Dew Drops

Renewable Resources

2012-02-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

Check out http://lisaschaos.com/ for more photos of Macro Monday!!

Old Garden shoes find new purpose as Planters for Hens and Chicks.

And an old Garden Implement makes a handy garden gate Lock.

It is nice to see people re-using old or broken things in a new way rather than sending them to the landfill.

Project 52 - Drink Up!

2012-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

DRINK UP!

I really am a coffee girl, but for those times I do enjoy a cup of Tea, there are a few things you need that make the pleasure of having a nice cup of Tea a real experience.

My hubby got me a beautiful Tea Tray with matching cup, creamer and sugar container. I love my little sugar tongs! The little hands grab a cube of sugar expertly!

Tea is much better with flowers to enjoy as well. Kind of brings a bit of spring in!

For me Tea is a drink that is meant to be sipped, in a relaxed and peaceful mood. It is meditative, and calming after a stressful day.

Also linking up with http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Skywatch Friday

2012-02-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

Taken just outside Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

It was pretty cold looking at this pastoral scene, probably not as cold though as on the snow covered mountain.

Check out http://skyley.blogspot.com/ for more photos of Skywatch Friday!!

Pussy Willows already!!

2012-02-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Our weather lately has been so mild and warm that things are getting confused. Is it Winter or isn't it??

These Pussy willows are not sure, they had to come out and check it out themselves.

And seeing all these blooming plants such as the Pussy Willows and other things like Snowdrops starting to bloom makes me happy that Spring must be around the corner.

I usually write down the texture I use when I process photos, but for some reason I didn't for these. Me bad!!

Linking with http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Today's Flowers

2012-02-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

You know a girl loves to get a bouquet of flowers! The other day the phone rang, the caller asking if anyone would be home to receive a delivery of flowers.

Of course we would, but who were these from??

It wasn't my birthday.

It wasn't my Anniversary!

Maybe just because! That is a nice reason to get flowers delivered!

Turns out the flowers were from my work, for my 24th Anniversary of working in the Company. Only thing was, my anniversary of that is actually in May. Someone slipped up, and I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a result!!

Linking up with http://lisaschaos.com/

Project 52

2012-02-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

I thought for a moment I would not make this week's challenge as I have been working double shifts at work while we are temporarily short staffed. I got home from work a couple of hours ago with no photo and no idea for what to do for a photo.

Well, it is a gorgeous warm day, more like a spring day than winter and the sun is out and sky is blue, so I had to take my camera out for a walk around the block and see what caught my eye.

You have to look for shadows sometimes, they are hidden behind visible things. They make you look a little deeper, see beyond the visible. And there I found my shadow!!

Ocean Water Swimming

2012-01-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

Check out Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ for more awesome outdoor photos!

This gentleman was loosening the leash on his dog's collar seconds before his dog went into the ocean for a cool swim!

It was a cool, windy wavy day at the beach. That dog was crazy for going into that cold water!

Visit Midweek Blues at http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

Visit Watery Wednesday at http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Bacon Wrapped Scalloped Potatoes

2012-01-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

BACON WRAPPED SCALLOPED POTATOES

One pound thick sliced Bacon

3 large thinly sliced Russet Potatoes

1 large thinly sliced onion

Red Pepper Flakes

Garlic granules

Ground Pepper

Grated Cheddar/Mozzarella/Parmasan Cheese blends

In a 6 to 8 inch round Baking pan lay out Bacon Strips as above.

In bottom of pan, on top of bacon layer, layer potato, onion and Cheese. Sprinkle each layer liberally with Garlic granules, Red Pepper flakes and Pepper. Build three layers of this.

End the layers with Cheese at the top of the pan.

Fold over the bacon slices over the top to meet in the middle.

Sprinkle the top of the Bacon with a liberal dose of Fresh Ground Pepper.

Put a small lid on top of the middle of the bacon while baking. This will prevent the ends of the bacon from curling while baking. At the end of the second hour of baking remove the small pot lid to finish baking.

Put baking dish inside of a cake pan to bake. Bake in oven at 325 degrees for three hours.

When it is finished baking, put a lid on top of bacon and carefully drain the excess bacon fat into a container.

Then use a knife to loosen all around the edges and invert the potatoes onto a serving platter.

Sliced Tomatoes goes great with the Bacon.

Cut pie into wedges to serve.

Linking up with Macro Monday at http://lisaschaos.com/

Project 52 - Week 4, Self Portrait.

2012-01-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, this was a hard one for me. I am like a lot of you, not liking to have my photo taken. And even though I understand the reasons I should let my picture be taken, its still hard.

I think that is what makes it an awesome subject! It is always good to face the things you find difficult and overcome them. I might just work more on this in the future!

White Rock Waves and Wind

2012-01-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I went out for a drive yesterday and ended up at White Rock beach. We were very surprised coming over the hill to see huge waves and white caps on the Ocean

My favorite beach days!

The tide was almost completely into shore, and the waves were breaking over the rocks.

Two and three foot swells.

This young girl was standing on some rocks at the shore when a wave came in and surrounded her.

Crashing over an outflow pipe platform.

The White Rock Pier.

I am trying to teach myself HDR using my Photoshop CS5 in a few of these pictures, such as the one above. Please feel free to tell me what I could do better or how I could change this. It is a steep learning curve!

More photos to follow in the next few days!!

Project 52 - I Dreamed a Dream

2012-01-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I provide Respite care for a two year old developmentally challenged little boy. His name is Taige.

(Aren't his eyelashes dreamy!) Oops, off the subject there!

Taige has a multitude of problems he lives with day to day. His care is quite complex. But he is in the moment. He deals with it all moment by moment. So do we when we care for him, but we are always jumping from moment to moment, into the future, trying to anticipate, plan for, ready ourselves for his next big moment, and then missing the actual moment. When Taige is having a good moment he is chock full of vocals, laughter and smiles. He is not off somewhere dreading the next. When he deals with a bad moment, once its over with and done, he is not wrecking his present moment by worrys of the next bad moments.

I could learn from that! I miss my own moments when my head is either in the past thinking about something or in the future worrying about something. When I am there and not here and now, I miss the moment I should be in.

