I may not be blogging much, but I've been doing a ton of cooking. How can I remember all of these great recipes?
PINEAPPLE SALSA
Healthy, yummy, inexpensive--the perfect food!
2 c. chopped pineapple
1 c. chopped red and/or green pepper
1/2 c. chopped red onion (or plain, or whatever)
1/4 c. lemon juice
3 T. chopped cilantro (as if I could stop at three)
1 fresh jalapeno, seeded, finely chopped (I use jarred)
Blend all ingredients, and if you can stand to wait, let set in a bowl in fridge for 4-24 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to blend.
-------------------------------------
NEVER Buy Pizza Sauce Again!
15 oz. can tomato sauce
6 oz. can tomato paste
1 T. ground oregano
1-1/2 t. dried minced garlic
1 t. paprika
In small bowl, mix tomato sauce and paste together until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Christmas ornaments!
Yes, I know it's two months after Christmas, but if I don't post these now, it may never happen.
I saw a terrific video on YouTube describing these ornaments that I made with Trevor and Holly. Unfortunately, that web site has been long forgotten. But my craft shopping afternoon turned out to be so surprisingly fun. I headed to Michael's, completely dreading it. The stores are always a mess, and it was Christmas, a time when I try to avoid the stores. And I was alone; no one wanted to come with me. Oh yeah, and it was raining.
It's been a long time since I've been shopping for crafts. My first find was a large circle cutter. I didn't even know these things exist. Imagine a giant hole punch--perfect to make these ornaments--and even better, it was 40% off. I also found heavyweight craft paper with assorted holiday prints. I actually enjoyed the shopping, totally unexpectedly, which made it even more fun. Ooh, and the pretty cording was on a great sale too!
I loved these. I thought they were so cute. It was one more (pathetically desperate) attempt to DO something with Holly and Trevor. They weren't quite as enthusiastic, but I'm sure I more than made up for it. And *I* had a really good time that I'll remember forever. :)
Ever since Holly and Trevor were little, we've bought them an ornament each Christmas with some sort of special meaning from the year that's passed. Sometimes they are fancy, sometimes silly, sometimes perfect fits, sometimes a little more random.
I don't have to say that, each year, we enjoy looking at all the ornaments and remembering back. These are ornaments that will eventually hang on Holly's and Trevor's own trees when they are adults.
Trevor's ornament this year signified his participation in the Civil Air Patrol; Holly's memorialized her missions trip to Peru.
Lastly, Robert and I have always done the same for each other. This is not the first year we've bought (almost) identical ornaments for each other. It was quite the surprise!!
I saw a terrific video on YouTube describing these ornaments that I made with Trevor and Holly. Unfortunately, that web site has been long forgotten. But my craft shopping afternoon turned out to be so surprisingly fun. I headed to Michael's, completely dreading it. The stores are always a mess, and it was Christmas, a time when I try to avoid the stores. And I was alone; no one wanted to come with me. Oh yeah, and it was raining.
It's been a long time since I've been shopping for crafts. My first find was a large circle cutter. I didn't even know these things exist. Imagine a giant hole punch--perfect to make these ornaments--and even better, it was 40% off. I also found heavyweight craft paper with assorted holiday prints. I actually enjoyed the shopping, totally unexpectedly, which made it even more fun. Ooh, and the pretty cording was on a great sale too!
I loved these. I thought they were so cute. It was one more (pathetically desperate) attempt to DO something with Holly and Trevor. They weren't quite as enthusiastic, but I'm sure I more than made up for it. And *I* had a really good time that I'll remember forever. :)
Ever since Holly and Trevor were little, we've bought them an ornament each Christmas with some sort of special meaning from the year that's passed. Sometimes they are fancy, sometimes silly, sometimes perfect fits, sometimes a little more random.
I don't have to say that, each year, we enjoy looking at all the ornaments and remembering back. These are ornaments that will eventually hang on Holly's and Trevor's own trees when they are adults.
Trevor's ornament this year signified his participation in the Civil Air Patrol; Holly's memorialized her missions trip to Peru.
Lastly, Robert and I have always done the same for each other. This is not the first year we've bought (almost) identical ornaments for each other. It was quite the surprise!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Bird
Robert has a knack for spotting birds. I go through life oblivious to everything, and he's always pointing out things that he actually sees. He spotted this bird from our living room. It was in a tree in the neighbor's back yard, across the street from us.
Drying his wings in the sun, this was taken just after Christmas.
Turkey vultures. Fascinating birds, kind of creepy, doing a job that no one else wants to do.
Drying his wings in the sun, this was taken just after Christmas.
Turkey vultures. Fascinating birds, kind of creepy, doing a job that no one else wants to do.
Monday, February 20, 2012
And that is all . . .
From back in November.
