Computer Issues

My computer "caught" a virus and is currently in the shop.  Hopefully, all will be fixed and I will be back within the next week.

A Care Package for Pierce

I just can't resist sending care packages to Pierce at school.  The Photographer laughs and shakes his head, saying it must be a "momma thing".  I suppose it is.  But mid-terms are on his upcoming schedule and he is studying like mad, in addition to the various student activities he is involved with. 

What's a momma to do?  Peanut Butter Fudge.  Individually wrapped and placed in an amusing, antique tin.  Shipped along with a current copy of his favorite magazine, a gift card to one of the local Mexican restaurants and a note card from Momma.  Just to let him know that I am with him in spirit, am certain that he will ace his mid-terms and that I love him dearly.

Oven Roasted Honey Pork Loin

This is a delicious, yet simple dish.  And it is elegant enough to serve to company.  I served the pork with oven roasted potatoes and a tossed salad.  The Photographer rated the meal a "10".

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pound pork loin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup dry white wine, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions:

Trim off any excess fat and silver skin from the loin.  Season the pork with salt and pepper to taste and place in roasting pan that has been coated with cooking spray. 

Mix together the honey, 1/2 cup white wine, olive oil, thyme, basil and lemon peel in a small bowl.  Pour over the pork loin. Pour remaining 1/2 cup white wine into the roasting pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes or until a thermeter inserted in the loin registers 150 degrees.  Place pork on serving platter and let rest 15 minutes.

Strain the pan juices into a saucepan.  Boil over medium heat for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Slice pork to desired thickness, arrange on serving platter and drizzle with sauce.  Serve remaining sauce on the side.

Serves 4.

This Face

Pierce in Late Afternoon Light

A Favorite Book

This is one of my favorite books and I re-read it every few years or so.  Because it is that powerful and convicting.  I found this book several years ago and it immediately spoke to my soul. 

Although I have the paperback, it is also available for the Kindle and I think I am going to purchase the Kindle edition as well.  A companion study guide is available too for those who like to use a study guide.  I happen to be one of those people, lol. 

Ms. George has written a large collection of books specifically for Christian Women and I own most of them.  If you haven't read her books, I highly recommend them.

Tinkerbell

My kitty is 6 months old now.  She weighs 4 pounds now and is the sweetest thing ever.  She is so tiny that we had to put a bell on her collar to give the dogs fair warning that she is in the room.  They don't know what to make of her being so tiny.  We have nicknamed her Tinkerbell.

The Photographer gifted me with this photo yesterday.  Isn't she precious?

Meet Chuck

I realize "20 years old" occurred more than 20 years ago but I was blessed with good genes.  I take after my Dad's side of the family (tall and lean) and I have never had to worry about my weight (though I realize my active lifestyle helps to some extent).  I have always been one of those women who are able to eat as much as I want, whenever I want and not gain an ounce. 

Until now.

Certain parts of my body are not as firm as they once were and I am beginning to "jiggle" in places I shouldn't.  Several months ago, my physician placed me on medication for a minor health issue and one of the side effects is weight gain.  I scoffed when my doctor informed me that I may put on a little weight.  Twenty pounds later, I am not laughing! Most of my skirts and pants are too snug for comfort.

Something had to be done.

Meet "Chuck" - the Total Gym 1800 I purchased to help me fight the battle of the bulge.  Christened "Chuck" after Chuck Norris, of course.  I have read the instruction book, watched the DVD and mapped out my routine.

The war on weight gain has been declared.  I have thrown down the gauntlet and am determined to be victorious!  Chuck and I now have a standing date every morning at 6 a.m.

A Fun and Productive Plan

I feel as if I am waking up from a long, deep slumber. Without going into details, let's just say the last few months have not been anything I would want to go through again. 

The busiest season of my year is just beginning.  In short order, my family will celebrate Pierce's 21st(!) birthday, Halloween, several other family birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year.  All this is in addition to normal, everyday activities such as laundry, etc.  I was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

So I sat down and created a "new routine" for myself.  Just a little something enjoyable that I can do every day of the week to relax and be creative in the midst of this busy season. 

I am looking forward to a fun and productive season.  The plan commences on Monday.  Care to join me? 

Pickled Peaches

The Photographer arrived home a few weeks ago toting a 20 pound box of freshly picked organic peaches from one of our neighbor's orchards.  I spent the next two days in the kitchen - making Peach Salsa, Peach Preserves, Peach Pie Filling and Peach Ice Cream. 

At the Photographer's request, I canned 6 jars of Pickled Peaches.  I had never tasted these before and for some reason assumed I wouldn't like them.  We opened a jar last night and they are so good!  Somewhat reminiscent of Christmas in my opinion. These are so tasty and easy that I will definitely be making more of these next year.

A Noble, Beautiful Soul

The stately German Shepherd

Protective, bold and smart,
Looked into my eyes one day
And quickly stole my heart.

Courageous and endearing,
A favorite of its breed,
So proud and yet so loving,
A steadfast friend indeed.

Caring disposition,
Faithful to the core-
If you have a German Shepherd’s love,
You cannot want for more.

~ Author Unknown

My beloved Bear passed away last week. 

He was my White Knight, my faithful companion, my protector and the canine love of my life.  My heart is shattered and I feel as if there is a gaping hole in my soul.

We were at the breeder's and I was eyeing another pup when this white bundle of fur jumped up and "tapped" me on the knee.  I picked him up and he "kissed" me on the cheek then looked directly into my eyes as if to say "you belong with me".  I immediately fell head over heels in love and informed the Photographer we had found our puppy.  

We brought him home when he was just 7 weeks old and from that day forward he was by my side.  He slept beside my bed, he sat at my feet during dinner, he lay beside me when I gardened. Family and friends were incredulous that I was never afraid to be here at the farm by myself.  There was no need to be frightened because I wasn't alone - I had my bodyguard.  He never let me out of his sight and protected me from snakes, wildlife and strangers, asking only for my adoration (and an occasional treat) in return.  He could be ferocious when necessary but would play ever so carefully with children, watching over them the entire time to be certain they stayed safe. 

I am eternally grateful that I was home with him when the time came and that the end was swift and painless.  The Photographer remarked that I was holding Bear when he entered our home and I was holding him when he left us.  

Baron Nickolas von Claws VI

1998-2011

A noble, beautiful soul and gentle giant.

The finest dog I have ever had the pleasure of belonging to.