Smile!
Monday, March 07, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Why Did I Wait?
Rebecca and Meryl requested I make some sort of chocolate treat. Rebecca was thinking along the lines of a cake, while Meryl was more in a mousse frame of mind. After a bit of digging in my files I pulled out a recipe I had printed from an email I received waaaay back in 2005 for chocolate truffle cake with raspberry sauce.
I don't know why I never made it, but it was absolutely unbelievable.
Everybody liked it.
Admittedly some passed on the sauce, but that's their loss. The raspberry is a lovely counterpoint to the rich chocolate of the cake. I served the sauce on the side, however if I ever bring this somewhere I'm going to flood the top with the sauce. It would be visually stunning and a delight to eat.
Some with out further ado here's the link to the chocolate truffle cake with raspberry sauce.
Of course I had to modify the recipe a little bit.
The whole thing was dead easy and was a huge hit. I'm glad I had held onto the recipe so long, but I wished I had tried it out sooner.
I don't know why I never made it, but it was absolutely unbelievable.
Everybody liked it.
Admittedly some passed on the sauce, but that's their loss. The raspberry is a lovely counterpoint to the rich chocolate of the cake. I served the sauce on the side, however if I ever bring this somewhere I'm going to flood the top with the sauce. It would be visually stunning and a delight to eat.
Some with out further ado here's the link to the chocolate truffle cake with raspberry sauce.
Of course I had to modify the recipe a little bit.
- I used a nine inch spring form pan lined with wax paper (the loaf just didn't cut it in my eyes).
- I used 12 oz of raspberries instead of 10oz (because that was how much was in the bag and I couldn't be bothered).
- However with the increased number of raspberries I did not change the amount of Karo. I wanted the sauce to be on the tart side.
The whole thing was dead easy and was a huge hit. I'm glad I had held onto the recipe so long, but I wished I had tried it out sooner.
Friday, March 04, 2011
MCP Project 52: Express Yourself
The theme this week was express yourself and I though what better way to show this than Nate doing just that.
Nate took years and years of piano and as a result became quite proficient and at times had a bit for fum. But the piano was never really THE instrument for Nate. What he really wanted (and begged for) was a guitar.
We started him off with a little acoustic guitar that he quickly outgrew. By the time we finely rounded up a teacher Nate had graduated to Larry's full sized guitar. It was a bit big, but that didn't slow down Nate in the least. Soon he was asking for an electric guitar which we got him with the understanding that he would learn to play both acoustic and electric.
And play he does. Nate has found his instrument and a way to express himself musically.
Nate took years and years of piano and as a result became quite proficient and at times had a bit for fum. But the piano was never really THE instrument for Nate. What he really wanted (and begged for) was a guitar.
We started him off with a little acoustic guitar that he quickly outgrew. By the time we finely rounded up a teacher Nate had graduated to Larry's full sized guitar. It was a bit big, but that didn't slow down Nate in the least. Soon he was asking for an electric guitar which we got him with the understanding that he would learn to play both acoustic and electric.
And play he does. Nate has found his instrument and a way to express himself musically.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Good Grief
This is my absolute favorite car and I don't even own it.
I've always had a soft spot for VW Bug's. I prefer the original (since that was what I once owned), but new one has a little corner of my heart as well.
I was out and about doing errands when I laid eyes on this little gem. The paint job was what first grabbed my attention, bright yellow with a jagged stripe. Coupled with the distinctive domed shape of a Volksie, the first thing that sprang to mind was Charlie Brown.
When I stepped out of my car to snap a few pictures I took a gander at the plate. I nearly fell down laughing, it very cleverly spelled out GOOD GRF. The little capper being the Scenic Autumn plate.
I have found Charlie Brown's car and it's sweet ride.
I've always had a soft spot for VW Bug's. I prefer the original (since that was what I once owned), but new one has a little corner of my heart as well.
I was out and about doing errands when I laid eyes on this little gem. The paint job was what first grabbed my attention, bright yellow with a jagged stripe. Coupled with the distinctive domed shape of a Volksie, the first thing that sprang to mind was Charlie Brown.
When I stepped out of my car to snap a few pictures I took a gander at the plate. I nearly fell down laughing, it very cleverly spelled out GOOD GRF. The little capper being the Scenic Autumn plate.
