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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
My Garden
Back around the first of April, I started my garden seedlings indoors. I planted tomatoes, squash, green beans, carrots, peppers, and spring onions in those little, expandable peat pot things. At the end of last week, I called my county extension office to see if I should transplant the green beans and squash into the raised beds. They had rapidly outgrown their containers. The beans were almost two feet tall. The squash were nearly a foot tall. We're past the frost date, but it still seemed to early to me. Anyway, the master gardener told me to go ahead and put them in my raised beds because they were going to die if I kept them in the containers any longer. The rest of the seedlings are growing at a slower rate, so I still plan to wait until around May 1 to transplant them into the beds. I am in the process of hardening them off now.
Guess how my squash and beans fared. Go ahead, take a wild guess...
They are DEAD! ARGH!!! I'm guessing it is still too chilly for them. Either that, or they were already doomed because of how long they stayed in the peat.
There's a bright side, though. I only planted a few of each, so I have sufficient seeds to start over and plant them directly into the raised beds.
I also put down lettuce seed. I was actually a little late getting those in, since our first lettuce season will be over around the end of May. Those seem to be growing nicely!
Guess how my squash and beans fared. Go ahead, take a wild guess...
They are DEAD! ARGH!!! I'm guessing it is still too chilly for them. Either that, or they were already doomed because of how long they stayed in the peat.
There's a bright side, though. I only planted a few of each, so I have sufficient seeds to start over and plant them directly into the raised beds.
I also put down lettuce seed. I was actually a little late getting those in, since our first lettuce season will be over around the end of May. Those seem to be growing nicely!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Urgent Prayers for Stellan
Precious Baby Stellan will be having surgery on his heart not later than 8:30 EDT tomorrow (Tuesday). On MckMama's latest post (here), she asks for some specific prayers. I will add them here for quick reference, although I encourage you to visit her blog for the whole story and updates.
MckMama asks:
Would you pray that Dr. A will have wisdom as to if he should move forward with the ablation after the esophageal study? If he does move forward, would you pray that he will have clarity of mind as far as how aggressive to be with the ablation in order to fix Stellan's problem without putting him at undue risk for complications. Would you pray that the tiny catheters the doctors use will not nick Stellan's coronary artery? Would you pray for peace for me and my husband? Would you pray that heart block will not occur during the surgery? Would you pray that the extra pathways Stellan has will be located and successfully destroyed? Will you pray that, if they need to go through his septum, that it will heal as it should? Would you pray that in the days after the surgery (In infants, coronary damage sometimes doesn't appear for up to three days, so we'll be here for the rest of the week at least it looks.) we will cling to Jesus and not to fear?
Please join me in lifting little Stellan and his family in prayer.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
1781 Battle of Petersburg
I love it when history comes to life!
We recently had the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Commemorative Reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg at Battersea. The old homestead site was the location of a Revolutionary War battle. Here is a picture of the homestead, which I understand was occupied until 1980. It is currently owned by the City of Petersburg, Virginia, and there are plans to restore it to its early 19th century appearance, although the house was built in the early 18th century.
One of the first exhibits we were able to see was this beautiful horse. He is a quarter horse, and a fine example of the kind of horses bred in Virginia to support the Colonial troops. This particular horse was quite gentle and enjoyed nuzzling with Princess E.
We toured the American and British Camps of soldiers preparing for battle. In the marketplace, Sutler Village, we visited families, sampled kettle corn, visited with a period doctor, watched a woodcarver and visited with a Windsor chair maker.
In the orangery, Princess E had the opportunity to visit with a proper period gentlelady, who showed her how to partake of tea. She learned, quickly, that holding a handleless teacup is not as easy as it appears, especially when the contents are hot!
Out on the front lawn were a number of activities. Princess E learned about children's pasttimes from the era. She played ring toss and practiced the rolling hoop. We also attended a performance by Signora Bella, who provided family entertainment in the form of Colonial-era Acrobatics.
