pink

Today is a pink kind of day.  After rearranging Stevie's room the sun is dancing everywhere with joy.  The energies feel pink!  Darcy and I conquered a Pilates workout together and we amazed ourselves (after grunting, groaning and giggles.) To celebrate, I made a pink cake.  I combined white and strawberry cake mix, strawberry frosting with coconut and...you guessed it...pink sprinkles!  

I spent some quiet time browsing through my Burpee catalog and bunny-tailed a bunch of unique flowers for spring.  Perhaps if I send the warm vibrations to the universe, this nasty winter will leave us.  Wishful thinking.

Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday and while not very interested in this game, we will order pizza and watch it for the hype and commercials.  GLEE is on afterwards - yippee! 

May your days be filled with sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everywhere.

think pink   xo

elephants and pea soup

Steve resumed his artistic skills and made these cute paintings the other night.  Look what happens when you put them together ~ it becomes an elephant!

I promised our realtor, John, that I would make his favorite soup.  He sold the house on Sawyer in less than 90 days, so kudos to him.  We are all so relieved to pass this dwelling on to someone else, especially one who really wants it.  The dog days are over!

Pea Soup

I bag peas

1 smoked ham butt

10 gold potatoes

1 bag of carrots

5 celery stalks

3 onions

6 bay leaves

2 sprigs rosemary

garlic

cayenne, paprika, sea salt, pepper

Rinse and drain peas, then boil for 30 minutes in 8 cups water.  Chop veggies and ham. You can use a ham bone, but my grocer did not have any, so I just used the meat.  Pour peas and liquid in a crock pot.  Saute all veggies in butter and oil.  Add to crock pot with spices and herbs.  Cook in crock at least 4 hours, then puree if you like it that way.  Add ham and cook another hour.  Prepare croutons if you like.

Croutons

Cut various breads into cubes.  Saute in oil, butter and garlic.  Season with a dash more of garlic salt, flipping so as to get all the bread covered.  You can bake in the oven, but it's really not necessary.  Add to pea soup. Indulge.

As an aside, I made another cheese ball and my Danny asked me "what are those brains doing in the fridge?"  He has a vivid imagination.  Hmmmm.

Try to stay bundled up on these frigid days.  Spring will be here before you know it.  That's the beauty about the seasons, they always change. 

Please keep our Uncle Bill and family in your prayers.  Thanks. xo



what's up doc?

Today is the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.  People born in the year of the rabbit are articulate, talented and ambitious.  They are virtuous, reserved and have excellent taste.  Rabbit people are admired, trusted and are often financially lucky.  They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind.  Rabbit people seldom lose their temper.  They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract.  They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing; however, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise.  Rabbits tend to create a peaceful and comfortable environment on a hunch.  This character trait makes them very hospitable and attentive people who take care of those around.  The average rabbit person emphasizes the importance of small details; they pay attention to everything from color, design and furniture to food and conversation.  When they truly believe in something, they are serious, perseverant and capable.  Calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke rabbit people.  They are sentimental and compassionate.  And they cry easily, too.  They can be moved by personal problems you share with them.  People born in this year can be great partners in relationships.  Romantic, sweet and faithful, they never lack of suitors.  They need trust, security and tenderness in a relationship.  Sometimes it takes time for a rabbit person to find a partner, a real soulmate, but when they find that person, their attachment is boundless.  They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig and the Dog.  They are balanced in outlook and cautious in approach, and like to be informed of all the facts before making a judgment.  Rabbits tend to be conservative, but gifted with a positive yet practical outlook that few can fault.  They have a talent to avoid trouble and identify opportunity.  The rabbit can be sensitive, tactful, home-loving, refined, prudent, discreet, long-living, ambitious, cultured, well-mannered, artistic, considerate, scholarly, suave, graciously hospitable, modest and virtuous.

1915 ~ 1927 ~ 1939 ~ 1951 ~ 1963 ~ 1975 ~ 1987 ~ 1999 ~ 2011

My grandbaby will be a rabbit.  The days leading up to embracing our miracle of life are fast approaching.  Baby is making itself known to us by protruding from Mama's belly and kicking up a storm.  I fondly remember this as the very best part of being pregnant.  The second trimester is wonderful.  I found some cute quotes pertaining to things that change when you have a baby that are worth sharing.

you finally stop to smell the roses because your baby is in your arms

you respect your parents and love them in a new way

you believe once again in the things you believed in as a child

you find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own

you lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago

your heart breaks more easily

every day is a surprise

bodily functions are no longer repulsive; in fact, they please you (hurray for poop!)

you look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself

you become a morning person

your love becomes limitless; a superhuman power

you finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth

you now know where the sun comes from

you'd rather buy a tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have

you realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers

silence?  what's that?

you discover an inner strength you never thought you had

you no longer rely on a clock ~ your baby now sets your schedule

you give parents with a screaming child an "I-know-the-feeling" look instead of "can't-they-shut-him-up?"one

you take time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late

you learn that taking a shower is a luxury

you find yourself wanting to make this world a better place

if you didn't believe in love at first sight, now you do

you start to appreciate Sesame Street for its intellectual contribution

you have to quit watching the news because you see every story from a mother's perspective and it breaks your heart

you just plain love life more ~ everything comes together and becomes better because of one tiny person and your love for them

the support you get from other people surprises you because the people giving it are not always the ones you'd expect

nothing is just yours any longer ~ you share EVERYTHING!

no matter what you've accomplished in life, you look at your child and think "I've done a GREAT job!"

