Faith building Friday

OK - this is an odd one for Faith building Friday, but when I saw this all I could think of what the skill level these guys have. May they inspire you to hone your skills to the same level... if not higher! youtube video: NFL Fantasy Files: The Best Players 2 min version

Birdy magnates

A few weeks ago I won these cute refrigerator magnates handmade by Robin over at www.allthisheartand home.com. Love them! Very cute and I love the reminders on them: Joyful and Happy. As you can see they have joined the other important stuff on my frige door!

Her give away has inspired me... I'll be doing a giveaway from my Etsy store in the next few weeks. And yes, I've got more to add to the store but I'll be tied up till next week. Keep an eye open for the new items!

Wordless Wednesday

Saint Mary's in Seattle.

Pork Tenderloin

Found a recipe the other day that I've been dying to try out. A Marine friend of ours is home on leave and thought it would make a great dinner for his visit. Very simple and tasty. Here's my take on it:

I sliced open a pork tenderloin making it as flat as possible then placed a layer of cooked wild rice, Romano cheese and then topped it with a thick layer of fresh spinach. Wrapped the whole thing in bacon. Then baked it.

The second one didn't have the Romano cheese but I added Goat cheese crumbles on top when I served it. I preferred it that way. I used leftover rice this time, next time I think I would steam the spinach with the rice, it'll make stuffing easier. And I'll definitely use the goat cheese on the inside so that it melts into everything.

Let me know how yours turns out!

I'm also linking this to Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlum. Want some recipe ideas? Head over to this blog carnival, I know you'll find inspiration!

How I am reminded my husband loves me...

Earlier this week I had a bad day... a really bad day. A dark cloud hung over my head and was mirrored on my face. It was not a good day. Knowing that I like Pride and prejudice, and knowing that I needed a movie that would relax me, Chris put in Bride and prejudice, a Bollywood adaptation of P&P. Understand, he doesn't really like P&P but will watch it with me, but he doesn't like Bride and prejudice because of the dancing and singing Bollywood is famous for. Not only did he put it in for me, he sat and watched it with me. When I got up after the movie, the dark cloud was gone and I'd regained my equilibrium.

Another way that he shows me that he loves me is that he will take me for Mexican food. Not only does he not like Mexican food, it makes him physically sick. But, to show me that he loves me, he will take me out for Mexican. And in turn, I order the one thing on the menu that won't make him sick, and I give him all the rice, but keep all the beans and salsa for myself and off his plate.

He does many other things that tell me, that remind me, that he loves me. He cooks me breakfast, and makes my eggs just the way I like them. He takes me to places, not because he likes to travel, but because I like to travel. He gets me the right camera equipment, not because I'm particular about what I use, but I tell him the type of shots I want to take and he makes sure I have the right equipment. And in turn, I let him research and buy what he wants because he likes to research and get a good deal on what he likes.

So much of our lives are like this, complementing each others gifts, talents and abilities. And this complimenting is reflected in the little ways we show the other our love. In what ways do you wordlessly express your love and appreciation for your spouse or friend? Please share...

Faith building Friday

Shabbat Shalom...
I understand this song is called Lecha Dodi but I haven't been able to find the artist or album. If you know who it is please share!

Flavor

Chris and I have made a new friend recently. Really interesting guy. His Grandfather lived in Switzerland and as a boy, every summer he would go to Switzerland for the summer. When he was old enough he began working at a local restaurant. All he knew about the place was that it was really busy and they needed a dishwasher. As he got older, the owner/Chef decided he wanted to train him how to cook. Turns out that this was a Michelin 3 star rated restaurant, and my friends career as an Executive Chef began. He's worked at some of the best restaurants in the world. He made a comment about learning to make the recipes of a restaurant on Orcas Island. He followed the recipe, but his came out different. He put it down to a little thing - seasoning. How much or how little salt was used. It's not something that he was taught, but rather a part of the DNA he gained by working with the best in the world.

So tonight as I was doing the dishes, it occurred to me that this principle - carrying the DNA of who you learned from is an important one. Who you study under, who you learn from, even who you allow to influence you will show up, in the smallest ways. It reminded me of a belief I have acted on in my life. If I have the opportunity to learn from someone who I consider to be "mediocre", I'll usually wait. If I choose to learn from a "mediocre" person, I will become "mediocre" myself. It's not worth my time and effort to learn bad habits that I will have to put more effort into unlearning, assuming I can unlearn them, than it would take me to wait and learn from the best available person I can. What about you? Are you learning from the best possible people in your life? What habits of excellence are you learning and building upon?