Let us never forget that a 3 degree angle depicting a plane's 4 mile descent over the ground before landing does not resemble this:
L
Just take that L and put it right on your forehead.
------------------------
I should make a label for private jokes that will not be revealed publicly!
Let us never forget that a 3 degree angle depicting a plane's 4 mile descent over the ground before landing does not resemble this:
L
Just take that L and put it right on your forehead.
------------------------
I should make a label for private jokes that will not be revealed publicly!
Sledding!
Beautiful day after the snow!
I was out taking pictures before anyone else (at my house) was out of bed.
Holly's chemistry class had already been cancelled, which opened up our school day quite a bit.
With plans to go sledding, we postponed the start of school work this morning, hopped in the truck, and headed for the nearby sledding hill.
Although I'm sure there was no (public) school today, we were the only people there!
Hahahaha! Holly eats it.
And still has snow on top of her head!
Robert watched from the bottom of the hill.
Lucky ran himself out. He's 11, and we have to lift him into the back of the truck. While he happily lays on his pillow all day long, he loves running free when he has the chance. For awhile, he missed living in the country, where he'd just take off for a few hours. Holly and I were so happy to bring him--he's still healthy, but we never know if it might be the last time he plays in the snow like this!
What a perfect snow. No plans, wet and heavy, melting off the roads early today. It's great to have the opportunity to sled, and it's hard to believe we'll be playing soccer here in six weeks!
I was out taking pictures before anyone else (at my house) was out of bed.
Holly's chemistry class had already been cancelled, which opened up our school day quite a bit.
With plans to go sledding, we postponed the start of school work this morning, hopped in the truck, and headed for the nearby sledding hill.
Although I'm sure there was no (public) school today, we were the only people there!
Hahahaha! Holly eats it.
And still has snow on top of her head!
Robert watched from the bottom of the hill.
Lucky ran himself out. He's 11, and we have to lift him into the back of the truck. While he happily lays on his pillow all day long, he loves running free when he has the chance. For awhile, he missed living in the country, where he'd just take off for a few hours. Holly and I were so happy to bring him--he's still healthy, but we never know if it might be the last time he plays in the snow like this!
What a perfect snow. No plans, wet and heavy, melting off the roads early today. It's great to have the opportunity to sled, and it's hard to believe we'll be playing soccer here in six weeks!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
First snow of the season!!
Yesterday was in the mid-50s. The snow began falling this morning and should end sometime tonight. Robert's making soup, and we baked a Marie Callendar's Razzleberry pie for dessert. Fire in the fireplace, and the first show of the new Amazing Race season! Perfect night!
Cooking School
Oh, I've been inspired!!
I've recently read two really great books, The Kitchen Counter Cooking School and The Sharper the Knife, the Less You Cry, both by Kathleen Flinn. They aren't cookbooks, and yet I feel like I've become a better cook practically overnight just by reading. During a mid-life crisis/job loss, Flinn decides to enroll in Cordon Bleu, and she shares her story in The Sharper Your Knife. Later, while living in Seattle, and again facing a job crisis, she begins giving cooking lessons to women who know virtually nothing about preparing (even remotely) healthy meals at home.
The first thing I did was subject my family to a taste test. Our regular table salt in one bowl, kosher salt in the other. The kosher salt won, hands down. What an unbelievable difference! The table salt clearly is only good for things like homemade playdoh (not that I make much of that anymore).
I've made this soup; easy, fast, and good. The meat, in particular, was delicious, and even the tomato bits were not bad.
Not-Really Minestrone Soup
1-1/2 lbs. lean beef, cut into bite sized cubes
2 T. oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 quarts beef stock
1 c. spaghetti sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz. can of beans, drained
28 oz. can tomatoes, undrained
1 T. dried mixed Italian herbs
1 bay leaf
1 can mixed vegetables
1 c. elbow macaroni
grated parmesan cheese
The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability. What do you have in your pantry and fridge? All the fresh vegetables? Some? Substitute something else, or skip what you don't have. What kind of beans do you like? White? Navy? Kidney? Something else? How about tomatoes? Try fire-roasted, or diced, or Italian style. Nothing labeled "Italian herbs"? Toss in a variety of oregano, basil, thyme, etc. Don't have canned mixed vegetables? How about frozen? What pasta can you use up, instead of macaroni?
Directions:
In a large Dutch oven, sear the meat in oil over high heat until very brown. Remove meat from pan; pour off excess fat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and cook until tender, stirring around the bottom and edges of the pan. Add the stock, browned meat, spaghetti sauce, garlic, beans, tomatoes, herbs and a few grinds of fresh pepper. Bring to a boil, skimming if necessary, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for about two hours. Skim and stir occasionally. Add more water if needed during cooking. Add the vegetables and the macaroni and cook another half hour. Check seasonings, adding Tabasco and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan atop each bowl.
Serves 8-10.
