Johnson's Pasture

Lucky me!  I got to hike with both kids today.

Photos of the people,

 by the people,

and for the people (or at least for the relatives).

Home-cooked Meal

I cashed in one of my gifts and R. made dinner last night.

I heard an NPR story about someone who didn't like kale until she found this recipe, which our family now enjoys.

The Spanish potato tortilla recipe was in the New York Times and attracted R. because it called for good olive oil.  Our generous neighbor was given several bottles and passed a couple to us so it seemed to be a good use for it.

Bon appetit!

Ms. Nostalgia Cleans Up

The art studio has become the rec room and it needed some sorting and thinning out.  That's a challenge for me.  I had no problem getting rid of dried out paint, but wasn't ready to let go of the finger paint paper yet.

I feel comfortable passing on the car seat gallery.

I threw out (!) tapes made from cds, 
but kept the ones I like to listen to in the car.

Isn't the magnetic foam still useful?

These were in a bag we kept in the car.
I tucked them away with other toys I pull out when kids visit.

Not useful, but it still made the cut this round.

Since I didn't take a before picture I am not going to show the after picture!

Winter Camp

 The road leading to and from Camp Alonim creates an amazing
transition from the freeway to the freedom of camp.

Here is home, sweet home for a few days.

And here is the view from the cabin (with the handsome car soon to depart).

just past the horses (and imagine a huge field with hills and goats on the left)

on the way out

The hardest part of leaving A. behind was not being able to go to camp myself.  I would love to play outside with my friends, have someone cook my meals, and have enforced quiet time every day.  Youth is wasted on the young!

Unexpected Company

You might remember our dog guest, Eli, from an earlier post.

She is with us again.  She had been a guest at other friends' house, but she got in a fight with their dog and needs some time to recuperate.

It is hard to get comfortable with a cone.

Trying another place.

Finally settling down.

But not looking too happy.

I hope we can help her with healing of body and spirit.

Old Stuff

Almost everything in our kitchen was received as a gift or we purchased after we together.  We do have a few things that pre-date our marriage, all D.'s.

ladle

mixing bowl

woodboard

hand mixer (only mixer we have)

You would think after all these years I wouldn't take it so hard, but I was sad that the reusable zip tie that held the cord of the mixer broke.  I can still use it, but it no longer stays attached to the cord.

 Life goes on.

Winter Flowers

 This is the first time any of our aloe vera plants have blossomed.

 It is right in the way of the sidewalk, but I can't bear to cut it.

 The jade plants are starting to blossom, too.

Our first camellia of the year is a beauty!