Jewels

While at the farmer's market in Bellingham we ran into a friend. Nicole worked at the museum with me. We shared lots of morning chats and I think we really respected each other's world views, even though we didn't always agree. I like that. It stretches me to think through things and to step back and wonder why I believe in what I do. We had common ground too and we had some good laughs together. She has since gotten married and they have bought a house.
Nicole designs and makes beautiful jewelry. My hubby encouraged me to purchase a pair of earrings, which I didn't need too much encouragement. Nicole's stall at the market is very pretty and so is she. We had a nice visit.


She does custom designs for entire bridal parties too. Such a special gift for the women in your wedding. Her site is on my sidebar.

Summertime Saturday

Yesterday was the summer day I dream of in the cold rainy season. Sunny and warm! The hubby and I went to the Bellingham Farmer's Market in the morning. I'll share more details during the week about the market. We ran into many old friends. We wanted to find some yummy foods and then turn it into dinner...if we found the right things and if we had the energy after shopping. We did find some yummy things, including lunch at Fiamma Burgers in downtown. So good, priced right, clean, seating inside and out. We'd go back in a heartbeat. Cool restroom too.
On the way home we called some friends and told them we had a start for dinner, it would be casual, and could they come. My friend, Karen always says, "OH, Fun, yes", if we call her. This time she also said she had two flank steaks in the fridge and would marinate immediately. Vern and Shelly could come too. Sam and Blake decided they would have dinner too, it was shaping up into a pretty good dinner party. Avenue Bread had a free bag of bread ends left, so that means my hubby makes his yummy croutons. We had bought some beautiful greens at the market so we made a variation of bread salad. This is the salad before we added the croutons. Our dinner started with the salad and grilled prawns which were cooked to perfection with butter, garlic, seasoning salt and parsley. We use our BBQ wok for shrimp. Is your mouth watering yet?

Grilled flank steak, Washington roasted asparagus and an Avenue Bread baguette for main. Dessert was from the market too. First we had a sample of the mini cupcakes from Icing on Top Bakery. Vanilla bean, Chocolate and Pumpkin. Soooo good, and pretty too. We cut them up so we could try a bite of each. Of course, dessert was strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. We bought our berries from sisters, Paige and Paula at Shumway Berries. I've known them for years and they had gorgeous big berries. It was fun to visit with them.
The best part was I'd told friends, this will be casual. A part of my fantasy day includes a nap on the patio in the afternoon. I truly have the best spot in the world for a summer nap.
There weren't many photos, I was in the moment.

Let Them Eat Cheesecake

Last evening was Derek and Malorie's wedding, so pretty. They are so in love and just looked so happy. When Mal and her Dad came down the aisle and I glanced up at Derek, I saw his face filled with love and devotion. Here they are cutting the cheesecake. Malorie is the daughter of one of my lifetime friends. Doreen & I went to our Moms' coffee dates, first grade and beyond together. So, I have known Mal her whole life. She loves Derek, family, kids and fun times. I wish them the best.

Some of the boot camp babes were at the wedding. Me, Kim (Mom of the groom), Melinda, Malorie and Emily. Note the arm definition we are all developing. I think it was cheat night for a few of us.

Summertime Reading

Jerrie, (visit Jerrie's blog where you may be directed to her book blog) and I have had an informal bookclub for years and she passed on, 'Firefly Lane' by Kristin Hannah to me. I am over half way and it has been pretty good. Since it takes place in Washington state and Lynden is mentioned it feels like home. It's not a book I just can't put down but it is great for on the patio where I am easily distracted. I am enjoying the characters and really the bottom line for women is that you can't have it all. Which I had already figured out. I think once we had three boys and I was working fulltime and doing some traveling for the bank...I just about dropped my basket. Anyway, a book about women, friendship and with a local flavor.

A buddy of the hubby loaned him, 'The Abs Diet' by David Zinczenko. David is the editor of Men's Health magazine. The hubby and I enjoy Men's Health and Women's Health magazines. In fact, one anniversary we gave each other subscriptions. Just to show how much we loved each other and how much we wanted the other to be fit and healthy, whatever...apparently you have to do more than read the magazines.
The book is so easy to read and the diet is really quite easy to follow. I started on Monday. It's very similair to what I'd been doing before but with tips and guidelines that are easy and written with a bit of humor. I've discovered that there is a version for women so I am going to buy a copy. The weight training is much like what I've been doing at boot camp. A new session starts Monday. If you're interested contact me and I'll hook you up. So, far no one has quit, gotten hurt or cried, everyone is loving the workout with Robb and the results.