We had quite the adventure! And, guess what? It was a free event! That makes it even better. We'll be back next year.
We recently had the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Commemorative Reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg at Battersea. The old homestead site was the location of a Revolutionary War battle. Here is a picture of the homestead, which I understand was occupied until 1980. It is currently owned by the City of Petersburg, Virginia, and there are plans to restore it to its early 19th century appearance, although the house was built in the early 18th century.
One of the first exhibits we were able to see was this beautiful horse. He is a quarter horse, and a fine example of the kind of horses bred in Virginia to support the Colonial troops. This particular horse was quite gentle and enjoyed nuzzling with Princess E.
We toured the American and British Camps of soldiers preparing for battle. In the marketplace, Sutler Village, we visited families, sampled kettle corn, visited with a period doctor, watched a woodcarver and visited with a Windsor chair maker.
In the orangery, Princess E had the opportunity to visit with a proper period gentlelady, who showed her how to partake of tea. She learned, quickly, that holding a handleless teacup is not as easy as it appears, especially when the contents are hot!
Out on the front lawn were a number of activities. Princess E learned about children's pasttimes from the era. She played ring toss and practiced the rolling hoop. We also attended a performance by Signora Bella, who provided family entertainment in the form of Colonial-era Acrobatics.
We had quite the adventure! And, guess what? It was a free event! That makes it even better. We'll be back next year.
The 1781 Battle of Petersburg
I love it when history comes to life!
Way back in the not-too-distant past of my school years, I strongly disliked being forced to study history. In my mind, it was all a bunch of useless dates and political garbage that had little, if any, bearing on our lives today. Sure, knowing when our nation was formed was important, and maybe understanding the Constitution a little; but I found the enless studies of pacts and treaties to be mind-numbing.
I don't blame the teachers. They were simply "teaching to the test" to make sure I could recite all the facts that somebody, somewhere decided was most important. This trend continued through college. I actually had a few moments of intense fellowship with one of my professors over the matter. I asked him why there was so much focus on memorizing facts rather than getting to know the people who walked the earth in the past. He suggested that my position was indicative of immaturity*, and that studying political history is the proper way to understand history.
Fast forward a few years...my position could not be more different today. I LOVE studying history! I am far from an expert on any subject, but I know enough to keep me curious. More importantly, I know enough to keep my daughter interested in learning about history!
We recently had the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Commemorative Reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg at Battersea. The old homestead site was the location of a Revolutionary War battle. Here is a picture of the homestead, which I understand was occupied until 1980. It is currently owned by the City of Petersburg, Virginia, and there are plans to restore it to its early 19th century appearance, although the house was built in the early 18th century.
One of the first exhibits we were able to see was this beautiful horse. He is a quarter horse, and a fine example of the kind of horses bred in Virginia to support the Colonial troops. This particular horse was quite gentle and enjoyed nuzzling with Princess E.
We toured the American and British Camps of soldiers preparing for battle. In the marketplace, Sutler Village, we visited families, sampled kettle corn, visited with a period doctor, watched a woodcarver and visited with a Windsor chair maker.
In the orangery, Princess E had the opportunity to visit with a proper period gentlelady, who showed her how to partake of tea. She learned, quickly, that holding a handleless teacup is not as easy as it appears, especially when the contents are hot!
Out on the front lawn were a number of activities. Princess E learned about children's pasttimes from the era. She played ring toss and practiced the rolling hoop. We also attended a performance by Signora Bella, who provided family entertainment in the form of Colonial-era Acrobatics.
We had quite the adventure! And, guess what? It was a free event! That makes it even better. We'll be back next year.
*I was rapidly approaching 30 years old at the time, and had gone back to school AFTER establishing my career. I had been married over 10 years at that point, was a homeowner, etc. Hardly indicative of immaturity.
