10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK and something for the GIVE AWAY BASKET

" A good home must be made, not bought."  Joyce Maynard

22 August - 29 August, 2010

#1  I have done 100 posts this year  :-)

#2  Doug took Monday off (for his birthday).  We were going to go to a baseball game, but ended up not.  What did we do for his birthday?  We flipped our mattress, watched Logan and I went to a funeral. 

#3  We went to Classic and climbed in the jungle for a fun play date.  It was one of our last summer play dates before Layne and Annie (the girl Leslie nannies) started kindergarten. 

#4  It was a busy week with Hilary and Lindsay working long hours getting ready for the boutique.  The boutique ended up being slow.  Because of very windy weather, it was held inside.  We had a nice day together and friends and family found us. 

#5  Leslie made her first pie crust.  She did a great job.  She made a chocolate cream pie and we made a fresh peach pie together.  (I will post the recipe and blog address later this week.)  The peach pie was so good.

#6  Emily bought a fun homemade ice cream book for me.  It has recipes sized for the smaller freezers.  I have enjoyed it.  A lot.  Thank-you very much, Emily.

#7  I thought of a GREAT idea for my brother-in-law's birthday.  I hired someone to make the playing card holders and they came back so much better than I thought they would.  He did a great job building them.  My idea made me happy.  The finished product made me happy.  I hope they work well, and I will still be happy.

#8  There was a television show in 2004 that I really liked.  My nephew copied some of my old videos (happy) on to DVD (happier) for me. Then my sister-in-law said it might be easier if he copied them from on-line.  I came home and looked on-line.  I FOUND THE WHOLE SERIES ON EBAY.  All 41 episodes on 10 DVDs for ONLY $25.oo and FREE SHIPPING!!!  (HAPPIEST:)  (He said I could offer less, but I couldn't.)
The show?  "MYSTERIOUS WAYS"  Great show.  And I have all 41 episodes.

#9  I am happy Lindsay and David have their appliances.

#10  Doug's car is fixed.  The head gasket was not ruined.  YEA!

Did you see the ice cream book that Emily bought for me?  She hunted all over and found one for you.  I am putting it in the basket of my" favourite things".  Watch for there to be 60 Followers and one of them will get the contents of the basket.   

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK

15 August - 22 August, 2010

"Happy talk, keep talking happy talk.
Talk about things you like to do.
You got to have a dream.
If you don't have a dream,
How you gonna have a dream come true?" from South Pacific

Not in any particular order.

#1  PBS broadcasted the play "SOUTH PACIFIC"  I really enjoyed the production.  And I did not remember the ending, so was happy when it ended...happy:-)

#2  Did you know Wednesday 18 August) was National Thrift Store Day?  I had no idea there was a National Thrift Store Day, but I HAD to celebrate it.  O.K.  It was just lucky.  Leslie was off work and we decided to go to a thrift store to look for a particular book.  On our way home Hilary texted me to tell me.  I did find one thing I was looking for.  Two matching shirts in different sizes.  I will explain why I needed these later :)
Thank-you for going with me Leslie.

#3  Swimming!  (We had to give the pool back on Saturday:(  Welcome home, Michael and Kate and Kids.  Thank-you :)

#4  I read a really good book.  I finished it in 24 hours.  I could not put it away.  I will do my August book reviews next week.  (If you can't wait, just ask.)

#5  We went to my niece's baptism on Saturday.  It was nice to share the day with Kate.  (The dinner was very nice, also.)

#6  DVR!  O.K.  I do like it.  I really like it.  :)

#7  Emily brought home sandwiches from "Village Baker"  mmmm  (She bought them because it was the last week of summer.  Not for me.

#8  The radiator in Doug's car blew up!  No.  I am not happy about that.  But...
I have been working to only use cash.  Each payday I take an amount that I decided on, out of our household account.  I have enough left in the household account to pay to replace the radiator.  Points for me.
 (Of course it could turn out to be wasted money.  It could have happened because of a bad head gasket.  Then we need a new car.  I have not saved that much money in that account.)

