tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53810399403722666322024-03-13T12:09:23.064-06:00What I'm Learning NowAncora ImparoCanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-2741200195578024322011-08-16T15:25:00.004-06:002011-08-16T18:51:40.200-06:00Back to SchoolI know I should blog more, one of the many things I wish I had done at the end of the day. I just feel more clarity when I journal.
<br />
<br />This week is all about change. The kids started school today. I start school Thursday. I'm grateful for the two day delay, there have been a few bumps in the road for the kids today and I'm glad I was here. I can't say I'm nervous about heading back to school myself, the feeling is more relief. I've felt a need to do this for some awhile, now the timing is right.
<br />
<br />I cooked all morning. I'm using the term loosely, since all of what I made this morning didn't actually involve any cooking, just a whole lot of chopping, blending, mixing and pureeing. I also cut my finger. The blade for my new food processor is sharp, it fell on the back of my hand why I was cleaning the sink and cut one of my fingers pretty deep. Startled me more than anything. Luckily, my husband was a medic and still knows how to use a band-aid. Most of today's food was for lunches this week. I think it has been over 10 years since I had to regularly pack a lunch, but that changes Thursday. How odd, my kids have lunch at home, I have lunch in Cruces. For today, the house smells wonderful.
<br />Canahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-21214592835780781682011-03-13T15:11:00.003-06:002011-03-13T15:35:36.161-06:00Spring is Almost Here<div style="text-align: center;">Earlier this week I was at our local grocery store and was a little shocked by the prices in the produce department. They have dropped slightly since, but being vegan, this is a big deal. I don't know how prices compare across the country, but I know the prices had doubled from a few days before. This was a great motivator to pull out my gardening supplies and get serious about this year's garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I plan on putting in several fruit trees this year. There is a lot of agave in my yard, and since I don't make tequila they're just here for looks. Several are dying after the hard frost that hit this year, so that is where the fruit trees will go. The hardest part is which ones first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have decided to go with dwarf size. This will maximize the variety of fruit I'll be able to have in my yard. I know several people here locally that have had success with a variety of fruit and several that have had problems with the same variety! So here's hoping. I would eventually like plums, pears, nectarines and apples. I live in zone 8.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will also be adding a couple beds this year in the vegetable garden, as well as a blueberry bush. Actually most of the labor for the additional beds and fruit tree planting will be supplied by my hard working, helpful husband.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My notes from last year are really unorganized, so this year I splurged and got a moleskine garden notebook. Not a necessity, but I'm so excited! Here's the video...if only I could draw like that!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c8paBiy86hA&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c8paBiy86hA&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br /></div>Canahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-69297021130689028142011-03-12T13:56:00.000-07:002011-03-13T16:04:47.369-06:00Books: The China Study<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thechinastudy.com/images/Book_TP.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 253px;" src="http://www.thechinastudy.com/images/Book_TP.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I fervently wish I could somehow get everyone, yes everyone, to read <a href="http://www.thechinastudy.com/">"The China Study"</a>. The information inside is truly life altering. I have never read a book that is as important, excluding the Bible. It is that essential.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I have family who are suffering from health problems that I believe are truly unnecessary. The answers are so simple and straightforward, just hidden. This book explains health and wellness in such detail that the facts seem to jump from the page. It also empowers the reader to make choices and take action.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At times it can be a little heavy on the research for the casual reader. But it is conveniently divided into sections that focus on specific illnesses. The reader could simply read the general information and then look to the chapters that specifically address areas they are concerned with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you live close, I have a copy to lend. :)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Canahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-57501180535351226262011-03-11T08:34:00.004-07:002011-03-11T08:39:45.668-07:00I Got A Kindle!I'm in love with my new kindle. I originally wanted a color nook, but when I realized it was backlit, I got the kindle instead. The screen is perfect and doesn't hurt my eyes no matter how long I read. It is easy to use and has lots of great features. I love the notes and highlights as well as the ability to use google. Now my kids want one!