Driving in the Rain

WHOOOHOOOOW it's raining! I love the sound of rain. We don't get a lot of rain here in Southern California so when we do I get very excited. Some of my favorite things to do in the rain are bake,read by the fire, or go for a drive. What do you like to do?

Today I get to drive to Pismo Beach. I am going to my Son's to help out for the week. He just had arm surgery and isn't suppose to be using it and of course he is....do men ever listen when a doctor tells them something? My daughter-in-law is hoping he will relax a little more if I am there to help. We'll see....the good news is I get to see my Grandkids :-)


I am going to have fun getting my POTD today. We are suppose to have 30' swells at the beach today. I can't remember ever seeing the surf that high here in Ventura. I am going to stop and take a few pictures on my way out of town.

Have a great day I am headed out to play in the rain.

Possessed House

I think our house is becoming possessed. Every time Mark fixes something something else goes wrong. Maybe it's all the gophers. Look at how they are taking over the yard. You know Mark is usually out there hunting them but he's been so busy fixing other things he hasn't had a chance. Calling all Elmer Fudds we need your help to come hunt gopher's. We pay per gopher LOL

Sorry I never got back to put up my POTD I've been busy helping Mark. Here are a few photos I've taken the past couple of days.

There is a lLittle snow left on the mountian....until this week when we are suppose to get hit with a big storm. We have a group of people who are coming next weekend and bringing the kids to play in the snow. I don't usually hope for snow but I hope we get enough so the kids can go sledding and the parents a can relax :-)


I'll have to finsih the rest later. The house is acting up again LOL!

Baby it's COLD

Oh Baby it's COLD. We are at the retreat and I don't think the weather is much over 40 if even. Now you know that wouldn't be so bad because I only stay in the house but our downstairs heater just went out and we have a group of women showing up any minute. YIKES!!!! My poor DH if it's not one thing it's another. Good thing he works cheap LOL. Hopefully he finds the part and can get the heater fixed soon or it's going to be one cold night downstairs! The good news is the heater upstairs is working great.

I still working on my POTD. I wish I had a picture of an icicle it would be so appropriate for today. Ok it's not really that cold but you know what a WHIMP I am. I've taken a few pictures today but nothing that really excites me so I'm hoping for a beautiful sunset. I will post my picture later tonight.

Valentine's Day

Oh yea I said Valentine's Day...it's just around the corner so I've started making my heart boxes. They are so fun to make. Don't forget to leave us a little love (comment) and you might just be receiving one of these little sweeties filled with all kinds of goodies.

Giveaway on Shimmerz Blog

You need to go on over to SHIMMERZ Blog they are SO crazy excited today that they are going to GIVE AWAY One Complete Set of Shimmerz Pearlz EVERY HOUR for the next 12 hours!!!! (10am - 10pm MST)


I was a little busy yesterday crafting I didn't take to many pictures. Here is a picture of one of the projects I am working on. I love the flowers...I got so carried away with making flowers I didn't get the layout done :-). They are so much fun to make!

Here is my POTD for today


I actually took this picture driving home from seeing the Rose Parade Floats.

The walk that didn't happen

OK I need your help to keep me on track...my friend came over to walk this morning and guess where we ended up. MICHAEL'S...Oh yea had to spend some money LOL. It would have been much healthier and I would have a lot more money if I had just walked! Oh someday I will learn to stay on track.

I ordered LOVE STRUCK for all you girls coming to the retreats....if you haven't checked out this cartridge go to cricut.com. I can't wait to use it.

I still haven't found my POTD so I'm off to shot photos.

Morning walk

I finally started walking again....I don't know why I always put it off. I took my camera with me this morning. Here are a couple of the pictures I took. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL out this morning! The water looked like glass. We are so fortunate to live where we can walk along the harbor.




I've been busy in my craft room....it's been nice having this past weekend off I actually got time to scrapbook. I will post more pictures tomorrow. Have a wonderful day!

Control of the remote

Do you have one of these? My DH always wants control of the remote....this is what happens when he has control. LOL Oh but WAIT THERE"S MORE. When I go to get the remote to change the channel he tells me he is watching what's on. How many of you have DH's like this? I think it would be fun to post a picture of them with a link to your blog....any takers?

