Homemade Pizza

. . . right down to the pizza dough.

(Updated 7/22/13 CHECK OUT BOBOLI COPYCAT RECIPE, WHICH IS EVEN EASIER TO WORK WITH!)

Bobby Flay's Pizza Dough

3-1/2 to 4 c. bread flour, plus more for rolling
  (Using bread flour will give you a crispier crust; I've also used all-purpose flour, which gives a chewier crust. Either is fine.)
1 t. sugar
1 envelope instant dry yeast
2 t. kosher salt
1-1/2 c. water, about 110F
2 T. olive oil, plus 2 t.

Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.  Add water and 2 T. of the oil. Beat until the dough forms into a ball.  If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 T. at a time, until the dough comes together into a solid ball.  If the dough is dry, add additional water, 1 T. at a time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.

Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 t. of oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and put it in a warm area to let it double in size, about an hour.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two equal pieces.  Cover each with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rest for 10 mins. before rolling out.

I've been able to get one into a 9x13 pan, and the other into somewhat of a circle.  Sprinkle corn meal onto pan before putting dough on.  Place preferred toppings over dough.  Bake at 350-400 until done, or you can use a pizza stone and bake at a very high temp.

Original recipe, with directions for a bread dough mixer, can be found here.

Holes in my walls

For some time, we've been planning on putting up a tile backsplash in our kitchen. I think we bought the tiles last summer. Robert's been cutting holes in the walls to both replace and add to the existing outlets. It's been slow going though.

Book Review

Shaking the Nickel Bush,
The Dry Divide, and
Horse of a Different Color by Ralph Moody

These three books complete the autobiographical series that I began last year.  Ralph travels the southwest with his new friend Lonnie, and the two try to make a living doing various odd jobs.

I don't think this period was a pleasant time in Ralph's life.  Shaking the Nickel Bush began dragging on, and by this point, the books are no longer happy family reading.  There's nothing objectionable, but neither is there the warmth and values described in the earlier books.  I had to force myself to continue reading. However, I'm glad I did. 

The Dry Divide finds Ralph penniless in McCook, Nebraska, as Ralph unsuccessfully attempts to return to Littleton.  Ralph easily finds work as a farmhand, and with sharp ability to find money-making opportunities, Ralph quickly is in business again for himself.  The line blurs between this and Horse of a Different Color, and although the figures and details get a bit tedious at times, this is a happy story of hard work, entrepreneurship, and friends coming together.

Most of the ends are happily tied up at the conclusion, although I would have loved to have read more of Ralph's life with a wife and children.  Overall, a very good series, excepting the lag mid-way through.

My precious!

She jumped right up and cuddled against me when I came home from Pennsylvania last month.

Sweetest faced baby!

I'm so glad we have this little dog.

Fair time!

Health Fair time, anyway.  I think it's been two years since I've taken advantage of the county's health fair that is free for employees.  I've blogged my results in the past just to keep a record can only find this one).  This year was a little different, held in a different--and nicer--location, but without the festive and slightly chaotic atmosphere of years past.  My scores are first, with recommended scores following in parentheses.

Total cholesterol: 189 (< 200)
HDL: 56 (60 is optimal, but 50-60 is fine)
Triglycerides: 84 (< 150)
LDL: 116 (< 100; 100-129 is near optimal)
TC/HDL ratio: 3.4 (< 4.0)

Glucose (fasting): 88 (< 100) YAY

Blood pressure: 110/72 (thank you, lisinopril)

BMI: 24 (20-24 is normal) (I think they divided erroneously in my favor)

And surprisingly my entire family, I passed my hearing screening with flying colors.

I'd not eaten that morning (fasting for blood draw), and the snacks they had were running out and not so great--interesting choices for a health fair:  Yoplait yogurt, white bagels (no toaster), one tub of cream cheese that was empty, several unopened jelly packets, apple slices floating in water(? to prevent browning), and empty juice bottles.

At that point, I figured I'd passed, so I might as well make it worthwhile.

On my way back to work, I stopped at Dairy Queen and got a bacon and egg wrap and sweet tea.

P.S. Thanks to my mom for some amazingly healthy genes!