-----------------
She also included a recipe for no-knead bread. I found a similar one that I could specifically make in my new cast iron Dutch oven. I don't consider myself a baker, and I'm particularly not a bread baker. Although this requires little effort (even less for me, since Trevor did all of the measuring/mixing), it takes time. The dough must rise overnight. I'm making this again, later today.
No-Knead Artisan Style Bread
3 c. regular flour
1 t. active dry yeast
2 t. salt (Kosher, you'd better believe it!)
1-2/3 c. warm water (110 degrees)
Optional herbs: 1 t. chopped fresh rosemary and/or thyme and/or sage
Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl and mix to combine. Add the water and herbs, if using, and mix well. The dough will be very sticky and shaggy-looking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours.
Generously flour a work surface. The dough will have risen and will be covered in bubbles. Transfer the dough to the work surface and dust it with flour. Fold the dough in half, and then form the dough into a ball by stretching and tucking the edges of the dough underneath the ball.
Liberally flour a kitchen towel (do not use terrycloth). Place the dough ball on the floured towel. Cover with another floured towel. Let the dough rise for about two hours.
Preheat an oven to 450. Place a lidded Dutch oven or deep heavy duty casserole dish (with lid) into the oven to preheat.
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Remove the lid and gently turn the dough ball into the ungreased baking dish, seam-side up; shake the dish so the dough is more evenly distributed.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake until the crust is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the loaf from the baking dish and let it cool on a rack before slicing.
-------------------
These were fun and entertaining books, fun reads that really taught me simple cooking basics. These books have impacted our family. As I type, Robert's beef noodle soup is on the stove cooking. He's searched for years for the best way to get the flavor from the bones--this time, he's roasted them in the oven prior to simmering, based on recommendations from Flinn's books. I'm so encouraged!
I've recently read two really great books, The Kitchen Counter Cooking School and The Sharper the Knife, the Less You Cry, both by Kathleen Flinn. They aren't cookbooks, and yet I feel like I've become a better cook practically overnight just by reading. During a mid-life crisis/job loss, Flinn decides to enroll in Cordon Bleu, and she shares her story in The Sharper Your Knife. Later, while living in Seattle, and again facing a job crisis, she begins giving cooking lessons to women who know virtually nothing about preparing (even remotely) healthy meals at home.
The first thing I did was subject my family to a taste test. Our regular table salt in one bowl, kosher salt in the other. The kosher salt won, hands down. What an unbelievable difference! The table salt clearly is only good for things like homemade playdoh (not that I make much of that anymore).
I've made this soup; easy, fast, and good. The meat, in particular, was delicious, and even the tomato bits were not bad.
Not-Really Minestrone Soup
1-1/2 lbs. lean beef, cut into bite sized cubes
2 T. oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 quarts beef stock
1 c. spaghetti sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz. can of beans, drained
28 oz. can tomatoes, undrained
1 T. dried mixed Italian herbs
1 bay leaf
1 can mixed vegetables
1 c. elbow macaroni
grated parmesan cheese
The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability. What do you have in your pantry and fridge? All the fresh vegetables? Some? Substitute something else, or skip what you don't have. What kind of beans do you like? White? Navy? Kidney? Something else? How about tomatoes? Try fire-roasted, or diced, or Italian style. Nothing labeled "Italian herbs"? Toss in a variety of oregano, basil, thyme, etc. Don't have canned mixed vegetables? How about frozen? What pasta can you use up, instead of macaroni?
Directions:
In a large Dutch oven, sear the meat in oil over high heat until very brown. Remove meat from pan; pour off excess fat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and cook until tender, stirring around the bottom and edges of the pan. Add the stock, browned meat, spaghetti sauce, garlic, beans, tomatoes, herbs and a few grinds of fresh pepper. Bring to a boil, skimming if necessary, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for about two hours. Skim and stir occasionally. Add more water if needed during cooking. Add the vegetables and the macaroni and cook another half hour. Check seasonings, adding Tabasco and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with a bit of parmesan atop each bowl.
Serves 8-10.
-----------------
She also included a recipe for no-knead bread. I found a similar one that I could specifically make in my new cast iron Dutch oven. I don't consider myself a baker, and I'm particularly not a bread baker. Although this requires little effort (even less for me, since Trevor did all of the measuring/mixing), it takes time. The dough must rise overnight. I'm making this again, later today.
No-Knead Artisan Style Bread
3 c. regular flour
1 t. active dry yeast
2 t. salt (Kosher, you'd better believe it!)
1-2/3 c. warm water (110 degrees)
Optional herbs: 1 t. chopped fresh rosemary and/or thyme and/or sage
Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl and mix to combine. Add the water and herbs, if using, and mix well. The dough will be very sticky and shaggy-looking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours.
