Happy Mrs. C

1st Field Trip

2012-01-21T15:42:00.001-08:00

My pre-k class went to the Tennessee Aquarium for our first field trip.

We had a terrific time, and it was great because we had more parents than children go on this trip. We made memories that our students will never forget.

Just look at their smiling faces!

Comfort food

2012-01-17T15:53:00.001-08:00

We have not had the cold weather like last winter but we have had many days of dreary rain.

That calls for my favorite comfort food, tomato basil soup and grilled cheese.

This makes the rainy days bearable.

I am big fan of cast iron cookery, this is my flat griddle, It many years old and very well seasoned. You never use soap when you clean cast iron, just hot water. salt, and scrub.

Hubby is a big fan, I make his sandwich gluten-free, but he still loves it.

Below is the recipe for the tomato basil soup, I have taken a little from one recipe and added my own touches. I always change the recipe......just a little.

Kathy's Tomato Basil Soup

1/2 chopped onion

1 clove chopped garlic

2 cans stewed tomatoes

1 qt. chicken stock

1 c. half and half

dried basil

Saute onion and garlic in a little olive oil. When soft add tomatoes and stock ( I am a fanatic about home made chicken stock and will blog about that soon).

Let simmer for about 10 minutes, add dried basil, 1 to 2 Tbls. add the basil near the end because the flavor cooks out quickly. Just taste and add more if needed.

Add half and half and let simmer but not boil for a couple of minutes.

I put a pat of butter in each bowl, it makes it even more creamy.

I don't even mind the rain if I have this!

Weekend Drives

2012-01-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I hit the road every weekend, weather permitting, and take photos.

We are always looking for those unusual shots.

I took this sunset shot on the back of the mountain last weekend.

We went to Cohutta National Wilderness Area, it is one of 16 in the eastern part of the u.s., that's your new fact of the day!

Hubby said that it "smelled fresh" and I agree,

there was running water and many different types of evergreens.

trying to take close-ups

These were taken when we were in Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, my last day of "freedom" before I went to school in-service.

There are always some many wonderful sites, you just have to slow down and look!

Run, run, fast as you can.......

2012-01-04T16:30:00.002-08:00

Run, run fast as you can...you can't catch me.

I'm the gingerbread______.

I read several gingerbread "people" books to my pre-k class in December. We read a different one each day and these are my favorites!

We decorated individual gingerbread houses and people in my pre-k class.

My brother planned for us all to make gingerbread houses at our day after Christmas celebration.

I made gingerbread play dough and gave each of my students some with a cookie cutter and a traditional gingerbread man book.

Jenny Matlock's alpha-b Thursday is up to the letter G,

I'm all about the G....gingerbread that is!

Valentine Marshmallow Pops

2012-01-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

I know, it's over a month till V Day, but I am seeing so many darling ideas on Pinterest, I had to share what I did last year for my class.

Valentine Marshmallow Pops

Ingredients: Campfire marshmallows, white chocolate chips,

sprinkles, skewers, and valentines.

Many of these items I purchased at the dollar tree, skewers, sprinkles and valentines.

The huge marshmallows are under 3 dollars at Walmart. You can use chips or any white chocolate melts.

I used bar-b-que skewers, I cut them in half with my kitchen shears,

then stuck them into the marshmallows.

Dip into melted white chocolate,

sometimes I thin it a bit with a tablespoon of shortening or oil.

Then roll in sprinkles.

Hubby found me a piece of styro to stick the skewers in while they harden up.

It does not take long.

My glitter valentines matched the sprinkles, wow...that was not even planned!

Cut cello squares, oh, got that at D.T. too. and punched a hole in the card, tied with a little pink ribbon.

I am going to make something different this year but these took less than an hour for 24 pops

and cost around 7 dollars.Plus, they are "high on the cute scale".

Look for the Small Stuff

2011-12-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

As we bid good-bye to 2011,

one of my goals is to look for beauty everywhere.

Even in a lowly weed.

Happy New Year!

Lunch and a Drive

2011-12-30T16:24:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I went to Dunlap for lunch at a terrific restaurant, Blue Orchid Bistro. I had a tasty Reuben sandwich and J had a Black and Blue salad.

Next door is a surveyor's office. He had a collection of oddities in his window.

Bones, rocks, and a survey marker.

We drove through the Squatchie Valley and took lots of photos.

It was a cloudy and the sky was a multitude of color.

My goal is to take meaningful photos everyday.

This is my first posting.

Happy New Year!

Some of 2011 favorites

2011-12-29T17:06:00.001-08:00

What fun to go through I-photo and look at your life through photos.

Last Christmas, hubby gave me a macbook-pro and I LOVE it.

Here are some of my favorite shots, favorite events, and favorite people.

gingerbread house building at Kerry and Cindy's house

MIss V b-day at the my new favorite....Rice Box

hubby at the lake house- 2 of my favorites

Fall break- Virginia

Jessica at the Chattanooga Market

Cindy's b-day at Canyon Grille.....yummy

Katie and Asa's wedding

At kelley and roxie's house with the Alaska cousins

colorful

first 2x4 craft

zinnias that we grew ourselves

wild rhododendron

Abria at Coolidge Park Field trip

Raccoon Mountain Caverns Field Trip

Circus

Valentine's Day Flowers from hubby......love to get them at school.

Hope you enjoyed my photos.

Another Christmas

2011-12-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to all my friends and family

Year-Round Joy

Christmas is full of shiny things
That sparkle, gleam and glow;
These holiday pleasures dazzle us,
And yet, deep down, we know...

That Christmas has its special gifts,
But our year-round joy depends
On the cherished people in our lives,
Our family and our friends.

By Joanna Fuchs

Holiday Fun

2011-11-27T20:01:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving we had a dancing dog in a dress

hula hoop exhibitions

a nature scavenger hunt

and a family get together at the lake house

with s'mores!

Maya dances for a treat

Miss V is perfecting her hula hoop talents

Jeff tries it and is pretty good

the whole hula hooping family

campfire at the little house, great light for photos,

Jeff took all of these

Miss V

Andrew

Alli and Sam.....yummy

Ben has got marshmallow roasting down to an art!

Look at the toasted edges.

Tomorrow more details on the scavenger hunt, it was a blast.

The Little House

2011-11-07T18:41:00.001-08:00

I am so happy the little house has been repaired...remember a few weeks ago when the biggest tree on our lot ALMOST landed on the house. It missed the house by 6 inches!

Doesn't it look terrific!

A new paint job makes it look like a new house.

We even got the shed painted.

I cannot wait until the Friday after Thanksgiving when my entire family will be coming to the little house for a celebration.

If it's warm enough, we are going to eat outside, just like Martha Stewart!

I have so many activities planned and all the decorations are going to be made from natural items I have found.