Garden Party Coming July 11th

Seven years ago we started a summertime, progressive, garden dinner party with friends. Each year the courses are rotated. Last year we had main course and this year we have dessert. This will be the third year that we've hosted the dessert course. I am running out of ideas. My hubby told me I shouldn't buy new dishes this year. He's right, I have several sets of dishes... So, I have been going through the cupboards and closets looking for inspiration. With dessert, lighting is everything. I'd welcome any ideas or dishes sent my way... I have the actual dessert planned. It's a secret and I'll share after the party.
The pictures are from last year, I used cherries in my vase, on the napkins, as placecard holders and on the crystal bread stick dish. Black, a soft cherry red and greens. This year I am at a loss. I do have one item I picked up on Target clearance about six months ago and I am counting on this one little item to inspire me. Wish it luck!

Do You Smell Something?

Saturday evening after dinner we were all on the folks' patio visiting when suddenly it smelled like skunk-BAD! It was getting late and so it broke up the party. Biscuit, the dog was blamed for finding a skunk, but locals assured everyone it was probably across the field on I-90. My hubby's sister, Bonnie and family came to the party from Las Vegas. I appreciate that they vacation in Washington so we can see them. Dennis and Bonnie were in the basement guest room, when at 3 a.m. they hear frantic scratching on the window in the window well. They got up, Bonnie held back the curtains and Dennis hit the lights. Yep, you guessed it. A skunk was stuck in the window well. At this point I can only imagine that one of them must have said, "well, this stinks!" He was frantic and noisy, they couldn't sleep and so came up with a plan. They found a board and carefully slid it into the well, to give the little guy a ramp. Fortunately, he was so frantically scratching the window they were not spotted and he didn't spray. This was a good thing as they had a plane to catch on Sunday. It took him a bit to realize there was a ramp and what to do with it. Back inside they watched as the skunk would try to get up the ramp, he would almost make it and then slide back down. Finally, he made it to the top and got out of Dodge. This all took until 4 a.m. I was quite impressed with how ingenious they were to think of a ramp and at that hour of the day too. Good job!

The rest of the weekend smelled just fine. And if you walk through Esther's pretty rose garden it is better than fine.

50th Anniversary Weekend

Let them eat cake...yep, we did. We ate cake and more. Nice celebration and good time with family this weekend. The party was on Saturday afternoon at the Whire Heron Cellars Winery. We had a cake shaped like their original wedding cake. Then as my nephew from Las Vegas says,"then the after party".
On Sunday we went to the folks' church and had cake (delicious) and coffee with their church. *And the people you can run into in Quincy...well enough said. Anyway, after church we had Dutch food for lunch. At least what my brother-in-law considers to be Dutch food, ham buns. Lot of salads and other goodies too.

It was great to see Max this weekend. He is working on the farm and has been there since graduation. I was very proud of my guys this weekend. They are teens and it was a lot of family, inquiring aunts, a lot waiting, hurrying up, introductions, dressing up and more waiting, but they were nothing but gracious and polite. The picture is of Daniel (nephew), Aunt Laura(we picked her up in Seattle to reduce our carbon footprint), Max and Sam (he has already lost his dress shirt). They are waiting to leave the winery, which we did finally leave without the hubby. The vineyard and the Columbia River are in the background.
This morning it was back to boot camp, where I had a ton of remorse for all the cake, wine, goodies.

Let Them Eat Cake

I made a guest book for Saturday's party. A 50th wedding anniversary party is a big celebration and I wanted Court and Esther to have the good memories to look back on. I used a 7Gypsies chipboard book, added pages and besides the guests signatures there are plenty of pages to add pictures and momentos of a special time. I made the invitations and so I used one in the book too. Not that I'm a shallow person but I judge a party by the cake. So, this page is ready for the review. I hope it's good!

