Monday, Monday...

 

 

 

Daylight Savings hits the Bay... Getting pretty dark in the woods.

 

Cottage Life

Twas a busy day for me. It wasn't intentionally so. I pulled down the long driveway and found the cottage warmly lit and waiting my arrival. I love this time of year. The Bearded One had classical music playing in the background... a nice hot cuppa' joe and here I sit... Still sitting. It seems odd to have all the drama of babies, hospital stays, and not knowing behind us. Life tends to not stand still for very long and then we are catapulted into off and running again. Took Ken to the doc's this morning to get checked out and things look good. I'm so grateful to have her healthy again. I did manage to get a little knitting done while waiting at the doctor's office...

Tomorrow as they say is a new day. I am determined to make a plan. I don't really follow plans but I like to make them. I think that that's one of the reasons I like the planning seasons, rather than the doing seasons. In the fall I can forget about everything that I didn't accomplish in the summer and move on to planning for the holidays. Then comes early spring when I plan for the summer stuff... by mid summer of course it's quite evident that my list will not get done and I'm looking for my chance to start the cycle over again. A constant mulligan of sorts. A do over.

I'm going to sharpen my pencil and start making my holiday list. Move over Martha Stewart.

Before and After

I thought I'd show what you can do with a so-so landscape shot

Before

A shot of Taylor's Seafood across the bay

The view from our little dock. It's a little dull, and a tad bit crooked.

After

Same photo just re-cropped a bit to straighten with a little boost and definition. I think it brings it to life, almost multi-dimensional.

Healthy Choices

What's not healthy about pumpkin :-)

Pumpkin Cheese Cake

Photo: Almost-Famous Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Total Time:

11 hr 55 min

Prep

10 min

Inactive

9 hr 0 min

Cook

2 hr 45 min

Yield:

12 servings

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 3/4 cups sugar
• Salt
• 2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups sweetened whipped cream
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped

Directions

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Brush a 10-inch springform pan with some of the butter. Stir the remaining butter with the crumbs, 1/4 cup of the sugar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, packing it tightly and evenly. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on a rack, then wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil and place in a roasting pan.

 

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups sugar and beat until just light, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed. Beat in the sour cream, then add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, 1 teaspoon salt and the spices and beat until just combined. Pour into the cooled crust.

 

Gently place the roasting pan in the oven (don't pull the rack out) and pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake until the outside of the cheesecake sets but the center is still loose, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door briefly to let out some heat. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 more hour, then carefully remove from the roasting pan and cool on a rack. Run a knife around the edges, cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.

 

Bring the cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Unlock and remove the springform ring. To finish, place a dollop of the whipped cream on each slice and sprinkle with the toasted pecans.

 

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

Getting a head start on the holiday season...

Until next time...

 

Kickin' Back Sunday

 

The view this afternoon looking across the Bay at the beautiful Autumn colors

Cottage Life

A pleasant Sunday here at the cottage. Started off with chilly fog then a brief "Blueing" occurred. I love this time of year. Crunchy leaves, crisp air, and the seasonal "pumpkin butter available at Trader Joes.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter

I went searching for Fall inspiration and I came across Pinterest A bulletin board of sorts. This is an amazing place to find and share ideas. it's photo-centered. People pin and repin things and ideas that they like. I was only there a few moments and was hooked. These  are a few examples of how terrific the presentation is.

 

 

 

And check this idea out for a christmas card...

And I really needed this.... I love scarves but always end up flinging them around my neck...

What an inspirational site. Check it out.

Before and After

This shot was taken on my way back from taking today's weather photo. This is the view looking into the Original Cabin's window from our deck.

Before

Jars in the window

After

Here I've done this photo three different ways. Each one is a slight variation of the original.

 

A soft watercolor look without the texture

 

Bolder with pen and ink overlay

 

 

More of an old fashioned illustration with a slight sepia overlay to give it depth.

 

Healthy Choices

I did pretty well today. I was not out and about prowling for latte's and scones. We had grilled salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli for dinner. We will have baked apples with walnuts, and raisins, sweetened a little with splenda for dessert a little later. I had a glass of Trader Joe's finest Cab ($2.49 a bottle). I realize red wine is not traditionally served with fish but the red is better for me and this one is particularly easy on the palate.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

This is very funny.... recommended by the checker at Trader Joe's.

 

Until next time...

Taking off their shoes made the difference...

 

 

 

Back Home Saturday

Another cloudy day in November...

 

Cottage Life

I am back home in the cottage now that mom, dad, and baby Milo have come back from the hospital. Had a great time with the little yahoos but am now sitting in my chair, basking in the quiet that comes with living in the woods with no TV. The "Bearded One" has taken up with "Wild Women" whilst I was away, and seems to be quite captivated.

