Life with Lynn

AMAZING GRACE

2012-01-18T17:58:00.032-05:00

3/31/23-1/17/12

This memorial post is dedicated to my dear mother, Grace, who passed away in my home on January 17, 2012.

When I think of my mother, I just can't help but smile. My mother ADORED her family, and treasured her friends. She was loving, generous, funny and feisty. Anyone who knew her described her as "full of life". With her love of bold, bright colors and *alotta bling* (rhinestones and sparkle and goldtone, ohmy!), plus her VERY witty sense of humor, she truly was the life of any party.

My mother would be the first to tell you that she was a little bit "spoiled". An adored youngest daughter and pampered wife, she would often brag that she had never balanced a checkbook, painted a room, stripped a floor, planted a garden, hung wall-paper. ("Why?", she would ask, "when someone else would do it for me?!")

So (obviously!) there were many things I did not learn from my mother, but that's OK, I could learn those on my own. But my mother did give me one invaluable, priceless gift -- that I never could have learned without her -- and that was unconditional love. My mother loved my sisters and me with a fierce, protective, mother-bear love -- and we always knew this.

I have always been close with my mom. When I was little, she used to lovingly refer to me her "shadow", because where she was, I was... stuck to her like velcro. I loved nothing better than sitting on the porch with her on warm summer nights, side-by-side and "talking", feeling ever-so "adult". As I grew a little older, we had our normal teenager vs. adult squabbles, but honestly, they truly were few and far between. As I grew into adulthood and got married, we remained close, and she even moved 100 miles to be closer to me, my husband and our son. She was always a supportive mother and doting grandmother, and she loved her sons-in-law as her own.

My mother was 88 years old when she died. The first 85 years were active, independent, healthy, wonderful years. At age 80, after the death of her second husband (whom she married at age 68 after a less-than-one-month courtship -- I kid you not!), she sold her home and moved into a lovely senior high-rise apartment. Talk about easy livin'! And in her usual "Grace fashion", she charmed the managers and the maintenance staff alike (the little stinker didn't even have to change a burned out light bulb!) and made many dear friends in her building.

At that time, she was taking only a thyroid pill and a blood pressure pill -- period. When she was 85, she had a very scary episode of brief confusion and left-sided weakness, was taken to the hospital, and diagnosed with a TIA (commonly called a "mini stroke", because the symptoms, thankfully, fully resolve.) The doctor prescribed an aspirin and an anti-platelet medication and in a few days, my mom went home, fit as a fiddle.

A couple of months later, she fell in the hallway of her apartment building, and broke her right hip. She had surgery, went to Rehab (where she charmed all the doctors, nurses and therapists) and soon returned again to her independent apartment living that she so loved.

Well, they say troubles come in 3's, and right before her 86th birthday, she was rushed to the ER with a heart attack. I rode in the ambulance with her, and never left her side, even while the doctors and nurses were actively working hard to save her life. And save her life they did... and after a few days in the hospital, and a heart catheterization, mom went to our local hospital's Transitional Care Unit (where she again quickly became everyone's favorite patient) and then back home again to her apartment.

Now the doctors added a few heart medications to the daily mix, and she used to say, "With all these darn pills I have to take every morning, I don't have room for breakfast!" But thankfully, while she was admittedly a little more tired now than she had been before, no other problems occurred (except for a skin cancer successfully removed from her leg), and life continued well for my then 86 year-old mom. I started balancing her checkbook for her (hey, someone had to do it!), setting up her pills (she hated doing that!), and continued the regular mani-pedi's. But she still was still happily living independently, driving, doing all her own shopping and meals, socializing with her friends, getting her hair done and attending exercise classes.

Because she had become quite hard of hearing (and the dang hearing aides never really worked well for her... we can put a man on the moon but we can't develop decent hearing aides??!) I would take her to all of her doctor's appointments. I kept a notebook of careful notes, and she always deferred all questions to me. Here is one actual conversation that took place at her PCP's office:

MD: So, are we having any problems?
Me: Nope, she's doing great!
MD: Good! How's the hip pain?
Me: Much better, not needing any of the pain pills any more.
MD: Great! Has she seen the dermatologist yet for that spot on her back?
Me: Yep, last week. He said it's nothing to worry about.
MD: That's good news. How about the eye doctor?
Me: We see him next week.
MD: Good. So, did you get the routine labs done?
Me: Yep, on Monday. Your office should have received the results by now.
MD: Good, I'll go check.
Mom: [sitting on the edge of the exam table, tapping her toes impatiently] *Hmph!* I don't even know why I have to come!

This past October, we had a big family dinner party at my house (one of my mother's grandsons was home from Alaska), and the next week, I hosted a Spanish tapas party with friends. My mother was definitely the Belle-of-the-Ball for both events. She was beautiful, lively, funny, sweet, and feeling good.

But sadly, within 2 weeks of those parties, and without warning, she was rushed to the ER with crushing shortness of breath and a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure. One heart attack, several episodes of flash pulmonary edema, two thoracenteses, renal insufficiency, a complete heart block and a devastating new lung cancer diagnosis followed. She got weaker every day, but still, through it all... she remained amazing Grace.

She was in the hospital and then TCU for 5 weeks. We virtually lived there. My daughter barely left her bedside. My sisters came from out of state. My mother had so many visitors that at one point, we had to ask them to be limited, just so she could rest. She began to speak about being "very tired" and "ready to let go." She had private conversations with each grandchild and great-grandchild, and assured them all of her love forever. She gave away her cat, her car, and her wedding ring.

On one particularly difficult day, a dear friend named Dean came to visit. She smiled at him but said quietly, "I can't really talk right now." And holding her hand tight, Dean said softly, "That's OK... I just wanted to see you, Grace."

On Dec 20 my mother was discharged from the hospital -- to my home with hospice services. We rearranged our living room to accommodate the hospital bed, over bed table, oxygen concentrator, bedside commode and new lift chair, so that on good days she could be engaged and involved in our daily family life. We hung curtains in each archway and on the French Doors for privacy. She was warm and cozy covered in soft cotton blankets and a light down comforter. She often had a kitty or two at her feet. We joked that she was the Queen Bee and we were the willing worker bees! With the help of my husband, daughter, sisters and the hospice team, we were able to care for her, keep her comfortable, and even have a surprising number of laughs along the way. We looked at each day as a gift.

She enjoyed Bonanza (do you know it is on aaaaallllll afternoon???!) but every now and then I'd wrestle the remote off of her (!) so I could watch a show or two of my choice, LOL! She was a fanatic for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune (on Mondays through Fridays at 7 and 7:30 pm respectively, but opposite on Saturdays, and not at all on Sundays... who knew?!) and on good days, she loved calling out the answers before the contestants.

She was home with us exactly 4 weeks. Yes, we had some hard and scary moments.... but in general, having her here, surrounded by the love of family and *home* was one of the most rewarding and satisfying things I have ever done. It just felt so *right*.

With the help and support of my family and friends, I am humbled and honored to be able to say that in the last weeks of her life, my dear mom was never alone. She knew we were here with her -- come what may -- and she knew she was loved. My husband and I were at her bedside as she passed away early that morning, and I know she knew it. I know we will never forget it.

Thank you for everything, Mom. I love and miss you so much. And I always will.

For more posts on my dear mother, please look:

HERE

HERE

HERE

And for a wonderfully fun, touching blog tribute by my niece (The Daring Librarian) for her dear Grandma, please scroll down to the end of THIS POST.

My Cheap Thrill!

2011-10-27T17:59:00.007-04:00

*Skin*, babee, SKIN!!!

What??! Git yer mind outta the gutter -- this is a G rated blog!

I am talking about A DIFFERENT kind of SKIN!

According to WiseGeek: "a 'skin' is a thin vinyl or plastic adhesive cover that can be attached to the outside of an electronic device (laptop, e-reader, phone, tablet, etc.) Skins are available in hundreds of colors, designs, and motifs. Skins allow customization of your device and allow them to be uniquely personalized to fit your own design aesthetic."

I recently discovered skins, and there is simply no going back to plain ol', boring, nekkid devices! ;o)

Yes, yes, I know... they are completely frivolous, and serve no useful or practical purpose except mere decoration... but OH, they are so stinkin' fun and cute! And surprisingly inexpensive. And best of all, they are are easy to apply and remove (although not reusable), and don't leave behind any gunk or residue. Yeah, I'm hooked.

So -- ya' wanna see some SKIN?!!

My Kindle, all decked out and ready to roll:
("Psychedelic Circles" from Skin-it)
Front:

Back:

My husband's Kindle:
("Industrial" from Decal Girl )
Front:

Back:

My Dell mini netbook:
(Zebra Skin #35 from Video-GameSkins)

My phone:
(Leopard Spots from Decal Girl)
Front:

Back:

Aren't those just TOOOO CUUUUTE for words??! I ask you this?!

So if you are now hooked, too, here are some websites for fun skins to get you started. The sky is the limit, and they are totally addictive -- believe me!

So... go ahead, be brave and have fun! And show some skin, babeee! ;o)

Photo credit ("Cheap Thrills"): HERE

LOL!

2011-10-20T20:59:00.001-04:00

Update on our darling Boo!

2011-10-11T17:07:00.005-04:00

I gave a Squeak (Bentley) "update" awhile ago (please look here), and my faithful, kitty-lovin' readers have informed me that I am long overdue for one of Boo. I totally agree!

The problem is that Boo (my 4 year old seal-bicolor Ragdoll) is CAMERA SHY! Srsly! He hhhhhhates the camera. He hates the flash. But even without the flash, my Canon Power Shot emits a red light prior to taking any picture, and apparently Boo doesn't like THAT, either!

What's a devoted Raggie mom to do??! I get out the camera out and he starts running! Really! You'd think I beat him with it, LOL! ;o)

Therefore, MOST of my Boo photos are of him SLEEPING. Which, while 100% adorable, admittedly aren't too awfully exciting!

Buuuuut, I am tenacious ;o) and have been working hard on getting some good *awake* pictures of him with my new phone (no evil red light!)

So here you go, an update on my adorable, quirky Boo. Complete with his own captions. (Because, yes, I KNOW how he thinks!!!)

Yes, of course I am aware that I am leaving fur all over the quilt fabric in this basket! So what's your point?

You need to use the sink? There's another one downstairs.

You need to do laundry? More baskets downstairs.

I am the King of the Land Under the Table!

You can have your quilting fabric after my nap... *yawn!*

You want to use these quilts? Um, not now. Sorry.

No, I really prefer to think of this as MY bed. Thx.

Ahhhh, nappin' with my brother in a sun beam. Life is gooood!

Um, what is it about "get another basket" that you don't understand?!

This box pleases me.We will keep it. And yes, right here in the kitchen. Thx.

Isn't he ADORABLE? We sure think so. For more posts on our darling Boo, please look:
HERE
HERE
HERE

Thanks!

Coming soon - Kindle Fire! (Hot, hot, hot!)

2011-09-30T19:49:00.022-04:00

OHMYWEEERD, I was so excited to see the brand new "KINDLE FIRE" unveiled on Amazon just this week:

What is this, you ask? Well, according to Amazon, it's one of the 4 new products in their "Kindle Family". The first color Kindle, it also offers movies, apps, games, music, reading and a web browser, like many popular tablets. (See short Amazon video HERE.)

In the ever-changing world of technology, it seems to be making quite a stir. (See these articles at PC Mag, Engadget, and Yahoo News and this video clip from CNN for starters.)

Now you KNOW I lurve my li'l Kindle (look HERE for proof!). But lately I have been thinking of getting a tablet, and have been looking around a bit. What I was finding was too high of a price for too many features that I didn't especially need or want.

When examining features and comparing to other popular tablets (including, of course, the king pin iPad!) the Fire offers a 7" screen, exclusive new "Amazon Silk" split browser system, Android Gingerbread OS, 8 hour battery life, and 8 GB of storage, but unlimited storage in Amazon's Cloud. (A hard drive in the sky, babeee!)

BUT, Amazon also makes no excuses: the new Kindle Fire doesn't boast a camera or microphone, potential 3G connectivity or GPS functionality. But guess what? I'm not lookin' for that - I've got all that on m' phone! So the Kindle Fire is offering the features I want at a price ME LIKEY!!! ($199, all-in, all-done, woot!)

In other words, I prefer to think of it, not as an iPad competitor, but as an iPad alternative. My darling niece (who's the adored techie of our family!), is a shameless Apple fan and lurves her iPad, but even she is intrigued by Amazon's new darling. (See her blog, The Daring Librarian, and especially this informative post on Kindles and iPads and Nooks OHMY!)