Wordless Wednesday

Leaving Mukilteo

Star Trek and dinner

On Sunday we went to see Star Trek with my mom and James. If your a Star Trek fan and have not seen it, I highly recommend it. They did an amazing job in giving the origins of each major character as well and their personality quirks. Even if you've never gotten into Star Trek the movie is very entertaining and stands alone well.

After the movie we came home to make dinner. James and I had agreed to make a strawberry cake using All things heart and home Peach cake recipe and Georgia peach frosting, but with strawberries. Before heading to the movie we made a vanilla ice cream and put it in the freezer to set up. The main course was Rachel Ray's Pan-Seared Chicken with Grapefruit-Butter Sauce served with fresh steamed asparagus. Everything came out excellent. Mom went home with all the recipes. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment:

Chris making powdered sugar - didn't realize I didn't have the quantity needed. Good thing he has an industrial blender...
James licking the spatula after I'd poured the cake batter into the pans.
James licking the beater after he'd finished with the frosting, I got a kick out of the fact that he used his finger to wipe off the good stuff then licked his finger... I'm of the "lick the good stuff directly off wherever it's on" school of licking.
Me frosting the cake.
The chicken with the grapefruit and scallion sauce. I didn't cook out all the liquid because I wanted a lot of sauce. Next time I think I'd put the chicken back into the pan to absorb more sauce and finish cooking, and while I like scallions, I think I'd cut the recipe down to only 2 and not 4.
Dessert!
We're taking a road trip next week. I'm looking for foods that we can prepare in our hotel room and eat on the road. I will have access to a refer and a microwave. Do you have any favorite "road trippen" foods you'd care to share?

And I’m linking this to Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlum. Want some recipe ideas? Head over to this blog carnival. I know you’ll find inspiration!

5 people I'd like to meet.... part 3

So I listed the real people past or present I'd like to meet on Saturday and the fictional people I'd like to meet in yesterdays blog. Today I'll tackle the Biblical people I'd like to meet, most of them have characteristics that I desire to develop in my life - watch for a related post called Flavor later in the week:

• Solomon - I would love to have the wisdom and wealth the Lord gave him, only of his early years as king of Israel. I would love to be a part of all his dealings with the Queen of Sheba. The conversations they must have had...

• Joshua - He chose to stay in the Tabernacle while Moses delivered God's words to the people. I would love to have that characteristic so deeply ingrained in my life.

• Caleb - Faithful when he entered the land for the first time and faithful when he reminded Joshua what he had been promised because of his faithfulness. Faithful in conquering all that he was given. His strength didn't diminish for over 40 years...

• Moses - He was called a friend of God. I want that...

• Ester - She won the heart of a king. She saved her people. A woman of beauty, grace and wisdom.

• Daniel - He served under four kings, sometimes as the #2 guy in the land, all while in captivity. He held no bitterness because he knew God was in control. He looked forward to Gods promises and in the times of obscurity he pushed towards them.

• Joseph - he was a dreamer and an interpreter of dreams. He was trustworthy and a good Steward. I want these characteristics built up in my life.

• David - He was a worshiper, I want that level and passion in my life...

I know there are others, but as I've been reading the OT lately, these came readily to mind. I hope the last few days have been thought provoking for you. I would love to hear the people you'd like to meet!

Again, If you're reading on Facebook, please post your comments to my blog so that others can see your responses. You can get there by clicking here.

5 people I'd like to meet.... part 2

So I listed the real people past or present I'd like to meet in yesterdays blog. Today I'll tackle the fictional people I'd like to meet:

• Elizabeth Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Love her spunk, wit and intense love for her family and friends. She liked herself and that allowed her to accept others with all of their strengths and weaknesses. I identify with those characteristics and would like them to increase in me.

• Fitzwilliam Darcy, also from P&P. Still waters run deep... I think that just about sums it up. Educated and intelligent man. Would love to learn how he ran Pemberly, as well as all his holdings, so that I might learn from him.