Time to Vote in Virginia

After serving in the Virginia House for 51 years, Lacey Putney, the delegate who represents our area, is (cough, finally, cough) stepping down. 

Robert and I voted for the next Republican candidate via a Firehouse Primary.

It was really so much fun!  There was only one place to vote in the whole county, and it was the high school that is just a mile away.  The parking lot was full of happy people, chatting, sitting out in lawn chairs, people passing around various petitions, asking newcomers to vote for their candidate.

It was just as festive inside, and Robert and I recognized a few local politicians, including Roanoke Delegate Greg Habeeb.  It was much like a big cocktail party, sans the drinks.

Mostly older people.

All happy people.


As we were leaving, I was approached by a young man, who asked, "Are you Mrs. McGowan, Trevor's mom?" I've been asked this more times than I can count.  It never fails to surprise me just how many people my kid knows--and how many people know my kid. 

A super fun time, even though our candidate of choice did not win.

Missing Socks

They wait patiently in a drawer waiting for the day they are reunited with their sole mate.

Soccer haiku by Trevor

The field is a lake 
Rain is pouring from the sky 
Today is Tuesday

Spring soccer

Soccer season is limping along. I say that because it's been such a slow, cold and rainy spring, and two out of the first three games were rained out.

Our illustrious coaching staff, Mike, Tim, Robert

The remainder of the season has been a blur of practice times replaced with makeup games, and regular games, as we must stay on schedule and finish up by a certain date.  The team's doing pretty well in the standings, which always makes for a decent season.

I just noticed this photo.  I wonder why my two kids are standing off to the side?  Maybe they've heard all of Robert's strategies beforehand.  At least one of them seems to be paying attention . . .

In all seriousness though, it's a bittersweet season.  Four of our kids are graduating. After Holly's bone bruise injury last year, I'm holding my breath for her to be safe for the remaining games.

. . . time flies . . .

Trevor

Trevor has become a powerhouse on our defense. So conveniently, we are minutes away from a field. He's been studying videos to perfect his kicking, and when he asked me to take him out today, how could I refuse?  

And 15 minutes after we got home, Robert came in from the burn pile out back and asked if Trevor wanted to go.  Haha!  So they did.

(Notice that gray, damp May weather we're having.)

Lost photos

While I was visiting in Pennsylvania, my aunts and uncle had saved a box of photos for me from my aunt who passed away three years ago.  I need to send Lori half.  These are just a very small sampling of pictures that I don't ever remember seeing before.

Grandma, Grandpa,

Lori, Kristine

1972, Bethelehem, PA

Lori, Kristine

10/1969, San Jose, CA

Grandpa, Lori, Grandma

1972, Bethlehem, PA

Such a precious treasure!!

Book reviews

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown by Eric Blehm

Amazing story, amazing book.  I began crying on the first page.

Yes, Adam's story is heartwarming:  a country boy who loses his way, gets addicted to drugs, climbs out, and is given preferential treatment when enlisting in the Marines.  Adam pushes himself to become the upper one percent of the Marines and succeeding--despite losing both the sight in his right eye, and severing the fingers of his dominant right hand.

"Fearless" aptly describes not only Adam but the others who push themselves to extreme limits in their desire to give all for our country.

Trevor is now reading the book. Unforgettable, and even now, I get chills thinking about it.  God bless Adam's family for their ultimate sacrifice, and praise God for His promises, knowing that this life is short and the joy they have in knowing they will spend eternity with Adam.

Pennsylvania visit, part 3

Poor Aunt Barb came down with a horrible sore throat during my trip. She stayed home on Sunday morning, and Uncle Joe and Kathy and Tommy took me to breakfast. It was a darling restaurant.

We'd already driven past Tommy's school, Moravian College, which is one of the oldest schools in the country.  They also took me up to the top of the hill where Lehigh University sits.

Up the hill, back and forth, back and forth, climbing, climbing, climbing.  Stop for fresh air and the view at the top.

Drive back down the backside, which wasn't too bad, then on a curvy, narrow, practically-one-lane-road from 100 years ago, then back into Southside, up this street, down this street, "Here's Railroad Street, where grandma lived when she was little."

Because I'm just the life of the party, I finally had to gasp out that I was starting to feel a little carsick.