A little slice of Heaven

Our back porch was designed by hubby, that's a hot tub on the left.

This leads down to the dock.

The little House

Quick and Easy and Delicious

2011-11-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

Those nights that you just don't know what to fix for dinner, try tostadas.

I call these Mexican Pizza, they are that versatile!

Don't they look yummy, when I say they, it is because I have to have two.

You start with crunchy corn tostadas, they are less than 2 dollars and keep forever, just keep the package closed tight ( I use a rubber band).

I had a little chicken breast left over so I sauteed it in chicken stock with a little chili powder and cumin, I love cumin. If you don't cook with it, get some because it can make such a difference in your chili, your enchiladas, and any other Mexican food.

I just heat up a can of refried beans, look they are even fat-free.

Lay your corn tostadas on a plate, love that plate, hubby got it for me.

Spread on the beans, they are kinda like the glue that holds everything else on.

Add cheese, chicken, whatever you want. I like one of each.

Next guacamole, really it is just squished up avocados, salsa, and a little hot sauce.

Next add some lettuce, tomato, and a little sour cream.

I clean up as I prepare this meal and when they are done, I am finished, except to rinse the dishes after we eat. Try these delicious tostadas, they are quick, easy and you can use leftovers from other meals.

A is for Autumn

2011-11-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Autumn, by far, is my favorite time of year.

Here are some of my favorite fall photos.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
- George Eliot

I am linked to Jenny Matlock's Alphabe- Thursday begins today.

It's great and so is Jenny!

More Fall Photos

2011-10-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Blue Ridge Parkway is lovely in Autumn. I had never visited before and I was in for a real treat. I think we might need to take another trip next fall.

Fall Break in Virginia

2011-10-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Our school district gives students and TEACHERS a week-long fall break! The timing is great and the fall colors are beginning to peak......in Virginia. So hubby and I packed up the bug-bug and headed north.

We stayed in a lovely B & B, The Oaks, in Chrisitansburg, Va. It is very near Blacksburg and one of my favorite college football teams, V Tech!

Linda and Bernie pay close attention to details. It is truly a Victorian house and even has a ghost named Julia.

We had a delightful time at The Oaks. Can't wait to share the rest of our trip!

Happy Birthday....Miss V

2011-10-19T20:23:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a minute and tell someone very special,

Happy Birthday!

We are so blessed to have this wonderful little girl in our life.

Our terrific grand daughter, Miss V.

She is so talented, she sings, dances, writes music, designs doll clothes, has appeared in several plays.

I hope we will continue to have adventures together.

Happy Birthday

Love ya, Kaki!

You know she invented that name for me and it just kinda fits.

Birthday Cupcake Kit

2011-10-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

This book, Hello Cupcake, is a treasure of ideas.

It has so many easy cupcakes that even a "not-so-great" cook can make them.

Which leads me to the creation of a birthday cupcake kit.

My co-worker, Wendy, has 3 lovely daughters and I just have to make them a little something for their birthdays. I covered a cake mix, canned icing, and candies for the decorations with scrapbook paper. I put them in a bowl with the book, Hello Cupcake.

The recipes tells you all the ingredients that you will need.

It gives you step-by-step directions and lots of tips.

I printed all the labels on the scrapbook paper.

Owl beaks were banana runts.

I even shrink wrapped the cupcake kit.

Casey brought me an owl cupcake and it was darling.

She and some friends made them on an in-service day.

I love to create unique gifts.

It's Birthday Time!

2011-10-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we celebrated my sister-in-law's birthday. Their entire family surprised Cindy at our lake house. She didn't have a clue that both her children were coming and she was all smiles!

Saturday night we went to Canyon Grille, one of my favorite places to eat.

Cindy and Kerry got the speciality of the house, slash and burn catfish with black bean salsa.

It is an amazing dish.

Jessica, Josh, and Victoria came to help celebrate. I made the banner behind them, I was pleased with the colors and I cut the letters at school on our die cut machine.

For dessert were had mini cupcakes from Gigi's.

On Sunday we met at the lake house and cooked out. Kerry can grill some chicken. Jeff and I played a game of scrabble on the back deck. We had a wonderful time.

Pumpkin Season

2011-09-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's time to visit my favorite pumpkin patch. There are so many kinds and colors and I love them all.

It's almost October and I just love this month!

Let's go to the Chattanooga Market

2011-09-24T16:52:00.001-07:00

Our super-talented daughter, Jessica, is an artist. She makes all her art pieces out of things you would throw away! She uses plastic and glass bottles, paper, and plaster to form the bodies. She uses many different painting techniques. All these wonderful creations are unique and one of a kind. She has taught herself how to sew and even designs their costumes.

We are very proud of her.

If you are near Chattanooga on a Sunday, visit her at the Chattanooga Market.

Photo Taking Time

2011-09-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's cooler and hubby and I are back taking photos. It was a glorious day and we went to Foster Falls. Hubby is using his macro lens to take photos of lovely orange butterflies.

We sat on the bench and watched no less than 50 yellow butterflies in 30 minutes go up this path. We think it must be a migration path.

The leaves are beginning to turn colors.

Just a hint of colors to come

This is my favorite leaf photo

Have a glorious week!

Unbelievable!

2011-09-08T16:28:00.001-07:00

This is what hubby and I saw when we checked on the little house after the rain and wind storm on Monday.You can usually see the front of the house.......

The biggest oak tree in our yard fell and missed our house by about 2 feet.

Hubby and our friend Glenn, looking at the damage. Glenn will be doing the repair work. This happened just 3 days ago and he is ready to start work, just waiting of the insurance folks.

No inside damage that we can tell, just a mess on the outside.

We are so blessed, this tree could have cut our house in half!

I am going to have Glenn cut the truck into 2 foot sections, new seats for a new fire pit. Don't worry Delta Zeta friends, we will still have our winter slumber party!

Summer's End

2011-09-04T11:23:00.001-07:00

I dream of winter, of cold winds, clouds of frozen breaths of air, snow......

Yesterday it was nearly 100 degrees in our city of Chattanooga.

I'm tired of summer, I am ready for it to end.......but

I do love those wonderful farmer's markets, with colorful zinnias and organic veggies.

Is it true that we always want what we do not have?

Katie and Asa

2011-08-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

Today was Katie and Asa's wedding day. I thought it might be hot and humid but it was not. A breeze kept us comfortable and as the guests arrived for this outside celebration, a breeze blew through the trees.

Simple but elegant decorations

color scheme was lemon yellow and gray

mum flower balls

Katie and Asa

lovely ceremony

Sat with my Bunko gang and we laughed and cried. Good friends, good food, and a great celebration! Congratulations to Melanie and Craig.

Getting Ready......

