Jason and Moya's Wedding Part II

It was a lovely, simple ceremony

Courtney supporting her Mom

The Paparazzi were everywhere!

Emma

Mr. & Mrs.

Wedding cake that is appropriate with the upcoming Route 66 honeymoon

The guests enjoyed cupcakes...

...and the groom's 'cake' - Jason's Brownies

 Cutting the traditional slice

Jason and Moya's Wedding Part I

Weddings are a great reason for families to come together!  I was happy to share my birthday with Jason & Moya as they said "I do".

The church is sentimental for both families, so it was a touching place for the exchange of their vows

Even though the weather was chilly, it was nice to have cookies, cupcakes and pink lemonade outside prior to the service

Ken and Evan enjoying a father/son moment

 Moya's bouquet

Mom preparing to light Jason's candle to be used for the unity candle

Here comes the Bride!!

I do!

"Old" Friends

It was great to have dinner with Mary and Arlene.  Friends that go back to elementary school can't be beat!

Carlton, Mary, Kendall, Me, Arlene, Danny

Arlene, Danny, Me, Kendall, Mary, Carlton

"Mollie's Girls" ~ just missing Paula

Fun Vacation

What a great vacation!  It started out with not one but TWO surprise birthday parties for me!!

The first was a picnic at a park.

Cute kids attended - this is Chloe

 There were pretty flowers and balloons

Yummy food!

A trip to 'sugar island'

More beautiful flowers

Kendall even got in the act to help cook the dogs and burgers

and sisters; thanks guys!

In the evening, a small family gathering turned into another surprise with adult friends

The Cornish Manor in Oakland, Md.

We all had Prime Rib for dinner and then this beautiful and delicious cake for dessert.

Miracle Bars

 I'm behind on Blogging about the latest TV appearance.  Last week was an opportunity to share the yummy Miracle Bar recipe with the AM Arizona 'family'.  I guess it's a pretty big family with a viewership of up to 40,000 people.

 Kendall calls them Miracle Bars because they are soooo good!

Some of my variations include peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch, and milk chocolate chips to add chocolate depth.  After my post last week, I should say that they are yummy to be eaten in moderation as a dessert, not to be used as therapy!

The Chocolate Diaries Written by Karen Scalf Linamen

The Chocolate Diaries written by Karen Scalf Linamen

I have had the book on my nightstand for several weeks. I pick it up and read a few pages, put it down, and repeat periodically. I’m having difficulty connecting with the author – perhaps because I’m not in the same place she is, or was. It feels in many ways more like a self-help book with food (mostly chocolate) as the mender of hurt. I find this to be a disturbing concept in that over two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and to even in jest suggest that food is a solution to feeling bad is hard for me to accept. Obviously many agree that food can help in times of trouble and they may enjoy the book and the recipes included in each short chapter. As for me, I’ll find another book to rest on my nightstand.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Weekend Projects

It was a nice, cool, long weekend at the cabin.

We had several projects to work on.



Kendall installed a new microwave/exhaust fan and cabinets by the stove

 I made new kitchen curtains

 Cheery, cherry on white

Kendall had also taken out the stove and chimney a few weeks ago (shown here with friend Ivan)



In its place is now a hutch about 120 years old.  Even older than the 53 year old cabin!

Purple Flowers

I love the flowers of Spring!

Kendall and I grew up with lilacs on our farms.  We planted some at the cabin in hopes that we could see some of the blooms and smell the fragrance again.  Each year they have succumbed to a late freeze or heavy frost.  This year we got a few sprigs that are so fragrant.  I captured a bee in the photo that seems to be enjoying them as well.

The Iris in front of the cabin are in full bloom

The tree we planted earlier this year is doing well.  The one from last fall didn't make it through the rough winter.

Wishing Everyone a Blessed Easter

Arizona Midday

Today I cooked Green Beans with Walnuts on Arizona Midday with Jan D'Atri.   Arizona Midday is on Channel 12, the NBC station in Phoenix.

Green Beans with Walnuts

2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons walnut oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Pepper and salt to taste

Place the walnuts on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes to toast. Cook beans in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain. Rinse beans with cold water and drain well. Melt butter with oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add means and toss until heated through, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add walnuts and parsley and toss.

Fowl Feathered Friends

This week we were visited by a pair of very pretty ducks.  We enjoyed their visit, but don't want to have a family hatching in the back yard!

 They certainly weren't frightened by me

Getting a drink 

Taking time for a swim in the cement pond before taking off for another location



Mine Is the Night

I finished a book this weekend at the cabin that had captured my attention all week.

A great historical novel! It includes a lot of historical details of Scotland in the mid 1700’s as a story is told that mimics that of Ruth in the Bible (Ruth 1-4). Mine Is the Night begins where the prequel, Here Burns My Candle leaves off. Elisabeth, recently widowed, chooses to stay with her Mother-in-law rather than going back to her hometown. They begin this new phase of their lives without title, land or money, relying on the kindness of distant relatives and strangers. The women find their faith and trust tested, but find their way through the trials to come out on a better place. Highly recommended!


Enjoy an excerpt from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”