• Moreta, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. A strong, intense, passionate woman who sacrificed all to save others. I could think of very few other things I would like said about me. Book: Moreta; Dragonlady of Pern.

• Lissa, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. I identify with this diminutive powerhouse. Would also like to ride a Gold Queen... Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books.

• Flar, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. A strong man to handle, love and protect a strong woman (Lissa)...Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books.

• Manoria Headwoman at Bendon Weyr, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. I identify with her organizational and delegational skills. I'd like to develop my ability to see what's needed, plan and place it into action, using the resources at hand. Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books.

• Master Harper Robbinton, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. Love his diplomatic skills. Would love to hone mine under his tutelage. Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books. Book covering his life: The Masterharper of Pern, though I always cry.

• Menolly, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. Resourceful, beautiful but not full of herself. Having more than one Fire lizard might be a bit much but speaks volumes about her. Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books, and primarily The Harper hall trilogy - Dragonsong, Dragonsinger and Dragon Drums

• Jaxum, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. A young man who has a heart of gold, in spite of all that he has overcome. Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books, primarily The White Dragon.

• Sharra, Jaxum's wife from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. Confident and strong young woman. Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books, primarily The White Dragon.

• Ruth the White dragon, from Anne McCaffery's Dragonriders of Pern series. Just because Ruth is Ruth. Book: all the "current day", verses ancient or future time, Dragonrider books, primarily The White Dragon.

• Edward Cullin from the Twilight series. I love his chivalry and passion for those he loves.

• Alice Cullin from the Twilight series. I think we'd be good friends, we both have freak flags and aren't afraid to fly them. Would love her ability to see the future, that would make investing so much easier!

I'm sure there are more, but these are the only ones that have come to mind. You can obviously tell my favorite book series. Now it's your turn, who are the fictional people I'd like to meet? If you're reading on Facebook, please post your comments to my blog so that others can see your responses. You can get there by clicking here.

5 people I'd like to meet....

I'm in the middle of reading Revolution of hope by Vicente Fox and Robert Allen. It's the biography of Vicente Fox, Mexico's first democratically elected president in 60 years. Driving down the road I was thinking how much I was enjoying listening, because he writes in a very conversational style, to Vicente and that it would be interesting to meet him. That got me asking the question of myself "Who are the 5 people I'd like to meet and why?". I quickly realized that I desired not just a meet and greet, or a sit down interview, but to develop a long friendship where we are both changed by our interaction. I left out people that are currently influencing me. For example, I left of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit because I am currently in relationship with all three.

At first I thought 5 people would be a stretch, then I realized that I had to break them into 3 categories, real people past or present, fictional people and Biblical people. And then I realized there were many more than 5 in each category. So what began as a one day post will be broken into three posts.

The real people past or present I'd like to meet:

• Georgia O'Keefe - She saw detail, beauty, light and color in the most mundane of objects. She painted light, sound, music and changed perceptions with her interesting perception and ability to express that perception. Like those who paint a painting within a paining, Octavio Ocampo is one artist that comes to mind, I want to know, and learn, to see how she saw. I had the opportunity to visit the O'Keeffe museum the last time I was in Santa Fe. I began to connect with that ability. All that I have read about her paints her, no pun intended, as a very strong woman who was ahead of her time. More on her here.

• Piter Lik - Love his photography. You can see his work here. When we ran into his work during our last trip to Hawaii, I was impacted by how he frames his pictures. I was exposed to the idea of taking one picture but cropping it several ways, though at this point the majority of my photos are "framed" as I take them and require little to no cropping. He shoots regular film on a negative that huge, if I remember correctly it's 5" square. This gives the brilliancy and incredible detail to his work.

• Ansal Adams - A master at shooting black and white. Don't like the idea of hoofing it to the paces he hoofed to photograph, don't always like the subjects he shot, but his ability to capture contrasts in black and white astounds me.