<div><br /></div><div>Now I'm reading "The China Study"</div>Canahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-47525741948522904722011-01-25T05:53:00.003-07:002011-01-25T06:08:24.221-07:00No GlutenAt least for awhile. Callie and I both have been showing signs of gluten sensitivity. So as of Monday we are gluten free. We are going without for 21 days to see how we feel. <div><br /></div><div>This isn't too big of a deal, I'm currently without a stove. We are working on the kitchen and have dumped the old one. I'm waiting till everything is done to get a new one; too busy to bake anyway.<div><br /></div><div>Here's some pics of the work.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG4APjebPYZ9wzhDokKnqvtuaz3-0btZN6ptXVczAhaEUtapi_KIe9GG5s1oguHAjH6rNjpwinKS_sGfBUfESi2tGVKeIPzZ4aofYy0p3wopdXjoTwyzUB5fSvRiOvqV25MSotF5e2sQ_/s1600/DSC01328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG4APjebPYZ9wzhDokKnqvtuaz3-0btZN6ptXVczAhaEUtapi_KIe9GG5s1oguHAjH6rNjpwinKS_sGfBUfESi2tGVKeIPzZ4aofYy0p3wopdXjoTwyzUB5fSvRiOvqV25MSotF5e2sQ_/s400/DSC01328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566108880725746226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0McmPs_ThQ8DgSEPR3Q3fDomeczwNv3lMZ1erOgA45KSrsYiRkf1zeUpWcksHEfY84H33Y0EtyQtUl9xXDJSyMTMVeYJ7s8PwjWORXZ9eOPKvbutGVw4E2-k2oYJSotzuyZTyZiU6Qsvk/s1600/DSC01326.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0McmPs_ThQ8DgSEPR3Q3fDomeczwNv3lMZ1erOgA45KSrsYiRkf1zeUpWcksHEfY84H33Y0EtyQtUl9xXDJSyMTMVeYJ7s8PwjWORXZ9eOPKvbutGVw4E2-k2oYJSotzuyZTyZiU6Qsvk/s400/DSC01326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566108877296005538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4fZLV0TtcdDV5_nECN5FQkij6MJmR8GNWF2EYpSFB9ty4k3AKngYRuw1Cji4vMPkJYqo0BOlcGGzMPj-yaeUELcAtTC-wjzhpMX9FpKWb0_ADzjS36xsO5QR55xfQBGI_8k6iW8h8Dsc/s1600/DSC01330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4fZLV0TtcdDV5_nECN5FQkij6MJmR8GNWF2EYpSFB9ty4k3AKngYRuw1Cji4vMPkJYqo0BOlcGGzMPj-yaeUELcAtTC-wjzhpMX9FpKWb0_ADzjS36xsO5QR55xfQBGI_8k6iW8h8Dsc/s400/DSC01330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566108890941358914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb7NrYTDER8AmZyQONkXVv3yJNZeqkKeW_Gml9OE0yauoKYaL-f6zBhopKbXF4tklTp4RA0774ignklwKNuOdjAKFk2buhVPtAbuiRH4oPxZREQe2Fcuptqb24BY3_C0-ClSwtZk42YUQ/s1600/DSC01332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb7NrYTDER8AmZyQONkXVv3yJNZeqkKeW_Gml9OE0yauoKYaL-f6zBhopKbXF4tklTp4RA0774ignklwKNuOdjAKFk2buhVPtAbuiRH4oPxZREQe2Fcuptqb24BY3_C0-ClSwtZk42YUQ/s400/DSC01332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566108904088154274" /></a><br /></div></div>Canahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-39142763703767664182011-01-17T14:07:00.007-07:002011-01-17T14:35:37.000-07:00New Living Room<div style="text-align: center;">The living room seemed like a good place to start. With my kitchen as small as it is, the living room is the center of my home. This room has plaster walls and a cove ceiling. I love the sheen of the walls and wanted to keep that so I went with a satin finish on the paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">This before shot is a little unfair. It was taken on Christmas day and the room was a mess. Still, you can see the cold feeling the white walls give the room. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOJZquxd5ZbCV_XLPuds2d3Mc-QFArAWn5rf2k6RE9UYcnSWhTd8kPRu83YGQQGmwXxAgpZ-wyUfG-yt2N5DEcRA2HqiBcgKIVPlkjLPJVC8gkVDOrr6zupICuKWnlb3VFbWX8_wNnBlO/s400/DSC01279.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563266340958462130" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">First the patching. We had lots of cracks in the walls, charming in an old home, but getting out of hand. Also, there were two different whites in the room. Hard to see in the picture. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix96T7PJPkYRhIs4hxA-Yj3WDT66bUGEbtBryCsJbgSqJRotRwYw9q8LYD1Cd53G55Bt9HJhMxzsJfOkSppF5RkftZt3e2S7_3-H5V-bd7rsqdI909dA71RKEell7PqR9LYr7YImKEh3bs/s400/DSC01290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563267815681735410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: center;"> Still I was able to get paint up on the walls on day two. Because the walls and ceiling have to be the same color, I went with something light, but still warm. A buttery yellow called <i>Palm Stem</i> by Dutch Boy. It was so pretty. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-qR_yTlObu3jrhas0tpWuE9BTXBrKxXq4ik7XHQIEzJGSGRMxb1JoYd6GrmvRC6hxNjvrIN7JP0buxkFO1S1NFEl-04qH29MUU2rP_Q2IHxhwhY8vxGuGSZcj9dQbCW6TxjGOF-4rmrW/s400/DSC01292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563268276674354658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bookcase was tough. I decided to bring in the colors from the other rooms to tie the home together. I saw this in a home design book years ago and thought it would be perfect here. Brent was a huge help painting the backs of these shelves. The colors were also from Dutch Boy. <i>Tomato Salsa, Young Sprout, Broken Pot, Midnight Swim </i>and <i>Tangerine Crush.</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aDeTIIInY0wvYAThWU5ZhXpf-Qw4ANejPg5fSLueCsXeNkT-EablDuACqGULqlYtToz6bABWnskPS_FM-W5IWggJAbz3IPyDRMBzpHejMMes8BvSDHoke77dYO_nzwBXE2lMq2OnnAZH/s400/DSC01313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563269052002018818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; ">I also painted some old side tables I got at IKEA many years ago the <i>Tomato Salsa</i> color. I thought they turned out lovely. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAGV7ufdo0ln2r-Afc8wvEpM9n8dhEkpItXMTCp7qdDBa2d3he-6oJ2cQ8Z_aHBvxzYQb09G-MObnpbH4UszgORcEQm3Zjr_W7Z-kC8qr6_QxX3scOkdGFfC5zTNSIClsnKl1UnWRXAB1/s400/DSC01317.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563265951001871138" /><div style="text-align: center;">It took about a week, but the results are well worth it. I would love some new furniture, but it's amazing how a coat of paint can make your things seem new. Now the rest of the house looks so drab.