Way back in the not-too-distant past of my school years, I strongly disliked being forced to study history. In my mind, it was all a bunch of useless dates and political garbage that had little, if any, bearing on our lives today. Sure, knowing when our nation was formed was important, and maybe understanding the Constitution a little; but I found the enless studies of pacts and treaties to be mind-numbing.
I don't blame the teachers. They were simply "teaching to the test" to make sure I could recite all the facts that somebody, somewhere decided was most important. This trend continued through college. I actually had a few moments of intense fellowship with one of my professors over the matter. I asked him why there was so much focus on memorizing facts rather than getting to know the people who walked the earth in the past. He suggested that my position was indicative of immaturity*, and that studying political history is the proper way to understand history.
Fast forward a few years...my position could not be more different today. I LOVE studying history! I am far from an expert on any subject, but I know enough to keep me curious. More importantly, I know enough to keep my daughter interested in learning about history!
We recently had the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Commemorative Reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Petersburg at Battersea. The old homestead site was the location of a Revolutionary War battle. Here is a picture of the homestead, which I understand was occupied until 1980. It is currently owned by the City of Petersburg, Virginia, and there are plans to restore it to its early 19th century appearance, although the house was built in the early 18th century.
One of the first exhibits we were able to see was this beautiful horse. He is a quarter horse, and a fine example of the kind of horses bred in Virginia to support the Colonial troops. This particular horse was quite gentle and enjoyed nuzzling with Princess E.
We toured the American and British Camps of soldiers preparing for battle. In the marketplace, Sutler Village, we visited families, sampled kettle corn, visited with a period doctor, watched a woodcarver and visited with a Windsor chair maker.
In the orangery, Princess E had the opportunity to visit with a proper period gentlelady, who showed her how to partake of tea. She learned, quickly, that holding a handleless teacup is not as easy as it appears, especially when the contents are hot!
Out on the front lawn were a number of activities. Princess E learned about children's pasttimes from the era. She played ring toss and practiced the rolling hoop. We also attended a performance by Signora Bella, who provided family entertainment in the form of Colonial-era Acrobatics.
We had quite the adventure! And, guess what? It was a free event! That makes it even better. We'll be back next year.
*I was rapidly approaching 30 years old at the time, and had gone back to school AFTER establishing my career. I had been married over 10 years at that point, was a homeowner, etc. Hardly indicative of immaturity.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Spring Fling - Kameron's girlie treat!!!
For the Spring Fling so graciously coordinated by Sara at Domestically Challenged, I have been given the post for Kameron at A Wrinkle In Time. Here you go:
The girlie thing that I can't live without is pedicures! I love me some foot rubs!!! It is just so nice to get to sit back, relax, and have my feet pampered. I usually only splurge on this a couple times during the winter since my poor tootsies are covered in Uggs for 5 months anyway. Summer, however is another story. I am one of the rare ladies who does not love fashionable shoes. Nope, I prefer to walk around like the good Lord intended, barefoot and fancy free. Since it isn't exactly socially acceptable to go into most public places without shoes (you know, hygiene and all), I have a vast collection of the next best thing to bare feet....flip flops! Oh, I have sandals too, but the less material between my feet and the ground, the happier I am. Flip flop feet take quite a beating, so I treat myself to pedis as often as I can. I love all kinds of polish too. Sometimes I get a french pedicure, other times I get really cool flowers painted on my big toe nails. I pick my color depending on my mood, but I've tried at least 50 different polishes! My favorites are corals, bright pinks and purpley colors. I got a pedicure the day before I went into labor with Natey. It was my favorite one to date and all of the nurses commented on how much they liked my toes! I figured if I had to look at my feet for hours on end, they'd better be pretty!
Now, I'm not saying that pedicures are an exclusively girlie thing. For men secure enough in their manhood, pedicures can be enjoyed by our counterparts as well. My hubby is the first to admit that once I got him over the stigma of the whole thing and told him he didn't have to get polish to have a pedicure, he was on board. I think the ladies giving the pedicures think it is funny when a man gets it done, but I always image they are having lengthy conversations about how nasty people's feet are anyway. So there you have it, my favorite (not so guilty) girlie treat...super smooth, super cute feet!!