• Michelangelo - He once said something to the effect that all he did, referring to the statue of David, was to chip away the parts that were not necessary. While we were in Rome, what impressed me about the Pieta was the incredible detail, as well as the life to the marble. While you could attribute that to polishing the statue, it was more than that, something was released as he carved it. And the Sistine Chapel... All of the paintings in this room are amazing. There was a huge difference in impact compared to all the other art/paintings in the Vatican museum. I remember looking a the sidewalls of the Sistine Chapel and seeing how each generation interprets scripture and "paints" it in their own timeframe. If I remember correctly, Michelangelo painted all nudes but the powers that be demanded that they be clothed. I don't believe he painted the clothes on them, but the style of clothing wasn't from Israel, but rather portrayed current fashions. The ceiling was amazing. I would have loved to lay down and spend hours looking at it, I think my response, in part, was because I felt the Spirit hovering up along the ceiling. There were no chairs and you were only to speak in a whisper, but it was crowded with several hundred people and the ushers kept coming around to tell people to be quiet. You can read more about him and his work here.

• Leonardo DaVinci - his curiosity intrigues me. He dabbled proficiently in many areas. When we toured the Man|Inventor|Genius exhibit at the museum of flight I felt a desire to get to know a man who worked on flying machines and perpetual motion. Who journal-ed and doodled. Who painted, played music, created his own instruments and conceptualized solar power. More on him here.
  

• My maternal Grandmother. Though she died only a few years ago, I never really got to know her. Her primary language was Spanish, and my Spanish is not, at this point in my life, good enough to carry on a conversation. I would like to know about her life, about my ancestors and family, and what made her faith so strong.

• For that matter, my paternal Grandmother. I never met her, she died either before I was born or shortly after. The only image I have of her is a painting my Uncle Sec made of her. She is wearing a mantilla and looks very regal. I'm told I have her white streak.

• Some of my ancestors. Reading my family genealogy recently I found there were some very interesting people - who they were, when they lived, what they did and who their friends were that intrigue me.

• And I know there are spiritual people, as well as others not known for their spirituality, that did not come to mind as I created the list. This is itself was a bit of a surprise and highlighted to me just what kind of a "season" I am currently in...

I'd love to hear your choices. If you're reading on Facebook, please post your comments to my blog so that others can see your responses. You can get there by clicking here.

Faith building Friday

Love the joy that just burst through this video... enjoy

Fariy Tales...

Just finished reading the Stepsister scheme by Jim C Hines. Cute take on the life of Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. I picked up the book because of Bonnie Jones words at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry graduation a few weeks back. In a nutshell she explained that Sleeping Beauty is a metaphor of the church being kissed awake by her True Love. You can listen to the full conversation with her and Bob Jones here. And yes, it's worth your time and money to hear what they have to say...

Any way, I've been reading and watching different stories about Sleeping Beauty since then. This morning as I was thinking about the three Princesses and how Hines treated them, I began to see the prophetic stories behind the fables. Bonnie tells you about Sleeping Beauty, Snow White I'm still fleshing out, but I realized that Cinderella is about learning who you really are and beginning to walk in that true identity rather than the identity those around you have defined for you. It would be great if we were all raised by those who can see and nurture our true identities. Unfortunately, that is usually not the case. Hopefully we are lucky and discover that we are more that we were lead to believe, and along life's journey we find those who embrace our uniqueness and encourage and help us to be all that we were created to be.

May you see yourself clearly, grow into the person you were created to be, and have many people who help and encourage you on your journey.

Wordless Wednesday

Sunrise on the river.

Tasty Tuesday

A few days ago I made this Cheesy Chicken Lasagna recipe. Once again I forgot to note where I got it from... and to take pictures. I had planned to add a layer of spinach or broccoli slaw but forgot as we were running late. What caught my eye was using Uncle Dan's dip mix.

When I was in High School I attended Leadership week and Dan was one of our speakers. He arrived in a "10 gallon" hat that had a crown that stood 3' off his head, and he is only about 5' tall. He gave a speech about being able to do the impossible, and then took a huge Russet potato and a paper straw and showed us that with persistence, and several straws, you could pierce the potato. Great visual for his lecture.

Anyway, because of that I purchase his mixes when I need something along those lines. So the combo of evaporated milk and Uncle Dan's mix made this recipe interesting. I also used ground turkey rather than cubed chicken. After eating it, Chris's input was for a tomato base sauce. The result, not bad, a bit salty in my book so the next time these are the changes I'll try:

• Changing out the liquid base a bit - maybe 1 cup each of cream and evaporated milk.
• Add tomatoes, which means I'll have to reduce the sauce a bit.
• Sauté the meet with the Uncle Dan's to get the flavor really in the meat, specially turkey...
• Add a layer of spinach or broccoli slaw.
• Make extra and freeze it.