#9  We had a great storm Thursday.  I had the windows open to enjoy it.  The thunder just kept rolling.  It smelled wonderful.  I love summer storms.

#10  I tried a new recipe that we really liked.  It is easy and fairly healthy.  It is called Mexican Lasagna, but since it isn't, I am calling it simply, Corn Tortilla Bake.  (Both my daughters-in-law hate casseroles :)  Doug and I like this so much (even the left-overs) that it is going in my "30 Day plan".

CORN TORTILLA BAKE
adapted from "Vegetarian Times"
Serves 6

1 can black beans (or kidney or pinto)
1 can seasoned tomatoes  (I use Petite diced tomatoes w/ chipotle chilies)
2 cups frozen corn-defrosted
8 corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups monterey jack or colby jack cheese-grated  

In a bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes and corn.
Spray a large square baking dish.  Line with 4 corn tortillas.  (I have mine go up the sides a bit.)  They can over lap.  Spread 1/2 the bean mix over the tortillas.  Sprinkle 1/2 the cheese over.  Top with 4 more corn tortillas, the rest of the bean mix, and then the cheese.  HOW FAST IS THAT?  (Cheap and easy, too.)
Bake at 400* for about 15 mins.  (A little longer if corn is frozen.)
Can serve with sour cream.  This was so quick and good that we forgot the sour cream.
REMEMBER THE FLAVOUR COMES FROM THE TOMATOES.  BE SURE YOU LIKE THE KIND YOU USE.

Each serving contains ABOUT
315 calories
15 grams protein
10 grams fat
41 carbs.
25 mg. chol.
8 grams fiber

If you are local to where I live (Salt Lake, UT)  and work on food storage, check out MACEY'S.  This week they have Libby's canned beans and corn priced at 3/$1.oo.  (Only $4.oo for a case of 12.)

Last week I posted a MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH recipe.  I heard that I had (opps! Forgot) not put pictures on.  They are there now.  Sorry.

----------------------------------------------------------

WHEELER FARM FALL BOUTIQUE
28 AUGUST, 2010  (This Saturday)
10:oo a.m. - 6:oo p.m.
6351 South  900 East
Murray, UT

My daughters will have a booth there.  You can win one of their cute *Princess* clippies.  I am adding a princess clippie and headband to "my favourites" basket.  I will add something each week until I have 60 followers.  Then I will random.org a winner for the basket contents.

You can also buy a Princess clippie at the boutique or website http://bitsandpieces10.blogspot.com/ .
Also included in "my favourites" basket is a cute photo album ready for pictures and included embellishments.

SOMETHING FOR THE GIVE AWAY BASKET (and my husband's birthday recipe;)

WHEELER FARM FALL BOUTIQUE!

THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 28th
10:oo - 6:oo
6351 South 900 East
Murray, Ut

My daughters (http://bitsandpieces10.blogspot.com/) will have a booth there with clippies and other childrens items.  They have given me a cute *PRINCESS* clippie and headband to put in my  "FAVOURITES BASKET".  I will add something every week until I have 60 dear followers.  Then, I will random.org a winner (from my follower list) to recieve the basket. 
Check out the cute princess collection.  (The winner will get to choose their favourite princess :)  Sign up to be a follower on my blog for a chance to win.  (To see the cute photo album I put in this week, visit the 17 August post - !0 Things That Made Me Happy")

Check out their blog AND get a free ribbon flower clippie IF you are a follower of theirs, AND if you visit their booth on Saturday at Wheeler Farm.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love you.  Thank-you for all you do.  Happy Birthday, Honey.
I will post my "10 Things..."  later this week. 
Today is my husband's birthday :-)   I was going to write "10 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY ABOUT MY HUSBAND".  Then I decided I would just write it for him.