Kameron @ A wrinkle in Time
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Disney World
We've taken our family to Disney World twice. One year on the 4th of July, and the next year on the 3rd of July.
If you have young children, please consider using harnesses with the children. Disney World has an excellent program to handle children who are separated from their parents; but since the crowding can be extreme, these can be real sanity savers. They don't need them all the time; but when in an overly-crowded situation, they are just a bit of insurance. There were times when the crowd was so thick, we could not leave the children on the ground for fear they would be trampled. During the fireworks on July 4th, the crowd was so thick that we were packed shoulder to shoulder for as far as one could see. Movement was extremely limited.
There are rides that are available even for younger children, and they are spread out through the park. Characters roam the park and are happy to pose for pictures with your children (and you!). Riding the train around the park is a great way to make a rest time to keep the little one's from getting too tired.
When you have the option, use the fastpass ride reservation system. It's like waiting in two lines at once.
Food prices in the park are comparable to area family restaurants. The kids' meals were about $5. Not bad. We ate at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, and were quite pleased with the choices and prices. An adult meal of 1/2 chicken with sides was about $10, and is really enough to share. Sodas are a bit pricey, but no more that you would pay at an Applebee's or Ruby Tuesday. I just think that charging $2 or more for a simple beverage is ridiculous. There are more expensive restaurants, too, where you can enjoy a buffet or a meal with various characters.
Consider buying souvenirs outside the park. There are a good number of shops where you can pick up souvenirs at a fraction of the cost at the park, and you don't have to haul them around with you. Also, as you head east from the park entrance, about 5 miles away is a *huge* WalMart. They are often the same ones as at the park, but at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. For example, the licensed spray water bottle was about $20 at the park, about $5 at WalMart.
In that same general area on the same road are a handful of flea markets. These are well worth visiting. Last year, we bought mens leather belts for $3.
Lots of places offer "kids eat free" deals, and early bird specials are common. You can save gobs of food money that way. Be sure to pick up coupon books to save a little more.
Don't forget to pack your preferred headache meds. By the end of the day, you just might need them.
If you have young children, please consider using harnesses with the children. Disney World has an excellent program to handle children who are separated from their parents; but since the crowding can be extreme, these can be real sanity savers. They don't need them all the time; but when in an overly-crowded situation, they are just a bit of insurance. There were times when the crowd was so thick, we could not leave the children on the ground for fear they would be trampled. During the fireworks on July 4th, the crowd was so thick that we were packed shoulder to shoulder for as far as one could see. Movement was extremely limited.
There are rides that are available even for younger children, and they are spread out through the park. Characters roam the park and are happy to pose for pictures with your children (and you!). Riding the train around the park is a great way to make a rest time to keep the little one's from getting too tired.
When you have the option, use the fastpass ride reservation system. It's like waiting in two lines at once.
Food prices in the park are comparable to area family restaurants. The kids' meals were about $5. Not bad. We ate at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, and were quite pleased with the choices and prices. An adult meal of 1/2 chicken with sides was about $10, and is really enough to share. Sodas are a bit pricey, but no more that you would pay at an Applebee's or Ruby Tuesday. I just think that charging $2 or more for a simple beverage is ridiculous. There are more expensive restaurants, too, where you can enjoy a buffet or a meal with various characters.
Consider buying souvenirs outside the park. There are a good number of shops where you can pick up souvenirs at a fraction of the cost at the park, and you don't have to haul them around with you. Also, as you head east from the park entrance, about 5 miles away is a *huge* WalMart. They are often the same ones as at the park, but at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. For example, the licensed spray water bottle was about $20 at the park, about $5 at WalMart.