She also found and sent me this LINK which has this incredibly helpful at-a-glance comparison chart:

I am 100% psyched by this new Kindle Fire... in fact -- *SOLD!* -- I have my pre-order already in, and am eagerly awaiting its arrival in mid November.

So, yeah... I am well aware of what the Fire "is" and "isn't". I also do NOT intend for it to replace my current beloved Kindle (for starters, NOTHING beats the easy, pleasant reading experience of Amazon's E-ink Pearl technology on the classic black-and-white Kindles!) -- but it will certainly be a fun addition to my li'l stash of electronic toys. Besides my first Kindle, I think the Fire will compliment my laptop, Dell mini netbook, and smartphone quiiiite nicely, thank you!

See Amazon link for more information on the Kindle Fire: Here

PS The other 3 Kindles in Amazon's new line-up are quite intriguing, too... (see HERE for Amazon's chart comparison) and offer some nice (and inexpensive) options for folks just entering The Wonderful World of Kindle.

My Secret Love Affair with Mr. APPS

2011-09-27T18:34:00.008-04:00

Yes, my secret is out. I'm in official love. With APPS! Ohmyweeerd, how fun are THOSE?!

I simply LURVE and PUFFY HEART apps. Apps make organizing, categorizing, keeping track and scheduling SO easy and fun... and those are 4 of my favorite things!!! It's like having an entire file cabinet with you at all times. Srsly!

I have over 100 apps already on my phone, but here are my current Top Ten Favorites (all free, by the way -- you KNOOOOW I am a bargain hunter!)

Kindle: Oh yeah babee... my favorite app! I think of this as my Kindle's baby sister! (For a post on my Kindle, please look here.) With this app, I can easily load any book from my Kindle on to my phone ("over the air", no cables needed) and read a book anywhere. Long line at the grocery store? Waiting for an appointment? Stuck in traffic, engine turned off? No problem... pull out your phone and pick up reading right where you last left off on your Kindle. Would I keeed you about this?!

Audible: Similar to the Kindle app, this app lets you listen to your Audible.com audio books on your phone, either via the speaker or with ear buds. And like the Kindle app, it will sync from your other device(s), so you can easily start listening right where you last left off. Great for lazing by the pool, working out, walking, long (or short!) car rides, etc.

Key Ring Reward Cards: Tired of carrying all those annoying and bulky little rewards and shopper-saver cards on your key ring or in your wallet??? I know I was! Well, with this app, you scan them into your phone, and then toss 'em, babeee! While you are at the register in the store, the cashier can simply scan the barcode right your phone!

Evernote: An easy-to-use app that helps you remember and record anything! Using "notes" and "notebooks" that you create, you can take/make and organize notes, photos, lists, record voice reminders and more. Plus it syncs to and from your PC, which is a really handy feature.

Pet Master: An app that lets you keep track of your fur kids' vet appointments (past and upcoming), immunizations, flea treatments, medical problems and more. When did Boo have his rabies shot? When is Squeak's next check-up? What did they weigh at age one year? It's all there, and MORE!

Where's My Droid? Ever lost your phone and tried to call it only to remember its on silent mode? *OOOPS!* Now if you misplace it, you can simply text your phone with a custom set attention word and it will turn the silent mode OFF, the ringer volume UP, and start the phone a'screamin'! You can also text a different attention word and get the GPS location of your phone. (Um, yeah, I've used it a few times.) VERY handy indeed!

Flashlight: My darling niece turned me on to this handy app. (Thanks, baby!) This turns your phone into a surprisingly powerful flashlight. Can't find your keys in the dark? Sitting in a dark corner of a restaurant and can't read the menu?! Ta da, now you can!

Quilt Shops: Enter any City, State or ZIP code to easily search for quilt shops across the United States. Or, using your phones GPS function, let the app automatically show you the quilt shops closest to your current location. Excellent while traveling! Now where was THIS all my life?!!

Currency Converter: OK, how awesome is THIS? You are traveling and still not quiiite sure what the local currency exchange rate is? This easy-to-use little app will instantly convert over 190 currencies into the US dollar(s) equivalent, or vice versa! I would have LOVED to have had this app a few years ago when I was in Thailand... I would have known instantly that those "Ray Ban" sunglasses selling for 20 baht were, um... 65 cents. Something tells me they were probably knock-offs!!! ;o)

Relax and Sleep: This is a surprisingly sophisticated sound machine for your phone. Do you like to sleep or relax to white noise? Crashing waves? Chirping crickets? A babbling brook? A gentle rain? Over 50 different sounds, all surprisingly clear and realistic, plus a timer (which fades the sound out gradually after the length of time you select) make this a very useful and practical app.

All of these apps are available in the Android Market, or right from the Market app on your phone. All apps are delivered quickly and easily OTA (over the air)... no cables, wires or hassles! I also have cooking and recipe apps, restaurant apps, a TV guide app, calorie counters, a headache log, and even a li'l diary that's password protected!

AAAAND, before I close this post, do you know that Amazon offers a daily PAID app for FREE? Yep, it's true... and very fun. A lot of them are games (and I'm not much of a gamer, although I do have a mean Super Sudoku app!), but certainly not all of them. I recently picked up a printer app (lets you print documents, emails, etc., right off your phone to the nearest printer), regularly $12.95... *FREE* for one day only. No "catches" and no small print., I promise! Here's the LINK. Have fun... but remember, ya' really gotta check it every day! ;o)

It's a big, wide world of incredible apps out there... so have fun! (I know I am!)

Top app photo credit: Here

Hello?!

2011-09-24T10:42:00.005-04:00

Yes, yes, I finally entered the 21st century and got a smart phone. It was "touch and go" there for awhile, but I quickly decided that I. *LOVE*. IT! I thought I might miss the simplicity and ease of use of my little old workhorse LG... but um, NOT! I kicked it to the curb so fast it's little screen spinned! LOL!

The choices for a smart phone are nearly limitless, of course... but after lotsa research and talking with others, I finally decided on the Samsung Fascinate. I love the screen size (4"), the amazing resolution ("Super AMOLED" display), 5.0 MP camera with flash, long battery life, and especially the SWYPE technology for texting and e-mails. Oh yeah babee-- LOVE. THAT! I promise you -- once you "go SWYPE", you'll NEVER go back to tap-tap-tap TYPE! That's just so... 2010! ;o)

The phone is chock full of fun features, and really easy to use. (For nerds and geeks, the 2.2 Froyo OS is an easy OTA upgrade, and comes with lots of awesome improvements plus Google as the default search, so goodbye BING! It's also supposedly fairly easily rooted... which I am actually considering.)

Yeah, I'm pretty jazzed. The GPS and navigation features are awesome, and the phone has replaced my aging, ailing, quirky Magellan GPS. This phone does just about everything but slice and dice... but I'll bet there's an app for that!

Photo credits: Here and Here

Kindle me, baby!

2011-07-16T09:00:00.017-04:00

I am an avid reader and book lover. I have shelves and cabinets full of books. I always travel with several books, and usually have a book under my pillow, in my car, in my purse or tote bag, and desk at work. I love the way books feel and smell. In my opinion, a crisp, brand new book just waiting to be opened and enjoyed is one of life's purest pleasures. I savor the time spent happily lost in the pages of a good book.

So... I debated long and hard before I bought a Kindle. I wondered... would I really USE it? Would I really ENJOY it?? Would it be the same pleasant, enjoyable experience as reading a REAL book? Well, I've had my Kindle for a few months now and let me assure you that the answers are yes, yes and YES!

I knew my little Kindle was a winner when I tucked it into my back pack and took it on vacation recently... and happily read 6 books in 2 weeks. I could never have carried 6 (heavy!) books with me; it's just not possible! But my li'l Kindle made it so easy and convenient!

And (this surprised me) I am even reading more since I got my Kindle. Why? Well, I have identified 3 main reasons. (1) My [*cough*] over-40 eyes really like the adjustable font feature!!! No reading glasses needed. YAY! (2) I have the lighted cover from Amazon and it makes reading in bed (with all room lights off) so easy and enjoyable! (3) I can slip my Kindle into a heavy-duty ziplock bag and read happily in the tub! (I have always loved to read in the tub but HATE how a regular book's pages get all wrinkly and crinkly when they get wet! Gah!)

I got the smaller Kindle, with Wi-Fi only, no 3G... wanted to spend as little as possible since I wasn't sure how I would truly like reading on it. Now honestly, although there have been a handful of times when WiFi was not available and having 3G capability would have been a nice perk, it's really not been much of an issue! I don't regret my choice.

I love cruising around Amazon's Kindle Store and seeing what's new, what's on sale, and what's FREE. If you don't already know this, check the Free Book list OFTEN, because prices can change daily, and I have found and read lots of great books that were free one day, $9.99 (or more!) the next. Really! Amazon also offers a list of 100 different books ("hand selected by our editors") that are discounted to $3.99 or less. The list changes monthly, and there are some great bargains to be had. Here's the LINK. There is also an ever-changing list of .99 and $1.99 books all over the site -- but you gotta keep your eyes open!

Yep, Amazon has certainly made "Kindling" easy and FUN! With one click, you can download a free sample of any book that interests you (and they are very generous samples!) Or, "Click to Look Inside" at the top of almost every books info page lets you actually "open the book" and read the beginning, right here, right now. AND, once purchased, every book is returnable within 7 days of purchase with Amazon's excellent no-questions-asked return policy. All samples and books are sent right to your Kindle over the air, no cables or wires required. I mean, really, what's NOT to love?!

And NO! I assure you I am not affiliated with Amazon in any way. Although I sure wouldn't MIND being!!! ;o)

Kindle Photo Credit: here

Bentley (aka "Squeak") Update

2011-06-21T17:37:00.000-04:00

"WHAT?! You lookin' at ME?!"

So my kitty-loving followers have told me it's time for an update on my adorable Raggies. I am pleased and honored to oblige!

First up, Bentley (aka "Squeak"). Born on 12/1/09, Bentley (a blue lynx mitted) is from Megailee Ragdolls near Raleigh, NC. He came home at 3 months old, and he was 14 months old in these pictures and the video.

He is 100% gorgeous, and one of the two Raggie lights of our lives! (His older brother Boo is the other one, and I'll do an update on him soon. Getting good pictures of Boo is little trickier, though, because he HATES the camera, and runs away whenever he sees it. And if I do a video of Boo, it will probably have to be of him sleeping!!! Really!)

Anyway, Squeak is 11 pounds, 4 ounces, according to the vet's scale. (But he looks much larger because of that soft, plush fur coat he wears!) He is healthy, bright-eyed, quiet and sweet; and rarely meows. The name of his game is PLAY*PLAY*PLAY, and he is an excellent "fetcher". (Don't miss a short video clip of that HERE.) Even people who are not cat-lovers (I can hardly even imagine!) comment on what a striking, stunning animal he is.

And a short video clip (less than a minute long) of my beautiful boy :

Other blog posts about Bentley can be found below.

Enjoy, and thank you for looking!

Welcome Home, Bentley!
Oct. 2010 Update
Bentley - one CRAZY Raggie!

Posole con Tequila

2011-05-27T18:49:00.004-04:00

We love posole. My husband loves it because it's delicious; I love it because it's so easy and fun to make! Typically made with pork and hominy, posole (prounounced puh-so-lay, and alternatively spelled pozole) is a rich, deeply flavored Latin American soup. Other ingredients vary by locale and personal preference, but one thing is always the same: a hot bowl of well-made posole is a delightful thing indeed!

I typically think of posole as a winter meal, but we've had some chilly, rainy weather here recently in PA and it just sounded oh-so-good! Always on the lookout for new recipes, this one intrigued me with the surprise addition of tequila. So here's the recipe (from the following cookbook), along with my own notes. (And even if you're not a Sandra Lee fan, you gotta try this recipe! I'm tellin' you, it's DELICIOUS!)

POSOLE CON TEQUILA
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite size pieces
2 cans hominy (I used one can white and one can yellow hominy)
1 packet (1.25 oz.) McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning (I really don't use these kinds of seasoning packets; so instead, I eyeballed chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano and added a bay leaf)
1 can (7 oz) diced green chilis
1/2 cup sliced jalapenos (I used fresh)
1 cup chopped onions (I also added fresh minced garlic)
1/2 cup silver tequila, Jose Cuervo
3 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (I used LOTS more!)
Salt and pepper to taste

In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients except cilantro and salt and pepper; mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir in cilantro and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges. (Really, could this BE any easier?!)

