Sunday, December 29, 2013
Gift of the Ornament
Every year I receive ornaments for our tree. Though I don't need them, it doesn't stop me from loving them.
Thanks Deb
Liz knitted the Christmas stocking. Thanks Liz.
Soup Fest
Yummy soup was the order of the day.
Catherine invited us to stop over for a bowl of soup and a visit. Both were delicious!
I mean the soup and the visit. This is confusing since she had two different delicious soups.
Tomato basil and Bean soup.
We were also treated to singing by Christian and Zoe. Also delicious.
Very delicious visit.
Carl Catherine
Catherine invited us to stop over for a bowl of soup and a visit. Both were delicious!
I mean the soup and the visit. This is confusing since she had two different delicious soups.
Tomato basil and Bean soup.
We were also treated to singing by Christian and Zoe. Also delicious.
Very delicious visit.
Zoe and Christian
Liz.........John ... Joe
Friday, December 27, 2013
The Forgotten One
Remembered that Raspberry Mousse Cake was in the freezer as guests were prepared to leave. !
Chef Costco is not pleased.
Chef Costco is not pleased.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Another Day another dessert
Had a good baking day today. I tried Pignoli for the first time. They are a pain to make but worth it. I browned the pine nuts first. If I made them again I would try to be more artistic with the placement of the pine nuts. The dough is very soft and I had all I could do to get them in a one inch ball. Then the nuts were sliding everywhere. However, they taste great and it was a good first time.
Next Joe helped me make mini-berry pies. I had blackberries, wild blueberries and a few marion berries to use. Of course there are a few seeds, thanks to the Himalayan blackberries.
Another plus, the cookies are gluten-free.
Next Joe helped me make mini-berry pies. I had blackberries, wild blueberries and a few marion berries to use. Of course there are a few seeds, thanks to the Himalayan blackberries.
Another plus, the cookies are gluten-free.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Disatrous dessert!
Our friends, Michele, Chinh & Kenny were over last night for dinner. They are always a pleasure to have around.
Kenny, a teenager, is always polite. He made me happy when he enjoyed the pasta three times.
I roasted vegetables and made a layered salad and garlic bread. All well received.
The only failure was the pumpkin pie. Luckily they were full.
After they left, Joe and I tried the pie. Joe was extremely verbal and said he would never have pumpkin pie again. Never, never, never!
The pie was so bad that the crust tried to escape and fell away from the filling. I don't know what I did wrong. I do remember using part buttermilk for the evap. milk. That may have done it..
Always prepared for failure I served a platter of cookies which were delicious!
As the saying goes, "Can't win 'em all."
Kenny, a teenager, is always polite. He made me happy when he enjoyed the pasta three times.
I roasted vegetables and made a layered salad and garlic bread. All well received.
The only failure was the pumpkin pie. Luckily they were full.
After they left, Joe and I tried the pie. Joe was extremely verbal and said he would never have pumpkin pie again. Never, never, never!
The pie was so bad that the crust tried to escape and fell away from the filling. I don't know what I did wrong. I do remember using part buttermilk for the evap. milk. That may have done it..
Always prepared for failure I served a platter of cookies which were delicious!
As the saying goes, "Can't win 'em all."
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Bladder Me Timbers!
Title makes no sense whatsoever but it came to me and I feel the need to share.
Life on MacKenzie Acres is back to normal for now. Hope it stays that way.
The story of the plugged line is not a pretty one. The sinks started backing up so Joe to the rescue.
He got out the bladder to fasten to the hose..what hose, all hoses are frozen. Let's see, is there a hose in the motorhome? Yes. On with our plans. I was stationed outside near an open window, when Joe yelled I was supposed to turn off the water. This happened rather quickly with added shouts of "Help help". I ran in the house as only I can run (slowly) Joe was soaked with water from the pipes. He asked me why it took so long . Hmm. We tried several times but no go, Joe. We decided to refrain from using the sinks and try again the next day. Joe decided to drive up to McLendon Hardware and try to buy a larger, more powerful, bladder.
Next day we had success. Joe was in a better mood and I overlooked all the harsh conversation (one-sided) from the day before, as I knew he was frustrated with the situation.
As usual Joe saved the day.
Life on MacKenzie Acres is back to normal for now. Hope it stays that way.
The story of the plugged line is not a pretty one. The sinks started backing up so Joe to the rescue.