So I could take this moment and wish to be in my own moments more, leaving the past where it belongs and the future in the future. Live in this moment.

That is a dream worth dreaming!

Snowy Textures

2012-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Just by itself, a Monkey tree has a lot of texture. With the added snow resting on its branches it adds another level of texture to the tree.

When we were kids, we used to watch for Monkey trees in someone's yard, and seeing one would punch the nearest person on the arm and yell "Monkey Tree, no punch back!"

Did you ever play that game? It made some of the drives we took go a little quicker when we had something else to focus on. And if you were lucky you got to punch your brother or sister on the arm without getting into trouble!

Did you know that Monkey trees are so named because they are the only tree a Monkey is unable to climb?

Frozen Water falling from the Sky

2012-01-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

A freezing blast of Winter has hit B.C. with lots of snow and icy winter temperatures.

For a region that usually enjoys temperate rainforest conditions, we are not used to this type of craziness. We don't have to shovel rain!

And rain is what we are used to!

We have outdoor Exercise equipment we can enjoy any season of the year. Usually wet from rain!

Boardwalk on Mill Lake to take walks along. Usually ducks swimming alongside.

A little punch of colour is always nice in a world suddenly white.

Kariton Art Gallery situated right in the middle of the park. You can picnic here even in winter if you want.

Lots of tables to choose from.

Or benches to sit and enjoy.

Rotary Crossing Playground is empty of children playing. I think all the kids are sliding down hills.

Schools close here when snow flies. Kids like that a lot!

Linking with http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

The dock in the main parking area of Mill Lake has the only patch of unfrozen water. The ducks have to swim somewhere!

Cannot imagine floating around in that frigid cold water like these ducks are doing!

I guess the water conditions are not conducive to swimming, being the lake is frozen!

Frozen like this!

Linking up with http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Snow Times

2012-01-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

We have had our first big snowfall of the year, snow starting on Sunday night and predicted to snow for the rest of the week. It is a big deal here, everything seems to stop when the snow falls. Most of our weather is temperate rain forest type weather, we don't have to shovel it!

One thing that you can do here when the snow flies is get out the camera and check out the cool photo opportunities. A quick trip to my back yard netted me these shots of rosehips and old hydrangea flowers.

I used a selection of Kim Klassen textures to treaat these photos, but I forgot to write down specifically which ones I used. Me bad!!

I am off work tomorrow again due to the excessive white stuff, so sure to take a few more pictures!

Macro Monday

2012-01-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://lisaschaos.com/

At the beginning of last month my computer and external hard drive crashed big time. I lost most of the 25.000 pictures stored on the hard drive. We tryed a restore and retrieve and did manage to get some of the photos back, but most were gone.

Since then, my Brother, Brian gave me his desktop computer, saying he was going to be getting another one that worked for games. My Hubby spent the past couple of weeks setting it up for me and installing my Photoshop back.

Today was the first time to sit down and work on it!! So nice!

It is is much faster than my last computer, lightning fast compared to it. I had taken portrait shots of my four clients at work before Christmas and I worked on those photos!

So happy to have my toys back!! Its like Christmas all over again!

Like finding a string of pearls in an Oyster shell. The world is my pearl!!

Project 52 - Made with Love - Week 2

2012-01-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

When we were kids growing up in Victoria, our Grandmother used to live about a mile away from us. It was close enough that we were able to go over if we wanted on our own, or other times when we went over to her house with my Mother, her daughter.

One of the snacks my Grandma used to make for the kids was Rolled Bread slices with Sugar and Butter fillings. She used to make them into little rolls which we used to dip into our Hot Cocoa. The only place I ever ate them was at her house, and to me they ooze Grandma Love.

Made With Love!

The best bread to make these is White Wonder bread nowadays. Back in my Grandma's day it was made with homemade white bread. You cut of the crusts all around and use a rolling pin to flatten out the bread. Spread a good layer of Butter from edge to edge and sprinkle a liberal dose of white Sugar over the butter. You can also sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar over top of the butter. Don't use margarine, that would be just wrong! Carefully roll up the bread jellyroll style and press edges carefully together to seal. You can cut them in pinwheels or leave them in long pieces. Better to dip them into your Hot Cocoa and use them to drown marshmallows!

The old book that this plate of Bread Rolls is sitting on was my Grandmother's Diary. I am so happy to have this little piece of my grandmother. It is a priceless gift to me. I can read in her own writing what she was doing on the day I was born, on the day my siblings were born. Her day to day life. I can see in my mind's eye her going about the same chores and tasks she writes about.

And I can make a snack of Hot Cocoa and Bread rolls just like she used to make for us while I read her lovely words.

There are a lot of things that can remind us of past loved ones, food being just one of them. Our memories keep our loved with us now. I can make a cup of Cocoa and a Bread Roll and be right there in Grandma's kitchen, sitting at the puzzle table enjoying snacks made of love.

Linking up with http://mychaosmybliss.com/

Harbour Boats

2012-01-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Linking with http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Here is a series of photos of a small boat coming in from cruising on the Fraser River into the Marina outside of Mission. The Marina is at the base of the railroad trestle that goes from one side of the river to the other.

I really liked the way the passage of the boat in the water caused the trestle reflections on the surfaces of the water to distort.

The long narrow reflections in the very back are the trees on the other side of the river.

The thick dark X's in the water are the supports from the Trestle.

I thought the swirls the boat made through the reflections were pretty cool!

It was a beautiful blue sky day, just in the later afternoon so getting a bit cool when these photos were taken.

The waters were very calm and smooth like glass, the only disturbance made by the boat.

Linking up with http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Linking with http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

2012-01-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Darcy at My3boybarians has started a new Photo Meme called Project 52, one picture a week for the year. I think I can do that! I know I would never make the one picture a day memes, too busy for that!

This weeks theme is Resolution.

My hubby and I have been talking lately about Simplifying our lives. I really think people should move at least once every 7 years, and if not then should look at what has been accumulated, physically and emotionally and see where it can be simplified.

