Vintage Souffle Bakeware And Local Cheesemonger

Out in the garage I came across this lovely Souffle Bowl. No, I haven't started cleaning the garage. Probably after Easter time. This was going to go in a sale, but most likely not since I am really in the groove of cooking. I remember buying this when I made my first souffle, probably in the late 60's. A nice explanation of a souffle is from My Mothers Apron Strings website. She tells us that the word souffle is French and means to "blow up" or "puff up" which it does by whipping the egg whites separately from the yolks to a stiff meringue, then folded in gently.

Anyway, a Cheese Souffle is on my Easter Ham menu. And, I am giving myself license to drift outside my budget for the holiday. So, I walked downtown to Main street to visit the Lavender Ridge Cheese Market.

Murphys is a special little place that has many very talented and impressive citizens. Yes, we are fortunate to have our very own cheesemonger. Judy Creighton, is a Certified Cheese Professional, cheese educator and consultant who has owned two San Francisco cheese shops and has served as a judge at American Cheese Society. She is Cheese Program Director at Lavender Ridge Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, and currently serves on the board of the California Artisan Cheese Guild, is guest lecturer at School of Restaurant Hospitality, City College of San Francisco, and Cheese School of San Francisco. What an impressive portfolio!

I am going to use Gruyere De Comte cheese this time. In the past (long time ago) I always used sharp Cheddar Cheese because that is what my Betty Crocker's cook book recipe said to do.

Wish me luck with my souffle. One must pay close attention when making one and "my oven" doesn't always behave nicely. It should go very well since I am now very relaxed in my kitchen and I'm not being instructed how I should do everything! Life is good and I am loving it. ;>)

I am off to my "Knitters and Hookers" group today. 

Mary

A Special Request

This past Sunday, I was visiting with a lovely lady who joined our church a few years ago and she regularly sings in the choir. She lives thirty to forty minutes drive from the church. On a Sunday morning, in my opinion, that is a long drive! And, of course there are weekday rehearsals in the evening. I met her when she first started to come to our church. I have always made a special effort to welcome "new faces" to the church when I notice people that I have not met.
 

For about six months of time during this past year I did not attend church services. It is taking me a while to catch up with my church friends. I have not been active in a lot of church activities for health reasons.  However, I was the person who regularly sent cards in the mail to those who are ill, injured, in Care Facilities, experiencing difficult times or anyone who we think might benefit from receiving a message of encouragement and prayer.

Anyway, I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear that the husband of my friend experienced a Severe Stroke this past November! He is 72 years old. I have not personally met him but I feel like I know him. Primarily, because he has been an editorial contributor to our little local newspaper. I commented to his wife that I had missed his newspaper contributions. And, that is when she told me of The Stroke.

He is a very well educated man of whom I have always enjoyed his writings. Along with Special Ops Veteran and many impressive employment positions and accomplishments, prior to retirement, he spent the last 27 years as Curator Emeritus/Consultant at The Smithsonian Institute of Museums and Museum Management and Planning, Transportation/Rail Operations and Economics retiring in 2010.

He is making slow progress (which is customary) in his recovery and on Sunday afternoon they were going to have their first social outing and to a concert.  She shared her excitement with me regarding his noteworthy progress and their outing!

Please send Positive Energy their way and Prayers are certainly welcome.

Mary

Thinking and Thanking

I've been Thinking and Thanking! I had a Wonderful weekend. In fact, the past week was really good. I have met some new people and shared happiness and fun with others. One heartfelt joy is the offer from an acquaintance who is very skilled to assist me with household maintenance if I need a helping hand. However, there was one caveat! And, that is great with me. I have no problem walking away until the project is finished. It is such a gift to be able to have that freedom. How wonderful to not even have to think about what it going on or paying. It will be like magic! Just the offer of help is a Nice Blessing!

My blogging will be sporadic for a couple weeks as I need time to prepare for Easter Celebration with family. I have some heavy housework that MUST be done. And, I am trying to discipline myself to get it done soon so there is no last minute rush.

And, then I can focus on my menu which I always enjoy. If I am smart I will plan ahead in such a way that the day prior to Easter will be relaxing and the process of the holiday will be enjoyable and not stressful. It is all in my hands, right! More on the menu later.

Hope your day is Joyous.

