tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908865566795473642024-03-13T13:39:00.603-05:00MotherworldlyLearning, loving, living simply and seeking out the wonders of everyday life!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-62119338238523333682012-06-08T10:15:00.003-05:002012-06-08T10:19:14.496-05:00What's on the Menu? Salsa VerdeThis is my first year to grow tomatillos and already I'm a fan! Both plants are HUGE and covered with little yellow flowers.<br />
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And since I've never grown tomatillos, I was surprised to find the fruit growing in little casings that remind me of paper lanterns! So cool!<br />
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I never in a million years thought that these things would produce at the level they do. I have tomatillos coming out of my ears! Now I have to admit, I don't know much about using tomatillos. I have one sauce that I make for fish tacos that calls for a few tomatillos, but that's it. So here I was, faced with a HUGE bowl of them wondering what the hell to do. Then it hit me, Salsa Verde! Duh.<br />
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First I had to remove the husks.<br />
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Then I washed them and put them on a cookie sheet (about a pound or so of them) with some olive oil, 1 onion, about 4 or 5 cloves of garlic, and a couple of de-seeded jalapeƱos (I wanted it mild enough for the kids) and popped them in the oven on about 400* to roast for 15 minutes, stirring them on occasion to make sure they didn't burn.<br />
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Afterwards, I dumped them into the food processor, oil, juices and all, added a couple of teaspoons of cumin and about a teaspoon or so of salt, a good handful of washed cilantro and the juice from 1/2 a lime.</div>
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After a good whir, I ended up with a wonderful, flavorful sauce that was perfect for dipping chips! I also took about half of it to add to my sour cream chicken enchilada recipe, YUM!</div>
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So hooray for tomatillos! You can bet I'm going to be enjoying A LOT of salsa verde this summer! :)</div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-35972189114135536792012-05-23T09:14:00.000-05:002012-06-08T10:18:52.425-05:00Plum Tasty!A friend of mine sent me home with a TON of tiny, little plums on Sunday. By Tuesday I was well aware that these tiny, little plums were going to start rotting. Fast. So I frantically got online to see what some options were. I found a plum upside cake, which looked MARVELOUS, but I didn't have buttermilk in the house. I eventually came across a recipe for <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/plum_sorbet/">plum sorbet</a> at Simply Recipes and I immediately heard a little chorus of "Hallelujah" in my head!<br />
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First I started peeling and pitting these.<br />
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Yes. I actually hand-peeled and hand-pitted these little plums because the recipe called for a fine mesh sieve to filter out the large pieces of skin and I didn't have one. Anyway, after peeling and pitting I ran the plums, sugar, lemon juice and pinch of salt through the food processor until the mixture was smooth. (Sorry about the sucky pic.)<br />
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I poured it all into my handy dandy ice cream maker and spun it for about 25 minutes. At first it was more like a really thick smoothie, but after about 3 hours in the freezer it looked like this...<br />
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Sheer perfection! And can I just say, YUM! It was just sweet enough with a hint of tartness and the perfect dessert for a warm summer night! So when life hands you plums, make sorbet!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-26813316050039930442012-05-21T14:25:00.000-05:002012-05-21T14:25:39.607-05:00Adventures in Gardening-Spring 2012Hi All!!! I know! You totally thought I bailed, right? Well, I didn't. As usual, my life has been crazy-busy with these kids. Between homeschooling, field trips, extra-curricular classes, travel, a husband who has been working 60+ hours a week and trying to get a new business off the ground, blogging has had to be on the back-burner. There have been so many times that I just wanted to sit down and write, but dishes called or dance class was looming and I knew I wouldn't be able to commit a reasonable amount of time to write something intelligible. So I just left it. I am hoping to start budgeting my time a little better so I can check in a little more frequently. I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best.<br />
