Sighting deer on our property is always an exciting moment
I ran downstairs to get my camera, thinking they would be gone
They were still there and soon moved closer to our house
I noticed there were four.
A buck, two doe and a yearling
How exciting!
This is a great photo opp.. Yes, it would have been.
Battery dead!
Monday, February 23, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Cookies!
I am posting photos of the biscotti because I feel like it.
I am posting the photo of One Bowl Brownies because I believe they would be a good candidate for Gluten-Free. The recipe calls for only 1 cup of flour. I think Gluten -free flour would work.
One bowl Brownies ( better than the photo)
I am posting the photo of One Bowl Brownies because I believe they would be a good candidate for Gluten-Free. The recipe calls for only 1 cup of flour. I think Gluten -free flour would work.
Biscotti
MacKenzie Acres is shaping up!
Our field still had metal posts with a string of Christmas lights hanging down, way down. Joe leaves them up until the ground is dry. This prevents a car from driving into the field ,leaving big ruts that have to be leveled.
He decided to mow the field today. We took down the lights and I told him I would finish picking up the branches left by a wind storm. It was really a mess. We had limbs from our trees, neighbors trees etc. After I picked up the branches my legs were telling me to sit down and take a rest. Then I heard this voice say, "Marti, would you please level out the mole holes". He then began to explain how this was done.
This tired person inside me said,' Shut up! I know how to rake a mole hole!"
I raked all the mole holes (40 or 50) and was sorry I lost my temper. Joe had gone into the house so I thought he was upset. I found out that he went in to use the bathroom and hadn't even heard my outburst. What a waste!
He mowed the field and most of the yard and it looks beautiful. Thanks Joe.
I then decided to make some biscotti. I know, I'm a crazy lady.
I double baked some and put three rolls in freezer. I'll do the second baking later.
He decided to mow the field today. We took down the lights and I told him I would finish picking up the branches left by a wind storm. It was really a mess. We had limbs from our trees, neighbors trees etc. After I picked up the branches my legs were telling me to sit down and take a rest. Then I heard this voice say, "Marti, would you please level out the mole holes". He then began to explain how this was done.
This tired person inside me said,' Shut up! I know how to rake a mole hole!"
I raked all the mole holes (40 or 50) and was sorry I lost my temper. Joe had gone into the house so I thought he was upset. I found out that he went in to use the bathroom and hadn't even heard my outburst. What a waste!
He mowed the field and most of the yard and it looks beautiful. Thanks Joe.
I then decided to make some biscotti. I know, I'm a crazy lady.
I double baked some and put three rolls in freezer. I'll do the second baking later.
Our old dump truck captured by nature!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Metamucil Mouse Catch and Release
Whenever there are birds are not flying to the feeder, I know it must be out of seed. So, off to the garage to get some black sunflower seeds. We keep them in a garbage can with a secure lid, so I was a little surprised when I saw a mouse in the can. It began to run in circles like it was at a race track.
I closed the lid and began to plan how I would catch the critter
.
Our garage is filled with misc. items that I would love to toss. Among these are two Metamucil containers I gave Joe to use for nails or something. The containers have been sitting unused for several years! Every time I go to the garage I wonder why I didn't just toss them! This has a moral.
Joe is not always wrong!
I put on my gloves, grabbed the container and began to chase the mouse around the can. Finally I caught it and quickly closed the lid. I went in the house to tell Joe about my adventure. We agreed I should walk away from the house and free the mouse.
I heard no activity in the container and was afraid the mouse had succumbed due to lack of oxygen.
I opened the lid, and slowly the mouse crawled out of the container into the woods. I watched it regain its speed and crawl under a patch of ferns.
Of course I realize it may return to the garage, but for now it is on a camping trip.
I closed the lid and began to plan how I would catch the critter
.
Our garage is filled with misc. items that I would love to toss. Among these are two Metamucil containers I gave Joe to use for nails or something. The containers have been sitting unused for several years! Every time I go to the garage I wonder why I didn't just toss them! This has a moral.
Joe is not always wrong!
I put on my gloves, grabbed the container and began to chase the mouse around the can. Finally I caught it and quickly closed the lid. I went in the house to tell Joe about my adventure. We agreed I should walk away from the house and free the mouse.
I heard no activity in the container and was afraid the mouse had succumbed due to lack of oxygen.
I opened the lid, and slowly the mouse crawled out of the container into the woods. I watched it regain its speed and crawl under a patch of ferns.
Of course I realize it may return to the garage, but for now it is on a camping trip.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Amaryllis
I was given an amaryllis plant from Nancy, mother of our son-in-law. I appreciated her generosity but since I kill most houseplants, I was not that excited.
Amaryllis is an interesting plant, You can practically watch it grow.
It finally bloomed after its lengthy stem almost reached the top of our garden window.
Amaryllis is an interesting plant, You can practically watch it grow.
Expect the unexpected!
We were attending a luncheon to celebrate the 45th. anniversary of my friend and classmate, Loretta Orpilla.
We attended Immaculate High School and have kept in touch.
She had her wedding party (all who were still living) including altar boy, flower girl and ring bearer, and of course, her husband, Carlos.
I wondered why I was invited then remembered that I sang for the wedding.
It was scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Basil Café in Embassy Suites. This is located on West Valley Highway and not too far from our home.
