Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
6 months ago
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Making Yeast
Well, I have finally started my thing for this month's challange. I have had a hard time deciding what to do. I had already had something picked up, and will do it another month but right now, it just isn't fesible since my stuff is lost in boxes. I finally decided that I will be making yeast. I was toying around with the idea but hadn't made up my mind until today.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Visitors
Valerie asked if she and the kids could come for a visit. We were, of course, glad to have them come. It gave me the motivation I needed to empty the trailer of the boxes. The couches and bed drawers are still in there though. I found my dishes and silverware the day they came but didn't have time to wash them until the day before they left. I had washed all the blankets but when getting ready for their arrival, I found the pillows but not the pillowcases and one of the air matresses I planned on letting them used needed a pump I didn't have so I started blowing it up by mouth but didn't get very far. They got here on Wednesday night, kind of late. The dogs were allowed in but were kept on leashes, tied to the railings while we played a board game. Luckily, they brought a couple of air mattresses and pillows and blankets so I wasn't in as bad a shape as I was fearing.
Thursday they went to the Children's museum while Adam and I worked. The Mendoza's and I were getting ready to run to the grocery store when someone from the ward dropped by with homemade granola, bread sticks and a pizza. That was really nice! While waiting for Adam toget home from work, we took a drive out to Lucky Peak. We stopped to take some pictures and Valerie almost got clobbered by a picnic bench seat that wasn't attatched but despite dropping her camera, nothing was injured/damaged. After dinner, we played two games of bowling. Adam was overworked that day and had to work while at the bowling alley. The dogs were tethered when inside still.
On Friday, the Mendoza's went to the mall while Adam and I worked. The kids joined me on a walk with Jack. They got to pet him for the first time while on the walk. After we got back, they went outside and played with the dogs. All three were throwing balls for Bear but after Jack barked at Sabrina, she went to the safety of the deck and Elisa started playing with Jasmine. It was so great to see my dogs getting along with the kids well enough to trust them alone out there. While they were doing that, we cooked a turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, rolls and gravy. This was the first meal we got to use non-disposable plates, cups and silverware. We waited a little bit then went to Cheesecake Factory for dessert. On the way back to the house, Sabrina managed to make her belly button an outie! Overnight, it returned to an innie.
Saturday, we had a big breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We went to the park and played graces and played on the playground. We bought a soccer ball at Walmart, which really didn't get used and when we were back at the house, I asked the kids if they wanted to give Bear his new ball. Within minutes, he had popped it! Oh well, he'll get a lot of playtime out of a flat ball too, he always does. Then we said our goodbyes. I think they should be home by now, or at least very close!
I stayed up later than I normally do so I will be going to bed early tonight!!
Thursday they went to the Children's museum while Adam and I worked. The Mendoza's and I were getting ready to run to the grocery store when someone from the ward dropped by with homemade granola, bread sticks and a pizza. That was really nice! While waiting for Adam toget home from work, we took a drive out to Lucky Peak. We stopped to take some pictures and Valerie almost got clobbered by a picnic bench seat that wasn't attatched but despite dropping her camera, nothing was injured/damaged. After dinner, we played two games of bowling. Adam was overworked that day and had to work while at the bowling alley. The dogs were tethered when inside still.
On Friday, the Mendoza's went to the mall while Adam and I worked. The kids joined me on a walk with Jack. They got to pet him for the first time while on the walk. After we got back, they went outside and played with the dogs. All three were throwing balls for Bear but after Jack barked at Sabrina, she went to the safety of the deck and Elisa started playing with Jasmine. It was so great to see my dogs getting along with the kids well enough to trust them alone out there. While they were doing that, we cooked a turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, rolls and gravy. This was the first meal we got to use non-disposable plates, cups and silverware. We waited a little bit then went to Cheesecake Factory for dessert. On the way back to the house, Sabrina managed to make her belly button an outie! Overnight, it returned to an innie.
Saturday, we had a big breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We went to the park and played graces and played on the playground. We bought a soccer ball at Walmart, which really didn't get used and when we were back at the house, I asked the kids if they wanted to give Bear his new ball. Within minutes, he had popped it! Oh well, he'll get a lot of playtime out of a flat ball too, he always does. Then we said our goodbyes. I think they should be home by now, or at least very close!
I stayed up later than I normally do so I will be going to bed early tonight!!
Thanks for coming guys! I really enjoyed your visit!