With him watching his TV I've had a little spare time to do some crafting. Here is another layout I did yesterday. I loved the way my Daughter-in-laws Dad was looking at her in this picture.

I have to go find my POTD....have a great day!

FINALLY

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!! and your winner is

itsblondee said...
Happy New Year and Congrats on your new Grandbaby. I think my favorite memory during the holidays this year is when my grandson (18 months) participated with the whole family in making Christmas cookies. He rolled out his own dough, used cookie cutters and even with a plastic knife decorated his own cookie (with a little assistance from mom) I got the cutest pictures to use for his scrapbook. Well my vacation is almost over and then it is back to work. Hope you enjoyed your holidays - I will have to take my youngest son to see the new chipmunks movie (he is 11). Thanks for sharing the pictures of the grandbaby - take care.

Mark picked #1 and you were the first one to leave a comment. Congrats! If you will send send me your e-mail address I will get your gift certificate to you.

Drum roll please

The winner of our GIVEAWAY is....oh wait my DH is napping. Sorry ladies I am waiting for him to wake up so he can draw the name. Come back in a couple of hours hopefully he will be up.

Day 7 of my POTD

I've been busy making a Valentine album for Mark of his our new grand daughter. Here is one of the pages. It's so much fun to finally get to do some girly pages! I need to swap out the picture in this one though I got glitter on it so look what snapfish is offering again. They just got me for 700 pictures. Oh my now I have to order more LOL.


SNAPFISH
has 50 PRINTS FOR 50 PENNIES

You now have an extra few days to get
50 4" x 6" mail-order prints for only a
penny each! Order today and capture all
of your favorite holiday photos with
this special deal. If you order more
than 50 prints, the additional ones
are only 9 cents each and every day -
still a great value for you.

Hurry, use coupon NEWYEAR50 at checkout
by January 11!*

Remodel

As many of you know we are remodeling around here, did you know it doesn't pay to clean when remodeling. Yesterday I dusted and vacumed and damped mopped the floors (which many of you know I don't do). Well when I got home from Micheal's after cleaning all morning this is what I came home to








My DH had decided he was going to work on the fireplace. We now have dust everywhere and I do mean everywhere. LOL

I NEED HELP

I have two pictures to share with you today. The first is of my Grandson Jason.Jason,his Dad and I hung out today waiting for Jason's Aunt Jessica to pick him up to take him home. I'm going to miss that boy. It was so much fun having him with us for the past week and a half.

This picture was taken yesterday. I am trying to organize AGAIN. I've been trying to find a temporary solution until Mark has time to finish my craft room. As you can see I'm not having much luck. Does anyone have any ideas?

365 PROJECT

I'm going to be doing the 365 project or a photo of the day (POTD) challange with Katrina Kennedy. Anyone want to join in on the fun? It's not to late to get started and it should be a lot of fun. I'm off to find my picture of the day.












Have a great day and don't forget about our GIVEAWAY!

Rose Parade Floats

Oh what fun....we got up early went and saw the Rose Parade floats. They were amazing! Here are just a couple of the 500 pictures I took. Have you ever been to see the parade or the floats? If not it is well worth the time both are amazing. Yesterday was the last day. If you go see the floats go the day of the parade or the next day by the third day the flowers are pretty welted.

Now vacation is over and it's time to get back to work. You will be seeing some much needed changes around here so stay tuned.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR GIVEAWAY ON SAT. YOU COULD WIN A 3 DAY WEEKEND AT SCRAP-N-AWAY BY LEAVING US A COMMENT

Proud Grandpa

Here are the pictures of our new little grand daughter Kallie with her
proud Grandparents




Jason Micheal turns 11

Sorry for the late post it's been busy around here. We still have our 11 year old grandson staying with us. We've been celebrating his birthday since wednesday. Today we went shopping and to the movies. If you haven't taken your kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel you should. It is really cute. Jason thought it was better then the first one.

Happy New Year

We made it to 2010 WOOOHOOOOW. I love a new beginning....just think of all the possibilities! How would you like to win a 3 day retreat? Leave a comment about your favorite part of the Holidays and we will pick a winner on Sat. Jan 9th

Mark and I have been very busy with family and friends the past couple of weeks. We are getting ready to walk out the door again but I wanted to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year before we did. Come back later for pictures of our new Grand daughter and Grandpa Mark.