you want to take better care of yourself for your child

you can have the most wonderful conversation using only vowel sounds like ahh, ooh, gully gully, kichy koo and la la la    

silly rabbit...trix are for kids! xo  



february blizzard

Today we are reeling from the effects of an historical blizzard that hit over 20 states, including our humble abode.  As of this moment, it is the third largest blizzard in our history, and the snow is still coming down.  What makes this so extreme is the gusty 50 mph winds that cause drifts.  I was quite worried last night as I awaited the call to get Wayne from the train station and luckily the roads allowed me to bring my hubby back home safely.  Mike and Margarita brought Ozis; Dan and Darcy were dancing in the snow last night; and Steve and our dogs kept checking the status and wondering why we were having a party.  It was heartwarming to have all my loves under one roof safe and sound together for a slumber party.  We enjoyed hot cocoa with whipped creme and sat by the fireside listening to the whistling wind.  Baby even chimed in by kicking all night long. 

Mike and Wayne played warriors this morning and tackled the drifts and made paths for now and they enjoyed every minute of it - boys will be boys.  Now they will enjoy a brewski and nice salad and a huge bowl of spaghetti to warm their bellies.  Everyone else is still asleep.  I made a little path so the pups can do their doo doo.  This whole event is quite exciting, for it makes us take pause and keeps us together.  We are making some great memories and they will remember it for years to come, just as we did during the famous Blizzard of 1967, which still holds the honor as the greatest storm in our lifetime.  I got a kick out of how the media kept referring this as the Blizzard of the Century when this century just turned 11 years old.  Giggles. 

Darcy and Steve were thrilled to get dressed up in warm layers and make a snowman, which turned into Miss Margaret, the snow woman.  The sun is shining and it brings back fond memories of when the boys were little and endlessly played in the snow.  They would get all dressed up, play outside, get undressed, come in for hot chocolate, then begin again - endless playtime.  The doggies keep going in and out to join their party.  I am taking tons of pictures but the photo blogger is not working right now so I'll table my photo share. 

Enjoy this extraordinary day.  When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.  When it snows, make a snowman! xo

weekend birthdays

Happy birthday to my sister, Karen (a.k.a. Kiki) and my nephew Matt (a.k.a. Awesome.)  This weekend we hold you both in our hearts with warm wishes for a happy, healthy and wonderful year filled with lots of love and joy.  May all your dreams come true. 

Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing. William Shakespeare

Faith is like the air in a balloon.  If you've got it you're filled.  If you don't, you're empty.  Peggy Cain

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.  Helen Keller

Love you both ~
Have fun and be happy xo

cupcakes

Today is a perfect day to clean the stove and fridge ~ and bake cupcakes!  The snow is falling providing the perfect incentive to stay indoors and do something creative, hence, I am baking red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with lots of love.  I am into the colors red and pink lately; I wonder why?  Red is a power color; pink for spiritual.  I must purchase some flowers with these colors very soon.

I can't get an oldie but goodie out of my mind; my cousin, Cindy, shared this morning, the 1965 Lesley Gore song "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows."  What a blast from the past.  I am still feeling the warm fuzzies this song keeps providing.  It's amazing what a simple thing like an old tune can trigger.  I'll hang on to this one for awhile. 

As I nested yesterday (or better yet, hibernated) I happened to finally view the movie Temple Grandin.  I sat glued with my mouth open most of the time at the fabulous and heart warming story of this amazing woman.  Claire Danes portrayed her beautifully and I hope she secures more awards for her efforts.  This portrayal of Temple Grandin's journey with autism filled my heart with so much love and compassion that when it ended I couldn't stop crying.  My whole body was wracked with emotion.  The most profound message is in the truth that "we are different, but not less."  This will stay with me for a long time to come.   

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows

Everything that's wonderful ~  is what I feel when we're together

Brighter than a lucky penny

When you are near the rain cloud disappears, dear,

And I feel so fine ~  just to know that you are mine.

My life is sunshine, lollipops and rainbows

Everything that's wonderful is sure to come your way

When you are in love to stay.

xo

anyway

All you can do in life is be who you are.  Some people will love you for you.  Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all. 

Rita Mae Brown

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;  forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.

If you spent years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

In a few days January will be a distant memory and the cold, snowy season will slowly, but surely, leave us for better days.  Be strong and try your best to weather any storm that may come your way.  Keep the faith and be happy.  Perhaps a delicious dish will soothe your soul, hence I share today's recipes. 

Cabbage Mix

2 heads of cabbage

3 onions

8 carrots

1 bulk Chinese cabbage

5 celery stalks

1 whole garlic

assorted spices

butter and oil

Slice and dice cabbages, onions, carrots, celery and garlic in little bits.  Melt a whole stick of butter and some oil in two large frying pans (you can diminish this recipe in half.)  Saute in pans and add your spices.  Today I used sea salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, sazon and garlic salt.  Simmer covered for about 30 minutes until tender. 

Oriental noodles

Prepare Chinese noodles by boiling, draining and saute in a wok or fry pan adding a dash of teriyaki and hot sauce to taste.  Set aside and serve with aforementioned cabbage mix. 

Cabbage Soup

Take the other cabbage mix and place in a crock pot.  Add a little water to the fry pan to get all the leftover juices and put in pot.  Add 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and clean cans with more water, adding to the mix.  Can you tell I am a waste not kinda gal? Season the soup with a little more sea salt and pepper and let the flavors blend for a few hours.   Enjoy. 

We are the masters of our own fate. xo