2011-08-21T17:52:00.001-07:00

This week is the first time we will have all 20 pre-k students at the same time. I think it is kinda like childbirth..... you just forget it until it comes around again. I have my wardrobe planned and my favorite dinners ready to go. This is one of my old favorites, the 7 layer taco salad. I add a little taco seasoning to the sour cream and it is sooo good.

Another fav is Pioneer Woman's Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing. Ty it, you will like it!

My dear sweet husband got 2 bottles of my favorite wine. 47 Lb. Rooster Rex Goliath, it's terrific! I plan to enjoy them this week.

It's Party Time!

2011-08-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

This week I am featuring my favorite blogs and I could not go without a "party blog". Karaspartyideas.blogspot.com is my go-to blog for any kind of party ideas. She features new ideas and has so many photos that you can really see how the party comes together.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas, be sure to check out this terrific blog.

Southern Plate, Christy Jordan and Me!

2011-08-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

What can I say about this girl.......Christy Jordan, southern girl, terrific cook, loves her family,and is always smiling. Her blog, Southern Plate, I have mentioned before but if I am listing all my favs, she's right up there!

She is also a featured writer of Southern Living....another one of my favs!

But what I really like about her is she is REAL! She tells about her life, her struggles, how she uses margarine because it is cheaper than butter and most of all her recipes are wonderful! I have only made one of lots and lots that I didn't just love. There is always going to be one that you don't love but here are some of the ones that are delish!

Looks gross but is yummy, Corn Chowder

These taste just like those Cinnabuns and they are so easy!

This is Cheesey Chicken and Rice that you can make in the crock pot, she has tons of those recipes. It's great to mix up you dinner the night before and all you have to do is put it on to cook. Presto, dinner is served!

Check out Southern Plate, you can like it on fb and get recipes all day long!

Tell Christy I said hi!

I adore these!

2011-08-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ana White, a very, very talented lady has created a wonderful blog that shows you how to build all those great pieces of furniture that you drool over but cannot afford.

Guess what, SHE builds them! She's tiny, cute as a bug, and smart as a whip. She lives in rural Alaska and longed for Pottery Barn-like furniture but could not afford them or the shipping. My daughter went to school in Alaska and the cost of everything is about double because of the shipping. So she started designing and building these pieces. She even tells the shopping and cut list so you can go to Home Depot and have everything cut and you are ready to build.

I dream of a mud room with wonderful seating and storage areas.

I want to be just like Ana when I grow up.

Which is your favorite? I like them all.

I just wanted to share this terrific resource with you. That is what I plan to do this week, share my favorite blogs so you might find some new and wonderful friends!

Family Time

2011-07-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

It's wonderful to visit with family. Sharing summer stories and up-coming plans for the fall. Wonderful food and fellowship.

We are so blessed to have these opportunities.

Tomorrow I go back to school, guess my summer is over......back to work.

Art Camp

2011-07-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! When school starts I am going to write a grant and ???hopefully??? will receive money to fund a school-wide art camp. I am so sad that we no longer have time for the arts during a regular school day. Music, P.E. and Library once a week for 45 minutes is all the related arts that we have on our schedule.

The good thing is we have several groups that allow teachers to write grants to fund special projects and Art Camp is going to be mine. Keep your fingers crossed that I get the 1,000 dollars to fund this project.

I am already trying to plan the classes for the 25 times we are going to meet. These are some of the ideas that I am thinking about....I got them from the wonderful blogs of Lil Blue Boo, Art Projects for Kids, and Filth Wizardry. Check these out!

Marker and paints

Butterflies made from plastic milk cartons

Cardboard Flowers Stickers made from plastic bags

design their own stamps

drawing and sketching

fish prints- Gyotaku

If you have any ideas of an art activity for students kindergarten-5th grade, please let me know. Also keep your fingers crossed that I get the grant!

Birthday Cute!

2011-07-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't this about the cutest little birthday sign you have ever seen! I saw it on the blog

the happyscraps.blogspot.com

Amy and Debbie are the most talented ladies and I am so glad that I found them!

These are wooden blocks covered with scrapbook paper, glitter, and vinyl letters.

I am going to try a create some on my own.

If you have any ideas about how to "DIY" these, please let me know....I am trying to figure them out.

I have until October to figure this out and make my own. That's when the birthdays begin.

Thanks for your help!

Blonde Brownies, A Family Favorite

2011-07-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

I have been making Blonde Brownies since I was young, I am a grandmother so that means a long time. This chewy crunchy combination of brown sugar and chocolate can really wake up the taste buds! It's kinda like a chocolate chip bar cookie but much easier to prepare.

I had to have a bite, this one was calling my name!

What a great little gift to take to a neighbor, I would even water your plants or feed your dog for a few of these.

I put a little XXX sugar on top, might as well... you have blown your diet for the day.

Blonde Brownies

1 1/2 sticks of butter or margarine

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 c. chocolate chips

1/2 c. walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I just mix these up in the pan and pour into a 9x13 pan.

Melt butter in a saucepan, let it cool a bit then add sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Add all dry ingredients.

Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if you like more chocolate add 2 cups, more nuts add a full cup. Bake for 25 -30 minutes. Cool then cut.

This is linked to: Foodie Friday, designsbygollum and 504 Main, Tickled Pink.

Mexican Multi-colored Animals

2011-07-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Several summers ago, we visited the Mexican Riviera. This lovely western coastline of Mexico has rocky cliffs and clear blue-green water. I was introduced to colorful pottery and my favorite, Oaxacan wooden animals. These multi-colored creatures are whimsical interpretations of typical animals.

These talented folk artists carve their animals in a single day but may take up to a week to paint them. They use many colors and painting techniques.

The rooster is my favorite. I love the colors and his attitude!

What animal do you think this is?

Check out jenny matlock's alphabe thursday for more "M" posts.

Lovely Summer Wedding

2011-07-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Check out these beautiful wedding photos.

I am in love with the turquoise dresser they used to display the cakes.

Found these on the terrific blog:onegirlinpink.blogspot.com

Check Amanda out, she is so talented!

Simple and elegant

Metal cake pans make a darling cupcake display.

You can make those paper covers out of dollies.

My absolute favorite are the chickens on the top.

They were made by a friend of the bride. My friend Brenda is having a backyard wedding for her daughter at the end of the month. I hope she can get some ideas from these photos.

the guest's gifts are a jar of jam.

Check out this blog, Amanda is such a talented lady.

Large Lookout Mountain Pinecones

2011-07-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Last summer I discovered a mountain-top restaurant near Mentone Alabama. The restaurant was so-so but the huge pine cones near the parking lot were amazing! I wanted some of those pine cones! Hubby and I went back to eat, using that as an excuse to get some of those pine cones and the restaurant was closed. That did not stop me, I just started picking pine cones off the ground and filling the trunk of my bug. I have since made a couple of trips to "Pine Cone Heaven" and we used them several times as painting projects for my students.