I have found Charlie Brown's car and it's sweet ride.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Artist of the Week: Snail Party
A rather cold looking Max is this week's artist.
Lately the temperatures around here have been all over the map. It'll be 80s one day and then a few days later the high will barely crawl up into the upper 40s. Which I find to be cruel and very brutal. I'll get used to milder weather and then boom! I have to bundle all up.
Tomorrow morning is going to be one of the cruel days. We had upper 60s today, short sleeve weather and some running around barefoot. Then the bottom will drop out tonight and in the morning the bus stop will be just about freezing with the high in the aforementioned upper 40s.
Blech.
Luckily I have Max and his happy pictures to pull me through.
Like this one of a snail party. The helicopter trailing a large "Happy Birthday" banner tells you what kind of party is going on down below. I love how the birthday snail has on a little party hat and confetti is showering down.
Max's snail are such simply drawn little creatures, but they have character.
Lately the temperatures around here have been all over the map. It'll be 80s one day and then a few days later the high will barely crawl up into the upper 40s. Which I find to be cruel and very brutal. I'll get used to milder weather and then boom! I have to bundle all up.
Tomorrow morning is going to be one of the cruel days. We had upper 60s today, short sleeve weather and some running around barefoot. Then the bottom will drop out tonight and in the morning the bus stop will be just about freezing with the high in the aforementioned upper 40s.
Blech.
Luckily I have Max and his happy pictures to pull me through.
Like this one of a snail party. The helicopter trailing a large "Happy Birthday" banner tells you what kind of party is going on down below. I love how the birthday snail has on a little party hat and confetti is showering down.
Max's snail are such simply drawn little creatures, but they have character.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Savory Treats
Sunday I went to my very first Oscar party.
Normally I camp out on the sofa and flip back and forth between the broadcast and whatever else is on, calling up Meryl when something particularly noteworthy occurs. Snacks are culled from the fridge on an ad hoc basis. I won't be wearing sweats, but at some point the contacts come out and the glasses go on along with some comfy pjs.
This year, however, I got all dolled up and made some fancy pants hors d'oeurves.
The pillowy ones on the left are garlic puffs courtesy of The New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins and The dark squiggly bits are Caramelized Onion Tart from Annie's Eats. Both are ridiculously easy, they just take a fair amount of time to prepare. Since I'm able to link up to the respective recipes, I'll just share my modifications.
Normally I camp out on the sofa and flip back and forth between the broadcast and whatever else is on, calling up Meryl when something particularly noteworthy occurs. Snacks are culled from the fridge on an ad hoc basis. I won't be wearing sweats, but at some point the contacts come out and the glasses go on along with some comfy pjs.
This year, however, I got all dolled up and made some fancy pants hors d'oeurves.
The pillowy ones on the left are garlic puffs courtesy of The New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins and The dark squiggly bits are Caramelized Onion Tart from Annie's Eats. Both are ridiculously easy, they just take a fair amount of time to prepare. Since I'm able to link up to the respective recipes, I'll just share my modifications.
- For both I used store bought puff pastry. It's supposedly not very hard to make your own, but since these were new and untried recipes I decided to stick with what I knew would work. The package came with two sheets, perfect for the two recipes.
- When I made the garlic pesto I only made a third of a batch. I didn't need nor want to make a full batch. 15 heads of garlic is a boatload of peeling.
- For the onion tart I trebled the onions (they smelled heavenly while I caramelized them) and doubled the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. It all looked too skimpy on the dough after I unfolded the pastry sheet and placed the dough on a baking sheet.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
MCP Project 52: View From Here
It's the eighth week in MCP Project 52 and the theme was "the view from here."
I spied the first crocus of the season pushing its way through the leaves while weeding in preparation for spring. To capture the idea of "the view from here" I laid down amongst the leaves to get just the right angle. I find it is always worthwhile to get to the same level as your subject. and this time was not the exception.
I put the lens right up to the flowers and set my little point and shoot on Macro, thus creating the lovely bokeh in the background. Laying there I fired off about 15 shots. In the end I got about 3 pictures I liked with this one being the best. I'm fairly pleased with the end result.
