I should have been baking today, instead I bummed around Richmond with Meryl and mounted three of posters on foam board.
Meryl has written a book, Darkness Rising (oh look the Kindle version is on sale), and it's a pretty darn good one. Head on over to her writing blog to get the full details, I can't do it justice and it is always better to get information directly from the source. Anyhoodle she has self published and had posters made up of the very striking cover. Her plan is use them as promotional materials and needed a few of them to be mounted.
This is where I come in.
I'm not an arts and crafts person. I usually dread those sort of activities. For the most part I find craft projects to be boring and pointless. That said I am good at doing them since I am good at seeing how things go together. So sticking posters on foam boards is my kind of project, I get to put something together that will ultimately be useful. I get set up in the garage with a card table, exacto knife, t-square, spray adhesive, foam board, and of course the poster.
Once I was all done we brought in the finished project and admired them for a while. Tig was intrigued by the whole thing and checked out the posters as well. He was not the most cooperative of models, but we were able to get a few good pictures of him with one of the posters.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Juggle & Cut
A short documentary by Caleb Slain about how one man keeps his creativity alive after a profoundly life altering accident. I found this over at Short of the Week.
Juggle & Cut from Caleb Slain on Vimeo.
Juggle & Cut from Caleb Slain on Vimeo.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Genius
Max has to take a boat load of medicines everyday. Most are daily , but there are exceptions. He really tries to be responsible for his meds and for the most part he is successful. It's the oddballs that throw him off, in particular the one he takes Monday, Wednesday, an Friday.
After one of our many, "I'm not sure if I have, or oops I took it" conversations I decided tit was high time do something to help him. Namely a pill organizer. We could load it up each week and he would be good to go.
I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before. My mother has had one for years and years, so it's not a new idea. It has been wonderful for Max. He knows exactly what to take and can see if he has. So far he only has to worry about his medicines at bedtime, but it would be easy enough to get one for both morning and night. This will also be helpful when we travel.
It is a great thing when you can find an easy and inexpensive solution to a big problem.
After one of our many, "I'm not sure if I have, or oops I took it" conversations I decided tit was high time do something to help him. Namely a pill organizer. We could load it up each week and he would be good to go.
I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before. My mother has had one for years and years, so it's not a new idea. It has been wonderful for Max. He knows exactly what to take and can see if he has. So far he only has to worry about his medicines at bedtime, but it would be easy enough to get one for both morning and night. This will also be helpful when we travel.
It is a great thing when you can find an easy and inexpensive solution to a big problem.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Busy Bee
The bees have been all over the wisteria blooms in our backyard. Bumbling from bloom to bloom they make quite a racket, a low buzz can be heard when you step outside and off the deck.
The bees are so intent on their task at hand, collecting nectar, they never really noticed me nor my camera. I was able to pretty much shove my camera in their direction and snap away.
Silly old bees.
The bees are so intent on their task at hand, collecting nectar, they never really noticed me nor my camera. I was able to pretty much shove my camera in their direction and snap away.
Silly old bees.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Lady Slipper
I found this little beauty while escorting Rebecca to her soccer practice on Tuesday. It was right the edge of the path worn down down by those of us in the know of the shortcut along the football field and the drainage ditch to the far field. I'm amazed that it hadn't been trampled or picked by some wayward toddler.
Rebecca never noticed it, she was focused on getting to the field. I, however, stopped to admire this rare sight and, obviously, take pictures. I hope to survives a bit longer, it would be nice to have more growing along the path and in the woods.
It goes to show that if you keep your eyes open there is almost always something new to see.
Rebecca never noticed it, she was focused on getting to the field. I, however, stopped to admire this rare sight and, obviously, take pictures. I hope to survives a bit longer, it would be nice to have more growing along the path and in the woods.
It goes to show that if you keep your eyes open there is almost always something new to see.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Artist of the Week: Helpful
It's that time of year again when I vacuum the crab apple tree and Nate by dint of his helpfulness is this week's artist.
Nate had been bugging me to clear out the tent caterpillars in my beloved crab apple tree. I've been putting it off until the flowers were past their prime and no longer attracting bees and yellow jackets. Tree vacuuming is not high precision work and I don't want to risk getting myself stung by an irate insect.
Sunday was the day and Nate wanted to help. I got him all set and let him have at it. He did a great job, by climbing the tree he was able to get to quite a few spots that I could not reach. He found the whole process very entertaining and is more than happy to tackle this job again. It looks like I have an eager assistant.
Nate had been bugging me to clear out the tent caterpillars in my beloved crab apple tree. I've been putting it off until the flowers were past their prime and no longer attracting bees and yellow jackets. Tree vacuuming is not high precision work and I don't want to risk getting myself stung by an irate insect.
Sunday was the day and Nate wanted to help. I got him all set and let him have at it. He did a great job, by climbing the tree he was able to get to quite a few spots that I could not reach. He found the whole process very entertaining and is more than happy to tackle this job again. It looks like I have an eager assistant.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Two Viewpoints
During my Richmond ramble on Sunday I found a rather interesting wall. My initial view was of the side facing the alley and opposite a local church's parking structure, The wall was notable for the wisteria tumbling over in mad confusion and the graffiti.
For the most part Richmond has a decided lack in imaginative graffiti, one of the few notable exceptions is super mouse (whom I'm happy to report is still there along with blue cat). This wall has an interesting picture along with the more run of the mil tagging. The wild abundance of wisteria provides a nice counterpoint to the rather battered urban setting.
Then I got to see the other side of the wall.
It is neatly painted white with numbers for each of the parking spaces that abut the wall. Even the wisteria seems more restrained, it is merely draped across the top of the wall. No wild profusion of plant life on this side.
It is the same wall, but with two differing sides. This was another good find along with the pink snow.
For the most part Richmond has a decided lack in imaginative graffiti, one of the few notable exceptions is super mouse (whom I'm happy to report is still there along with blue cat). This wall has an interesting picture along with the more run of the mil tagging. The wild abundance of wisteria provides a nice counterpoint to the rather battered urban setting.
Then I got to see the other side of the wall.
It is neatly painted white with numbers for each of the parking spaces that abut the wall. Even the wisteria seems more restrained, it is merely draped across the top of the wall. No wild profusion of plant life on this side.
It is the same wall, but with two differing sides. This was another good find along with the pink snow.
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Elaborate End of Robert Ebb
A prank that goes horribly wrong in a delightful b-movie style. I love the monster in this short.
The elaborate end of Robert Ebb from Robert Ebb on Vimeo.
The elaborate end of Robert Ebb from Robert Ebb on Vimeo.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Pink Snow
Today was my turn to drive the car pool to Richmond and I decided to bring my camera along and do a bit of a walk about. I'm so glad I did.
Being a sunny day I walked to a nearby market to pick up a few items. I then headed back to where the children were and continued on to do a bit of sight seeing. The fan is a lovely area in Richmond with a character all of its own. City living, but on a personal, more intimate scale.
As I turned the corner to go down one of my favorite residential streets my eyes were greeted with the sight of pink snow. For short stretches drifts of pink petals from the trees thickly covered the sidewalks. I was delighted by the sight and pleased that I had my camera with me.