Mary

Lunch For One And Budget Progress

This is a healthy, quick and tasty soup. With our current weather of rains every few days it just feels right to prepare some soup now and then.  It was especially nice that I had all of the ingredients in the pantry/refrigerator when I read the recipe while perusing  a stack of pages of copied recipes. I do not think I have ever made soup with canned tuna. Be sure, to use the best quality of solid tuna you can. I have been using more cannellini beans than in the past and I am liking them in soups, especially. The seasonings are a nice combination and the kale flavor is very subtle.

 TUNA, WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP  

(website image)

And, this is how it really looks. 

The importance of proper lighting when taking photos.

My Lunch For One posts are starting to look like Tablescapes that have become so popular on blog land. 

I think these dishes are so pretty. They are called Clematis by Red Vanilla. I have only soup bowls with base plates and salad plates. I can mix them nicely with my every day Mikasa Mixima (super strong) china Belle Terre.

Can you see the Bunny napkin ring?

 TUNA, WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP  

from www.closetcooking.com 

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (6 ounce) cans solid white tuna, drained and broken into bite sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bunch kale, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Add the broth, beans, tuna, Italian seasoning, fennel and paprika, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the kale and simmer until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the parmesan, let it melt and season with salt and pepper to taste before removing from heat.

Option: Replace the kale with spinach, swiss chard, etc.
Option: Add a dash or 2 of fish sauce!
Note: You can replace the Italian seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon thyme.
Tip: Try not to over-stir so that the tuna does not break apart and you still have nice large chunks.

This is really good soup. I hope you will try it. Let me know how you like it.

Meet Mr Owl Budget

I am finding more ways to enhance my budget. 

* Lily is due for a vaccine booster at the Veterinary Office. I can take her to the vaccine clinic (held once a month and less expensive) since she has seen the Vet during this past year. 

* I have found a better quality dog food for Lily for less money.

* I discontinued taking daily multivitamins since there is controversy regarding benefit if you have a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables. And, normal blood chemistry, which I do regarding multivitamin ingredients.

* Working diligently (very time consuming) to locate lowest co-pay for what are very expensive medications even though they are generic. Your doctor has to be willing to work with you because there are so many different pharmacy plans. And, so many medications with similar content for the same condition but wide range of prices. Many times it is trial and error. But, remember you usually have to buy at least one month supply. My nursing background certainly is helpful with this activity.

Because my monthly available income is reduced it is necessary for me to take these actions for my day to day existence. Most definitely necessary since the price of most everything is continually increasing. If there is vacation money, that will be a bonus. After all I will only have one 75th Birthday!  

I managed to pay my Property Taxes and my Federal and California taxes have been filed. All my bills are paid and it is such a good feeling. I am really making progress in getting organized! It really makes me nervous when I am not on top of it. It is not in my character.

Be Good To Yourself. OK.       Maybe, make some homemade soup!

Mary

Someone Learned How To Stand

And, he is not about to take a nap. Generally, he "never cries or fusses" unless he is teething or sick. The word never is stretching it a bit. But, he really is a happy baby. Learning to pull yourself up to stand is no time to take a nap. This is the first time he succeeded in standing in this manner.

Nine month old accomplishment! ! !  What a little sweetheart! ! !

Do you see one of the family dogs "Cleveland" in the bottom of the picture?

*********************************************

Just received this today from the Mama with title saying "Busted". It looks like cheerios are on the rug. I did not see the cheerios at first glance!

Thanks for visiting.

Mary

p.s. The top picture is for you, Anita. (^-^)

It Is Not To Early To Start To Plan A Celebration Trip

Later in this year I will be having what could be my last milestone Birthday. No, I am not a fatalist. You know how life is. It can change in the blink of an eyelash. I have experienced that many times in my life. I guess most people have by this age. I am a realist.

You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can only decide how you're going to live now.

-- Joan Baez

So, anyway, I had such as wonderful Celebration Trip to Carmel, California that I took myself on for my 70th birthday and I am planning on repeating the same road trip activity for my 75th birthday in September.

If you would like to read about my 70th birthday celebration on the Montery Peninsula, I blogged with photos at this link Traveling Day One and the following blog pages.

This is a photo that I always remember and love. Nothing fancy in photography, just an auto shoot pic. There is just something about it that is symbolic for me of the Peninsula. Perhaps it is the peacefulness that I was experiencing at the moment, fog, mist and all. However, as we know, that area is a mecca of fabulous photo ops.