(These are the most in focus pictures I had of them playing.)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Isolation
I forgot to write in my last blog about how there's an empty building across the street from us. A guy comes everyday and works on it. Yesterday, I went over and started a conversation with the guy that's there everyday. He happened to be the one who owns the building and is trying to make it into his office building when the economy picks back up and there's work for architects again. A couple of days before, I noticed a bunch of grapes growing behind the house and asked if I could have some. I also asked about the clothes drying rack. He said I could have the rack if I dug it up and I could take all the grapes since he doesn't eat them. So after talking to him for a couple more minutes, I went back home.
This morning, I looked out the window to see if he was there yet. He wasn't, so I slipped my shoes on and went over. He ended up driving up while I was about half way through. He came over and started talking to me for about 10-15 minutes before he stared working.
He lived in Atlanta as well, when he first came to America, though not that close to where we lived. So I asked him where he was from. He was born in Iran but lived in Europe more than in Iran. He came to America sometime in the 80's. After asking him where he likes it most, he told me Europe. I asked him why and he said it was because of the culture. Americans tend to isolate themselves from everyone, whether they're in the same space with someone or not. In Europe, people are more social and open to strangers. And here, you may have one or two close friends but if you're not busy, they usually are and there's not much interaction but in Europe, people live a slower paced life, in general and have time for things other than work and count friends as family. The conversation went on but that was the part that struck me because that was what I had been doing this morning. I went at a time I thought I could avoid him. He's a friendly guy, and I don't feel uncomfortable around him, so it wasn't that...that's just my nature. I tend to avoid interaction with others. Why do I do that? Old habits die hard I guess...but I did go over and introduce myself first...so I am slowly crawling out of my self-induced isolation chamber, so to speak.
And I ended up with a grocery bag of grapes...with more left to pick soon. I'll be making juice with them since they have thick skin and seeds, but the taste is DELICIOUS!
This morning, I looked out the window to see if he was there yet. He wasn't, so I slipped my shoes on and went over. He ended up driving up while I was about half way through. He came over and started talking to me for about 10-15 minutes before he stared working.
He lived in Atlanta as well, when he first came to America, though not that close to where we lived. So I asked him where he was from. He was born in Iran but lived in Europe more than in Iran. He came to America sometime in the 80's. After asking him where he likes it most, he told me Europe. I asked him why and he said it was because of the culture. Americans tend to isolate themselves from everyone, whether they're in the same space with someone or not. In Europe, people are more social and open to strangers. And here, you may have one or two close friends but if you're not busy, they usually are and there's not much interaction but in Europe, people live a slower paced life, in general and have time for things other than work and count friends as family. The conversation went on but that was the part that struck me because that was what I had been doing this morning. I went at a time I thought I could avoid him. He's a friendly guy, and I don't feel uncomfortable around him, so it wasn't that...that's just my nature. I tend to avoid interaction with others. Why do I do that? Old habits die hard I guess...but I did go over and introduce myself first...so I am slowly crawling out of my self-induced isolation chamber, so to speak.
And I ended up with a grocery bag of grapes...with more left to pick soon. I'll be making juice with them since they have thick skin and seeds, but the taste is DELICIOUS!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
In Boise
The drive to Boise, once we finally got on our way at 4PM was uneventful. I did have to stop around midnight to rest my eyes and eat something though. But was feeling well enough to make it the rest of the way after that. Gracie kept me entertained...I know, not a good thing while driving but I enjoyed it and she kept me awake that last little bit. She climbed into my lap and started playing with my sleeve, than started playing with my hand and clawing and biting me. Her teeth aren't as strong as I remember other kittens' teeth being.
We got here around 1ish and unloaded our mattress, the dogs' kennels, our blankets and suitcases and promptly zonked out.
The next morning, I was not feeling so good. My stomach was out of whack for a couple of days but got better. Then I got dizzy for 2 days. Adam followed my health trend the next day but instead of getting dizzy, then better, he got sinus problems and is still dealing with those right now. Poor Adam.
Neither one of us has felt especially motivated to empty the trailer. So far, I only managed to empty the garage of the things from the last trailer load so that when we do empty the trailer, we will have the room to pile them into the garage.