I thought it was so beautiful I did a little detour with the kids as we walked back to the car, they were duly impressed by the masses of petals on the ground. Just as were we approaching the area where the petals were the thickest we noticed the owner was out on his stoop, the same one pictured here. I got this shot the first time I went by. The kids were a bit spooked by his presence, but I smiled and told him how beautiful his pink snow was. He smiled back and said we ere welcome to take some, in fact all of it if we want.
Once again it was very worth my while to bring my camera and have a look around.
Being a sunny day I walked to a nearby market to pick up a few items. I then headed back to where the children were and continued on to do a bit of sight seeing. The fan is a lovely area in Richmond with a character all of its own. City living, but on a personal, more intimate scale.
As I turned the corner to go down one of my favorite residential streets my eyes were greeted with the sight of pink snow. For short stretches drifts of pink petals from the trees thickly covered the sidewalks. I was delighted by the sight and pleased that I had my camera with me.
I thought it was so beautiful I did a little detour with the kids as we walked back to the car, they were duly impressed by the masses of petals on the ground. Just as were we approaching the area where the petals were the thickest we noticed the owner was out on his stoop, the same one pictured here. I got this shot the first time I went by. The kids were a bit spooked by his presence, but I smiled and told him how beautiful his pink snow was. He smiled back and said we ere welcome to take some, in fact all of it if we want.
Once again it was very worth my while to bring my camera and have a look around.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Spring Hath Sprung
I forget over the winter how pretty it is around here in the spring. I took this picture Tuesday and since then the trees and bushes have become even greener. I mowed the lawn for second time and we didn't seven make a week.
Winter is well and truly over.
The downside of all this renewed growth is pollen. It is horrible right now. Huge clouds of the stuff roll across the land like a yellow fog-bank. A few days I didn't realize I was driving through such a cloud and thought my windshield and/or glasses were in desperate need of cleaning. It was quite a shock when I broke through into clear air.
Winter is well and truly over.
The downside of all this renewed growth is pollen. It is horrible right now. Huge clouds of the stuff roll across the land like a yellow fog-bank. A few days I didn't realize I was driving through such a cloud and thought my windshield and/or glasses were in desperate need of cleaning. It was quite a shock when I broke through into clear air.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Looking For More
I'm a bit frustrated now. The picture group I had been a part of has changed to the point that I no longer want to participate. It is all facebook dependent and I end up missing posts. It was far better when it was Flickr group, I could easily find the challenges and the pictures. Now I have wade through many layers of pages to find anything out.
So for now I'll just pick out my favorite picture of the week and post it here.
I took this one of John on Tuesday. I dropped my camera in my pocket as I headed out the door for the morning walk. It was a pretty nice day and I felt like taking pictures. I did a short detour to the ponds edge, I wanted to see what the dogs' reactions would be. Both were not terribly interested in the water, but up on the dock John came to attention when he saw a duck paddling along. Fortunately the duck was swimming away otherwise I think John might have tried to catch it.
I think it is a fantastic shot of John. He is naturally stacked himself in a lovely show pose, I could never get him to look that good in the show ring. Apparently I needed to bring a duck along and have it waddle out at opportune moments. Somehow I don't think that would go over to well with the other exhibitors.
So for now I'll just pick out my favorite picture of the week and post it here.
I took this one of John on Tuesday. I dropped my camera in my pocket as I headed out the door for the morning walk. It was a pretty nice day and I felt like taking pictures. I did a short detour to the ponds edge, I wanted to see what the dogs' reactions would be. Both were not terribly interested in the water, but up on the dock John came to attention when he saw a duck paddling along. Fortunately the duck was swimming away otherwise I think John might have tried to catch it.
I think it is a fantastic shot of John. He is naturally stacked himself in a lovely show pose, I could never get him to look that good in the show ring. Apparently I needed to bring a duck along and have it waddle out at opportune moments. Somehow I don't think that would go over to well with the other exhibitors.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Artist of the Week: Fabulous Hats
This week's artist is a rather camera wary Rebecca.
She didn't want her picture taken and kept hiding under the blanket. I took a picture of her feet and at that point she decided it was better to cooperate. After I took the picture posted here Rebecca commandeered my camera and got some absurd pictures of her two middle brothers.
Nate and Max had no problem hamming it up for the camera. As for the art, well it doesn't have any opinion about photography, yea or nay.
Well maybe neigh, since it is a couple of hats for horses.
The cast iron coach and horses was one of my childhood toys. I had completely forgotten about it until I pulled it out of a box my mom had in storage. Much to Rebecca's delight I passed it on to her. There was a second human figure, the horses' driver, but I'm not sure where he is now.
Anyway Rebecca is rather fond of the set and this week she decided that the horses could use some head-wear.
Very fabulous head-wear.
Rebecca went all out, from brims to feathers. She even did the detailing on the feathers so that you would know exactly what you are looking at. I don't know what day she created the hats, just one day I saw them.
It's Rebecca's version of yarn bombing, but with clay and I love it.
She didn't want her picture taken and kept hiding under the blanket. I took a picture of her feet and at that point she decided it was better to cooperate. After I took the picture posted here Rebecca commandeered my camera and got some absurd pictures of her two middle brothers.
Nate and Max had no problem hamming it up for the camera. As for the art, well it doesn't have any opinion about photography, yea or nay.
Well maybe neigh, since it is a couple of hats for horses.
The cast iron coach and horses was one of my childhood toys. I had completely forgotten about it until I pulled it out of a box my mom had in storage. Much to Rebecca's delight I passed it on to her. There was a second human figure, the horses' driver, but I'm not sure where he is now.
Anyway Rebecca is rather fond of the set and this week she decided that the horses could use some head-wear.
Very fabulous head-wear.
Rebecca went all out, from brims to feathers. She even did the detailing on the feathers so that you would know exactly what you are looking at. I don't know what day she created the hats, just one day I saw them.
It's Rebecca's version of yarn bombing, but with clay and I love it.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Baking With Julia- Madeleines
Woo hoo! I'm back on schedule!
This week's baking challenge from "Baking with Julia" is madeleines. For the full recipe head on over to Counter Dog, Katie will give you the recipe with pictures.
Technically I made ladyfingers, not madeleines. I don't have the pan and I have no great need to buy one. Conversely my ladyfingers don't look like ladyfingers either. I didn't feel like making the tradition finger shaped cookie and decided to use a really big star tip and do a sort of free hand madeleine piping. The earlier cookies came out better, probably because the batter was beginning to break down in the bag from the pressure and the warmth of my hands on the piping bag.
Anyhoodle, the cookies came out quite well. They are a bit on the dry side, but this recipe seemed to be geared towards a dunkable creation. I liked it and it was a very quick treat to knock out, I got the whole thing done in under an hour. As for making them again, I don't know. Maybe if I make a trifle and want to use home made ladyfingers.
This week's baking challenge from "Baking with Julia" is madeleines. For the full recipe head on over to Counter Dog, Katie will give you the recipe with pictures.
