planting trees

170 of them!

and that was just at the location close to here...

There was another 160 planted at anther location and it was all part of a community service event through work.  The trees came in by the truckload.

The number of trees was determined by 3-point shots made by the Mavs.  Unfortunately, Mark Cuban wasn't there to help us plant them.  They were all heading out on a plane to another game that day.  Some of the players made an appearance though.  They weren't much help.

The steam rolled from the pile of mulch just waiting to encircle the newly planted trees.

I really enjoy gardening and just being one with the earth and enjoying the quiet of mother nature.  Plus, I like it even more when I don't have to dig the holes to plant everything.  This was actually the story of the tree planting AND the new flower beds.  I'll show you the amazing work that's happened in our own back yard tomorrow.

I learned a lot about planting trees and the difference between pot grown trees and burlap-ed ones (grown in their natural elements).  The most important thing - which actually took us a couple of times to remember - is don't remove the burlap until after you get the tree in the hole.

It's going to look amazing when they all grow in!!!

I could totally do volunteer work as my career if I could get paid for it!!!  It's so rewarding and you know you're doing something good for society.  What job would you do if someone would pay you for it?

where i've been

We've been busy little bees around here...

adding new flower beds
planting, planting, planting
finishing curtains
planting trees
trying to finish my final project for the painting class
enjoying all the blooming, amazing smelling goodness in our garden
oh, and way too much work

which is why you haven't heard much from me.  I promise I'll tell/show you all about these things SOON!  For now I'll leave you with this...

may it leave you feeling relaxed and day dreaming (at least for a minute or so like it did for me waiting for Sean to finish digging the next hole to plant something in)!  I hope all is well with you!!!

random updates

I've still been enjoying my painting class.  I've finished week 3 and nearly done with my final project.  Here are some pics from what I did for week three.

I want to add a saying to my final project but can't decide on one.  What would you write on a painting of a bird?

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Duke has been ridiculous, needy and ridiculously needy!!!  Look how obnoxious this has gotten...

But he's just so darn cute and cuddly how can you resist him?!?!

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I don't like to follow patterns but I also don't like having to figure out a pattern on my own but I really like sewing.  I know - totally confusing.  It's taken me, like months, to finally decide on a pattern for the living room curtains.  Here's a little peek at how I've been trying to figure out the pattern.

I think Sean's pretty happy I've finally made a decision and put those new scissors to good use to cut out all the pieces.  I already have one done and only three more panels to go.  I should be posting pics this weekend of the final product.  I can't wait because I don't like having bare windows at night (as you can see in the pic of Duke above).

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We've been doing a lot of gardening lately.  I helped plant some trees for a work community day and we put in a new 90 foot (or something obnoxious like that) flower bed and have been trying to fill it in with lots of goodies.  I'll write more about both of those soon with lots of pictures.

an irish themed supper club

This month's supper club was on St Patrick's Day so of course you were to make something Irish or green. After getting a recipe from a friend and searching the internet, I settled on Irish Soda Bread and a raisin walnut spread.  They were both VERY good so I'll share the recipes I used.  I found the spread a little sweet but I was the minority.

Irish Soda Bread

4 cups sifted flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-1/2 tablespoons caraway seeds (optional)
1/4 cup butter or margarine (room temp)
1-1/2 to 2 cups raisins
1-1/3 cup buttermilk (1 tablespoon vinegar in milk will give the same results)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs unbeaten

Mix the last three ingredients in a separate bowl until nice and bubbly.  Then, mix the dry ingredients together.  Add butter and chop it into the mixture until it feels course.  Add dry ingredients to the wet, mix together well.  Turn out onto a floured surface.  With floured hands mix together until it is smooth.  Shape into a ball and place onto a greased and floured 2 qt pan or regular layer cake pan.  Make a cross in the center.  Bake for about 55 minutes at 375.  Let cool.  Then sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Enjoy!

Raisin-Walnut Spread

Even though I added a link above it's such a great recipe with so many applications I wanted to type it here too in case the link ever goes away.
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine raisins, wine and brown sugar.  Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stir to blend, and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the raisins are soft.  Let cook for 10 to 15 minutes.  Transfer to a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Transfer to a small bowl or ramekin and stir in the walnuts.  Let cool.

Slather the spread onto the bread and oh so yummy!  Look how amazing it looks...

...and even if it didn't turn out good it sure looked good on the cutest plate that Amy got me for Christmas!

Unfortunately, we have an ant problem every spring.  They're gone now but not before they found the left over bread.  I guess that just gives me an excuse to make another!

a special birthday wish

Someone special is having a milestone birthday today!!!

holding me on my first Christmas

I have such fond memories from my younger days of sitting on the carpeted stairs at her house.  All the adults would sit around the kitchen table chatting it up.  I would give them a hard time for smoking (which they no longer do - YEA!!!)  Then when it was time to go home, I would curl up on the floor of the car to try to get warm from the heater.  Oh the days before seat belts were such a big deal.

I'm so glad she made it up to Maine for the wedding and enjoyed herself so much.  I was actually worried she was enjoying Bar Harbor so much that she was going to skip out on the wedding altogether!

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY AUNT SANDY!!!

duke's trip to florida

Being me is rough (or "ruff" hehe).  Mom and Dad drag me around all over the place.  This time they took me to some place they called Florida - perfect weather there.

I've been hearing about this Sophie chick that lives there.  I've even talked to her on the phone a couple of times when Mom or Dad are on a conference call with her Dad.  We FINALLY got to meet!  Now I want to introduce her to you - this is Sophie!

We were very busy during my five day visit.  We had to make sure our parents were safe from all the people walking by and random dogs and cats roaming the streets.

...and keep them safe from things moving around in the pool

...we had to round up all the little lizards

...catch some sun by the pool

...and of course Mom made me pose for a picture or two.

We became the best of friends and I can't wait to go back and visit her again - or better yet, she can come see me in Texas.  We have pretty good weather too.  I hope she comes up to Camp this summer so we can run around in the woods chasing things a little bigger than lizards - like chipmunks or deer.  Plus, I can show her how fun playing ball is at Camp.

See what I mean about living a rough life?  (Miss you Sophie!)

Duke

sun and fun

I've been MIA cuz I've been out enjoying some of this...

...some of this...

...and some of this!

We were having so much fun I didn't even want to take the time out to tell you all about it!  Got myself a sunburn - already peeling.  Gotta remember to lather the neck these days due to the new hairdo.  I guess I know what men go through now.

I had a work trip to Ft Lauderdale.  Sean came along so we could also visit some friends that live there.  The first time Sean and I went to St Kitts we went with them and have a trip planned to the Florida Keys in the future.  I wish they lived way closer cuz they're so much fun to hang with!

Oh, and did I mention Duke got to go?  He had a great time playing with their little cutie - Sophie.  Duke will tell you all about his adventures tomorrow.

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These are for Amy...

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What do y'all think of the whole Charlie Sheen thing?  Well, I saw this posted on Facebook and thought it was so clever.  We just couldn't stop watching it and busting up laughing all week.

"Are you bipolar...I'm bi-winning!  Win here, win there, win, win, everywhere!"


You must watch it multiple times - it just keeps getting funnier and funnier!!!  In fact I'm heading off to watch it again right now.