Mermaid Dreams

This is for my friend, Laura, The Rhinestone Armadillo. We were talking about David Delamare's breathtaking mermaid art, which got me to thinking about how often I'm inspired to just simply

gaze at mermaids that artists have created. I took one such image and made a card for my BFF Susie. I used the same sultry lady for a little matchbox party favor. Then there is Howard Pyle's, The Mermaid. WOW. I read where he passed away before completing this painting. I cannot imagine how it could be improved. Do click on the image to enlarge it and note the underwater detail. Stunning.

So, dream on, little crab girl.

Angel Food Cake

I don't often purchase baked goods because I enjoy baking and, let's be honest, unless you have an artisan bakery nearby, home baked is just better. However, last week I bought an angel food cake for $2.99 at my grocery store. And it was good, even without fresh berries and Cool Whip. Yeah, I know...Cool Whip is not even food. That stuff just doesn't break down so I wonder what it does in the stomach? Hmmmm. Anyhoo, I decided to make a cake that would

leave the grocery cake in the dust, using the Barefoot Contessa's recipe. I had to doctor regular flour to make cake flour; I had to spin my organic sugar in the food processor for 2 mins to create superfine sugar. From then on it was clear sailing.

The finished cake looked good, though it did deflate a bit once cooled. However, the texture was just wrong. Too dense. Flavor was OK. So I say...buy that angel food cake and save yourself a lot of trouble.

Memorial Day: Never Forget

Step Away from the Book

I cannot put down my book! I am four books into the works of Frederick Forsyth...the handsome gentleman pictured here. I find his words, humor, character development and story lines riveting. I cannot stop.

I find myself reading at noon, and at midnight. These are the betwixt chores times for me. And yet, my chores are falling by the wayside. No laundry for days now. Bathing...nah, don't really need one today (ah, well, maybe I do). My horses had to roust me from my daze by whinnying, loudly, at 10:30 last night because I HAD FORGOTTEN TO FEED THEM DINNER. Now this is getting serious. Cooking? Well, yeah, I've managed to cobble together meals but not without casualties. Last night I broke a full bottle of balsamic vinegar over my stove and white marble counter top, just as I was popping dinner in the oven. Not only could I not dress our tomato & basil salads...but that stuff stains! I think you could dye hair with it. And if you aren't up close and personal with marble, it stains if you breathe on it.

Still, only 10 more books to go!

ps Photos found on Flickr. Thank you fellow web denizens who post your photos free for use by others. Those of you who do not...what is the point of posting them at all?

Diamonds

I LOVE Diamonds that glitter and sparkle. Yes, but I almost like the rough cut, old mine and rose cut diamonds better.

But my favorite diamonds of all are those that sparkle on the water in such an incredible display of Mother Nature's love of the sea.

Happy Birthday, Bobbie

I am lucky to have married a good man. A kind, gentle, happy, loving husband, son, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend. Here he is at his retirement party over 2 years ago. There was no better employee, and now there is no happier retiree.

He loved his mom and dad and stood by them when they most needed it. He is always there for me, his family and my family. Of course for the fun times, but also for the not-fun-at-all household moves, dump runs, emergency room trips. Here he is with his mom on her last Christmas with us. We miss her.

Together we have visited many wonderful places: Ireland and Africa on horseback, Paris and the South of France, and maybe most fabulous of all, Venice. The Venice trip was won by Bob through extra effort with his company. As a rewards trip we were treated like VIP's for most of a week. It was the trip of a lifetime. Here we are at the masked ball finale. Here's wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. And many more! Cha Cha Cha.

Arabia

For me, the word Arabia instantly brings images of desert, adventure, heat, another world. In the novels I presently favor, terrorist thrillers, Saudia Arabia and Middle Eastern countries and locations are often portrayed. But in the modern world. My view is of the ancient ways.

I see vast deserts, lonely except for the travelling caravans loaded with carpets, silks, fresh dates. Camels driven by the toughest of desert denizens, the Bedouin.

Who but adventurers such as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft would dare to venture here? Or, of course, Lawrence of Arabia! Interesting what a word can do...Arabia.

The Crack of 9:15 A.M.

I must be French. The French sleep, on average, 9 hours a night. And they spend 2 hours a day over their meals. The article didn't mention that espresso and wine are part of the meals, oh, and pastry!, but that goes without saying, n'est-ce pas? So, these are the reasons that I must be French. I really need 9 hours of sleep in order to be prepared for a really good day. Sadly I rarely get those 9 hours of sleep...rather more like 5 or 6 and that leaves me zombie-ish all day. But last night, YEAH, was a 9 hour night. Here is evidence of a night well spent. Firstly, warm pajamas. Mid-May and still the warm pajamas. Next is my sleep mask which goes on around 6 a.m. To prepare me for the long sleep I need my current book (I have discovered the master Fredrick Forsyth) and if I'm lucky, a box of See's candy. Thank you, sister. I was almost out.

When I did awaken, at the crack of 9:15, this is the day that greeted me. Ah, listen to those busy birds going about foraging in order to feed their young. Spring.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today my mom is 79 years young. And that makes me...well, never mind.

Is anyone more important in life than a Mom? I LOVE my dad, but Mom's are like no other. Sacrifice, pride, worry, courage, patience, impatience, love, just begin to describe the emotions Mom's exhibit day in and day out. When you're sick, when you nag, when you disobey, sass, shout, scream, disappoint...doesn't matter; Mom's are steadfast. The reward for Mom is a hug, a Thank You, a little hand-made present, achieving success, and happiness, a phone call. It doesn't take a lot to please a Mom. Today I'll think of my mom often, just like most days. And tomorrow, my sister and I will take Mom to lunch and talk and laugh about the many shared experiences that make us a family.

Thank you, Mom. It was hard for you, as a 17 year old kid, to have such courage. I am so grateful.

Personal Alarm Crow

Should I be grateful that this crow greets me each morning at dawn? Not so much.