Technically I made ladyfingers, not madeleines. I don't have the pan and I have no great need to buy one. Conversely my ladyfingers don't look like ladyfingers either. I didn't feel like making the tradition finger shaped cookie and decided to use a really big star tip and do a sort of free hand madeleine piping. The earlier cookies came out better, probably because the batter was beginning to break down in the bag from the pressure and the warmth of my hands on the piping bag.
Anyhoodle, the cookies came out quite well. They are a bit on the dry side, but this recipe seemed to be geared towards a dunkable creation. I liked it and it was a very quick treat to knock out, I got the whole thing done in under an hour. As for making them again, I don't know. Maybe if I make a trifle and want to use home made ladyfingers.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
It's A Dog's Life
Dell has such a hard life. Not counting the large dog bed in the den, he is limited to one piece of furniture. It's a wicker loveseat that we acquired from my father-in-law's house. The house had been sold and he had a fair amount of extraneous furniture that we were welcome to take.
The love seat is relatively low to the ground, just right for short legged dogs. The original cushions had been ruined by sun and cats, so we make due with cushions we can find in big box stores. The top cushion in the picture is supposed to be for the back, but the red boys prefer them stacked. Either way it's pretty comfortable.
Just ask Dell.
The love seat is relatively low to the ground, just right for short legged dogs. The original cushions had been ruined by sun and cats, so we make due with cushions we can find in big box stores. The top cushion in the picture is supposed to be for the back, but the red boys prefer them stacked. Either way it's pretty comfortable.
Just ask Dell.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Baking With Julia- Rustic Potato Loaves
The Rustic Potato Loaves were actually from last week over at Baking with Julia, however with it still (barely) being Passover I elected to give a miss until this week. For the full recipe head on over to Simply Sweet and see what Dawn cooked up.
It is an easy bread to make, though you really do need a stand mixer to do it. I'm sure the 11 (!) minutes of beating by hand or a hand mixer would get very old, very fast. Apart from being sticky and my apparent inability to make a torpedo shape loaf, it was one of the easiest breads to bake so far. It has a nice chewy crust and a pleasant tang from the potatoes.
We had this instead of challah tonight and the loaf was quickly devoured. Rebecca didn't care for it, but Jacob was ecstatic. He loves potato bread and is very happy boy. This is definitely a keeper.
It is an easy bread to make, though you really do need a stand mixer to do it. I'm sure the 11 (!) minutes of beating by hand or a hand mixer would get very old, very fast. Apart from being sticky and my apparent inability to make a torpedo shape loaf, it was one of the easiest breads to bake so far. It has a nice chewy crust and a pleasant tang from the potatoes.
We had this instead of challah tonight and the loaf was quickly devoured. Rebecca didn't care for it, but Jacob was ecstatic. He loves potato bread and is very happy boy. This is definitely a keeper.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Random Texts
Not quite a year ago I entered the modern era of cell phones. No longer do I have a simple phone to make calls and take rather bad pictures, now I have a smart phone plus an inexpensive data plan that gives me unlimited texts and streaming (go Virgin mobile and dump your contract).
I very rarely get wrong numbers, mostly they are from a little league coach from a neighboring county. He somehow mixed up a number and ended up with phone. Texts are also very rarely not for me, the one notable exception being the series featured here.
I tried to inform the sender that I wasn't her baby daddy and from there it got even funnier. The whole idea of me, a middle aged woman, being a baby daddy, is to me beyond hilarious.
I haven't heard from her since.
I very rarely get wrong numbers, mostly they are from a little league coach from a neighboring county. He somehow mixed up a number and ended up with phone. Texts are also very rarely not for me, the one notable exception being the series featured here.
I tried to inform the sender that I wasn't her baby daddy and from there it got even funnier. The whole idea of me, a middle aged woman, being a baby daddy, is to me beyond hilarious.
I haven't heard from her since.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Go Big
Or go home.
I spotted this car while out shopping today. The whole thing, from the mismatched door, the completely unaligned door molding, and to the "Big Sexy" on prominent display, was too good to not photograph.
So here I am sharing with the world the "Big Sexy."
Why this happened I'll never know and honestly I don't want to.
I spotted this car while out shopping today. The whole thing, from the mismatched door, the completely unaligned door molding, and to the "Big Sexy" on prominent display, was too good to not photograph.
So here I am sharing with the world the "Big Sexy."
Why this happened I'll never know and honestly I don't want to.
Monday, April 08, 2013
My Oh My
A wonderful song and video by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis that shows the passion that baseball can inspire.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Soccer
It was a gorgeous day, temperatures in the low 70s and a brisk breeze. A good day to air out the house and play soccer.
Rebecca had one of her rare Sunday games. The girls did a great job, far better than the tie scored shows. Between endless rain flooding the fields and an intervening spring break, they hadn't practiced for weeks. Heck even their previous game was cancelled. They did look a bit slow, but few weeks of our normal training schedule should whip them into shape.
I have been enjoying our leisurely spring break. but it will be nice to get back into our regular routines.
Rebecca had one of her rare Sunday games. The girls did a great job, far better than the tie scored shows. Between endless rain flooding the fields and an intervening spring break, they hadn't practiced for weeks. Heck even their previous game was cancelled. They did look a bit slow, but few weeks of our normal training schedule should whip them into shape.
I have been enjoying our leisurely spring break. but it will be nice to get back into our regular routines.
Friday, April 05, 2013
My New Friend
This is my new friend. I met him at the gaming shop where Max plays Magic the Gathering.
Neither Larry or I play the game, it was something he learned from a friend. We found a gaming shop, FTW Games, that has Magic tourneys most Fridays and take turns driving Max and sitting around while he plays. It is not terribly close to home, but has a really nice crowd and the owners are very friendly.
The first time I went I met my new friend whom I christened Bob. Bob just quietly stands in the corner, probably looking for droids. Fortunately my droid based phone is not the one he is looking for and I can text friends and goof off to my heart's content. Along with a book, I am able to entertain myself for the four hours I'm there. Too bad Bob is just a shell of a man and as a result not one for conversation.
I just wish I had a better seat than the hard wooden stool that is in Bob's corner.
Neither Larry or I play the game, it was something he learned from a friend. We found a gaming shop, FTW Games, that has Magic tourneys most Fridays and take turns driving Max and sitting around while he plays. It is not terribly close to home, but has a really nice crowd and the owners are very friendly.
The first time I went I met my new friend whom I christened Bob. Bob just quietly stands in the corner, probably looking for droids. Fortunately my droid based phone is not the one he is looking for and I can text friends and goof off to my heart's content. Along with a book, I am able to entertain myself for the four hours I'm there. Too bad Bob is just a shell of a man and as a result not one for conversation.
I just wish I had a better seat than the hard wooden stool that is in Bob's corner.
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Spring Break
The kids are off on spring break this week and we haven't done much of anything apart from going to services. Well Jake has gone off to look at colleges with Larry, but the rest of us have been bumming around the house.
And you know it has been nice. We can stay up late, sleep in, and today I got to do a pajama day, something I only do if deathly ill.
I felt a wee twinge of guilt when a friend posted on Facebook the things she has done with her kids, but then again we are all happy to be doing nothing for a change. We have busy days and it's nice just to check out for a bit. It's called break for a reason.