NOTE: I also added a can of red beans to my posole, and a few generous splashes of fresh lime juice right before serving. (The tequila just seemed to be begging for it!) I served it with warm homemade cornbread and cold beer, and it was a simple and delicious meal.

PS If you don't have a slow cooker, a heavy soup pot simmering on top of the stove for a few hours would work just fine!

LOL!

2011-04-30T16:31:00.011-04:00

Table-Topper Quilt; Step-by-Step

2011-04-23T21:39:00.019-04:00

Looking for some fairly instant gratification (and to satisfy a bee that was buzzing around in my bonnet), I decided to make a "mini" quilt; actually a table-topper. I had an idea in my head, so I figured out the style and finished size I would need and planned it out on graph paper:

First the squares of fabric (100% cotton only, of course!) need to be cut, using a rotary cutter and clear quilting ruler. Each square would have to be exactly 3" x 3" (for a finished block size of 2.5" x 2.5") and I knew that I'd need to cut 162 of the little buggers! (28 "dark" value, 40 "medium", and 94 "light".) So I went to my fabric stash and started rooting around.

Once the fabrics were chosen and all the squares cut, I laid them out on the sewing table, arranging and rearranging until it was *juuuuust right*! The general idea was darker squares through the center of the topper gradually fading out to medium and then light squares; with medium and dark colors at the outer edge as a "frame".

This type of quilt is called "on point", and that means that the squares are positioned on their points, diamond shaped.

Once I had all the blocks arranged (this is where my OCD kicks in big time!) and after my hubby gave it an objective second opinion (all squares pleasingly placed, color "even" throughout, no two colors accidentally placed side-by-side... etc!) -- I stacked, pinned and numbered the individual rows in preparation for sewing. That's a bit time-consuming, but I've never been able to figure out an easier (but still idiot-proof!) way to successfully do that!

Now, using only 100% cotton thread, the fun (sewing!) started. Each "packet" of pinned-together squares represents a specific row of the quilt. I keep the rows carefully numbered, so I know the order to sew the rows together, when that time comes. BTW, quilts are always sewn with one-quarter-inch seam allowance, and seams are always pressed to one side, never pressed open.

Now the individual rows are all done (sewn and pressed), and ready to be sewn together.

Now the rows are sewn together. It's not pressed yet, but it's starting to look like a quilt!

After I press the front, I carefully press the back. (Yeah, I'm as OCD about the BACK as I am the front!) But srsly ;o) careful pressing is as important as careful sewing, and if the seams aren't nice and flat and smooth, it WILL be noticeable when the quilt is finished!

Now the top is finished! But the quilt is still far from being done.

Next I cut a piece of fabric for the back, and a piece of batting for the "middle" layer of the quilt, (I prefer "Warm and Natural", a thin 100% cotton batting). Both the batting and the backing need to be cut a little larger than the quilt top. Then I fold all 3 pieces lovingly, kiss them goodbye ;o) and take the whole kit 'n' kaboodle to a professional machine quilter for her to do her magic. Twenty five dollars and a few weeks later, this is what I get back:

Here are some close-ups of the stitching... isn't it beautiful? This is called a "stipple" design, and it is my all-time favorite. Nice and tight, with lots of thread. *YUM!*

The quilt now needs "squared up" and the excess fabric and batting (carefully!) trimmed away. A 15" clear, square Omni-Grid quilter's ruler works great for getting this right.

All 4 sides trimmed; quilt nice and "square":

The quilt is almost done. It just needs the binding made and sewn along the edge to finish.

I chose the fabric for the binding and then figured out how much I needed to make: (Basically, the outer perimeter of the quilt plus 10" added for the mitered corners, which in this case equals 138") See how high-tech my cipherin' is?!

For 1/2" finished binding, four strips of (40" wide) fabric are cut 3" wide, then sewn together into one long piece of fabric. This is then folded in half lengthwise, pressed, and sewn with a 1/2" seam allowance to the front edge of the quilt (by machine), folded over and sewn to the back by hand.

The binding is now all sewn on.

Once the binding is pressed and folded to the back, and the corners neatly mitered, it's hand-sewn all around. A thimble and a good movie (and a kitty or two nearby!) makes this part pretty fast and enjoyable!

Here's what the finished back looks like:

*TA DA!* Mission Accomplished! Project Mini-Quilt complete and placed on the table! I love it!

Really, how CUTE is that?! And it was pretty darn quick 'n' easy, too -- especially with the help and company of my two quilt-lovin' trusty side-kicks!

* For more quilt posts, please look here, here, and here! Thank you!

Holy Vastness, Batman! TRAVEL: the Grand Canyon!

2011-04-01T21:51:00.005-04:00

Well, it has been on my Bucket List ;o) for awhile now... the Grand Canyon. We flew over it once on a flight to the west coast... but that only served to whet our appetites to see it "up close and personal". A recent vacation "out west" gave us that opportunity.

Traveling with our daughter and son-in-law (hereinafter lovingly referred to as "the kids"!), we just got home from 2+ weeks in Nevada and Arizona. We went last year and had such a good time (links: HERE and HERE), we decided to get outta the PA cold and "do it again" this year! The kids had never been to Vegas, and Barry was VERY eager to see another Cirque Du Soleil show... so Vegas (for a few days) was our first stop.

We had a great time; we loved the show (Cirque's "O" at the Bellagio). My boy sat as still as a stone, eyes wide, mesmerized by the show!

We stayed at New York, New York, which was very nice, and quite affordable.

Although, Travel Tip #1: there was a $15/night mandatory "resort fee", which was never mentioned or charged until check-in. Not all Vegas hotel add that charge (although many do) - so check first; it can make a difference when you are shopping for the best deal.

AND... no matter what the reservation clerk tells you, the shuttle to and from the airport is NOT free!

New York New York, Las Vegas

So, what do non-gamers do in Vegas? We shop and dine and enjoy all the sights, sounds, and attractions of the city that never sleeps.

We rented a car, and after Vegas, we drove to the Flagstaff area to visit one of our daughter's oldest and dearest friends. They hadn't seen each other in several years, and it was a sweet and heartwarming reunion.

From there, we drove to Williams, AZ, and after spending the night, we took the very scenic Grand Canyon Railway to the canyon.

OK, color me speechless! I knew it would be beautiful... and vast... and amazing... but really??! I just didn't realize HOW beautiful... HOW vast... and HOW amazing! Photos simply cannot capture the panoramic vista that our eyes saw... but I tried!!!

My husband read somewhere that the most common injury at the canyon is squirrel bites. Really!
*ouch!* Cute little buggers can actually be rather unfriendly, I guess!!!

After our day at the Grand Canyon, we drove to the Phoenix area for the rest of our vacation. My sister has a lovely home there, complete with a gorgeous in-ground pool. We shopped, and ate (are you noticing a vacation pattern here?!) visited, made some new friends, bobbed around in the pool A LOT, and otherwise just relished in the warm and sunshiny R and R.

A cute kitty-lovin' sign I saw at a flea market. NOOOOO, I didn't BUY it, I just took a picture of it!!!

A display from the (very interesting) Wickenburg Museum:

As before, I LOVED the Arizona landscape...

...and those crazy-gorgeous sunsets!

One night we went to Western Trails, a small community rodeo. It was lots of fun. (My sister is getting quite *south-westernized* living part of the year in Arizona. She is even wearing cowboy boots now!)

Anwyay, it just kills me how some of those bull riders get thrown off those bulls, land HARD, come up obviously in pain, groaning, limping and... smiling from ear-to-ear!

We were on vacation a little over 2 weeks, and we were quite successful in getting blissfully refreshed and relaxed. Finally it was time to go -- which honestly, was OK with us. We'd had a WONDERFUL time, had enjoyed every day... but "real life" (and our darling kitties, of course!) were waiting for us back home.

And on that note, before I close this post, may I offer Handy-Dandy Travel Tip #2:

Take your passport, even when you are only planning to travel domestically.

Why, you ask? Your driver's license will provide the necessary photo ID, true, BUUUUT... if you (like us) ever volunteer for a bump, having your passport can open up additional possibilities for re-routing you home. We were considering an offered bump, but there were no other (domestic) seats available to Pittsburgh for at least 36 hours. However, we could have potentially been routed through Toronto and gotten home HOURS earlier, if we'd had our passports. In the end, they didn't need us for the bump after all... but it was a good lesson learned -- for next time!

Boo - one ADORABLE Raggie!

2011-03-01T20:13:00.007-05:00

Well, I couldn't very well have an entire post devoted to Bentley (link: HERE) and not have one about BOO now, could I?!

The problem is that Boo is camera shy. Really! He knows -- and HATES -- the camera. He hates the flash. He hates the little red light that shines in his eyes, even when the flash is OFF. He literally runs when he sees me with the camera. The older he gets, the worse his camera-phobia has become. Therefore, it has become quite difficult to get a nice picture of Boo lately (awake, anyway!!!)

Boo is so special to me. He was 4 years old in January. He started out in life with a heart murmur which scared me, but it resolved before he was a year old. He is "fit as a fiddle" now, and I am sooooo relieved and happy about that.

I love him so much. He was my first "Raggie" and I will never forget how adorable he was as a baby kitten.. This is Boo the first time I "met" him... not quite 3 months old, and still at the breeder's. (Is this not the CUUUUTEST kitten you have EVER seen???!)

These are some pictures of Boo "through the years"... see how he has darkened up? He's a seal bi-color Ragdoll, so (as is typical for Raggies) his dark brown "points" got gorgeously darker through the years... but of course his eyes stayed bright, clear blue.

Doin' the Famous Raggie Flop! (With my daughter's cat, Buster.)

Me and m' boy!

Look at that face! Could you resist THAT FACE???!! I can't!

Just ONE MORE treat, Mom???? Pleeeeeze????

During our kitchen remodel, Boo quickly learned to climb the step ladder all by himself. He would shimmy up there in 5 seconds flat, and then "supervise" us from his "perch"!

Boo's such a quirky little guy. He makes us laugh (and scratch our heads!) frequently. Raggies are typically a pretty "quiet" breed, but not Boo -- I guess he didn't get that memo! He is VERY vocal, always *talkin'* about something!

He's more cuddly than his li'l brother, Bentley... but some of that I am convinced comes with a little bit of age. Right now, "play" is the name of (one-year-old) Bentley's game! Boo is especially snuggly during naps and at bedtime, and oh, I LOVE that! He's a selective lap-cat... loves my husband's lap at his home office chair (?!!) and my lap when I'm in the bathroom ("?!!" indeed!) and when I'm sitting at a dining room chair. Go figure?! But hey, we'll take it wherever we can get it!

So, it's no secret that my husband and I totally adore BOTH of our kitties. They crack us up and they make us smile everyday. I think animals are truly a "gift"... and I am honored and delighted to share my home and heart with these two.

For more posts on my kitties, please look here:

Thank you!

Bentley - one CRAZY RAGGIE!

2011-02-12T17:07:00.008-05:00

That is our one-year-old Ragdoll kitty, Bentley. (But we usually call him "Squeak" because for the first year of his life he hardly ever meowed. He just made this darling little *squeak!* every now and then! NOTE: He has since "found his meow" as we say, and can be almost as vocal as his big brother, Boo!)

And believe me, Squeak does the darndest things! See for yourself...

This is Squeak on ~~drugs~~ the living room chair:

("Where's the remote???")


"Look, Ma, no (front) feet!"

Squeak on the floor...

This belly don't rub itself!

(Really???!)

Legs out front...

Legs out back... ;o)

On the downstairs twin bed...

Love the back feeties here!

On the king bed upstairs...

Yes, I agree... this is just WRONG!!!

The back view!!! We call this Jabba the Fluff!

So here's the story: I walked into the downstairs bedroom a few days ago and did a double take. I called my husband, "C'mere! C'mere! You gotta see Squeak! And, oh, bring the camera!"

After ALL those crazeeee poses above... what could POSSIBLY surprise me, you ask???!

Well... let me show you...

Are you ready?

Are you sure???

OK...

BEHOLD....

Squeak???! Is that YOU??!

YES! Do you believe THAT?! I hugged him and kissed him and cooed, "OH, Squeak! Look at you lying there like a... REAL CAT!!!!" Awwww, my baby's gettin' all grown up!!!! ;o)

Seriously... I had never seen him (before or SINCE!) position himself like that. Legs tucked under, tail curling neatly around... so sophisticated, so TIDY, such a textbook "kitty" pose! Good thing I caught it on camera... it may be a moment that history never repeats!!!