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So amongst all this craziness, I actually did manage to plant a garden this spring! I didn't plant one in the fall and it killed me. Every time I looked out into the backyard, empty beds stared back at me and it pissed me off! I just didn't have time. I was lucky enough to get several heads of volunteer lettuce sprout up, so that made me a little happier!<br />
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I was really hoping to tear out the beds in late winter, rearrange some things and have this wonderful new garden set up by March, but yeah right! Between basketball practices and games, science fair prep and everything else, I didn't even manage to weed the damn beds! Hello!<br />
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So when the time came I had just a smidge of work to do! I finally cleaned everything out and was ready to plant. </div>
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I was lucky enough to have the BEST helper in the whole world! The Monkey Man could care less about gardening these days. If Mario and Luigi aren't involved it's futile! :( But the Piglet (aka Tie-dye Fairy Princess) is still interested and above all, she just likes hanging out with Mama. She also had some help (such a good little mama already)!<br />
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Roddy didn't help at all, but he's just damn cute so he deserved a shout out!<br />
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This year we planted 2 types of okra (Clemson and emerald green), Japanese eggplant, 5 varieties of tomato, tomatillos (our first year with these), black-eyed peas, Chinese yard longs and squash. Might I just say that zucchini and pumpkins were a total experiment. For the last 3 years I have NEVER been able to grow a Curcubit of any kind, no squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelon or cantaloupe. Stinkin' squash borers have taken them all out within a month of planting. I just happened to read an article about this problem in the "Carrots Love Tomatoes" book and they suggested planting 1 squash seed with 3 icicle radish seeds and planting nasturtiums between the rows. I figured what the hell, a $5 experiment and if they tanked, I'd just plant with a late crop of black-eyed peas.<br />
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Within about a month, we had progress! Tomatoes and tomatillos.<br />
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First bed has the pumpkins, squash and yard longs and the back bed has eggplant and okra.<br />
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The kids and I went out of town for a 2 week trip to NM (blog post to follow soon, I promise) and I had to leave the garden in the hands of an over-worked spouse. I was fully expecting the garden to be a bit, taxed, shall we say, when I came back. But thankfully, central Texas is actually experiencing quite a lovely spring and the temps have been mild and we have actually had RAIN! Yes, I said it. R-A-I-N, rain! Much to my great joy and complete surprise this is what I came home to...<br />
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Bed 1: Clemson okra and Japanese eggplant<br />
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Bed 2: Zucchini, pumpkins, yard longs.<br />
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Baby pumpkin!</div>
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And I just have to note, the pumpkins? Well, those crazy things are from the seeds that I harvested from the teeny, tiny pumpkin my daughter fell in love with last fall and cried when it started to mold. I promised her I would harvest the seeds and try to grow a pumpkin vine with those seeds. Those pumpkins have grown with a vengeance. I am sure these pumpkins are likely to take over my entire yard by the fall!<br />
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Bed 3: Tomatoes and tomatillos.<br />
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Oh the salsa and green sauces I have in my future!<br />
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My first tomatillos!<br />
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And last but not least, Bed 4: Emerald green okra and black-eyed peas!<br />