And you know it has been nice. We can stay up late, sleep in, and today I got to do a pajama day, something I only do if deathly ill.
I felt a wee twinge of guilt when a friend posted on Facebook the things she has done with her kids, but then again we are all happy to be doing nothing for a change. We have busy days and it's nice just to check out for a bit. It's called break for a reason.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Artist of the Week: Golden City
First off, no we did not get more snow. The picture is from back in January and I just plain like it. The weather has been far more seasonally appropriate and I think it's pretty safe to say that winter is really and truly over. Although I was able to pull a minor prank on Rebecca Monday when a gust of wind blew white petals towards us as we ere driving along. As we drove through the swirl of white I said "What it's snowing again?!" and for a brief moment I had Rebecca thinking it was snowing.
Anyhoodle, snowy picture aside, this week's art by Max is not snow based.
A couple of weeks ago was the annual "do a craft with your parent/guardian" at Sunday school. The kids have fun and it's a way for the parents to meet each other. He have made things from illuminated manuscripts, challah covers, to candle stick holders. This time around we would be making "The Golden City" aka Jerusalem at sunset.
The blocks of stone used used to build the walls of Jerusalem have a golden glow when the light of the setting sun strikes them. Thus Jerusalem is nicknamed the Golden City.
We were given a blank sheet of paper with the instructions to color it like the sky at sunset. Then we were to cut out three layers of the city that were printed on various colored papers. Then he picture was to be decorated using glitter and glue.
Max was less than thrilled with the coloring, cutting, and pasting. He does not enjoy crafts. The highly structured aspect of crafting goes against his grain. He likes to do things his own way with full freedom of expression. So it was a slog getting through the first parts of the project. Max, however, perked right up when he got to the glue and glitter. It was strongly suggested that the layers be outlined with the glue and glitter, but thankfully not required. So Max went to town, filling the sky with glitter.
The end result was rather pleasing and Max was vry happy that he got to express himself.
Anyhoodle, snowy picture aside, this week's art by Max is not snow based.
A couple of weeks ago was the annual "do a craft with your parent/guardian" at Sunday school. The kids have fun and it's a way for the parents to meet each other. He have made things from illuminated manuscripts, challah covers, to candle stick holders. This time around we would be making "The Golden City" aka Jerusalem at sunset.
The blocks of stone used used to build the walls of Jerusalem have a golden glow when the light of the setting sun strikes them. Thus Jerusalem is nicknamed the Golden City.
We were given a blank sheet of paper with the instructions to color it like the sky at sunset. Then we were to cut out three layers of the city that were printed on various colored papers. Then he picture was to be decorated using glitter and glue.
Max was less than thrilled with the coloring, cutting, and pasting. He does not enjoy crafts. The highly structured aspect of crafting goes against his grain. He likes to do things his own way with full freedom of expression. So it was a slog getting through the first parts of the project. Max, however, perked right up when he got to the glue and glitter. It was strongly suggested that the layers be outlined with the glue and glitter, but thankfully not required. So Max went to town, filling the sky with glitter.
The end result was rather pleasing and Max was vry happy that he got to express himself.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
John the Viking
Poor John, he puts up with all sorts of shenanigans.
We can dress him up with hats, paint his nails, and balance a pair of glasses on the big snoot of his. He calmly sits there as you mess around and then take a picture. Sometimes he even seems to enjoy it. On more than one occasion I have seen him happy to be wearing a cape.
He's such a silly dog.
We can dress him up with hats, paint his nails, and balance a pair of glasses on the big snoot of his. He calmly sits there as you mess around and then take a picture. Sometimes he even seems to enjoy it. On more than one occasion I have seen him happy to be wearing a cape.
He's such a silly dog.
Monday, April 01, 2013
Snail!
Love this song from ASHELLNATION via the Pet Collective.
Honestly, it's better than the original.
Honestly, it's better than the original.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Lemon Angel Pie
This year for the community Seder I wanted to make a non-chocolate dessert. Passover friendly chocolate desserts are easy, for years I've brought my flour less chocolate tort. Chocolate is easy, but it has been done to death.
So I hauled out my go to cook book for Passover, Something Different for Passover by Zell Schulman, and started flipping through the dessert pages. About two thirds the way in the section I found a likely candidate, Lemon Angel Pie. I had all the ingredients on hand and it looked easy.
Normally I would link to the recipe, but the lone version (of the hundreds of variations out there on the web) I could find attributed to her was quite different from the one I used. So here it is:
Lemon Angel Pie
Crust
1/2 cup of egg whites (4 large eggs), room temperature
1 teaspoon of vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups sugar
Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 tablespoons potato starch
Dash of salt
1 1/4 cups ice water
4 slightly beaten egg yolks
grated peel of 2 lemons
6 tablespoons lemon juice*
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine**
1. Preheat oven to 250 F. Grease a 9 inch pie plate.
2. With an electric mixer, beat egg whites at medium speed until they are frothy. Add vinegar and vanilla and turn mixer to high. When eggs begin to hold a soft peak or whn you see lines from the beaters in the egg whites, begin to add the sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition. Continue until all the sugar has been added and the egg whites are very stiff and glossy.
3. Spread the meringue into the pie plate, building up the sides and leaving the center flattened for the filling. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on cake rack for 1 hour.
4. While the meringue is baking,*** make the filling. Combine sugar, potiao starch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add ice water. Stir in egg yolks, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly. Boil only one minute- no longer!
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter.margerine. let cool 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Fill meringue shell, and garnish with toasted coconut or toasted almonds.****
* I didn't bother to measure, I just used all the juice from the two lemons.
**I used margerine since the Seder was a meat meal.
***It's better to make the filling as the meringue is cooling.
****I skipped the toppings.
The pie is delicious and was a huge hit. One gentleman thanked me for using real lemons. The only thing I might change is to cut back a bit on the sugar. The pis is very much worth making.
So I hauled out my go to cook book for Passover, Something Different for Passover by Zell Schulman, and started flipping through the dessert pages. About two thirds the way in the section I found a likely candidate, Lemon Angel Pie. I had all the ingredients on hand and it looked easy.
Normally I would link to the recipe, but the lone version (of the hundreds of variations out there on the web) I could find attributed to her was quite different from the one I used. So here it is:
Lemon Angel Pie
Crust
1/2 cup of egg whites (4 large eggs), room temperature
1 teaspoon of vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups sugar
Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 tablespoons potato starch
Dash of salt
1 1/4 cups ice water
4 slightly beaten egg yolks
grated peel of 2 lemons
6 tablespoons lemon juice*
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine**
1. Preheat oven to 250 F. Grease a 9 inch pie plate.
2. With an electric mixer, beat egg whites at medium speed until they are frothy. Add vinegar and vanilla and turn mixer to high. When eggs begin to hold a soft peak or whn you see lines from the beaters in the egg whites, begin to add the sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition. Continue until all the sugar has been added and the egg whites are very stiff and glossy.
3. Spread the meringue into the pie plate, building up the sides and leaving the center flattened for the filling. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on cake rack for 1 hour.
