READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Deuteronomy 7

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Deuteronomy 6

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Deuteronomy 5

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Deuteronomy 4

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Deuteronomy Chapter 2

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Deuteronomy 1

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 36

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 35

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 34

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 33

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 32

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 30

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 29

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 28

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers 27

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 26

Reading the Bible this year: Numbers 25

Reading the Bible in 1 Year - learning about the Children of Israel's history

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers Chapter 22

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers Chapter 21

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers Chapter 20 - Moses

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers Chapter 19

https://rumble.com/embed/v48d79k/?pub=275tqq

Reading the Bible in 1 Year - Join us on our Journey

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 17

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Numbers Chapter 16

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 15

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 14 - See Post Below

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 12

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 11

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers Chapter 10

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 9 - The Passover

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 8

Reading the Bible in 1 Year - Numbers Chapter 7

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers 6

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Numbers Chapter 4

People Need to Come Together - Not Fight

Reading the Bible in 1 Year - Numbers Chapter 2

Join Us as we Read Through the Bible this Year

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus 27

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapter 26

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapter 25

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus 24 with a NT Devotional

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapter 23

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapter 22

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Leviticus 21

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR - Leviticus 20

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus 18 and 19

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Leviticus Chapters 16 and 17

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapter 15

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapter 14

Merry Christmas - We're Reading Leviticus 13

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus 11 and 12

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Leviticus Chps 9 &10

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Leviticus Chapters 7 & 8

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Leviticus Chapters 5 and 6

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: #Exodus Chapters 2, 3, and 4

Reading the Bible in 1 Year Leviticus Chapter 1

The Nation of Israel - Reading the Bible in 1 Year

Monday, August 31, 2009

Personality - Voice - Writing

So, what makes a character stand out?

We were talking about this at my critique group on Saturday. Sometimes characters seem to blend together. Maybe it's because they are all too similar. In real life, no two people are the same - not even twins.

So how do we create characters that stand out from one another?

We shouldn't even have to use tags to know who's talking. No more, "Ellen said", "Jim answered" or "Josh screamed". We should know who screamed just by the way he did it.

Maybe easier said than done. But I was thinking about this when I was sewing new cushions for my benches outside.

Maybe most people don't even have benches outside and those that do, might be happy just to have the benches - but not me. I want soft, cushy pillows to sit on.

What does that say about me? Maybe I'm a WHIMP or spoiled, it might even mean I have problems with my butt - who knows. But it has to say something. And we should make sure we create characters that are saying something about themselves by what they do, wear, or even the way they position their bodies during a conversation.

Everyone has their own way of doing activities, saying simple phrases or even wearing their clothes.

Here's one little Youtube video I've shown before but I think it's helpful. My family and I tried to show what voice means, simply by the way we say things. See if you can guess what kind of personality each person has just by the way we say this one famous sentence.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

How 'Bout a Danish?



And I'm not talking about Proud Chef Luke. I'm talking about Tea Biscuits.

Luke and MacKenzie practiced their pastry skills. It was one night filled with poppyseeds and buttery goodness. Not a good way for me to stay on my diet but, hey, we've got to make sure our kids know how to cook--right? So, I'm a Mom willing to make those hard sacrifices-like, in my waist line. I guess I'll just need another new (larger) size pair of jeans. But, then think of all the great projects I can prepare-repurposing those old jeans-that don't fit any more.

Anyway, if you'd like to let out your jeans too, here's the recipe:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter (unsoftened)
3 1/3 cups unbleached bread flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% milk
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg white, beaten
3 Tablespoons white or black poppy seeds

Mix cold butter with flour in a medium bowl and mix well, add sugar and salt, Microwave the milk for 40 seconds, add the milk and egg yolk to the flour

Knead the dough for 4 to 5 minutes or until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, let sit for 30 minutes

Roll the dough, using saran to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Make into 10 X 24 inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, brush the beaten egg white down the long edge

Fold the unbuttered side over the buttered side and tuck the edge brushed with egg white under, pressing to seal. Pierce the dough gently with a fork and brush with the remaining egg white. Sprinkle with the poppy seeds.