Generously flour a work surface. The dough will have risen and will be covered in bubbles. Transfer the dough to the work surface and dust it with flour. Fold the dough in half, and then form the dough into a ball by stretching and tucking the edges of the dough underneath the ball.
Liberally flour a kitchen towel (do not use terrycloth). Place the dough ball on the floured towel. Cover with another floured towel. Let the dough rise for about two hours.
Preheat an oven to 450. Place a lidded Dutch oven or deep heavy duty casserole dish (with lid) into the oven to preheat.
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Remove the lid and gently turn the dough ball into the ungreased baking dish, seam-side up; shake the dish so the dough is more evenly distributed.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake until the crust is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the loaf from the baking dish and let it cool on a rack before slicing.
-------------------
These were fun and entertaining books, fun reads that really taught me simple cooking basics. These books have impacted our family. As I type, Robert's beef noodle soup is on the stove cooking. He's searched for years for the best way to get the flavor from the bones--this time, he's roasted them in the oven prior to simmering, based on recommendations from Flinn's books. I'm so encouraged!
Book Reviews
How many times have I said I.must.get.back.to.blogging. Posts that have been sitting on my "Drafts" list for awhile include books I've read during the past two months:
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
The first four books in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series were written several years ago as young adult fiction. I noticed my library also had books by this author in the adult section and was thrilled to find that there is a new installment in the series.
It's ten years later, and while the girls want to believe they have their same close bond, they don't. Tibby gifts them all with plane tickets to meet in Santorini, Greece at the home of Lena's grandparents. This gathering again puts the girls at the forefronts of each others' lives, pushing them to reevaluate priorities and shed old ways.
It was a complete page turner, and I cried several times while reading. Brashares isn't the best writer or a particularly brilliant storyteller, but she has a genuine talent for describing friendships that sucks me in every time. I hope she picks up this story again down the road; meanwhile, I'll have to be satisfied with anything else of hers I can find.
The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares
Ahaha, another Ann Brashares book, but this was definitely not up to her usual work. Oh well. Continue on!
New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens by Brooke Hauser
This looked, even from its title, to be an interesting book, and I ordered it for our Young Adult section. While the story is nice, describing a NYC public school specifically for immigrant teens, the author could have brought this about to be so very much more. I was hoping for something in the vein of Alexandra Robbins' The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth, but I was left disappointed.
Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
Nice book about a nice guy who's just beginning to live his life. I am encouraged by any homeschooler-grows-up story, and I particularly admire Tebow for keeping his focus on the true goal.
With so much to read, I had started a few books that weren't worth finishing:
Freefall: A Novel by Kristen Heitzmann
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
The first four books in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series were written several years ago as young adult fiction. I noticed my library also had books by this author in the adult section and was thrilled to find that there is a new installment in the series.
It's ten years later, and while the girls want to believe they have their same close bond, they don't. Tibby gifts them all with plane tickets to meet in Santorini, Greece at the home of Lena's grandparents. This gathering again puts the girls at the forefronts of each others' lives, pushing them to reevaluate priorities and shed old ways.
It was a complete page turner, and I cried several times while reading. Brashares isn't the best writer or a particularly brilliant storyteller, but she has a genuine talent for describing friendships that sucks me in every time. I hope she picks up this story again down the road; meanwhile, I'll have to be satisfied with anything else of hers I can find.
The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares
Ahaha, another Ann Brashares book, but this was definitely not up to her usual work. Oh well. Continue on!
New Kids: Big Dreams and Brave Journeys at a High School for Immigrant Teens by Brooke Hauser
This looked, even from its title, to be an interesting book, and I ordered it for our Young Adult section. While the story is nice, describing a NYC public school specifically for immigrant teens, the author could have brought this about to be so very much more. I was hoping for something in the vein of Alexandra Robbins' The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth, but I was left disappointed.
Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
Nice book about a nice guy who's just beginning to live his life. I am encouraged by any homeschooler-grows-up story, and I particularly admire Tebow for keeping his focus on the true goal.
With so much to read, I had started a few books that weren't worth finishing:
Freefall: A Novel by Kristen Heitzmann
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
Friday, January 20, 2012
Conversation with Trevor
Conversation with Trevor when discussing a passage from Jane Austen's Emma:
Trevor: Jane Eyre takes place in England, doesn't it?
Me: Yes, it does! How do you know that?!
Trevor: From Phineas & Ferb.
Kind of like how he could answer every question when Holly studied Dickens' A Christmas Carol , even though he'd only watched the Mickey Mouse version.
Sigh.
Trevor: Jane Eyre takes place in England, doesn't it?
Me: Yes, it does! How do you know that?!
Trevor: From Phineas & Ferb.
Kind of like how he could answer every question when Holly studied Dickens' A Christmas Carol , even though he'd only watched the Mickey Mouse version.