Cheesy Chicken Lasagna

2 cans (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 (1 oz) pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix
3 C. cubed, cooked, chicken
1/8 tsp pepper
1 (16oz) lasagna noodles, cooked
1 1/2 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 C mozzarella cheese, grated

I usually cook the chicken and noodles first at the same time. Once noodles are done--rinse in cold water and set aside (it keeps them from sticking together).
Combine evaporated milk (don't use fat-free version) and Ranch dressing in a 3 quart heavy saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until dry ingredients are dissolved.
Stir in chicken and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes (don't do any less), stirring frequently.
Layer half of lasagna noodles, poultry sauce, and cheese in well-buttered 9x13 pan. Repeat layers again.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. VERY IMPORTANT as this needs to set up before cutting.

Let me know how your results turn out.

I'm also posting this blog over at Balancing beauty and bedlam's Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods.

Slow Monday....

Kind of a slow morning after a good and busy weekend. We hung out with old friends and made new ones. Listened to life stories and spoke life giving words. Love when we get to play...
Stopped into my mom's yesterday and ended up having an impromptu family gathering celebrating my sister and her husbands birthdays. Forgot my camera at home but used mom's to take pictures in her garden. Enjoy them while I tackle the pile that has accumulated on my desk.

Fly your freak flag!

While enjoying taco's in the sun with my friend yesterday, I realized just how much I loved being with someone who allowed me to be me... to express my uniqueness in the company of someone who allowed me to be me. In fact we had a discussion about the freedom to "fly our freak flags".

What is a freak flag you ask? So glad you asked that question! But to answer it we have to discuss the movie The family Stone. Here's what Yahoo movies has to say about the movie:

The Stones, a New England family, have their annual holiday gathering. The eldest son brings his girlfriend home to meet his parents, brothers and sisters. The bohemian Stones greet their visitor--a high-powered, controlling New Yorker--with a mix of awkwardness, confusion and hostility. Before the holiday is over, relationships will unravel while new ones are formed, secrets will be revealed, and the family Stone will come together through its extraordinary capacity for love.

What you need to know is that the New Yorker, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, is told by one of the younger brothers that she has a freak flag, which she keeps hidden. He gives her permission to fly that inner freak flag, and to fly it proudly. It becomes life changing for her.

So the question is - are you flying your freak flag? Are you exploring, growing and loving the uniqueness that is you? Do you need permission to fly your freak flag? If so, I give you permission - fly your freak flag proudly. Discover who you are and what you are designed to do. Do it with abandonment, do it with pride, do it with joy... because no one can take the place of you!

Faith building Friday

Friday posts are turning into Faith building Friday’s. I’ll post something that is encouraging and faith building. Please feel free to share or forward your ideas with me.
This story about Faith Stringfellow the 2 legged dog was sent to me by Donna. I Can’t credit the original writer because it wasn’t noted,
but I did find Faith’s story and have included a video report by Daryn Kaygan.



Faith Stringfellow is an amazing little dog, with an even more amazing story. Faith suffered from a birth defect, she became a member of our family when she was just a three-week old puppy. My son Reuben (17) picked Faith out of a litter of puppies that his friend's dog had recently given birth to. Several of the puppies were deformed; a few had already died. The mother dog was actually trying to terminate Faith's life when Reuben lifted her weak body out from under the mother dog; he brought her home to me knowing I had a heart like a marshmallow.

Even though Faith has this defect we taught her to stand, hop, and eventually walk on her two back legs, like a human. She's been a great dog and we forget she's handicapped. You'll turn around and she's chasing the geese at the park, running, jumping, skipping, and acting like any other dog...well, any other dog with a nose reach of 40" from the ground! (Watch your plate, she'll clean it for you before you're ready to share.)

Busy couple of days...

In spite of the heat I decided to bake yesterday morning. I made carrot raisin muffins using Mimi's Cafe Carrot Raisin Bread, which I doubled, but forgot to double the sugar so I “had” to make a cream cheese frosting to balance out the flour taste. Even without the frosting they were pretty darned good. I will make them again, and remember the sugar! For Chris I made Grama's apple muffins , shown above. Finely I made Betsy's granola (thought I'd gotten this from My five men blog but couldn't find it when I went to link to it... but you should check out her blog anyway, she's got other great recipes I'll be trying). Wish I'd taken a picture of the granola after I added all the fruit, it was very festive, tastes great too! For lunch I threw together some steamed asparagus and sautéed shrimp with an Asian salad dressing. Surprisingly good...