Cut the dough into ten to twelve triangles, Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 20 minutes at 400 degrees or until golden brown. Remove and let cool.

WAH-LAH! You've got a true Danish pastry.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday Craft Day



How about painting your own easel and frame? Discount stores have bare wood frames. Why not add a little paint and have some fun with your kids decorating them to suit each personality? It's fun, EZ and useful. Plus, it's a great way to show off your personality.

We got these little frames and easels at IKEA but other craft stores have them too. If you do go out and buy some and paint them, please post a picture so I can see how creative you and your kids are.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Great Give-away 30 Books in 30 Days

Writer Mama does it again - and maybe the third times the charm. Check it out here.

30 Books in 30 Days.

Sounds like a wonderful way to start a school year.

Earth-Friendly Friday


We all have old pants sitting around the house that don't fit us any more. Okay, maybe that's only me. But you must have some jeans that have worn out knees or holes all over the place--right?

Well, if you do, why not find a way to put those jeans to use. How about repurposing them for back-to-school gear: Like a locker organizer. It's EZ-smeezy. All you have to do is cut the pants off at the legs, sew a seam that seals the opening. Sew a couple straps on the top, then flip 'em around so the pockets can be used to hold combs, makeup, pencils or anything else. The straps can be tied onto the locker for strong support. Your kids can decorate them with buttons, ribbon or appliques.

Send your kids back to school with repurposed jeans - it's sooo kewl :)

Here's one free pattern.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Answer to Thought for Thursday

Answer: You might have guessed for writing Sherlock Holmes stories but that would have been too EZ. He was knighted in 1902 for writing a pamphlet in defense of British actions in the Boer War, entitled "The War in South Africa: Its Causes and Conduct."

Thought for Thursday

THOUGHT: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was knighted, for writing . . . what?

Pop back by around 3, to find out the "write" answer ;)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Answer to Word(s) for Wednesday

Here's your Answers:

(1) Vlog - it's a video blog
2) Podcast - is a web-based audio broadcast sent via RSS feed
(3) Vlogger - is a video blogger, noun

Word(s) for Wednesday

Okay, all writers out there should already know these terms but just to be sure, here's a short quiz. Define each word below -
then come back at 3:00 to find out,
in case you have any doubt,
the answers will be posted here.
So no need to have any fear.

Word(s):

(1) Vlog
(2) Podcast
(3) Vlogger

Take a guess.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tip for Tuesday - Writing Related - Word Tips

This is a repeat but probably worth repeating because we all forget, if we don't use these keys often enough:

SIMPLE WORD TIPS
(By holding down the Ctrl button and the additional key listed, you will have the following results):

Ctrl+O Opens a previously saved document
Ctrl+W Closes the current window without exiting Word
Ctrl+N Opens a new Word document
Ctrl+S Saves the current document with its existing file name
Ctrl+P Prints the current file
Ctrl+A Blocks all the text and graphics in the document you are in
Ctrl+C Copies the blocked text, Copies the blocked text, Copies the blocked text
Ctrl+V Pastes the copied text
Ctrl+Z Undoes the last change you made
Ctrl+Y Is a “Redo” button, if you’ve cut text and want to put it immediately back Ctrl+Y is the answer
Ctrl+X Cuts and removes the text you’ve blocked (hint: you can use this with Ctrl V)
Ctrl+F Find button – you can search for particular text using this button
Ctrl+U Underlines selected text
Ctrl+I Italic button – for all highlighted material
Ctrl+B Bold
Alt+F4 Exits Word