In that same general area on the same road are a handful of flea markets. These are well worth visiting. Last year, we bought mens leather belts for $3.
Lots of places offer "kids eat free" deals, and early bird specials are common. You can save gobs of food money that way. Be sure to pick up coupon books to save a little more.
Don't forget to pack your preferred headache meds. By the end of the day, you just might need them.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Passover
Holy Week is a special time for our family, especially as we near the end of the week. Last night, our family had the opportunity to experience “The Stations of the Cross” at our church. It is a humbling experience, to immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the last twelve hours of Jesus’ earthly ministry, to encounter His suffering, to nail your own sins to His cross.
I took Princess E with me through each of the stations this year. It was the first time she had gone through. She has a vivid imagination and was able to fully experience the walk. She found it increasingly difficult to continue. At the end, emerging from the station of the tomb, she said simply “That was hard.” She found it quite difficult to wrap her mind around the pain and suffering our Savior experienced FOR US.
Late last week, when I was planning our upcoming dinner menus, she asked if we could eat dinner on Maundy Thursday in the same way Jesus would have eaten the last supper with His disciples. The first surprise, for me, was realizing she knew the term Maundy Thursday. I was an adult before I ever remember hearing it.
_-_The_Last_Supper_(1495-1498).jpg)
Anyway, I set out to plan a Passover Seder for our family for our dinner tonight. After some research, the final menu was Sweet Beef Roast, Miriam’s Purple Cabbage, and Roasted Potatoes. On the side, I made a gravy from the pan drippings and served unleavened bread. It may not have been the perfect Passover Seder meal, but it was a reasonable attempt. Here are a few photos of the food.
Princess E set the table for dinner. As she was setting it, she asked if we would allow her to set an extra place for Jesus. Of course, Jesus is always at our table, so setting a place for Him did not seem strange at all. We did have to draw the line when she asked if we could eat upstairs in the hallway, which would be more like the upper room in her estimation.
Princess E asked the blessing, as she often does. The prayers of a child are so honest. I am in awe of her thankful heart. As we ate our meal, we retold the story of the Exodus out of Egypt, and why Jesus would have been observing the Passover with His Disciples that last night.
As we head into Good Friday, it is with humble hearts and a spirit of deep gratitude that Jesus was willing to endure such a horrific, traumatic death for us. I can barely begin to imagine the fear and hurt His mother experienced as she watched her precious Son during those final hours. Her heart must have been unbearably heavy with grief. Imagine how His followers felt. Their beliefs shattered, their lives in danger; into hiding they went. Imagine how Jesus felt, betrayed by Judas and deserted by His disciples. Imagine that night…
I took Princess E with me through each of the stations this year. It was the first time she had gone through. She has a vivid imagination and was able to fully experience the walk. She found it increasingly difficult to continue. At the end, emerging from the station of the tomb, she said simply “That was hard.” She found it quite difficult to wrap her mind around the pain and suffering our Savior experienced FOR US.
Late last week, when I was planning our upcoming dinner menus, she asked if we could eat dinner on Maundy Thursday in the same way Jesus would have eaten the last supper with His disciples. The first surprise, for me, was realizing she knew the term Maundy Thursday. I was an adult before I ever remember hearing it.
Anyway, I set out to plan a Passover Seder for our family for our dinner tonight. After some research, the final menu was Sweet Beef Roast, Miriam’s Purple Cabbage, and Roasted Potatoes. On the side, I made a gravy from the pan drippings and served unleavened bread. It may not have been the perfect Passover Seder meal, but it was a reasonable attempt. Here are a few photos of the food.
Princess E set the table for dinner. As she was setting it, she asked if we would allow her to set an extra place for Jesus. Of course, Jesus is always at our table, so setting a place for Him did not seem strange at all. We did have to draw the line when she asked if we could eat upstairs in the hallway, which would be more like the upper room in her estimation.