Pine Cone Fact #1

The Coulter Pine Cone can weight up to 10 lbs and loggers wear hard hats to protect them from them. They are nicknamed the "widowmaker".

Pine Cone Fact # 2

The white pine cone is Maine's state flower.

The pine tree species is the only type of trees that reproduce from the seeds that are enclosed inside of pine cones. Pine cones are actually the flowers of pine tree.

My pine cone measured almost 9 inches but I took the really large ones to school. Now I have to go back and snitch some more pine cones.....thanks Jenny!

Linked to AlphaBe-Thursday

Fireworks

2011-07-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of fireworks, really a fan. Last year hubby and I went downtown and set up our tripods for fireworks photography. This year we watched them from the mountain. I like to be close so next year it back downtown.

near the bridge is a great for viewing

BUT

in every photo there are bridge lights so we will pick "just a little different" locale.

When we got home the fireworks were on t.v. and I guess I am going to someday go to NYC or D.C. and see the really big fireworks.

Hope everyone had a terrific 4th!

2X4 Flag

2011-07-02T18:33:00.001-07:00

I really liked this flag that was featured on

Kierste is one of my blog heroes! She has the neatest ideas and shares them all and gives terrific directions. Just take a look at all her tutorials and be amazed!

The flag is made with 2X4's cut into 3 1/2 and 7 inch pieces. the 2X4 costs around 3 dollars and you can have them make the cuts. Don't do what I did and get treated wood just get pine, it takes the paint and stain better.

I painted the sides and top of each piece because I didn't want bare wood showing. I did 2 coats of acrylic paint and then did some light sanding AFTER I painted.

Kierste said to use the dark walnut stain and that is what I bought. I would use just plain walnut stain and use it very, very lightly. I dipped my rag into the stain and used it very sparingly. I cut the white star out of paper and glued it on after I sanded. DO NOT get much stain on the paper or it will turn brown. I just LIGHTLY rubbed a tiny bit of stain on the star to give it that aged look.

Sometimes when I read tutorials, they do not explain well enough for me to be successful. This tutorial is much better, I am only telling you my mistakes so you can avoid them. I am linked to:

Check it out, there are some great ideas!

We're Heading to the Lake House!

2011-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Cheryl and Frank are coming to visit for a couple of day and they are going to stay at our lake house.

Of course we will be joining them for some fun in the sun.

The lake is calling my name, it is so peaceful sitting on the dock, watching the guys fish. I don't fish anymore after the "incident" last summer with Miss V. I'll tell you about it sometime. It involves a large bass, Hubby's favorite lure, and a big rock!

I've been getting ready today, cooking yummy food and planning all our activities. Playing Scrabble, walking around the lake, reading magazines, talking, and talking and talking.

Sitting on the front porch, listening to the wind chimes and the baby birds in the nest on our outdoor fan. Every year birds build their nests on this fan, this is the second "batch" of babies this year. I can't wait for my company to get here, Cheryl and I have been friends for over 30 years! Time flies when your having fun!

Lake house here we come!

I'm linking with outdoor Wednesday.

Yahoo! I Moved my Classroom!

2011-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a pre-k teacher (me) who had lots of stuff, it takes a lot of "hands on" materials to teach little folks. This teacher was told after 10 years she was going to be moved to another classroom. 8 lovely people worked seven hours today to help me move my room. I think that could be a reality show.......Move My Room.

before

after

before

after

before

after

My daughter and I even went back and vacuumed the rug. Many thanks to Jeff, Wendy, Jessica, Ben, Darren, Victoria, Casey, and Ashley Beth. You guys are the very best!

Yummy Cupcakes

2011-06-25T19:18:00.001-07:00

there is something about yellow cake and buttercream icing

nothing fancy, no fancy decorations

moist cake, creamy sweet icing

I did pipe the icing, been watching too many cupcake wars!

I'm going to put some of them in the freezer or I will eat them all!

Antique Medicine Bottles

2011-06-24T15:27:00.001-07:00

Hubby bought me all sorts of tiny antique medicine bottles for flowers.

This year we planted lots of zinnia seeds and they are beginning to bloom.

The colors in each blossom are lovely, and the great thing about zinnias is the more you cut them, the more flowers you will have.

I have all colors of bottles, green, purple, clear, and even blue.

They are a great functional antique to collect. I like to use my stuff not just "look at it".

This is just the beginning of my summer flower bouquets and I will share my flower photos with you all summer.

I am linked up to:

and

J is for Junkin'

2011-06-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

On my first trip to an auction, I bought a silver-plated tea service for 10 dollars. I didn't know why, and it sat in my dining room for a couple of years.....waiting.......

till miss v decided she wanted an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Birthday

out came the spray paint

I painted the pieces in a box, those fumes are awful

after painting them white, I then used Kyrlon spray paint and chose some pretty bold colors

each piece of the tea service was a different color

I even glued jewels on them...the single serve tea pot and cup my daughter painted

we ate outside in the front yard, folks slowed down and waved

of course everyone was in costume

ice cream bowls and plates make great tiered cake stands

miss v had a wonderful birthday...I knew I needed that tea service!

I'm linked with

Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday

and

Look Up

2011-06-21T16:26:00.001-07:00

"Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky"

Khalil Gibran

black and white

color

antique

Which version of the trees do you like the best. Remember to always.....

Look Up

Photo Challenge, A Favorite Place

2011-06-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

I live in an amazing area on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga,Tennessee. One of our favorite sunset photo sites is the observation point of the Lookout Mountain Flight Park.

I took this one evening as the sun set, you can actually see the movement of the horizon. Another very cool thing is we can hear the hang gliders talking as they fly by.

I am posting this on: alliephotographyblog.com as one of favorite places. Check her blog out for other entries.

Zucchini Cakes

2011-06-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's nearing the time when gardens are overflowing with all varieties of squash. It seems that everyone I know has a bumper crop of zucchini. It is not one of my favorites but I must say that these zucchini cakes are fast becoming one of my go-to quick dinners. Especially when they are served with a fresh salad and my homemade blue cheese dressing.

The recipe will be posted at the bottom, I just want to take you through the steps. First of all I used crushed corn flakes instead of bread crumbs, my hubby is gluten-free. I often use cornflakes instead of other wheat products and I think they add crunch. Also I used a combo of cheeses, just like to do something different.

I forgot to include the Italian Herbs and egg so here they are. I usually get my herbs at the Dollar Tree but my kind sister-in-law got me Penzey spices for a gift, they are terrific but expensive.

I grated my zucchini and had it drain in a colander but found the best method to remove moisture is dumping it on a dish towel and squeezing the heck out of it. Works for me.