As soon as I took this photo I knew it was the right one for my first week.

There are lots of things I have to do each and every day and for that I have to be in the "box" and on track, race there and get the job done.

But lately I have been feeling like a lot of the things I like to do or want to do has really gone by the wayside because the things I have to do end up taking more than enough of my time. It tires me out.

So we have resolved to simplify our lives where we can, and free up more time to get out of the box, and do the things we love to do.

One of the things I need is Space. There is not much room inside this box, I need to spread my wings and breathe a little bigger. Its all going to be a process, starting this year.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

It is the last day of the year and tomorrow we ring in a new year. A clean slate. New possibilities, new experiences, new hopes and dreams. I am not one to make any New Year's Resolutions as I only seem to break them soon after trying to start them. Better to just make any changes as they come along.

Do you make Resolutions?

I wish everyone a Wonderful and Fulfilling New Year, full of all your hopes, dreams and aspirations, good health and happiness!

Linking up with http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Holiday Bokeh Party!

2011-12-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Outdoor Light Bokeh.

Christmas Decorations

2011-12-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://lisaschaos.com/

Three little Cardinals ornament.

Linking up with http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Golden leaves and ornament on the Christmas Tree.

Linking up with http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

My sweet shot for the week!

Linking up with http://my3boybarians.com/

Holiday Bokeh Party

2011-12-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

Decorating the tree became more fun when I discovered Bokeh way back when. Now instead of decorating, I just pile up things, like these strings of beads and marbles in front of the tree and go for Bokeh.

The beaded garlands eventually made it onto my tree after I had had my fun!

I want to try the stars bokeh of some of the photos I have seen. That looks very cool.

I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

Check out http://jaymiblog.blogspot.com/ for more photos of Holiday Bokeh!

Chicken Cassoulet

2011-12-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

Things can get kind of hectic around this time of year. Lots of things that need to be done before the big day and usually not enough time in the day to get it all done.

Here, we have relatives visiting from out of town, my son from Alberta and my brother from Victoria. I don't get to see them nearly enough as it is, so I want to be able to spend as much time with them rather than cooking. Here is a recipe that fits the bill. Its done in the Crock Pot and cooks by itself all day while you are out and about. You come home to a complete home cooked meal.

Chicken Cassoulet

12 Skinless Chicken Thighs

6 Chorizo Sausage links

1 large Onion, diced

3 stalks Celery, chopped

1 Red Pepper, chopped

1 Jalepeno, minced

1 small Head Garlic, peeled and sliced

Olive Oil

In saucepan, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Salt and pepper both sides of the Chicken thighs and brown the thighs on both sides in the olive oil. After they are browned remove them from pan into the Crock pot.

Chop up the Chorizo Sausage into bite size rounds and brown those in the same pan as you just browned the Thighs. After they are browned remove them to the Crock Pot and add your chopped Onions, Celery and Garlic into the sauce pan to saute. Saute just until translucent and after add them to the Crock Pot. Add the chopped Red Pepper to the Crock Pot.

To the Sauce Pan add:

1/2 Cup Chicken Stock or Dry White Wine

1 TBSP. Dried Thyme

1 TBSP. Dried Rosemary

1 TBSP. Dried Oregano

1/2 TBSP. Dried Basil

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper

1/2 tsp Salt

2 TBSP Tomato Paste

Stir until mixed together and pan is deglazed on the bottom. Add this to the Crock Pot.

Add to the Crock Pot:

1- 28 oz Can Diced Stewed Tomatoes

2 large cans Cannellini Beans

Give the whole thing a gentle stir, pop the lid on the Crock Pot and cook it on High for 6 to 8 hours.

Dinner is done!

You can serve this with Rice or Mashed Potatoes if you choose, or just by itself with chunks of Sourdough bread to sop up all the flavourful juices.

I had to substitute one can of Kidney beans for one of the cans of Cannellini beans at the last moment because I could not find the second can! I still can't find that can of beans! It still tasted great with the kidney beans added. It is comfort food at its best!!

Linking up with http://forblogs.blogspot.com/search/label/Tasty%20Tuesday

Linking up with http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/

Linking up with http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/

Christmas Lights

2011-12-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

The Newspaper publishes lists of beautifully decorated homes for people to go and visit. Here is one of the homes we stopped at last night.

Linking up with http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Check out the large flowers on the front of the home all lit up with lights!

Linking up with http://lisaschaos.com/

Frosty the Snowman kind of looks out of place with our green Christmas! He needs some snow!

Linking up with http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

A carolling we go!

Linking up with http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Santa has some new Wheels!

Linking up with http://www.murrieta365.com/

Merry Christmas to all!

Joyous Noel!

And to all a Good Night!

The Weekend in Black and White

2011-12-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/

Some of the Things I am loving right now:

My son Eric is visiting from Alberta for a couple of weeks. So good to see him!

Happy to have my Photoshop back after the big crash a couple of weeks ago. I missed it!

The wonderful Ribs my Hubby just cooked for dinner tonight.

Peppermint Candy Ice Cream, which is only available at Christmas. That is a good thing too!

So many things to be grateful for!

Getting ready for Christmas is very slow this year. I have hardly even started yet!

I guess I still have time, and a few more shopping days left!

Thank goodness for that!!!

How is your preparations going?

Tug Boats and Tin Soldiers

2011-12-14T17:34:00.000-08:00

Check out http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/ for more Ruby Tuesday photos!

These were taken outside New Westminster Quay. The Tin Soldier is the world's largest Tin Soldier.

What child would not enjoy having this boat in thier back yard to play in. You would only go as far as your imagination could take you, but for a child that could be far and away!

Check out Midweek Blues at http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

Check out more photos at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Macro Monday

2011-12-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

One of the Crafts available at one of the many Christmas craft fairs here in town.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

I still am waiting to see how many pictures my Hubby can retrieve off my crashed hard drive. These are a few I still had on my camera chip when the Drive crashed.

This is in Clayburn Village on the outskirts of the village in the farm area.

It was a cloudy and gloomy grey day when these were taken.