MORE WORD TIPS

Ctrl+End Moves cursor to the end of the document
Ctrl+Home Moves cursor to the beginning of a document
Ctrl+E Centers highlighted text
Ctrl+J Justifies a paragraph
Ctrl+L Aligns the text to the Left
Ctrl+R Right aligns text
Ctrl+Shift+W Underlines words but not spaces
Ctrl+Shift+D Double Underlines text
Ctrl+Shift+> Increases blocked text two points
Shift+F3 CHANGES CASE OF TEXT
Ctrl+T Creates a hanging indent
Ctrl+M Indents a paragraph from the left
Shift+Enter Inserts a line break
Ctrl+Delete Deletes one work to the right
Ctrl+backspace Deletes one work to the left
Ctrl+2 Double spaces blocked text or text in paragraph you’re in
Ctrl+1 Single spaces blocked text or paragraph you are in
Ctrl+5 Makes line spacing 1.5 in text
Shift+enter Inserts a line break (or inserts a hard page return) whichever you want to call it
Ctrl+[space bar] Removes all formatting from selected text

TRICKY TIP:
While holding down the Alt Key, click on some text with the mouse and drag the cursor You’ll get a highlighted vertical column that you can cut and/or paste, or delete, or bold, etc.

Monday, August 24, 2009

DRUM ROLL . . . AND THE WINNER IS

The Winner is: Cindyb with:

LIONS ON THE LOOSE

Yellow sunspots in the yard,
Like a green sky brightly starred.
After time they close up tight;
Open up as balls of white.
A gust of wind will send them flyin',
That's the escape of a dandelion.


Please email me and let me know if you want an autographed copy of A NEW JOB FOR DILLY or a ten dollar $10 gift card to Borders.

My email address is kasch5 at comcast dot net

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

I love poetry and these entries were a lot of fun. It was really a tough job judging.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

My Girl


I don't have a lot of photos with my daughter because she's the shy one in the family. She's not like the rest of us who primp a pose whenever the camera comes out. She runs and hides - most of the time. Plus, she plays college basketball so she's not sitting at home with the rest of us. During the year she travels with the team and seems to be playing that game nearly 7 days a week.

BUT, here's one photo of us together. And, looking at it, I wonder why do I always stand next to beautiful young ladies and let people take my picture? Call me crazy. . .

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Strawberry Avalanche - Saturday




Hope you enjoy this avalanche of strawberries!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Earth-Friendly Friday


Sometimes the answers to reusing are right around your own house. A single teacup for instance. It can be turned into a watering cup for birds, when it's placed out in the yard. Or a bird feeder, if you fill it with seed.

We just need to think outside the box--um, cup, or whatever the object might be. My husband took one cup that was left out of a set and with the help of a little epoxy-WAHLAH-garden art!

I also use old broken pots in my yard to liven up my garden. Who's to say what's art? I guess in my yard at least, that person will be me ;)

So, do you have any clever RE-uses sitting around that you'd like to share? Please add them to the "comments" section and thanks!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Answer to Thought for Thursday

Answer: The film written and produced by Sonny Bono in the 1969 film Chastity

Thought for Thursday - CHER

I loved Cher's music growing up - heck, I still love it but I didn't know the answer to this question.

QUESTION: What inspired Cher to name her daughter Chastity?

Come back at 3:00 to see if you guessed it.

Thanks for playing with me.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Answer to Word for Wednesday

Answer: Irregardless is used but it's not even a real word. With two negatives, we don't see that very often.

According to Dictionary.com it is a "non-standard" word.

So I guess that was a trick question - sorry ;-)

Word for Wednesday

Word: Irregardless

So what does it mean? Take a guess then come back around 3:00 to see if you guessed "write".

Thanks for playing along with me.

CeCe's Wedding



Sunday was CeCe and Robert's Wedding. CeCe is my niece.

The wedding was at Petersen's Rock Garden in Redmond. What a beautiful setting. With Peacock's roaming the fields and dragonfly's buzzing about
- it couldn't have been more perfect unless little fairies were fluttering around - which they were. CeCe and Robert chose a unique setting to celebrate a special event.

We all had a wonderful time including my sister, Tammy, and her daughter Serena, who drove with us from Portland.



Robert sang his vows and the ceremony was short but very sweet.