For more posts on my darling kitties, please look here: Boo and the Ragdoll breed; Bentley's Welcome Home story; Update on Boo and Bentley.

*THANKS!*

Back Home After Cruise Vacation (or, Time Sure Flies When You're Having Rum!)

2011-02-01T21:53:00.019-05:00

My husband and I just got home from a wonderful vacation. We escaped well below freezing PA temperatures to board Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas for an almost-2-week long Caribbean cruise. Can you say REEEELAXING?! Ohmyword... we had such a good time. Just what the doctor ordered!

The ship sailed from Baltimore, which was a new departure port for us. It was very convenient, though, (only a 6 hour drive)... plus my sister only lives about 30 minutes from the port. So we went early and spent the pre-cruise weekend with her (VERY nice!), and then she took us to the port on embarkation day and picked us up when we returned. So easy breezy! AND, we took my mom along with us, so while we were on the cruise, she had a wonderful 2 week vacation with her (firstborn!) daughter. Oh yeah, I LOVE a good plan!

Our itinerary:

So if you've ever been on a cruise, you know that one of the beauties of a cruise vacation is that there's something for everyone; and the delicious choice to be as *busy* or as *lazy* as you want to be. The typical order of MY day was sleep in a little... eat (a lot)... nap a little... read a lot... play a lot... then eat again. LOL! We made some new friends -- and actually ran into some OLD FRIENDS, Stanley and Rochelle, who had moved from PA to Georgia several years ago!!! (Crazeee small world, huh?!) The cruise was 13 stress-free days without alarm clocks, schedules, "to-do" lists, laundry, cooking, cleaning or telephones a'ringing... just total pampering and "down time" -- and lots and lots of laughing.

Part of this blog post was actually even written in Tortola, sitting in a tiki hut on the beach (yes, with free wi-fi!), live Caribbean music playing behind me, a cold drink in hand...and my li'l Dell netbook. My boy was off exploring the cove with his metal detector... and came back smiling with a pocket full o' finds.

Now, how about some pics?! OK, first, a few photos of the ship:

Top deck:

Pool deck:

Centrum/atrium area:

The beautiful Orpheum Theater (we spent many happy hours here!)

The lovely "My Fair Lady" dining room:
(We spent many happy hours HERE, too!)

(Above photo is from Cruise News Daily; more photos and information on the ship can be found there.)

Now for some "off-ship" photos...
A charming Starbucks in San Juan, PR. (I got free wifi and a yummy coffee drink there!)

Sailing away from Puerto Rico:

Tortola:

Samana, Dominican Republic:

St. Thomas:

St. Maarten:

Festive Caribbean art for sale:

I always LOVELOVELOVE coming back to the cabin after dinner to find our room (magically) tidied up, the bed turned down, and a towel critter waiting for us! Sooooo stinkin' CUTE!

And my favorite! How cute is THAT BAT?!!

We had dinner one evening at Chops Grille, the ship's specialty restaurant. *DELICIOUS*!

We watched the sun set during dinner. (Very romantic!)

We missed family and friends back home, and the kitties, of course. We did receive some very welcome texts and e-mails from home... so we knew all was well. But I'm telllin' ya'... if not for those adorable furkids waiting at home for us, we probably coulda stayed on that ship forever!

So, yep, we had a wonderful time, and came home relaxed, recharged and ready for "real life" again. The main problem with reality, though, as my friend Perry says, is that it's "so... real" !!! Yeah, he's sure spot-on there! Vacation is undeniably much more *fun*... but alas, it doesn't pay the bills (or feed the kitties!)

Top photo credit: Enchantment of the Seas. Other ship photo credits: here, and here.

Restaurant.com, gift-certificates, flyer miles and (MORE) shoes!

2011-01-15T19:39:00.006-05:00

This post may seem to meander a bit, but stay with me... (hopefully) you won't be sorry!   ;o)

So...it all started when my daughter and I were cruising Restaurant.com, which is a very fun website, and if you haven't checked it out yet, I totally recommend it.   (It's not quite as interesting when you live in Small Town, USA, like I do... but it's a great way for us to try new places when we are traveling.)

If you haven't tried restaurant.com yet, basically, here's the scoop: you can search for restaurants, review menus, etc., then choose, buy, and print your own money-saving gift certificates. (They typically advertise $25 - $35 gift certificates for $10 -- but here's a happy hint: sign up for their e-mail list and wait a bit -- eventually they will drop the price to 2 or $3!)   And once you are on the mailing list, you'll also get other offers, specials, bonuses, and "perks".

So anyway, one special promotion recently offered a choice of specific gift-certificates with a qualifying purchase... so besides five (very cheap!) Restaurant.com coupons, I ended up with a $10 gift certificate from Shoebuy.com. So off I headed to go *shopping* there!

Well, guess what -- Shoebuy has a GREAT selection, free shipping AND returns (*LOVE* that!), AAAAAND they sell my new favorite brand -- ALEGRIA shoes. And if you sign up for their (free) membership special, you'll get an additional 10% off your first order. So I haaaaaaaaaad to order these casual clogs. (You understand don't you?!)

I think they are soooo cute, and look really nice with jeans, cords, and casual pants.   And have I mentioned C-O-M-F-Y???! My feeties are oh-so-very happy!

But wait! Here's yet another happy shopper hint. ;o) I went to Shoebuy.com through the Continental One Pass shopping website and got 14 flyer miles per dollar spent.    AND put the purchase on your favorite credit card you'll get those miles, too (or whatever "perk" your card offers).

If you don't regularly do your online shopping through one of those websites, I totally recommend it. It's so easy... all you need is your frequent flyer account number and a password to "log in". Then shop your favorite wesbite as usual, and those miles will automatically be credited to your account. It's money you are going to spend any way - why not get as many perks as possible, right?!

Here are a few airline shopping portals to get you started.   If you don't find your merchant in one, try looking in another. Sometimes there will be bonus specials, too, so compare websites.  And have fun!!!

Delta Sky Miles
United Mileage Plus
Continental One Pass
American Airlines Advantage

Happy Super Saver Shopper signing out!

Photo credit: here

HILARIOUS!

2010-12-23T22:59:00.008-05:00

OHMYWORD, a friend sent this to my husband and me, and it *CRACKED* us up. (Thanks, Mary Ann!) British humor at its finest - just HAD to share.

Be sure your volume is up... and ENJOY!

LOL!

2010-12-13T20:38:00.014-05:00

*OOOPS!*

I know -- sick, sick, sick!
But you gotta admit -- it DID make you laugh, didn't it?! ;o)

Shoes SO cute!

2010-12-04T23:38:00.099-05:00

OK, not to be whiner, but I have been having some footie troubles. Nothing serious, but definitely pesky and hurty! The podiatrist recommended the usual: Motrin, heat, ice, and a shoes with an anatomically correct footbed and exceptional support. Now SHOE shopping is NEVER a hardship for me... (see HERE for proof that my love affair with shoes goes back to age 3!) but I really didn't expect to find shopping for shoes that THE FOOT DOCTOR recommended to be so darn much fun!

I had never heard of ALEGRIA shoes... but a friend of mine has a pair, and when I saw them, I was *HOOKED*! The foot doctor likes 'em because (and this is from the website):

...The Alegria Classic has an anatomically correct patented interlocking footbed system with arch support that is loaded with latex, memory foam and cork to create a "perfect fit" every time by forming to the natural contours of the foot, giving each user their own customized fit. Footbed is removable and available in medium and wide widths. Engineered to roll naturally, the rocker bottom outsole propels you through the gait cycle, rocking you from heel to toe in a natural motion, resulting in less tired feet and body at the end of the day.

I like 'em because they are so stinkin' cute I can hardly stand it! Just look at some of the DARLING colors and patterns that they come in. And this is just a sampling -- visit Alegria's website for all their styles, patterns and colors, OH MY!

Following are some of their "Classic" (clog) style:

For my first order, I went pretty "safe"... got this pair of black ones....

And this darling pair of brown ones. (Here are a few different views of these brown ones to show you.)

Now I am not typically a "butterflies" kind of a girl, but I think these next shoes are simply 100% adorable! Look at those colors! YES. They. will. be. mine!

Every girl should have a pair of ruby red shoes in her closet, no?!

There are several different styles. Following are a few examples of their "Mary Jane's".

First up, LEOPARD PRINT!!!

Flower garden!

Gold paisley!!! Who knew?!

ZEBRA PRINT! Now how cute is THAT???!

Now if you are a dress-to-the 9's, pointy-toes-and-stilettos kind of a girl, you are probably groaning audibly by now (if you have even managed to read this far!!!) But if you are like me -- a casual jeans-and-flip-flops kind of a girl, these shoes may just be right up your alley, too. Picture them with dark skinny jeans... or your favorite worn, torn, and faded jeans... or cords and a bright sweater... or a denim skirt and tights... ahhhhh! Sooooooo cute, I tell you! AND did I mention comfy? OH SOOOOO comfy... like walkin' on air. Really. I. LOVE. THEM.

So go ahead... pick a pair. (Or two!) You don't have to have sore feeties to appreciate and enjoy them. I promise!

Photo credits (except bottom two photos): HERE

Welcome, winter!

2010-12-02T19:39:00.000-05:00

Hear ye, hear ye! Semi-annual All-Clad factory sale Dec 3 & 4.

2010-11-28T18:26:00.008-05:00

These last few posts would probably make a new reader think this is only a cooking blog - but believe me, it is far more than that -- and any quick cruise through older posts would probably dispel that misunderstanding. But I did want to make this brief All-Clad post now, even though it is following on the heels of two recipe posts, because of the time-sensitive nature of it.

But first of all, I freely admit it -- I am an All-Clad junkie. I *LOOOOVE* the stuff!!! Nothing (IMHO) performs quite like it. Yes, it's pricey, but it honestly is the LAST cookware you will ever need to buy. Buying it piece by piece (like I did) is as a gradual way to build up a collection of beautiful, functional, KILLER cookware that is simply a joy to use.

I have the stainless collection, in both regular and non-stick. Some of my All-Clad pieces are over 15 years old, and still look brand new. And believe me, they get USED! All-Clad comes with a no-questions asked lifetime warranty, and the stainless pieces (except for the non-stick) are dishwasher safe, too. Always a plus after busy weeknight dinners.

What you may not know is that most All-Clad is made right here in PA, south of Pittsburgh in Canonsburg. And twice every year (in June and December) there is a "factory" sale, and oooooooooh baby, is THAT ever fun! I have gone MANY times, and each time, I have scored BIG. At the sale, every piece in every line is usually available, at discounts of 20-80% off MSRP. It's a great opportunity to see, hold, and handle in person all the various pieces, and get great bargains in the process. Yes, most of the pieces (although not all) are considered "seconds"... little scratches or "dings", but nothing that affects performance, and the usual All-Clad lifetime warranty still holds. And honestly, probably nothing that won't happen anyway after some good, hard use in your own kitchen!

So if you are into quality, premium cookware, and you LOVE a bargain... then you need to be HERE:

WHERE: Washington County Fairgrounds, Washington, PA
WHEN: Fri & Sat, Dec 3 & 4, 2010; 9 am - 4 pm

(Photos from All-Clad website.)

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND SQUASH SOUP (Best. Soup. Ever!!!)

2010-11-28T16:38:00.008-05:00

We love soup. All kinds of soup. And especially in the winter... hot, delicious, homemade soup just seems to warm us up from the inside out.

Well, I made a new recipe yesterday (Italian Sausage and Squash Soup) that just may be my new favorite soup recipe. Really! So easy, yet so *different*. And simply perfect for these c-c-c-cold PA nights! (Served with hot, crusty artisan bread, I think I could've eaten the whole pot myself!)

My husband LOVED it, too. Gave it his ultimate compliment: "It's cruise ship good!" LOL!

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND SQUASH SOUP

1	lb. bulk Italian sausage
2	Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 1⁄2	cups diced onion
2	Tbsp. minced garlic
1	butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch chunks
1⁄2	tsp. red pepper flakes
2	cups low-sodium chicken broth
2	cups water
1	cup diced red bell pepper
1⁄2	cup heavy cream
1	tsp. ground dried sage
1	tsp. sugar
2	cups packed baby spinach, coarsely chopped
3	Tbsp. brandy
	Salt and black pepper to taste

Brown sausage in 1 Tbsp. oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

Sweat onion and garlic in 1 Tbsp. oil in a large pot over medium heat until soft, 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add squash and pepper flakes, and saute 5 minutes.