ON THE BAD LIST

********************MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE***********************

Yes I'm on Santa's bad list for not blogging. I know it's been it a long long time since I've blogged. It's been just a little crazy around here. Ok I know what's new.

Lets start at the beginning. Mark's Dad was in the hospital, then his brother and sister-in-law where here from North Dakota. They stayed with us for two weeks. (Now remember our house is still in the middle of a remodel. 4 people and one bathroom....OH MY Ok it really wasn't that bad LOL!) We always enjoy when we get to visit with David and Lori. It seems like we only get to see them ever 3 or 4 years. Needless to say there where plenty of late nights and lots of catching up.

We had Thanksgiving in the middle somewhere. We spent it at Mark's parent's. Mark's son Kyle and wife Tasha were here also. We were happy to find out we are going to be grand parents again.

Speaking of Grand kids I get to spend Christmas eve and morning with three of my grand kids. I am so excited. I've never been with any of them on Christmas morning. I think I am more excited than they are about Christmas this year. I think my camera will definitely be on over load! LOL

Look at how much our new little grand daughter KALLIE has grown. She is back in Bakersfield now and we will get to see her the day after Christmas. We can hardly wait!!!!



Sunday I am having a cookie baking party at my house so if your in the neighborhood stop by for some cookies and hot caramel apple cider!

Here she is

Here she is our new baby grand daughter just seconds old

Welcome to the world Kallie Denea Guess

Born today at 5:40pm
9lbs 1oz and 21-3/4"


isn' she beautiful.

Feeling like Fall

It's really starting to look and feel like fall here at the retreat. I absolutely love this time of the year when the air is crisp,the leaves are turning and the smell of pumpkin,apples and gingerbread. Oh what could be any better!

How about presents. Look at these adorable presents the girls brought Mark and I this weekend.









Isn't she just adorable




Thank so much!

Bad Bad Bad

Yes I am getting really bad about blogging. I don't know where the time goes but a week has gone by before I even know realize it.

We had a so much fun visiting the kids this past weekend. The grandkids are growing like weeds. They were so cute trick or treating. Becca is Wendy, Scooby Doo is Josh and Batman it Tyler. Josh was all into getting candy....his brother was a little bashful this year and didn't want to go up to the people giving out the candy.

I'm not sure where the rest of the week went but here it is friday already. I am at the retreat getting ready for the weekend. If your tried of the heat you should pay us a visit it's suppose to drop down to the 20's this weekend. We may get our first snow.

I better run the girls will be arriving soon and I need to get the chocolate fountain going. Have a great day!

Fall Party

Well today was all about my 5 year old grandson Tyler. I got to go to his school and take pictures of his Fall Party. Then we were off to the Pumpkin Patch but I didn't pick a very good one (so I was told)they didn't have any hay rides or animals you could feed. Then it was off to the park to play for awhile. Tonight the grand kids and I are making a cookie haunted house.

Tomorrow Mark and I are going trick or treating in the Village with the grand kids and then we are headed back to Oxnard. We hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween

Technically Challenged

I must be technically challenged lately. Evey time I touch something it breaks or malfunctions. I was down loading the pictures I took to show you the animals when all my pictures erased. I don't know how I did it but they're GONE. I guess I wasn't suppose to show how cute that squirrel was basking in the sun. I am so darn mad at myself. I will probably never get another picture like that...the bad thing is it was Mark's camera now I've lost all his pictures also.....Oh what's a girl to do!

Some of you have asked for my Pumpkin Dip recipe so here you go

Pumpkin dip

Ingredients
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 15 oz. canned pumpkin
2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions
Beat all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. I like to serve this is good served with ginger snaps. Enjoy!

It's a beautiful day here so I'm off to go for a walk. Have a great day!

Invasion of wild life

I think we are being invaded by wild life. We have so many blue jays I can't keep track of them all. Today we had three covey of quail totaling over 30, a couple of rabbits not to mention all the squirrels. They all come right up on the deck and eat. They will even let you walk up to the window and take their pictures without even moving.

In fact the animals are getting so use to me taking their pictures I could have sworn the squirrel was posing for me today. He let me get with in a foot of him...he was laying on the porch railing basking in the sun. He was so cute. I know he was posing when I was taking pictures of him through the window. He looked right at me and let me take his picture and I'm sure that was a smile on his face LOL.