Sigh.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Library on wheels
We have a library bookmobile that travels our county two weeks each month. It's staffed by a driver and a library aide. A few weeks ago, our boss came upstairs, needing a replacement for the library aide who had to leave suddenly that day.
Although it's parked in our lot the other two weeks each month, and I know the staff well, I've never even been in the bookmobile. It's never been a big goal of mine. However, since I like the driver, and I honestly believed it would be a hardship for the other employee being asked, I volunteered.
We talked a little bit about what I would do (check books in and out), and where we would go (locally, around town today). Then my boss dropped the bombshell.
"It's a good thing you don't get carsick."
Oo-kay. That instantly rules me out of ANYthing, because I am a Barf Queen.
But I stayed hopeful and, once my boss said it was just a local run, in town, I figured I would be juuuuuust fine!
Then I got on the bus, and Kim-the-driver told me, no, today was the longest run, the one to the farthest reaches of the county. And she wasn't kidding.
I've carried around my Sea Bandz for five years but gave them away last summer. Now I desperately needed them. Immediately, I began popping my migraine pills.
Kim was forewarned and drove accordingly. I was impressed. You can imagine how the lumbering Bookmobile rides every bump and exaggerates every turn. Kim spent 20 years in the military as an MP and a truck driver preparing for this. I don't remember even feeling woozy.
We did go to the outermost edges of the county, to the bowels of the Blue Ridge. (LOL) This is the boomtown of Henry, VA--it has its own post office, but just try to find it on a map--and we went 20 minutes or more past this "town."
All in all, a fun and otherwise uneventful day. I'm glad to finally have a chance to ride on the Bookmobile, and it was fun riding around with Kim. And now there's no need to ever do it again. I'm not going to tempt fate!
Although it's parked in our lot the other two weeks each month, and I know the staff well, I've never even been in the bookmobile. It's never been a big goal of mine. However, since I like the driver, and I honestly believed it would be a hardship for the other employee being asked, I volunteered.
We talked a little bit about what I would do (check books in and out), and where we would go (locally, around town today). Then my boss dropped the bombshell.
"It's a good thing you don't get carsick."
Oo-kay. That instantly rules me out of ANYthing, because I am a Barf Queen.
But I stayed hopeful and, once my boss said it was just a local run, in town, I figured I would be juuuuuust fine!
Then I got on the bus, and Kim-the-driver told me, no, today was the longest run, the one to the farthest reaches of the county. And she wasn't kidding.
I've carried around my Sea Bandz for five years but gave them away last summer. Now I desperately needed them. Immediately, I began popping my migraine pills.
Kim was forewarned and drove accordingly. I was impressed. You can imagine how the lumbering Bookmobile rides every bump and exaggerates every turn. Kim spent 20 years in the military as an MP and a truck driver preparing for this. I don't remember even feeling woozy.
We did go to the outermost edges of the county, to the bowels of the Blue Ridge. (LOL) This is the boomtown of Henry, VA--it has its own post office, but just try to find it on a map--and we went 20 minutes or more past this "town."
All in all, a fun and otherwise uneventful day. I'm glad to finally have a chance to ride on the Bookmobile, and it was fun riding around with Kim. And now there's no need to ever do it again. I'm not going to tempt fate!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
New Year's Eve
Friends came over to celebrate New Year's Eve with us.
We feasted on tacos, mini-burritos, salsa, queso, and sopapilla cheesecake. And margaritas.
Keeping with tradition, we went outside at midnight.
We blew horns and made noise. I didn't feel guilty about that at all. With the exception of Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, we are very quiet neighbors.
We tried to stay warm.
And we set off a bunch of fireworks.
Goodbye, 2011! And welcome, 2012!!
We feasted on tacos, mini-burritos, salsa, queso, and sopapilla cheesecake. And margaritas.
Keeping with tradition, we went outside at midnight.
We blew horns and made noise. I didn't feel guilty about that at all. With the exception of Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, we are very quiet neighbors.
We tried to stay warm.
And we set off a bunch of fireworks.
Goodbye, 2011! And welcome, 2012!!
Monday, January 02, 2012
And more mice
We received our own little dead mice for Christmas.
In the form of chocolate.
It was an interesting little gift. If you weren't quite comfortable eating them, the box included gold cord so you could string them up on your Christmas tree.
Because that's what Christmas is all about, right?
In the form of chocolate.
It was an interesting little gift. If you weren't quite comfortable eating them, the box included gold cord so you could string them up on your Christmas tree.
Because that's what Christmas is all about, right?
Cat and mouse
We bought the kitties a special Christmas present. I can't remember the last time we did this, although surely this is not the first. They are naughty little kitties, and they found their present and opened it waaaay before Christmas.
Pumpkin went a little crazy. Catnip brings out her inner beast.
She finally killed it, which is a good thing. She was beginning to freak me out a bit.