I spied the first crocus of the season pushing its way through the leaves while weeding in preparation for spring. To capture the idea of "the view from here" I laid down amongst the leaves to get just the right angle. I find it is always worthwhile to get to the same level as your subject. and this time was not the exception.
I put the lens right up to the flowers and set my little point and shoot on Macro, thus creating the lovely bokeh in the background. Laying there I fired off about 15 shots. In the end I got about 3 pictures I liked with this one being the best. I'm fairly pleased with the end result.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Non Sequitur: Telemarketers
This is possibly my all time favorite cartoon. I cut it out of the newspaper when it first run way back on Feb. 21st, 1999. I haven't seen it published since.
Because of telemarketers I have become a huge fan of caller ID. If I don't recognize the number (of the 1-800 variety) or the screen flashes it's UNAVAILABLE, I don't pick up the phone. If the call is important they will leave a message. My feeling is that the phone is for my convenience and as such I'll answer when I darn well feel like it.
Because of telemarketers I have become a huge fan of caller ID. If I don't recognize the number (of the 1-800 variety) or the screen flashes it's UNAVAILABLE, I don't pick up the phone. If the call is important they will leave a message. My feeling is that the phone is for my convenience and as such I'll answer when I darn well feel like it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Artist of the Week: Beans and Worms
This week's artist is El Bandito Nate. And yes, he and his friends drew a mustache on Nate's face while riding home on the bus just the other day.
It started off as a sort of truth or dare thing. The original mustache was rather small, but Nate decided it looked stupid and figured bigger was better. So for the rest of the day I felt like I had a short crazed bandit running around the house. Fortunately no permanent markers were available on the bus and it pretty much washed off with just a bit of scrubbing.
I think the best comment about Nate's new look came from Jake, "... you like the first person that fell asleep at a party." As for my reaction, I figured the less said the better. I thought the whole thing was very funny and I was glad it was not done with a sharpie.
With all the silliness that is Nate there is also a serious and academically motivated side. Like Jake in 6th grade, Nate had to do a science fair project this year. He chose a project not too dissimilar from Jake's first project. Instead of fertilizer though, Nate chose worms and their effect on plant growth.
Nate's project was a bit more modest in scope than Jake's, however I had to buy worms. 500 red wigglers to be exact. I've never aspired to be a vermiculturist, but then again parenthood is full of surprising turns. The good news once spring is really here I can dump the whole lot into the lawn. So far the little beasties are hanging in there. They did seem to help the plants along and on the whole the project was a success. Hopefully next I won't have to buy any more critters.
It started off as a sort of truth or dare thing. The original mustache was rather small, but Nate decided it looked stupid and figured bigger was better. So for the rest of the day I felt like I had a short crazed bandit running around the house. Fortunately no permanent markers were available on the bus and it pretty much washed off with just a bit of scrubbing.
I think the best comment about Nate's new look came from Jake, "... you like the first person that fell asleep at a party." As for my reaction, I figured the less said the better. I thought the whole thing was very funny and I was glad it was not done with a sharpie.
With all the silliness that is Nate there is also a serious and academically motivated side. Like Jake in 6th grade, Nate had to do a science fair project this year. He chose a project not too dissimilar from Jake's first project. Instead of fertilizer though, Nate chose worms and their effect on plant growth.
Nate's project was a bit more modest in scope than Jake's, however I had to buy worms. 500 red wigglers to be exact. I've never aspired to be a vermiculturist, but then again parenthood is full of surprising turns. The good news once spring is really here I can dump the whole lot into the lawn. So far the little beasties are hanging in there. They did seem to help the plants along and on the whole the project was a success. Hopefully next I won't have to buy any more critters.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Winter Is Back
After a string of warm, almost hot days: winter weather is back in full force.
This morning there were actual snow flakes swirling through the air. Quite a rude awakening after the 70+ temperatures we ad just a few days ago. The snow didn't stick and the buses all came at there regularly scheduled times. Though it was a close thing with the sleet last night and the snow this morning.
Now if we had today's weather three weeks ago it would have been hailed as a warm spell. Instead it was on the heels of warm spring-like weather and was called a cold snap instead. We had to break out our winter coats again and bundle up for the bus stop.
The weather can be so very cruel this time of year.
This morning there were actual snow flakes swirling through the air. Quite a rude awakening after the 70+ temperatures we ad just a few days ago. The snow didn't stick and the buses all came at there regularly scheduled times. Though it was a close thing with the sleet last night and the snow this morning.