There's nothing better than a weekend filled with weddings in fairytale settings.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

HARRY POTTER PERSONALITY TEST

The Harry Potter Personality Test - just for fun. Try it to see if you too are an INFJ. I've posted this before but MG Higgins made me think of it again.

I came out as a Dumbledore. Let me know who you are.

Poetry Contest

It’s a Dilly of a Poetry Contest

Post a Poem and Possibly Win a Prize.

It’s as EZ as that. It can be on any topic - just remember to keep it kid friendly (i.e. no questionable language or subject matter).

Here’s the prize:

A New Job for Dilly
By Rena Jones
Illustrated by: Lisa Oakman

And, if you don't have a little one in the house, how about a $10.00 Borders Gift Card?

Two possible prizes - one DILLY of a poetry contest.

Come and Play. Just post a poem in the "comments" section of this post and come back on Monday to see who the lucky winner is.

W-Squared


It was a weekend of weddings.

Friday night we celebrated Aaron's and Brenna's unity up in Bridal Veil Lakes. It was a beautiful setting.

My son, Jake, was one of the groomsmen, since he and Aaron have been close friends since they were in fifth grade. Here he is with his date, Shawna.

Here we are, my son Luke, my daughter Kara, Jake's date Shawna and an old friend Alex waiting for the wedding party to make it over to the reception.


And, here is my family all together: Luke, Kara, Me, Lars, Jacob and his date Shawna.

It was a beautiful way to spend a Friday night.

But Saturday I wasn't feeling so hot.

Luckily, Sunday was CeCe and Robert's Wedding and I was feeling good enough to head over to Redmond to celebrate with them. Their wedding deserves a private post because it was a VERY different wedding. So pop back by if you want to see another wedding tomorrow.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Kreativ Blogger Award


Ranch Girl Ramblings passed this award on to me. Thanks Ranch Girl Ramblings!

Here are the rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

Seven things about me:

1) My Mom got married when she was 16.
2) My Mom had 9 kids (call her crazy)
3) I'm not the oldest or the youngest child from my family.
4) I've been married (to the same man) for over 26 years.
5) I write stories for children but my favorite authors are King and Poe
6) My husband was an original test kid for Legos (he was born and raised in Denmark)
7) My husband and I have the same birthday and two of my kids have the same birthday (not twins) and one of my brothers and one of my sisters share a birthday (not twins)
(We're linked by some cosmic birthday cycle).

Seven Kreativ Bloggers out there in Blogdom:

1) Kelly Polark
2) Chapters.
3) Ecobunga
4) Doctor Grumpy in the House
5) Summerfriend
6) The Virginia Scribe
7) Green Girl

Flummoxed Completely




Kai Strand was so Kind, she gave me the Lovely blog Award.

Now I'm going to pass it on to others, who in turn can pass it on to other blogging buddies.

Lazy Writer
Elana J
and
Christina Farley

Saturday, August 15, 2009

French Onion Soup, a Souffle, and More


A Toast: "To Your Health" in French to go along with the soup.

French Onion Soup: First you carmelize two large sweet onions in butter. We used Walla Walla Sweet Onions. You carmelize butter in a saucepan with butter. You heat the onions until they turn a golden brown, then you add a couple tablespoons of flour to the onions and stir until it mixes. You add that to a pot of stock. If you don't want to make your own. You can buy a couple large cans or boxes of beef stock. Then you add one-half cup of sweet vermouth, and 3 tablespoons of cognac.

You heat the soup for about an hour and one half, letting the alcohol burn off. Then you serve it with a piece of french bread on the top with swiss or Gruyere cheese sprinkled over the top.