Self-satisfied, good little mouser.
Even if it was stuffed to begin with.
Pumpkin went a little crazy. Catnip brings out her inner beast.
She finally killed it, which is a good thing. She was beginning to freak me out a bit.
Self-satisfied, good little mouser.
Even if it was stuffed to begin with.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Christmas
I've said it a hundred times, and I'll say it again:
I must get caught up here.
We celebrated Christmas Eve by going to a candlelight service at church, which included a lovely program with music from Handel's Messiah. We came home, ate French Dip sandwiches, and watched Jingle All the Way, a Christmas favorite around here.
Christmas morning. No more kids running down the hall, waiting expectantly for us to finish getting everything ready. Now Robert and I wake up first, drink coffee, and read the paper. We are the ones waiting expectantly now, I guess!
Trevor passed out presents, per tradition, so we all have our own little stack in front of us.
In what seems like more tradition, Trevor is the only one who gets his photo taken on Christmas morning. I appreciate that. On a few different levels.
Lego Star Wars Character Encyclopedia
MP3 player from Uncle Mike and Aunt Val
I was very happy to find a few Peruvian-specific gifts for Holly. I found her Inka Kola at a local Mexican grocery store. She also got a ornament memorializing Peru, and we found a perfect photo collage frame that I decorated just for her.
We had a wonderfully relaxing day. I don't think the kids ever changed out of pajamas. We'd already decided to tone down our big Christmas dinner. After all that work, no one is ever hungry enough to eat everything. We decided on a much simpler corned beef, potatoes, carrots, and frizzled cabbage, and I threw in our holiday pretzel jello salad to make it a bit more festive. Holly made Chocolate Pecan Pie for dessert, which was incredibly decadent.
Another Christmas to treasure as my kids get older. Immanuel: God with us.
Christmas: The day we celebrate our God coming to earth, walking and breathing among us, shattering time, bringing hope and the promise of eternal life.
I must get caught up here.
We celebrated Christmas Eve by going to a candlelight service at church, which included a lovely program with music from Handel's Messiah. We came home, ate French Dip sandwiches, and watched Jingle All the Way, a Christmas favorite around here.
Christmas morning. No more kids running down the hall, waiting expectantly for us to finish getting everything ready. Now Robert and I wake up first, drink coffee, and read the paper. We are the ones waiting expectantly now, I guess!
Trevor passed out presents, per tradition, so we all have our own little stack in front of us.
In what seems like more tradition, Trevor is the only one who gets his photo taken on Christmas morning. I appreciate that. On a few different levels.
Lego Star Wars Character EncyclopediaThe kids are used to going slow. None of the tear-into-the-gifts wild melee here. At least one or two of us will call for a stop so we can grab something for breakfast. Trevor and I have long preferred lox and bagels, and Holly and Robert stick to bagels and flavored cream cheese.
MP3 player from Uncle Mike and Aunt ValI was very happy to find a few Peruvian-specific gifts for Holly. I found her Inka Kola at a local Mexican grocery store. She also got a ornament memorializing Peru, and we found a perfect photo collage frame that I decorated just for her.
We had a wonderfully relaxing day. I don't think the kids ever changed out of pajamas. We'd already decided to tone down our big Christmas dinner. After all that work, no one is ever hungry enough to eat everything. We decided on a much simpler corned beef, potatoes, carrots, and frizzled cabbage, and I threw in our holiday pretzel jello salad to make it a bit more festive. Holly made Chocolate Pecan Pie for dessert, which was incredibly decadent.
Another Christmas to treasure as my kids get older. Immanuel: God with us.
Christmas: The day we celebrate our God coming to earth, walking and breathing among us, shattering time, bringing hope and the promise of eternal life.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas in blogging years
2006
2007
2008
WHaaaaaaT??? No picture from Christmas 2008? Apparently not.
2009
2010
2011
2007
2008
WHaaaaaaT??? No picture from Christmas 2008? Apparently not.
2009
2010
2011
Sunday night drive
A few weeks ago, we drove through a living nativity scene at a local church. It's quite lovely; we had driven through it last year and looked forward to doing it again. The cookies and hot chocolate are a nice touch too!
We mapped out the drive home to pass by some of the more elaborate outside light displays. This has been a challenge in years past (particularly when we lived in the woods!). It was deemed a success, and we made it home just in time to watch the finale of Amazing Race.
We mapped out the drive home to pass by some of the more elaborate outside light displays. This has been a challenge in years past (particularly when we lived in the woods!). It was deemed a success, and we made it home just in time to watch the finale of Amazing Race.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Oh Christmas . . .
tree . . .
We did get ours up quite timely. Robert set it up, Holly and Trevor decorated with me and chose to take pictures instead of being in them.