So, for Doug's birthday I am posting the ice cream dessert that Doug picks e v e r y  year for his birthday cake.  This is one of my kidults favourite foods.  (They all came over for it yesterday.)  It is also one of my 5 oldest recipes.  I got it (and slightly adapted it) before I was married.  (Since we are approaching our 32 anniversary, and since I have no clue who gave it to me, and I adapted it, I am calling it mine.)

ICE CREAM CRUNCH

6 oz. chocolate chips

1 can evaporated milk 12 oz.

about 10 1/2 oz. mini marshmallows

6 table. butter (margarine is o.k.)
1 1/2 cups coconut
2 1/2 cups crushed rice krispie cereal  (about 3 cups uncrushed)
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 gallon or so :( vanilla ice cream - in a rectangle box (not round)

Step 1

In a large skillet melt chocolate chips and evaporated milk (just til melted).  Stir in marshmallows just until melted.  Cool in fridge about 1/2 hour.

Step 2

Melt butter in a large skillet.  Stir in coconut and stir until light brown. I put my rice cereal into a small mixing bowl.  Then I make a fist and just kind of grind it down in a few times.  Add to butter mix and stir.  Let cool.

Step 3

Open all sides and ends of ice cream carton.  Use a long knife and cut (long way) into lots of slices  (about 12).  Then cut all the slices in 1/2.  (Emily has picked this for her birthday for awhile now, too.  If my cutting directions do not make sense, let me know.  I will do a tutorial with Emily's.  (Sept.))

Step 4

In a 9 x 13 pan, layer 1/2 the coconut/cereal mix..  Then lay down 1/2 the ice cream squares.  Top w/ 1/2 of the partially cooled chocolate sauce.  The next layers are (layer 4)  the rest of the ice cream.  Layer 5 is the rest of the chocolate sauce, then top with the rest of the "crunch".  Chill at least 4 hours.  (The hardest part is finding a place in the freezer:)

( I had to use my yucky 9 x 13 pan because it is bigger than the glass ones.  We needed lots of servings.)

WE LOVE DISNEYLAND FOOD...

...and try to have it at home. 

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES - Although of french origin, we know and love them from Disneyland's Blue Bayou Restaurant (the restaurant in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride) and Cafe Orleans (indoor and outside dining in New Orleans square, right across from Blue Bayou).

I make these a few times a year, but not always the way they are made at Disneyland.  This recipe came from the annual passholder magazine, "DISNEY MAGAZINE", Winter 2003-04.  (Luckily no nutritional info. is included.)

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH  (Be sure to read how I have adapted this below the recipe)
from DISNEY MAGAZINE
Makes 4 sandwiches

Batter:
1 egg
1 1/4 cups + 2 table. water
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tea. salt
1 tea. baking powder
Whisk egg and water.  Stir in flour, salt and baking powder.  Put in a shallow pie pan type dish and set aside while assembling sandwiches.

Sandwiches:
8 slices egg bread - about 1/2 in. slices (I also use french bread or cheap white bread)
thin sliced ham
thin sliced turkey
sliced Swiss cheese
Assemble sandwiches with cheese and meats.  (I put cheese on each bread side so it will melt together.) 
In a large skillet heat vegetable (canola) oil until a drop of water flicked in sputters (365*-375*).  Dip sandwich into batter, either covering sandwich or turning it over.  (Allow excess batter to drain.) 
CAREFULLY (very) place sandwich in oil.  When lightly browned, carefully turn over (if not fully immersed in the oil).
Drain on a paper towel as you cook the remaining 3 sandwiches.

To serve, cut sandwich diagonally and put on the plate.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Serve with blackberry preserves or currant preserves or three berry jam or ...

I noted a few of the changes that I use in the recipe, but here are a few more.
Instead of the about batter I sometimes use 1 1/2 cups water with 1 1/2 cups Bisquick.

