Beluga Whale Quilt Complete

This is the quilt I made for Shannon and Little Buddy. Dodi helped me 100% of the way. Before I went over to Dodi's I thought I would start cutting out the pieces. Well I did it wrong so she had to piece a ton of things and make changes. I am so lucky that she is a master quilter and made it possible to have it turn out so gorgeous and cute. I don't think I am cut out to be a "quilter". I have made a few quilts, but not "quilted". I like the piecing and more simple versions that I can actually read the instructions and make myself. I would have never been able to finish this quilt without Dodi's help.

The Little Buddy Family & Friends

Here is Little Buddy with Scott's wife Cate's big brother Travis. Travis and his wife Erin live in the Las Vegas area and they have become good friends with Shannon & Brian. They brought over homemade cheesecake on Sunday evening to celebrate their birthday with us. Travis & Erin share the same birthdate.

 Here is Erin holding Little Buddy. It is pretty obvious that Travis is a manly man and Erin is a very petite feminine woman.

These are all pictures I took of Little Buddy sleeping on the floor.

 Here is the Little Buddy Family. By the way, Brian is as awesome a Daddy as Shannon is a Mommy.

Frozen Raspberry Pie - Yum

I just got back from my annual Ladies Retreat to Ross Lake. Dodi made us this raspberry pie for dessert one night. It was heavenly, light and refreshing. I''m going to the store right now to buy the ingredients and make it for a luncheon tomorrow with my work friends.

Frozen Raspberry Pie

25 Oreo cookies – crushed 

3 tsp melted butter

Combine and press in pie pan. Bake @ 350 for four minutes.

 

Combine 1package instant vanilla pudding, 2 containers Yoplait low fat Raspberry yogurt and 1 cup whipping cream. Whip until firm. Fold in 1 cup fresh raspberries.

 

Freeze. Thaw 2hours before serving.

The Poodle Dog

This is the Poodle Dog Restaurant in Fife, WA. We have passed this restaurant a zillion times. Each time we pull off the freeway to go to the McDonalds for ice cream or Wendys for dinner or snack.....we always say how we have to eat there some time. I don't think we ever will, but I wanted to record this image for our posterity.

I had to search extensively to find a good image....it's obviously very old, but I would have to say that the restaurant still looks exactly the same.....thus the interest in going inside.

Farewell Poodle Dog!

The Reality is....

This morning I need to do a little self therapy. So be prepared for deep insight into my psyche., but first a little humor/intrigue/dishonesty/foolery.

A dear neighbor set an example that I decided to emulate.....



Before

 After

I will not elaborate.......

Now onto my self therapy. I have a fairly "strict" routine in the morning. I'm consistent at least three weekday mornings, but usually four. I don't count the weekend. This routine consists of yoga, breakfast, metmucil with liquid vitamins, chiro stretches....and also a challenge to brisk walk 10 minutes followed by weight lifting in the evening. (Not so consistent with that yet). Anyway this morning was one of those mornings that I felt if I had to do this one more time I would explode. That puts me into freeze mode. I don't do anything. Then I start to beat myself up because I can go for days and really enjoy it and feel so good about my consistent work. I hate days like today.

So....I went outside and "planted" my flowers and then trimmed to the stump our hydrangea that was out of control. Working on a little sweat here.....so I felt like I had taken care of my "exercise" portion of the day.

Went in the backyard to seat on our swing and enjoyed swinging and relaxing in the cool shade. Then as I looked around and began to think of all the work that we still have before us to get the house tidied up to sell....It's just so overwhelming. These thoughts bring me back to freeze mode and I'm hungry.

I know what you are thinking....BUT I DIDN'T COME INSIDE AND EAT. I GOT A DRINK OF WATER. It works!!!

Okay so I'm going to skip my "routine" and just enjoy the rest of the day. I'm cutting me some slack!

New recipes

I tried these two new recipes today.

Cowabunga Root Beer Cupcakes Recipe

• Prep: 10 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling
• Yield: 24 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/2 ounces) butter recipe golden cake mix
• 4 teaspoons root beer concentrate, divided
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Vanilla ice cream

Directions

• Prepare and bake cupcakes according to package directions, adding 2 teaspoons root beer concentrate when mixing batter. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a small bowl, mix whipped topping and remaining root beer concentrate until blended; spread over cupcakes. Serve with ice cream. Yield: 24 servings.

If I make this casserole again, I will double the meat mixture and make 1/2 of the cobbler mix and try a cornbread topping instead.

 

Bubbly & Golden Mexican Beef Cobbler Recipe

• Prep: 20 min. Bake: 35 min.
• Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
• 1 can (8-3/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3-1/3 cups biscuit/baking mix
• 1-1/3 cups 2% milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is evaporated. Transfer to a 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish; layer with salsa, corn and cheese.
• In a large bowl, mix biscuit mix and milk just until blended; drop by tablespoonfuls over cheese (dish will be full). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown. Yield: 6 servings.

My Handy man

I bet my man is handier than your man!

I love to see Fred out working on his projects.

 I know I complain about how

much time he spends on his projects,

but his work is near perfection.

I would say perfect, but that might be boasting and unrighteous.

And, he looks very manly which always excites me.