Stir in broth and water, bring to a boil, and simmer until squash is very soft, about 10 minutes. Puree soup with a hand blender (or in batches in a standard blender), then add bell pepper, cream, sage, and sugar; simmer until bell pepper is tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in spinach, brandy, and sausage, and simmer until spinach wilts and sausage is heated through, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

1/14/11 ADDENDUM

So my tricky big sister, Laurel, had a great idea that I just had to share,
She used Trader Joe's butternut squash soup (in the box) as a short-cut base for this soup. Then stirred in all additions as per the recipe.
I tasted it myself and I must say, it was good -- darn good!
So tuck that li'l time-saving trick under your cap, and if you try it, think of my oh-so-smart sister! ;o)

Recipe and photo From Cuisine at Home

CAJUN SHRIMP CASSEROLE (Yum!)

2010-11-10T23:12:00.028-05:00

It's starting to get *COOOOLD* here in PA and for us, that means warm, hearty, comfort food. For weeknight dinners, nothing fits that bill (in my opinion) better than a casserole. Combine a few fresh, delicious ingredients; bake in the oven, and then relax while the warmth and the aromas fill the kitchen. Mmmm, mmmm!

I made the following recipe recently and we LOVED it. Of course I tweaked it a little (I'm notorious for that!) I added some kielbasa and crawfish along with the shrimp, I increased the "heat" level with additional ground and fresh hot peppers, and I used brown rice instead of white. But other than that, I followed the recipe "as written", and the reminiscent-of-jambalaya casserole that we were rewarded with was simply wonderful. Serve with a simple salad and hot crusty bread.

CAJUN SHRIMP CASSEROLE
2 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined.
1/4 cup butter
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh or frozen sliced okra
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of shrimp soup (or cream of mushroom)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups cooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and next 3 ingredients; sauté 7 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in okra, lemon juice, and salt; sauté 5 minutes. Add shrimp, and cook 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Stir in soup and next 4 ingredients until blended. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 12 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is lightly browned. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Recipe (and photo) from Myrecipes.com

LOL!

2010-11-05T19:05:00.000-04:00

PITTSBURGH - #1 Best Place to Move (WooHoo!)

2010-11-01T15:43:00.003-04:00

As a Pennsylvanian (and native Pittsburgher) I was pretty jazzed by this recent article which names Pittsburgh as the #1 American city to consider moving to!

The article reads, in part:

What people are looking for when they relocate changes from time to time. In the 90s, it was a city with low crime. Then, it was places with good schools.

"These days, you want a job and to make sure you can get a house there," said Bert Sperling of BestPlaces.net, which helps people find the best places to live, work or retire.

Sperling crunched the numbers to find the 10 best cities to relocate to today. The list takes into consideration all kinds of data points from cost of living to crime rates, the number of colleges and how healthy the population is, as well as access to museums, shows, sporting and other events. Plus, one you might not think of - stability.

"We're a big believer in the concept of stability, where there is modest, controllable growth," Sperling explained. "Big booms lead to disruption, and ultimately big busts. Neither is good for livability."

Here are Sperling's Best Cities to Relocate to in America - Why they're the best and who's hiring there.

1. PITTSBURGH, PA
Pittsburgh, like Buffalo, has also made a major transformation from an industrial town - in Pittsburgh's case, steel -- into the 21st Century as a hub for education, health care and the arts.

Yet, it's still surprisingly affordable: The cost of living is 12.2 percent below the national average and the average home price is $116,400, well below the national average of $171,700.

It's repeatedly ranked as one of the most livable cities: The crime rate is low, it ranks high on both arts and colleges, and it's at low risk for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane or tornado.

It's also repeatedly ranked as one of the best sports cities, with the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team. You would be hard-pressed to find a city with more loyal sports fans - a fact that should not be underestimated when it comes to quality of life.

The unemployment rate is 7.8 percent, well below the national average of 10.2 percent. Indeed.com has named it the No. 18 job market, with two applicants for every job available.

Companies that are hiring now: HCR ManorCare, BNY Mellon, PNC Bank, Ernst & Young, Westinghouse Electric Company, and UPMC, according to Indeed.com.

As for me, I happen to LOVE Pittsburgh. I think it is a beautiful, culturally diverse, exciting and just-plain-*FUN* city. We live about 2 hours away now (out in the country) -- but going to Pittsburgh for the day (or the weekend) is still one of my favorite things to do!

Sooooo, anyone out there thinking of relocating? Well then, I urge you to consider PITTSBURGH!

Oh FYI, the other top 9 "best cities to move to" are:
# 2 Buffalo/Niagara Falls NY
# 3 Omaha, NE/Council Bluffs, IA
# 4 Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
# 5 Austin-Round Rock, TX
# 6 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
# 7 Madison, WI
# 8 Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN
# 9 Denver-Aurora, CO
# 10 Indianapolis-Carmel, IN.

(Pittsburgh at night photo credit: HERE)

Talented Young Artist...

2010-10-28T17:07:00.001-04:00

*Fair warning!* This post is going to be a shameless plug for a talented 13 year old artist and animal lover in Ohio named Linda. She is currently offering to draw our favorite pet (cat, dog, rodent... you name it!) for a VERY reasonable fee. Don't you just LOVE an enterprising, enthusiastic, hard-working young person?! I know I sure do!

Linda recently drew pictures of Bentley and Boo, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I excitedly share them with you below:

BENTLEY:

BOO:

I think she really "captured" the personalities of my boys in her drawings ( -- just look at Boo's EYES -- amazing!) Along with the fun backgrounds, she also included the quotes, which I thought was an adorably whimsical touch, and I simply couldn't be more pleased.

If you would like to talk with Linda about possibly drawing your own special pet(s), she can be reached at: giveuppudding@gmail.com

I hope you enjoy Linda's talent as much as I have!

My (Handmade) Dog 'n' Cat Quilt !

2010-10-27T08:10:00.003-04:00

I was rooting through a closet the other day and ran across this quilt, and realized I had never posted pictures of it before. I made it a few years ago, and it is one of my favorites. A menagerie of pups and kitties (two of my favorite things!) -- and sooooo whimsical and cute! (BTW, that bumpy *LUMP* under the upper right hand corner is my own real kitty, Boo, playing hide 'n' seek!)

This quilt was SO much fun to make. Using "scrips 'n' scraps" of some of my favorite fabrics, and a piecing method called "paper piecing" or "foundation piecing", it's a little "different" than most of the other quilts I have made.

And OH -- no two blocks are the same, and all the critters have little round black beads sewn on for eyes, and the dogs have real button noses!

So, wouldya' like to "meet" some of the individual "kids" on the block?! (LOL, no PUN intended!!!)

Well, lookie there, even the real fur-kid approves! Actually he and Boo have been trying DESPERATELY to CHEW OFF all the button noses!!! (GAH! BAD Raggies!!!!) ;o)

(For additional posts featuring my handmade quilts, please look HERE and HERE. Thank you!)

Mechanical Bull Ride?! AS IF !

2010-10-25T17:46:00.000-04:00

My husband, daughter, son-in-law and I were in Pittsburgh this past weekend. A new restaurant, Cadillac Ranch, opened up and we decided to give it a try.

We parked the car, and as we were walking in we saw by their advertising that they had "steaks, chops, BBQ, burgers, cocktails and bull rides" (?!) Knowing full well that it would be one of THE LAST things on earth I would EVER do, my husband teasingly said to me, "Look, honey, they have a bull ride! You wanna do it?!" And before I could even comment, my quick-witted son-in-law piped up (a LITTLE too enthusiastically!), "I'LL PAY!"

Boo and Bentley -- Update on "My Boys"!

2010-10-16T17:27:00.074-04:00

YES, I am a terrible Raggie mom! HOW LONG has it been since I have given an update on my two sweet boys?! I know, I know, I've been dreadfully, terribly negligent, and I can only plead "crazeeee busy". Please forgive!

OK, so here goes:

Boo, our "seal bi-color", will be four years old on January 31, 2011. Hard to believe! He is SUCH a sweetheart. And just look at that face -- soooooooo cute, cute, cuuuuuuuute! I can hardly get enough of him!

Boo is also VERY vocal... always *complainin'* about something. Tooooo funny!

Bentley (aka "Squeak" -- because he rarely meows -- I think we've heard TWO true "meows" out of him his whole life so far. Every now and then he'll kind-of *chirp!* or *squeak*-- but that's about it!) is a "blue lynx mitted" who will be a year old on December 1, 2010. Whereas Boo is just so darn ADORABLE you can hardly stand it, Squeak is simply a striking, magnificent-looking animal.

They BOTH weigh the same right now -- 12.5 pounds! Which is kinda funny, because anyone who knows Ragdolls knows that they continue to grow and mature till about age 3 or 4 years old, so Squeak will likely (far!) outweigh Boo one day, because Boo is likely fully grown. And for a reference, when Boo was Squeak's age (10 months), he weighed about 9 pounds. Yep, that Squeak -- he's gonna be a "BIGGUN"'!!! That's OK, though, just more to snuggle and love!

Their favorite activities? Rip-snorting through the house at warp speed, then crashing and burning for a 4 hour nap on the bed or our favorite chair!

They also love mutual grooming... watching the bird feeder out the window... eating, of course (hey, it's one of MY favorite pasttimes, too!!!)... and OH how they love to *PLAY*! Quail feathers, feather wands, Da Bird, and those little furry mice (that Squeak "kills" and eviscerates in about 15 minutes flat) are their current favorite toys.

And have I mentioned that Squeak actually FETCHES, and he has since he was a baby?! Yep, just like a puppy dog! Sooooooo stinkin' cute!

OH yeah, in case you can't tell, I am totally smitten with these guys. Spoiled little furballs, indeed!!!

P.S. In case you missed 'em, some of my other Raggie posts are here: BOO'S STORY, CAT FANCY ARTICLE, and BENTLEY'S STORY.

Thanks for looking!

Day # 30 ("Hopes, Dreams, Plans for Next 365 Days")

2010-09-30T08:00:00.016-04:00

Whoa, seems like a pretty heavy way to end a fun and fairly light-hearted 30-day blog challenge! (By the way, in case you have NO IDEA what I am talking about ["Blog challenge??! What blog challenge???!!!"] please go HERE for the whole scoop!)

And speaking of this blog challenge, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it; so please feel free to leave a comment or contact me through my profile, at right. I hope it has been as fun for you as it has been for me -- although I really do need to get back to my regularly scheduled life now!!!

But, back to the topic at hand. Hopes, dreams, plans, eh? Well, let's see how philosophic I am feeling.

HOPES? Well, I continue to hope for all the best for my children... I wish them nothing but bright futures and happiness. I hope for continued health and happiness for my mother, and the rest of my family.

DREAMS? Honestly?! I am really only dreaming of a 5-stone diamond right-hand ring (but if you've read HERE, you already know this!)

PLANS for the next 365 days? Hmmm...
1. Take up the carpet in our living room and refinish the lovely oak hardwood floor underneath. (Unless I chintz out and just re-carpet!!!)
2. Take a winter vacation (or two!) with my boy.
3. Finish the quilt for my guest room and hopefully start another.
4. Lose a few pesky pounds that have crept up on me. (*grooooan!*)
5. Continue to enjoy my simple, happy, everyday life with my husband and our two kitties.

So...I guess that's about it right now for all my "dreams, plans and hopes".

OH WAIT! Almost forgot -- world peace, of course! ;o)

Day # 29 ("A Person I Love")

2010-09-29T08:00:00.082-04:00

(Me and my boy, in an earlier photo!)

This post was hard AND easy.

"Hard" because I love so many people...how to chose?! I love my two children, my mother, my sisters, my niece, my nephews, my brothers-in-law, my great nephews... and so many dear and wonderful friends who feel like family.

But really, once I really thought about it, it got pretty easy -- and one familiar, smiling face kept coming to my mind... that of my husband, Barry.

We've been together (well) over 30 years now. We were high school sweethearts... got married (very!) young, had a baby right away and another 9 years later. We worked hard to build a home and a life together. We've had our ups and downs, it's true... and it hasn't all been easy. But through it all, our mutual love and commitment to each other has been like a glue that holds us tight.

My husband is wonderful -- easy-going, hard-working, quiet, and FUNNY. He can build or fix anything, and he is what I proudly refer to as a "Finisher". If he starts a project, he finishes the project... and it is done well, done right and done fast. (And yeah, baby, I *LOVE* THAT!)

He's also adorably handsome, and I truly am so thankful to have him be "mine". I have honestly never known anyone else I would rather share my life with.

Here are some pictures of my boy... "through the years"...

This is us... I was 15, he was 16!

Married now!