BUT, MOST THE TIME I make an egg heavy French toast batter with a couple table. of Bisquick.  I dip and flip the sandwich and then cook in a buttered pan, like you do french toast.  It is still so good, but much lower in fat and no fry mess.

As a side note, although there are some same day reservations, we always make reservations about 2-4 weeks before we are there.  (Unless we get a spur of the moment trip :)  We like to make reservations for lunch (cheaper) at 11:30.  That is when Blue Bayou opens so you do not usually need to wait long to be seated.

Reservations for Disney Park restaurants can be made by calling 714- 781-3463.

BITS & PIECES - a craft for my address

If you stopped by the yard sale you saw my address rock. 
The rock came with the house, but as a stepping stone.  I wanted our house address etched into it and called around.   The quotes I got started at $150.oo.
 
I wanted it done so I tried using "Cricket" vinyl numbers.  (Big laugh here :)  With my house facing south, the were off in an hour. 
So I used the "Cricket" vinyl number stencils (the left-overs from removing the numbers).  I traced the numbers on my rock and painted them using craft paint that I already had.
I finished my project by spraying a protective coat over it.  I used the inexpensive KRYLON Crystal Clear Flat spray.  (about $3.oo at Wal-mart).  It is an indoor/outdoor paint.
I did this 2 summers ago.  It has held up - wonderfully.  I do re-spray it several times a year.

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK!

8 August - 15 August, 2010

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things."  Henry Ward Beecher

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWER, STEPHANIE!!

#1  I am SO happy the yard sale is over.  Everyone sold something.   (I bought a griddle and a fun building toy for the boys.) 
Another yard sale down.
 
I did learn some things.
May sales are much better than August sales.
I want to get a canopy.
Either way, the sale is over and I get my garage back.

#2   Last week-end Doug got a new computer for me.  This week a lady from my church came over and taught me how to work on Family History and Index, using the computer.

#3  "MOVIES ON THE LANE".  Four Mondays during the summer Grandpa has neighborhood movie night.  He uses a blow up big screen and projector.  Everyone (family, friends and neighbors) come.

Grandma makes dinner before hand for family.  Thank-you, Grandma and Grandpa for a fun summer.

#4  Leslie made me happy.  She took donations to the thrift store for me. (Three trips.)

She weeded ALL the front yard.  (She likes it because she can listen to books.)  I like because... you know why.

It was also Leslie's week to do kitchen.  She does the best job of all kidults. 
THANK-YOU, LESLIE.

#5  Everyone, except Layne, was here for Sunday dinner.  And at the same time.  :D

#6  I am happy everyone helps with meals.  Emily got the Chicken Cordon Bleu for last Sunday.  Hilary got the scones from Sconecutter for this Sunday.  (We order them and pick them up on Saturday.)

.#7  Swimming!  (So sad summer is almost over.)

#8  After looking lots of places for "Cupcake Pebbles" (a newer Post cereal) @ WINCO.  Emily helped the kids "Pebbles Cupcakes" (like Rice Krispie Treats.  They frosted them and put sprinkles on them. mmm

#9  Doug spoke in the hospital branch on Sunday.  It was quite relaxing.  There were the 3 men leaders, a couple that does the music, and us.  The meeting lasts about 1/2 hour.  It was nice.
Then we went to our church meeting and substituted in the nursery with Hilary.  Add this to our Sunday dinner, and it was a very nice day.

#10  Lindsay and David ended up with a major cabinet problem.  Their granite counter tops (from the house) were not going to fit.  So they were going to have to get a less expensive counter top - and have to wait 2 weeks for it.  Doug gave me an idea, and I followed thru on it.  And paid for it.  And it worked.
How many points can I have for solving the problem?  :)

I am filling a basket with some of my favourite things.  When I have reached 60 Dear Followers, I will random.org a winner of the basket.  Today I am putting a fun boy fan photo album that I made.  I am including things to embellish it.  These are fun to leave on a table  (and could be used for a holiday gift).