All you do is mix and make into patties. I fried mine on my favorite cast iron griddle. I could do an entire post about my fabulous cast iron griddle that is seasoned perfectly......a southern classic!

Just cook them for about 5 minutes each side and serve warm. The cheeses melt and forms a delicious treat. Make sure that you cook them enough so the onion is cooked. I do not like to bite into a piece of crunchy onion! You can also use a combo of other types of squash, in fact the recipe I started with used yellow and zucchini squash but I only had zucchini. Try this yummy treat!

Squash Cakes

6 medium squash

1 cup crushed corn flakes

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 sm sweet onion

1 egg

1 1/2 t. dried Italian herbs

1/4 t. pepper

oil

Directions

Grate squash and squeeze out moisture with a dish towel.

Mix all ingredients together and shape into patties, pressing firmly.

Heat skillet or griddle and lightly coat with oil to prevent sticking.

Cook five minutes on each side on medium heat.

Can be served with a marinara sauce for dipping but I like them plain.

Rain!

2011-06-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

It's raining, it's pouring the old man is snoring

He went to bed and bumped his head and can't get up till morning. What does that mean? All I know is that it is finally raining. Soooooooo

Get out your rain boots!

It's been 2 weeks and 6 days since it rained!

My boots happen to be black with colorful polka dots

Which one of these are your favorite?

Do You Know Audrey?

2011-06-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

Audrey Tautou

A terrific french actress......you remember her from the 1st Da Vinci Code movie

But I want to recommend these two movies

Coco Before Chanel and Amelie

These movies are delightful and I think she is my new favorite foreign actress.

She had the qualities just like another Audrey.

Some of my favorite older movies are Sabrina, Funny Face, Roman Holiday, My Fair Lady. and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

If you are looking for a movie....try these!

Hydrangeas make me Happy

2011-06-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Hubby brought me my first Hydrangea bouquet.

So begins my love affair with these blooms.

Don't you just love my Carnival glass vase.

I like my concrete urn thingy, how the black paint has worn off because it is so old.

These soft pastel colors are so soothing.

I have a new hydrangea bush, it's going to be RED. Can't wait for it to bloom.

Yes, summer is officially here. My hydrangeas are blooming.

Please check out Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday and all the wonderful posts. I'm a little late in posting but better late than never!

I Dream of This!

2011-06-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

This week I am cleaning and organizing my craft room.

NO, this is not my room in these photos. This is what I found when I googled, organized craft rooms.

I dream of my craft room looking like this.

I love the ribbons and the the shelves.

Look at the lovely glass containers

Even the cans have been decorated

I am going to be finished with my craft room this week.....I am still debating on whether or not I will post photos. Guess I should have taken some "before" pictures so the "after" photos would show the difference!

The Lake House is Calling

2011-06-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

The lake house is calling my name.......a terrific way to beat this heat. Sit by the water and put your feet in.

do you hear the blue sky and puffy clouds luring you away from the city?

Reuben eagerly waits for hubby to catch a fish, so he can give it a lick

the lapping of the water on the shore is calling

maybe after we watch our nephew Sam play baseball, he's the left fielder for Georgia Tech and they play today at 3 in the NCAA tourny

Maybe then we can go to the little house......

Good Grief, Charlie Brown

2011-06-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

I grew up watching all these shows, they signified specific seasons.

How could you go trick or treating without watching, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. It is my all-time favorite.

Which is your favorite? Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Pig Pen. I think this cartoon exemplified our society and it's problems or

maybe I am just over thinking this!

Please take a peek at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday and many other letter G posts!

Sunrise on Memorial Day

2011-05-30T07:17:00.001-07:00

As the sun peaks over the trees, hubby and I are walking around the National Cemetery.

Take a moment to think about all those that have given so much for our freedom.

Happy Memorial Day

Have you been to Paris?

2011-05-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

I have, Paris, Tennessee that is!

Saw this on my trip to Reelfoot Lake.

Do you remember the children's saying," I see London, I see France, I see so and so's underpants". That was such a risqué thing to say. So were the days.

Have a blessed Memorial Day, hubby and I are heading to the National Cemetery at sunrise.

Out Your Front Door

2011-05-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.~Gerard de Nerval

Today's photos were taken right outside my front door.

Happy Saturday

Summer Rain and other thoughts

2011-05-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

I know that it is not technically summer but it is warm and I am out of school so I am calling it summer.

Yesterday we had Bunko at our lake house and it was raining so I practiced taking photos with my camera set on manual.

The hardest thing is focusing.

One of my summer goals is to take photos everyday!

Another goal is to exercise every day.

and I plan to organize my craft room, that is after I pack up my classroom and move all 33 sheets of inventory to a new room. Lots of changes but they are all GOOD!

So thankful to have a new assistant, Wendy, who is wonderful!

I am so blessed!

Cicadas

2011-05-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Have the cicadas come to your neck of the woods? They have in Tennessee, my home. Driving home from school the noise they make is deafening. These are the ones that appear every 13 years, there are also some that appear every 17 years. Their lifespan is about 5 weeks and can be found in large piles under trees. Natural fertilizer!

Everything you wanted to know about Cicadas!

Happy Saturday

Lady Slippers

2011-05-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

It's been a wild few days, tornadoes can do that to you. I know you have watched it on t.v. and many, many folks have lost everything. We are so blessed, lost power for 4 days and that's about it.

Went to the lake to take photos of Lady Slippers... a wild orchid that grows in our woods.

They are so delicate

Don't know what kind of flower this is, just thought it was lovely

Daisies grow wild all along the road

Another Lady Slipper, hope that I can catch them next year when they first bloom.

Even with all the destruction everywhere, these beautiful flowers still manage to bloom.

I am so Blessed

2011-04-24T18:08:00.001-07:00

The beauty and simplicity of nature are a blessing to me.

Each day I discover more wonder.

The Pocket

2011-04-22T15:28:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I went to take photos of wildflowers at the Pocket but we didn't see many. That's ok because it was a lovely spring afternoon.

Terrific Good Friday!

Where were these photos taken?

2011-04-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

If you guessed a cave...pat yourself on the back!

If you guessed Raccoon Mountain Caverns in Chattanooga Tennessee then you are a genius!

I took these photos on a field trip and I think they are so unearthy. Have you ever been in a cave? Many folks are a little nervous about going into a cave. At one point we are 400 feet underground.

Zen-Like

2011-04-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism. The word Zen means to say hello. is from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese wordChán(禪), which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyāna, which can be approximately translated as "meditation" or "meditative state".

When we went to Reelfoot Lake, in west Tennessee, I felt that it was Zen-like.....it seemed so peaceful and serene. See for yourself.

Jenny Matlock has invited us to show our skills by participating in Alphabe Thursday. Please take a moment and read some of these wonderful posts. Thanks Jenny!

Cupcakes?