That's what I get for leaving him alone in the woods for a couple of days. My mama taught me better. This book is actually quite good and the collection of photos are amazing and fun to look at. Especially if you are like me and from the Olympic Peninsula.

So I am back home and I resume my "hiatus of non workus". I will be applying for three jobs a week as the rules of unemployment dictate, but have every intention of going back to my regular job in the spring. I've have really been blessed to have such great employers and scanning the help wanted ads just goes to reinforce that opinion. But I digress... I am realizing that not working actually involves a lot of time and effort. You have to think about what you are going to do and when, instead of just putting it in gear and going about your daily business. Before, I would get up at 4:45 in the morning leave the house by 5:30 on gym day or 6:00 if not, do my job, stop at the store on the way home, have dinner, etc... Now I need to figure out a routine so that I don't feel guilty for slacking off, schlepping around in my jams all morning which I tend to do a lot when I'm at home here in the woods. After all it's not as though a lot of people "drop by". Tomorrow, will have a ray of sunshine because it will be "fall back" time.  I will now be able to sleep in guilt free since the old 7:00 will be the new 6:00. Thank You, Mr. Ben Franklin.

Before and After

Just when you thought you'd seen the last of the baby. I thought I would try and make a birth announcement that could be printed at any photo kiosk at very little cost. The final result would be a shiny 4x6 color photo. They could be gotten from as little as 30 cents to 63 cents per card. Pop 'em in an envelope and send them off.

Before

You will notice that I have brazenly added yet another "milo" picture that has nothing to do with the finished project

After

 

 

Healthy Choices

Okay so we stopped at the very "Healthy Diner" at the Maytown exit on the way home. Patty melt....Enough said.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

 

Until next time...

 

 

 

 

Friday full of Grandkids

Max and Mama Carey when we went to the hospital to meet new baby brother

Cottage Life

I am not home... I am being entertained by three of my grandchildren and the "Bearded One" is holding down the cottage "fort". We are very thankful for our newest editions, little Jaylee, and now "not so little" Milo. Good going girls... well done.

My mind is being inundated with the wisdom of "sponge bob"...

This may or may not turn out to be a good thing... If I start serving up "Crabbie Patties" please do an intervention... Excuse me for a moment. Monsters are schlumping  and bumping about in the hallway...

 

Today's Before and after has morphed into

All about Baby...

I can't help myself. I went to the hospital to see the little one and of course I had my camera handy.

Milo's first Clip...

Mom is taking care of the little guy's sharp fingernails. He's already scratched himself with his busy hands.

Grandma Ferol made Milo a divine little hat in autumn colors.

Awwwwwh... Hey I'm a grandma, what can I say? While at the Hospital I got to watch a "real" pro photographer going from room to room in the nursery wing taking pictures of little Milo. Was fun to watch the setups. She did a great job of capturing some great moments. Her photos were carefully set up so that no outside clutter showed up in the photo, unlike this grandma who just clicked away... Note to self... set the stage.

Healthy Choices

Not so much today. I'm not home and I am afraid a stray goldfish or two may have passed my lips.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

Putting the kids to bed which reminds me of...Bedtime for Bonzo. Here's the trailer.

 

 

Until next time...

 

 

Thursday and Milo Arrives!!

 

 

Keeping track of the season by posting daily pictures

Cottage Life

I thought that I would start recording the seasonal changes here on the bay. My intention is to take and post a new picture everyday so that I can watch the weather patterns as the days pass. They won't always be of the same view but pretty close to it. This one was fun because of the contrast of the maple leaves against the conifers.

We are at the moment of my writing, waiting for little (or not so little) baby Milo to make his debut. The Bearded one and I will be sitting with big sister and brother while mom and dad go through the process of evicting the little one from his current digs. Hopefully things will go quickly and smoothly and I will have news to share before I post this evening.

The Bearded One and I enjoyed a couple of movies with the kids. First up was "The grinch that stole Christmas" always a holiday classic.

And second up was "Monster House"

Here are the avid movie watchers... transfixed on the "scary monster house"

Well it's now a little later and Milo has indeed arrived safe and sound and weighs in at nine pounds, six ounces. Hooray!!!

Before and After

This photo was taken on this morning's walk. It was a little dreary.

Before

 

Watering can straight out of the camera

After

A couple of different ways

A little boost with a grungy border

More of a silk screen look

Healthy Choices

Did pretty well today until I ate Lasagna with the kids... couldn't help myself it was divine.

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

Maybe Baby... a catchy tune with the word baby in it. What more could I ask for?

 

A great day with a great outcome.

Until next time...