Later this week I will add a cute hair clippie that Hilary made.  She and Lindsay are busy preparing for the fall boutique at WHEELER FARM on Saturday, August 28th.

JULY ODDS & ENDS

Left-over thoughts from July.

#1  Do you remember JAM shorts?  (They were bright, knee length, easy to sew shorts from the late 80's,-early 90's.)  It was fun helping the kids pick out the fabric and sewing them.

#2  The biggest jar of SKIPPY peanut butter varies in price by $4.00 in the stores where I shop.  (Wal-Mart is cheapest right now.)

#3  When we went to Australia, I packed several small bottles of starch for ironing.  We had a washer and dryer in our hotel room, with laundry soap-but not dryer sheets.  Our laundry came out with LOTS of static.   The ironing mix that I make with starch worked great on the static.

#4  I have usually heard the spice TURMERIC pronounced TUR-mur ic.  Lately on t.v. (Throwdown, Next Food Network Star...) I am hearing it pronounce tur-MER-ic.

#5  On Toddlers and Tieras  (I got trapped at the train wreck one night.) the mom had her 4 year old get a chocolate facial.  To brighten her skin.  It was much weirder to watch than it sounds.

#6  I love aromatherapy in the shower, but am not a fan of bath gels/body washes.  I like BATH & BODY WORKS variety's so, I squirt a bit in the back corner of the shower and aim the shower head.  It works great and I can still use my favourite bar soap.

#7  While in California we went to dinner at PIRATE'S DINNER ADVENTURE (Buena Park).  (Similar, and next door to MEDIEVAL TIMES    .
The seating is bench style, facing the "ship".  The menu has 2 choices, and the food is adequate at best.  It is basic and uninspired.
BUT, the show was fun.  It was quite a professional production with quality actors.  The audience involvement was well done.  My husband is quite quiet and without a dramatic bone in him, yet was comfortable with some participation.  And it was so fun to see my 2 1/2 year old grandson waving his SPRITE mug as he sang, "Drink, drink, drink". 
Our almost 9 year old Lincoln was taken and dressed up as part of the Royal Army that saves the day.  It was fun.
Our tickets were $30.00 each and were 1/2 price tickets.  (We went mid-week.)  If you plan on attending, be sure you call for discount days or find coupons.  (While it was worth $30.00, it was not worth $60.00.)
You do want to make reservations in advance.


My Menus
Thursday - Tacos (Leslie's request)

Friday - JDAWG Chicken (crock-pot)

Saturday - "pick-a-can" or  healthy Subway

Sunday - Navajo Tacos (family comes over)

Monday - Dinner @ Grandma and Grandpas  I will take S'more Brownies.

Tuesday - Bengal Beef

Wednesday - Mexican Lasagna (new recipe)

Thursday - Oven egg scramble

Friday - Korean Candy Chicken (new recipe) or healthy Subway

What are you eating ?  If you have a favourite recipe that you would like to guest post, let me know :)

A FROZEN TREAT

We love our Disneyland favourites. 
Have you ever bought frozen lemonade from a cart? 

This is fast, and easy and cheap. 
Do you remember me telling you that I love/collect/buy these?

We love frozen treats in the summer, and with this you need no ice or salt.  We keep 3 or 4 of the metal freezers in the freezer.

FROZEN LEMONADE

1 12 oz. can frozen lemonade

Make according to can directions.  (Be sure you check the can to see how much water to add.  Different brands call for different amounts.)  I used 4 cans of water. 

This made enough lemonade to fill 2 (Donvier) hand ice cream freezers.  Remember it will not rise.

It takes less than 10 minutes to freeze.  (Remember, this is not a hand crank freezer.  You turn the handle on top a few times every 3 (about) minutes. Traditional ice cream takes about 20-30 mins.)  Serve immediately for a slushy drink.  (It melts fast.), or let it freeze longer in a container in the freezer.  (Your treats will stay frozen awhile in the ice cream freezer on the counter.)