</div></div></div>Canahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707264313138680895noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-76819880049807884732011-01-16T19:53:00.000-07:002011-01-16T19:53:43.782-07:00Just Ordered A New Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/rqIHpl4E1MQBgSKYwWGUAme-oeCxzeJm*xbxerZsvcj0e*KDgz2ZjOjBhl8FkKsr4DKebAKPrnFJQFp*1FNgs2zCz*jIN8TE/CrazySexyDietbyKrisCarr.jpg?crop=1%3A1&width=171" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crazy Sexy Diet Club" border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/rqIHpl4E1MQBgSKYwWGUAme-oeCxzeJm*xbxerZsvcj0e*KDgz2ZjOjBhl8FkKsr4DKebAKPrnFJQFp*1FNgs2zCz*jIN8TE/CrazySexyDietbyKrisCarr.jpg?crop=1%3A1&width=171" /></a></div>I've been a member of <a href="http://my.crazysexylife.com/">Crazy Sexy Life</a> for awhile. I love the atmosphere of the site and all the great information. Kris Carr just released a new book, <i><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Crazy-Sexy-Diet/Kris-Carr/e/9781599218014/?itm=1&USRI=crazy+sexy+diet">Crazy, Sexy, Diet</a></i> and I ordered it tonight. I love all her stuff and am very excited about the cleanse portion of the book. I also love me some green juice, just can't get enough kale. Plus, I'm curious about seeing what it would be like to remove gluten for awhile. I will miss you seitan!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-43825110837811276442010-09-07T16:03:00.000-06:002010-09-07T16:03:05.364-06:00Whale Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://imageserver.homeearth.com/product_images/137589.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seashepherd.org/">Seashepherd.org </a></div>I have avoided Whale Wars on Animal Planet long enough. After watching The Cove I could avoid it no longer. So this weekend we had a Whale Wars marathon. We watched the 1st two seasons on Netflix on Saturday and Sunday and Animal Planet conveniently played Season 3 all day Monday. We are all caught up. I almost made it. I cried during Season 2's Stuff of Nightmares. So sad and unnecessary. <br />
<br />
Please inform yourself about the plight of whales. We are planning to send a care package to the Sea Shepherd crew. They have a wish list <a href="http://www.seashepherd.org/support-us/wishlist-in-kind.html">here</a>. They are doing amazing things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-78216169915032409452010-07-24T20:23:00.001-06:002010-07-24T20:24:57.066-06:00Caprese PenneI love Caprese salad. The first time I tried it was several years back, enjoying dinner out with a friend. It was extra special because it was made with heirloom tomatoes. When our main course came, we just wanted more of the salad. It was that good. They also served an amazing Lavender Martini. The restaurant was Stanley & Seafort's in Tacoma WA. <br />
<br />
At the Farmers Market this week I picked up some basil and my favorite tomatoes from Rockhouse Farms. But, this time I felt like pasta, not salad. I wish I could include pics, it was so pretty. I should have a camera soon.<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
When I have the salad, I prefer whole basil leaves, but I thought a pesto would work best to coat the pasta.<br />
<br />
Pesto<br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups of fresh basil<br />
3 cloves of garlic<br />
1/4 cup pecans<br />
3 T vegan Parmesan cheese<br />
dash of kosher salt<br />
1/2 extra virgin olive oil<br />
<br />
OK, not traditional pesto, but that is what I had. This is the first time I used pecans instead of pine nuts. It was delicious. Pecans are plentiful here and I always have them on hand. I used my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Euro-Pro-Ninja-Master-Blender-Processor/dp/B002JM2V9K">Ninja</a>, adding everything but the olive oil, pureeing it, then slowly stirring in the olive oil until it was the right consistency. <br />
<br />
Pasta<br />
<br />
4 servings whole wheat penne<br />
4 large tomatoes (splurge and get the good ones)<br />
1/4 c balsamic vinegar (approximately)<br />
kosher salt<br />
<br />
Cook the pasta in salted water as directed. While cooking, dice tomatoes. Place tomatoes in bottom of large pasta bowl. Add pesto and balsamic and mix thoroughly. Drain pasta and add to pasta bowl. Mix and serve with Italian bread. I like to roll several basil leaves and thinly slice them into slivers and sprinkle them on top. <br />
<br />
I served this warm, just the heat from the pasta, but leftovers would have been equally good cold, if there had been any.<br />
<br />
Fellow lovers of this salad might notice the absence of the fresh mozzarella, but I haven't found a suitable vegan substitute for it, and honestly no one noticed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-3256338243821882462010-07-22T13:34:00.000-06:002010-07-22T13:34:29.517-06:00TVP - My New BFFI've seen Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) in a lot of recipes, but I've been a little scarred of the stuff. In it's dry form, straight out of the bulk food bin, it looks a lot like Grape Nuts. However on a recent trip to the Health Food Store I decided to face my fears and grab some. <br />
<br />
I quickly found myself needing a taco fix. Perfect way to test the TVP. Making it is easy enough. I measured 1 cup of TVP into a mixing bowl and poured 1 cup of very hot water into it, stirred it, and covered it for 5 min. After that I just used it as I would ground beef. <br />
<br />
I sauteed some red onion, garlic and jalapeno in a little canola oil over medium heat. Then, added the TVP and sauteed for a few minutes until onions were soft. I added some homemade fresh salsa, Mrs Dash Fiesta Lime, taco sauce, garlic powder, cumin and salt to taste. I was out of taco seasoning. I then added about 1/2 cup of water, reduced the heat to low and let simmer for about 5 min. This stuff tastes awesome. Like taco meat without the grease. So good. <br />