He got out the bladder to fasten to the hose..what hose, all hoses are frozen. Let's see, is there a hose in the motorhome? Yes. On with our plans. I was stationed outside near an open window, when Joe yelled I was supposed to turn off the water. This happened rather quickly with added shouts of "Help help". I ran in the house as only I can run (slowly) Joe was soaked with water from the pipes. He asked me why it took so long . Hmm. We tried several times but no go, Joe. We decided to refrain from using the sinks and try again the next day. Joe decided to drive up to McLendon Hardware and try to buy a larger, more powerful, bladder.
Next day we had success. Joe was in a better mood and I overlooked all the harsh conversation (one-sided) from the day before, as I knew he was frustrated with the situation.
As usual Joe saved the day.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Pasta Sauce Nonna Style
I decided to try to duplicate the color of my Grandmothers sauce. I remember it being reddish orange. I would watch her put fresh spinach from her garden in the meat grinder. I thought maybe that would do it. I don't put meat in mine so that would change the color a bit.
Also, I was cleaning out the freezer so I found red, yellow, orange peppers, pesto, oven roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes. All in the blender and into the pot. Then my mind began to work...always dangerous. Should I add the leftover hummus with pine nuts? Why not. Into the blender. Better use up the onion and fresh basil. Blender again. Sauce is still green. What to do...cherry tomato, can of Italian chopped toms...on and on until I almost have the color I remember. I forgot to mention that I now have two huge pots of sauce. I made a lasagna for freezer, a gluten free pasta for freezer and still have way too much sauce. I'll need some for the filled shells but not that much. Oh well, it is all in the freezer now, packed in sensible sized containers. Let's hope the power stays on...oh wait,we have a generator!
This is a lot of sauce!
The first layer of lasagna dish.
Also, I was cleaning out the freezer so I found red, yellow, orange peppers, pesto, oven roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes. All in the blender and into the pot. Then my mind began to work...always dangerous. Should I add the leftover hummus with pine nuts? Why not. Into the blender. Better use up the onion and fresh basil. Blender again. Sauce is still green. What to do...cherry tomato, can of Italian chopped toms...on and on until I almost have the color I remember. I forgot to mention that I now have two huge pots of sauce. I made a lasagna for freezer, a gluten free pasta for freezer and still have way too much sauce. I'll need some for the filled shells but not that much. Oh well, it is all in the freezer now, packed in sensible sized containers. Let's hope the power stays on...oh wait,we have a generator!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Cheese fillled shells ......ready for the freezer.
A Small version of the car that Mike built.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Sorry Advent..
I mean no disrespect but if I don't get a start on decorating for Christmas, it won't get done.
My heart is still in Advent mode but my body must get the work done.
My heart is still in Advent mode but my body must get the work done.
Thanksgiving on Rose Street
Actually, in the home of John, Liz and Zoey. We enjoyed good food, visits and I even got a few laughs from our sons with my corny joke.
Zoey played the ukulele and sang, always fun. It was great to see all the family (most) .James, Meagan, Dylan and Ian got stuck in traffic on their way from Tumwater. James seemed to enjoy himself in spite of a sore throat. John M., Sami and Alex are always fun as is Mike and Steve.
Joe and deb were there with son Gerald (Joey) and daughter Summer. All brought yummy food.
Of course, way too much but better than not enough.
Nancy and Steve, family of John H were there from Tri-Cities. I got as many photos as possible.I think Liz got photos of those I missed.
Everyone behaved..
Zoey played the ukulele and sang, always fun. It was great to see all the family (most) .James, Meagan, Dylan and Ian got stuck in traffic on their way from Tumwater. James seemed to enjoy himself in spite of a sore throat. John M., Sami and Alex are always fun as is Mike and Steve.
Joe and deb were there with son Gerald (Joey) and daughter Summer. All brought yummy food.
Of course, way too much but better than not enough.
Nancy and Steve, family of John H were there from Tri-Cities. I got as many photos as possible.I think Liz got photos of those I missed.
Everyone behaved..
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Hooters at MacKenzie Acres
As most of my family and friends know, I get very excited when nature comes a calling. Joe and I have been hearing an owl in the woods for several days. This is not rare, but seeing one is something else. In all the years we have lived on this property, I think we have seen one owl. It flew onto a tree near the kitchen window. Since then, we only hear their sound. (This is heading somewhere.)
Today, I decided to walk outside and take a photo of the beautiful sunset. As I went out the sliding door in the basement, a large bird flew off of our wood pile and onto a nearby tree. It was an owl.
It was so exciting. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get a photo. It is a blur of branches. I'm sure the owl is in there somewhere, but we won't see it. The sunset was also gone.