Now if we had today's weather three weeks ago it would have been hailed as a warm spell. Instead it was on the heels of warm spring-like weather and was called a cold snap instead. We had to break out our winter coats again and bundle up for the bus stop.
The weather can be so very cruel this time of year.
Monday, February 21, 2011
And the Winner For Tropfest 2011 is...
Animal Beatbox.
A big surprise to me, not at all like the other films I've featured here. Heck I hadn't even seen it until today, but it is great fun to watch.
A big surprise to me, not at all like the other films I've featured here. Heck I hadn't even seen it until today, but it is great fun to watch.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Best Homework Ever
Today at the end of Nate's guitar lesson he was instructed to listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. Five minutes after Nate's teacher left I cued up Little Wing, one of my all time favorites.
If could I get homework like that I would take lessons as well.
If could I get homework like that I would take lessons as well.
Friday, February 18, 2011
MCP Project 52: Open Your Heart
I submitted this photograph of Max with John for this week's MCP Project 52. The theme this week is "open your heart" and I felt the interaction of Max with the dogs best represented the theme.
In all likely hood if Max had never grown up with dogs he probably wouldn't like them. Dogs are messy and unpredictable and Max is not a big fan of either. Max is still a bit wary of big dogs, but our very silly and loving dogs has opened his heart. He has told me on numerous occasions how he will have a miniature dachshund when he is all grown up and out on his own.
I'm glad our dogs were able to worm their way into his affections and open up the world of companion animals to him. The world can be a lonely place and having a pet can warm up your little corner.
As to the picture itself I tried out adding texture. The effect I used is called dry brush and I like the feel it gives to the finial product. I generally avoid using such filters and effects, but it's good to try something different once in a while.
In all likely hood if Max had never grown up with dogs he probably wouldn't like them. Dogs are messy and unpredictable and Max is not a big fan of either. Max is still a bit wary of big dogs, but our very silly and loving dogs has opened his heart. He has told me on numerous occasions how he will have a miniature dachshund when he is all grown up and out on his own.
I'm glad our dogs were able to worm their way into his affections and open up the world of companion animals to him. The world can be a lonely place and having a pet can warm up your little corner.
As to the picture itself I tried out adding texture. The effect I used is called dry brush and I like the feel it gives to the finial product. I generally avoid using such filters and effects, but it's good to try something different once in a while.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Artist of the Week: Show Choir Band
Or, as I like to call them, the unseen heroes of Show Choir. Either way Jake's show choir band is this week's artist.
Tonight was their big season debut, the dreaded pyramid concert. This time around it was a far, far better experience. There was far more information about the event and the fund raising was limited to food sales before the now free concert (I think the music directors got an earful from the concert four years ago). I still feel sorry for all the fifth grades dragooned into performing, but I'm focusing on my son who was there by choice. He volunteered to be part of the band that played off stage for his high school show choirs. You can just see them in the wings. They are all dressed in black so as not to attract attention. Jake is on the far left holding his trumpet. Below is the closing number "How Far We've Come" from the co-ed choir's set.
I think the band did a terrific job. The music was a real stretch for Jake, but he really wanted to play. Which I think is he best way for him to grow as a musician. On the whole it was very enjoyable listening to a live band performing with the choirs, particularly during this swingin' tune.
Tonight was their big season debut, the dreaded pyramid concert. This time around it was a far, far better experience. There was far more information about the event and the fund raising was limited to food sales before the now free concert (I think the music directors got an earful from the concert four years ago). I still feel sorry for all the fifth grades dragooned into performing, but I'm focusing on my son who was there by choice. He volunteered to be part of the band that played off stage for his high school show choirs. You can just see them in the wings. They are all dressed in black so as not to attract attention. Jake is on the far left holding his trumpet. Below is the closing number "How Far We've Come" from the co-ed choir's set.
I think the band did a terrific job. The music was a real stretch for Jake, but he really wanted to play. Which I think is he best way for him to grow as a musician. On the whole it was very enjoyable listening to a live band performing with the choirs, particularly during this swingin' tune.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Happy Vulture Day!
Monday may have been Valentine's Day, but in my backyard it started out as Vulture day.