<br />
I can't wait to try it in other things...sloppy joe's first.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-47626415308658585872010-07-08T20:02:00.001-06:002010-07-08T20:05:15.204-06:00Long DayOK, some days are longer than others and today was exceptionally long. I'm feeling a little better since I just self-medicated with some yummy coconut/almond milk homemade ice cream with chocolate sauce. I definitely feel my mood improving.<br />
<br />
I need more friends with teens. Or am I simply not meant to understand?<br />
<br />
Also, this picture of Marshmallow on <a href="http://www.vegansaurus.com/">Vegansaurus </a> could make anyone smile.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l3rp3tmsIE1qzrvd9.jpg" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-38884294824693145312010-07-07T10:10:00.000-06:002010-07-07T10:10:06.174-06:00What I've Been Cooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs42kDqQLium8duHzfBrtvwPNfgPoi0sASfGVy9HZ_pBLr5KcC8TK3ZwMgK_fSmoSYgQW0odIcDnUOvKO19I_-vFE3GwRHPMF06k0RnKP4UxvGyV7zPyr8oCzKQGqb9pN1-KRpOCfVIGI/s1600/DSCN4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs42kDqQLium8duHzfBrtvwPNfgPoi0sASfGVy9HZ_pBLr5KcC8TK3ZwMgK_fSmoSYgQW0odIcDnUOvKO19I_-vFE3GwRHPMF06k0RnKP4UxvGyV7zPyr8oCzKQGqb9pN1-KRpOCfVIGI/s320/DSCN4655.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Though not pretty, this lentil soup was so good Callie and I ate it for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner until it was gone. Amazing. Now I want some more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG2mE_roVJ2_oI7MzdgLISeUx8TZjUS-RRn2ngyCf44WcQXfoomuQTIH69wZVGuTadf-C7D_Woz48NtLWCfsmoKaUVgXLQoYayd4Bm4-7WztN5Is1VLCrCtgeNLeUjYaFbg5tqe9cn0w/s1600/DSCN4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOG2mE_roVJ2_oI7MzdgLISeUx8TZjUS-RRn2ngyCf44WcQXfoomuQTIH69wZVGuTadf-C7D_Woz48NtLWCfsmoKaUVgXLQoYayd4Bm4-7WztN5Is1VLCrCtgeNLeUjYaFbg5tqe9cn0w/s320/DSCN4665.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Classic Boca burger, vegan potato salad and tortilla chips. Yummy! We also enjoy the Morning Star burgers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FvEynk6l_YVDcvd33Cm2aH08xSgudjnB0W8qctQyTebbHoJcd-LZWm706RVwrN2U0RNwin4qmNoQ_Q4XRr_YOfwMl6859c1-_NhWG-Tdxm3fQ6QEGPkh-vSLYqW7rGWZQf2RrA4U5Yg/s1600/DSCN4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FvEynk6l_YVDcvd33Cm2aH08xSgudjnB0W8qctQyTebbHoJcd-LZWm706RVwrN2U0RNwin4qmNoQ_Q4XRr_YOfwMl6859c1-_NhWG-Tdxm3fQ6QEGPkh-vSLYqW7rGWZQf2RrA4U5Yg/s320/DSCN4668.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made this homemade granola several times ( I think I will again in the morning). It is wonderful, especially with ice cold almond milk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnILv9Sr3lnWViI3736SLH2uU_HvTJgLIggzyn8JPsjS3liNVma5rAeS4YDJX8G0jYNXV3F3zT3NQMpZLCEjgnCQoRvYRhCpz9j8IuZ3gkkRnz8qacVJ2PGX_Q4TGkdQTwvkENMuBO6mI/s1600/DSCN4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnILv9Sr3lnWViI3736SLH2uU_HvTJgLIggzyn8JPsjS3liNVma5rAeS4YDJX8G0jYNXV3F3zT3NQMpZLCEjgnCQoRvYRhCpz9j8IuZ3gkkRnz8qacVJ2PGX_Q4TGkdQTwvkENMuBO6mI/s320/DSCN4679.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Veggie pizza made on my pizza stone in my grill. So delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCcnd4N4vBgcJjRJVQtHrzyu0C_k9EVUDoF_PS_6pEDXjijuUxFgWhsMaEngOGA4iyPvIk8tUdMXtoL1X0S7dgnZUiv5ek4GPTmu0mYF0N-G5rgtbBL-TgywJSjdODJIAK2juYynl9SI/s1600/DSCN4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCcnd4N4vBgcJjRJVQtHrzyu0C_k9EVUDoF_PS_6pEDXjijuUxFgWhsMaEngOGA4iyPvIk8tUdMXtoL1X0S7dgnZUiv5ek4GPTmu0mYF0N-G5rgtbBL-TgywJSjdODJIAK2juYynl9SI/s320/DSCN4733.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at falafel. A new family favorite!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Btag7JvvRu95N2J2fyDKHyaVUJUtmOYBEUuNetyeAPKnPYdADYApIZvz1Vy9vJfJi3FJnp0LtkRTlm_RIsBGQy1lYQFIIsgcOyqeKBncId4d_nTBU_WlBg60AshoYiB76jbOjYIgL-I/s1600/DSCN4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Btag7JvvRu95N2J2fyDKHyaVUJUtmOYBEUuNetyeAPKnPYdADYApIZvz1Vy9vJfJi3FJnp0LtkRTlm_RIsBGQy1lYQFIIsgcOyqeKBncId4d_nTBU_WlBg60AshoYiB76jbOjYIgL-I/s320/DSCN4742.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This vegan Caesar was truly awe-inspiring. The cookbook: <u>Clean Food</u>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzwsu-kGLAK7V8cYGyOj8atrEjm9KXgmA0MfWLp31e2b9L4FodcvndiZDuPVWCYUbDTks-E7TRyIgljw-QlpB4ckohqgcaDh6K46BsdXJf0QL7332rnPXfIwWwFUe-gGtuvlXYTqhPm4/s1600/DSCN4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzwsu-kGLAK7V8cYGyOj8atrEjm9KXgmA0MfWLp31e2b9L4FodcvndiZDuPVWCYUbDTks-E7TRyIgljw-QlpB4ckohqgcaDh6K46BsdXJf0QL7332rnPXfIwWwFUe-gGtuvlXYTqhPm4/s320/DSCN4751.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Simple, comforting soup. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbU717g6diZmFgk6KDeKKRKXwB9y6t99xRfLfBW5XBuamuc4f_rAX4IHm_Y_n6jvKbSsXklKrlmg5aRpdLmy-bMhVb_OcMnxQuMbr5nKD6FdyVFRIDVRecgcYux1vzgZLzmpfGiKsTa8/s1600/DSCN4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbU717g6diZmFgk6KDeKKRKXwB9y6t99xRfLfBW5XBuamuc4f_rAX4IHm_Y_n6jvKbSsXklKrlmg5aRpdLmy-bMhVb_OcMnxQuMbr5nKD6FdyVFRIDVRecgcYux1vzgZLzmpfGiKsTa8/s320/DSCN4800.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tempeh taco filling. This was way better than anticipated. So good and super fast to make.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQd8274EEDjUCyjAOOYSPmYrUA7AtFhZUlm3SOg_WMa04pbdMjZUkpGYZbomAmYCz5C6cQuvNbY1PXxrfuUxxCilWXHGbrfXmwpbemSJaQ1sAyfqzn0ZJZYHsnNU8Mjsqfx3zgYwzOBA/s1600/DSCN4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQd8274EEDjUCyjAOOYSPmYrUA7AtFhZUlm3SOg_WMa04pbdMjZUkpGYZbomAmYCz5C6cQuvNbY1PXxrfuUxxCilWXHGbrfXmwpbemSJaQ1sAyfqzn0ZJZYHsnNU8Mjsqfx3zgYwzOBA/s320/DSCN4805.