(I really need to replace those wonderful Sea Bands that I donated at the last minute two years ago to Holly's missions trip leader.)

We stopped, thankfully, at a pretty greenbelt area where the Lehigh River, Lehigh Canal, and Monocacy Creek all converge.

We walked for a while, while I regained my stomach before heading back to Joe's house where I was able to visit with Uncle Joe and Sister Loretta for the rest of the day.  It really was quite lovely!

Biology

Trevor's biology class has gone so well this semester.  The class was unplanned, a last minute opportunity that began mid-semester.  Originally, the details were sketchy.  A former Liberty biology professor would lead a biology class for homeschoolers if there was enough interest.  He had no schedule, no plan, just a BJU book that was suggested to him as a spine.  As the prof suggested parents attend the first class with their students to give it a try, Trevor and I went, even though we were not expecting it to work out for us. 

Within ten minutes, we had both changed our minds.

Dr. Abraham's testimony, brilliance, and passion for his subject hooked us instantly.  The class has not been structured; it's a small class, with the prof unfamiliar with the ways of homeschoolers (and he's had my sympathy, lol), and for most of the class of five, the first time in an outside learning environment.  Rabbit trails are numerous.  But he holds the students to very high standards--the content is deep, in line with what he's been teaching at a local community college.

Trevor's loved almost every minute of it.  What a blessing it's been to us this year, as Roanoke lost its long time, favorite science teacher a few years ago. This class, taught by this way, by this Godly man, has been a perfect fit for Trevor.

Break time for the class.  

I failed miserably at my attempt to stealthily 

snap a picture with my phone, lol.

Pennsylvania visit, part 2

On Saturday, we went up into the Poconos to celebrate Aggie Bucko's 80th birthday. Aggie's husband Joe was my dad's cousin.

We all donned party hats, along with Tommy and Kathy

Lori and I have fond memories of Joe and Aggie's daughters, our "famous" cousins, The Bucko Sisters.  We spent six weeks that summer with my grandparents.  We saw the girls perform at Dorney Park (nothing like what it is now, believe me), and we spent a day at their house.  They were a few years older than us, and when we went home, we treasured our own copy of their 45 record, Tie a Yellow Ribbon.  We listened to it, sang with it, and in general just idolized those girls.

Anyway.  Joe passed away last year.  I haven't seen the Buckos since that summer of 1974. I was thrilled to go back to help surprise Aggie for her 80th birthday.

It was a cold day, and there must have been 30 or so people there, waiting in the house, for Aggie to return home with her daughter.  We visited, with people I only vaguely remembered, or had never met before.

Sue Bucko (now Jones) and Aunt Barb

Aggie was totally surprised. She is the sweetest, most gentle lady.  Lori had told me this, but I didn't remember.  There was tons of food and we ate and ate.

Aggie blowing out not-quite 80 candles

Happy Birthday to a lovely lady.  What a pleasure to be able to share this celebration with you.  I was the one who was truly blessed.

Cake, anyone?

April Showers

bring double rainbows.

Pennsylvania visit, part 1

A few days after Easter, I drove to Pennsylvania by myself.  It was a different trip, not only because of the drive, but because it was my uncle had passed away just a few weeks before.  Although he's my uncle by marriage, I don't remember a time when he wasn't there.

The drive up went well.  It was nice, not too cold, just a bit gray.  I got there in the late afternoon, and my Aunt Barb and I went off to the amazing Farmers' Market (a name which brings to mind fruit stalls, but this is so far above and beyond that, more like the best gourmet grocery store ever).  While there, Trevor texted me a picture of what was going on at home.

For whatever reason, the picture turned out weird with all of the forwardings, but we had several inches of snow that began shortly after I left. 

All I can say is, perfect timing, and I was glad it was them and not me.

Easter (catch up!)

Spring still waiting for winter to be over.  Easter was very cool.  We went to church out in Bedford.  This is the first time both kids have gone, and they both have commented, several times, that they really liked it.

Dinner:  Ribs, homemade bread, deviled eggs, and asparagus with Trevor making his now-famous hollandaise sauce.