4. While the meringue is baking,*** make the filling. Combine sugar, potiao starch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add ice water. Stir in egg yolks, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly. Boil only one minute- no longer!
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter.margerine. let cool 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Fill meringue shell, and garnish with toasted coconut or toasted almonds.****
* I didn't bother to measure, I just used all the juice from the two lemons.
**I used margerine since the Seder was a meat meal.
***It's better to make the filling as the meringue is cooling.
****I skipped the toppings.
The pie is delicious and was a huge hit. One gentleman thanked me for using real lemons. The only thing I might change is to cut back a bit on the sugar. The pis is very much worth making.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Artist of the Week: Self Propelled
Nate is this week's artist.
This picture is from last summer. The kids and Meryl were lighting sparklers and I was happily taking pictures of all the excitement. I like the far off gaze in his eyes. Nate is completely unaware of me and the camera, caught up in the moment.
As for the art, well it is another school project.
Nate's assignment was to construct a self propelled vehicle that could carry a modest payloads. One trip to the hobby store later Nate had the bulk of his building materials, from balsa wood to the propeller.
The propeller, which came from a wooden plane kit, was a bit tricky. The original rubber band was rather weak. I bought more rubber bands for Nate and he quickly switched them out. The end result was amazing, the car actually moves.
This picture is from last summer. The kids and Meryl were lighting sparklers and I was happily taking pictures of all the excitement. I like the far off gaze in his eyes. Nate is completely unaware of me and the camera, caught up in the moment.
As for the art, well it is another school project.
Nate's assignment was to construct a self propelled vehicle that could carry a modest payloads. One trip to the hobby store later Nate had the bulk of his building materials, from balsa wood to the propeller.
The propeller, which came from a wooden plane kit, was a bit tricky. The original rubber band was rather weak. I bought more rubber bands for Nate and he quickly switched them out. The end result was amazing, the car actually moves.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Broken
And this was the aftermath of our late spring snow. A few cuts with a saw and the bush was fine. It needed to be pruned back from the house and the snow got the job started.
As for the snow, it is mostly gone. A classic southern snowstorm.
As for the snow, it is mostly gone. A classic southern snowstorm.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
It' Beginning to Look a lot like Pesach
Title shamelessly stolen from Meryl Yourish.
Yes, that is a ruler in the snow and it really is measuring out 3 inches. I knew we were going to get some sort of big weather today, but this is far beyond what I expected.
This morning was my turn to drive the car pool to Sunday school. As I waited outside with the other parents for our children to be released the weather was the hot topic of conversation. There was a cold biting wind that smelled of snow, and my elbow had been bothering me this morning. 30 years ago I broke it, just knocked the end off the ulna and there is, literally, a three inch wood screw in there. When big storm systems are moving into the area I get twinges of pain in my elbow.
So anyhoodle I knew we were in for it.
The rain and sleet started around noon and the weather steadily worsened as the temperature dropped. By midafternoon it had switched to snow and was falling heavily. At around 5:30 pm this was the view of our front yard. This is the biggest snow fall we have gotten this year and of course school was declared closed for Monday around 7.
So yay! We get to reveal in our last bits of bread before Passover comes tomorrow night. I foresee a big pot of pasta for lunch.
Yes, that is a ruler in the snow and it really is measuring out 3 inches. I knew we were going to get some sort of big weather today, but this is far beyond what I expected.
This morning was my turn to drive the car pool to Sunday school. As I waited outside with the other parents for our children to be released the weather was the hot topic of conversation. There was a cold biting wind that smelled of snow, and my elbow had been bothering me this morning. 30 years ago I broke it, just knocked the end off the ulna and there is, literally, a three inch wood screw in there. When big storm systems are moving into the area I get twinges of pain in my elbow.
So anyhoodle I knew we were in for it.
The rain and sleet started around noon and the weather steadily worsened as the temperature dropped. By midafternoon it had switched to snow and was falling heavily. At around 5:30 pm this was the view of our front yard. This is the biggest snow fall we have gotten this year and of course school was declared closed for Monday around 7.
So yay! We get to reveal in our last bits of bread before Passover comes tomorrow night. I foresee a big pot of pasta for lunch.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Shoot Me: Breaking Rules
I'm not much on the whole rules of photography. Some like, like the rule thirds and providing a line for the eye to follow result in stronger compositions. Others, like not shooting into the sun, are broken all the time.
I picked this one, which was actually a mistake, because I loved the result. It was windy while I was trying to take pictures of the snowy flowers and I was having quite a time battling with auto-focus on my little point and shoot. Instead of a pretty flower filled with snowflakes I got a rather dramatic abstract of a flower framed by beautiful bare branches.
I think my original idea was good, but I think this so-called mistake is better. I guess I'm breaking some rule on focus and the priority of various elements of the picture, but some times it pays to be different.
I picked this one, which was actually a mistake, because I loved the result. It was windy while I was trying to take pictures of the snowy flowers and I was having quite a time battling with auto-focus on my little point and shoot. Instead of a pretty flower filled with snowflakes I got a rather dramatic abstract of a flower framed by beautiful bare branches.
I think my original idea was good, but I think this so-called mistake is better. I guess I'm breaking some rule on focus and the priority of various elements of the picture, but some times it pays to be different.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Spring Snow
We got a bit of a surprise this morning. The day started with a leaden sky, very cold, with a damp wind. At around a quarter to eight it started to snow.
I didn't believe it at first, but soon the flakes were falling fast and thick. A light dusting of snow covered the yard. An hour later it was time to go to the bus stop and by then the snow had tapered off. I made sure I had my camera for the morning walk because I knew the snow would not last.
The dogs were put off by the cold and wet, so the walk was very short. I had no complaints as this gave me more time to take pictures before it was all gone. In fact a couple of hours later and all the snow was gone.
If you click on the picture you can see the whole set of pictures I took.
I didn't believe it at first, but soon the flakes were falling fast and thick. A light dusting of snow covered the yard. An hour later it was time to go to the bus stop and by then the snow had tapered off. I made sure I had my camera for the morning walk because I knew the snow would not last.
The dogs were put off by the cold and wet, so the walk was very short. I had no complaints as this gave me more time to take pictures before it was all gone. In fact a couple of hours later and all the snow was gone.
If you click on the picture you can see the whole set of pictures I took.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Artist of the Week: Ecosystem Cube II
This week's artist is the rather thoughtful looking Rebecca. It took quite a few tries to get this picture. In every other one she would turn at the last second and mug for the camera. This was the last one I took and she finally tired of the game.At least she was willing to be photographed, I know those days are numbered.
Anyhoodle one of the interesting things about school aged twins is that although they are in different classrooms they eventually end up doing the same projects. A few weeks ago I posted Max's Ecosystem Cube, now it is Miss Rebecca's turn.
The biggest difference between the two projects is color.
Rebecca loves color. The more color the better and she is very bold in her use of said color. She loves to draw and she wants it to be noticed. If you want to see all six sides of the cube, click on the picture. The picture here is part of the full set of pictures.