After seeing the movie Julie & Julia, I wanted to learn some more about French cooking so MacKenzie and I planned a dinner party. We invited a few people, and made some French Onion Soup, three souffles and a caramel/almond mousse for dessert. Of course the mousse was my favorite part--well, the mousse and my new earrings. MacKenzie and I made earrings to match out cutesy little aprons-okay, we're a couple of nerds-I can admit it and that's okay.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Earth-Friendly Friday

The Portland Rebuilding Center

Reusing, Recycling and Recrafting can be more than earth-friendly, it can be so beautiful it can be artwork.
And, building - or REbuilding - a bench, arbor or pergola can be expensive but you can cut costs by re-building.

My husband and I love to go to The Rebuilding Center to buy lumber, fencing and even kitchen cabinets.

Sometimes you just need to think before you buy. And Rebuilding Centers can even supply the ideas for you.

When you buy from a community rebuilding center, you help keep material out of the landfills and save a little (or a LOT) of money at the same time.


Plus, when you're done with your project, you can donate left over building materials and start the cycle all over again.

You might have a local rebuilding center in your neighborhood, just do a quick google search to find out.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Answer to Thought for Thursday


Answer: Popcorn. In 2003 popcorn was declared the official state snack.

Thought for Thursday

Snack . . . ?

What is the official state snack for Illinois?

Come back about 3:00 to see if you were even in the ballpark (hint).

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Answer to Word for Wednesday

Answer: Canoodle is to kiss and cuddle affectionately. Want to read more, check it out here.

Word for Wednesday

Word: Canoodle

Take a guess - what can it be
Come back at 3:00 - so you can see

Is it a noodle taken out of a can?
Is it a paper folded into a fan?

Is it a bird with an extra long beak
Come back at 3:00 and take a peek

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tip for Tuesday - Writing Related

We all get confused by word usage some times or is that sometimes . . . ?

Here are some A to Z's of Writing Words or maybe the A to E's - beginning with "A"

Accept, except

Accept is to agree
Except is to leave out

Advice, advise

Advice is a noun and means a recommendation
Advise is a verb that means to give advice

Affect, effect


Affect is a verb that means "to cause a change in" or "influence" (however, it's a noun in psychology which means "emotional impact"
Effect as a noun means "result or conclusion" as a verb effect is to "bring about".

Hope these tips are helpful to some of you writers out there.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Providence Bridge Pedal


Sunday I woke up with a sore throat and was worried that I wouldn't be able to make the ride but, after a hot shower, I was ready for another busy day.

The Providence Bridge Pedal has a bike ride for every skill level. There is a 38, 24, and 14 mile bike ride option.

We signed up for the easiest of the three. And it helps that it's a party atmosphere here in Portland on the bridges, with live bands, balloons and families riding tandems. I always have a lot of respect for Moms and Dads but I have even more respect for the parents riding with baby buggies attached to the back of their bikes. Of course they had to be in super shape, which I'm not.


I was wishing I would have pulled my bike out earlier than the morning of the ride - if not to get in shape, then at least to check the tires, which were flat.

But 14 miles later we stopped at Starbucks and had an iced coffee - Yummy reward. Then we rode the six miles back home. It was tiring but a lot of fun.


The Providence Bridge Pedal
supports the Heart and Vascular Institute at Providence Medical Center. It's a good cause and a fun ride over a lot of the bridges in the city. Plus, if you aren't a bike enthusiast, you can walk a five mile Bridge Stride for the cause.

Did you know that Portland is the number one city for biking in the country? If you're planning a trip to Portland in the next year, you should plan it around the Bridge Pedal/Bridge Stride, you'll end up getting the best views of the city and be heart healthy too.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Julie and Julia (Child) - the Move

Went and saw the movie. It was super cute. I LOVED it. A great show to go see for a girl's night out.

First, a couple girlfriends came for dinner. We had fondue - or more like fondon't. I took the recipe out of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and I wouldn't add Nutmeg again. I love how she said add "a pinch" I guess I pinched too large a peckle of nutmeg 'cause it sure tasted a tad too sweet. Maybe it's because I use Nutmeg more for the holidays but it just didn't taste like it belonged in a cheese dip - which is what fondue is supposed to be.