A blueberry skewer (12 in.) takes 20-30 fresh blueberries.

What do lemonade, diet Coke, orange juice and root beer have in common?  We have frozen all of them in our little hand spin ice cream freezers.  (Toranis are a post for another day :)

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK

1 August - 8 August, 2010

"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.   Arthur Rubenstein

#1  Emily had cataract surgery on Monday.  Everything turned out fine.  She will get her other eye done this Monday.

#2  Swimming.

#3  I got 22 things ironed on Friday.  YEA!   (I wanted to get ironing done so I could focus on the yard sale.)

#4  I got my pineapple cutter ordered from Leslie's Pampered Chef party.  (I borrowed Kate's and loved it.)  Debbie and Karyn got it for me.  Thank-you very much.
 
#5  Lindsay and David took out the glass shower doors in the house they are working on.  I hate shower doors.  (We have REALLY hard water.)  We have always had them (and replaced them when I couldn't stand them) because I did not want the kids constantly splashing water on the floor.
WAIT A MINUTE.  I DON'T HAVE ANY KIDS:)   Shower doors out.  Shower curtain in.  (O.K. I do still have to remove the 2 side bars and bottom track.  They are caulked in and it was late Saturday night.   30 points for Lindsay.

#6  I am happy we have hired a gardener.  After being gone for over 2 weeks, it needed help. (The only thing we have gotten from the garden so far (Doug's and David's) are 2 zucchini and 1 potato.)  It is night by the time Doug gets home from work.  I feed the gardener, too.  Thank-you so much, Mark :D

#7  Book club makes me happy.

#8  Leslie came home from doing respite care for a week.  :)

#9  I have an advertiser.  I could not figure out how to show her button, but I will do that tomorrow.  (Actually a kidult will.)
Welcome Megan.  Megan sells "Pampered Chef".  She is who we use when we need a new seasoning or gadget or...  I (sort of for now) have her link on the right side of my blog.

#10  Doug bought a new computer for me.  YEA!  (Oddly enough I am doing my 10 things on my "baby" computer.)  I want to start doing family history and needed more memory and a bigger screen.  Thank-you so much, Dear. 

COOL SUMMER TREAT

We would buy this if we could.  But we can't.  Baskin and Robbins/31 Flavors quit selling it. 
We used to be able to get a great "Chocolate Blast" (a frozen drink).  (Now they only carry the coffee/mocha ones).  So we came up with our own.  Because of the ice this cool drink is one that really cools me down.  (It was great for the days when we were running errands all day.)

2 cups chocolate milk
2 cups ice cubes
2 cups chocolate ice cream
chocolate syrup-if desired

Blend everything in blender until smooth and thick.
Adjust ingredients to your favourite thickness.  Then top with

canned whipped cream (as much as you want or can fit :-)
Makes 8 cups

Although this was our favourite, Star Bucks has a nice Chocolate, Vanilla or Strawberry Frapachino (with no coffee) that is good.  (Not as refreshing as our Blast was, though.)

MY BEACH/TRIP BOOK REVIEWS, and some week-end ideas

It was great to have time to read in July. 

I finished 3 books. 
The first one I read was from LaRue (winner).  The book was "Tara Road" by Maeve Binchy.  The book is 648 pages and never felt long. 

I enjoyed this book that covers 30 years. It takes place in Ireland and the people felt real and genuine.  I liked Ria, and was sad to see her story end.  I thought the ending was legitimate (but my mom in law did not like it).  If you enjoy family saga type books, her writing is good.  I have another one of hers in my stack for this month.

My second book (from Gaylene (winner)) was "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford.  I thought the story was good and the writing well done. 

The story is about a friendship began during WW11 between a Japanese girl and Chinese boy.  It was so interesting to learn more about this time in our country's history.  A time when Japanese families that were American citizens were put in "camps". 

(My mom has told us her story about the day they came into her kindergarten class and removed a Japanese boy.)