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I am feeling quite optimistic about my summer garden and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for mild weather and lots of rain! It is so good to be gardening again and even better to be sharing my experiences with you! Thanks for sticking around and I'll do my best to keep plugging along and trying to get some decent posts up! Until next time, enjoy life! It's awesome!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-32824002700414005152011-12-28T11:06:00.003-06:002011-12-28T11:09:49.389-06:00Homemade Ice Cream--Take 1Big Daddy is AWESOME! I have been begging and pestering and whining for an ice cream maker for months. So guess what I got for Christmas! Well, technically I got it a week before Christmas, but you know, he's a punctual guy! I keep up with this other blog, "<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/">Gina's Skinny Recipes</a>" and she got a new ice cream maker awhile back and the sorbets and ice creams and frozen yogurts she has been posting have been making me crazy! I researched the model she's using and it looked like a nice machine so.... BAM!<br />
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Well, needless to say, we had treats galore over the Christmas holiday (pies, gingerbread, chocolate cookies, sugar cookies, rice krispie treats, etc...) so I opted to hold off on the ice cream making until after we had eaten all of that other fattening stuff! But last night I couldn't stand it anymore, so I fired it up! I remembered to put the bowl in the freezer the day before, so it was ready to go. For our first shot, I decided to go for a simple, no-frills vanilla. I figured that was the best way to gauge the texture and flavor. We mixed the ingredients, poured them in and 35 minutes later, we were rewarded with this....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axGtbb43kLk/TvtLXHWgCYI/AAAAAAAAG8E/GzDgTFyBq9s/s1600/IMG_3322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axGtbb43kLk/TvtLXHWgCYI/AAAAAAAAG8E/GzDgTFyBq9s/s400/IMG_3322.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Smooth, luscious, creamy, vanilla ice cream! The Monkey Man and I had ours with pumpkin pie, Big Daddy had his with pecan pie and the Piglet, well, she prefers her vanilla with Midnight Moo chocolate sauce and rainbow sprinkles! I am very pleased with our initial attempt and now I am brainstorming for new flavors. I think coffee or green tea gelato sounds awesome! Or Irish Cream! I did notice HEB had blackberries on sale last week, that would make a killer sorbet! Ahhhhh, so many desserts, so little time!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-35614055447381617982011-12-21T09:50:00.000-06:002011-12-21T09:50:11.145-06:00Did I make the cutest little clothespin dollies?Why yes. Yes, I did!!! I was wanting to make something sweet for the Piggy for Christmas. I had originally intended to make the little wooden peg gnomes, because she LOVES "Gnomeo and Juliet", but as fate would have it, I couldn't find the little peg dolls anywhere in town! I have seriously been in every Jo-Ann Fabric, Hobby Lobby and Michael's in a 20-freakin'-mile radius of my house! (Apparently I should have ordered them online!) But I did find the little clothespins, so I started brainstorming a bit and here is what I came up with...<br />
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First of all, supplies. I used wooden clothespins, soy-based paint (that was a neat find!), self-adhesive craft foam, poms-poms, cross-stitch thread, ruffled ribbon, and a hot glue gun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMDBPe-CHWA/TvH7FXmFFNI/AAAAAAAAG6k/ukip06z0owE/s1600/IMG_3300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMDBPe-CHWA/TvH7FXmFFNI/AAAAAAAAG6k/ukip06z0owE/s400/IMG_3300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I attempted mermaids first, so I turned the clothespins to where the slit was at the sides and painted the lower portion for the tail. (Sorry for the crappy pic, lighting wasn't the best.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J9G5qpS9hg/TvH8fYJf-DI/AAAAAAAAG6s/pi4E-k2gAds/s1600/IMG_3301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J9G5qpS9hg/TvH8fYJf-DI/AAAAAAAAG6s/pi4E-k2gAds/s400/IMG_3301.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Then I added a little bikini top, the face and embellished the tail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMF300q7DwA/TvH83KTy2wI/AAAAAAAAG60/iKmWjIXj3_Y/s1600/IMG_3302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMF300q7DwA/TvH83KTy2wI/AAAAAAAAG60/iKmWjIXj3_Y/s400/IMG_3302.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yes, I even added little belly-buttons! Next step was to add hair and construct tail fins. I had my mom-in-law cut the fins out of sparkly, self-adhesive craft foam. You need two for each tail, so you can stick them together. Once they are stuck together and your dolls are dry enough, slide that foam into the slits at the bottom of the clothespin. We cut the hair out of cross-stitch thread and used a dot of hot glue and pressed the hair into it. Then embellished as desired. This is final product!