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Asparagus and Mushroom risotto with sauteed greens. I felt like I was eating out somewhere fancy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2knVgrQ_MgdkOy8-3WSsZy__WFKrxPp77pehp83RtuLbHtFqF5pKkSmD-dtSIftYiXSE7TruN9paio7SACihJMEX6YGILxmxM0MBZVNEbJz5gBFRtjlpr5nIwSxif47CzAlFv86oByg/s1600/DSCN4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2knVgrQ_MgdkOy8-3WSsZy__WFKrxPp77pehp83RtuLbHtFqF5pKkSmD-dtSIftYiXSE7TruN9paio7SACihJMEX6YGILxmxM0MBZVNEbJz5gBFRtjlpr5nIwSxif47CzAlFv86oByg/s320/DSCN4806.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not quite tuna sandwiches. Very nice in the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FhqdHkBTgC6SaL41CVsi-kYJ11j5JuVpNb4Jchgj_VXNwG0jNa2gRkL8XngHEVey-tMdA4navF2N4N2zmSTY7Q1nU3Zku6GkgX_Gr8CR2Q8LRFeuyS8UdzYiCDpBLb_iCHd4qSaOr_U/s1600/DSCN4820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FhqdHkBTgC6SaL41CVsi-kYJ11j5JuVpNb4Jchgj_VXNwG0jNa2gRkL8XngHEVey-tMdA4navF2N4N2zmSTY7Q1nU3Zku6GkgX_Gr8CR2Q8LRFeuyS8UdzYiCDpBLb_iCHd4qSaOr_U/s320/DSCN4820.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheesecake, vegan cheesecake. I cheated and used a prepared graham crust. It was wonderful. We ate it topped with cherries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk3dZGWioQB3jPuHu9Tp8GjvM62HgSk0526XKXMBglmFDRmMIca1P8oOTKSfwMSfaqN54u0sVZNG4-6ujsalBrGtRfR5ASJUG3F1mJlNOQhxpdKnHZ7na-SS2bHfHUp1YQ8e06yAPoOE/s1600/DSCN4846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk3dZGWioQB3jPuHu9Tp8GjvM62HgSk0526XKXMBglmFDRmMIca1P8oOTKSfwMSfaqN54u0sVZNG4-6ujsalBrGtRfR5ASJUG3F1mJlNOQhxpdKnHZ7na-SS2bHfHUp1YQ8e06yAPoOE/s320/DSCN4846.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Burrito night! I made green chili sauce from scratch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwn8kxrigKXxamnXd1gjDX51Y4gazkFWNeg_SSrjz6kCmxFWQmEGvMuPXsIqYX6uHTkVWqbiJDEaeaGJXDe3zOw020jZjeop8vII4Xr0ifQgDhfCWi4MqUL041AqnEgKbqi-CwbRPkKM/s1600/DSCN4870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwn8kxrigKXxamnXd1gjDX51Y4gazkFWNeg_SSrjz6kCmxFWQmEGvMuPXsIqYX6uHTkVWqbiJDEaeaGJXDe3zOw020jZjeop8vII4Xr0ifQgDhfCWi4MqUL041AqnEgKbqi-CwbRPkKM/s320/DSCN4870.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Mochi. This stuff is supper addictive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that's what we've been eating. There was more, but it was consumed too quickly to get its picture taken. Like Roasted red pepper and portabella paninis, Grilled "chicken and gnocci, homemade vegan sausages, baked beans and ice cream sandwiches...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-9870447375094970682010-07-07T09:38:00.000-06:002010-07-07T09:38:01.584-06:00It's Been Ages, So Here's a Quick Summary.Wow, it seems when life gets interesting and busy, there is simply no time to write in a blog!<br />
<br />
A lot has happened since my last post. As a family we have finally made the plunge and are vegan, save the occasionally egg from our own well loved nuggets. And even that may be changing soon. <br />
<br />
Homeschool is out for summer, so theoretically I have more free time. <br />
<br />
I have resumed knitting, thanks to a good friend who wanted to learn. I'm about half way through a beautiful ruched scarf, but am disappointed in the quality of yarn. I grabbed a cheap skein to use as instruction. Oops. Now I want to make the same pattern with new yarn. There is a lady on etsy that makes yarn using bamboo and I'm thinking of ordering some soon. <br />
<br />
My garden is dying. Something is getting in and digging and eating with abandon. We are down to the last 2 plants and nothing we do seems to stop it. I wake up every morning to see more of my lovely plants destroyed. Devastating.<br />
<br />
My camera is broke. It was an accident, Brent is forgiven, but it will be awhile before pictures are on here again.<br />
<br />
JT was gone two weeks in Albuquerque for work, yet I rarely slept alone. My kids are sweet, what they don't realize is occasionally Mom likes to sleep in the center of the bed.<br />
<br />
Callie spent a few days in Santa Fe for to see an Opera. She had a great time.<br />
<br />
Brent and I spent a wonderful day alone in Downtown El Paso checking out museums and art galleries.<br />
<br />
There's more, but I think that's enough. <br />
<br />
Oh, there's been laundry, lots of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-70576459335288225792010-06-03T08:04:00.000-06:002010-06-03T08:04:17.101-06:00Yard in BloomI've been meaning to get out and take pictures of our flowering cacti. I finally did it, almost too late!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI1Lwfsb-zUUVly6gDwvvRJIj8bI5d9KsPDMeORBxWkubJFl_TPm9iC5TewpVd3dRfb_po-3-IPIYMuZ5DDkKJSlY9HN7VO1zKfwagb7QQphUcx3SvZUCClX3rrDcfpy5tFrM6_pFU30/s1600/DSCN4759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI1Lwfsb-zUUVly6gDwvvRJIj8bI5d9KsPDMeORBxWkubJFl_TPm9iC5TewpVd3dRfb_po-3-IPIYMuZ5DDkKJSlY9HN7VO1zKfwagb7QQphUcx3SvZUCClX3rrDcfpy5tFrM6_pFU30/s400/DSCN4759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC4ou-cnSdzVDlWWrNFjhpWfK8RmwSbgCDDfMmqAJre24F_lxoM6XAtXjh40KTJib2-3qCykyFM_4rcGFIzpP5EeKr6VHInwwlbpja3p3_oJDzYrtVachMhgyPOACukkd93ds3ynTg6M/s1600/DSCN4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC4ou-cnSdzVDlWWrNFjhpWfK8RmwSbgCDDfMmqAJre24F_lxoM6XAtXjh40KTJib2-3qCykyFM_4rcGFIzpP5EeKr6VHInwwlbpja3p3_oJDzYrtVachMhgyPOACukkd93ds3ynTg6M/s400/DSCN4763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWekABZ6x9Rqo_0x7s66H6ASinPbeEUSRT7nr2qSmCaLil1C1EEaEBWHfwGBq-IOhpGSQ4aswTkh2t6v1i_z43nsiKQwUofjypUdIWFRNd8M8AIzRA19B29x4-UIqBQ96Tw2XhfkBhajU/s1600/DSCN4765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWekABZ6x9Rqo_0x7s66H6ASinPbeEUSRT7nr2qSmCaLil1C1EEaEBWHfwGBq-IOhpGSQ4aswTkh2t6v1i_z43nsiKQwUofjypUdIWFRNd8M8AIzRA19B29x4-UIqBQ96Tw2XhfkBhajU/s400/DSCN4765