So, that is what I am thinking about today. It excites me to think about a little road trip with Lily by my side to such a beautiful area. The most challenging aspect in my planning is the financial. Where there is a will, there is a way! My heating propane tank in empty so I pulled out the little space heater when I am sitting in one place, usually during the evening. And, I have been monitoring and adjusting the forced air heating thermostat.  There are many things I am accustomed to doing to "pinch the penny". It is surprising how much difference a few changes in habits can make. I am sure I will discover some new ways as I go along. I am already working with reducing some of my medical expenses! Most of my life I have been diligent in expense cutting.

As time goes by, I will share more about my plans.

  

Actually, I am quite fond of driving. I am hoping to stay at the same "pet friendly" B & B. After all, Lily's picture is on the wall in the reception area with hundreds (if not more) of other dogs who have visited. 

Lily says she is READY TO GO any time I am ready!

Hope you have a Happy Day.

Mary

I Can't Help Myself

Two posts in one day.

They had a fun snow day!

I hope your day is a Fun Day.

Mary

Do Unto Others As You Would Have Done Unto You

As long as I can remember I have consciously tried to live (but not always successfully) by "The Golden Rule". That must come from my parochial school training. If I left with no other Pearls of Wisdom I am extremely grateful for that one thing.

Some people think that their way is the only way, regardless of what anyone else thinks or says.  As human beings we are generally given the ability to discuss, reason, empathize, problem solve, be kind-hearted, compromise and respect for one another, just to mention a few of our given talents.

I fully understand that the workplace environment follows different rules. That's just the way it is. However, there are some exceptional people that are gifted in very special ways in the workplace.

I do not think I have ever met a stubborn, self centered angry person who is happy. Usually, they think they are happy. But, in reality they don't have a clue what real happiness is. Thinking you are powerful is nothing more than weakness.

Complete authentication is hard work but it is worth every second that we spend in working toward understanding and achieving that level of consciousness. Just a bit of - "for whatever it is worth" or "food for thought".

Do we like to be treated with love and respect? Then we should give that gift to others with no expectations.

The Universe will take care of the rest.

Peace.

Mary

What Is A Baby Cocoon? Do You Know?

When I first heard at the end of 2012 that "The Stork" was going to be visiting our family I was very surprised and thrilled. Oh my, where does the time go?  I wasn't blogging at that time so I thought I would blog at this time about the Cocoon. 

I got busy with my crochet hook and made a Cocoon. I had seen theses cozy little bundles in blog land and thought I could make one for the baby that would be gender flexible. So, I chose yarn that had both blue and pink. 

It was nice to give the mommy and daddy to-be something at Christmas time before any of the special baby events started happening. They were very surprised and appreciative.

 

So, here we go. The cocoon is just a big sack for the baby to slip in and usually there is a matching cap. Kind of like "Snug as a bug in a rug".

This is a Google Image showing you the idea.

The cocoon is used when the baby is a newborn and for a short time after, depending upon the size of the baby.

I placed a blue ribbon on one side and a pink ribbon on the other side so they could take off one of the colors when the baby was born. 

I do not have a picture of my Great Grandson in it. I'll have to ask if one was taken. And, I do not know if the cocoon was ever used.

I do know that from day one this baby boy was definitely going to be a boy-boy. There were a lot of sports team tiny baby clothes! The cocoon may have been too foo-foo like.

When a baby is born "these days" it's a very different world than when my babies were born 50 some years ago! Yes I sound old, but it's only a number?

None the less, all of the baby things are cute.

Thank you for letting me share these cute baby photos and "a cocoon" with you.


Come back and visit soon.

Mary 

Simply Daffodil

It certainly is Daffodil time of the year. There are many points of interest with beautiful spreads of daffodils in our little community.

Last year about this time when I was arranging some flowers for an arrangement for Sundays Church Alter I realized how similar my result was to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

Even though I was doing it Sunday morning before church, I recall that I felt so calm and centered while enjoying the process. The daffodils were from my garden as well as the Magnolia Stellata which I went looking for in the garden in the morning. And, the large granite flower base really grounds the delicate florals.

My garden is not blooming as years prior. The Magnolia is about 10 feet tall but has had very few blossoms this year. Can you imagine what it would look like if it was in full bloom. I know fertilizer may be an issue but also changing weather conditions.

"Ikebana is much more than mere floral decoration."

A little more about Ikebana, according to Ikebana International. "Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature."

"In principle, Ikebana aims not at bringing a finite piece of nature into the house, but rather at suggesting the whole of nature, by creating a link between the indoors and the outdoors. Ikebana is creative expression within certain rules of construction. Its materials are living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. Its heart is the beauty resulting from color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and meaning latent in the total form of the arrangement."