Her cube is all about ponds. Like Max, Rebecca illustrated topics such as Human Impact, Life cycles, and so on. She put a fair amount of effort into it, but some of it was at the last second. It was due on a Monday and she planned to finish it over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday came and went, on Monday morning it dawned on her that she has completely forgotten. There was a huge panic and I talked her down and gave her the option to be driven to school. Rebecca was able to pull herself together and was just able to finish it before class.
Anyhoodle one of the interesting things about school aged twins is that although they are in different classrooms they eventually end up doing the same projects. A few weeks ago I posted Max's Ecosystem Cube, now it is Miss Rebecca's turn.
The biggest difference between the two projects is color.
Rebecca loves color. The more color the better and she is very bold in her use of said color. She loves to draw and she wants it to be noticed. If you want to see all six sides of the cube, click on the picture. The picture here is part of the full set of pictures.
Her cube is all about ponds. Like Max, Rebecca illustrated topics such as Human Impact, Life cycles, and so on. She put a fair amount of effort into it, but some of it was at the last second. It was due on a Monday and she planned to finish it over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday came and went, on Monday morning it dawned on her that she has completely forgotten. There was a huge panic and I talked her down and gave her the option to be driven to school. Rebecca was able to pull herself together and was just able to finish it before class.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Baking With Julia- Mocha Chocolate Chips
This week's Baking with Julia challenge is Mocha Chocolate Chips. As always there is a full run down over at the challenge's host blog, Galettista. Now on to the cookies.
One baker commented that this recipe was pretty close to the Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie recipe, and by gum she was right. Shave off a 1/4 of flour and add apricots, extra chocolate, and coffee from the Tollhouse cookies and there go. Which made this week's baking dead easy for me.
I normally add only 2 cups of flour so it was just like making my tried and true chocolate chip cookies. Of course I didn't follow the recipe perfectly. I don't like apricots so I substituted white chocolate chips, I didn't feel chopping chocolate so I used regular chocolate chips, and I baked them at 375 instead of 350.
They came out marvelous.
I only used 2 tablespoons of instant coffee because all I had was instant espresso powder and I did not want to go overboard. I think next time I go for three, a stronger coffee flavor would have been nice. I also will leave out the extra 1/2 pound of chips, it was just too much. This is the first time that my substituting chocolate for an unwanted ingredient, apricots in this case, did not work out. Interestingly a fair number of bakers had an issue with the cookies spreading too much, but that is never a problem for me. These are delightful cookies and will do the mocha variation again.
One baker commented that this recipe was pretty close to the Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie recipe, and by gum she was right. Shave off a 1/4 of flour and add apricots, extra chocolate, and coffee from the Tollhouse cookies and there go. Which made this week's baking dead easy for me.
I normally add only 2 cups of flour so it was just like making my tried and true chocolate chip cookies. Of course I didn't follow the recipe perfectly. I don't like apricots so I substituted white chocolate chips, I didn't feel chopping chocolate so I used regular chocolate chips, and I baked them at 375 instead of 350.
They came out marvelous.
I only used 2 tablespoons of instant coffee because all I had was instant espresso powder and I did not want to go overboard. I think next time I go for three, a stronger coffee flavor would have been nice. I also will leave out the extra 1/2 pound of chips, it was just too much. This is the first time that my substituting chocolate for an unwanted ingredient, apricots in this case, did not work out. Interestingly a fair number of bakers had an issue with the cookies spreading too much, but that is never a problem for me. These are delightful cookies and will do the mocha variation again.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Croissants Redux
I finally got around to using the remaining half of the croissant dough I made a week and a half ago. I knew we had early mornings all weekend long and I wouldn't be able to make a nice treat before we all scattered each day. All I had to do was roll out the dough, shape the croissants and let them rise 3 hours before baking.
I had a better idea of what I was doing and this time around my croissants were much nicer. They all puffed up, had deliciously buttery flaky layers, and were much more consistent in size. I even went a little wild and added chocolate in the middle. You can't see it, but all the croissants in the picture had a small handful of chocolate chips added to the middle.The chips made for a mighty fine addition to something that was all ready good.
Rebecca wants me to make these once a month.
I had a better idea of what I was doing and this time around my croissants were much nicer. They all puffed up, had deliciously buttery flaky layers, and were much more consistent in size. I even went a little wild and added chocolate in the middle. You can't see it, but all the croissants in the picture had a small handful of chocolate chips added to the middle.The chips made for a mighty fine addition to something that was all ready good.
Rebecca wants me to make these once a month.
Friday, March 15, 2013
EATAPETA 2013
Today is Eat a Tasty Animal for PETA day. I made this drawing a few years ago for EATAPETA and decided to bring yummy cow back this year. Meryl describes what this is all about best, so head on over to her place.
In the mean time, I celebrated in style. The day started off with what my children call a mom mcmuffin, half an toasted and buttered English muffin topped with fried Canadian bacon, cheese, and a fried egg. Three species exploited in one shot, booyah!
Then for lunch I had a lovely salad with some leftover pulled barbeque beef.
Dinner was chicken piccata served with rice pilaf and broccoli. It was a lovely dinner that had the requisite tasty animal.
Nothing particularly exotic was served this year, but it was all very much enjoyed.
In the mean time, I celebrated in style. The day started off with what my children call a mom mcmuffin, half an toasted and buttered English muffin topped with fried Canadian bacon, cheese, and a fried egg. Three species exploited in one shot, booyah!
Then for lunch I had a lovely salad with some leftover pulled barbeque beef.
Dinner was chicken piccata served with rice pilaf and broccoli. It was a lovely dinner that had the requisite tasty animal.
Nothing particularly exotic was served this year, but it was all very much enjoyed.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Pumpkin Pi
Happy pi day!
I didn't actually make a pie this year, I'm a bit baked out from last week. The pi(e) featured here is from last year.
However we did indulge in pie goodness. I picked up some mini snack pies from the store, one for each child. The pies are reasonably priced with the added bonus that I could get different pies to suit each child. For dinner we had pizza pie and all is circular in the world.
I didn't actually make a pie this year, I'm a bit baked out from last week. The pi(e) featured here is from last year.
However we did indulge in pie goodness. I picked up some mini snack pies from the store, one for each child. The pies are reasonably priced with the added bonus that I could get different pies to suit each child. For dinner we had pizza pie and all is circular in the world.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Artist of the Week: Superior with Honor
This week's artist is Jacob and his high school's Wind Symphony.
Last weekend was the annual concert assessment. Middle and High schools across our district perform three pieces of music before three judges. Each judge scores the bands on a scale of one to five with one being superior. Then each band goes before another judge foe a sight reading. The director has seven minutes to organize the students to perform a new to the piece. As with the performance, the sight reading to judged on the same one to five scale.
The assessment is a very big deal, the directors select music that is graded by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association. The grading goes from I (the easiest) on up to at least VI (that's the highest I've seen). It's a tricky balance, the band director wants to challenge their students, but not overly so. Our school is at about a grade IV to grade V, next year we should be a solid V.
Everybody wants a superior rating and this year it's doubly so for Jacob's high school. This past fall the marching band earned a very hard won superior rating. If a high school's music program earns a superior in both wind and marching they become a Virginia Honor Band. So you can imagine the tension going in. Happily they did a solid performance and earned ones all across the board.
