72 years young

Happy Birthday to the greatest Grandma to ever grace the earth with her presence. She would be 72 years today. We miss you incredibly Grandma. Not one day goes by that I don't think about you.

You are so beautiful. And of course, the Queen of all Queens.

mid-November?!

It's a tough Monday, after such a long, beautiful, and relaxing weekend.

We actually did a little bit of everything this weekend--played video games, went out for a few drinks and a beer, worked on some knitting projects, took Tasha for a few walks and rides, barbecued, cooked, homework, watched football, etc.

On Thursday, Tasha helped me with a tie-blanket I was making for a "calm space" at work. She has taken to laying out in the rock area in the backyard, basking in the November sun.

She sits on one of my Dad's old chairs like this, straddling the back. She stares out the window while we are gone and growls at passerby/intruders.

And  she watches Kev play PS3.

On Saturday night we went out with some friends for a few drinks. These are the only pictures I got, lol. We went to Panama's for a tea and then to the Bear for some cold Sierra Nevada crystal wheat and some cheap but oh-so-yummy cheese fries.

Here's Kev taking Tasha for a walk around the neighborhood, lookin' handsome :)

We were lucky enough to snag these pics on Sunday. Tasha always falls asleep on her back, especially if were rubbin' her belly. Seriously, isn't she just so adorable?!?

HA.

Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day and a big THANK YOU to all who have served, are serving, and will serve this beautiful country. Especially both my grandfathers, my cousin Jeff, Kevin's Papa and eveyone else in our families who has served in the past.

A relaxing day at home, back to school tomorrow, and then another weekend.

Wishing my future sister-in-law, Cynthia, a wonderful bridal shower on Sunday. I'm so sad I will not be there :(

All Things Homemade

Kev and I have been spending a lot of weekends "in" since its been raining the last two or three weekends. So, we've been finding various ways to keep ourselves busy, besides homework, of course. 

I made a different version of "peanut butter balls"--a snack favorite at the preschool I work at. They are easy, simple, fairly nutritious, and so yummy.

For 8-9 PBBs
1/2 cup PB
1/4 cup and a spoonful of honey
1/2 cup oats or rice cereal

Mix together in bowl, leave plain or roll in graham cracker, or drizzle chocolate syrup over, or add coconut flakes, or powdered sugar--the possibilities are endless!

I made the first three varieties for Kevin to try--they didn't last long!

That same weekend, Kev picked a bunch of pomegranates from our two trees in the front yard.Such a great winter fruit, and fairly sweet. We squeezed so many seeds to make some fresh juice which Kevin thoroughly enjoyed.

I looked up pomegranate facts and was surprised to read that grenadine was originally made from pomegranate juice, who would have thought?! Since we all know how much I love Shirley Temples, Kev and I decided to give it a try.

Home-made Grenadine Syrup
1 and 1/8 cup fresh-squeezed pom. juice
1/2 cup sugar
Mix and bring to boil, simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened slightly

 

The grenadine we are familiar with is made from mostly high-fructose corn syrup. Pomegranate juice is not even a listed ingredient. I always assumed it was made from cherries. It turned out great and tastes even better than Rosie's.

It has been "cuddle weather" and Tasha loves to bury into our blankets and wear home-sewn sweaters, when she isn't playing "attack dog."

 Thursday we visited our favorite thrift store, the Thrifty Bargain. It was 50% off Thursday. We came home with this functioning, clean, 10$ bread maker. Now, we are home-made bread bakers as well. Daddy, I need some of your recipes!!

 Our first loaf!!!

Our next project(s), knitting!!
We got some cheap needles and yarn from the Thrifty Bargain and away we went. Kevin has already knitted himself two beanies, and I have made myself a neck warmer/scarf for winter biking. Kev is now working on a wool scarf and I am starting Gaby and Dominic's Christmas presents. We're ready for winter--or fall at least, our favorite season.

See everyone soon!
Kev and Mal