When I reflect on our lives together, I think that the greatest gifts he has ever given me have been his unfailing loyalty, and unconditional love. Really. I have never had to doubt his love or commitment to me or our family. He loves me no matter what, and I am 100% confident in this. Bad hair day? Bad mood day? Up a few pounds? Down a few pounds? Sick as a dog? Cranky as a crab? No make-up? No dinner? No matter. Really. He calls me "Peanut" and "Lovie", and he tells me every day that he loves me and that I'm "beautiful".

There's a song by Martina McBride called, "My Baby Loves Me Just the Way that I Am"... and I always think of him when I hear it. Every girl should be loved like this.

MY BABY LOVES ME JUST THE WAY THAT I AM
-- Martina McBride

Don't need no copy of Vogue magazine
Don't need to dress like no beauty queen
High heels or sneakers he don't give a damn
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

He never tells me I'm not good enough
Just gives me unconditional love
He loves me tender and he loves me mad
He loves me silly and he loves me sad

He thinks I'm pretty, he thinks I'm smart
He likes my nerve but he loves my heart
He's always sayin' he's my biggest fan
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

When there's dark clouds in my eyes
He just sits back and lets 'em roll on by
Come in like a lion, go out like a lamb
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

He thinks I'm pretty, he thinks I'm smart
He likes my nerve but he loves my heart
He's always sayin' he's my biggest fan
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

Hear it and watch the video here:

I love you back, baby. Forever. xoxoxo

Day # 28 ("A Place I Love")

2010-09-28T08:00:00.021-04:00

WHOA! This was a HARD ONE! I just didn't know how to answer it.

My husband, on the other hand, would have NO problem answering this question. His favorite place on the planet is definitely Cancun, Mexico. We have been there several times, and he LOVES it there. In fact, I think if I LET HIM, it might be the only place we ever vacation! But life is simpler for my husband ;o) as (admittedly) I tend to DWELL ON things, dissect, belabor and hash them over (and over and over...)

So, no, for ME, the answer didn't come so quickly because there are simply SO MANY places that I *LOVE*!

For example, I love...
Thailand -- where we had the adventure of a lifetime... (You can read about it HERE)

Alaska -- vast, pristine and just so much FUN!

Hawaii -- such beauty, perfect weather, the sea, the volcano, the waterfalls...

Japan -- an entirely different world and culture.

The Caribbean islands -- bright skies, clear blue waters, so relaxing... always the perfect "getaway"...

Costa Rica was a wonderful adventure, too, and somewhere we'd definitely like to return. (You can read about that HERE)

Plus we've had the opportunities to visit Belize... Roatan... Honduras... the Mexican Riviera... Cancun and Cozumel... Canada... and many of the states right here in our own beautiful country. We've been very blessed to have been able to experience many different, incredible places, cultures and people.

So how to choose ONE "place I love"? It almost seemed impossible.

Then I looked around... and realized... the answer is actually very simple: the place I love BEST in the world is the place we call HOME.

My home. With my bed and my kitchen and my favorite quilts! Home -- where we start and end each day... where we laugh and play and tease and talk... Saturday night bonfires in the back yard and Sunday dinners in the dining room. HOME is where my family and friends come, where my kitties are... where the simple miracle of everyday memories are made.

The fact of the matter is this: no matter how excited we are to travel... we are always very happy and appreciative to come back *home* again.

Day # 27 ("A Child I Love")

2010-09-27T08:00:00.026-04:00

As you may know, I don't have any grandbabies. I have several grand-kitties (whom I do adore!), but none of the human variety. In fact, do you think my dear daughter was trying to tell me something when she bought me the pillow, pictured above???!

BUT... there is one darling child on the planet who calls me "Grandma" and OH, I LOVE IT! His name is Eric, and he is 9 years old.

Eric is the son of our dear ("almost-son"), Jerod. We love spending time with BOTH of them (and Jerod's wife, Steph). They are our "family", too.

Here is Eric (at 2 years old) with his daddy. Are they NOT two peas in a pod????!

And here are a few recent pictures. Isn't he ADORABLE???!

Eric loves motorcycles, trucks, soccer, trampoline jumping, and those crazy little "silly bandz".

And I am proud and honored that he loves me, too... he gave me this note recently (for no apparent reason whatsoever).

Awwww, I love you, too, Squirt!!! xoxo

Day # 26 ("A Funny True Story")

2010-09-26T08:00:00.004-04:00

Well, if you have been following this blog at all, you have probably noticed that my hair style(s) tend to be a little... um, tousled-looking. At least that's what my hair stylist (bless her soul) nicely calls it. Some people might call it "messy", or "windblown", or whatever... but all I know is that I have never been a big fan of sleek, smooth, perfectly tailored hair - on me, anyway.

So my father had been gone for several years, and when my mom was 68, she remarried a really great guy named Bob. And Bob loved all of us, and our families, and the feeling truly was mutual.

Well, one day while we were all together shopping, Bob (who had a quirky sense of humor) said to me teasingly, "Did you forget to comb your hair this morning, Lynn?"

Well, my dear well-meaning mother (protective Mama Bear that she still is) didn't miss that remark and she immediately jumped to my defense, saying, "BOB!!! I happen to know for A FACT that Lynn spends A LOT OF TIME trying to make her hair look like she just got out of bed!!!"

LOL! Way to go, Mom! ;o)

Mom and Bob:

Day # 25 ("A Favorite Photo")

2010-09-25T08:00:00.017-04:00

I have always loved this photo of my daughter, Kendra (but we have always called her "Bunny" or "Bun") with her "two boys" (her brother, Josh and her daddy). It has always been preeeeetty easy for Little Miss Princess to wrap them BOTH around her little finger!

Josh is 9 years older than she is, so in a lot of ways it was almost like she had 2 daddies growing up. Her brother could be very protective of her, and sometimes would even question OUR decisions as the parents. As in, "Are you sure it's OK if she stays the night at so-and-so's house??? I don't know them that well!" Or, "I dunno, I think 9 pm is a little late for her bedtime!" As she got older, he always had an opinion on her friends, curfews, activities, etc. And any poor boy that ever liked her had to run the gauntlet with BOTH her brother and her daddy! It's a wonder she ever got married!!!

Day # 24 (A Travel Story)

2010-09-24T08:00:00.269-04:00

Traveling with 5 good friends, we vacationed a few years ago in Thailand.

Most of our vacation was spent in 4-star hotels and resorts, but several days were planned to be spent trekking ("backpack-on-your-back" style) in the mountains of northern Thailand, eating and sleeping with the native villagers. It truly was a WONDERFUL, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience first hand how these remote, friendly, humble people live and work and play.

Buuuuuut, my friend Leah and I had never done anything like the this trekking before, and were a little nervous about "what to pack"?! We knew we needed clothes for three days (for uncertain and potentially very changeable weather conditions), changes of shoes, as well as hats, sunscreens, insect repellants, first aid kits, cameras, the usual other "necessities" and toiletries, and a few small gifts and toys for our hosts and the village children. Ever optimistic (hahaHA!) I also actually even packed a little make-up: a sample size mascara, 2 lip-glosses, and a few other very small products. My thinking was, "Just because I am in a Thai jungle doesn't mean I can't at least make an attempt to look my best!" (-- yes, yes, you can start laughing now!)

So, with (heavy, bulging) backpacks packed, we were on our way. Then our guide asked us if we had packed towels. As in bathing/swimming towels. Big eyes and shaking heads all around, none of us had thought to bring towels. "OK, then, " he said, "we'll have to stop at the market and buy them there."

Well, have you ever seen a Thai market? It's not a Target, that's for sure. And the Thai version of a towel? They are small... like the size of a small hand-towels (really!) and paper THIN -- and I don't know WHAT they are made of, but they felt like they would repel more water than they would absorb. But whatever - the guide said we needed them, so we all got them. It was a little chaotic at the market, but finally we were officially on our way.

In case you are wondering about this trek... it truly was an amazing experience. One day we rode elephants, and one afternoon we floated down the river in bamboo rafts that we made ourselves that morning. But I am also here to tell you that the trekking itself was no casual, leisurely, nature stroll -- it was an intense HIKE, up and down the mountains and across various uneven terrains, through creeks and streams, and all under the blazing Thai sun. Even though I was in fairly good shape, it was grueling!

The blasted backpack quickly became the BANE of my existence. I. HATED. IT. It was soooooo heavy. Believe me, it wasn't long before I was digging through it to see what I could throw out to lighten my load. (YES, the mascara, lip-glosses and make-up were the first to go!)

Leah was struggling under the weight of her backpack, too, and we were both cursing them with every step. (In their defenses, our husbands did carry our backpacks for us a fair amount of the time, but not ALL THE TIME!!!) But finally we got through that first day of trekking, and arrived at our destination, excited and happy to be sharing this experience with such good friends.

Later, as we were getting settled into our night's accommodations (a Thai family's VERY rural village home), we sat down, rooting through our backpacks for our sleeping clothes. Leah pulled out her new "towel", and then, perplexed, proceeded to pull out a second one. "What's THIS???" she shrilled. I looked over and said, "Oh... that's my towel. How did you get it?" (Obviously in the chaos of the marketplace that morning, somehow my "towel" ended up in her backpack.) Anyway, with nerves frayed from sheer exhaustion, my normally low-key, usually-quite-amiable friend went nearly ballistic. "I HAVE YOUR TOWEL???" she shrieked, "YOU MEAN I HAVE BEEN CARRYING. YOUR. TOWEL. ALL. DAY????!!!!!"

Honestly, I had no idea until that moment that it hadn't been in my own backpack all day, and I had nothing to say in my feeble defense except a very sincere (albeit unaccepted!) apology.

Yes, I swear it's all true... a close and dear friendship for well over 10 years, and it all almost all came to a screeching halt that evening in northern Thailand over something the size (and weight!) of a WASH CLOTH!

But, just so you know, by the bright light of early morning, we were fine again, and we thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our vacation together. In fact, we traveled together again last year to Costa Rica. Another great vacation; and you can read about it HERE.

OH, before I close... here are a few more pictures from Thailand:

Leah and me, enjoying a snack from a street vendor.

THIS is a Thai market. As you can see, nothing like Target! ;o)

Another market, the famous Floating Market. Amazing!

Elephant riding!

Back on Terra Firma -- YAY!

Rafting down the river...

And here are a few more (random) photos of our Thailand vacation. And although it is ONE HECKUVA LONG plane ride (we just about had to knock my husband OUT!) -- it is soooo worth it. The scenery is breathtaking, the people are friendly and beautiful, the architecture AMAZING, and the food -- well, the food is simply To. Die. For.

We definitely hope to go back again one day.

Day # 23 (A Favorite Video)

2010-09-23T08:00:00.003-04:00

If you are a loyal "Life with Lynn" reader ;o) , then you have already seen this. I posted this first back in October of last year. But I HAAAAAAD to post it again here during this Blog Challenge for "Favorite Video" because I think it is one of the FUNNIEST things I have ever seen. Yes, EVER!!!

The first time I watched it, I laughed till I cried. And every time I have watched it since, I still laugh till my sides hurt.

It should be called, "Girlfriend Kitty Finds Out Boyfriend Kitty Has Cheated and She Ain't Happy!"

(Make sure your sound is turned up!)

Day # 22 (A Favorite Joke)

2010-09-22T08:00:00.011-04:00

I have loved this silly joke since I was a little kid. In fact, I think it's one of the earliest jokes I can remember telling. And years later, wouldn't you know I'd marry a golfer???!

ENJOY!

Fred and George were avid golfers, never missing a chance to play.
One Sunday evening, Fred got home much later than usual, and was very cranky and tired.
"Bad day at the course?" his wife asked.
"Yes, it was a terrible day." Fred replied. "First of all, when I went out to start the car this morning, the battery was dead, and I had to wait and wait for AAA to come and jump it. Then there was a big traffic jam on the freeway and I had to wait and wait just to get through town. Then I got to George's house and George wasn't ready, so I had to wait and wait for George to get ready. We finally got to the golf course and had to wait and wait just to tee off. THEN on the 3rd hole, George died of a heart attack. And BOY was it rough from then on. It was hit the ball, drag George, hit the ball, drag George..."

*******************************************
HEY! My CAT thought it was funny!

*******************************************
(cartoon credit: here)

Day # 21 (A Favorite Recipe)

2010-09-21T08:00:00.015-04:00

This was a hard one. I love to cook and have SO MANY favorite recipes. So how to choose? A new favorite, or an old faithful "stand-by"? A seasonal recipe, or a year-round one? Sweet? Or savory? Light? Or indulgent? See, there I go again ... OVERANALYZING! (It's a curse, I tell you!!!)