When I let the dogs out for their morning airing I glanced up at the trees bordering our yard and was stunned to see the branches filled with vultures. At one point we had 22 Black Vultures balefully glaring down at us. This was a moment worthy of capturing for posterity.
If you look closely you can see 16 vultures. It's a good thing I'm not the superstitious type, I never would have left the house.
When I let the dogs out for their morning airing I glanced up at the trees bordering our yard and was stunned to see the branches filled with vultures. At one point we had 22 Black Vultures balefully glaring down at us. This was a moment worthy of capturing for posterity.
If you look closely you can see 16 vultures. It's a good thing I'm not the superstitious type, I never would have left the house.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Music Box - Mixtape Club
Another fun film from Showtime's Short Stories. I found it not only enjoyable to watch, but a pleasure to listen to as well.
And yes, this would normally be posted on Monday. But that was my blogiversary and I have decided to shift the whole week over by one day.
And yes, this would normally be posted on Monday. But that was my blogiversary and I have decided to shift the whole week over by one day.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Six
And so far not six feet under.
Well my tiny little corner of the internet turned 6 years old today, which is amazing. I'm just poking along with my pictures and my stories and a few of you keep coming back.
So thank you. We have cookies and brownies in the kitchen, just help yourself.
Well my tiny little corner of the internet turned 6 years old today, which is amazing. I'm just poking along with my pictures and my stories and a few of you keep coming back.
So thank you. We have cookies and brownies in the kitchen, just help yourself.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Turn in the Weather
After experiencing one of the coldest winters in the area since we moved here, things are warming up.
There will be no icicles on the fountain for the rest of the week. We are looking at 50 degrees or more for the rest of the week. Rumor has it that will even hit 70! Twice! Tomorrow and possibly Friday.
Normal yo-yo February weather for around here.
There will be no icicles on the fountain for the rest of the week. We are looking at 50 degrees or more for the rest of the week. Rumor has it that will even hit 70! Twice! Tomorrow and possibly Friday.
Normal yo-yo February weather for around here.
Friday, February 11, 2011
MCP Project 52: Looking Up
This week's MCP Project 52 theme is Words.
This week it only took a moment for me to decide what to do. All I needed was a clear day a Richmond and I would be all set.
Larry noticed shortly after we moved to the Richmond area that the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom by Thomas Jefferson was writ large on a a building in the historic Shockoe Slip area of downtown Richmond.
The statute reads as follows:
We have been meaning to photograph it for years and this was just the impetus I needed. And as a bonus just two blocks away is the Flood Wall upon which are banners celebrating Richmond's history. If I wasn't happy with the Statute I could use the Flood Wall instead.
So Wednesday dawned clear and bright and a bit cold, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. After sending off children to their respective schools I headed to Richmond. I was able to snag a parking spot 30 feet away from the Statute. I spent the following hour playing tourist, photographing the Statute, the Flood Wall and even the Canal Walk. It was a very productive hour.
I took a full on picture of the statute, but it's so boring compared to this one. I like how the paint colors fade into the sky and how the words stretch away. I did minimal processing, the photo works just the way I shot it.
Update:
Woohoo! My picture got featured this week!
This week it only took a moment for me to decide what to do. All I needed was a clear day a Richmond and I would be all set.
Larry noticed shortly after we moved to the Richmond area that the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom by Thomas Jefferson was writ large on a a building in the historic Shockoe Slip area of downtown Richmond.
The statute reads as follows:
We the General Assembly of Virginia do enact that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities. 1786
Thomas Jefferson
We have been meaning to photograph it for years and this was just the impetus I needed. And as a bonus just two blocks away is the Flood Wall upon which are banners celebrating Richmond's history. If I wasn't happy with the Statute I could use the Flood Wall instead.
So Wednesday dawned clear and bright and a bit cold, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. After sending off children to their respective schools I headed to Richmond. I was able to snag a parking spot 30 feet away from the Statute. I spent the following hour playing tourist, photographing the Statute, the Flood Wall and even the Canal Walk. It was a very productive hour.
I took a full on picture of the statute, but it's so boring compared to this one. I like how the paint colors fade into the sky and how the words stretch away. I did minimal processing, the photo works just the way I shot it.
Update:
Woohoo! My picture got featured this week!
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