I made a different cake for Easter--still carrot, but with a basket decoration.  It was super easy, and I think the kids liked it.  I was pretty happy that I was able to make this look so good!

So spring begins and, with it, soccer

It snowed last weekend and stayed cold, cold enough that the snow had not even melted by Tuesday.  Our first soccer practice on the field was cancelled.  Robert instead took advantage of the opportunity to meet with (most of) the team.  We brought lots of pizzas.

Trevor's CAP meetings are held in this room, and with just our soccer team, it seemed very large. And quiet.  These kids do not talk.

Robert: What do we need to work on this season?

Team, in unison:  Communication and passing!

And then there's dead silence.  We have the quietest team in the league.  We also have the oldest--four of our twelve are graduating in a few months, and I'm pretty sure we also have the tallest team. 

Very nice to hear were the words this morning of the league director at the sideline judge informational meeting. (Players have the opportunity to sideline judge during the season and get paid for it.)  No need to reiterate it here, but I want to make a permanent note of it.

Book Reviews

It's been awhile since I've read a string of good books. I guess I shouldn't be surprised how quickly I'm going through them.

The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande

The author relates her childhood in Mexico following her father's departure to the United States.  Her mother follows shortly after, leaving Reyna and her siblings to be raised by an unkind grandmother. Her mother returns with another child after her husband abandons her.  The father eventually comes back for (most of) his children, smuggling them into the U.S., where they begin public middle and high school. The story continues as the author is the first in her family to graduate high school, and she is accepted into UC Santa Cruz.

This was a well-written book involving the personal side of illegal immigrants. It'd be a great read for teens too.

The Duck Commander Family: How Family, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty by Willie and Korie Robertson

Well, the Robertsons sure have become a household name over this past year.  After hearing so much about Duck Dynasty from friends, we watched an episode.  Trevor's priceless comment: "We've already lived this.  We could set up a camera in Callaway and see the same thing."  True, true.

Back to the book.  A nice, easy read, no literary masterpiece but just like having Willie and Korie on tv, except you're reading their words as they describe earlier parts of their life together, their family, and how the Duck Dynasty came to be. Also included are various recipes for your reading entertainment, such as Boiled Squirrel, Willie Burgers, and Duck Wraps.

Mary Emma & Company by Ralph Moody

We've tried for five years to get the entire Ralph Moody series in our library, and with the recent reprinting, we are finally successful!  I've read a handful of his books before, detailing his younger years growing up around and in Littleton.  This book takes place as the family leaves Colorado, with Ralph's widowed mother taking the children to her childhood town outside of Boston.

I love this series and can't wait to continue reading them all.

More flashback

I saw these somewhere and made them for lunch the other day. Holly and Trevor reminisced about the pigs in a blanket they used to love to eat, which made us think of Holly's bff Mackenzie--who loved coming over for pigs in a blanket.

I texted the picture to Mackenzie, who wrote back, "Aw, that just made my whole day! I miss you all so much!"  Well, her sweet words made MY day, and I didn't even comment that she was in the middle of school and shouldn't be texting at all!

Orange Conversation Day

For better or worse, yesterday will go down in the history of our home as Orange Conversation Day. 

1) They do not come precut. God, however, already cut them for you inside.

2) You peel them, but you don't have to.

3) If you don't peel them, you just cut them through the middle, and they are ready to eat.

It was all terribly confusing (to both of us), it was like we were speaking two different languages and did not understand each other.

I considered calling it Holes in Fruit Education Day, but it didn't have such an encouraging ring to it, and I've apparently failed enough already.

**Note to anyone reading.  Don't ask. I won't tell anyway.

Flashback

Trevor's been taking algebra this year through on online class. It's worked out very, very well for both of us, and we are both looking forward to him doing geometry the same way next year. He got stuck on something tonight and couldn't access the teacher's lesson, so he asked Robert for help with his homework.

When I met Rob 22+ years ago, I have plenty of memories of him working on his college math homework, sitting at his kitchen table with his dad working through it with him.

Time flies.

This weekend

Saturday sunrise. Mid 50s. I worked.

Sunday. Rob and I went to a church in Bedford.  We've been to the local satellite church here a few times and wanted to see the main campus. (I guess that's kind of a pun, since it's at a local high school.)  Rain and icy rain on the way there, and when we came out, it looked like this.

