Friday, December 30, 2011

Preparation

I love to prepare things ahead of time but it doesn't always work.  Most of the main dishes are in the freezer, ready to go. Now if I just had 4 or 5 ovens. The kitchen is filled with crock pots, chafing dishes and a wok (Joe insisted) Probably won't use it. May use a roaster downstairs to keep things warm.
Today I'll slice the cheese for the tomato/basil/ appetizer but can't make that ahead. Fruit keeps better if you wash it on serving day so no fruit plate as yet. Relish tray may be one I can do ahead if I wrap it well.

Still have the house to clean. Did the bathrooms...now if we drive over to the park and use the facilities bathrooms may stay clean.
I can bake the filled peppers..they taste better the longer they sit. I can also make a strata ahead and serve it at room temp.
Or I could just keep writing and get nothing done.
Be back next year.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Braving The Elements





Joe and I decided to have a quiet Christmas. After breakfast we enjoyed watching Midnight Mass for the second time. While we sat in our cozy home, branches were  flying outside our windows. When the wind settled down we decided to go to Coulon Park to check out the lighting, and take a walk along Lake Washington. In spite of the wind and cold temperature, we enjoyed the walk in the fresh air. It was difficult to take photos of the decor along the path since I wore my down coat and had to un-zip it to find my camera every time I saw a possible shot.
My best shot was of a hamburger. Ivar's clam isn't too bad.

A Beautiful Experience

Joe and I arrived at St. James about 8:45 P.M. so Joe would find a seat.
  Walking from the parking lot I overheard a couple talking," This is so exciting! Look, there is the TV crew."
It was a great experience and after viewing the mass twice I have decided that all went well. The piece  I was concerned about was powerful, beautiful, inspiring..everything good.
My New Years resolution is to try to be less critical of myself and others, so I only have a few days to let it all out.
As I listened to the recording I was distracted by a second alto who was so enthusiastic that it sounded like a motor was being revved up. But this was only a few times. This particular person is a good musician and adds much to the choir.
When the camera was on me, my eyes looked worried.  I was actually quite happy. Fr.Ryan had the same look ...it must have something to do with age.
Thank God, the camera saved it's close-ups for the lovely young people.
Besides the  beauty of the church, the music, the homily, I was impressed by this comment.
"Love those you find difficult to love".      This may not be the exact quote but you get the idea.
Love those you find difficult to love. Sounds good to me.
Enjoy the season!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

More Photos

We climbed to this view in Yosemite. The tree is no longer there.

This is the view from the park on Queen Anne Hill

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Requiem For a Wonderful Man

Just got word that our niece, Claudia, lost her husband. He has been suffering for quite a while She seems to be doing as well as possible, still, it will be a  difficult time for her.
I received the news just after I read the e-mail from the music office that our recording of the Requiem is ready.
 May he rest in peace!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

A Few Of My Favorite Photos

This photo of Snoqualmie Pass was taken many years ago with a Koni-Omega  camera.                                                                     


Plains, Washington.
The barn is no longer standing.
                                           Butchart Gardens  Victoria, B.C.
                                          Yellowstone
   Thought I'd share some  photos of places we've visited. Joe shot all of these.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Still Mixing it up

                                                      Almond Butter Cookies

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Lemon Bars Extraordinaire


 I don't care if they come knocking at the door, the birds are not getting these cookies!

After several failed attempts at a lemon flavored cookie, I returned to a trustworthy recipe.

Our youngest son James can't eat chocolate, so I try to have an alternate cookie.
Why go through all this trouble? Because he is worth it. His comic blog gives me a laugh every morning.  Better than a vitamin and is certainly worthy of a lemon bar.
In fact some days his comic is a lemon!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Grand Finale.......Artwork by Zoey

 

                                   
Our Grand-daughter Zoey was commissioned to add her artistry to our fireplace door.
Busy with school, martial arts, etc. it took  a while but  was worth the wait.
Thanks  Zoey.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Tiramisu And Pumpkin Roll Duke It Out

Several friends joined us  for dinner last night. Salad, wild salmon alfredo,  chicken tenders, roasted veggies, rolls, tidbits of this and that, were devoured upstairs.  Later, we visited downstairs, enjoyed the warm fire emanating from the environmentally friendly fireplace insert.
My pumpkin roll stayed in the freezer until Chinh and Michelle arrived. Even though I pleaded with him to arrive without desert, I knew he would bring tiramisu, and he did, and it was delicious, and now I have pumpkin roll for family gathering.  Love that sentence.
We enjoyed visiting with Chinh, Michele and their talented son, Kenny,  and June and Roger.  I loved listening to Kenny play the piano. He played "Mary did you know". I scared everyone by singing for a line or two.   He then played "Firefly". What a talented 12 year old.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Mount St. Vincent Experience

St. James Choir is asked to sing at Mt. St. Vincent during the Christmas season. I find it very inspirational, not our singing...but the faces of the wonderful audience and the enthusiastic response when they join us in song.
One of the men sweetly kissed my hand....actually two men kissed my hand but one was my husband.
 It was very sweet.

A special bonus for me was seeing our daughter Elizabeth  in the room.   I realize what a busy schedule she has, so it means that much more to me.      Thanks Liz.

Friday, December 9, 2011

I'm losing it.

I have never made so many failed cookie recipes in my life. .

We're having a few people over to dinner Sunday and I am attempting to satisfy the needs of a child who is allergic to nuts.

If I can sneak past Joe, I may feed the birds.

Friday, December 2, 2011

ROLL OUT THE PUMPKIN


Tried my hand at making Pumpkin Roll. 

I have no jelly roll pans so guessed my way along the cookie sheet.
Seems to be fine.