Spent the rest of the day working on changes to the blog and my Etsy shop. Very productive day. Unfortunately the geo-thermal system decided to have issues so that house wasn't nearly as cool as it had been on Tuesday, that made dinner interesting. Chris wasn't interested in the left over Chicken fingers so we tried Betsy's trick of BBQ'ing a pizza, though ours was frozen and her's was homemade. We used a double insulated pizza pan on the grill. She's right, it gets a bit of that oven baked burn-ness but it was pretty darned good. Only next time I won't add Romano cheese, it doesn't melt.


Today I've got a meeting that will last well into the afternoon....

So I didn't get the above posted before I left for my meeting.... after my meeting my friend Carolyn invited me to her home to meet her roommate Alice. Alice and I worked for the same company several years ago but had never met. Listening to Wm Paul Young, the author of The shack, a few weeks back, he said the best compliment a friend gives another friend is by giving them their friends. That happened today. I spent a lovely afternoon getting to know, and be known, by new friends. Very happy day! BTW, if you are interested in Paul's conversations, that's what they are rather than a teaching or a sermon, here are the links. The afternoon session he spoke more about how and why he wrote The shack, the evening session he spoke openly and candidly about his life, which was the testing grounds for the lessons taught in the book. You will need to create a user account with Bethel, and I believe you will need to pay for both of those videos, but very worth the time and money.

Now that I've played all day, it's time to make dinner. On the menu: pork parmesan, but I'm using mozzarella and a pasta with some sort of a red sauce.

Wordless Wednesday

Been reading other blogs trying to figure out how to change mine. Beginning today I'll start a weekly feature that will have only a picture, and maybe a few words - today will be the exception to that rule....

For your enjoyment, here is a picture taken at St. Kevin's Kitchen in Glendalach just Southwest of Dublin, Ireland, felt it was appropriate way to begin this new theme...

Another winner:

Left the oven off last night and decided to make Paula Dean's The Lady and son's chicken fingers. Fairly simple, sprinkle with her House seasoning mix, dredge in flour, dip in buttermilk then dredge in flour again. I used the deep fryer to cook them but I suppose you could also bake them. I served them on a bed of greens with Ranch dressing drizzled on top. Chris really liked them. After tasting the first batch, I adjusted the seasoning mixture as it was way to salty. Below is my version of Paul Dean's House seasoning:
3/4 cup Sea salt
1/2 cup Ground pepper
1/2 cup Garlic powder

Today I've been working on my Etsy store. I'll be uploading my photo journal note cards and I've finally made the difficult decision to let go of my rubber stamp collection and will be posting those in my store as well. I've taken the day easy as I woke up with a monster headache that has refused to go away... luckily I'm more insistent than it is!

With today's heat, 80', we're BBQing - found some Buffalo steaks on sale at the store, corn on the cob and fresh grilled asparagus. Also picked up all the fixings for carrot raisin muffins and Betsey's granola, but I'll wait till the weather cools before turning on the oven.

It's a lovely day...

...actually been a lovely week. It's almost like we've had Summer weather early.

On today's agenda: finishing the laundry, putting the weekend stuff away and reading on the porch, before it gets to hot! Got a lot of business and personal reading I need to catch up on. I've been sipping on homemade fruit tea, this one made of Mango juice that is so thick that I had to cut it down with something, and my Princess Gray tea, an Earl Gray tea with Rose petals and lavender buds, had so much caffeine I had to cut it with something. The two marry well together. Later today I'll be making Lavender lemonade. Looking forward to that cold treat! I know I need to figure out dinner but nothing is coming to mind, and I really don't want to turn on the oven to make the Chicken lasagna I've been wanting to try... maybe just a simple pasta dish...

Chris and I did the Happy dance this morning, I received notice that I have passed the "Apprentice level one" in the the Dream Interpretation course and have been assigned the Level 2 assignments. When I attempted the course over a year ago, I was hitting walls every time I pulled up a dream. This time around I've passed the first level in a week. Timing is everything!
Today's picture was taken last week when I toured Valerie's garden.