I found the zucchini and tomato plants in the front yard was happily surprised by the huge quantity of tomatoes! I think it was two days after I got here, cold weather set in and it snowed. So in the very cold, wet weather, Adam and I went out and picked about 50-60 tomatoes to save them from certain death. Not all of them made it but most of them did. Now I have something to can. :o) Some of the tomatoes left out on the vine, way more than what w pulled, survivied but some did not. We'll see how many more we're able to manage to use. The zucchini didn't fare as well but it did look like a few might still make it.
I took a couple of days off from work when I got her since we didn't get the internet at first. Now I'm back to working and I find it very boring but it's much better than so many other options that I shouldn't complain.
I have made a goal today that I intend to meet! By the time we move again, we will have less stuff, not more!!! I will have to figure out what I'm willing to get rid of...I know there are things here I don't really need, no matter how useful I think it may be to keep around.
We got here around 1ish and unloaded our mattress, the dogs' kennels, our blankets and suitcases and promptly zonked out.
The next morning, I was not feeling so good. My stomach was out of whack for a couple of days but got better. Then I got dizzy for 2 days. Adam followed my health trend the next day but instead of getting dizzy, then better, he got sinus problems and is still dealing with those right now. Poor Adam.
Neither one of us has felt especially motivated to empty the trailer. So far, I only managed to empty the garage of the things from the last trailer load so that when we do empty the trailer, we will have the room to pile them into the garage.
I found the zucchini and tomato plants in the front yard was happily surprised by the huge quantity of tomatoes! I think it was two days after I got here, cold weather set in and it snowed. So in the very cold, wet weather, Adam and I went out and picked about 50-60 tomatoes to save them from certain death. Not all of them made it but most of them did. Now I have something to can. :o) Some of the tomatoes left out on the vine, way more than what w pulled, survivied but some did not. We'll see how many more we're able to manage to use. The zucchini didn't fare as well but it did look like a few might still make it.
I took a couple of days off from work when I got her since we didn't get the internet at first. Now I'm back to working and I find it very boring but it's much better than so many other options that I shouldn't complain.
I have made a goal today that I intend to meet! By the time we move again, we will have less stuff, not more!!! I will have to figure out what I'm willing to get rid of...I know there are things here I don't really need, no matter how useful I think it may be to keep around.
House in Boise
Well, I don't have a lot of time to write anything but this is our house here in Boise. These are pictures Adam took while looking at the house initially. So none of stuff is clutured about...plus, he didn't take pictures of all the rooms. I will update later with more rooms.
Pictures are:
1. Front & side of house
2. Downstairs living room
3. Kitchen
4. Backyard
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the floors!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tags 1 & 2
Ok, lets see... Tag #1
The "rules" of the game are as follows:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag.
6 random things about me
1. I love mangoes.
2. I take way too many pictures of my dogs.
3. I own too many books (and want a whole lot more!).
4. I've had 2 poems and a photograph published.
5. I got sick when we moved here but am better now.
6. I want to buy a small house and never move again.
Tag #2 seems a lot more involved.
5 Things I've Done in the Past 10 Years:
1. Lived in three different states
2. Became interested in farming/ranching
3. Worked with alpacas, chickens, horses, dogs & cats for vacationing ranch owners
4. Gotten married
5. Gone to school to become a dog trainer
5 Things I Wish I Could Do Today:
This one's hard because I want to do EVERYTHING!
1. Train my dogs to be tolerant of all people, inside and outside of the house
2. Have children
3. Invent something useful
4. Get out of debt
5. Be a stronger person
5 Foods I Wouldn't Want to Live Without:
1. Chocolate & Peanut butter concotions
2. Bread
3. Milk
4. Asparagus
5. Mangoes
5 Things I Would Do if I Were a Millionaire:
1. Buy ALOT of land and stock it with all the livestock I want, and even a person to teach me how to take care of the animals and plants I would have
2. Buy all the books I want
3. Have someone design & build an all solar powered car
4. Ride across the country, maybe even the Pan-American Highway
5. Share with people who need it (family first)
5 Places I Have Lived:
1. Lawrenceville, GA
2. Cutler Ridge, FL
3. Dayton, OH
4. Wanship, UT
5. Boise, ID
5 Jobs I Have Had:
1. Ice skate guard
2. Ice cream store manager
3. Janitor
4. Deli sandwich maker
5. Pizza delivery driver
Well, I only know one person on here who you haven't already tagged, Heather so I tag:
Allison
The "rules" of the game are as follows:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag.