To see more photos of Skywatch Friday, please go and visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Ruby Tuesday Sweet Shots

2011-12-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Ruby Tuesday at http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

A few Christmas Tree Ornaments for you!

Linking with Sweet shop Tuesdays at http://my3boybarians.com/

Today's Flowers

2011-12-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

Check out Today's Flowers at http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Last week my external Hard drive crashed and I lost all my photos. My hubby has been trying to do a restore to get them back but still no luck. If he can't get them back, I know they are gone. I am surprised I am not more upset about this than I am. For a bit I was upset about some of the photos I had I as worried I could not get back. My uncle is helping there if I need it, he has most of the photos I cherished the most. All the rest I can go out again and redo. Its not so bad then after all.

Roses are gone for the season and it will be a while before we see their buds and roses blooming. For now we have some Rose Hips.

Check out Macro Monday at http://lisaschaos.com/

Waterdrops, my favorite subjects!

2011-11-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

How can you be unhappy its raining when you get jewels like these!!

Linking up with http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Macro Monday

2011-11-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since anyone saw these kinds of shoes on someone's feet. They are not exactly the type of fashion that is in style today. But I wonder who did wear these shoes. What were they like? They look well taken care of, like whoever owned them regularily cleaned and polished and took care of them.

Where did these shoes take them?

How about those first pair of shoes your child owned, the ones they wore when they took their first steps. Somewhere in a box I have a pair of small white boots that my daughter wore, and a pair of brown ones that my son wore. You want to keep them forever. Or bronze them like these ones. You think you will keep them forever and when the time is right you will give them to thier proper owner and they in turn will cherish them forever.

They won't end up in a Vintage Second hand Store like these shoes have.

To see other entries of Macro Monday, please go and check out http://lisaschaos.com/

Some more Fall Colours!

2011-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Along the shores of Harrison Lake.

Linking up with http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Linking up with http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Dedicated to A Friend

2011-11-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

http://macroflower-saturday.blogspot.com/

http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

I am dedicating my post to my friend Corrina who lost her only son this past Wednesday. Matthew was a 26 year old young man who was involved in a terrible plane crash here in Vancouver three weeks ago. Matthew was the co-pilot of the plane. Besides Matthew, the Pilot as well did not survive. All nine passengers survived the crash because of the heroic actions and skill of both the pilots. They sacrificed their lives to save the lives of thier passengers.

My heart breaks for Corrina and her family who lost an only son, and only brother. I cannot imagine the depth of thier loss or their pain. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this terribly sad time.

Hannah and her Mom

2011-11-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

http://mychaosmybliss.com/

http://betterinbulk.net/2011/11/a-sneak-peek-for-tara.html

This is Hannah, who's Father lives a few houses over from us. Hannah used to live there as well, up until her parents split up about five years ago. She was too small then to be out and about but now when she comes to see her Dad, she rides her very cool Barbie bike back and forth on the road and always comes over and says Hello when she sees us at home.

She is like a little ray of sunshine. Always happy and chatty. Energetic.

Here she is with her Mom, who comes over for a coffee and catch up chats when she is in the neighbourhood.

Neighbourhoods change, people come and stay awhile. You meet them, become friends, and sometimes changes happen, and they or you move on. Its nice though that even when you move on, you can still come back and revisit.

Ever asked your self, I wonder what ever happened to _______? Well, sometimes they come and chat, say hello and catch up over coffee!!

Do you have any one where you ask yourself, I wonder what ever happened to them?

Wordless Watery Wednesday

2011-11-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

The Boat Pier at Harrison Hot Springs.

Linking up with http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

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Mellow Yellow Macro Monday

2011-11-13T19:33:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://lisaschaos.com/

We have had unseasonably cooler temperatures this fall, and our first real frost came really early in the season.

The cooler temperatures have really enhanced the Fall colours of the trees. The Fall colours of the trees have been beautiful to see.

Add a light dusting of frost to the mix!

Linking up with http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Autumn Skies, Autumn Colours

2011-11-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

Linking up with http://skyley.blogspot.com/

I am always looking for unique and eye catching ways to showcase the Skies above, so one day while out at Golden Ears Park with my hubby, I practised a new technique I had read about in a photo magazine. I twirled the camera in a circle while taking the photo and I really like the results of this fun technique that I got!!

It was a beautiful Fall day, blue skies, and wonderful fall colours on the trees. Lots of contrasting colours here!

I also tryed to keep one of the elements in the photo in relative focus, such as the picnic table above to add a focal point in the photo.

The Photo below was taken of the view across the lake, the mountains in the background and the water of the lake.

Linking up with http://throughaphotographerseyes.blogspot.com/2011/05/favorite-photo-of-week-contest.html

This photo below is my favorite. It features my Hubby at the bottom of the photo, and the lake before him, and the mountains in the background. The huge Oak tree behind him adds perspective.

We have had some fabulous colours this Fall. I think that is due to the dry cold weather we experienced at the beginning of the season. Usually here we have grey skies and buckets of rain!

I am really enjoying capturing the beautiful colours!

And I have more photos to come, so please come back!

Linking up with http://www.a-moment-in-time-photoblog.com/

Linking up with http://mcdougallphotography.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Wordless Wednesday at http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Chocolate covered Marshmallow Pops

2011-11-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Marshmallow Pops

Wonder what to do with some of the leftover Chocolate Bars that stick around after Halloween? Other than giving them away or hiding them or freezing them, here is something you can do for a sweet treat that is different than just plain old chocolate bars.

I used the small Kabob sticks to hold the Marshmallows. Use good quality melting Chocolate and melt it in a double boiler over hot water. Dip the ends of the sticks in chocolate and let set. This makes it easier to keep the Marshmallow on the stick.

Dip the Marshmallow into the melted Chocolate and then roll the dipped marshmallow liberally into crushed chocolate bars. I used Skor bars for these pops.

If you put the finished pops in the fridge the chocolate sets up fast.

These make a yummy treat for dessert and taste wonderful with a cup of Hot Chocolate as well!

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Mellow Yellow Monday

2011-11-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

My Hubby will do whatever it takes to get the picture, including sitting on the job.