Then we had artichoke's, I didn't quite make it to the Hollandaise sauce, which was supposed to be served in the center. I just used melted butter and mayonnaise -similar but not the true thing.

So we ate and had a glass of wine and we were on our way. Great night.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Re-Crafting for Kids


We all want to have cute clothes and fancy footwear for our kids, especially as they head back to school. I remember back - and it was a long time ago - to the first day of school and how I wanted to wear my BEST new outfit. But in my Real World, Mom and Dad didn't have a lot of money and, with nine kids, we were lucky to have a new pair of shoes and a couple pairs of underpants - which I always thought was strange, Mom wanted us to have new underwear.

"But, no one even sees that," I'd whine.

Grandma would say, "You might end up in the hospital with soiled, torn underwear."

Like that would be the worst thing if I was in an accident. I'd tell her, "Besides, if I'm in an accident, that new, clean, underwear might be soiled anyway."

Anyway, it's not always EZ to buy those cute clothes we want our kids to have. So, I learned a few things about recrafting what I had. And, here's a great idea for all you knitters/crocheters out there. Just knit or crochet a little rim around plain socks to make them stand out.

And, if you can't knit or crochet just buy a short yard of ribbon or beading at your local fabric store and handstitch it in place.

It will make multiple pack-socks look like designer wear and you can personalize those socks even more with buttons or charms. It's EZ and a fun project to do.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Earth-Friendly Friday-Knitting My Way to a Better World


Maybe some of you know, I love to knit (see the two hats I knitted over this summer, while I was riding in the car to Eastern Oregon). Nothing complicated 'cuz I'm not that good at it. Just learning so maybe one day I'll be able to knit a sweater. For now, it's hats, scarves, baby blankets and booties. Simple projects.

But, the other day I found some recycled silk yarn. Way excited about that!

Here's a link that might help you other knitters find some eco-friendly yarn. Organic wool can be expensive but I've bought some and made hats and it was super soft, so worth the extra money.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Answer to Thought for Thursday

Answer: "Mack the Knife" Bobby Darin's version

Thought for Thursday

Thought? American Idol Question

According to Simon Cowell of American Idol, What is "the best song ever made, ever produced, ever sung"?

Take a guess
and put it in "comments" then come back around 3:00 to see

You might have been right or way out of tune.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

WEED



What is a weed?

It's supposed to be a nuisance plant. But I have some really beautiful weeds growing in my garden. Like Foxglove:
WEED FOR WEDNESDAY Some people may want to pull those babies out - but not me. I say, "Who is the genius that determines what's pretty and what's a pain?"

At least in my garden, that genius is going to be me. Now, I know foxglove can be dangerous. Some people consider it a poison but other people consider it a lifesaving medicine.

Of course you shouldn't plant foxglove, or Fairy Fingers wherever kids or pets might eat them because they will get sick. But, for me, I plant them in places where my pets can't get to them because I think they're pretty. Plus, I've never seen my dogs or cat even try to eat them. Maybe they're smarter than I give them credit.

Another "weed" I have in my yard is Amaranthus retroflexus.
Some people call it "pigweed" but it was cultivated by the Aztecs for culinary purposes and by Native Americans for it's grain. I think it's pretty.

So, is a weed just a plant that grows too easily? Why do we fight in our gardens to keep these plants out? I garden with the "cottage garden" mentality: If I like it, it stays. I don't care what people call the plants.

What do you think? Do you have any "wanted" weeds in your yard?

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Julie and Julia - Crepes Suzette Flambees FAIL!


I love to cook. MacKenzie loves everything French. The two go together perfectly with this book: Mastering The Art of French Cooking - well . . . almost. More like Gran Marnier Crepes - but I'm not complaining. It was a fun TRY.



So, we've decided to do a dinner party Sunday night: MacKenzie, Kara and I will work together to make the meal, like Billy Crystal used to say, "Simply Mahhrvelous".

But . . . I know how anytime I plan something Murphy's Law takes over: Whenever something can go wrong - it will.