June is Dairy Month II

June is dairy month and I promised a few favorite recipes. This morning I made two lasagnas. My cousin, Melinda gave me the recipe for the Chicken Lasagna many years ago. I have a tendency to share recipes and then tell the receipiant how I do it, which doesn't resemble the recipe. If Melinda ate my lasagna she may not recognize it as her own.
*I listened to the Rolling Stones as I cooked this morning and everytime I hear,"You Can't Always Get What You Want," I laugh because my brother-in-law, Jeff always sang that to Wyatt when he got the Christmas catalog, or the Lego magazine before the holidays. "Mother's Little Helper" makes me laugh too because now I get it...just kidding. My friend Shelly has a puppy and she told me that now she knows why Mommys drink and Daddys leave. As Mick was rocking out I was cooking.
Okay, on with the recipe and tips!
The Recipe as on paper & then MY way.
Disposable pans, if you are taking your lasagna out of your own home. Who wants to scrub a goopy, cheesey pan while the party is going on? Not me.
2 cups cooked chicken( I use 2-3 breasts and cook them in the microwave amd season with seasoning salt and pepper)
1 pint cottage cheese(sometimes I use ricotta)
10 lasagna noodles-cooked ( I use 3,4,4 in my layers and NEVER cook precook them)
onion-as much as desired (I used 1/2 onion)
2 T. butter ( I use 1/2 cube, hey it is dairy month!)
fresh mushrooms (they are the same price for the already sliced so I use a whole package)edited*I saute a carrot too for color.
1/2 milk (wait, I use more, read on)
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use the large size and add 1/2 can milk, this is because I do not precook the noodles)
Don't worry, it won't be soupy because I abhor (a strong word) soupy lasagna. Lasagna should be firm layers of cheese and pasta. The meat and sauce bind it but should not carry it.
2 cups cheddar cheese
2 cups mozerella cheese
parmesan cheese (I use a ton on top so it gets crispy, yummy on the top)
Saute mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Add soup, milk and stir, add chicken. Then layer. I am going to pretty much assume you know how to do that except I do have one important tip, start with sauce and then the noodles and cheese. The uncooked noodles NEED the sauce on the bottom.
Bake at 350 degree for 45 minutes to an hour. Cover the first part and then uncover so that parmesean can get browned and flavor enhanced and crispy and yummy. Enjoy!


I also whipped up a regular lasagna this morning and I don't have a recipe for it because I have been winging it for years, but I have some tips:
Add some sugar to the red sauce. Really. I use a jar of grocery store sauce, for crying out loud, who makes sauce from scratch when there is plethora of choices at the store. I prefer Hunts or Safeway store brand. If I am trying to make a larger than usual pan I add an 8 oz. tomato sauce.
Use half hamburger and half Jimmy Dean sausage, brown it with onion and garlic.
Use 2 eggs to bind the cottage and mozerella cheeses together. (Never do this with the chicken as chicken recipes should NOT have eggs in them- that is like cannibalism or something) Also, I add parsley to my cheese mixtures as it is pretty.
I do not precook the noodles-why dirty the pan, use the energy or handle hot noodles?

I am taking these lasagnas to my in-laws 50th anniversary weekend. They'll be easy for dinner with a salad, bread. The actual party is at the White Heron Cellars Winery. I think it is shaping up into a very nice party. There will be wine, a caterer, wine, a beautiful setting, sunshine, some pretty details, family and friends and oh, um, wine.

I. Love. Target.

I ran some errands today in the mall. We have several events coming up and I needed something to wear. Since I wear jeans and khakis to work, I don't have many dressy clothes, even church is more casual now. So, I go into Macy's and four times I went into a dressing room with a huge pile of clothes to try on. Nothing. I tear through our pitiful excuse of a mall and try to find an outfit. You know, a top with a bottom that you purchase at the same time and they look nice together. You would think I was speaking a foreign language when I would ask clerks if there was a top to go with the skirt I was carrying around. Back to Macy's, I take more to a dressing room and try again. I settle on a skirt and t-shirt. I don't LOVE it but I settle. Off to Target to get some groceries and stuff( you know the $100 worth of stuff that flies into your cart everytime you go near Target), I pass through the clothes and there is a little cap sleeved green sweater for under twenty dollars, I toss it in the cart, check out and head for home.
Well people, guess what? I should have just gone to Target from the get go. This little sweater matches my summer dresses(2) and all the summer skirts(3) in my closet. It was the missing link...everything has come together. It makes the so-so skirt and tee from Macy's come together. With a Target sweater! I love Target!

This is my new sweater with a skirt that I have had for a long time. I bought it at Grandiflora. It's April Cornel. It has pretty rows of beads above the bottom flounce. I love this skirt. It um, doesn't quite fit me ...but I have the little green sweater to go with it. If you see me wearing this skirt and sweater I will be doing the happy dance.

Evening Chores

I took my camera with me to take care of the outdoor chores tonight. Fed the animals, watered, tidied up and did a little walk around the gardens.
Little Bit was waiting for me tonight.

The area under the grape arbor is one of the 2008 projects. A project to be finished that is. Clearing and gathering is finished, now the broken concrete needs to be laid and then Irish moss planted. Add a table and two chairs and we'll have a new room in our garden. Hang a candle chandelier under the arbor and it is going to be a romantic little spot for an evening glass of vino.

