2016 - what's in store?

I've drifted away from regular blogging but am committed to reigniting it in 2016.  One of my missions is to dive into the cookbook collection I have accumulated and prepare at least one new dish a week from a cookbook that has been awaiting my attention.  Where to begin? 

Drought Tolerant Beauties

Despite the dry winter and water restrictions my Sierra garden is blooming.  Love it.

Aloha

Neighbors

This pair of California Quail have made a home in my raised bed.  Watching for babies to hatch soon.

Go Rockies

Play ball.

Hello spring. Come on in.

Beach Trip

A few days by the sea does a girl good.  This beach is one of my favorite stretches of sand in Northern California and little known. Lucky to have a friend with access.  Batteries recharged by the sound of waves, big starry skies and the smell of salt air.  ahhhh. 

Girls Night Out

In celebration of another birthday my friend, her daughter and I decided dinner and a show.  Campo www.camporeno.com before the show was delightful.  Kale Salad, Frito Misto, and Pumpkin
Gnocchi were each perfect. The show was Grease, a favorite.  Still singing Beauty School Dropout today in my head.  Counting another year a success.

Pretzel Burgers to usher in October and Fall

I recently was in Chicago and enjoyed a Pretzel Burger with spicy mustard, caramelized onions and mushrooms.  I really wanted to share those favors at home with my family so I found a great pretzel recipe from Food Network magazine this month. The pretzels turned out great and the burgers topped them off perfectly alongside a cold Oktoberfest beer.

 http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/soft-pretzels-recipe/index.html

Sweet September

I ran across this brownie recipe and thought I would try it.  You basically make a meringue and fold it into the brownie dry ingredients.  They turned out rich, dark and crusty on the top.  Delicious.

http://eezyrecipes.com/crunchy-top-fudge-brownies/

Orlando 2013

Happy St Patrick's Day

A leprechaun and Baked Potato Soup. Perfect way to celebrate.

She wears a crown

Be faithful until death,and I will give you the crown of life. Revelations 2:10

A year ago today my mother-in-law was called home after a battle with breast and bone cancer. She was one of the most faithful people I've ever known she just believed. Jesus walked with her every step and she never lost faith that he'd carry her when needed. She was a remarkable woman in many ways. Truly happy, content, hard working, tough, loving. I miss her each day but know she's wearing a crown.

I didn't know how to honor her today so I made pink strawberry cupcakes with sprinkles. She loved strawberries and love a party so it seemed appropriate as we think of her today.

Ringing in 2013

Annual Sled Drive and Putt Event hosted by friends on snow covered Prosser Lake. Cold, crisp and clear.