2011-04-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

There are so many darling baby gifts on line and I just had to make these "cupcakes" for one of our teachers.

These are onesies that I rolled up, put into a scrapbook paper cupcake holder, and taped a pom pom on top.

I had to hot glue the paper cupcake holders into the cupcake pan so they would stand up.

I used some shredded paper for filler and shrink wrap to finish the package.

I got the onesies at Walmart, 2 dollars apiece, shrink wrap and cupcake holder at Dollar Tree and I already had the pom poms and shredded paper. Total cost around 12 dollars.

I am pleased with the result and I ask you to check out the web for all the cute baby gift ideas.

Spring Break Trip

2011-03-29T17:21:00.001-07:00

Last week was spring break and we left our mountain and headed across the long state of Tennessee to Reelfoot Lake......west Tennessee, another world.

We stopped at a rest area and I had to snap a photo of these daffodils.

Birds are everywhere, always looking for a bite to eat.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris.....Tennessee that is.

An eagle flying through the Cyprus Trees

We saw some unusual things and I will be posting about them for the next couple of days. I am back at school and spring break seems like a distant memory. Glad I have photos to help remember all that we saw.

Guilty Pleasures

2011-03-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday mornings, I like to sleep late, wake up, and watch a movie in bed. My wonderful hubby does not bother me at all. He just lets me have this "me" time. I have watched many movies but there are a few that are my "top ten"+ one ( I forgot one of my favorites and hubby reminded me). Try this sometime I promise it will become one of your guilty pleasures!

I have very diverse tastes, but I hope that you can find one movie from this group that you would like to curl up in bed and watch.

Through the Fisheye

2011-03-24T18:39:00.001-07:00

A fisheye lens gives a completely different prospective....I think it is a must for anyone that likes to take photos.

What a view!

Cityscape

2011-03-21T19:21:00.001-07:00

I'm on spring break this week. But I have to share this wonderful art project my pre-k students did....a cityscape. We are talking about shadows and night-time skies so I found this terrific project on the great blog: Art projects for kids and here is the exact post: http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2011/02/cityscape-from-book-pages.html

I sent a single sheet of newspaper home and asked parents to fold it length-wise and make a skyscraper. The kids made a variety of different shapes and heights. Some colored them and others used black crayons to make windows and doors.

I glued them on with a 1/2 part water 1/2 part white glue to black paper and we hung our giant collage in the hall.

Some children had a great time decorating their building.

We decorated stars with glitter glue, we were talking about shiny and dull objects.

The kids are so proud of our cityscape and I must say this is a great project....even for my 4 year olds. Have a wonderful week, Spring is on it's way!

The Circus

2011-03-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

I know that there are many that do not approve of the circus, because of their treatment of animals. I guess I am like a little kid, I just love the circus. It was the first time for my grand daughter to see the circus. We had a wonderful time.

10 Tips to Create Good Readers

2011-03-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

u is for Useful

2011-03-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

I have some very useful ideas for anyone that has children, grandchildren, or is a teacher. I spend alot of time in my pre-k classroom so it has to be cheerful, bright, but most of all USEFUL! It is very small, not the same size as other classrooms so I have to be very conscious of space. this is my literacy corner and the bright colors are inviting to my students. But I want you to notice the walls. Double click for a closer look.

Yes, those are plastic rain gutters for my books shelves and they are wonderful. I have had them for 7 years, that is 7 years of wear from 20 four-year olds so I think in a "normal family" they should last forever!

They invite the children to read the books because they can see the covers. I did not think of this idea, I got it from Jim Trelease's wonderful book, The Read Aloud Handbook. This is a must for any parent or teacher!

These shelves are also great to display animals, you know all those little guys that get under the bed and behind the dresser.

Another useful item is magnetic paint! I needed a magnetic board and had no wall space so I just painted this door with magnetic paint. You can paint over this so it matches your walls but that wasn't necessary for me. I painted more coats than required but I wasn't planning to ever do this again. A mistake I made, I made the rectangle on my eye level, not my kids so if I were to redo, I would lower it. Cost is about 15 dollars for the paint, got it at Lowes.

My newest useful thing is hot glued clothes pins to display artwork. They are truly terrific! Just squeeze and display all art work. If you want to move them, they pop right off the wall, just ask my kids that spend their nap time trying to get them off the wall. But really, they are so useful and you can paint them the color of your wall and they really "blend in".

I hope that one of these ideas are useful to you.

For other U posts, try Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday.

Have a Terrific Thursday!

Water......

2011-03-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

Rivers are roads which move, and which carry us whither we desire to go.

-Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), “Thoughts on Mind and Style,”Pensées, 1660

The One Week Challenge- I Did it!

2011-02-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

My challenge last week was to cook all our meals from food out of my fridge, pantry, and freezer. NO visits to the grocery store for the entire week. Guess what, I did it.

I cooked spaghetti with meat sauce, chicken with a creamy white sauce on rice, pizza, spinach salad with hot bacon dressing, salmon, and big salad with home made blue cheese dressing. I took my lunch each day and when I ran out of sliced turkey I made tuna fish salad and egg salad.

This week I am only going to buy fresh veggies, cheese, and fresh fruit. I am not going to buy anything that is in a can or box.

Tomorrow I plan to have roasted sweet potatoes with ham and brussel sprouts (don't turn up your nose, I will saute them in olive oil with a little garlic and they are yummy!)

I plan to fix pasta again, we really enjoyed it last week and even though I have to cook

gluten-free pasta for hubby and wheat for me, it is a great meal.

I have lots of berries in the freezer, I am thinking about blueberry cobbler, I have some ice cream. I made strawberry cobbler last week and it was really good. Got the recipe from Christy Jordan's Southern Plate.

Take the challenge, use up what you have!

It Feels Like Spring

2011-02-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

A local nursery uses the phrase, "It's springtime. let's go play in the yard" on it advertisements.

Today it felt like spring, I put the top down on the bug and felt the sun's warmth.

Spring is around the corner.

I hope your weather is just as nice!

Happy Weekend

Take Time to Thank A Teacher

2011-02-24T13:58:00.001-08:00

It's almost 5:20 and I am sitting in my pre-k classroom. My children leave around 3 and I have been working for over 2 hours...and I am taking work home, just don't tell hubby.

This is NOT unusual for me or thousands of other teachers. That is what we do. We care about our students so much that we work extra hours, buy many things out of our own pockets, go to birthday parties, ballgames and dance recitals. We do this because we care.

