More photos of family on Christmas Day

Merry Day after Christmas

Joe & I had a wonderful day with family. We missed James family but they will be with us at a later time.

So sorry, gluten-free family members.

My favorite Chrismas decoration

Better photo of tree

In my heart it is Advent

Christmas décor. Be prepared, I am certifiable!

Christmas Decor

In my heart it is Advent but if I don't get Christmas decorations up now, it doesn't happen.
Be prepared, I am certifiable!

Thanksgiving Wishes

Received this lovely card from a lovely friend.  The card is her artistry.

Happy Anniversary Steve & Svetlana!

Svetlana was nice enough to try on my hat from the fifties.

Thanks James, Meagan. Dylan & Ian

Thanks John and Kristin

Colors before the storm

Rainy photos of the  colors in our yard

. Not great but better than nothing

Early Seattle (Way before Big Bertha)

Early Seattle

Another yummy mistake!

While putting together a loaf of fig bread I became distracted, thus a mistake. After about 10 minutes in the oven I realized I forgot the oil. I was tempted to toss it to the birds. After about 30 minutes I turned on the oven light to see that  the bread was golden brown and rising better than usual.
It is not as moist  but still delicious.
I then tried a new recipe of roasted plums filled with goat cheese, sprinkled with pistachio and a few other goodies. I re-read the recipe and I was supposed to wait until the plums were out of the oven to add the goat cheese.

Downed trees.

The property next to us looks like a lumber yard!

Memories of Kindergarten

   The teacher drew a circle around me and smothered any creative ideas I may have possessed.
We all had to be the same. All artwork had to follow her direction.  I was scolded for adding a designer touch to my drawing. These had to be placed on display like wallpaper! I had interrupted the order of things.
She judged each as a whole. What was my sin? I put an apron on Mrs. Pumpkin!

The need for uniformity was apparent when a new sister arrived and began to make learning fun.
She used music as a way to memorize e.g. authors ( I still remember the song) It was fun to learn using music  in place of the rote method. Learning was fun so it had to be wrong.
The teacher was transferred.
We had to believe without thought or question.

I am so happy this method is no longer the norm.  ( I hope)

The Feast!