But I was very happy to see it up close. Now when I hear its haunting sounds I will be able to visualize the creature. So exciting!
Today, I decided to walk outside and take a photo of the beautiful sunset. As I went out the sliding door in the basement, a large bird flew off of our wood pile and onto a nearby tree. It was an owl.
It was so exciting. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get a photo. It is a blur of branches. I'm sure the owl is in there somewhere, but we won't see it. The sunset was also gone.
But I was very happy to see it up close. Now when I hear its haunting sounds I will be able to visualize the creature. So exciting!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Veterans of Korean War
Veterans of our family.Second World War.
Thanks to all Veterans today and every day! Bill MacKenzie & Louise
Ray Lundgren..Joes Brother-in-law
Uncle Ernie (Babe) and Aunt Bernice
Helen MacKenzie and fiancée (lost in war)
My cousin Jim Rosa
Uncle Art Torlai and Aunt Frances
Uncle Pete Rosa worked in the shipyard.
Uncle Pete Rosa worked in the shipyard.
This was a poster for Second World War.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Last time I saw this fellow..he had a smooth head!
Always happy when a deer stands near the kitchen window. This is the first young buck I have seen
this season. (I think) His antlers are so thin compared to his father. He wandered to the back yard and was eating branches of the fir tree. Then he pleased me by eating evil blackberry bushes. I stood in the window watching him, cheering him on...yes, yes, eat them all.
this season. (I think) His antlers are so thin compared to his father. He wandered to the back yard and was eating branches of the fir tree. Then he pleased me by eating evil blackberry bushes. I stood in the window watching him, cheering him on...yes, yes, eat them all.
Gluten Free....success at last
I have had many failures so I feel it is only fair to display my success.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Sleepless in Renton (not very original)
I was unable to sleep the other night. So, I begin my rituals.
Say the rosary. Sing songs (in my head) that start with each letter of the alphabet. Count backwards from 100. Think of the names of all my nieces, nephews and cousins etc.
Nothing seemed to work so I started writing poetry. I wrote at least three, none of which I recall.
I started remembering all the details I had forgotten during the day. Just plain ridiculous.
My final plan was to forget about sleep and just rest.
I survived the next day with about 3 hours sleep and am back to my routine.
Say the rosary. Sing songs (in my head) that start with each letter of the alphabet. Count backwards from 100. Think of the names of all my nieces, nephews and cousins etc.
Nothing seemed to work so I started writing poetry. I wrote at least three, none of which I recall.
I started remembering all the details I had forgotten during the day. Just plain ridiculous.
My final plan was to forget about sleep and just rest.
I survived the next day with about 3 hours sleep and am back to my routine.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Glorious Sounds
The Mozart Requiem was amazing last night. I admit I was especially stimulated since many family members were in attendance.
James, Meagan and their friend Mark drove from Tumwater. Deb drove from Kenmore and Liz from West Seattle.
The glorious sounds of the Requiem were replaced by the horrible sound of our generator. Power went off this morning. Fortunately, it was only off for a few hours.
Joe lifted the garage door by hand. I had planned to help, but he got it done while I ran in to get my coat. Poor Joey!
Many great comments from our family and friends. Amazing! Breathtaking! Fabulous! and from Joe,
Good.
No chance of getting a big head around here.
James, Meagan and their friend Mark drove from Tumwater. Deb drove from Kenmore and Liz from West Seattle.
The glorious sounds of the Requiem were replaced by the horrible sound of our generator. Power went off this morning. Fortunately, it was only off for a few hours.
Joe lifted the garage door by hand. I had planned to help, but he got it done while I ran in to get my coat. Poor Joey!
Many great comments from our family and friends. Amazing! Breathtaking! Fabulous! and from Joe,
Good.
No chance of getting a big head around here.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
Wine...............
I just heard a story about two men who were caught trying to sell cheap wine for extraordinary wine.
This is difficult to fathom. They waxed the bottles and passed them off as wine that cost $11,000 a bottle.
First of all, who would pay that much for a bottle of wine?
(Let's see..Michael Jordan for one...I just saw the home he has for sale.)
This fake wine earned them over a million dollars.
However, they are now in jail without wine or money. So sad. I can hardly hold back the tears.
My experience with wine was a bit more simple. My Grandparents had a field near their home that was lined with grapes. I remember as a child wanting to taste one but the grapes were off limits. Nonna and Nonno were very generous with everything but the grapes.
Nonno had a room lined with barrels of wine. He aged some and drank some early.
