Wildflowers at McCormick's Creek State Park

Hi All,

We're still in the throes of unpacking and decorating the new house but we did take time yesterday for our annual wildflower sighting trip to McCormick's Creek State Park.  The park is south of Indy - 14 miles from Bloomington.  We've gone there to look at the wildflowers every year in April for several years.  The wildflowers bloom this time of year and it's very pretty.  

I wish I knew the names of the flowers but I don't.  If I have time I'll look them up and label them.

We even saw a butterfly.

Here's a picture of the creek.

We were a bit too early and the bluebells hadn't bloomed yet but here's a picture from last year.

Here are a few more pictures from last year. 

It's kinda fun for a city girl like me to go out to the park for the day.  But it wasn't fun to go back up the 146 steps to get to the car.  Ugh!

Cute Shoes!

We received a catalog yesterday from Acacia and I saw the cutest shoes!  I know, I don't need any more shoes, but I love 'em.  They're called Arcopedico Mary Janes.  I'd like to buy all three of them but they cost more than I'd normally pay for shoes and three pairs would just be too much, to say the least.  But I think I've talked myself into buying the white ones (shhh - don't tell Paul).  My excuse?  Well, white goes with everything!  Here's a picture of them:

If you want to know more, here's the website:

http://acacialifestyle.com/arcopedico-mary-janes/p/54450/

My Mother's Birthday

April 1st is my mother's birthday.  She has been gone for almost 25 years but I still miss her.  I've attached a poem (author unknown) in memory of her.

Today would have been such a special day
But now it brings sadness and sorrow
If we could share just one more day
If there was one more tomorrow.

But birthdays are a time for reflection
To look over a year that's passed
And I can't believe another year's gone by
The time, it goes so fast.

But memories of more happy times
In my heart will stay
I'll treasure each and every one
Til we meet again some day.

So I'll say goodbye for now
And blow a kiss to heaven above
To wish you a Happy Birthday
And send you all my love.

16th Annual Spring Indianapolis Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

I'm back to blogging after a long break.  We bought a new house in early January (crazy to do that with the bad weather we had - huh?) and have been super busy with moving, unpacking and decorating.  And fixing up the old house to sell.  It took FOREVER and we're still not done!  But we're working hard.

I've been busy with work too.  Training and overtime.  It never seems to end.

Anyway, we finally had some time for something fun.  Last Saturday we went to the 16th Annual Spring Indianapolis Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show held at the State Fairgrounds.  It was smallish but too totally cool.  I didn't take pictures at the show but if you're interested in pictures or more info go to:

http://www.toteshows.com/indianapolisspring.html

 

I found some awesome things.

silver tanzanite/diamond ring

silver larimar ring

 

silver tanzanite/mystic topaz/amethyst/chrome diopsite/diamond butterfly pin/necklace

 

blue goldstone necklace and earrings

 

silver gem stone spoons

 

gem stone (rhodochrosite/jade/quartz) tree

 

 

I've been a gem/mineral collector since I was five when my Dad took me to the Cincinnati gem and mineral show for the first time.  I go every year and haven't missed a show yet!  The next show in Cincinnati (Geofair) is May 3rd and 4th.  Can't wait! 

 

http://www.geofair.com/

 

I have so many cool pieces of unique jewelry, gem stone trees and gem/mineral specimens but I can't wear or display them all.  In future blogs, though, I'll try to show some of the more interesting ones.

Merry Christmas and Two Christmas Recipes

Hot Cran-Apple Cider

3/4 tsp cloves

1 medium navel orange
1 medium lemon
4 cups apple cider or juice
3 cups cranberry juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks

1.  Insert cloves into orange.  Cut orange and lemon into slices.  In a large sauce pan, combine the remaining ingredients; add orange  and lemon slices.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

2.  Remove cinnamon sticks and fruit slices with a slotted spoon, if desired, before serving.

That is the official recipe.  I actually used a crock pot and that worked just fine.

***

 

Cranberry Pecan Tart/Coffee Cake

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp grated orange peel, divided
1-1/2 cups reduced fat Bisquick biscuit baking mix
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light sour cream
1 egg
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup fresh whole cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray.  (I used a non-stick pan.)

2.  Combine brown sugar, butter and 1 tsp orange peel in small bowl, mix well, set aside.
3.  Combine baking mix and granulated sugar in large bowl, mix well. 
4.  Whisk sour cream, egg, orange juice, remaining 1 tbsp orange peel and vanilla in medium bowl until well blended. 
5.  Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. 
6.  Pour into prepared pan.
7.  Top evenly with cranberries and pecans.
8.  Sprinkle with brown sugar mixture.
9.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

If desired, make orange or cranberry glaze with orange juice or cranberry juice and powdered sugar.

Merry Christmas to All!!

Matchbox Twenty Cruise

We just got back on Monday from a short cruise to the Bahamas with Matchbox Twenty.  Yes, that's right!  Matchbox Twenty.  We left on Friday and returned on Monday.  I had been looking forward to this cruise all year.  And it was absolutely wonderful, well worth the wait.

Matchbox Twenty performed three concerts.  One big concert for the whole ship.  Then they divided the passengers into groups A and B and performed two smaller concerts of the older songs they don't usually perform any more.  They were fantastic!

The band members also did a songwriter's session where they discussed how they worked together to create new songs. 

A Q&A session was held and they were very interesting and entertaining.  No personal questions but some great professional ones.

It really was the photography session that was the best.  We got our pictures taken with the band and got hugs from each band member - Brian, Kyle, Paul and Rob.  I'm a huge Rob Thomas fan and it was so unbelievable to get a hug from him.  I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life.  

 

I've actually met Rob before.  I won the opportunity to meet him backstage before his concert on October 31, 2009 in St. Louis.  I had a chance to talk with him (briefly) and I gave him a small gift.  This time I got a hug but not much time for talk.  But put the two experiences together and WOW!  He seems like such a great guy.  I wish we could be friends.  

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Delights

On Thanksgiving Day we're thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night,
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.

We're grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around,
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we're grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

I made a necklace for my Dollie and Me doll.

Here she is, ready for Thanksgiving.

I've included a few of our favorite recipes:

Cornbread Stuffing

1/8 cup butter
1/4 medium onion, chopped
1 medium leek, white part only, finely chopped
1 or 2 green onions, white part and 1 inch green, chopped
1/2 large clove garlic
1 celery stalk, chopped
8 oz cornbread stuffing mix
1/8 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 can (14 oz) vegetable broth

In the microwave heat butter until melted.  Saute onion, leek, green onions and garlic until golden, add celery.  Microwave until tender.  In baking pan combine dressing mix, vegetables, parsley and pecans.  Pour in the veggie broth.  Mix lightly.  Baked, covered, for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Sweet Potatoes

1-1/2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
1 egg
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup milk

Mix together and pour into baking dish.  Top with topping.

Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup pecan pieces

Bake at 300 degrees for about 25 minutes.  Be careful-topping burns easily.

Enjoy!

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!