It was 11:00 a.m. at communion time. I was getting nervous so decided to exit. I placed my choir book under my arm,
received the Eucharist and left. I put my robe away and hurried out to meet Joe. We walked over to the parking garage feeling good. Joe wiggled out of the parking place and headed down to the next level. As we continued to exit the garage a car backed out and crashed into the side of the truck!
We spoke to him, he gave us his card and asked us to call later in the evening because of a prior engagement.
Again we were on our way hoping we would arrive on time.
On time? After all that, we arrived at 11:30a.m.. The place was closed until noon!
We went into the Embassy Suites, sat down, waited until I recognized one of Loretta's cousins, Ben Laigo. I had never met him, but there was enough of a family resemblance that I was comfortable asking if he was there for Loretta & Carlos.
Loretta is from a fantastic family, loving, Intelligent, interesting and fun.
It was a pleasure to spend a few hours with them.
Loretta is caring for a brother who is living with severe developmental problems. He is interesting to
watch, loves to eat food and drink coffee. He kept staring at me and I wanted to know what he was thinking. Loretta is waiting for his caregiver to return. In the meantime she is taking care of all his needs. I call her Saint Loretta.
All in all it was a fun day. Good friends, good food, what more does a person need.
P.S. They kept asking me to sing. ( no piano, no sheet music to follow, yikes) I decided to give it a try. I sang Anniversary Waltz. Ben helped me with the words.
I guess it was OK. when I was finished, Carlos yelled out, "Martha, you still got it".
Another out of body experience!
We attended Immaculate High School and have kept in touch.
She had her wedding party (all who were still living) including altar boy, flower girl and ring bearer, and of course, her husband, Carlos.
I wondered why I was invited then remembered that I sang for the wedding.
It was scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Basil Café in Embassy Suites. This is located on West Valley Highway and not too far from our home.
It was 11:00 a.m. at communion time. I was getting nervous so decided to exit. I placed my choir book under my arm,
received the Eucharist and left. I put my robe away and hurried out to meet Joe. We walked over to the parking garage feeling good. Joe wiggled out of the parking place and headed down to the next level. As we continued to exit the garage a car backed out and crashed into the side of the truck!
We spoke to him, he gave us his card and asked us to call later in the evening because of a prior engagement.
Again we were on our way hoping we would arrive on time.
On time? After all that, we arrived at 11:30a.m.. The place was closed until noon!
We went into the Embassy Suites, sat down, waited until I recognized one of Loretta's cousins, Ben Laigo. I had never met him, but there was enough of a family resemblance that I was comfortable asking if he was there for Loretta & Carlos.
Loretta is from a fantastic family, loving, Intelligent, interesting and fun.
It was a pleasure to spend a few hours with them.
Loretta is caring for a brother who is living with severe developmental problems. He is interesting to
watch, loves to eat food and drink coffee. He kept staring at me and I wanted to know what he was thinking. Loretta is waiting for his caregiver to return. In the meantime she is taking care of all his needs. I call her Saint Loretta.
All in all it was a fun day. Good friends, good food, what more does a person need.
P.S. They kept asking me to sing. ( no piano, no sheet music to follow, yikes) I decided to give it a try. I sang Anniversary Waltz. Ben helped me with the words.
I guess it was OK. when I was finished, Carlos yelled out, "Martha, you still got it".
Another out of body experience!
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Fresh Fig Bread
We have a fig tree that giveth a plenty. When I get tired of pigging out on the oh so delicious figs I chop & freeze. The recipe calls for liquid poured over figs. I use grape juice.
One of the problems with the bread is it is impossible to double the recipe.
I decided to prepare ingredients for three loaves and mix one at a time. I used the Cuisinart to mix dry ingredients. I mixed each one and put it in separate bowl. Then I put sugar in separate bowls, eggs oil and vanilla in separate bowls etc. You get the idea.
Filled pans sat while I did the next. I managed to get all three pans in the oven in less than 5 minutes.
I know this is boring to anyone but me but the good news! The bread raiseth!
One of the problems with the bread is it is impossible to double the recipe.
I decided to prepare ingredients for three loaves and mix one at a time. I used the Cuisinart to mix dry ingredients. I mixed each one and put it in separate bowl. Then I put sugar in separate bowls, eggs oil and vanilla in separate bowls etc. You get the idea.
Filled pans sat while I did the next. I managed to get all three pans in the oven in less than 5 minutes.
I know this is boring to anyone but me but the good news! The bread raiseth!
Thursday, February 5, 2015
I was great while it lasted!
Joe is having trouble with his printer so decided to try to print photos on mine. It worked for a while and was such fun then printer lost power. We tried checking all the plugs but to no avail.
Some random photos of some of my favorite things.
Joe enjoying the tearoom
When we had a great garden
Cape Perpetua
. Joe may figure it out but not today. I have practice and want to relax for a time. Reading a manual is not my idea of fun or relaxation.
Some random photos of some of my favorite things.
Cape Perpetua
Monday, February 2, 2015
Rest In Peace Lennie
One of my favorite photos of Lennie and Betty Minardo, Godparents of our son James.
We have fond memories of Lennie. He was a great cook and very generous with his culinary
treasures. We love you Lennie.
We have fond memories of Lennie. He was a great cook and very generous with his culinary
treasures. We love you Lennie.
Betty, Lennie and James
June 25 1967
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