Think back, do you have a special teacher in your life that really cared about you? If you do, take a minute and send a thank you. If not, I am so sorry because it can make all the difference. Look at these photos of my children, there are so many teachers that are also doing wonderful things right now, please take a minute to tell them thanks.

the wonder on the faces of 4 year old's........ priceless

already sounding out and writing words about animals they saw at the aquarium...amazing

new experiences

writing notes in their own little photo book

where else can you be a super hero?

parents are the key to successful students,

we are celebrating our annual family fall feast

friendships that will last a lifetime

parents that feel comfortable coming into your classroom and sharing new experiences

a sense of community

working together, so much that I do each day prepares my students for life. I love what I do, I know that I make a difference in my children's lives.

I am a teacher.

Check out other post on jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday!

One Week Challenge

2011-02-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

While I was watching one of my favorite cooking shows, The Barefoot Contessa, she was cooking fish, broccoli, and fingerling potatoes and as she got out each ingredient, I said, " I've got that" a thought came to me.......

Why do I go to the grocery store each week and spend money to buy food and have a pantry, chest freezer, and refrigerator full and then have to throw some of the food out because it is old or has freezer burn?

How dumb is that?

So my challenge to myself and to you is to cook what you have. I am not going to the store at all this week and am going to cook delicious meals each day, and pack my lunch for school, and make some sweeties for my guys.

Will you take the challenge? It might mean planning your meals a little more carefully and actually looking for recipes that fit with what you have.

This next part may be a little scary, I am going to show you my fridge, freezer and even more terrifying.....my pantry. You see, I have an old house and my pantry is this dark, really deep closet-like monstrosity. I have to get a flashlight to see what's in there. Sometimes at night I think I hear people in there having a party. You know I am serious if I am baring my most deep, dark secret, each day I will post but I will also update you on my challenge.

I could probably live out of this pantry for a YEAR!!!!

Lots of my favorites from Aldi, my best buy grocery store

looks like I will be making some "eggy" stuff

Hey, do you see on top of the sour cream, it's a really ripe avocado and I heard on one of my cooking shows that if you put them in the fridge, they don't get any riper. IT WORKS! Also I love my rubbermade containers, I have lots of leftovers and they keep everything so fresh.

Here's my upstairs freezer, I don't care for my side-by-side fridge, but we will keep it as long as it still works. Even the ice maker is terrific.

Downstairs chest freezer, the bad thing about this freezer is I forget to check it.

Tonight I am cooking salmon with a mustard sauce, roasted broccoli, and potatoes. All from that Barefoot Contessa show that I watched today that got me starting thinking about my challenge.

This is kinda like the story, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Sunset....

2011-02-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Sunset is a lovely time of day

A time to reflect, rejoice, and

dream.....

about tomorrow

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator."

Mahatma Gandhi

Check Jenny Matlock's Alphab-Thursday and read some amazing posts.

Lovely

2011-02-14T18:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Hubby sent me flowers

I love to get flowers

I don't even care that they charge twice as much on Valentine's Day for flowers

Because I love to get flowers

Here they are!

Clowns and an Ice Cream Sundae Party!

2011-02-12T19:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a special day at our school. Our principal had contacted Ringling Brothers and they sent clowns to our school. This amazing husband and wife team read a story, did magic treats, and had my children hypnotized for 45 minutes! It also made me want to join the circus.

After this wonderful show, we went back to our classrooms and had an early Valentine's Party. I know, it's not the 14th, but we decided that it would be much better to end the week with a party instead of start the week with a party. We had an ice cream sundae party and it was a terrific treat.

Valentine Marshmallow Pops

2011-02-11T18:11:00.001-08:00

Do you need something for your kids to take to school on Monday for their Valentine's party that will make everyone go AHHHHH?

Here it is, quick and easy Marshmallow Pops.

I did not come up with this idea, I saw some chocolate-dipped marshmallows rolled in nuts at Christmas for 2.50 apiece and I said " I can do it".

I am a pre-k teacher and everything that I make for my kids has to be "high on the cute scale" and these are...at least I think they are.

Here are the ingredients:

big marshmallows (Walmart)

white chocolate chips

cheap sprinkles ( I ran out and had to hunt in the cabinet for more)

Dollar Tree Valentines

Walmart is the only place I have seen these giant marshmallows, they are under 3.00 for a bag of 28.

I had skewers, I just cut them in half and stuck them in the middle.

I tried to tint the chips pink but it turned a nasty color, I would just leave it white. I melted the chips in the microwave 1 minute at a time. I added about 2 tablespoons of Crisco but you can also use oil. Check after each minute, stirring well, the chocolate melts quickly and you don't want it to burn.

Put sprinkles in a bowl and just dipped the coated marshmallow in and rolled it around a bit.

Hubby found me a piece of styrofoam to stick the pops in while the chocolate hardened.

I got a roll of cello at the Dollar Tree, by the wrapping paper, and cut squares about 9X9. One roll was enough for 24 pops.

I got these sparkle Valentines before I ever decided to make these and they matched perfectly!

I worked at school till nearly 6 last night, came home and fixed sandwiches and soup, then I made these in about an hour. I even had time to watch American Pickers, they were in Tennessee.....where I live.

My students loved these and so did all the teachers and parents at my school.

Happy Valentine's Day

Radical....man

2011-02-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

Ever since our son has been small, he has loved all kind of stunts. He snowboards, skateboards, longboards, mountain bikes, street bikes, rock climbs,kayaks, and anything else that challenges your skills.

Hubby took these photos yesterday, for some reason Ben decided to get out his skateboard.

He has amazing balance.....he must get it from Jeff because I am very uncoordinated.

What fun to see him do these stunts....kinda like when he was a little guy. All I can say is RADICAL.....man!

Please check out Jenny Matlock's Alphabe- Thursday, it is the letter R this week.

i Really Love WInter

2011-02-08T16:56:00.001-08:00

During winter, the sky gets brilliant

The trees show their boughs

the moon appears bigger

you actually see into the woods

Each season has it own personality, but I really love winter.....and spring.....and fall......but summer is just too hot for me.

BFeed the Birds

2011-02-07T20:15:00.001-08:00

Want an idea of something fun and inexpensive to do?

Go get a loaf of white bread, they sell it at the Dollar Tree or at the day-old bakery.

Go feed the birds, they are probably located at your nearest boat ramp. Where there are fish, there are water birds.

Have fun

Sunset

2011-02-06T19:32:00.001-08:00

Not a long post tonight..just finished watching the Super Bowl. Pretty exciting but I kinda wanted the Steelers to win.

Photos of a sunset that hubby and I watched and photographed at one of our favorite places, near where the hang gliders take off.

I think this one is especially nice.

Happy Monday

Basketball

2011-02-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

Some of my pre-k students are playing basketball. I am so impressed with their coaches, they follow beside each child and teach them how to dribble, pass, and shoot.

What goes through the mind of a 5 year old who is throwing the ball in bounds?

What is really impressive about this program, Upward, is that they don't even keep score at this level, it's more about teaching these players.

This takes the pressure off, they are just learning to play and be good sports.