No worries on the long drive home.  A nice spring snow, heavy, wet. Home for the afternoon, where it's warm and dry, and we can watch the snow from the window.

Mom brag

This is Holly's second semester taking Chinese via dual enrollment from Northern Virginia Community College.  (The class is online, offered through our local CC.)  Her final grade in her Chinese I class was an A.  She just received back her midterm in her Chinese II course--and received another A.

 I'm very proud of her!

Past few days

A very good week. Holly's sociology class was canceled. She and I dragged Trevor along to Walmart to pick up her new glasses. We made a rare trip to Dairy Queen. We all ordered the exact same thing, a cherry Mr. Misty float. They don't even have Mr. Misty floats on the menu anymore (and they don't call the drink a Mr. Misty anymore, but I can never remember the --no longer--new name), but most stores will happily make the drink.

Trevor's Tuesday biology class was postponed to later in the week.  I joked that, if I had cancelled school as much as these teachers do, we never would have done anything!

Holly received her orientation information for Mason. Exciting!  (And nerve wracking!)

It's been in the upper 70s this week, it's rained, and we've had a high of 32.  It's the first week of spring, and with soccer beginning next week, it had better warm up soon.

One more pic

Here's one more really nice picture from when my dad and Sherry visited. This was on his camera, so I missed it during the earlier post.

On Mill Mountain overlook

Work

Especially now that I no longer live or shop where I work, it's too easy to forget the impact we have on the little kids that come through our library week after week.  Last week, a little 2-1/2 year old boy approached, held out these flowers, and lisped, "Dees are fuh you."

The angle of the photo is deceiving.  It's a miniature vase, and the whole thing, from the bottom of the vase to the top of the buds, is just 4-1/2 inches high.

Precious.  Priceless.

St. Patrick's Day

After sleeping through dinner last night, and then going to bed early last night, this was the product of my early morning.

A very lazy St. Patrick's Day. Rainy, gray, cold.  Happy to stay inside and never leave my pajamas.  A big dinner of corned beef, carrots, potatoes, and (root) beer.  Sweet memories of this day when the kids were little. Robert and I would sprinkle their beds with gold glitter, leave gold coin candy bedside, and we'd drop green food coloring in the toilet water and milk.. (Yes, an interesting combination, I suppose!)

Lucky

Holly took this picture of Lucky.  He was laying on his giant pillow, which is against the computer cabinet, and apparently he didn't mind that it was smooshing into part of his head. He didn't even move when she got close to take the picture.

Our sweet goofy dog.

National Pi Day

My friend Judy's husband has been working out of state since the beginning of the year. That means he comes home every other weekend or so. We've made it a point to have Judy and Kurt (Trevor's best friend for many years) over for dinner on Thursday nights. We've all been really good about making this routine. I like it; things are much more low key since it's just the two of them. I just make more of whatever we would otherwise have for dinner, and I don't feel guilty for doing the dishes while she sits at my table doing her knitting.

She's a lovely dessert-baker and has been in the habit of bringing dessert. Tonight, we had Pioneer Woman's Potato Soup. In honor of National Pi Day, Judy brought Lime Meringue Pie.

She brought a square pie--because Pi R Squared, don't you know?!

Spring Snow

As expected, we woke to a nice bit of snow on the ground this morning.

It was deep and wet enough that I opted to not make my way through it to get into work today, but my dad and Sherry figured they were right off the highway and heading south, where they'd be out of the wintery weather within a few hours.

A good day to stay inside, pretend to catch up and really do not much of anything. Maybe that's not entirely true.  I'm slowly continuing to catch up on photos and blogging.  Trevor gave the dog a bath. There ya go!

Dad and Sherry's visit

My dad and Sherry stopped by on their way back from Uncle Al's memorial service. It's been 3-1/2 years since we've seen them. They came in on Monday afternoon, and we stayed at the house. I made homemade minestrone soup, a salad and Panera bread. There is no real room for guests at all, and they stayed in a nearby hotel. On Tuesday morning, we went to Gander Mountain to look at guns. They had a huge selection (although overpriced!). We went back home to get the kids and headed to a farm trip: We'd made arrangements to visit the Schroeders' so Sherry could see the alpacas.