We had a wonderful rain storm last night. We are in serious need of rain here in California. Rain is a blessing!

Come back again. I like your visits.

Mary

Man's Best Friend

This picture and caption took my breath away this morning when I saw it in the morning e-newspaper. It also brought tears to my eyes. My emotions are very close to the surface these days. It doesn't take much for me to cry! My pets have been such a big part of my adult life!

"A true best friend is one who stays with you no matter how bad things may get."

Hug your pets! There is no way we can return the amount of love they give us.

Thanks for coming by to visit. 

Mary 

Lunch For One And Some Crochet Time

Why not, have breakfast for Lunch? Are you one of those people who some times like to find a restaurant that serves "Breakfast All Day"? I know I am not the only one or they wouldn't serve it all day,

Well, my lunch was delicious with nice crusty french bread, thick sliced bacon and fresh eggs with golden yolks. Topped off with a nice glass of 100% orange juice.

Just look at those perfectly fried eggs with firm whites and yummy golden creamy yolks.  I did good, don't ya think?

And, now a little "hooking".

It is nice to return to some of the things that I enjoy so much. I love these spring colors for dishcloths. It always surprises me when someone is so happy to receive one or more of these dishcloths.

These colors just make me feel happy!

Thanks for stopping by. Take good care of yourself and others. OK.

Mary

I Really Like To Cook On A Rainy Day

May I present Herbs de Provence Vinegar Braised Chicken With Onions And Tomatoes.

I am not sure of the exact recipe because I used what I had in the cupboard after reading several recipes. It was a lot of fun.

It smells wonderful and tastes grand. Serving it the next day will help the flavors to meld. 

I will be serving it over Creamy Polenta because the pungent flavors of the sauce ask for a substantial base. And, the yellow color of polenta should look very nice with the red sauce. I hope it will be a nice presentation for dinner guests.

I love having the little Spice Shop only a block away. Their product is always fresh and small portions can be purchased.

Mary

Gracie

I am so happy to see some blossoms on this azalea that has special meaning to me. Because it almost died this past fall from lack of water when I was in the hospital.  It was all wilted and the leaves were dry and yellow in color and were falling off.



This was a gift from a neighbor from where I lived before moving to the Sierra Foothills. She gave it to me when I had my back surgery in 1992. She was quite a bit older than me and she no longer is living. She was a great neighbor and a very good friend of mine. It was a flower from the florist and I named it Gracie in her memory.

When I returned home from the hospital this past fall, I was told that I was not to water any plants and to "Let the damn plants die". Hurtful! Nasty! The next day I was reprimanded for watering the patio plants! Astounding behavior from someone who did not live with me or ever spend a "sleep-over". Controlling! Abusive! You maybe know how much my garden and plants mean to me. A lot!

This is what the plant usually looks like during the blooming season! This picture was taken a few years back when it was smaller. The color is a little off because I had to scan the picture. You can be sure that I will nurture the azalea back to good health.

It's important to take care of what nature gives us. It is such a wonderful gift!

Mary

Who Lives There

That's a very big house sitting on a lot of land complete with horse stables and you name it, it has it.

This is the home of MY TWIN BROTHER in Southern California. Yes, I am a twin. I guess I posted about this in 2009. Just click on this link Twin Brother and scroll to see some childhood photos and a little about the family dynamics.

The last time I saw my twin brother was probably at the memorial service when my mother passed away in 1990 - or maybe it was when my oldest brother passed away after that time. 

It is extremely unfortunate that none of my family members have been close with one another. And, now it is only my twin brother and myself that are left. I have not been to his home. Never been invited. However, he sent me the photo of some of his horses after I called him a couple years ago. I found this photo of his home on the internet in 2009 some time after he bought the place. All three of my brothers were married and had very successful careers in their chosen professions. My twin brother has taken the position of distancing himself from the family as long as I can remember. And, the three brothers never got along. It is my belief that the parenting style had a significant influence on family relationships! My two oldest brothers chose not to have children. That may say something!

For about the last 15 years of my oldest (eight years older) brother's life, he and I became quite close and it was wonderful to have him to talk to and to visit. He lived in Oregon and was a wonderful person. 

Especially, at times like this when I am going through difficult life changes and events it would be so wonderful to have a brother who cared about me. The vast majority of my life I have felt very alone and have been alone.

What's the saying - - - - - - - - -

 And, this is my "Humble Little Abode" for which I am extremely grateful. 

I have worked very hard to obtain and keep my little home. 

(December 2013)

Mary