LET'S TALK

about Mom because she's awesome.

She likes Chinese food, is always looking for the bright side, and
believes in making things happen.

She's a grandmother, like me.

She saves, displays and values old things.
She organizes it all so she can find it at a moment's notice.

She dishes out good advice;
'Be a blessing in giving generously.'  
"Read my favorite childhood stories."
"Be careful of heat stroke."

Upon our return to Arizona Ave, our condo has

 been turned into a work zone for a tub upgrade. 

 I found a new box of 80 K cups in the cupboard.

She doesn't drink coffee. 

 Also there's a new digital clock on the nightstand.

Our guests have added four new books to the reading shelf

 including the local phone directory.  

They've filled a decorative gold vase with area maps.

She's practical in planning.

'All end tables and living room furniture should have drawers for storage.'
"Furniture purchases should be carefully considered for practical use.
 Buy durability and also things you love.
You will have the pieces for a long time."

"Enjoy life."

You don't need to buy a new pattern for everything.  

Make up your own.  

Orders were often delivered in the form of a firm stance. The answer didn't change

not matter how often you asked the question.

Don't criticize your husband to your friends.
It indicates you are uncertain of your own good judgment.

Count things.  Your blessings, to 10, and always be prepared.

Bacon Wrapped Dates at The Ivy.
Have plenty of food options available for impromptu entertaining.
Spare no reasonable effort to serve others but let your guests join the fun.
 It's a great way to entertain.  Have fun with it.

Happy Mother's Day to all

 of you and your mothers and children from me and my mom.

Catching up on Spring 

Blustering Snow on Carter

As spring struggles to overcome winter, I'm inspired by the simple inevitability of the sun's victory as the world tips, twirls, and turns.  With the encouragement and enthusiasm of a three week visit from our daughter, she and I started P90X.  On the 9th and 14th day we were way-laid by facing up to the effects of her broken finger and my on-going Achilles's tendinitis.  I shall persevere and heal - R.I.C.E.  Meanwhile, as life happens to not coincide with my best laid plans, there's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say.  

I promised to report on my My New Year's Resolutions, and sadly they have met with an inevitable and expected situation - my husband's business plans and growth demands more of me than I want to give.  The inner conflict is considerable. As pieces of time for my plans are shaved away incrementally and this development requires of me adaptation, I cooperate somewhat reluctantly, like spring being tugged backwards into winter.   

My practical side is at war with my art, with my dreams.  This blog post then, is about me and my camera.  Together we are refusing to submit to the mundane.  We will persist in robbing life of its commonplace.  We will live in beautiful moments.

After the Squall

Rental Renovation Project.
That is my toe in the picture (below Foto).
Worn out and watching him work.

Passing Through - Dawson's Tree.

Meatloaf measured with Pampered Chef large cookie scoop
and baked in Demarle 24 count Muffin Tray for 15 minutes.

Recipe calls for cheddar cheese.  I was out of it,
so used spinach to replace it.  Delicious - did not miss the cheddar, loved the flecks of healthy green.  Too bad I didn't think of that 
when I had little kids.

Diced potatoes just covered in water cook faster -
then mash while combining with powdered milk.
Voila'! 

Glazed Beef Loaf

Recipe is a family favorite.  I don't like meatloaf surprises and I do like great presentation.
This one has:

2 eggs, 
1 1/2 c. grated cheddar, 
2/3 c. shredded raw carrots, 
1/4 c. ketchup,  
3 slices bread, cubed or approximately 1/2 c. uncooked oatmeal - I used organic. 
Two teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.  
2/3 c. Milk - canned is good if you're low on milk for breakfast.  
Bake until well browned and bubbling.  350° (1 1/2 hrs. in loaf pan.)

Before serving, glaze with 1/4 c. brown sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon prepared mustard that has been heated on stove in a small sauce pan - watch it, don't boil.  I mix this without measuring.  I like plenty of glaze.

Happy Birthday to me - what a nice day.  Thank you!

The Ivy, no less!

Kids' gift.

(It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.)  

Royale Charlotte Cake - oh my.

Found My Bliss

Angles and Light

Sunset Booty