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jal_Om0RQZQ/TvH98cpViSI/AAAAAAAAG68/I2rqsQiLKzU/s1600/IMG_3307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jal_Om0RQZQ/TvH98cpViSI/AAAAAAAAG68/I2rqsQiLKzU/s400/IMG_3307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're SWEET! Right? I felt so inspired and confident after I finished these little cuties that I decided to whip out some ballerinas too! Pretty much the same deal, except the slits faced forward. I painted little toe shoes and used ruffles and pom-poms for the tutus. I also painted the hair and added some pom-poms for buns and/or little hats! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv1aQXsHG-E/TvH-kbrpBdI/AAAAAAAAG7E/WywJilO-hqU/s1600/IMG_3305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cv1aQXsHG-E/TvH-kbrpBdI/AAAAAAAAG7E/WywJilO-hqU/s400/IMG_3305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> OK, the one with the orange poms makes me giggle! I LOVE them! I do think for the next batch, I will paint the bodice in a way that leaves an unpainted area for little arms. But hey, for a first try, these turned out pretty damn good! I can't wait to see my little Piggy's face on Christmas morning! I am also looking forward to making the next batch with her. She would have SO much fun with this. And once we figure out the gnomes, I'll be sure to post about them as well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's hoping you all have a wonderful holiday season! Keep warm and safe and love one another!!</div><br />
<span id="goog_1785776791"></span><span id="goog_1785776792"></span>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-46219000037204187832011-11-21T12:54:00.002-06:002011-11-21T12:55:25.188-06:00Cranberry Lovin' from the Oven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJqpIkXhMPs/Tsqd1QBfD4I/AAAAAAAAGxU/mcGHuTJrwXw/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJqpIkXhMPs/Tsqd1QBfD4I/AAAAAAAAGxU/mcGHuTJrwXw/s400/IMG_3271.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>It's the time of year when I start hoarding cranberries. Ocean Spray, Dole, whatever, I buy at least one bag every time I go into HEB or Costco. I have to get enough to last me the whole year! Now I'm not that into cranberry sauce or cranberry Jell-O or anything like that. I just happen to have an unnatural love of cranberry bread! Cranberry coffee cake rules too, but that's another post! Anyway, we just baked a fresh loaf today and I thought I'd share. The recipe I use is from the Ocean Spray site. There are a couple of things I omit from this recipe, because nuts and orange peel do NOT float my boat, but you can choose for yourself!<br />
<br />
Cranberry Bread<br />
<br />
2 c. flour<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
1-1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
3/4 c. orange juice<br />
1 tbsp. orange peel (I leave this out, not a fan of the zest!)<br />
2 tbsp shortening<br />
1 egg, well beaten<br />
1-1/2 c. cranberries (fresh or frozen), chopped<br />
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)<br />
<br />
Oven on 350*F. Have a greased loaf pan ready.<br />
<br />
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, & baking soda. Add OJ, peel (if you're using it), shortening and egg. Mix until you're sure the shortening has been well distributed. Stir in the cranberries and nuts. Pour into the greased loaf pan.<br />
<br />
Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check it at 55, do the toothpick tests. Cool on a wire rack.<br />
<br />
This is what ya get...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpifGGQoewg/TsqeCvHeyoI/AAAAAAAAGxc/zAPis-pPg-U/s1600/IMG_3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpifGGQoewg/TsqeCvHeyoI/AAAAAAAAGxc/zAPis-pPg-U/s400/IMG_3276.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Now if that ain't some serious love in a loaf, I don't what is!! ENJOY!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-20879552686322260772011-11-15T19:18:00.002-06:002011-11-15T19:20:57.845-06:00What's on the Menu: Cauliflower SoupSoup seems to be the menu item of choice these days! What can I say, we got rain today and the cooler temps just made me crave soup! And hey, lucky me, I had a head of cauliflower in the fridge! Anyway, talk about a quick easy dinner, this soup can be made in about a 1/2 hour tops! It's full of flavor, so much so even my kids like it!!<br />
<br />
I found the recipe on the "Taste of Home" website. I pretty much follow the recipe except I add turkey bacon!!! It kind of defeats my dreams of going veggie 2 nights a week, but it's SO good with the bacon!<br />
<br />
What you need:<br />
1 med. head of cauliflower, broken into florets<br />
1 good-sized carrot, shredded<br />
1 stalk of celery, chopped<br />
2-1/2 c. water<br />
2 chicken bouillon cubes<br />
3 tbsp. butter<br />
3 tbsp. flour<br />
3/4 tsp. salt (I use a little less since the bouillon is so salty)<br />
1/8 tsp. pepper<br />