So I went through my files and decided to pull out a few recipes that (in both my opinion and my husband's) are true "10's". That's as high as it gets around here, folks! To earn a "10", a recipe has to not only be delicious, but also something a bit "different" from the *usual*, and a definite repeater.

So, in no particular order... here goes:

CALIFORNIA CRAB WRAPS
Refrigerated crabmeat from the seafood department is best, but canned crabmeat is a budget-friendly way to enjoy this meal any night of the week. We LOVE this recipe either way!

1 1/2 cups diced plum tomato (about 3 tomatoes)
1/2 cup prechopped red onion
1/2 cup diced avocado (about 1/2 avocado)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups canned lump crabmeat (such as Chicken of the Sea)
1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 (10-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas (I use multigrain tortillas)
4 romaine lettuce leaves, trimmed

Combine first 7 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
Combine crabmeat, cream cheese, and cilantro in a small bowl (I also add chopped green onions); spread evenly down center of each tortilla. Place 1 lettuce leaf over crabmeat mixture. Spoon tomato mixture evenly over lettuce, and roll up.
~ Cooking Light

SLOW COOKER BUFFALO CHICKEN CHILI
I am always looking for (different and unusual) chili recipes. (Hey, we have LOOONG cold winters here in PA!) Fans of buffalo chicken wings will LOVE this spicy, slow-cooked soup. Top individual servings with crumbled blue cheese to complete the flavor. (Freshly baked cornbread makes a nice side dish!)

INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (I used chicken breast)
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 medium stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (from 12-oz jar) (I use more)
Crumbled blue cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, mix all ingredients except buffalo wing sauce and cheese.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.
Stir in buffalo wing sauce. Serve sprinkled with blue cheese. YUM!!!
~ Pillsbury.com

(PS: I did not use a slow cooker; I used my dutch oven on top of the stove and simply cooked the chiliit'sit until the chicken was done and the flavors combined. And oh, by the way -- it's even better second day!)

SLICED MANGOES WITH CRYSTALLIZED GINGER
This is a delightfully fresh and delicious dessert; a great way to enjoy mangoes (my favorite fruit, BTW!)

To dress up the serving platter, garnish with a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries.
Ingredients:
4 cups sliced peeled (ripe) mango (about 3 pounds)
2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey

Place all ingredients in a large bowl, and toss gently to combine. Cover and chill 1 hour.
~ Cooking Light

BAJA FISH TACOS
There are a LOT of fish taco recipes out there, and I've tried 'em all! This one keeps rising to the top!

Ingredients:
3/4 pound mahi mahi or other firm white fish fillets
2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
2 cups presliced green cabbage (about 6 ounces)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 1/2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 avocado, pitted and diced
Bottled salsa
Lime wedges

1. Lightly spray grill rack with nonstick cooking spray, and preheat grill.
2. Sprinkle both sides of fish with fajita seasoning, gently pressing into flesh. Grill fish 3-4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Flake into pieces with a fork; keep warm.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cabbage, lime juice, salt, and cilantro.
4. Wrap the tortillas in paper towels, and microwave 1 minute on HIGH or until they're warm.
5. Place taco ingredients on the table for assembly. Spread each tortilla with 1 teaspoon of sour cream mixed with chipotle and top with fish, cabbage mixture, and avocado. Serve with salsa and lime wedges on the side
~ Health magazine

COCONUT-PEACH COBBLER WITH BOURBON PECAN ICE CREAM
*OH. MY. GOODNESS.*
Three desserts in one, this combines a cookie-style crust, sweet peach filling, and ice cream for one delicious dish. We love it because you can make all the components ahead and assemble at the last minute. And what a fun idea to jazz up store-bought ice cream!

Ice cream:
4 cups good quality store bought vanilla ice cream, softened
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted (I used more pecans)
1/4 cup bourbon (I used more bourbon!) ;o)

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut, toasted
6 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup evaporated fat-free milk
2 large egg yolks

Filling:
11 cups sliced peeled peaches (about 4 pounds)
1 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Preparation:
To prepare ice cream, combine vanilla ice cream, chopped pecans, and bourbon in a bowl; cover and freeze mixture for at least 3 hours.

To prepare crust, lightly spoon 2 cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor; pulse 2 times or until blended. Add coconut and butter; pulse 10 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine milk and egg yolks. Remove 1 tablespoon milk mixture; set aside. With processor on, slowly pour remaining milk mixture through food chute; pulse 5 times or just until blended. Gently press mixture into a 6-inch square on heavy-duty plastic wrap; cover with additional plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll dough, still covered, into a 14 x 10-inch rectangle.

Preheat oven to 350°. To prepare filling, combine sliced peeled peaches, brown sugar, 6 tablespoons flour, nutmeg, and dash of salt in a large bowl; spoon into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Remove one sheet of plastic wrap from dough; place dough on peach mixture, pressing to edge of dish. Remove the remaining sheet of plastic wrap; brush dough with reserved milk mixture. Cut 6 (2-inch) slits in dough, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until golden. Let stand 30 minutes on a wire rack. Serve with bourbon-pecan ice cream.
~ Cooking Light

FALL PEAR GALETTE
For a fitting end to a hearty autumn meal, serve this free-form tart featuring pears, cheddar, and caramel. You can make the galette a day ahead, but drizzle the caramel over it just an hour or 2 before you serve it. And don't skip the cheddar cheese -- it MAKES this recipe!

Galette:
1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded aged sharp Cheddar cheese
5 ripe Bartlett or D'Anjou pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Caramel:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
(Or just use prepared caramel ice-cream topping -- still delish!)

Preheat oven to 400°. To prepare galette, line a jelly roll pan with foil, and coat foil with cooking spray. Roll dough into an 11-inch circle; place on baking sheet. Sprinkle crust with cheese, leaving a 1-inch border.

Combine pears, juice, and nutmeg in a large bowl; toss well. Add brown sugar and flour; toss gently. Arrange fruit on dough leaving a 2-inch border. (Pears will be piled high on dough.) Fold edges of dough toward center, pressing gently to seal (dough will only partially cover pears). Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until crust is lightly browned (filling may leak slightly during cooking). Cool galette on a wire rack.

To prepare caramel, heat granulated sugar in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring as needed to dissolve sugar evenly (about 4 minutes). Cook 1 minute or until golden. Remove from heat. Drizzle over galette.
~ Cooking Light

CHOCOLATE DECADENCE
The simplicity of this dessert belies its sumptuousness. It uses ingredients you're likely to have on hand. The easy procedure requires no mixer. If you don't have 2-ounce ramekins, you can make the dessert in a regular-sized muffin pan. I LOVE this... ooey, gooey and oh-so-chocolatey!!! YUM!

Ingredients
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg white (I just use 1 whole egg)
8 teaspoons semisweet chocolate chips (Um, I MIGHT use more chocolate... !)
1 tsp instant coffee granules

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly coat 4 (2-ounce) ramekins with cooking spray, and sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon sugar into each of the ramekins, shaking and turning to coat. Set prepared ramekins aside.

Combine 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, milk, and cocoa in a small saucepan, stirring well with a whisk. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook 30 seconds or until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add the butter and 1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate and coffee. Stir until the chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Cool chocolate mixture 10 minutes.

Add flour, vanilla, salt, and egg white to chocolate mixture, stirring with a whisk just until blended. Spoon 2 tablespoons chocolate mixture into each prepared ramekin, and top each with 2 teaspoons chocolate chips. Divide the remaining chocolate mixture evenly among ramekins, spreading to cover the chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until barely set. Cool for 5-10 minutes. Invert onto dessert plates. Serve warm.
(OH. MY. WORD. To die for!!!! )

BLACK BEAN AND FRESH CHEESE ENCHILADAS WITH WARM TOMATILLO SALSA
This is a wonderfully "different" enchilada recipe. We serve with ALL the garnishes... they really make the meal!

1 (15 ounce) can low-fat or fat-free refried black beans or pinto beans
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
3/4 cup sliced scallions
2 teaspoons each ground coriander and cumin
1 3/4 cups prepared tomatillo salsa, divided
8 (6 inch) flour tortillas (I use corn tortillas)
1 cup crumbled queso anejo or farmer cheese
Chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, diced ripe avocado, sliced romaine lettuce, pickled jalapeno, sliced green onions, light sour cream -- for garnishes (optional and to taste)

Preheat broiler. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine beans, tomato, scallions, coriander, cumin and 1/2 cup salsa. Microwave until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon 1/4 cup salsa into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Spoon about 1/3 cup hot bean mixture down the center of each tortilla; roll up and place seam side down in prepared pan. Spread the remaining 1 cup salsa evenly over the enchiladas; top with cheese. Broil 5 to 6 inches from the heat until heated through and the cheese melts, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to warmed plates; garnish as desired.
~ Eating Well Magazine

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN MUFFINS
Glistening like sticky buns, these unusual muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients--vegetables, fruit and whole grains--so you can feel good about serving them to your family. If you prefer to make simple carrot muffins for lunchboxes or breakfasts-on-the-go, omit the topping; sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped nuts over the muffins before baking, if desired.

Topping:
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, or pecans (optional)
1 10-ounce can pineapple slices
Muffins:
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons pineapple juice, or orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, (not drained)
1 cup grated carrot, (1 large)
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup raisins, chopped
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, or pecans (optional)

Preparation:
1.Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
2.To prepare topping: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar into each muffin cup. Sprinkle nuts, if using, over the sugar. Stack pineapple slices and cut into 6 wedges. Place 2 wedges in each muffin cup.
3.To prepare muffins: Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.
4.Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Whisk in oil, juice and vanilla. Stir in crushed pineapple. Make a well in the dry ingredients; add the wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined. Stir in carrot, oats, raisins and nuts, if using. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups (they'll be quite full).
5.Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch, 15 to 25 minutes. Immediately loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a baking sheet. Restore any stray pineapple pieces and nuts. Let cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve upside-down, either warm or at room temperature.

~ Eating Well Magazine

PAIN PERDUE - "LOST BREAD" (aka FRENCH TOAST)
My daughter and I LOVE this!
These next 3 recipes would make an excellent "breakfast-in-bed" for someone you love!!!

Ingredients
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in a splash of water
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 - 1 tsp. cinnamon
8 slices stale white bread or 6 slices thick cut stale bread (we love crusty round sourdough loaves for this)
Butter, for griddle pan
Warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and/or fresh berries for topping

(Serve with Three Berry Compote -- recipe follows)

Preheat nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Beat eggs very well, add sugar and beat again. Add cornstarch in water and beat that in, then add milk and nutmeg. Coat bread thoroughly in egg-milk mixture. Lightly butter hot pan with butter nested in paper towels. Add bread to the pan and cook slowly, 3 or 4 minutes on each side, 2 to 3 slices at a time. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or Three Berry Compote

THREE BERRY COMPOTE:
(NOTE: I have used frozen berries and had excellent results!)
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup water
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

Combine sugar, lemon and water in a small sauce pot. Over moderate heat, dissolve sugar into water. Stir in fruit, coating it in sugar water and bring the fruit and water to a bubble. Reduce heat and simmer 7 or 8 minutes. Remove fruit with a slotted spoon to a serving dish and add maple syrup or honey to the pan. Thicken syrup 5 minutes and pour over fruit. Serve with French toast, pancakes or waffles.

VERY GOOD SERVED WITH:
MAPLE FENNEL COUNTRY SAUSAGE PATTIES

1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Combine salt and pepper, fennel in the bottom of a bowl. Add pork and mix to combine spices. Pour 2 tablespoons maple syrup over the pork and work the meat again to combine the maple syrup. Form meat into patties, 2 to 3 inches round. Cook patties in 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat 4 or 5 minutes on each side. Drain sausage patties on towel lined plate, then serve.
~ Rachael Ray, Food Network.com

BAKED OATMEAL
Try baked oatmeal for a unexpected morning treat. It's a mix between an oatmeal bar and traditional creamy breakfast oatmeal. Mmmmmmm!

Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats (I like mine more rustic and hearty - I use "old fashioned" oats instead)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup raisins (craisins are delicious, too!)
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (I use more than that, I LOVE walnuts!)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tsp. cinnnamon
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine the milk, applesauce, butter, and egg. Add milk mixture to oat mixture; stir well. Pour oat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Serve warm.
~ Cooking Light

SPICY THAI SHRIMP SOUP
A recipe originally shared with me by one of my dearest friends, Leah. One of my husband's favorite foods on the planet. EVER!

