Rockin' Out

The Girls are rockin out in their new Disney outfits. Then Kylie went home and rocked out her hair. and Maci is not understanding the whole thing.

108 F _ what do we do?

We bought this plastic pool 6 years ago, when Hayli was here to visit. This pool is still used and has been well used. Although the water leaks out because of several holes, it is still being used. Maci loves the water.

iPod Touch 5th generation?

I am awaiting the iPod Touch 5th Generation. I do not know the exact features, but I will have a camera. Okay get up off the floor - "A blind person with a camera!" Just think of all the grandkids pics I can post without having to ask someone to get the camera out (5x). I was hoping for a summer release, but now looks like the end of 2012. Can you wait that long for my photography explosion?

Footprints

In remeberance of Kelli....

Some people come into our lives and quickly go... Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same...

It's Never Too Hot For Oatmeal

This recipe is so easy and you can prepare most of it the night before. Any fruit that appeals to me (even if it is frozen) gets in the pan. There is nothing more cozy than a warm bowl of oatmeal.

Toasty Baked Oatmeal

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups Regular Rolled Oats

1 and 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/3 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups Milk

2 large Eggs, well beaten

3 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter

1 cup blueberries, cherries, or diced apples

Preheat oven to 325. Mix all wet ingredients well in one bowl. Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. Combine bowls. Pour into a buttered 8 inch square baking pan. Bake until liquid is absorbed and top is light golden, about 45 minutes. Serve warm with cream, half & half or milk.

Dressing Up the Beans

Summertime Fresh Green Beans whether dressed up or just drizzled with fresh lemon juice is always a delight for any meal.

Green Beans with Sesame Vinaigrette

From: Gourmet / August 2004

1 and 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Cook beans in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. When beans are cool, drain and pat dry. Whisk together oils, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined well, then add beans and sesame seeds and toss to coat.

Makes 6 servings.

Cheer for Cherries

Bing Cheeries are arriving on July 10th. I will put some up in the freezer with our Food Saver for making "Spiced Cherry Jam" when the temperature is more condusive to canning. Of course we will have to do some major taste testing.

Spiced Cherry Jam

4 cups pitted cherries

1 (2-ounce) package powdered pectin

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 and 1/2 cups sugar

Place pitted cherries into a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Pour chopped cherries into a heavy 8-quart saucepan along with pectin, lemon juice, almond extract, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a rolling boil. Stir in sugar and return to a full boil. Reduce heat to a slow boil and cook for 3 minutes. Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace and seal with canning lids. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes or according to your canner manufacturer's instructions. Yield: 5 to 6 half-pints

Our Garden 2012

Joe and I decided to build a 8'x4' stone planter for our backyard. We built the first one then decided to build a second planter 5'x 3'. It was hard work and should last longer then the raised landscape timber walls. We transferred the birdbath fountain into the new planter. This birdbath was constucted from a stump, old wire hanging basket, and large metal mixing bowl. The fountain is solar powered.

The grandkids and friends have decided the planter makes a wonderful stage.

Strength of Relationships

Kylie and Anayareli have both been home for two weeks without a sister. (Hayli in MO and Alexia in Mexico) These two have spent every minute together. Kylie says "We just need to be apart so we can get along better". Hmmm I wonder how long the honeymoon will last. Hayli comes home on Monday.

and Maci watched every moment.