2 c. milk<br />
1 c. shredded cheese<br />
<br />
In a large pot, combine cauliflower, carrot, celery, water and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 min. or until cauliflower is tender.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-054aiRmuCio/TsMOPLQrxrI/AAAAAAAAGw0/pbDF1dtvOZs/s1600/IMG_3248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-054aiRmuCio/TsMOPLQrxrI/AAAAAAAAGw0/pbDF1dtvOZs/s400/IMG_3248.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>In another pan, fry the turkey bacon! I chop mine up into small pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hk_JnavQME/TsMOg2dsEVI/AAAAAAAAGw8/SNPFwgAZlOE/s1600/IMG_3250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hk_JnavQME/TsMOg2dsEVI/AAAAAAAAGw8/SNPFwgAZlOE/s400/IMG_3250.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Set aside the bacon until the end.<br />
<br />
In the bacon pan, melt 3 tbsp. of butter. Then stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add the milk a little bit at a time. Boil over medium heat, cooking and stirring until it thickens slightly. We're not shooting for gravy here! ;) Turn off heat, add the cheese and melt. Stir in the bacon bits and SERVE! I like mine with a nice dash of Tabasco!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YF-HjEy0mbw/TsMPY1xB3fI/AAAAAAAAGxE/1KPzK7ps6jE/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YF-HjEy0mbw/TsMPY1xB3fI/AAAAAAAAGxE/1KPzK7ps6jE/s400/IMG_3252.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1422907489"></span><span id="goog_1422907490"></span>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-23550775621576056652011-11-10T15:58:00.000-06:002011-11-10T15:58:59.289-06:00Attack of the Dreaded Mom-Mom Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91Jk0FsfwhU/TrxHVi6g4eI/AAAAAAAAGwk/LkWem90E974/s1600/IMG_3243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91Jk0FsfwhU/TrxHVi6g4eI/AAAAAAAAGwk/LkWem90E974/s400/IMG_3243.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>You ever see the movie "Finding Nemo"? Do you remember the scenes with the seagulls? "Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. MINE, MINE, MINE!!!!" I have a similar pair of birds in my house. I call them Mom-Mom Birds. <br />
<br />
Mom, where's my Nerf gun?<br />
Mom, I pooped! <br />
Mom, can you fit Lego Darth Vader into your nostril? <br />
MOM, where are you? <br />
Mom, are you in the bathroom? <br />
Mom, the dog's licking my shoes! <br />
Mom, what's your favorite type of meatball? <br />
Mom, the Mega Nerf 3000 with pump-action, air-pressure bullets is the one I want, but not the one with the blond kid on front. <br />
Mom, do you remember 3 years ago when we went to that one place that had the pumpkins and you wouldn't buy me ice cream? <br />
Mom, why do you have to go color your hair? <br />
Mom, can I go to work with you? <br />
Mom, I sneezed 19 times in a row! <br />
Mom, can you sneeze 19 times in a row. <br />
Mom, can I have some milk. <br />
MOM, I spilled my milk! <br />
Mom, would you ever kiss Daddy on the mouth like that? <br />
Mom, can we go see the Taj Mahal? <br />
Mom, can we go outside to play? <br />
Mom, we don't want to play outside anymore! <br />
Mom, did you know that the Lego Millenium Falcon is like 500 bucks? <br />
Mom, where are my sweat pants? <br />
Mom, do I really have to clean my room? <br />
Mom, what do you call a fish with 10 eyes?<br />
(Mind you this is all before 9 am!) <br />
Mom. <br />
Mom. <br />
Mom. <br />
MOOOOOOMMM!!! <br />
MOM! MOM! MOM, MOM, MOM, MOM, MOM!!!!<br />
Mom do birds pee or poop or both at the same time?<br />
Mom, why don't you have freckles?<br />
Mom, the dog ate my horse.<br />
Mom, come here! You've gotta see this!<br />
Mom, that anole had two tails!!!<br />
Mom did you know that caterpillar poop is called frass?<br />
Mom did you know that frass rhymes with ass?! But you can't get mad at me because ass is another word for donkey?<br />
Mom, what's for lunch?<br />
Mom.<br />
Mom.<br />
Mom.<br />
MOM!!!<br />
MOOOOOOMMM!<br />
MOM, MOM, MOM, MOM, MOM!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Mom what's for dinner?<br />
Mom do I have to eat it ALL?<br />
Mom, can we have candy for dessert?<br />
Mom do you like Lemonheads?<br />
MOOOOOOMMM! I don't want to brush my teeth!<br />
Mom, why do we have to go to bed now?<br />
Mom, can we please stay up a little longer?<br />
FINE MOM!<br />
Goodnight Mom! <br />
Mom, I love you.<br />
Mom, can I have a drink?<br />
Mom, I forgot I need to go potty. <br />
Mom, I'll see you in the morning. <br />
Mom, do we really have to go to bed now? <br />
Mom, what's for breakfast in the morning?<br />
Mom, are you still there?<br />
Mom, I can't find Bear Bear is he with you?<br />
Mom, you're not gonna leave until I'm asleep, right?<br />
<br />