Princess E asked the blessing, as she often does. The prayers of a child are so honest. I am in awe of her thankful heart. As we ate our meal, we retold the story of the Exodus out of Egypt, and why Jesus would have been observing the Passover with His Disciples that last night.
As we head into Good Friday, it is with humble hearts and a spirit of deep gratitude that Jesus was willing to endure such a horrific, traumatic death for us. I can barely begin to imagine the fear and hurt His mother experienced as she watched her precious Son during those final hours. Her heart must have been unbearably heavy with grief. Imagine how His followers felt. Their beliefs shattered, their lives in danger; into hiding they went. Imagine how Jesus felt, betrayed by Judas and deserted by His disciples. Imagine that night…
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Raised Garden Beds
After a wildly unsuccessful attempt at gardening in native soil last year, we decided to give raised beds a try this year. Now, the King wasn't nearly as thrilled with the idea as I was. After all, he doesn't care much for gardening and he doesn't follow The Pioneer Woman. He really thought it was a silly idea; but being the loving husband, he decided to humor me. So, he built my beds. Now, I wanted to follow the PW plans, but he had other ideas. Since he was doing the constructing, I figured I'd best let him handle it his way.
I shot the above just before he caught me taking pictures and insisted that I stop. Princess E reported that Daddy wanted me to "vehemently stop taking pictures". I had to laugh.
Anyway, we were supposed to get our load of garden soil (blended topsoil and compost) yesterday. It rained. The folks called to see if I'd rather have them deliver it today. Sure, why not? I couldn't work in the rain anyway. So, this morning, the dump truck arrived with my 4 cubic yards of compost-y, nutrient rich soil.
The plan was for King J to build the beds, then I would take over from there. Moving the dirt from the driveway into the beds in the backyard was my job. No problem! I decided, since it is spring break, that my daughter could help me this week. Today, we were going to fill one bed. Tomorrow, another, and the last one Thursday. This way, I could go ahead and plant my lettuces Friday, since they should have been in the ground already.
So, off I go to get the shovel and wheelbarrow. Wait! I need the keys to get into the shed. I checked all the places we keep keys. Not there, or there, or there. Oh NO! So, I sent a page to King J, who is in class this week for his job. No answer. Maybe that one didn't go through, so I sent him a text message a little later. Still no answer. The phone rings. It's my Mom. I mentioned my plight to her. I had given up on hearing back from King J when someone came up my front steps. I thought King J had realized he had the keys and brought them home to me. I opened the door, and there stood my Dad. He came over with a shovel. (Thanks, Dad!)
Anyway, we retrieved the wheelbarrow from under the deck and filled one raised bed with soil. It took us an hour of scooping, rolling and dumping to fill it. But, here is one bed, filled with dirt. It will surely settle some, so we filled it all the way to the top.
Now, my forearms, shoulders and lower back ache. I used muscles that are seldom used. I am tired; but it is a good tired. I will have my garden soon enough.
On another note, I noticed my rose bushes are filling out beautifully this spring. Yeah!!!
Oh...one more thing...tomorrow, if I can't find the shed keys again, I know exactly where to find the bolt cutters! Mwah...ha...ha...ha!!
I shot the above just before he caught me taking pictures and insisted that I stop. Princess E reported that Daddy wanted me to "vehemently stop taking pictures". I had to laugh.
Anyway, we were supposed to get our load of garden soil (blended topsoil and compost) yesterday. It rained. The folks called to see if I'd rather have them deliver it today. Sure, why not? I couldn't work in the rain anyway. So, this morning, the dump truck arrived with my 4 cubic yards of compost-y, nutrient rich soil.
The plan was for King J to build the beds, then I would take over from there. Moving the dirt from the driveway into the beds in the backyard was my job. No problem! I decided, since it is spring break, that my daughter could help me this week. Today, we were going to fill one bed. Tomorrow, another, and the last one Thursday. This way, I could go ahead and plant my lettuces Friday, since they should have been in the ground already.