I'd also spent some time at Michael's during the week, looking for craft supplies for ornaments that we made. Hunh. I know I took the pictures but can't find them. But the shopping was surprisingly really fun and started my real Christmas spirit this year.
We did get ours up quite timely. Robert set it up, Holly and Trevor decorated with me and chose to take pictures instead of being in them.
I'd also spent some time at Michael's during the week, looking for craft supplies for ornaments that we made. Hunh. I know I took the pictures but can't find them. But the shopping was surprisingly really fun and started my real Christmas spirit this year.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Trevor and CAP
Trevor went to his first Civil Air Patrol banquet. While parents and families were welcomed, the invitation specifically said that it really was an event for the Cadets. Trevor was happy to go on his own.
It was held at the beautiful Vinton War Memorial venue. Until that night, I'd assumed the memorial was a stone in a park. He had a great time with friends, a truly memorable night, once again part of his social life of which I am completely unaware. But I'll manage; he's turning out okay without me. ;)
It was held at the beautiful Vinton War Memorial venue. Until that night, I'd assumed the memorial was a stone in a park. He had a great time with friends, a truly memorable night, once again part of his social life of which I am completely unaware. But I'll manage; he's turning out okay without me. ;)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Recent recipes
Potato Skins
That classic bar food at home!!
8 large baking potatoes, baked
1/4 c. + 2 T. oil
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream
green onion, sliced
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (save pulp for another use). Place potato skins on a greased baking sheet. Combine oil, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper; brush over insides of potatoes, turn over, and brush on outside (this lets any extra oil drip out of the inside). Bake right-side up at 475 degrees F for 7 minutes; turn upside down. Bake until crisp, about 7 minutes more. Sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese inside skins. Bake 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions. Serve immediately.
____________________
Basic Chicken Salad
Who knew it was really this easy?
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 T. lemon juice
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. chopped, cooked chicken meat
1/2 c. almonds (or other nuts)
1 stalk celery, chopped
Mix all together; if possible, chill for several hours to let flavors blend.
____________________
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Trevor's friend Kurt made this for our Thanksgiving dinner. I love pecans, I'm not wild about pecan pie, but this was delicious!
9" unbaked pie crust
3 eggs
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. margarine, melted (uh, what's wrong with butter???)
1 c. light corn syrup
1 c. pecan halves
1-1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375. Beat eggs, sugar, salt, margarine, and syrup with hand beater. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour into pie shell. Bake until set, 40-50 mins. Cool.
Click here to see additional comments about this recipe.
____________________
CROCK POT MASHED POTATOES
A bit misleading, as they are first cooked on the stove and then kept warm in the crockpot. But they were terrifically easy to make ahead, some of the lightest, fluffiest potatoes I've ever had! I hope I remember to make these for every holiday, whether or not we have company. It was so nice to get them done and out of the way!
5 lbs. potatoes
3 cubes chicken bouillon
8 oz. carton of sour cream
8 oz. brick of cream cheese (I used light)
1 stick of butter (relax, people, it's the HOLIDAYS)
salt/pepper to taste
Boil potatoes as usual, tossing the bouillon cubes in the water as it boils. The recipe says to save some of the cooking water when the potatoes are drained.
Mash potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, adding reserved water if necessary.
Transfer to crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Just before serving, stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
That classic bar food at home!!
8 large baking potatoes, baked
1/4 c. + 2 T. oil
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream
green onion, sliced
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (save pulp for another use). Place potato skins on a greased baking sheet. Combine oil, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper; brush over insides of potatoes, turn over, and brush on outside (this lets any extra oil drip out of the inside). Bake right-side up at 475 degrees F for 7 minutes; turn upside down. Bake until crisp, about 7 minutes more. Sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese inside skins. Bake 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions. Serve immediately.
____________________
Basic Chicken Salad
Who knew it was really this easy?
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 T. lemon juice
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. chopped, cooked chicken meat
1/2 c. almonds (or other nuts)
1 stalk celery, chopped
Mix all together; if possible, chill for several hours to let flavors blend.
____________________
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Trevor's friend Kurt made this for our Thanksgiving dinner. I love pecans, I'm not wild about pecan pie, but this was delicious!
9" unbaked pie crust
3 eggs
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. margarine, melted (uh, what's wrong with butter???)
1 c. light corn syrup
1 c. pecan halves
1-1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375. Beat eggs, sugar, salt, margarine, and syrup with hand beater. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour into pie shell. Bake until set, 40-50 mins. Cool.
Click here to see additional comments about this recipe.
____________________
CROCK POT MASHED POTATOES
A bit misleading, as they are first cooked on the stove and then kept warm in the crockpot. But they were terrifically easy to make ahead, some of the lightest, fluffiest potatoes I've ever had! I hope I remember to make these for every holiday, whether or not we have company. It was so nice to get them done and out of the way!
