Saturday, February 23, 2008

Buckets of Soap


Do you ever find yourself doing things out of habit and then wonder, "Why am I doing this?" It happens that I asked myself that question when I brought my packages of bar soap home. When I was a little girl, maybe four or five years old, I remember excitedly unwrapping the bars of soap, placing them in an old gallon ice cream bucket, and storing them on the linen closet shelf next to the towels. It has been several years since I have done this ritual. My mom thought that exposing the soap to the air would dry it out causing it to harden and hence last longer. I have no idea if this theory is true, but I don't mind one way or the other. I unwrap my soap and put it in a bucket anyway!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Idaho Potato


I love Idaho Potatoes. I grew up eating them. I miss digging fresh ones from the field. The smell of dirt lingering in the storage room through the burlap bag. I have to settle for ones from the grocery store, which are still good, but it was such a shock for me to learn that people don't grow their own.

Oven-Baked French Fries
4 medium Idaho potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
salt to taste



1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Slice the potatoes into wedges. (The thinner the better.)






2. In a bowl, toss the potatoes with the oil to coat. Lay them on a baking sheet and cook for 25 minutes turning at least once. Add salt to taste.


Makes 4 servings

And then there is fry sauce. It's that blob of pinkish glob at the bottom of the picture. It's delicious and I am also shocked that everyone here eats their fries with ketchup.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Frosted Flakes


This picture was made by placing a piece of black construction paper in the snow storm. The paper had to be cold so that the flakes did not melt when they hit the surface. I only wish I had a better lens so I could get a little more detail.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

A Diamond

Diamond rings and love seem to go hand in hand. Since it is Valentines day I thought I would share my diamond story.
It was a lovely fall day. We drove up the canyon for a pic-nic. It was fast food from Taco Time. My sister missed the hand rolled tacos, and it was the perfect way to top off her visit. We hiked around with our little ones and then drove to the airport. She was flying home after her annual visit to the Western United States. When I got home I snagged my wedding ring on my daughter's baby blanket. I looked down to see two prongs and my diamond missing. I was sick to my stomach. I had been so many places. How would I ever hope to find it.
But... luck was on my side, or should I say "love" was on my side. My husband asked if I could give him a haircut. He pulled the rugs out of the bathroom and went to get the clippers. I was sitting on the side of the tub when out of the corner of my eye I saw something sparkling. I picked it up and my heart skipped a beat. It was my diamond! Of all the places I had been, my diamond managed to fall out in my bathroom. Of all the people to help me find it, it was my true love!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Think Spring!

Since it is bitterly cold out and I am pining for spring I thought some flowers would cheer me up. I hope you enjoy. And please, think spring.



What are you pining for?

Sunday, February 10, 2008

You Make me Laugh!

"Why do piano teachers houses smell funny?"

"Why are giraffes necks so long?"

"Now we have to flutter like a fairy so we can catch him." Said by Lulu when she saw her dad drive away in the car.

"What's under our kitchen floor?"

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Making Valentines


Called me lazy. I do not have the energy to buy them. I would have to get in my car and drive for at least 15 minutes one way. Take small child in and out of car seat, be bombarded by plethoras of choices, and distracted by "sale" signs. So I took the easy way out! I have all the supplies at my fingertips. (Thanks to numerous other "shopping trips.")

Supplies: cardstock, stamps from JoAnn's and Stamp'in Up, ribbon from a broken hair barrette.