Ready to bloom in a big way, a big orange way. We refer to this area as the Secret Garden. I have a flame theme going with orange, red and yellow in this garden. We've had to do soil restoration every year in this area.

Some lilies have already popped.

Hawley helped and then he got his dinner. He missed the boys tonight, I really am a poor substitute.

Weekend Recap

Just in case my Dad didn't notice the new compost in his gardens, we left him a little something to let him know we had been there. A meeting of all the critters we could find on his yard. As we left a crow was checking them out.
The hubby was off this weekend and since that only happens once a month it is reason enough to celebrate. Thursday night was therefore Friday night because he was off Friday too. Bill and Jodi and kids came for pizza. Friday night our friend, Ad wanted to have us over for a Home(stead) cooked dinner. That was delicious and fun. Sam came with too. Ad is looking good and feeling better. Saturday evening we went to friends for a BBQ, where there were many small children, good food and I got to drive a Vespa scooter for the first time. Sunday was of course, Father's Day, church, dinner at the folks, power outage and friends on the patio for snacks and wine in the evening. What else is there to do when there is no power? Eat, drink and be merry! All in all a nice weekend with many home projects completed too.
Today Blake caught the 6 a.m. shuttle to Sea Tac for a week in Tennessee with family, so we had an early start. Then off to boot camp this morning where after all the over indulging this weekend I nearly croaked. I have some work to do this week...

Dad's Day

If you are a vegetarian this next photo may hurt your eyes...

Father's Day was at my folks and there were many Dads to celebrate.

When we came home yesterday we had no power. That made the Dad that lives here quite unhappy. He couldn't watch the end of the race and didn't get to see Tiger Woods finish either. I went for a bike ride to occupy myself. The power company thought it was fixed and so left and returned to Bellingham. Ten customers still didn't have power including our household, they came back out and finally the lights were ON! When a Father wants to watch TV on Father's Day and can't, it can get a little tense...

Fathers' Day

My hubby gets breakfast in bed this morning. He is probabIy wishing he was back in Hawaii having breakfast but we'll try to make it special. I don't think I could have imagined a better Dad for my boys. I hope he has a great day!
Our parents with Sam on graduation night. The boys' grandpas are very special too. Wishing both of them a great day too!
*I'll post later with more pics of this special day.

50th Wedding Anniversary

My hubby's parents, Court and Esther are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this week. Lots of family coming, a party at the White Heron Cellars, a cake with their church next Sunday. Esther was a school teacher before they married and then they moved to George, Washington and farmed there, had four children there and still live on the home place. We're looking forward to a fun family celebration next weekend. They have been such a blessing for their family. Happy Anniversary and God's Blessings, Court and Es!

I'm With Levi

Yesterday my sister and assorted kids did a project at my folk's place while they were out of town. A Father's Day gift for Dad. Levi, my nephew was in charge of moving the trailer of Smit's compost around the yard. Levi is sixteen going on seventeen and is a pretty typical teen-he does not like to be told what to do or how to do it. He has a reaction to advice known as "insta-pist".
Levi started playing football when he was just a little guy and he is good! This year he says he is not playing. Auntie T is having a fit. What am I going to do with all those shirts that say, "I'M LEVI'S Auntie T." Or, "Levi's Fan Club". What about the signs that I have ready to go-"GO Levi, Auntie T is here!" And what if he is not on the camera in the Dome when he should be saying, "Hi Auntie T!"
Levi, you are the subject of the blog today because I care and I wanted to make a public plea for your football career. You have the rest of your life to work so get out there and play ball.

It Makes Me Laugh

'So I Married an Axe Murderer' is one of the all time great, classic movies...at least at my house it is considered one of the all time great classic movies. Starring Mike Myers and Nancy Travis, it is a horror, romantic comedy all in one epic adventure. I had been checking stores regularly so we could own our own copy, to no avail. Suddenly, I thought of Amazon, I ordered online immediately. It should be here today! I am not sure I can choose a favorite scene, possibly the wedding reception with the Rod Stewart imitation, but I love it when they visit his parents for the first time too... And if it ever stops raining we will once again host an outdoor theatre showing everybody's favorite, 'So, I Married an Axe Murderer' on our lawn. If you want to be invited, leave a comment, and if you've seen the movie tell me your favorite scene. It makes me laugh.