5 lbs. potatoes
3 cubes chicken bouillon
8 oz. carton of sour cream
8 oz. brick of cream cheese (I used light)
1 stick of butter (relax, people, it's the HOLIDAYS)
salt/pepper to taste
Boil potatoes as usual, tossing the bouillon cubes in the water as it boils. The recipe says to save some of the cooking water when the potatoes are drained.
Mash potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, adding reserved water if necessary.
Transfer to crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Just before serving, stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Ugh
I've neglected my poor blog for so long. But there is nothing new or unusual to post. Perhaps that's a sign that I need to plan something? We have not been up to anything special. Life is plugging along, routine, but not boring.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving. Friends came over, and we had dinner for ten, a houseful for us. We are getting ready for Christmas.
Robert is making sure all ducks are in a row to drop our land line and go with just cell phones. He's also ensuring our county roads are kept clear of hazardous street signs and poles. Or something like that.
Work has been busy in an unexpected way. With Joyce gone, the other two of us in the children's department (the third person doesn't really count) have had to pick up the slack. What a blessing that we each have different strengths; we've easily balanced the responsibility and, I think, each preferred what fell into our lap. I've been doing virtually all of the cataloging of children's books, both for our main library and the branch. I'd dabbled in it before, but I've had to jump in all the way. There are a limited number of staff trained to do this; I am now one of four, and no one else wanted to take this on. I've also taken on the ordering of all children's materials for our main library. The children's staff continues to give input as before, but I'm the one ultimately making up and placing the order. I'm very much enjoying the computer side of these jobs. Meanwhile, it appears that a new children's librarian has been chosen. I've been praying a lot about the chosen candidate, and I'm sure Joyce would be extremely pleased with the new hire. She's expected to begin after Christmas, and I can't wait!
Holly's been doing well in chemistry and got a kick out of hearing classmates describe her as "the smart one." It has not been a particularly welcomed challenge for her, but her quarter grade is 93.7%. Sometimes she'll ask for help on her homework. As if. While I'm busy googling, finding non-answers, she gets it figured out.
Trevor has been diligently following his school schedule. He's completely enjoying Life of Fred (pre-algebra). He long ago finished the first book (of two), and he's at least 1/3 of the way through the second. Looks like he'll be starting algebra before the end of the school year. He also requested that I get Dickens' A Christmas Carol for him to read before Christmas. It's on his Lightning Lit schedule for later this year, but he's been eagerly waiting for it for several months.
Pretty much the usual goings-on. We continue to plug along in school. This is the first year that I've worked every Saturday during a school year, and it's working out well for all of us. I'm much less frazzled, feel like we have a great handle on our schedule, and the kids appreciate knowing that Saturdays are truly a day off of work, a real end of the week.
Life is good.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving. Friends came over, and we had dinner for ten, a houseful for us. We are getting ready for Christmas.
Robert is making sure all ducks are in a row to drop our land line and go with just cell phones. He's also ensuring our county roads are kept clear of hazardous street signs and poles. Or something like that.
Work has been busy in an unexpected way. With Joyce gone, the other two of us in the children's department (the third person doesn't really count) have had to pick up the slack. What a blessing that we each have different strengths; we've easily balanced the responsibility and, I think, each preferred what fell into our lap. I've been doing virtually all of the cataloging of children's books, both for our main library and the branch. I'd dabbled in it before, but I've had to jump in all the way. There are a limited number of staff trained to do this; I am now one of four, and no one else wanted to take this on. I've also taken on the ordering of all children's materials for our main library. The children's staff continues to give input as before, but I'm the one ultimately making up and placing the order. I'm very much enjoying the computer side of these jobs. Meanwhile, it appears that a new children's librarian has been chosen. I've been praying a lot about the chosen candidate, and I'm sure Joyce would be extremely pleased with the new hire. She's expected to begin after Christmas, and I can't wait!
Holly's been doing well in chemistry and got a kick out of hearing classmates describe her as "the smart one." It has not been a particularly welcomed challenge for her, but her quarter grade is 93.7%. Sometimes she'll ask for help on her homework. As if. While I'm busy googling, finding non-answers, she gets it figured out.
Trevor has been diligently following his school schedule. He's completely enjoying Life of Fred (pre-algebra). He long ago finished the first book (of two), and he's at least 1/3 of the way through the second. Looks like he'll be starting algebra before the end of the school year. He also requested that I get Dickens' A Christmas Carol for him to read before Christmas. It's on his Lightning Lit schedule for later this year, but he's been eagerly waiting for it for several months.
Pretty much the usual goings-on. We continue to plug along in school. This is the first year that I've worked every Saturday during a school year, and it's working out well for all of us. I'm much less frazzled, feel like we have a great handle on our schedule, and the kids appreciate knowing that Saturdays are truly a day off of work, a real end of the week.
Life is good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)