I connected with the Chinese boy.  The story was his. and told from his point.  I did think the Japanese girl was a bit flat.

The story is told in chapters.  Part of the chapters are from the 40s and part are current (1985).  I felt like the characters in the 40s chapter were more real.  I wish Marty and Edith had been fuller. 

I liked and enjoyed this slice of history set in Washington (state).

The third book I read was "Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer" by John Grisham.  (Emily (winner))  It is not his (Grisham) fault that I did not like it.  It was one of his new books.  I had no idea it was a kid's book. 
It was boring with no suspense.  The law info. was remedial.  I finished it because it was all I could get to on the airplane flight.  It only took a few hours. (Then I watched 2 movies.)

I will deliver prizes this week.

BOOKS IN MY STACK
"Ford County" by John Grisham (Funny story about this coming)
"The Return Journey" by Maeve Binchy
"The Right Stuff" by Tom Wolfe

What are you reading?  Has anyone read "Eat, Pray, Love"?  What did you think of it?  Let us know what you like to read.  (Have you had time to read this summer?)

Are you planning your week-end?
 
On Saturday night at about 9:30, Saturn, Venus and Mars and Mercury will be very close together in the western sky.  An easy thing to check out.
Next Thursday night (12 Aug.) is the best night to view Perseid's Meteor Shower. 
We have so many happy family memories of watching meteor showers.  One winter night/morning we drove up into the mountains for a great view.  We got one.  We saw a GIANT one.  It seemed very close.  Then we got stuck in snow. (We were in Old Whitey.)  Emily and Mark pushed us out.
There have been late night swim parties at Michael and Kate's as we waited and watched.  And lots of camp outs in the backyard.  We will be checking out the show next Thursday.

We have always stayed current to astronomy events and sky questions by call the planetarium info. line. Patrick Wiggens used to be be the voice of it.  He was so good.  Educational, personable and funny.  I miss him.  The guy now is technical without a lot of family friendly info., but the facts are there.  For Salt Lake valley info. you can call

CLARK PLANETARIUM - 801-532-7827  Then push  #5  for recorded sky watch info.  All of this is pre-recorded.  OR  http://www.clarkplanetarium.org/  (There you can click on "The Sky Tonight".)

Also this week end in Sandy, Utah is the Hot Air balloon event.  (It is storming and hailing here right now, so we'll see.)
The hot air balloon launches are scheduled for August 6 & 7 (Friday and Saturday) morning at Storm Mountain Park (11400 South  1000 East, Sandy) from 6:30 - 8:oo a.m.
The evening balloon launches will be at South Towne Mall in the large community area (10000 South  175 West, Sandy) from 8:oo - 10:oo p.m. on Saturday only.  (www.sandy.utah.gov/balloonfest )

Are you planning on joining us to sell at the yard sale NEXT WEEK-END?  Time to collect, organize and price.  

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK!

25 July - 1 August, 2010

"There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle."  Albert Einstein

About 10 years ago my brother Michael's family got transferred to Utah.  We were able to spend a few years with their family.  When their new daughter, Tashina, was blessed one of the testimony's said, "A miracle isn't so much what happens, as it is the timing of what happens."  Michael's ward  8 April, 2001

#1  I am happy to be getting a new grandchild.  :D  Lindsay, David and Logan are having a new bebe' in January 2010.  We will find out next month who is coming, but for now Logan has named "it" Baby sister so we all call it that.  (Right now most of us are guessing boy.  Logan is SURE it is  baby sister.)

#2  Fast Sunday makes me happy.  (In our faith ((The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Often referred to as "Mormons") we go without food/drink for 2 meals on the first Sunday of the month..  We donate money saved to help provide for others in need on a local area.  Thru fasting and prayer, we can humbly pray for those things closest to our heart or on our mind.)

#3  I am so happy to be in my own bed again.  And so happy to be free of beach ants.  (Although the bed in Melbourne was quite comfortable.  Or maybe I was especially tired?)