Below is their performance of "Beacon of Polaris" by Gary P. Gilroy.
Last weekend was the annual concert assessment. Middle and High schools across our district perform three pieces of music before three judges. Each judge scores the bands on a scale of one to five with one being superior. Then each band goes before another judge foe a sight reading. The director has seven minutes to organize the students to perform a new to the piece. As with the performance, the sight reading to judged on the same one to five scale.
The assessment is a very big deal, the directors select music that is graded by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association. The grading goes from I (the easiest) on up to at least VI (that's the highest I've seen). It's a tricky balance, the band director wants to challenge their students, but not overly so. Our school is at about a grade IV to grade V, next year we should be a solid V.
Everybody wants a superior rating and this year it's doubly so for Jacob's high school. This past fall the marching band earned a very hard won superior rating. If a high school's music program earns a superior in both wind and marching they become a Virginia Honor Band. So you can imagine the tension going in. Happily they did a solid performance and earned ones all across the board.
Below is their performance of "Beacon of Polaris" by Gary P. Gilroy.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Cock-a-Leekie-soup
This past week I achieved the hat trick of dinner, three dinners for six people from one chicken.
First up was my basic roast chicken, it was a large bird and we didn't even come close to finishing it. A few days later I stripped off the dark meat and with the leftover gravy I made a chicken pot pie. Today I stripped the remaining white meat and used the carcass to make the stock for cock-a-leekie soup. The meat was added back to the finished stock and thus the bird was completely used up.
The recipe for the soup I got from the book "Ruhlman's Twenty," an excellent book that teaches you 20 basic techniques and has 100 recipes. I requested it when my mom was wondering what to get me and it is just as good as I thought it would be. I highly recommend it for any cook.
I will not post the recipe here and I can't find his version on the web, but I can tell you it is a very simple chicken soup with leeks. Rebecca has been begging for me to make matzo ball soup, however passover is coming up and I told her she'll get her fill soon enough.. This soup filled the bill and used up the last of my roasted chicken. The boys were less than thrilled with soup for dinner, so I mollified them with grilled cheese sandwiches. Sadly there is no picture since it was all gobbled up.
I like it when I can get more than one meal out of a bird.
First up was my basic roast chicken, it was a large bird and we didn't even come close to finishing it. A few days later I stripped off the dark meat and with the leftover gravy I made a chicken pot pie. Today I stripped the remaining white meat and used the carcass to make the stock for cock-a-leekie soup. The meat was added back to the finished stock and thus the bird was completely used up.
The recipe for the soup I got from the book "Ruhlman's Twenty," an excellent book that teaches you 20 basic techniques and has 100 recipes. I requested it when my mom was wondering what to get me and it is just as good as I thought it would be. I highly recommend it for any cook.
I will not post the recipe here and I can't find his version on the web, but I can tell you it is a very simple chicken soup with leeks. Rebecca has been begging for me to make matzo ball soup, however passover is coming up and I told her she'll get her fill soon enough.. This soup filled the bill and used up the last of my roasted chicken. The boys were less than thrilled with soup for dinner, so I mollified them with grilled cheese sandwiches. Sadly there is no picture since it was all gobbled up.
I like it when I can get more than one meal out of a bird.
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Fork
Touching little movie about how love can endure.
How very odd, at first it would not embed.
How very odd, at first it would not embed.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
One More Picture
This is my last picture from our little weather incident last Wednesday.
I love taking pictures of flowers in the snow. There is something wonderful of the bright splash of color in the stark white. The poor little daffodil is bowed under the weight of the snow piled on top.
The next day the snow was gone and the daffodils were no worse for wear.
I love taking pictures of flowers in the snow. There is something wonderful of the bright splash of color in the stark white. The poor little daffodil is bowed under the weight of the snow piled on top.
The next day the snow was gone and the daffodils were no worse for wear.
Friday, March 08, 2013
Colorful
At one point during the big not so snowy snow storm I went outside to shovel and take pictures.
The shoveling wasn't a big deal and if I didn't care if the front steps and deck would be icy from the snow melt refreezing I wouldn't bother. But I do care and I was once thanked by the UPS driver for being among the tiny minority that keep their front steps ice free. So off I went to remove slushy snow from the walkways.
When I was all done shoveling I glanced at my sleeve and noticed the clumpy wet stuff that was passing itself as snow. I love the colors and the contrast to the bright white of the falling chunks of snow.
The shoveling wasn't a big deal and if I didn't care if the front steps and deck would be icy from the snow melt refreezing I wouldn't bother. But I do care and I was once thanked by the UPS driver for being among the tiny minority that keep their front steps ice free. So off I went to remove slushy snow from the walkways.
When I was all done shoveling I glanced at my sleeve and noticed the clumpy wet stuff that was passing itself as snow. I love the colors and the contrast to the bright white of the falling chunks of snow.
Thursday, March 07, 2013
The Perfect Southern Snow Storm
By mid-morning a soft blanket of snow covered the house and yard. The flakes came down fast and furious, yet the snow peaked at 1 1/2 inches and never got any deeper. It was well above freezing and as the day wore on the new snow fall could not keep up with the snow melting.
This morning we awake to clear roads and a bare yard. Here and there you could find snow, mostly where it had been piled up. The schools had a two hour delayed start and then everything was back to normal in my neck of the woods.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Artist of the Week: Ecosystem Cube
Well I tried to post last night, but it was a huge struggle just getting the pictures up and I just plain threw in the towel and went to bed.
Anyway, Max is the artist in all his wrapping paper glory. I don't exactly remember why he was wearing the wrapper paper, possibly a disguise featuring a beard? All I can do is put it down to the mysteries of the eleven year old mind. The end result, however, is a very silly picture and the wrapping paper really brings out the blue in his eyes.
As for the art, it was a school project focusing on an ecosystem. Each side would detail a different aspect of the ecosystem, from adaptations, life cycles, human impact, and so on. Each side has illustrations depicting the various aspects and a few lines of text.
Max's cube is all about swamps.
I've always loved swamps. I found them to be fascinating places teeming with life. Across the road from our house there was a smallish pond chock full of frogs that was bordered by a swamp. I spent hours in there scrambling along the downed trees. So I can certainly understand why he picked a swamp, that and the whole turtle thing.
Max did some very nice illustrations and put a great deal of thought into the project. I didn't know it was to become a cube until the day he brought the finished project home. He got a solid B, mostly due to the fact he forgot to add a couple of elements. I think next time he will read the rubric a little more carefully.
Anyway, Max is the artist in all his wrapping paper glory. I don't exactly remember why he was wearing the wrapper paper, possibly a disguise featuring a beard? All I can do is put it down to the mysteries of the eleven year old mind. The end result, however, is a very silly picture and the wrapping paper really brings out the blue in his eyes.
As for the art, it was a school project focusing on an ecosystem. Each side would detail a different aspect of the ecosystem, from adaptations, life cycles, human impact, and so on. Each side has illustrations depicting the various aspects and a few lines of text.
Max's cube is all about swamps.