Sometimes you have to search out the right angles and check out the proper perspective.

He will even lay down on the job! And so engrossed in the task at hand he didn''t even know I was capturing the moment too!

To see more photos of Mellow Yellow Monday, please go and visit http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Camera Critters

2011-11-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

A few of the farm animals from the Apple Barn. A few posts back I posted photos of the Apples I picked there, but they also had a petting zoo for the children who visited.

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Reflective Skies.

2011-11-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

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Sunny day at Fishtrap Creek.

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Shutter quick, Shutter slow...

2011-11-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

For more entries at Wordless Wednesday, please go and visit http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

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Fall means Apples among other things!

2011-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

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Is there nothing better than a fresh crisp apple just picked off the tree? I wait all year for apples to be ready for picking then we eat apples until they are gone!

Our favorite has to be the Honeycrisp apple!

A thing of beauty!

Little splashes of yellow on the leaves show Fall is arriving along with the apples.

The Apple Barn is the place to go here for fresh Apples ready for picking as well as all other kinds of fresh vegetables and products.

Happy Halloween everyone!!!

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2011-10-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

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Parts of the Discovery Trail that traverses from one side of our town all the way to the other side. A great walking/jogging/biking trail to explore.

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2011-10-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

Tea Time!

Who doesn't like a nice cup of Tea?

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It seems that not many people have teacups anymore to have their Tea in. My former Mom in Law, straight from England would not think of putting Tea in anything but a fancy teacup and matching saucer. She also had the little spoons to stir with, the kinds you collect from different places as a rememberance of trips gone by.

My grandmother as well drank her Tea either out of fancy teacups or out of the green or orange old coffee cups that you see a lot of now in Antique stores.

I always liked the look of teacups and the fancy designs and flowers etc. that decorated teacups and saucers but never was a fan of drinking my tea out of a fancy teacup. They always seemed tipsy to me, and rattly on the saucer if you know what I mean and the Tea never stayed as hot as I like my Tea to be.

The sight of a fancy pretty teacup though never fails to bring back those memories of the past people in my life who took a well deserved break in thier day for a proper cup of Tea.

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2011-10-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

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Drop in to:

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Ruby Tuesday

2011-10-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ready to Fall.

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Today's Flowers

2011-10-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Pink Roses, a bit past prime.

To see more of Today's Flowers, please go and visit http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Camera Critters

2011-10-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Mini Shepard. Belonged to a woman I met at Fort Langley who kindly let me take a couple of photos of her dog.

I made a mistake resizing them but you can still see his beautiful eyes.

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Skywatch Friday

2011-10-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Field of Pumpkins in Sumas Prairie, outside Abbotsford, B.C.

Beautiful Autumn afternoon. Blue skies and Fall colours.

To see more photos of Skywatch Friday, please go and visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

2011-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

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Fall colour is everywhere. An outdoor garden we visit called Minter Gardens is the location of these photos. We went to visit on the last day of the season for the Garden.

The days are shorter, the air is cooler.

The scenery changes every day.

Isn't Fall amazing!

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Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2011-10-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

Today is my Hubby's birthday and I wanted to make him something special for supper that I have never made before. We both like spicy so these Pulled Pork Sandwiches were perfect for that. This was very easy to cook, and I used the Crock Pot so it cooked all day while we were out enjoying the beautiful fall day.

Here is the recipe for you. I am one of those cooks that don't measure much so feel free to add or subtract as you want if you choose to try this.

2 1/2lb. Pork Butt Roast

1 large coursely chopped Onion

3 large grated Garlic Cloves

7 oz. can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo sauce

2 TBSP. Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 tsp. Onion Powder

1/2 tsp. fresh ground Black Pepper

1 1/2 tsp. Dry Mustard

1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

3 TBSP. Worchestershire Sauce

1 tsp. dried Thyme flakes

1 tsp. Rosemary dried

1 tsp. dried Cilantro

24 oz. Dr. Pepper (not the Diet kind)

Chop onion and grate the garlic into the bottom of your Crock Pot. Open up your pork butt roast and spread out flat. Generously season both sides of pork with a mixture of the salt, pepper, dry mustard, brown sugar, garlic and onion powder. Lay Pork on top of your onion layer. Open can of Chipotles and spread peppers and sauce over the top of the Pork. Sprinkle Thyme, Rosemary and Cilantro over top and then pour Dr. Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Worchestershire sauce over top.

Cook on low for 9-12 hours.

Remove pork to platter and pull apart meat using two forks. Pour sauce into dutch oven, strain out most of onion mixture and coarse chop in blender. Boil sauce on stove until reduced in volume by half, add back the coarse chopped onion mixture and the pork and simmer on stove for about 30 minutes.

While this is simmering it is time to make a Slaw to go on top of your sandwiches.

1 small Fennel bulb, shredded

! Carrot, shredded

!/2 cup Shredded Daikon Radish

2 green Onions, fine chopped

1 TBSP. Apple Cider Vinegar

2 TBSP Olive Oil

1 Garlic clove, grated

Salt and Pepper to season.

Mix Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, garlic, salt and pepper together and pour over vegetables and mix thouroughly.

To serve split and toast a Fresh Poor Boy Bun. Spread with butter generously and pile Pulled Pork onto bun. Cover with Slaw.

Enjoy!

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2011-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

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Having some fun with my Photoshop Twirl filter, this is actually the Jaguar hood ornament on top of a Jaguar car.

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Today's Flowers

2011-10-16T00:29:00.000-07:00

The last of the summer Dahlias.

To see more of Today's Flowers, please go and visit http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Serene Waters

2011-10-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

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Macro Monday

2011-10-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

We won't be needing Ice Cream much longer to keep us cool on a warm day. Rather something warm on a cool day. Got to love the cooler days of Autumn.

This is Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Ice Cream and Caramel Vanilla Ice Cream made at Birchwood Dairy outside of Town. For the record, it is the best Ice Cream ever made.

I wouldn't lie to you about that!

Favorite Fabulous Moments in Time

2011-10-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend at the park, we happened upon a Photo session for a Sikh couple who had just got married. I snuck some photos too!