1 tablespoon peanut oil
2 tablespoonsful peeled, minced fresh ginger (I use more than that, we love ginger!)
1 teaspoon (or less) crushed red pepper
6 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoonful fresh lime zest
1 cup long-grain rice
3/4 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 large mushrooms, quartered
14 oz can coconut milk ("light" OK)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoonsful fresh lime juice
4 green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Heat oil in heavy pan over medium heat. Add ginger and red pepper flakes and saute until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add stock and lime zest. Bring to a boil. Stir in rice and onion, reduce heat. Cover and simmer until rice is very tender, about 20 minutes. Add shrimp, mushrooms, coconut milk and cook until shrimp are opaque, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice. Garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Thanks, Leah!!! (xoxo!)

WHITE RUSSIAN TIRAMISU
This is a very popular dessert in our family. We LOVE it, and (although it doesn't LOOK like it was) it is so easy. We get frequent requests for this, and we are always happy to oblige!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brewed strong coffee
1/4 cup Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur), divided
1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) mascarpone cheese
1 (8-ounce) block fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
24 ladyfingers (2 [3-ounce] packages) *** See note, below
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa, divided

Combine the brewed coffee and 2 tablespoons Kahlúa in a shallow dish, and cool.
Combine cheeses in a large bowl. Beat at high speed of a mixer until smooth. Add sugars and 2 tablespoons Kahlua, and beat until well-blended.
Split ladyfingers in half lengthwise.
Quickly dip 24 ladyfinger halves, flat sides down, into coffee mixture; place, dipped sides down, in the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish, slightly overlapping ladyfinger halves. Spread half of cheese mixture over ladyfingers; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon cocoa. Repeat procedure with remaining ladyfinger halves, coffee mixture, cheese mixture, and 1 teaspoon cocoa.
Place 1 toothpick in each corner and 1 in the center of tiramisu (to prevent plastic wrap from sticking to cheese mixture); cover with plastic wrap. Chill 2 hours.
~ Cooking Light
*** NOTE: Sliced angel food cake or slices of pound cake can substitute nicely for the lady fingers if you can't find them!

BLACKBERRY-LEMON PUDDING CAKE
OH.MY.LORD.
I just LOVE this. IMHO, a perfect dessert. (In fact, I could eat the whole 8" x 8" pan of this myself. I am NOT kidding you!!!)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 large egg yolks
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups blackberries
3/4 teaspoon powdered sugar

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl; add the buttermilk, lemon rind, lemon juice, butter, and egg yolks, stirring with a whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg white mixture into the buttermilk mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture. Fold in blackberries.

Pour the batter into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Place in a larger baking pan; add hot water to larger pan to depth of 1 inch. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Sprinkle cake with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

SMOKED SALMON PIZZA WITH MASCARPONE AND CAPERS
An unusual pizza, and one that is truly divine!

NOTE: Turn this into an easy weeknight dinner by using your favorite premade pizza shell! Hey, I won't tell! ;o)

3 cups bread flour
1 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons bread-machine yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sliced green onions (about 2 bunches)
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
6 tablespoons (about 3 ounces) mascarpone cheese
6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
1 tablespoon capers
6 lemon wedges

Preparation: Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Follow manufacturer's instructions for placing flour and the next 4 ingredients (flour through salt) into bread pan, and select dough cycle; start bread machine.

Remove dough from machine (do not bake). Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for 30 seconds. Cover dough; let rest 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425°.

Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 9-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper, and place dough rounds on pans. Lightly coat top of dough with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 15 minutes or until puffy.

Divide the onions and pepper evenly among dough rounds. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes. Remove from oven; drop 3 teaspoonfuls of cheese onto each round. Arrange 1 ounce smoked salmon on top of each pizza, and divide capers evenly among pizzas.

Bake the pizzas an additional 8 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve pizzas with lemon wedges.

CHOCOLATE CHIP DUTCH BABY
This is such a fun recipe... a cross between a souffle and a pancake. A preheated cast-iron skillet enables the batter to start cooking immediately and causes it to puff.
Cook the bananas while the Dutch baby is in the oven, so they'll be done at the same time.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (as usual, I use more!)
3 large firm bananas, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup coffee-flavored liqueur (Kahlúa)
Whipped cream
Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°.
Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in a 450° oven for 15 minutes. Combine first 5 ingredients, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in preheated pan until browned, swirling to evenly coat pan. Add batter; sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes or until puffed and browned.

Cut banana halves in half crosswise. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bananas; cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Add liqueur; simmer 1 minute. Serve with Dutch baby; top with whipped cream.
~ Cooking Light

BUFFALO CHICKEN MACARONI AND CHEESE
And here's my last recipe for this post. This is a recipe that my daughter made for a family dinner recently, and it was a HUUUUGE hit. Everyone LOVED it. It is soooo yummy... comfort food at its finest! This recipe makes a ton, so invite your friends or family over to share it with you... and bon appetit!!!

Ingredients:
7 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided x 3), plus more for the dish
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni (I used whole wheat elbows)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 garlic cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup hot sauce (preferably Frank's) -- I used LOTS more! We LOVE Frank!!! ;-)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard (regular Dijon works fine, too!)
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound yellow sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add 1/2 cup hot sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 more minute.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mustard with a wooden spoon until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, then add the remaining 1/4 cup hot sauce and stir until thick, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth.

Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish, then top with the chicken mixture and the remaining macaroni. Pour the cheese sauce evenly on top.
Put the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Stir in the panko, blue cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
~ Food Network.com

I'm telling you, this is 100 ways of wonderful. It's also quite indulgent... but as you can see, MOST of the recipes posted here were quite healthful as I do most of my cooking from Cooking Light and Eating Well magazines. But there are some things just "worth the splurge"... and trust me, this mac 'n' cheese is one of them!

************************

So there you go... I hope you have enjoyed this small glimpse into our kitchen and some of our favorite meals. Perhaps you have even been inspired to try something new, which would simply tickle me pink!

If you do try one (or more!) of the recipes posted here, please think of me while you are enjoying it. And OH, I'd love to hear from you!

Day # 20 (A Hobby of Mine)

2010-09-20T08:00:00.007-04:00

A hobby of mine? This was another HARD one. I have LOTS of interests! My problem is not lack of hobbies, my problem is lack of TIME to pursue them!

I love to do so many things! Honestly, I simply do NOT understand "boredom". How can anyone ever be bored in this wonderful world full of so many interesting and fun things to learn and do???!

OK... so before I get off on a tangent about that, back to the post at hand!
My main passion is probably quilt-making. And if you click here, you can see my earlier blog post about my quilts.

I love making quilts because:

(# 1) I love quilts. I just DO. I always have. I love wrapping up in them, I love sleeping under them, I love the look and the feel of quilts and ...

(# 2) Quilting uses fabric and I am a fabric junkie. I have what we quilter's affectionately refer to as "a stash". A very big stash. This means yards and yards of fabric, in a rainbow of colors and myriads of patterns... just waiting to be used. I love looking at, touching, and buying beautiful fabric. To me, quilting is like painting with fabric.

Here are a few quilts I have made that are not pictured in the other post:

This next quilt is one of my favorites... I made it for my nephew, Alex. I told him there was love in every stitch, and there was!

I am working on a new one right now, for our queen size guest bed.
Bentley likes sleeping on the pieces!

Yes, I'll definitely have to de-furr it before I can sew it together... but that's OK!

OK, so time to move on to Hobby #2. I also love (decorative) painting... and here are some things I have painted:

I like to paint fruit. This is a wooden top to a neat tin-punch basket:

More fruit. What you can't really see in the photo is the light metallic "shimmer" on the fruit. That was a fun technique.

An old shoe shine kit, cleaned up and "fancified"!

I also LOVE folk art. This was a fun project. It's actually just a cardboard box; I painted and faux-finished the bottom of the box to look like aged leather.

Another fun project. "Apple Orchard" on a wooden Bentwood box..

I'll paint on anything... even old crocks!

Painting little cottages is fun... and I went through a "birdhouse" phase! ;o)

A couple of stools I painted:

The top:

The top of the second stool:

This sign is pretty long, almost 3 feet.

Another sign I made. (My life's motto in 3 words!)

One of my favorite pieces... a sailboat with a painted canvas sail and flag. I also faux-finished the bottom of the boat (it was just a plain block of wood.)

Crackled herbs and seeds sign, hanging in our guest bedroom:

Another favorite. Looks like it's painted on old vintage wormwood, right? Wrong! Just a well-distressed and "antiqued" new piece of pine! ;o)

A yellow rose. I am actually pretty proud of the "water droplets" -- I think they look nicely realistic.

Well, I could go on and on showing you stuff I have painted.... but I think you get the idea, right?!

I also like to make jewelry... fun, beaded costume jewelry. I have a huge collection of beads in all shapes and sizes. (I like to collect beads, too!) Some earrings I have made: (I love dangly, french hook earrings... always have!)

My favorite bracelets to make are simple stretchy bracelets made with beads and silver accents. I wear three of these bracelets together A LOT. Soooooo cute - and match almost everything!

I also like to "stamp" and scrapbook. I have boxes of rubber stamps and inks and other supplies. I make cards and memory books. I can also use scraps of fabrics and beads in some of my projects. As you can see, all of my hobbies have started overlapping!!!

Some cards (with matching envelopes) I have made:
Cards are fun, QUICK 'N' EASY projects! And so much fun to send.
(The card at the very top of this post is another one I made.)

Here's a sampling of some scrapbooking I have done.
One for Boo... (Yes, my cat has a scrapbook. Oh, quit laughing, it's not THAT funny!!!!) ;o)

A few pages from it:

A vacation scrapbook I made from a cruise my husband and I were on a couple of years ago:

A few pages from it:

I like to cross-stitch, although I haven't done a project in years. I've done some pretty cute ones, though.
Here's one that hangs in our downstairs guest bedroom:

I have also done stained glass, ceramics and pottery, VERY fun.

I love home decorating, and scouring flea markets and garage sales for fun finds that I can repair, strip and refinish, or re-paint, or otherwise make functional and beautiful.

Here's a darling small dresser that I found at a flea market for $2.00. A couple of coats of red paint, and some stenciled stars, then an all-over *distressing* , and voila' !

I like to cross-country ski.

I like to roller blade. (Sorry, no pictures of that!!!)

I like to travel. (Is that a "hobby"?) (There will more info on that in a future post... so please stay tuned!)

I also like to read. Mostly murder mysteries and whodunnits, but I'll read almost anything.

Sooo--- as you can see, there is NO shortage of things I love to do. I just need more time to be able to them!

Life with Lynn

AMAZING GRACE

My Cheap Thrill!

LOL!

Update on our darling Boo!

Coming soon - Kindle Fire! (Hot, hot, hot!)

My Secret Love Affair with Mr. APPS

*Hello?!*

Kindle me, baby!

Bentley (aka "Squeak") Update

Posole con Tequila

LOL!

Table-Topper Quilt; Step-by-Step

Holy Vastness, Batman! TRAVEL: the Grand Canyon!

Boo - one ADORABLE Raggie!

Bentley - one CRAZY RAGGIE!

Back Home After Cruise Vacation (or, Time Sure Flies When You're Having Rum!)

Restaurant.com, gift-certificates, flyer miles and (MORE) shoes!

HILARIOUS!

LOL!

Shoes *SO* cute!

Welcome, winter!

Hear ye, hear ye! Semi-annual All-Clad factory sale Dec 3 & 4.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND SQUASH SOUP (Best. Soup. Ever!!!)

CAJUN SHRIMP CASSEROLE (*Yum!*)

LOL!

PITTSBURGH - #1 Best Place to Move (WooHoo!)

Talented Young Artist...

My (Handmade) Dog 'n' Cat Quilt !

Mechanical Bull Ride?! *AS IF* !

Boo and Bentley -- Update on "My Boys"!

Day # 30 ("Hopes, Dreams, Plans for Next 365 Days")

Day # 29 ("A Person I Love")

Day # 28 ("A Place I Love")

Day # 27 ("A Child I Love")

Day # 26 ("A Funny True Story")

Day # 25 ("A Favorite Photo")

Day # 24 (A Travel Story)

Day # 23 (A Favorite Video)

Day # 22 (A Favorite Joke)

Day # 21 (A Favorite Recipe)

Day # 20 (A Hobby of Mine)

Hello?!

Shoes SO cute!

CAJUN SHRIMP CASSEROLE (Yum!)

Mechanical Bull Ride?! AS IF !