So, off I go to get the shovel and wheelbarrow. Wait! I need the keys to get into the shed. I checked all the places we keep keys. Not there, or there, or there. Oh NO! So, I sent a page to King J, who is in class this week for his job. No answer. Maybe that one didn't go through, so I sent him a text message a little later. Still no answer. The phone rings. It's my Mom. I mentioned my plight to her. I had given up on hearing back from King J when someone came up my front steps. I thought King J had realized he had the keys and brought them home to me. I opened the door, and there stood my Dad. He came over with a shovel. (Thanks, Dad!)
Anyway, we retrieved the wheelbarrow from under the deck and filled one raised bed with soil. It took us an hour of scooping, rolling and dumping to fill it. But, here is one bed, filled with dirt. It will surely settle some, so we filled it all the way to the top.
Now, my forearms, shoulders and lower back ache. I used muscles that are seldom used. I am tired; but it is a good tired. I will have my garden soon enough.
On another note, I noticed my rose bushes are filling out beautifully this spring. Yeah!!!
Oh...one more thing...tomorrow, if I can't find the shed keys again, I know exactly where to find the bolt cutters! Mwah...ha...ha...ha!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Recipe - Mango Salsa
I made this for dinner tonight and it was magnificent! It's loaded with vitamins and good nutrients, so it's a keeper. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Ingredients:
1 mango (aim for medium to large size), peeled and rough chopped.
1 medium tomato, chopped and seeded
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained, reserve the juice
2-3 stems of spring onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, scraped and finely chopped
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoons finely chopped garlic (I use jarred)
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
In medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the garlic and saute for a minute or two. Add the thyme and ginger, and saute for a minute more. Add all of the reserved pineapple juice and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer. Add most of the spring onion and jalapeno, saving a few pieces for bright color in the final salsa. Let it all simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Turn off the heat. Add the mango, pineapple and tomato. Stir well. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes, so that the temperature is consistent throughout. Just before serving, toss in the remaining spring onion and jalapeno. Mix. Inhale the wonderful aroma.
Serve over grilled chicken breasts. I suspect it would be yummy over salmon, too.
Note - I don't much care for really hot food. This is definitely a very mild version. If you want a little more kick, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeno, or increase the number of jalapenos you use.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Soccer season is here! Yaaaay!
Princess E is playing soccer for the first time, and we put her in an Upward league. No surprise there, eh?
The King is the coach for her team. He has such fun with the kids! Here he is guiding them through their warm-up exercises.
And here's Princess E practicing her dribbling.
We are looking forward to an exciting season! If you are interested in finding an Upward league near your home, click here.
Princess E is playing soccer for the first time, and we put her in an Upward league. No surprise there, eh?
The King is the coach for her team. He has such fun with the kids! Here he is guiding them through their warm-up exercises.
And here's Princess E practicing her dribbling.
We are looking forward to an exciting season! If you are interested in finding an Upward league near your home, click here.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tasty Thursday
The Queen's Not-So-Famous-But-Really-Really-Good Biscuits
Ingredients:
1 c. self-rising flour
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ c sour cream (regular, light, or non-fat)
2 tsp vegetable oil
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the flour and baking soda. Add the sour cream and oil, stirring until moistened. Turn onto floured surface. Knead 4-6 times. Roll out to ¾” thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter (or an inverted glass). Place on a baking sheet. Spray tops with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake at 425F for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Enjoy them hot! These things are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and oh-so moist!
Ingredients:
1 c. self-rising flour
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ c sour cream (regular, light, or non-fat)
2 tsp vegetable oil
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the flour and baking soda. Add the sour cream and oil, stirring until moistened. Turn onto floured surface. Knead 4-6 times. Roll out to ¾” thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter (or an inverted glass). Place on a baking sheet. Spray tops with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake at 425F for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Enjoy them hot! These things are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and oh-so moist!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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