Garage sale

(thank you card from Cathy - too funny!)

Scott and Cathy just sold their home in Gilbert
(bitter sweet...) They had a big garage sale
at our house this weekend.
Scored these beautiful, aqua,
Ball jars from Cathy - thanks Cath!
I just love them and will cherish them!

I imagine them filled with votive
candles at my next summer barbecue.

18 years ago today...

Taylor was born and our lives were
changed forever - for the the better of course.
(though some days....)
We are so proud of the fine young man
you have become. It is mind boggling
how fast the time has gone.
I still can't believe we have an
18 year old!? Holy cow!!
You are incredibly artistic and musically
talented - you take after your mom - ha ha!
Most definitely not the musical part...
We are very proud of you
and we love you very much!!
Continue on a positive path and we
know you will rock this world.
~

It was a good Friday

Dressed and ready for the day
at Grandma Carole's house.
**

First we watered and checked out the garden
progress. Look at those zucchini plants!

Logan's favorite - the strawberries!

Logan loves spending the day with Grandma,
that makes me sooo happy.
He loves the one on one attention she gives him.
She even sewed up the hole it "Kitty's" tail!
He never wants to leave - it's so sweet.
As soon as we get in the car, he reminds me
that he does not want to leave yet - then
it's "when can I go back again?"
Thanks Mom!!

Healthy breakfast

Breakfast this morning - delish!

The recipe below makes a lot. I cut it in
half and will have enough for several mornings.

Muesli
3 cups raw rolled oats
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup greek yogurt
2 Tbls. heavy cream
1 green apple, grated (skin on)
3 Tbls. currants
3 Tbls. sliced almonds
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
~
Mix all together in a large bowl.
Keep in a sealed container in the fridge.
Will keep for about 1 week.
Serve with fresh fruit.
~

Packing a picnic

Planning a picnic for D and I today.
The weather has been just gorgeous and
I have the next few days off.
Need to get outdoors and soak up this
fabulous weather
and get a little sun.
~
On the menu:
Open face sandwiches on
french bread w/borsin cheese,
coppa ham, sliced tomato & fresh basil
Orzo salad with lemon & fresh herbs
Grapes and Apple slices
Cold drinks
~

How does your garden grow

Our little garden patch is already
starting to grow nicely.
Next year I want to double the size or
add another box next to it.
Just not enough room for all the things
I would like to plant.
Right now, mostly herbs - I imagine them
sprinkled in a big spring salad.
I also planted some Echinacea and nasturtium
flower seeds, hope they will be
peeking out soon.

Meal planning

This recipe looks fantastic!
It's going to be a beautiful day today.
D and the kids are on their way home
from the beach and I have the day off.
Planning dinner for tonight to
enjoy out on the patio.
Here is the recipe for this delicious dish.

Baked Summer Tomatoes
2 cups cubed ciabatta bread (1/2" cubes)
1 cup packed arugula
6 eggs, beaten together
salt and pepper to taste
1 large tomato, sliced
small handful of basil leaves, sliced thin
1 cup crumbled feta
2 T. olive oil
3 med. shallots, sliced thin
~
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spread bread cubes in bottom of oven proof dish.
Top ea. with arugula and then egg.
Season with salt and pepper.
Top with sliced tomato, basil and feta cheese.
Transfer dish to oven and heat for about 15-18 min.
till eggs are set and cheese is beginning to brown.
While casserole is baking, make the fried shallots.
Heat 2 T. of olive oil over med. heat,
add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally,
till golden brown and crispy.
Remove casserole from oven and top
with shallots, season with salt & pepper
and more fresh basil, if desired.
~
Note: I think I will brown the ciabatta a bit
before I put it in the casserole.

Weekend blues

Darryl took the kids to the beach again...
I had to work... again....
Are we starting to see a trend here...?
Not sure I like it either....
I want to go to the beach too!
"How about a cold, sparkling glass of
Prosecco?"
"Okay thanks, don't mind if I do."
Happy Friday