It had been drizzly and cold all morning but the rain held off for us.

Trevor took off with Kurt.

My dad and Robert were out for a few minutes but retreated back to the car.

Judy gave a wonderful tour and was full of all kinds of information and alpaca trivia. We went to see different animals and Sherry and Trevor hand fed a baby or two.

Robert and the kids headed back home.  I was going to take Dad and Sherry on a nickel tour of Roanoke via the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it was closed due to the impending storm!  Instead, the got the penny tour right through an unattractive part of town on our way to Mill Mountain and the lookout.  Cold, cold, and we were the only ones there, but I was able to get this--a view that I love, no matter who's taking the picture!

We went back home, warmed up by the fire, and ate Marlboro Man sandwiches for dinner.  Knowing we'd get some snow overnight, I wasn't prepared for them to have plans to leave in the morning. We took a few last minute pictures--and you can tell they are last minute, because Robert isn't in any of them, and I'm not sure about Sherry.  But this was a lovely photo, really, really nice of every single one of us, and even nicer that we are all together.

And for whatever reason, my darling dog wedged herself beneath the chair in the next room.  How can I help but try to take pictures of that adorable face?

Dad and Sherry went back to their hotel, while Holly, Trevor and I settled in for a night of American Idol, and several hours of an old Amazing Race series, thanks to huluplus.

Sunday conversation with Trevor

In anticipation of my dad and Sherry's visit tomorrow:

Trevor: Does this mean I'll be taller than Grandpa?

Kristine: I don't know. How tall are you?

Trevor: Taller than Dad.

Kristine: Well, at his tallest, Grandpa was 6 feet.  He's 75, he might have shrunk since then.

Trevor: Grandpa is SEVENTY FIVE??? .................YOUR DAD??? ..................... SEVENTY FIVE????

Kristine: Yes!

Trevor:  You can't be serious!  He's really SEVENTY FIVE?  NO WAY!!!!!!!!   ...................... Wait. WAIT!! You're not typing this to anyone, are you?

Book Reviews

This has been in draft mode for at least six months. I guess I haven't been reading much non-fiction. Some of these books were really, really good, perhaps an indication that I'm being a bit pickier about my sources for suggestions.


 The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures by Anne Fadiman

Fascinating story of a young Hmong girl who immigrant parents seek treatment for her epileptic seizures. Her parents don't understand the treatment (or really believe it is necessary); the doctors grow increasingly frustrated with the parents' seeming refusal to help their child.

This was a fascinating read of the clash of two cultures. This was a "new" book, and I was disappointed to find that it occurred in the 1970s. A quick search, however, revealed that the girl in the book, Lia, passed away last year--surely cause for the book to be reprinted. A very good, unforgettable, tragic read.

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife by Eben Alexander, M.D. 

Retelling of a doctor's experience with near death in which he travels to what he believes was heaven, and his attempts to reconcile his scientific knowledge with his new-found spiritual beliefs. It was an okay book. He's a scientist and a doctor, and he writes like one, with not a lot of emotion or passion. He may have visited a spirit world, but it was not the spirit of God.  For the most part, I find these types of stories mildly interesting-and I am more intrigued by the differences in each, rather than the similarities. This was creepy and unconvincing.

Hidden America: From Coal Miners to Cowboys . . . by Jeanne Marie Laskas

I immediately recognized the name of the author as a columnist from Reader's Digest, which I haven't read in several years.   Writing in the same contemporary culture vein, this book was a brief journey into the occupations of people who work behind the scenes in this country--air traffic controllers, migrant laborers, beef ranchers, and more. Interesting peek into their own lives. Not a great book but short stories mildly intriguing enough to finish.

The Astronaut Wives Club: A True Story by Lily Koppel

True story.  Gossipy, behind the scenes look at the wives of the Mercury Seven astronauts. It brought up memories of the wonderful movie "The Right Stuff," but it was very difficult to keep track of the different wives, remembering who was whom, who was married to whom, etc.