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5spaavUcR3gNlMb_HT5Ae6WozwAKAGFIs8Rt7asR7igbclFmGa7RQ3FnlqBoVBslVUGf5sH4LH6sUUBezsy18DUzt88sCwkhY8UUBH6L9swtNcSEhDEr2THWzj54QLrTiYM3aMkmoVI/s1600/DSCN4780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5spaavUcR3gNlMb_HT5Ae6WozwAKAGFIs8Rt7asR7igbclFmGa7RQ3FnlqBoVBslVUGf5sH4LH6sUUBezsy18DUzt88sCwkhY8UUBH6L9swtNcSEhDEr2THWzj54QLrTiYM3aMkmoVI/s400/DSCN4780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps5bB4sU2fphzvnYIFmOr2o2j3UlQGE2URYygdwOuGHbnxMHlb93Vm-6lVMuh51GZ0WZIoxg9ERz-eT1SCMoL3cnYvb_EXXrYmGGXf9PbX-ULUnQPUPjySz9KMOrUq6FxWh-eo46N7FU/s1600/DSCN4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps5bB4sU2fphzvnYIFmOr2o2j3UlQGE2URYygdwOuGHbnxMHlb93Vm-6lVMuh51GZ0WZIoxg9ERz-eT1SCMoL3cnYvb_EXXrYmGGXf9PbX-ULUnQPUPjySz9KMOrUq6FxWh-eo46N7FU/s400/DSCN4783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIwX661gvA4e-XPlttd5xriNqnchMQNGPfqd84P8BJ2agHtbOVd0Q3kd_q_JsVAjag_wUha7J11L7GWySQpsujheJlwkkEMpJQ8tmOOZAMU5C9rt_gRbH_C-mUP5FVGneiEhSJ8sor_o/s1600/DSCN4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIwX661gvA4e-XPlttd5xriNqnchMQNGPfqd84P8BJ2agHtbOVd0Q3kd_q_JsVAjag_wUha7J11L7GWySQpsujheJlwkkEMpJQ8tmOOZAMU5C9rt_gRbH_C-mUP5FVGneiEhSJ8sor_o/s400/DSCN4791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-66402726281030669082010-05-05T15:35:00.000-06:002010-05-05T15:35:35.827-06:00Wine Glasses and Girl ScoutsNot a weird combination if you think craft. We are making table top potpourri holders for our Mom's Day craft in Girl Scouts. I'll add a picture when I am done. I did get a look or two today getting the wine glasses with a Girl Scout check. What is weird is that Callie won't be coming.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-88502348635076398102010-04-08T07:14:00.000-06:002010-04-08T07:14:40.178-06:00Spring<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a6YwV-YGXQ6rR011RmpxpA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S7yxd9-KRRI/AAAAAAAAItM/03UvFaehuBw/s400/DSCN4085.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a6YwV-YGXQ6rR011RmpxpA?feat=embedwebsite"></a>Yesterday, I enjoyed a peaceful morning outside with the kids and the nuggets. It is finally warming up, but there is still chill in the air. I love seeing the signs of spring. The purple blossoms were quite beautiful. The tree is in the Nugget area and should provide lots of shade this summer. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5P-51ftlWUBHHOT6RXDXDg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S7yxiKtksTI/AAAAAAAAItc/-QN6p62NpHo/s400/DSCN4100.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/12uxfdnWwwnp2AHiMiczlQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S7yxjRshs2I/AAAAAAAAItk/U_3wLgb8eFA/s400/DSCN4105.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The tree next to it was budding. JT had wanted to pull these out; I'm so happy he didn't. The buds the Nuggets can reach have been eaten. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bzuivqapAT1jYBgNkc98Uw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S7yxgsryT2I/AAAAAAAAItU/CQe7Y6Jtzes/s400/DSCN4099.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-19841134143584511592010-03-18T10:27:00.000-06:002010-03-18T10:27:44.001-06:00Peasant Bread<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TCE1b2M-CglD7VEdQWdwbw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S6JTolY0oZI/AAAAAAAAIp4/uKvmNBDS45o/s400/DSCN3880.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TCE1b2M-CglD7VEdQWdwbw?feat=embedwebsite"></a>This morning I made three small loaves of Peasant Bread. One I added Kalamata Olives to. They will go perfect with the Lasagna and Tuscan soup we are having today for lunch. Chrissy and her kids will be here, I'm excited to see her, it has been awhile.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-90661023712142877092010-03-17T07:48:00.001-06:002010-03-17T07:48:00.194-06:00More PaintingToday Lori and I are meeting at the hut to finish trimming out our room at the GS Hut. The girls picked a bright, cheerful shade of green. Lori and Maria, my co-leader, chose fun curtains a few weeks back. We are also going to prime the cabinets today so they can be painted later. The girls want to put their hand prints on them. I think it will look so nice when it is done. The building has a cold, industrial feel and the perk up is needed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-41005725954500409782010-03-17T05:47:00.000-06:002010-03-17T05:47:27.222-06:00Book Rental ServicesYesterday I cancelled our account at Booksfree.com. I was originally a Paperspine customer, for about two years. After they decided to stop the service, I switched to Booksfree. I miss Paperspine. We were 12 at a time customers. Booksfree took forever, up to 3 weeks to get books to us and the same time to receive them. We just weren't able to justify the cost of the service with such a long travel time. Paperspine was never more than a week, usually 4 days. I'm sad to lose this resource, since books are so limited here. I guess we can invest the money we were spending at the Coas used book store in Cruces.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-5137868113293342772010-03-16T15:16:00.000-06:002010-03-16T15:16:39.288-06:00Darn Cats<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wJI6vCkH5BGQLuAROvREpQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5_yOTGVFSI/AAAAAAAAIow/f5ip7bnJ1_Q/s400/DSCN3806.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wJI6vCkH5BGQLuAROvREpQ?feat=embedwebsite"></a>I have new babies in the house. Not people babies, but seed babies. The first picture was taken last week. They are growing so fast. My cats love them too! They love them a little too much. I'm finding victims regularly. I can't keep the cats away. I should transplant them outdoors for their own safety!