I've always loved swamps. I found them to be fascinating places teeming with life. Across the road from our house there was a smallish pond chock full of frogs that was bordered by a swamp. I spent hours in there scrambling along the downed trees. So I can certainly understand why he picked a swamp, that and the whole turtle thing.
Max did some very nice illustrations and put a great deal of thought into the project. I didn't know it was to become a cube until the day he brought the finished project home. He got a solid B, mostly due to the fact he forgot to add a couple of elements. I think next time he will read the rubric a little more carefully.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Baking With Julia- Croissants
This week's Baking with Julia challenge was croissants and miracle of miracles I actually completed it on time!
For a full rundown on how to make this time consuming yet delicious treat head on over to Girl + Food = Love.
Now lets get down to brass tacks. Croissants are very involved and take a solid two days to make. I was aware of this and started making mine on Saturday. I spent a lot of time wielding my rolling pins and figured at least one of them deserved to be featured. For the bulk of the rolling I used my marble rolling pin, meanwhile my wooden pin got the honor of whacking at the dough to distribute the butter.
Sunday was a bust, so I did most of the work on Monday, leaving the final rolling and proofing for today.
I finshed making them at round 2:30 pm today, allowing just enough time for them to cool down and be ready for afternoon snack when the kids get home.These little beauties were a big hit with my crowd. My biggest problem was their size, they started out far too small. My dough wasn't very stretchy and seems that I cut my triangles too small. I only used half the dough so the next batch will be a bit nicer looking now that I have a feel for the whole process.
They are very good, but I'm not sure I'll be investing so much time in them again. They are tasty, just not two days of rolling dough tasty.
For a full rundown on how to make this time consuming yet delicious treat head on over to Girl + Food = Love.
Now lets get down to brass tacks. Croissants are very involved and take a solid two days to make. I was aware of this and started making mine on Saturday. I spent a lot of time wielding my rolling pins and figured at least one of them deserved to be featured. For the bulk of the rolling I used my marble rolling pin, meanwhile my wooden pin got the honor of whacking at the dough to distribute the butter.
Sunday was a bust, so I did most of the work on Monday, leaving the final rolling and proofing for today.
I finshed making them at round 2:30 pm today, allowing just enough time for them to cool down and be ready for afternoon snack when the kids get home.These little beauties were a big hit with my crowd. My biggest problem was their size, they started out far too small. My dough wasn't very stretchy and seems that I cut my triangles too small. I only used half the dough so the next batch will be a bit nicer looking now that I have a feel for the whole process.
They are very good, but I'm not sure I'll be investing so much time in them again. They are tasty, just not two days of rolling dough tasty.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Sunday, March 03, 2013
You Sly Dog
John looks like he is up to no good in this picture. It's that sly glance he has.
For the most part he is a model citizen, but if there is food within reach.... It's gone. He likes chocolate in particular and I know it is very bad for him. Poor Rebecca keeps losing her candy stash to his predations. You wouldn't think he could reach very far, but you would be mistaken. Anything along a table's edge is fair game. He can rear up on this hind legs and, combined with his long snoot, can reach a good three feet.
John is not very tall, but he is very clever.
For the most part he is a model citizen, but if there is food within reach.... It's gone. He likes chocolate in particular and I know it is very bad for him. Poor Rebecca keeps losing her candy stash to his predations. You wouldn't think he could reach very far, but you would be mistaken. Anything along a table's edge is fair game. He can rear up on this hind legs and, combined with his long snoot, can reach a good three feet.
John is not very tall, but he is very clever.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Really
An open letter to the rather grim faced woman driving the white Lexus SUV.
I get it, you are in a hurry to get your precious snowflake to school this morning. But really, do you need to crowd me so much that I can't see your front license plate? I dubbed you a proctologist, much to my 14 year old son's amusement.
You spent a good ten minutes riding the bumper of my minivan on a curvy narrow road that threads through the most rural part of the county. A road that I regularly see deer, chickens, guinea hens, wild turkeys, and pheasant dot the shoulder with the occasional fox and possum. I once had a hawk almost smack into my windshield as it flew up from some road kill. It's wing tips brushed against the windscreen as I slammed on the brakes to avoid it.
And yes, this is the same road that commonly has tractors puttering along from field to field, bringing traffic to a crawl in the early morning hours. A road that has a serious accident about once a month.
So I'm not sorry that I decided to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of me. You know in case either of us has to hit the brakes when the unexpected happens. In fact I widened the distance so
A) you might pass me
B) if the unexpected happens I have a bit more room to maneuver.
I was very happy when you turned off the main road. However the joy was tempered with the knowledge that you were just using an alternative route to bypass me. I told my son that odds are we were going to the same place and that your route was longer and had a lower speed limit. Theoretically I would arrive before you, assuming you went the posted speed limit.
Ha! You following the speed limit. Your only limit would be if you encountered another driver.
Okay I do admit you just got in front of me when our two routes converged, but that was only due to my not challenging the oncoming traffic at the intersection and cutting off the other drivers at the intersection. I did however tuck my minivan right behind you at a safe distance as you rode the bumper of your latest victim.
Big woo, you got in front of me.
The one positive aspect was tat you provided an excellent teaching moment for my 14 year old son. I explained how dangerous your actions were. I was not too concerned about our safety since we were in a minivan that roughly equals the mass of your Lexus. If you did rear end us we would survive. You, however, might not.
I get it, you are in a hurry to get your precious snowflake to school this morning. But really, do you need to crowd me so much that I can't see your front license plate? I dubbed you a proctologist, much to my 14 year old son's amusement.
You spent a good ten minutes riding the bumper of my minivan on a curvy narrow road that threads through the most rural part of the county. A road that I regularly see deer, chickens, guinea hens, wild turkeys, and pheasant dot the shoulder with the occasional fox and possum. I once had a hawk almost smack into my windshield as it flew up from some road kill. It's wing tips brushed against the windscreen as I slammed on the brakes to avoid it.
And yes, this is the same road that commonly has tractors puttering along from field to field, bringing traffic to a crawl in the early morning hours. A road that has a serious accident about once a month.
So I'm not sorry that I decided to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of me. You know in case either of us has to hit the brakes when the unexpected happens. In fact I widened the distance so
A) you might pass me
B) if the unexpected happens I have a bit more room to maneuver.
I was very happy when you turned off the main road. However the joy was tempered with the knowledge that you were just using an alternative route to bypass me. I told my son that odds are we were going to the same place and that your route was longer and had a lower speed limit. Theoretically I would arrive before you, assuming you went the posted speed limit.
Ha! You following the speed limit. Your only limit would be if you encountered another driver.
Okay I do admit you just got in front of me when our two routes converged, but that was only due to my not challenging the oncoming traffic at the intersection and cutting off the other drivers at the intersection. I did however tuck my minivan right behind you at a safe distance as you rode the bumper of your latest victim.
Big woo, you got in front of me.
The one positive aspect was tat you provided an excellent teaching moment for my 14 year old son. I explained how dangerous your actions were. I was not too concerned about our safety since we were in a minivan that roughly equals the mass of your Lexus. If you did rear end us we would survive. You, however, might not.
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