This is my favorite photo of the happy couple!

I was a bit of a distance away and no time to change lens on my camera, but I still managed to get a few. I love the colours of their clothes. The beading and lace work of the dress was gorgeous.

Their Photographer made them dance a bit for the photos. I caught them spinning.

Here heading back to the car after the photos were done. I was happy to catch a few photos of their special day!

I managed to capture a Moment of their time that they will remember for the rest of their lives. This was their Moment in Time!

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2011-10-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Books

I love books. Not a day can go by where I don't have to read a bit of a book before shutting my eyes for sleep. At times I even have more than one book on the go. Our local library is also an excellent source for books.

I think if I was one to buy more books than I do, one of the new E-Readers might be a good thing to invest in. I do buy some books, ones that I want to keep and read over, but otherwise the library serves me well enough. I usually only read a book once, so not too worth buying it.

There is just something about having a book in hand, the feel and the weight of it, turning the pages, getting close to the end of the story that I don't think an E-Reader would fulfil. You know, curling up on the couch with a good book. Just not the same I think with a reader!

I am always curious about old worn well used books as well. I wonder who besides me read this book. How many people enjoyed it? What did they think of the story? Have they lasted this long because they are a good read? The rough textures of the book covers, the thickened pages, the cracked spines, the smell of the yellowed pages all leave a mark and tell thier own story.And I would like to know that story as well!

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"Thankful"

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Roasted Vegetable Salsa

2011-10-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

I love the Fall!! Harvest time! My hubby and I went yesterday to the Apple Barn in town, and came home with a box full of vegetables.

My big catch of the day was a huge bag of Heirloom tomatoes and Peppers. It screamed Salsa to me in the kitchen, I swear it did!

Some of the vegetables that came home with us!

Roasted Vegetable Salsa

3 large Tomatoes, quartered

2 large Red Peppers, quartered.

1/2 Red Onion, cut in slices.

6 cloves Garlic

Coat vegetables in Olive Oil, sprinkle liberally with Salt and Pepper and spread out on a large cookie sheet to roast. Roast in 425 degree Oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.

When vegetables have finished roasting put them into your food processor and add:

1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin

1 tsp. Hot Red Pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Pepper

Zest and Juice from one lime

A generous handful of torn Basil Leaves.

Process by pulsing salsa in the food processor. I like my salsas to be chunky rather than smooth. Taste and adjust your seasonings to taste.

For this Salsa we wanted to keep it hot rather than chilling it for our dinner. Salsa takes on a whole different taste when you serve it warm.

With the leftover salsa, you can chill the salsa and serve it next time with additional ingredients depending on your tastes. I like to add chopped up fruit such as Mango, Peach or Nectarines. It is also good with chopped up Avacado, grilled corn and black beans added to it as well. Serve with Tortilla Chips.

We served our Hot Salsa over Spaghetti Squash, Hassselback Potatoes and Baked Chicken.

Another hint with your homemade Salsas is to change up your herbs you add. Most Salsas have Cilantro added, but I like to add other herbs instead such as Basil. It totally changes the taste of your Salsa.

And of course you can make your salsa with Fresh Vegetables rather than roasting the vegetables. Roasting brings out sweetness of the vegetables.

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Today's Flowers

2011-10-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Its been one of those weeks where I have not seen a fresh flower for the entire week, so here is one from my photo archives for today.

To see more photos from Today's Flowers, please go and visit http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

To see more photos of Macro Flowers Saturday, please visit http://macroflower-saturday.blogspot.com/

Typing Memories

2011-09-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, my Grade 9 home room was in the typing room. We started each day in Home Room for roll call before heading out to respective classes. Our home room teacher always wanted quiet while he passed on daily news and took the daily roll call but being the unruly kids we were back then the typewriter in front of each of us was just too much of a noise making temptation. It had bells, rollers and lots of keys and lots of kids in the class to push a button or ding a bell. It was hard for the teacher to tell which of the 30 some typewriters was the guilty party!

I also took typing in school, and learned on a manual typewriter to type. We had a cover that was placed over the keys to hide them and our hands went under the cover while typing. I learned to type this way, consequently I am a touch typer, and do not have to look at the keys to type. In fact if I do look, I make mistakes!!

Now I see these typewriters in antique shops and think like this one they bring back fond memories of simple times, they hold fond memories of simple times and have taught me lessons I still remember to this day! That can't be obselete!

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Sepia Scenes

2011-09-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is the main cemetary located in Medicine Hat. One day my sister and I strolled through the cemetary, and this is one of the photos of that day. Most of the more modern cemetaries nowadays do not allow a raised cemetary stone as it makes it more difficult to cut the grass on a regular basis. In days of cutbacks, now it is cheaper to just mow over the flat stones rather than having to edge around and mow around raised stones. Seeing a cemetary that does have stones leaves personal spaces for the families to add thier mementos and flowers to the gravesite in rememberance of thier loved one.

To see other photos of Sepia Scenes, please go and visit http://sepiascenes.blogspot.com/

2011-09-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

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We have a new small business owner in town who makes these beautifully decorated Cupcakes for special events such as weddings, birthdays and such.

They were in either specially decorated liners such as these two or in containers of your choice.

Small bird bath stands.

Teacups.

They are almost too pretty to eat!

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Camera Critters

2011-09-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

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It turns out Lucy was a friendly Rotweiller, but when she came down the wharf and plunked herself down in front of where I was sitting, I had my moment of wondering if I was safe. Turns out she was a big marshmallow!!

Captured on a Bull Rush in the pond back our our house.

Midweek Blues

2011-09-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

I just found a couple of photos from Hilda's Garden, a beautiful garden I featured a while ago here on my blog. I forgot about these two photos!

These were taken inside a small garden shed. The paintings on the wall and the straw hat were done by Hilda.

To see other photos of Midweek Blues, please go and visit http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

Mellow Yellow Macro Monday

2011-09-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

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Sometimes a girl just has to buy herself a present, especially if she is someone who will take care of others and never think of herself first. Sometimes she just deserves a treat!