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1rnXAeVRjSk2sAkFOtZXfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5_0Yep7u3I/AAAAAAAAIo4/ugiLYmqtkLs/s400/DSCN3875.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sad little headless stem. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1rnXAeVRjSk2sAkFOtZXfQ?feat=embedwebsite"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UGVyyP8iCaGOkXqGTr7R7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5_0ZKqZ2rI/AAAAAAAAIo8/oc4-wXyaPhI/s400/DSCN3876.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is another one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UGVyyP8iCaGOkXqGTr7R7g?feat=embedwebsite"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zNRZtUSqW9c7v3xALslc8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5_0aCDN9lI/AAAAAAAAIpA/nVv1oGCsXtM/s400/DSCN3877.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of the pumpkin seedlings with it's first true leaves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zNRZtUSqW9c7v3xALslc8A?feat=embedwebsite"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ckUWhBFc2UndLPpN4u2X_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5_0a01xlpI/AAAAAAAAIpE/pn8vLZzLOOA/s400/DSCN3878.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-42053850076949164012010-03-16T08:16:00.004-06:002010-03-16T09:09:51.285-06:00Homemade LasagnaI have been eating veggie enchiladas for the last 3 days and needed a change. So yesterday I made a lasagna with fresh noodles. It turned out wonderful. I was a little nervous about the noodles, since I do not have a pasta maker, but they turned out fine. My main concern was that they would be too thick. We are still without meat, so it was vegetarian. The meat wasn't missed.<br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M-jFYQefJpUzVG_hD6jFQg?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5-KFnnqJnI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/AUCoO2FVvxU/s400/DSCN3870.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">First I made the pasta. It has been ages since I have made any noodles, and this is my first time for lasagna noodles. The dough came together easily, I did have to add a little water to get it pliable. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I allowed the pasta dough to rest about an hour before I rolled it. It was so yellow due to the bright yolks of our chickens eggs. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M-jFYQefJpUzVG_hD6jFQg?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z4C5savHJavZNfM94_BTeA?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5-KCl8YJGI/AAAAAAAAIoE/O6IqTi-7-Mk/s400/DSCN3863.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was easy to roll when I first cut it in to small rectangles that would eventually be a single noodle, rather that rolling the whole thing first and then cutting it. I got 8 sheets from the recipe. My pasta sheets weren't pretty, the second batch did look a little better than these. Two sheets made a single layer of pasta in the lasagna. Don't stack, they stick together. I boiled water with a little salt and added two sheets at a time. They cooked quickly, I rolled the next two and the ones in the pot were done. I layered then on a large cutting board with a small drizzle of olive oil between each one to prevent them from sticking. JT came in during this process and informed me that it was probably not how the Italians do it. Oh well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z4C5savHJavZNfM94_BTeA?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0g7MEaYYXTJHQH-M5QnxbQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5-KDuAvL0I/AAAAAAAAIoI/XCcVciyhwhk/s400/DSCN3868.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is one completed lasagna. I made two and froze one. I have a friend coming over Thursday to enjoy the second one. I also made a Tuscan veggie and bean soup and some fresh bread. The soup was good, but just can't compete with the lasagna.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0g7MEaYYXTJHQH-M5QnxbQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cHFG3iWgSNGwucpI-a78xQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCK_a5sXCp52sxwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S5-KEnHWAPI/AAAAAAAAIoM/4dg5DArTS7U/s400/DSCN3869.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was fun to make, but time-consuming. It helps knowing there is one waiting in the freezer. This would be no harder to make 4 and have more in the freezer. Next time. </div></div><div><br />
<br />
Here is the Recipe:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>Fresh pasta ( mine was 2 cups flour, 2 eggs and 2 egg yolks), rolled into rectangles and cooked in salted water</div><div>Bechamel Sauce (about 2 cups)</div><div>Tomato sauce ( added about 1 tsp Italian seasoning to this) (about two cups)</div><div>8oz of spinach, chopped; lightly sauteed </div><div>8 oz ricotta</div><div>1 roasted red bell pepper, diced</div><div>4 oz crimini mushrooms sliced and sauteed in small amount of olive oil</div><div>2 large garlic cloves, minced</div><div>2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</div><div>salt </div><div><br />
</div><div>First, make all the different components: tomato sauce, bechamel, pasta sheets and ricotta mixture. To make the ricotta mixture, combine spinach, ricotta, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic and salt to taste. Do taste it to make sure it isn't bland. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I had enough pasta for 4 pasta layers. First I put down half the bechemel sauce, add pasta layer, sprinkle half the mozzarella and top with all the ricotta mixture, add a pasta layer then all the tomato sauce, add another pasta layer and the remaining bechamel, add a final pasta layer and the remaining mozzarella cheese. <br />