Eventually, the crazy Mom-Mom Birds drift off to sleep and the Mommy bird listens to the bliss of silence. <br />
<br />
At least until 5 am when the little Mom-Mom Bird wakes up. Mom, can I get in bed with you? Mommy bird lifts her wing and lets the little bird into the bed where she goes back to sleep and all is quiet and peaceful again until the Mommy bird hears the patter of feet and opens one eye to find Big Mom-Mom Bird peering over her, looking quizzical. Whispering it says, "Mom, can I go downstairs and watch Suite Life?" Then Little Mom-Mom bird rubs her eyes and it all begins again....<br />
<br />
Mom, can I watch kid shows?<br />
Mom, I want chocolate muffins for breakfast.<br />
Mom, is Daddy already at work?<br />
Mom, what is your favorite Harry Potter movie?<br />
Mom, I got markers on my PJ's.<br />
<br />
I think I may have to pass a new rule in the land of the Mom-Mom Birds. For 30 days everyone must address me as Queen Hesperia Listerwalken Picklepantalones. No abbreviations, no exceptions. And if you can't call me by my full moniker, then you are not allowed to address me at all! And I shall revel in the silence!<br />
<br />
Oh shut up, I can dream, can't I?Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-90682229540887737942011-11-09T10:18:00.000-06:002011-11-09T10:18:25.488-06:00What's on the Menu: Tomato Basil Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fUODkiLNX8/TrqmAQtROhI/AAAAAAAAGug/CEPAIebaobA/s1600/IMG_3130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fUODkiLNX8/TrqmAQtROhI/AAAAAAAAGug/CEPAIebaobA/s320/IMG_3130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>One of my favorite meals is grilled cheese sandwiches paired with tomato soup. I was raised eating Campbell's Tomato Soup, and never really thought to change it up, but then I had REAL tomato soup at a restaurant not too long ago and was like, HOLY CRAP. I have been eating canned swill for years, I NEED to find a decent tomato soup recipe in all haste. So I started pawing through all of my recipe books and index cards and found exactly diddly squat on the tomato soup front. Found a great recipe for Mulligatawny soup, but that's another entry. Finally, I happened across an old "Mothering" magazine article from 2007 that had several different soup recipes and lo and behold... Tomato Basil Soup. <br />
<br />
What you need:<br />
2 tbsp. olive oil<br />
1 tbsp. butter<br />
1 small onion, chopped<br />
2-3 cloves minced garlic<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
2 c. chicken or veggie stock<br />
1 14-1/2 oz. can chopped tomatoes<br />
1 tbsp. honey<br />
1/4 sour cream (although I almost think it should have been more)<br />
1/4 c. fresh chopped basil<br />
ground pepper<br />
<br />
Heat oil and butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and salt. Saute until translucent. Add stock, tomatoes, and honey. Simmer for 15 min. Let cool a bit. Put half of the soup into a blender with sour cream and blend until smooth. Transfer to another pot. Blend the rest of the soup and add to the first half. Warm the blended soup. Serve with fresh basil and ground pepper. This recipe makes about 4 servings. Serve with hot bread or a nice grilled cheese sandwich!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-36955642434097552882011-11-08T17:45:00.001-06:002011-11-08T17:45:58.356-06:00Kid ShitFact: Kids accumulate shit. LOTS AND LOTS of shit. This shit, at one point or another, seeps out of the designated "kid shit" areas and receptacles and somehow completely and utterly takes over your entire house. Those of you that have kids know all too well what I'm talking about. For those that don't have kids or those that soon will, here is a little rhyme just for you! <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Kid shit on the desk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6tCtR8sDO0/Trm3syCGK8I/AAAAAAAAGtI/iFpbT2bARLI/s1600/IMG_3224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6tCtR8sDO0/Trm3syCGK8I/AAAAAAAAGtI/iFpbT2bARLI/s400/IMG_3224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Kid shit on the chair.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HOEJmLTbzo/Trm31suGKFI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/NoCn-Q2Vz-Q/s1600/IMG_3225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HOEJmLTbzo/Trm31suGKFI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/NoCn-Q2Vz-Q/s400/IMG_3225.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Kid shit on the sofa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rR8mVa8mXpk/Trm4hIGWHoI/AAAAAAAAGtY/r2FX4w2f8lg/s1600/IMG_3230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rR8mVa8mXpk/Trm4hIGWHoI/AAAAAAAAGtY/r2FX4w2f8lg/s400/IMG_3230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And kid shit on the stair!