Then again, sometimes you have to encourage said person who happened to be my sister Elaine, that she deserves to treat herself with a beautiful bracelet.

So I encouraged her, or rather badgered her mercilessly until she treated herself!

What was the last thing you actually bought for yourself that really you didn't need and never would of thought to buy for yourself?

Looking forward to your answers!

Coneflowers Today.

2011-09-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite flowers, they remind me a bit of umbrellas!

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Skywatch Friday

2011-09-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Late afternoon last of the summer shot. Descending sun on an old barn on a clear sunny afternoon. The days have been cloudy and cool since, with rain becoming an expected event.

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for Lighting challenge.

Watery Wednesday

2011-09-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

An artist who paints lily pads and floats them in the different ponds at Van Duesen Gardens. Living art!

Nature's natural water receptacles.

See more photos of Watery Wednesday at http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Sweet Shot Tuesday

2011-09-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Meet my sister's Puppy Molly! She is a nine month old teacup Maltese. She is a sweet thing!!

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Click it up a Notch.

2011-09-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have been delving further into learning Photoshop since upgrading recently to CS5. I have seen Multiplicity photos before on the Net and always wanted to learn this skill. I had a bit of an idea how to achieve it, and tryed for days it seemed to make it work but it just wouldn't. Isn't it frustrating when you know what you want to do, just not how you can do it!

I seem to learn a lot about Photoshop by having to stumble my way through different parts of it rather than look up something further on the net, so in the end I had to bite the bullet and look it up. I discovered where I was going wrong and how to correct it and low and behold I have it figured!

I had enough pictures to make a few of them, here are two for you. The above is a stranger who was kind enough to pose for me.

The photo below is my nephew Aaron, taken at the park in his hometown. I have a few friends who want me to do one for them also. They are unique!

I like challenging myself with something new to learn. It helps me learn things I didn't even set out to learn, so its like a bonus!!

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Today's Flowers

2011-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

As we slowly tip into September, the gardens at Minter Gardens are at the most colourful they have been since Spring.

Gazebo in the center of the Rose Garden.

The huge peacock's feathers are all flowers.

This garden, left side, was spectacular.

Right side.

Black Eyed Susans.

To see other photos of Today's Flowers please go and visit http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

A Reflective Skywatch Friday

2011-09-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

I love finding good reflections on water on nice calm days. You can see the sky in the water easily if the water is calm and ripple free.

I love taking those reflections photos and flipping them. They make a very cool perspective of the sky and the scenery.

And you can tell that on this day the sky was sunny and blue. The day was an awesome summer day!

And the water was calm. Lots of lily pads too!

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Watery Wednesday

2011-08-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

A pond of water at the end of this Rainbow!!

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Spiced Rum Peaches.

2011-08-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

SPICED RUM PEACHES

Fresh peaches are plentiful right now in the stores and Farmers Markets. There are lots of ways to enjoy fresh peaches, here is a quick and easy way to prepare peaches for dessert.

Wash 4 good size freestone Peaches, cut into even slices.

In non-stick Frypan, melt 1/4 cup Butter and add 1/4 cup Brown Sugar. Heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.

Add sliced peaches to pan. Cook and stir peaches in sugar butter mixture until juice is syrupy and peaches are shiny.

I guess you have to eyeball it, the juices should not be carmelized but should be thick and bubbly.

Add 1/4 cup Spiced Rum to the pan. You don't have to flame it, just simmer in pan until the juices reduce.

Spoon over good quality Vanilla Ice Cream.

The hot and spicy peaches over the cold and creamy ice cream is a perfect dessert to serve. It couldn't be simpler to make either!!

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Zimbabwe Statues of Stone

2011-08-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Statues of Zimbabwe Art Show in Van Duesen Gardens in Vancouver.

These statues were interspersed around the entire garden. Each piece was for sale and two of the artists were set up in one corner of the garden doing carvings.

These photos are especially for my friend Jane who spent time in Africa and who herself is also a stone carver. I know she would of liked to see this art show herself!

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Today's Flowers

2011-08-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I went out to Van Duesen Gardens in Vancouver yesterday to see the Zimbabwe Stone Carving Displays through the gardens. I only took a few photos of the flowers there, mostly the statues which I will feature in the next few days.

Here are some of the flowers I saw, and I only know the names of a couple of them so please feel free to put names to the others!

This flower was a bee magnet!

Hollyhocks, love the blood red colour!

Purple Alium.

Not sure what this or the next photo is!

To see other photos of Today's Flowers, please go and visit http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

The Weekend in Black and White

2011-08-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

Tree Lady.

Check out http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/ for more Black/White photos.

Tempt my Tummy on a Tasty Tuesday!

2011-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

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On my holiday to Alberta, I had the opportunity to make some snacks with my niece Tracey.

Meet Tracey!!

Together we made Chocolate dipped Potato Chips!

You need a good portion of meltable Chocolate and some good crisp and thick Potato Chips. We mixed equal amounts of Milk and Dark Chocolate.

Put into microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir and then another 30 seconds to completely melt.

My Sous Chef paid close attention to the meltdown!

Its ready for Chips!

My little chip of the old block cracked open the bag!

Pick out the good strong unbroken chips for dipping.

And gently dip chip so one side or half the chip gets coated in chocolate. Lay chip onto wax paper to harden after.

Resist the urge to eat them while you dip or to lick your fingers during the process!

See those chocolatey fingers!!

You can sprinkle each chip with additional grains of Maldon Sea Salt or with a generous sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper.

Put the chips in the fridge to harden the chocolate.

This was a really tasty creamy and salty treat which did not last long!

We had a riot making this snack, we actually were making a plate full of wonderful memories!!

Macro Monday

2011-08-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

It seems that in the last couple of weeks of August, summer is finally showing itself here. I can't remember a cooler, grayer summer than this one. I thnk we had about three nice days in the whole month of July and August has been much the same until this week. Today is the first time I turned my fan on inside the house to move around the humid air.

As for cooling off, I could but won't eat a gallon of this stuff! Ice cream screams summer and for the moments of eating it, cools you down.

Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream hits the spot!