<br />
This recipe is an adaptation of a fresh lasagna recipe found in The Simple Art of Cooking. A truly wonderful book.</div><div><br />
I'm adding the full recipe to <a href="http://www.nibbledish.com/people/canamich">Nibbledish</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-2577494540009105692010-03-11T08:08:00.000-07:002010-03-11T08:08:38.261-07:00Suddenly VegetarianOur freezer was unplugged last weekend. We lost everything. It wasn't full, but the loss was still significant. I had traded some flour for a chicken and had put the chicken in our regular freezer. Suddenly it was the only meat in the house. I roasted it using the method Alice Waters has in her book "The Art of Simple Food". It was amazing. I put lots of Herbs de Provence under the skin. After that, I made a soup and the meat was gone. <br />
<br />
I am a huge fan of Michael Pollan. I have to say his writing has had a great impact on my daily life. I read the Young Readers version to my kids and am now facing my own Omnivore's Dilemma. Callie is now very involved in the foods coming into the house. As far as she is concerned, there is no good meat in town. I agree with her, but I just wasn't prepared. So we are suddenly vegetarian, at least until we can find a nice piece of humanly raised, pastured meat. Dairy is an issue as well. Luckily we have our own eggs. <br />
<br />
We have been vegan before, a whole year, so it's not like we don't know what to make. We are now buying Silk for our coffee, Horizon is the only organic milk in town and it is too much like a regular factory farm for it to be an alternative. I am making a Chile Rellenos casserole today, yum. I already had some organic, pastured, raw cheese in the fridge; doesn't everybody? I've located a ham for Easter, so no worries there. My husband is fine with the lack of meat, but draws the line at his Easter ham.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-73857362884468396822010-02-05T15:25:00.001-07:002010-02-05T15:27:43.235-07:00Finding a Church HomeI miss <a href="http://www.stlukesfedway.org/">St Lukes</a>. It seems nothing is easy and when you think you have found something that works there is a bump in the road. I don't like to talk much about religion. People have such strong and varied beliefs. As I try and educate my children I have found the choice of church a truly important one. Things my husband and I could overlook seem to mean more when they are being taught to your children.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-84927773202750390692010-01-26T11:09:00.000-07:002010-01-26T11:09:50.981-07:00Wow, It's Been Awhile!<div style="text-align: center;">I guess that shows how busy and out of it I have been for the last month and a half. I feel like the last several weeks have gone by in a blur. Hopefully, this isn't how the rest of the year is going to be. Bitty is trying to hide too.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7O1LandyCI8rhyGbb0G7Fw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/S18vousk_6I/AAAAAAAAIYc/e5-vj2PvZHc/s400/004.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
My sister's birthday was on Saturday. She's thirty now. Almost all my siblings are in there thirty's now. Jimmy is still in his twenty's, but it still seems weird. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://whatwerelearningnow.blogspot.com/">Homeschool </a>has completely taken over my life. I should get a full time job so I can take a break. I only wish I was kidding. <br />
<br />
There isn't much going on outside of that. I have put off finishing knitting my blanket, maybe this week. I am reading Wicked. It is pretty good. We no longer have <a href="http://paperspineblog.com/">Paperspine</a>, since they went out of business, and are getting our books from <a href="http://www.booksfree.com/">Booksfree</a>. I have never been sadder to see a company close than this one; not even my own. I much prefered Paperspine, but oh well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381039940372266632.post-85664000097806601952009-12-03T22:39:00.002-07:002009-12-03T22:39:53.927-07:00All Our Christmas Decorations Are Up<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5y_skoVzZ0X9uwqaMIKWsQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/SxiXOHkp3YI/AAAAAAAAIIA/y3SP-JVB6o8/s400/016.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5y_skoVzZ0X9uwqaMIKWsQ?feat=embedwebsite"></a>I'm not feeling like my usual self this year. It's Dec 3rd and all my decorations are up and the storage boxes are back in the garage. Usually the storage bins would sit around waiting to be slowly emptied, then waiting to be taken out. The whole job wouldn't be completed until 1 to 2 weeks before the big day, and even then there might be storage boxes still in my room. The whole thing would leave me feeling a little drained because of all the chaos. <br />
<br />
I have my son to thank for the change, daughter helped too. Brent wanted to bring the boxes in on Thanksgiving. He convinced us to let him set up one of the trees and put the lights on. The next day we unloaded all the boxes. It took us the rest of the weekend to put everything it it's place, but we ended the weekend out of holiday leftovers and fully decorated. A success as far as I was concerned. Despite my feelings, Brent would have liked it done a little faster. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So now, for the first time I'm relaxing and enjoying just how pretty all the Christmas decorations are.<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ttc0avghmmqnOONylAoOHA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oeiQJ0sryIg/SxiZZPZRZpI/AAAAAAAAIIo/11ByQ0dTARI/s400/021.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1