So, I decided to do a pre-party test. My husband and I tried-out one of the recipes by making Crepes Suzette, with an Orange Butter, Flambees. (Pages 649-652)






We had a few glitches in our performance but the meal came out tasting, "Complicatedly Marvelous!" A little heavy on the Grand Marnier but oh well.

We ran a little short of batter - we have a lot of people in our family - but the worst part was that the Crepes Fourrees et Flambees are supposed to be dramatic and flame with a short but distinct fire. The fire lit for a second - but you can't even see it in the video.

The recipe says: "Pour over them the orange liqueur and cognac. Avert your face and ignite the liqueur with a lighted match."

I did everything just as directed - one small problem - no flame, or at least not enough of a flame to actually see it in film.

Next time, I'll make sure I have a NEW lighter. We couldn't get the lighter to light enough to put a flame to the liqueur. FLAMBEES FAIL! :(

Oh well, there's still Sunday night's dinner to look forward too.

I love cooking on cast iron but it's heavy and gets so hot - Lars had to hold the pan to roll the batter around.





And, for those of you planning on grilling steak this summer, here's an Oregonian FoodDay recipe that I hear is Fab: so if you try it, let me know if you like it.

Monday, August 3, 2009

THE ORPHAN - Movie Review Monday - NO spoilers



Friday was a nice hot day to go to the movies, with MacKenzie.

The Orphan was super-suspenseful. I love that feeling of sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen. And, in this show, something happened – more than once. It has a bit of a twist in the end. It was EZ to see Esther was crazy but there was one part I hadn't figured out, and I watch/read/write a lot of horror-so that was interesting. It made me want to come home and google a bit of research to see if it was "real".

Anyway, like I said, I don't want to give any spoilers away but. . .

In the end, I knew who would “get it” but that didn’t bother me. I kind of expected more catastrophes that didn’t materialize but there was one spot where I literally jumped in my seat – and so did MacKenzie.

After the show, we met up with Kara and Shay and went shopping. It was a fun girls’ day out. And, if you like horror/suspense/thrillers, without a LOT of gore, I would recommend The Orphan.

If you see it, come back and let me know what you thought. What's the last movie you saw?

Sunday, August 2, 2009

ANOTHER GREAT DAY ON THE WATER


Have you ever gone innertubing behind a boat that's dragging you over the top of the water, like a stone skipping across the surface? Then maybe you'll understand how hard it is to do it--standing up.

Lars and Luke were playing King of the Mountain on the water. They were even able to do it -- standing up with the boat going about 35.

But what's even more impressive? We caught it on film :) And, it wasn't blurry. YIPEE!!!

Another great day in the Pacific Northwest!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

SATURDAY SUSTAINABILITY - Go Outside and Play



Erin Simons, the green team leader at adidas in Portland, invited me to come talk about Sustainability and why I blog about it.

I gave a few tips/hints/and EZ examples that anyone could do. I also showed a few examples that savvy sustainability enthusiasts might be interested in undertaking: like Roof Garden construction.

We all want to be super-sustainers but I try to be realistic too. Like when I’m recommending that parents use cloth diapers, I know it’s not the easiest option so I try to include some alternative green theme ideas. For example, parents can take a cloth diaper and fold it over three ways lengthwise so that it will fit in the center of a disposable diaper. By using cloth inside the plastic panty, you will double the effectiveness – at least you can use this option at night – it will cut your nighttime diaper usage in half and be even more convenient. No need to get up in the middle of the night to change the baby.

My theme is: “If we all do a little, it will do a lot.”

The green team at adidas has already been working on the global green-theme. They discourage the use of plastic utensils or dishware in their company cafes. They encourage sustainability with their staff. And they promote one of the all-time greenest pastimes: SPORTS. There’s almost nothing as green as getting outside and enjoying a good hike, run, or swim. We can have fun without creating waste. And, by “playing” a sport, you’ll be burning calories without creating heaps of waste in the world.

So, get out and enjoy your summer the sustainable way and remember IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING!