this year: Basil, Oregano, Marjoram, Thyme, Mint, Parlsey, Chives, Rosemary and Sage. I wish I could have located some Tarragon but no luck yet. Oh, and I've got my sights set on fresh Dill since I've found an easy refrigerator dill pickle recipe. Food Blogs! Oh, how I love all those big-hearted authors who write them and are willing to share their wonderful recipes with the rest of the world! *Shhhhh, in case you didn't know, here in the South there are a lot of fabulous cooks and many, many of them guard their recipes like they were the Crown Jewels!* I'd bet that you know a secretive cook or two like that yourself.

BTW, aren't those ceramic sign thingies cute? Coming soon.....a very tasty Au Gratin Potato recipe with fresh herbs!

Birthday Cookies

2009-07-11T18:00:00.037-04:00

Today my kitchen smells fabulous and I've had a blast baking up three new cookie recipes for our family get together tomorrow afternoon. Some went into birthday gift bags for three of my BILs and one was for everyone to share.

I made the out of this world "Homemade Oreos" from Deb at Smitten Kitchen. Make these NOW (trust me) they were unbelievable and totally worth the extra effort. Thank you Deb for sharing!

**There is even a Gluten Free version of this recipe at Hey, that tastes good!

The other gift bag cookie, pictured above with the Oreos, was "Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip" from one of my favorite cookie queens, Maria, at Two Peas and Their Pod. If you love cookies, you need to visit this site for new twists and old favorites!

To share with everyone, I made "Coconut Chocolate Chunk Blondies" from Brown Eyed Baker. They received rave reviews from all, including the die hard chocoholics. Although you can use chocolate chips, I'd recommend the chunks. I made mine with both dark and semi-sweet chunks.

All three cookies were heartily approved!

Thanks to my SIL, Krista, for graciously hosting the fam and MIL, Carol, for coordinating. It was a fun day!

Here are the five brothers (I think the one on the far left is pretty amazing).

Okay.....did they arrange themselves like this on purpose? The two oldest on the ends followed by the next in age and then the youngest smack dab in the center!

Giveaway Winners

2009-07-06T07:35:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Angela & Melissa!

As the only two entrants in my very first giveaway and since you are both dear friends - it felt right to choose both of you to win. So now, go forth and "Pay it Forward" my friends, LOL! You will receive your prizes by the end of this month.

Happy Monday morning to you!!

=)

Backpacker Snacker

2009-07-03T17:10:00.011-04:00

So part of the reason I've been MIA from Blogland recently is that there was a flurry of preparation prior to Evan's recent 10 day Oregon hiking trip.

It's always crazy around here before he goes out of town (and while he's gone as well since there is still a business to run). Thankfully, my brother-in-law, Dani, runs the tree crews and does the general managing/troubleshooting plus the occasional climbing along with estimates while I take over the financial and office work. After our "Murphy's Law" experience during the first week this time around, I think he and I both agree that Evan can never take another 10 day trip out of cell phone range again. Not a 7 day either.......a 4 day max limit sounds about right.

My husband is of the "Ultralight" backpacking school of thought, affectionately known as "Gram Weenies", and has the lightest weight gear he can find. It's puzzling to me the lengths to which he goes in order to shave weight. I mean the guy is super strong and athletic. It's not like he's me - for certain I'd need the lightest gear on the planet and then he would probably still need to carry it for me at least part of the time. Hey, maybe he's planning ahead? I'm pretty sure chances are on the slim side that I will lose my mind and take a 10 day backpacking trip anytime soon. I'm really partial to bathroom facilities and beds. Okay if I had to I could skip the bed but not the toilet/running water situation. Hygiene, that's how I roll.

Anyway, no camping stove or pots and pans for my man. He's the "Backpacking Snacking King of the Trail" preferring jerky, dried fruit, granola bars, nuts and chocolate (we're talking lots and lots of chocolate folks) to keep fueled up. It's kind of cute how he starts two weeks out making up little food packets in small ziptop bags and lining them all up according to food type.

I made some Teriyaki Jerky, dried Pineapple and Apple Fruit Leather along with some cookies and bars to eat on the flight out. Dehydrating is time consuming but I like doing it for him and it sure saves some cash, especially on the jerky.

The jerky and pineapple got great reviews but the fruit leather - not so much. Apparently, the taste was good but he didn't care for it's consistency. Apple rings are easier to make so I'm happy.

I'm hoping for at least one photo from the hike but since "Mr Ultralight" didn't take his cell phone, much less a camera, I'll have to hope one of his two buddies snapped one.

It's good to be flexible when dealing with nature on an adventure and despite some snow on the trail issues he had a good trip. I'm just thankful he's home and that he didn't get injured or eaten by wildlife!

Pay it Forward Giveaway

2009-07-02T10:24:00.005-04:00

I recently won Kristen's "Pay it Forward" giveaway at Whatcha' Eatin?

Wow, I usually don't win contests so this is pretty exciting! Can't wait to see what nifty item comes my way, lol! Thanks so much, Kristen!!