 

 

What to do Wednesday... and "Going to the Dogs"

 

Ms Bette...she comes with the cottage.

Cottage Life

Day three... Six hundred square feet. I'm trying to stay out of the Bearded One's way. This is where our routines begin to mingle. What used to run like a well oiled machine is now sputtering, lurching, and stalling. And that's just my end of things. I am confident that we will find our rhythm. I just want it to be sooner rather than later. Breakfast time is a little crowded. "He" has a carefully planned out three stage meal. First oatmeal with walnuts, raisins, cut up apple and a single prune, then two boiled eggs, then the toast with peanut butter with an occasional dollop of apple butter. Me, I throw a couple of eggs in the pan, add a little cheddar and grab a cuppa coffee. Of course I tend to inhale. He is still working on the oatmeal phase. He does however make the bed while waiting for the eggs to boil. He inherited that chore because he was always still in it when I left for work at 6:00 in the morning. He's got it down to an art so I will let him continue.

The Bearded One making the bed this morning

The Bearded One has a daily plan of action which includes weight training and stretching in the "main space", accompanied by his music of choice. I haven't had a daily plan of action which makes his plan seem somewhat annoying, so I've decided that I will huff and puff up the 1700' incline that is our driveway during that time. Honestly, if I wasn't feeling so out of shape I would probably embrace his dedication. The walking is good for me and by the time I get back I'm a much more amiable person. We are turning this hiatus of mine into a grand experiment. The goal is to be as frugal as possible and not have to dip into savings. We both embrace this kind of challenge. The Bearded One keeps track of our progress on the calendar. This means that we will be planning our meals and saving gas money by metering our trips to town, which in turn means spending a lot of time learning to get around each other at the cottage... wish me luck.

Before and After

Ms Bette is the Landlord's Dog. She comes with the territory and we love her like our own. When Melody is out and about she is visiting us at the cottage.

Before

This was taken this afternoon. I was downstairs and looked up to see her watching the "Bearded One", hoping for a biscuit

After

Ms Bette waiting for a biscuit

Finished with a pen and ink layer, and a grundgy frame

 

 

This one is a simple combination of sketch and Pen.

 

Healthy Choices

So far so good today. Of course I am in a controlled environment which makes it easy to stay on track. Lots of protein and veggies, and I did get my morning walk in.

Still hangin' in there

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

I'm homebound.... but this is homeward bound

 

Until next time...

 

 

Tuesday, hmmm feels like Sunday to me.

Cottage Life

This is day two officially of my adventure in slightly-unemployedness. In other words it feels like a Sunday to me. I still get up early although I'm thinking of getting a head start on daylight savings so my 5:00 would now not be until 6:00... The Bearded One rearranged furniture while I was away. It actually turned out quite nicely, making our cozy nest even cozier.

The bay facing side... note the Bearded One's weights under the sofa.

If I had planned this better I would have picked up a bit, but I wanted to show you the new look. The large casement windows are amazing but they tend to feel a bit drafty. Our desk used to be where the sofa is now. It would get a little chilly in the evening while we were working. Now the desk is against the other wall and my side faces the kitchen area, which is actually better than facing the neighbor's hot tub... but that's a whole 'nother story. I'm so glad Melody painted the trim a rich country red. Especially this time of year.

 

Another angle. I love the Stained glass that separates the stairwell from the main room.

My new Project that I picked up in Paulsbo. It's called "Amanda's Baby Biscuit Catcher" and is made with an elasticized yarn. Already I've run into a snafu but am determined to get it. Let's just say there are W&T's involved. I think I've figured it out but I'm not worried. There are people I can call and you know who you are....

A fun little crumb catcher

Before and After

Went for a walk in the woods this afternoon looking for things to shoot. What surrounds me most are big leaf maple leaves. So another leaf stuck in the brambles shot.

Before

Straight out of camera

I actually don't mind this shot right out of camera, but this is a before and after segment, so I need a before.

After

Of course it's artsy. Would you expect anything else from me? I've cropped it following the rule of thirds principle and then applied cutout filters and texture in photoshop. I do like how the light shines through the leaves.

Healthy Choices

Today's gone pretty well. For dinner I made a tomato, english cucumber, feta, apple, and walnut salad with some freshly picked "fruity sage". I minced the sage which is very aromatic and fruity, hence the name, and added some of sister sandy's cranberry vinegar, splenda, olive oil, salt and pepper. It really turned out quite tasty. We also had grilled salmon, wild rice and Broccoli.  So far so good. Tomorrow's another day.

tonight's tomato, feta, and cucumber salad with apples and walnuts

Hmmm... Pause for Thought

A closed mouth gathers no foot...

 

 

Until next time...