#4  Happy Birthday, Mom.  We celebrated my mom in laws 70th birthday on Sunday.  The party was great.  The whole family worked together.  Kristin's family planned and decorated.  Lisa's family planned the fun games and music.  Michael's family bought and cooked all of the meat .  My family did the family pictures.  Wendy's family did the hot side dishes.  Brent's family brought salads, including one made entirely from their garden.  Everyone helped with food.
Every child, grandchild (29 - except for Jordan in South America on a mission, and 1 out of town) and grandchild in law, and great grandchild (2) was there.  Everyone wrote a note to Grandma, and everyone got their picture taken with her.  It was a really fun and happy night.  I am so happy to be a part of my husbands family.  Thank-you, Johnsons.  (Dad will hit 75 next year.  What's the plan?)

#5  Fresh Utah Corn.  Mom gave us some that Doug grilled.

#6  We were listening to "Music and the Spoken Word" and they began my favourite song.  "Meditation from Thais" (by Massenet)  was beautifully by the violinist.  I listen to this about 8 times a week.  (It is in the soundtrack of "Ladies in Lavender ;)

#7  All of my kidults worked together to get something done that I have wanted for almost a year.  (Keith also helped.  Thank-you.)

#8  Doug's company moved their offices.  Now he works about 15 minutes closer.  He passes Macey's (one of our favourite grocery stores) on the way home.  He said if I need something he can stop and pick it up.  Just like stopping at the Bodega.  (His words.  I so love him.) 

#9  I made frozen yogurt pops that were good.  (Remember after filling the pop with any yogurt, to tap the holder until all the bubbles are gone.  Then stab it a few times to pop a few more.)  I wonder if freezing kills the live cultures? 
Why did this make me happy?  I had read in a blog about making frozen applesauce pops.  They were not a hit.  Doug did not like them.  I took one bite and thought they felt like rubber and tasted off.  Logan (2 1/2) bit down to take a bite and gave it back.  He wanted a real Popsicle : )

#10  For our flights to and from Australia we flew QUANTUS. We flew Premium Economy, and the food and service were very nice.  (Served with crystal and real linens...)  One of the "Refreshments" they served was "Toasted Turkish Bread with Italian Salami, Mozzarella, Tapenade and Rocket".  (Rocket is a thin (weedy looking) lettuce that has pokeys on the sides of the leaves.  I usually see this in "Spring Mix" salads.)
 The sandwich was so good.  So good.  Turns out that I love tapenade.  So, I started reading and experimenting.  I picked up Kalamata olives and capers at Trader Joes in CA.  Sadly, the olives jar seal was either popped when I got it, or popped on the drive back to Utah.  (Since they were packed in olive oil, I threw them away :(  I bought more in the bulk at Winco.  

I made my tapenade on Saturday and we made paninis for dinner.  I made my sandwich just like the one I had on the flight (but forgot and added tomatoes).  It was so good.  I will use tapenade on sandwiches as well as with meat and cheese trays.  It was so good.
Here is my tapenade recipe.

BLACK OLIVE TAPENADE
my recipe

1/2 - 3/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained and SEEDED (mine were in a vinagar)
1 - 2 cloves of garlic
1 table. capers (rinsed and drained)
1 tea. dry basil (or thyme, oregano or parsley) OR 1 table. fresh basil (...)
2 teas. olive oil
dash of lemon juice
grated Parmesean cheese

In mini food processer (or by hand) quick chop the olives, garlic and capers.  Toss in the fresh herbs and quick chop. (If using dry, just put in right before oil.)  Run for a second or so while pouring in the olive oil.
Put tapenade in serving dish/fridge container and add dash of lemon juice and some fresh grated parmesaen cheese.  For full flavour, chill before serving.  mmmm

Tomorrow I will review the beach/trip books that I read.

Thursday I will post the (easy) recipe for one of my favourite "cool off " summer treat recipes.