Camping

This past weekend we went camping in northern Arizona.  It was relaxing and good to get away from the usual routine in a beautiful setting.

Wet Weekend

We spent a quiet weekend at the cabin watching the rain fall on the trees and our garden. Such a nice change of pace.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Beautiful part of the country

Recent Activity

Our garden is beginning to come to life

Berry Bushes

Flowers

Lettuce, Carrots, Potatoes

A tomato on the vine

The Weekend of the 4th of July in a small town...

Gazebo at the town square

Parade with Cowboys

Cotton Candy!!

Fireworks

Last night we had great seats for the annual fireworks display in our adopted home town.

TV Appearance

I was asked to return to the show that I was on this spring talking about the nursing shortage.  This time I was a "Home Chef".

This is my friend Janne who has also published cookbooks and appears regularly on the show (we also work together).

This is the set where we cooked and baked.  Our cookbook was off having its picture taken so isn't on display here, but it was for the show.

I demonstrated how to make a Torte.  The hostess and host of the show seemed to enjoy it and I've been invited back!

Birthday

My sweet husband surprised me with roses, an ice cream cake and a streamer proclaiming it's my birthday.

Family Reuniion

This family reunion focused our memories on Aunt Esther who passed away in April.  These are a few of her items that now take their place in my home.

Time for reconnecting

Time for some soccer action with Emma and Rachel

Time to stop and smell the flowers

Time for reflection and worship Sunday morning

Time for singing - a long standing family tradition

.

Mom, Joanna, Ruth, Dorcas

Time with imaginative children

Bunko

It was my turn to host Bunko last night.  We had a Slumber Party theme and all guests wore pajamas.

The menu consisted of breakfast items.

Memorial Weekend

We took an extra day off and were able to spend Thursday night through this morning at the cabin.

The Irises were almost all past.  We had a few hanging on for the weekend.

We got our garden planted: basil, rosemary, lemon thyme, lavender, tomato, chives, sweet corn, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers.  Kendall did a great job with the irrigation system, now we just watch it grow.

We also had lots of visitors from our bird and squirrel friends. The weather was perfect and relaxation was in order.

Weekend for Jam

Two batches of Strawberry Jam ready for consumption

Strawberries

Strawberry Jam

Phantom

Last night we attended the local production of Phantom.  It wasn't the best production we've seen at the dinner theater, but the company of Jay and Marilyn made up for it.

Our dessert of fruit and chocolate fondue came with fog effusing from the bottom of the bowl.  Ingenious use of dry ice!

Aunt Esther's Funeral

We celebrated the life of Aunt Esther this week as we said good bye.

A sprig of Lily-of-the-Valley on each napkin at the fellowship lunch following the funeral

 

Lilacs from 4 states graced the tables in glass baskets (thanks Lois).  The colors and aroma were wonderful!

We also celebrated life by spending time with those we don't see as often as we would like.

 

Lois, Dorcas, Anne, Me

My gal Rachel and me

Emma and her gal Lois

 Evan, growing up so fast!

Julie and Noah

Urbane, dapper as ever

Asa and Pa.  YES!!  Pancakes with a smiley face!

Lois dropped me at the Pittsburgh airport on her way home.  Jason was getting off a flight from Atlanta about 2 hours from my scheduled departure time, so we hung out for a bit before I went through security, Jason got his rental car and Lois headed home.