What is Pay it Forward? There are so many lovely giveaways in blogland, bloggers eagerly commenting and abuzz with the excitement of winning an unexpected gift, but that’s it. Someone wins, and then the generosity comes to a screeching halt and we go on with our lives. Nice, but lacking in momentum. This giveaway is a little different, however, because the “receivers” are also to become “givers”, if you will. In fact, that’s the most important rule of the game...

The rules:
I will choose two winners over the next few months. Since my blog is new and I only have a handful of followers, I'm going to do two separate drawings (to spread out the fun). For each contest that I post, I will select one winner from those who leave a comment and send them a gift within the next 365 days. I am willing to mail anywhere in the world, so don’t let that stop you from commenting. The catch is that you must have a blog and be willing to do the same thing for two more people. To enter the first contest, leave a comment on this post, no later than Sunday, July 5th 2009 by midnight, Eastern time. I will announce the winners on Monday, July 6th.

This is so much fun! Good Luck Ya'll!

Cinnamon Roll Cake

2009-07-01T23:55:00.008-04:00

It's been way too long since my last post and to make up for it I've got a scrumptious cake for you to try! I adapted this recipe from one posted by Abby Sweets which uses a convenient box mix. I didn't have any on hand so I made mine from scratch. I like the taste of homemade the best and I guess I'm kind of frugal when it comes to convenience foods. They usually cost a lot more than quality ingredients to cook from scratch and I seem to recall recently getting somewhat ticked off that a box of cake mix cost more than $2. That's probably why my pantry was bare of that particular item. Anyhow, either way you choose to make it, this cake will be a hit with your crew.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

2 cups All Purpose Flour, sifted
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
¾ teaspoon Salt
1 ½ cups Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
¼ cup Water
4 Eggs
¾ cup Oil
1 cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt

Mix well and pour in 13 x 9 greased baking pan.

Swirl Mixture:
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Cinnamon
Mix and sprinkle over cake batter, then swirl into batter with a knife.

Bake @ 325 for 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Let cake cool 10 – 15 minutes before icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Beat softened cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract together until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, beating well until frosting is smooth. Spread over warm (not hot) cake. Store cooled cake in refrigerator.

Sadly, my point & shoot didn't capture the greatest image - even with a lot of photo editing it just doesn't show how moist, tender and full of cinnamon, cream cheese deliciousness it is. Serve it warm to get the fullest flavor and maximum gooey goodness!

Yum!

PS Hey Growth Group gals, this is the most recent cake I brought to Angela's for the Friday night group.

Green Onions

The End of a Search, The Beginning of a Journey

Keller Christmas

Skywatch Friday

A Barrier Island Down South

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is Here

Summer Fun

Novica Giveaway Winner

Novica: Fair Trade

Skywatch Friday

A funny thing happened on the way to the post office

Sunny, Sunny, Sunny

How about ye?

Skywatch Friday

Fruit of His Labors

Skywatch Friday

Two Fun Giveaways

Pink Feathers?

Wordless Wednesday: Iris from the Garden

Love Tea? Enter the Giveaway!

March Beach Getaway

Last day to enter!

What a Guy!

Hot House and Roses

Aaaarrgggh, the Agony!

Wordless Wednesday: Hawaii

The Winner Is........

Hilariously Hot

Scottish history discussion anyone?

Green Enchiladas

Book Review: The Gospel According to Lost

Wordless Wednesday: Kauai

Where are you from?

1 Year Anniversary

Win Prizes and Help Bring Khloe Home

My Favorite Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Visit Cherry on a Cake

Happy Monday

Sunday Joy

Weekend Rest

What Helps You Get Through?

Beautiful Scottish Blog

Anatomy of a Blog

Wordless Wednesday

Scentsational Giveaway

Spicy Sausage and Potato Soup

Melancholy

Friends Hurting in Haiti

Scottish Castle & Gardens

Thinking Warm Thoughts

Apron Giveaway

Chance of Snow Flurries and Sleet?!?

Friendship Cake

Tagged!

Ginger Pumpkin Bread

Changes

Birthday Songs, Cookies and.......Nudists?

Orange Cranberry Scones

Flowers & Friends

Alternate Coffee Winner

Princess Lilli

PW's (Insanely good) Onion & Blue Cheese Sauce

Gym Bag Giveaway

Rwandan Coffee Winner(s)

amy mayer said...I love anything by James Patterson and a new fave called Christ the Lord by Anne Rice.SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 5:40 PM

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Perfectly Tender Pancakes

Another Beautiful Night Launch!

Birthday Giveaway

Pay it Forward Present

Au Gratin Potatoes w/ Fresh Herbs

Fresh Herbs

Birthday Cookies

Giveaway Winners

Backpacker Snacker

Pay it Forward Giveaway

Cinnamon Roll Cake

amy mayer said...I love anything by James Patterson and a new fave called Christ the Lord by Anne Rice.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 5:40 PM