Life is a really good bowl of cherries!

Today was a really GREAT day. I haven't always been very positive about our cabin, but after going there today... I'm looking so forward to moving moving there. I was so excited to see our little orchard full of cherries. Who knew that the little red fruit would make me so happy. I really don't mind the big rattlesnake under the tree, the toilet bolted to the floor in the middle of the kitchen, or the bear that poops near the front porch... just give me cherries!

66 Fastback Project

I really admire my sweet son. He is in the process of restoring an old car that my husband bought him many years ago. Just like his dad... loves old cars and loves restoring them. He is going away to college in a few months. Does this mean it will sit unfinished in my garage forever?

One day... it will be done! I hope.

Last Day of HOMESCHOOL... EVER!

Today is one of the greatest and saddest days ever! We are officially done with home school... forever. However, I did wake this morning feeling very nauseous... maybe I have another 18 years of home school. I could be the oldest home school mom ever... that wouldn't be good. No, I'm not pregnant!

Well the grading is done, portfolio turned in, and now only graduation. I do like to remind my sweet son that every time he can answer a question on Jeopardy that I was his teacher, and I taught him everything he knows.... seriously.... I don't think I taught him anything, but he learned how well I can NAG. There will be no more phone calls to the principal (dad) because my dear student was playing with his I-pod or texting during his class video.

Two years ago, I was really worried about homeschooling and taking him out of private school. I can honestly say it was the Best thing we have ever done for our son. I think we grew closer to him in the last two years. I think he may not have learned a lot, but he grew more mature and his spiritual walk improved.... isn't that all that matters? yes!

We will miss Mr. McBride (government) but not the English teacher. I almost put the drawings of the English teacher in the portfolio... My dear son was famous for doodling out of boredom during his class.

Goodbye home school.... hip, hip, hooray.... boo-hoo!

Missing in Action this month!

Yes, I didn't feel like blogging! I was too busy enjoying life. My dear husband and I took a trip back east to Ohio for a pastor's conference. I enjoyed the green and the barns! If only the sky was blue and the sun was out! I did get to experience rain like I've never seen before....that was interesting, and SCARY!

A special treat for a California girl... Canadian geese. We almost had a multi car pile-up. We noticed them, tried to pull over fast, then everyone on the road started honking at us like we were crazy. They are crazy... they take advantage of the cute birds! In fact someone ran one over later that night!

We drove to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. I was amazed! It took my breath away... I enjoyed it as much as the Grand Canyon. There is a wonderful small town about 10 miles from the falls called Niagara on the lakes, it was so cute. It is an adorable few blocks filled with great stores, antiques,and cute bed and breakfast's everywhere.

The spray from the falls is like rain...hard rain, rain like we don't see in California!

It gently falls over the edge, then the explosion of water begins!

My dream barn!

I had a wonderful time... came home and reality hit me, so I painted the dining room and joined the gym(the scale scared me the day after I got home).

Heaven Squares (toffee, almond, chocolate)

Heaven Squares... I don't know exactly what they are called, but since I've been trying to watch what I will be eating this next month, and had the stupid idea to make these after seeing on The Martha Stewart Show. I've decided to call them Heaven Squares. I figured I can eat anything I want in heaven and not gain a pound... So there you go! Good thing I've been working so hard at the gym this week... thanks Martha! When my son ate one he said, "OHHHHH, I LOVE YOU".


Ingredients:
13 graham crackers
1 bag (8 ounces) toffee bits
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped toasted natural almonds
1/2 cup sugar (I used 1/3 cup...it tasted great)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (I used one...it was plenty! I'm trying to lose weight)
3/4 cup (4 ounces) bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place graham crackers in a single layer on sheet (I broke them in 2 in. squares at this time to avoid having to cut when done), edges touching. Sprinkle toffee bits and almonds over graham crackers.
2. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and butter to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat and cook at a rapid simmer, swirling pan occasionally, until mixture is syrupy, 2 minutes. Immediately pour over graham crackers. Bake until sugar topping is bubbling, 12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate and salt over graham crackers. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares (or break before like I did). Let cool completely on sheet on a wire rack. (Store in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)

The Burlap Craze...

I see burlap everywhere... and I know exactly what this craze is all about, because I now have a serious addiction. I just can't get enough (isn't that a song?). So to the sewing machine I go...

It started with a tablecloth

Then it was a table runner

I was really happy find a use for the one too many little white roses

that I made out of an old white T shirt.

Then it was the shopping Bag

Next...

hmmm... I have an idea!

Lavender/Lemon Biscotti

I had bought some culinary lavender from http://lavenderbundle.wordpress.com/and thought I would try some different recipes. My first try was lavender/lemon biscotti. This biscotti has a light blending of lemon and lavender – which makes a great combination. I will package up with cute tags to give to friends, and I will enjoy with hot tea, or for dessert, or maybe for breakfast with my coffee...oh yum!

Lavender/Lemon Biscotti
(You may double the recipe to make extra for gifts)

2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp. dried lavender blossoms

2 large eggs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Lemon Drizzle:
2 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 Cup Powder Sugar

1 tsp dried lavender blossoms (to sprinkle on top of drizzle)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a food processor, combine sugar and lavender blossoms. Process until lavender is finely chopped.

Transfer sugar mixture to a large bowl and add eggs. Beat until thick (about 2 minutes). Add butter, lemon zest, and vanilla and beat until combined.

Slowly add flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Dough will be soft and sticky.

Take half the dough and place it on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Shape into a 10-inch long log that is 3 inches wide (I doubled recipe so mine was about 12 inches long, and 5 inches wide…I want big biscotti!). Repeat with the other half of the dough on another parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake both logs 20 minutes or until crisp and golden (center will still be soft).

Remove from oven. Reduce heat to 300 degrees F. Cool logs 10 minutes and then slice with a serrated knife into 3/4 inch slices Place slices (cut side up) onto cookie sheets and bake another 15-20 minutes or until crisp and brown.

Remove cookies, let cool. Drizzle with lemon drizzle and sprinkle the 1/4 tsp. lavender on top, let drizzle harden. Store in an airtight container and eat within two weeks. Serve with tea or coffee.