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yX_q-0IzxMM/Trm4qxN2MoI/AAAAAAAAGtg/GOEqGkYsatc/s1600/IMG_3227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yX_q-0IzxMM/Trm4qxN2MoI/AAAAAAAAGtg/GOEqGkYsatc/s400/IMG_3227.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kid shit in the downstairs bath. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utEGdHg2Nnk/Trm44TXikKI/AAAAAAAAGto/1oRvpR1l9e0/s1600/IMG_3228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utEGdHg2Nnk/Trm44TXikKI/AAAAAAAAGto/1oRvpR1l9e0/s400/IMG_3228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kid shit in the hall.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWhBl8kD7mQ/Trm5C7tJhUI/AAAAAAAAGtw/-NBiqHahFgw/s1600/IMG_3232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWhBl8kD7mQ/Trm5C7tJhUI/AAAAAAAAGtw/-NBiqHahFgw/s400/IMG_3232.jpg" width="300" /> </a><br />
<br />
Kid shit in the master bath, the most sacred room of all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-thfwRw3rUx4/Trm5ftsrSSI/AAAAAAAAGuA/LzIqyTHhIDY/s1600/IMG_3235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-thfwRw3rUx4/Trm5ftsrSSI/AAAAAAAAGuA/LzIqyTHhIDY/s400/IMG_3235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Kid shit in MY CLOSET.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL95NiYstyM/Trm6hVY8fXI/AAAAAAAAGuI/fy7HGqLQwfQ/s1600/IMG_3234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL95NiYstyM/Trm6hVY8fXI/AAAAAAAAGuI/fy7HGqLQwfQ/s320/IMG_3234.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Kid shit on the lawn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KbSRtofgaM/Trm8ITb8eqI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/2yOUBrHgG3w/s1600/IMG_3236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KbSRtofgaM/Trm8ITb8eqI/AAAAAAAAGuQ/2yOUBrHgG3w/s400/IMG_3236.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>Kid shit in the dining room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI-8LIXhd5k/Trm8QINLRTI/AAAAAAAAGuY/o4woLzGK_7E/s1600/IMG_3237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI-8LIXhd5k/Trm8QINLRTI/AAAAAAAAGuY/o4woLzGK_7E/s400/IMG_3237.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>All day long!</div><div></div><div><br />
There is no room for our stuff.<br />
Ain't no way that it can fit.<br />
I'll need a bigger house<br />
To store all this freakin' shit!<br />
<br />
-Little Mama</div><div><span id="goog_1643001502"></span><span id="goog_1643001503"></span></div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-78887871154137428242011-11-08T13:28:00.003-06:002011-11-08T13:31:36.130-06:00What's on the Menu? Broccoli Cheese SoupIt's the time of year that soup becomes a major staple in our home. 1) It's economical. 2) It's pretty quick and easy. 3) Soup effin' RULES! I pity the fool that doesn't dig on soup! Today's offering is Broccoli Cheese Soup from my super, totally awesome "Treasury of Christmas" cookbook. It is a thick, creamy, and luscious soup that is always a big hit in our house!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNz9jZ3TZRw/Trl_P8at-XI/AAAAAAAAGs0/EyG-9b2UFig/s1600/IMG_3071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNz9jZ3TZRw/Trl_P8at-XI/AAAAAAAAGs0/EyG-9b2UFig/s400/IMG_3071.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>What you will need:<br />
1 small onion, diced<br />
1/4 c. butter or margarine<br />
1/4 c. flour<br />
3 cups water<br />
**This recipe calls for 2-10 oz. packages of frozen chopped broccoli, but about 6 cups of fresh can be substituted.<br />
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4 chicken bouillon cubes<br />
Worcestershire sauce (pronounced Were-shur-shur-shire in our house)<br />
About 3 c. of shredded cheddar<br />
2 c. half and half<br />
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In a large pan, cook the onion in the butter until tender. Add the flour and stir until it becomes smooth. Add the water slowly, then dump in the broccoli, chicken bouillon and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat until soup has thickened and broccoli is tender. Usually about 10 min. or so. Add cheese and half and half. Do NOT boil. Stir until cheese melts and serve. See? Easy-breezy! Leftovers can be refrigerated, but I don't know about freezing. Obviously, I eat mine with plenty of Tabasco Sauce! Yummy!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-83994776278139322842011-11-08T13:06:00.000-06:002011-11-08T13:06:53.766-06:00I'm BAAAAAAAACK!Truthfully, I was never really gone, just extremely busy! Turns out homeschooling two kids is a crap-ton harder than homeschooling one, especially when the 2nd child has a COMPLETELY different style of learning. I am confident that we will at some point hit a bit of a groove, but at this moment, it just ain't there. Add in all of the extra-curricular activities like sports, dance, science classes, bowling, park days, Ukulele Society meetings, etc... Did I mention travel? Yeah, we still do a bit of that, in fact October was crazy. Oh and Halloween?!?! Yeah, Halloween is the one holiday of the year that I embrace fully, so preparation for that was insane. I also have that little photography business and a husband that recently gained a large new client (HOORAY) but has become MIA because of it (boo). Throw all of this madness together into 24 hour daily increments and you can see how blogging has not been on the top of my list as of late!<br />