6 random things about me
1. I love mangoes.
2. I take way too many pictures of my dogs.
3. I own too many books (and want a whole lot more!).
4. I've had 2 poems and a photograph published.
5. I got sick when we moved here but am better now.
6. I want to buy a small house and never move again.
Tag #2 seems a lot more involved.
5 Things I've Done in the Past 10 Years:
1. Lived in three different states
2. Became interested in farming/ranching
3. Worked with alpacas, chickens, horses, dogs & cats for vacationing ranch owners
4. Gotten married
5. Gone to school to become a dog trainer
5 Things I Wish I Could Do Today:
This one's hard because I want to do EVERYTHING!
1. Train my dogs to be tolerant of all people, inside and outside of the house
2. Have children
3. Invent something useful
4. Get out of debt
5. Be a stronger person
5 Foods I Wouldn't Want to Live Without:
1. Chocolate & Peanut butter concotions
2. Bread
3. Milk
4. Asparagus
5. Mangoes
5 Things I Would Do if I Were a Millionaire:
1. Buy ALOT of land and stock it with all the livestock I want, and even a person to teach me how to take care of the animals and plants I would have
2. Buy all the books I want
3. Have someone design & build an all solar powered car
4. Ride across the country, maybe even the Pan-American Highway
5. Share with people who need it (family first)
5 Places I Have Lived:
1. Lawrenceville, GA
2. Cutler Ridge, FL
3. Dayton, OH
4. Wanship, UT
5. Boise, ID
5 Jobs I Have Had:
1. Ice skate guard
2. Ice cream store manager
3. Janitor
4. Deli sandwich maker
5. Pizza delivery driver
Well, I only know one person on here who you haven't already tagged, Heather so I tag:
Allison
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Grasshoppers, Gracie & CFL light bulbs
I was out mowing the lawn for the last time. I was wearing sweat pants. I sat down at the computer to work and a couple of hours later, something in my pocket was poking my leg and scratching me just a little. I felt my pocket to see if I could figure out what was in there...I didn't rememeber putting anything in there. I felt something, so I stuck my hand in my pocket. Well, I feel something but it's not in my pocket, it's between my pants and my leg. I pulled the band out to see what it was. It was a big grasshopper and I freaked out. I stood up and swatted at him. I managed to get him off of me but in the proccess, I amputated one of his back legs. I called the dogs over to eat the grasshopper but they wouldn't do it. Yuck...I hate bugs crawling on me!
Each night, I tell Adam that he needs to do something toward finding Gracie a new home and he just tells me that she wants to stay so I remind him that if she does, she'll end up as dog food. He finally sent out an email at work yesterday and Gracie has been claimed by a family of four with one other cat. The catch is that they can't take her until after we get back to Boise because they are leaving on vacation today. So he at least gets one last weekend with her. I know Adam is really sad about having to give her up. If he's anything like me, he'll bawl after he gives her up (I did after giving Chewy up). But she'll have a much better life not having to be locked up so she doesn't get eaten.
We've been using CFL light bulbs for a few years, except for in this house since we won't be here long enough to recoup the cost. Anyway, until today, I didn't know that you shouldn't throw them out in the trash. There is mercury in them that, once broken, will seep through the ground and into the water contaminating it. In fact, if you break one, you should leave the room and air it out for 15 minutes before cleaning it up. They should be recycled at special CFL recycle centers. I don't know where any of the recycle centers are but you can go online to find them if you use those bulbs.
Each night, I tell Adam that he needs to do something toward finding Gracie a new home and he just tells me that she wants to stay so I remind him that if she does, she'll end up as dog food. He finally sent out an email at work yesterday and Gracie has been claimed by a family of four with one other cat. The catch is that they can't take her until after we get back to Boise because they are leaving on vacation today. So he at least gets one last weekend with her. I know Adam is really sad about having to give her up. If he's anything like me, he'll bawl after he gives her up (I did after giving Chewy up). But she'll have a much better life not having to be locked up so she doesn't get eaten.
We've been using CFL light bulbs for a few years, except for in this house since we won't be here long enough to recoup the cost. Anyway, until today, I didn't know that you shouldn't throw them out in the trash. There is mercury in them that, once broken, will seep through the ground and into the water contaminating it. In fact, if you break one, you should leave the room and air it out for 15 minutes before cleaning it up. They should be recycled at special CFL recycle centers. I don't know where any of the recycle centers are but you can go online to find them if you use those bulbs.
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