To see more photos of Macro Monday, please go and visit http://lisaschaos.com/

Pin It

Today's Flowers

2011-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

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Cheery Summer blooms in clear vases make beautiful centerpieces on dinner tables.

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Skywatch Friday

2011-08-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

The fair in town and some of the rides at the fair against a darkening sky.

Silouetted against the sky.

This ride below makes me queasy just watching it!

To see more photos of Skywatch Friday, please go and visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Watery Wednesday

2011-08-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am back home from my out of town holiday and I had a wonderful time. We went to a lot of different places I have never been before, ate lots of good food and had good visits with family. I have lots of photos that are still on my camera and will get them off to the computer in the next couple of days. I have my son visiting here and my daughter will be here on the weekend so I will still be busy. Have to get my share of them now while they are visiting before they go back home and I won't see them again until next time.

A sunset water scene at Whiterock.

To see other photos of Watery Wednesday, please go and visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

I will have pictures from my holiday soon here for you!!

Macro Monday

2011-08-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

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I am leaving in the morning on a road trip with my Sister and Brother in Law. We are heading home for them to Alberta and for me to see my kids that also live in Alberta. I have a couple of weeks off and will try to post from thier house as well. It is at least a 16 hour straight through drive, but we will be stopping here and there. I plan on taking lots of photos along the way. The scenery is wonderful.

We have lots of things planned, people to visit and places to see. We will be busy!

I have to be back next Wednesday to home for an appointment but not back to work for the rest of that week. The plans so far are that both my kids will be out next week to our house so the visit will continue!

These little figurines were spyed at a garden store we visited yesterday. I thought they were cute enough to tell you all about my absence!!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!!

Happy Trails.....

Today's Flowers

2011-08-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

Carletta from http://carlettascaptures.blogspot.com/ had a beautiful photo on her website that inspired me to learn a new skill. Here are a few of my first attempts to learn a new skill!

Alium bulb.

Hydrangea buds.

Roses.

My favorite colour of roses.

Young Sunflower.

To see more photos of Today's Flowers, please go and visit http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Camera Critters

2011-08-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

A sitting duck!

Like the saying goes be careful or you might find yourself being a sitting duck.

This duck actually was lame, one of its webbed feet being injured in the past and now a permanent injury. We watched her as she brought up her babies throughout the spring and now here by herself. It really looks painful for her when she trys to walk. She sure can scoot away fast though when you try and get close to her.

To see more Camera Critters, take a gander over at http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/

Midweek Blues on the beginning of the month!

2011-08-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.murrieta365.com/

http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

The Agricultural Recreational Fair was in town for this past long weekend, complete with a Rodeo, the Midway and of course Clowns.

This guy was making Balloon animals for the kids.

Taken in the center of the Midway grounds. The rides look fun but I can't go on them. It would kick my motion sickness into hyperdrive.

Next week is the Airshow but I will be out of town on holidays by then.

Trip photos will follow!!

Deep Fried Dill Pickles

2011-08-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

DEEP FRIED DILL PICKLES

I first tryed Deep Fried Dill Pickles a couple of years ago in an English Fish and Chip Shop and fell in love with them right away. They have been on my mind to try again ever since. Last week I again found them at the local pub.

These little snacks have everything going for them. The salty and sour of the pickles, the savoury spices in the coating mix, the creamy dip that goes with it.

1 jar Bick Dill Pickles with Garlic

2 Eggs

1 1/2 cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)

1 tsp. Black Pepper

Oil for deep frying.

Dip:

1/2 cup Bick Zesty Onion Relish

1/2 cup Sour Cream

Combine dip ingredients in a small bowl.

1) Preheat oil in deep fryer to 375 degrees. Drain and rinse pickles, cut into quarter slices lengthwise and pat dry. Lightly mix eggs in small bowl with fork, until frothy. Combine bread crumbs and seasonings in separate bowls.

2) Dip each pickle stick into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Fry in small batches, 45 to 60 seconds, until golden brown and crispy. Serve with dip.

(For a thicker coating, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs then again in egg and breadcrumbs.)

You will never be able to eat just one!!

I am linking up with:

http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/

Macro Monday

2011-07-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

All the summer berries are slow to ripen this year due to the amounts of rain and cool cloudy days we have had this summer.

Picking berries usually entails getting scratched by Nature's protective thorns.

Most of the berries though are still looking like this. Hopefully they catch up before fall comes and they just dry up and rot on the bush.

To see more of Macro Monday photos please go and visit http://lisaschaos.com/

Watery Wednesday with Midweek Blues

2011-07-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

http://thedustycellar.blogspot.com/

It was a beautiful warm sunny day last weekend for the Harrison Hotsprings Dragonboat Festival. Here are some photos of the races on the lake that day!

These photos from start to finish depict the end of one of the races. The dragonboats one by one going over the finish line.

Check out Watery Wednesday and Midweek Blues at the above addresses!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

2011-07-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am constantly looking for different fresh cool salads that my Hubby will eat, ones that contain the various vegetables that he does like without just constantly making the same old, same old type salads. I found this recipe for Carrot salad and tweaked the recipe for the salad to the recipe I am going to share. I love the taste of Sesame but found the original dressing needed to be enhanced so played with the ingredients until I got what I wanted.

CARROT SESAME SALAD

Combine matchstick Carrots, Red or Orange Peppers cut in matchsticks, and chopped green onions in a bowl.

You can actually add any vegetables you like such as sugar peas, cucumber, celery as long as your main ingredient is the carrots.

The more variety of vegetable, the better!!

Sesame Dressing:

1 TBSP. Rice Vinegar

1 TBSP. Olive Oil

1 TBSP. Sesame Oil

1 -1in. piece Grated fresh Ginger

3-4 cloves Grated fresh Garlic

1 TBSP. Toasted Sesame Seeds

1/4 tsp. Schirachi Chili Sauce

2 TBSP. Tahini

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients together thouroughly.

Pour dressing over salad and garnish with 1 TBSP. Toasted Sesame Seeds and chopped green onions.

Can be mixed ahead of time so that flavours are allowed to mingle.

Check out other yummy recipes at http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/