Oh and did I mention GOPHER'S our side yard looks like swiss cheese. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? Mark has tried everything and I do mean everything so if you know of a sure fire way to get rid of them we would love to hear from you.

I also got the most gorgeous picture of a crowned blue jay. These animals will do just about anything to get to Mark's bird feed.

I would love to show you the pictures however my computer isn't letting me upload photos off the card onto my computer. I will try again tomorrow....you have to see this little guy posing. So come back tomorrow!

HIGH TECH NIGHTMARE

Sorry for the lack of blogging again. My computer would not let me on the internet this week so I had to call the repair guy again. We haven't connected yet to get the problem fixed. Whats even weirder is that the internet works fine on my computer at the retreat, it's usually the other way around. I may have to call Sony if this keeps up.

If that wasn't enough my cell phone also died this week. I love all the new technology until it breaks then it's a nightmare LOL. I have to say I am loving my new phone. I got the new Palm Pre now if I just learn how to work it. I think it can do everything but wash my dishes hehe.

To all my Bakersfield friends I have to tell you. I had to run to Bakersfield last thursday to get ink for the computer before the retreat on friday. It was cold here in Frazier I was freezing so I went in a sweatshirt and shoes and socks. Needless to say I was roasting when I got there....it was 80 degress at 6 at night. You would think I would know better. LOL

The weather here on the moutain is beautiful it is in the low 70's during the day and dropping to the low 40's high 30's at night. The leaves are turning...it's really starting to look and feel like fall. It's so nice after all the heat (OK maybe not heat like Bakersfield but hot for me LOL) I am such a wimp when it comes to hot weather.

We have been invaded by Blue Jays. Marks has two feeders for them and he fills when he gets here on thursday and then again before he leaves on Saturday. By the time he gets back on thursday they are empty. Seems like there is always one or two at the feeder protecting it from the other birds. They are very territorial. They are the darkest color of blue this year...they are just beautiful!

Sunny California

You sure can't beat the weather here in Southern CA...yesterday it was raining and today it's in the high 70's. I know awhile back when it was hot I said I was ready for snow. I LIED 2 days of cold rainy weather and this CA girl is ready for Sunshine and warm weather. I have a feeling winter will be here on the mountain before I want. It's no wonder I still live Ventura County you just can't beat the weather here.


Spooky Brownies


Your favorite brownie recipe or box of brownie mix.

Decorations
1 container white frosting
Neon green, pink and blue food colors
24 large marshmallows
Miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits
Black decorating gel (from 0.68-oz tube)
1 roll Fruit Roll-Ups® chewy fruit snack (any red variety)
Gummy worms candies

Make and bake brownies in 13x9-inch pan as directed on box. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, making 24 brownies.

2 In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High about 20 seconds or until frosting can be stirred smooth. Divide warm frosting among 3 small bowls.

3 Decorate as directed below, using 8 brownies for each bowl of frosting.

Franken-Brownies Add 5 drops green food color to frosting in 1 bowl; mix well. Top each of 8 brownies with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon green frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Decorate with green baking bits for eyes and ears. Use black gel for mouths and centers of eyes. Cut fruit snack to use for hair.

Boo-Brownies Top each of 8 brownies with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon white frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Use black gel for eyes and mouths.

Spider Brownies Add 5 drops pink food color and 3 drops blue food color to frosting in 1 bowl; mix well. Top each of 8 brownies with 1 large marshmallow. Tuck gummy worms candies under each marshmallow for legs. Spoon 1 tablespoon purple frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Use orange baking bits for eyes. Use black gel for mouths, centers of eyes and eyebrows.

I found these on tablespoon.com. I think my grand kids are going to love these. Although last year I made them bleeding witch finger cookies and they wouldn't eat them because they said they looked to real LOL!

Lovin' the Rain

Don't you just love the rain? What is your favorite thing to do in the rain? I love to bake and read which I am going to do both today :-) I just found a new recipe for pumpkin bread that has cream cheese swirled in it. Oh my....YUMMMMM

Pumpkin Swirl Loaf

Mix together well:
-1 cup pure pumpkin
-1 egg
-1/3 cup water
-1/2 cup melted butter


Add:
-1 1/2 cups white sugar
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp nutmeg
-1 3/4 cups flour
Beat together well.