My Dad bought grapes from a farmer. I remember stomping the grapes. He had a wine cellar in our basement. It was also off limits. I think it was my Dad's thinking room. He used to write in the quiet of the cellar.
My Dad was a believer, as many Italians are, that wine is part of a meal. I didn't want to hurt his feelings so whenever he left the room I would pour the wine back in the bottle.
Not to make this a sad story, but I saw many people swaying and stumbling from too much wine. For this reason, it never appealed to me.
When I hear stories about how healthy it is to drink wine I wonder if I missed out on the wine vitamin.
But then, I am not exactly young, and I've lived this long without it.
This is difficult to fathom. They waxed the bottles and passed them off as wine that cost $11,000 a bottle.
First of all, who would pay that much for a bottle of wine?
(Let's see..Michael Jordan for one...I just saw the home he has for sale.)
This fake wine earned them over a million dollars.
However, they are now in jail without wine or money. So sad. I can hardly hold back the tears.
My experience with wine was a bit more simple. My Grandparents had a field near their home that was lined with grapes. I remember as a child wanting to taste one but the grapes were off limits. Nonna and Nonno were very generous with everything but the grapes.
Nonno had a room lined with barrels of wine. He aged some and drank some early.
My Dad bought grapes from a farmer. I remember stomping the grapes. He had a wine cellar in our basement. It was also off limits. I think it was my Dad's thinking room. He used to write in the quiet of the cellar.
My Dad was a believer, as many Italians are, that wine is part of a meal. I didn't want to hurt his feelings so whenever he left the room I would pour the wine back in the bottle.
Not to make this a sad story, but I saw many people swaying and stumbling from too much wine. For this reason, it never appealed to me.
When I hear stories about how healthy it is to drink wine I wonder if I missed out on the wine vitamin.
But then, I am not exactly young, and I've lived this long without it.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Recipe for Died and went to Heaven Chocolate Cake..Enjoy
1- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup gran. sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder (European works also)
1- 1/2 tsp.b.powder
1- 1/2 tsp. b soda
1 tsp.salt
1- 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 cup packed brown sugar ( I don't pack it..plenty sweet)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup olive or canola oil
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup hot strong black coffee
ICING
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/2 T. buttermilk
Lightly oil 12 cup bundt pan or coat with non-stick cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, invert and shake off excess.
In large mixing bowl combine (whisk) first five ingredients. Add next 5 ingredients: beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Whisk in hot coffee. Batter will be thin.
Pour into pan . Bake at 350 degrees 35 to 40 minutes until tester comes out clean (I use tooth pick)
When cake is cool drizzle with icing. If you like more icing double recipe. (Don't need it)
1 cup gran. sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder (European works also)
1- 1/2 tsp.b.powder
1- 1/2 tsp. b soda
1 tsp.salt
1- 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 cup packed brown sugar ( I don't pack it..plenty sweet)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup olive or canola oil
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup hot strong black coffee
ICING
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/2 T. buttermilk
Lightly oil 12 cup bundt pan or coat with non-stick cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, invert and shake off excess.
In large mixing bowl combine (whisk) first five ingredients. Add next 5 ingredients: beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Whisk in hot coffee. Batter will be thin.
Pour into pan . Bake at 350 degrees 35 to 40 minutes until tester comes out clean (I use tooth pick)
When cake is cool drizzle with icing. If you like more icing double recipe. (Don't need it)
Friday, October 18, 2013
Died and went to Heaven Chocolate Cake
Our friends Michele and Chinh are taking us out to dinner tonight in celebration of Chinh and Joe's
birthday.
I decided that I should make a fresh cake ( I had one in freezer). The carrot cake in freezer is my favorite.
Joe hinted this enough to get me in the kitchen to bake. I haven't made this cake in years so hope it pleases the "Master".
birthday.
I decided that I should make a fresh cake ( I had one in freezer). The carrot cake in freezer is my favorite.
Joe hinted this enough to get me in the kitchen to bake. I haven't made this cake in years so hope it pleases the "Master".
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Mushrooms...edible or deadible!
These are some of the many mushrooms in our yard. The area where they seem to thrive is woodsy.
They seem to appear suddenly..like a demon needing a victim.
This is my Halloween offering. Scary.....ooooh
The first is over 6 inches in diameter
This looks bigger but is about 51/2 inches in diameter
This is #1 upside down.
About 2 inches diameter............
They seem to appear suddenly..like a demon needing a victim.
This is my Halloween offering. Scary.....ooooh
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