The coaches let each child shoot so they can practice during the game.

Some are really good, they can dribble and run at the same time.

This is only their 3rd game.

I try to go to as many ballgames, birthday parties, and other celebrations that I can, I think as a teacher that is so important to build a good relationship. It shows your students that you care.

I tried using my sports setting but they didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. There is always next week. Going to make a cheesecake for the Super Bowl, it's from Christy Jordan's Southern Plate website. Yummy, yum!

I am Being Brave

2011-02-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

I am trying to be brave, no I am not going to go hang gliding.

I am trying to take my photos on the manual setting.

That means I have to change all the settings each time I shoot in a different location.

I know some of you are so good at taking photos this way, but not me...I have the fear that I will have the perfect lighting and subject and ruin the shot because I turned the wrong thing.

So I decided to shoot "safe shots"

close-ups with low lighting

Anyone that can give me suggestions....I am all ears. I used my Nikon D90 with my 50 MM lens and I don't know my settings because I kept changing them!

Take Time for Quiet

2011-02-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we are so busy that we do not take time to be quiet.

The path to quiet can be difficult if we do not take time......

My way to quiet is to go outside

Nature is soothing

It's important to reflect and relax

Watching clouds, listening to the wind

Take 5 minutes to find quiet, it might be the best 5 minutes of your day.

Today we are writing about the letter Q, please visit Jenny Matlock and learn lots more about the letter Q.

YUMO!

2011-02-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

That is what Rachel Ray says, I watch her cooking show sometimes but I am not always impressed with her recipes. Who I am impressed with is Christy Jordan over at Southern Plate. Just google her...she has a new cookbook but I get her e-mails everyday and I have never seen so many yummy recipes and photos! She was even featured in Southern Living!!

Isn't she a doll baby! I know why I like her....she lives is Alabama, I was born in Alabama, she loves to cook, I love to cook, she has a blog, I have a blog, she is not pencil-thin (that means she actually eats what she cooks) and I am not pencil-thin ( maybe one of those big fat 1st grade pencils) she has blond hair, I have blond hair, and most of all she loves life.....just like I do.

This lovely cup of corn chowder is one of her fabulous recipes. You see my hubby is sick, we thought it might be that old flu but after a trip to the Dr. we found it it was not flu but he still feels awful! So the good wife that I am, I made him some, from scratch, corn chowder and I must say that it is YUMO! I have never made it but I wanted something that would warm him up but not be too spicy. I think you will love this stuff and it is so easy and only takes a little over a half hour till you can chow down. Do you think the word chowder comes from chowing down....just a thought. Here is that terrific recipe:

Tina's Corn Chowder

1 onion, chopped

2T margarine

4 medium red potatoes, cubed

1/2 tsp paprika

3 cups corn

3 c. milk, divided

1 green pepper

14.5 can chicken broth

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. salt

1/4-1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 c. flour ( I used 1/3 cup corn starch, hubby is gluten-free)

In a large saucepan, saute onion and pepper in margarine until tender. Add broth and potatoes bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add mustard, salt, paprika, and pepper flakes, corn, and 2 1/2 cups of milk. Boil.

Combine flour or cornstarch with 1/2 c. milk and add to chowder. Boil and stir constantly for only 2 minutes and it is ready. I even had to add a little water to thin it down.

ENJOY!

Winter time in the south

2011-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Winter at the little house is a wonderland of photo opportunities. This little metal planter is dreaming about what I will plant in it this spring.....maybe some mint for sweet tea.

Even though it is winter, there are plenty of plants to photograph. These lichens are growing on a stump.

Sweet gum seeds? I just adore them, their shape, color and my students love to paint them bright colors and string them up. Maybe we will make a Valentine decoration.

Of course our little Reuben travels with us, his favorite destination is the little house.

You can still find green in January, how I love the south.

My blogging friend, Brenda, blogged everyday in January and I am going to try to do the same in February. Maybe because this is such a short month, I can make it!

Have a wonderful week!

Wonderful Weekend

2011-01-30T19:51:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I went on another adventure. We left for Crossville Tennessee after a stop at Greenlife to gather picnic supplies. We visited a wonderful fabric stop, Short Sheets, had a picnic near Watts Bar Dam and collected some Crab Orchard stone from the hamlet of Crab Orchard Tennessee.

4 kinds of hummus, crackers, olives, blue cheese potato salad, and a tiny cheese cake was our picnic fare. The weather was wonderful with the wind blowing gently through the trees.

Near Pikeville we spotted birds flying in a circular pattern. As soon as we pulled over, we could hear the cooing of the Sand Hill Cranes. We watched these amazing birds swoop and dive then finally land. We tried to drive near the field so we could get a closer look but there was no road and we could not go on private property.

We had a wonderful weekend, I love to go on adventures with my hubby. We always have such a terrific time.

Happy Mrs. C

1st Field Trip

Comfort food

Weekend Drives

Run, run, fast as you can.......

Valentine Marshmallow Pops

Look for the Small Stuff

Lunch and a Drive

Some of 2011 favorites

Another Christmas

Holiday Fun

The Little House

Quick and Easy and Delicious

A is for Autumn

More Fall Photos

Fall Break in Virginia

Happy Birthday....Miss V

Birthday Cupcake Kit

It's Birthday Time!

Pumpkin Season

Let's go to the Chattanooga Market

Photo Taking Time

Unbelievable!

Summer's End

Katie and Asa

Getting Ready......

It's Party Time!

Southern Plate, Christy Jordan and Me!

I adore these!

Family Time

Art Camp

Birthday Cute!

Blonde Brownies, A Family Favorite

Mexican Multi-colored Animals

Lovely Summer Wedding

Large Lookout Mountain Pinecones

Fireworks

2X4 Flag

We're Heading to the Lake House!

Yahoo! I Moved my Classroom!

Yummy Cupcakes

Antique Medicine Bottles

J is for Junkin'

Look Up

Photo Challenge, A Favorite Place

Zucchini Cakes

Rain!

Do You Know Audrey?

Hydrangeas make me Happy

I Dream of This!

The Lake House is Calling

Good Grief, Charlie Brown

Sunrise on Memorial Day

Have you been to Paris?

Out Your Front Door

Summer Rain and other thoughts

Cicadas

Lady Slippers

I am so Blessed

The Pocket

Where were these photos taken?

Zen-Like

Cupcakes?

Spring Break Trip

Guilty Pleasures

Through the Fisheye

Cityscape

The Circus

10 Tips to Create Good Readers

10 Tips for Raising Readers

u is for Useful

Water......

The One Week Challenge- I Did it!

It Feels Like Spring

Take Time to Thank A Teacher

One Week Challenge

Sunset....

Lovely

Clowns and an Ice Cream Sundae Party!

Valentine Marshmallow Pops