Cream Cheese Topping:
-8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 egg
Beat together until smooth.


Grease pan. Put half of the pumpkin mixture into the pan. Spoon half the cream cheese mixture on top, then pour over the remaining pumpkin mixture, and top with remaining cream cheese.
Using a knife swirl, making a marbling effect. Bake in 350º oven for 1/1/2 hours. If you make in two pans baking time will be about 50 minutes. If the topping is getting too dark loosely cover with foil. Allow to stand in pan for 10 minutes and then remove to cooling rack. Does not freeze well.

Even though I am excited about another day of rain my prayers goes out to all those in the burn areas.

Franken-Snacks

I'm getting really bad about blogging. Since my computer has been acting up for the past month and a half I don't even want to get on the darn thing. I think it is finally fixed :-)!!!! I hope it's the fourth time I've had it in the shop to be fixed.

I talked to one of my grandson's yesterday and I told him I was making him this for halloween. He was so excited. I'm not sure he'll eat it but it's to cute not to make.


Franken-Snacks
Ingredients:
8 c. Corn Chex Cereal
1 package Lemon-Lime drink mix (unsweetened, we used Kool-Aid)
1 c. Granulated Sugar
1/2 c. Light corn syrup
1/3 c. Butter or Margarine
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 oz. vanilla candy coating (we used Candi-Quick, available in the baking aisle)
1 oz. chocolate candy coating (we used Candi-Quick, available in the baking aisle)
1/4 c. Cheerios
Toothpick
Wax Paper
Non-Stick cooking spray

Mix-ins (you can change them as desired):


3 C. Kix Cereal
2 C. Trix Cereal
3 C. mini-pretzels
1 bag Goldfish Crackers
1 C. M & M's Candies



Directions:
Heat oven to 225 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the sugar, syrup and margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally. Boil for 3 minutes (do not stir).
Remove from heat and stir in soda and Koolaid.

Pour over 6 cups Chex Cereal and stir gently. Spread onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 225 F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and while still warm, set 20-30 pieces on another greased cookie sheet to use as your "Frankensteins". Cool completely, stirring occasionally if desired.










To assemble "Frankensteins", melt chocolate candy coating in a small microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds. Stir well. Dip one end of a Chex square into the chocolate. This is your "hair". Set on wax paper to dry. Using a toothpick, dip end into chocolate and draw two eyes and a mouth on your creature. Repeat with all 20-30 squares. When set (about 5 minutes), melt vanilla candy coating as above. Dip two Cheerios in coating and attach to sides of Frankenstein (these are his "bolts"). Let dry completely.
Mix remaining Chex and other Mix-ins in a large bowl. Top with your "Frankensteins" and serve it up to the waiting Goblins and Ghouls!







You can also spoon into small bags and tie with ribbon for a fun school snack or party favor. This recipe I found on Mon on the go

Pumpkin Bread

This is what my day looked like yesterday.

3 mile walk at the beach








Washed canning jars










Mixed a triple batch of Pumkin Bread










Baked in jars and sealed










They are all canned and ready for Fall gifts. Look how cute

MUMMY DOGS

I just got back from my morning walk and wanted to post before I get wrapped up in the day. I have a lot I want to get done.
Speaking of wrapped up if you kids like hot dogs these are a must.


Since my computer crashed and I wasn't able to save anything on it....and no I didn't think to back up my recipes. I had to hunt for a picture of this one for you. They are so cute and the kids love them so it's easy to get them to eat something before they go trick or treating. I found it and many other Halloween ideas on Our Best Bites

MUMMY DOGS
Cut crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to crescent package directions and use ketchup or mustard for eyes. I cut my hot dogs in half to make them bite-sized.

I make halloween shaped corn chips to go with these. You need your halloween cookie cutters, corn tortillas and oil. sing cookie cutters cut the tortillas out drop into hot oil and fry until crispy. Remove to paper towel sprinkle with salt and let cool.

Hope you have a great day!

Candy filled Skulls

You would think with all these ideas I would be ready for Halloween. Not even close. I still can't believe it's Oct. I haven't even decorated yet. I did make a Halloween banner for a Halloween swap I was in. That is about all the decorating I've done so far. Have you decorated yet?


Here is another idea that is supper easy and cute. All you need is some left over plastic Easter eggs and white and black duck tape.