Huge Gap in Lynden

Our town lost a piece of history yesterday, several businesses burned. They were part of the Delft Square building which was the original Lynden Department Store. So many memories for so many people. The LDS was a department store, grocery store and feed store. The last of its kind, before it became Delft Square where there were many businesses including Freddy's where I waitressed my way through college, Baby Buggy where I bought cute things for my boys, and a candy shop with Dutch mints. The firefighters were still hosing down the Lynden Department Store building today at noon. It will leave a big gap in downtown Lynden.

My memories include grocery shopping with my Mom there, or going to the basement with my Dad for some hardware or shopping for gifts with my Grandma Dykstra. But the best part of LDS was the fabric and sewing section. There my Mom and I picked out patterns and fabric for many special occasions and for school clothes. My sis, Kathi and I loved the old pattern books which were ours for the asking. We would take them home and create and cut our own paperdolls. We cut families, weddings and dolls that were career women with fabulous wardrobes. So much fun. I still like paperdolls.
My thoughts and prayers are with the business owners who lost so much yesterday.

This and That

Yesterday I took three naps. I was just so tired. I started reading the 'The Whistling Season' by Ivan Diog. No reflection on the book, I just could not keep my eyes open. I think it will be a good read.
Went to church in the evening where the grads were honored. Came home, had a salad and a glass of wine with my hubby and went to bed.
I am better today. Went to boot camp this morning and I am using the eight pound weights now. I am not sure I will be able to lift my arms tomorrow but I'll worry about that tomorrow. Today it felt good to push myself. I need to make some returns in the city this morning and a Costco run. Yay! Real food this week, the party food is over. Just a regular week here + Blake. He is staying with us for a week. Easy kiddo to have around.

June is Dairy Month

Since we live in dairy and berry country, this is a good recipe to make and feel as though you are supporting the local economy. Supporting local business is a great way to justify all the fat in this cake. It tastes really, really good and it is a pretty cake. Lastly, you are supporting the local farmers. This cake is a win win! Please read the instructions prior to just throwing everything in a bowl, you'll need to mix the first three ingredients and then hold back one cup for the topping.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Coffee Cake:
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
Filling:
1 pkg. 8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup raspberry jam
Topping:
1/2 cup sliced almonds
In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar, cut in the butter using a pastry blender until mixture resembles course crumbs. Remove 1 cup of crumbs and set aside. Add the rest of the cake ingredients and spread in a 2" springform pan.
Combine the cream cheese, sugar and egg. Pour over the batter, spoon the jam over the filling. I just glob it here and there and I do have the edge here because my Mom makes the best raspberry freezer jam in the world. Next, crumble the one cup of course crumbs over the top and then sprinkle with the almonds. Bake 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. I use one of my smaller sprngform pans so the cake is higher and takes longer. Loosen ring after 15 minutes. Enjoy!

So Many Parties, So Little Time

We have been very busy this week on the graduation party circuit. It is fun to see the kids so happy to be finished with school and excited about the future. Happy parents too. So many great photos to see and so much yummy food to eat. Last evening we went to Kai's party, and had a nice time.
This morning I went to a bridal shower brunch, it was at the beach, there were peach bellinis and it lasted into the afternoon. The shower was for my friend Doreen's daughter, Malorie. Shelly and Krista gave the shower and I was support and mini van transportation. I made the raspberry cream cheese coffee cake that I made for Mother's Day. I'll be posting the recipe soon.

Doreen, MOTB, Malorie, The Bride and Kelsie, the little sis

Some quick retail therapy on the way home with Shelly and then on to a family reunion BBQ with my cousins. My cousin, Nancy and her husband Ed are visiting from Pennsylvania. It was so nice to see them again. My cousin Landen was the only "girl cousin" missing. My cousin TJ was the only "boy cousin" at the BBQ. TJ just loved being called the "boy cousin". He was a good sport and got in on the photo session. Like he had a choice. As we were leaving we started talking about a cousin shopping trip to NY City. "Girl cousins", that is, oh and TJ's wife, Shannon gets to come along too. Oooh, it would be a fun trip. What happens in New York City stays in New York City. Woo hoo!

Glad Grads

It was such a nice ceremony at LCHS last evening. An excellent speaker, good, good kids, proud families, beautiful music and just a sense of the glory being given to God. Some of the grads sang, 'When Peace Like a River', I would not have thought of that as a graduation song but it was so beautiful. Some light hearted moments and some serious. Their class gift was to Relay for Life in Curt De Haan's name, a teacher and classmate, Jason's Dad, Curt is fighting a battle with cancer now. One hundred and four kids ready to change the world!