Death at Sea World: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity by David Kirby

This is the best, well-researched, easy to follow, book I've ever read. The author presents chronological research regarding orcas in captivity, paralleling 30 years of the life of marine biologist Naomi Rose from grad researcher to spokesman for the International Humane Society.  At first glance, the books seems the perfect platform for treehuggers--and it may well be, but I was quickly drawn into the story and convinced by the research presented.

I also liked that I was familiar with some of the areas mentioned, from Santa Cruz State University to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.  And Dr. Rose is married to a biology professor at GMU.  It would be such an opportunity for Holly to take a class from him, but I'm not sure that's in her future studies!

An information, extremely well written (and researched!) book--I highly recommend.


Unremarried Widow by Artis Henderson

A personal memoir written by a newlywed whose Army pilot husband was sent to Iraq and killed in an Apache helicopter crash.  She writes of her grief in a detailed but mostly unemotional way as she struggles with finding her new place and redirecting her life. It was very sad to read and I found myself crying several times.

I'm struck that we now have an entire generation of men and women, along with their families, who have been an active part of our war in the middle east.  They seem to be mostly unseen, existing in a subculture which most of us know nothing about. Food for thought . . .

Hair of the Dog

Kota is shedding. She looks like a giant puff ball, and I don't even want to be near her. To top it off, she does not appreciate my attempts to brush her. She was brushed out yesterday. This is what I was able to get tonight, but I didn't even try very hard.

Book reviews

I'm shocked to see that I haven't done book reviews in over six months.  I don't think I've been reading much, so here goes:

An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller

Fluff fiction; no need to review.


Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching Off My Parents by Zac Bissonnette


Published in 2010, this book might be significantly improved if public college tuition indeed were $3,000 - $6,600 as the author used as examples throughout the book.  It would also be improved if the author didn't outright lie and make entirely outrageous claims.  But then I suppose he wouldn't have anything worthwhile to say, and the book would never have been written. . .

---------------------------------------

Apparently, I've been reading a lot of books on my phone via my (free!) Kindle app.  Which is pretty much why I read them on my phone.  I don't have a Kindle, and yet the app was free. Also free are most of the books I've read on it. It's a little odd taking my phone to bed, but it's nice that it makes its own light, and it's easy to hold(!).


The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door by Jay Pathak

Meh. A great idea but nothing memorable.  

Glimpses by Renita Terrell

Hey!  Renita is a friend of mine, and this is a nice effort for her first published book!  Fun read!
 
Planning High School Courses by Lee Binz

Lee, also known as The Homescholar, is another friend and mentor.  I picked this up, thinking it might be helpful as I think of different options for Trevor. It's always good to have a plan for the next few years in my head, although I think this may be more helpful for those who haven't gone the high school route yet.

Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk

The first in an eight-book series, this could very easily be considered Young Adult fiction. But as the series progresses, the characters age.  So far, I really liked it and am waiting to see if I can get the second book for even less than the posted $2.99 Kindle price.


What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

I said yes to God and started an online Bible study group for this book.  While we enjoy Lysa's Proverbs 31 Ministries encouragements, this book began strong in the first two chapters but quickly fizzled out for all of us.  I think, though, that it was a blessing in that it spoke to us individually in several ways, and also started some great discussions among my group--not to mention we are our own little group now, which is definitely a good thing!

Made my own AMAZING mayonnaise!

And I don't know if I'll ever buy mayonnaise in a jar again!

1 egg
2 tsp. vinegar (you can use more)
1 cup oil
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. salt

Put egg, vinegar, seasonings, and 1/4 cup oil in the bowl of a food processor.  (It's easier to scoop out than a blender.)  Process for a minute or so. With the machine still running, steadily add the rest of the oil. Process for another minute or so. Scoop out the yummy mayo into a container and store in the fridge.

The taste of the finished product will vary depending on what kind of oil, vinegar and seasonings you add. I preferred cider vinegar over red wine vinegar.  I've heard that white vinegar is nasty.  I also preferred a blended oil over plain canola oil; you can also use extra light oil.  I used seasoning salt.

The taste was so very superior over jarred mayonnaise.  And it was a lot cheaper to make too.  I guess there's the issue of the raw egg, but I'm taking my chances.  I suppose I could use a pasteurized egg in a carton . . .