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I know... Excuses, excuses, excuses. So I will try to be much more diligent in my posting. I have had several requests for some food entries as it is now fall (well, for most of the US it is now fall, for Texas it is some sort of weird alternate universe) and I have been posting a lot of pics of soup and such on my Facebook page and inquiring minds want to know how they too can have yummy Green Chile Corn Chowder simmering on their stoves. So I shall do my best to keep up a little better. I can't promise daily posts and hell, it maybe two weeks between posts at times, but I promise to make the effort! I do love blogging and sharing stories and pictures and I hope you all enjoy reading along!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-50696435393746218922011-08-25T19:59:00.002-05:002011-08-25T20:04:08.730-05:00PSA: The Great Slime Fiasco of 2011For those of you that don't know, my daughter is THAT kid. <br />
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I decided after this particular incident that I should post about it, because after all, one of you might have one of these kids as well!<br />
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OK, first off, what do you get when you mix this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFrh5JFQh20/Tlbo6WiFUjI/AAAAAAAAGp0/Elu3kqFbAFo/s1600/P8250043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFrh5JFQh20/Tlbo6WiFUjI/AAAAAAAAGp0/Elu3kqFbAFo/s400/P8250043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>with this?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWW9utTOThw/TlbpEhU7MCI/AAAAAAAAGp4/fU7aEsgZxb4/s1600/IMG_2875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWW9utTOThw/TlbpEhU7MCI/AAAAAAAAGp4/fU7aEsgZxb4/s400/IMG_2875.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>ONE BIG FREAKIN' NIGHTMARE!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZGi19q3hYE/TlbqF0BBy6I/AAAAAAAAGp8/HcfVtHe4_KI/s1600/IMG_2873+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZGi19q3hYE/TlbqF0BBy6I/AAAAAAAAGp8/HcfVtHe4_KI/s400/IMG_2873+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>"Look Mommy! I have a hat made of slime!" Oh joy! In case you're wondering what slime is, it is a mixture made of water, borax and GLUE. And does it easily come out of soft, fine, little girl hair? NO. No it does not. I have to say, I felt so sorry for her. My first reaction was, of course, to be angry, then all of a sudden this rush of giggling came over me and I howled like a damn hyena with tears streaming down my face.<br />
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This was not helpful.<br />
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It was also not helpful that her big brother was laughing himself into tears as well. So I had to chase the child around the house (with slime drooping from her head) to try and explain that it wasn't HER I was laughing at but the SITUATION. Needless to say, she did NOT think this shit was funny in the least.<br />
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First instinct, call mother-in-law. She used to be a hairdresser, she HAD to know how to remove slime. She suggested putting on tons of thick conditioner to hopefully help the goop slide out. Made perfect sense so we tried it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xng1zjdiS40/Tlbre7FY6GI/AAAAAAAAGqA/MAHXPPyzeE4/s1600/P8250038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xng1zjdiS40/Tlbre7FY6GI/AAAAAAAAGqA/MAHXPPyzeE4/s400/P8250038.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I was able to start slowing scratching some of the top layer off, but the stuff underneath was so stuck in the hair it was unbelievable and the conditioner wasn't even touching that. At this point I was almost certain that a shaver and a buzz cut were in the child's future. I called Big Daddy to get him surfing the web to see if he could find a solution. He is the King of Google. Seriously, that man can find anything, anytime on Google! I hopped back in the shower with the girl to try to work some more of this stuff out. Shortly, the Monkey Man came upstairs with news. So what did Big Daddy discover on the internet?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzIVhbcHSQs/TlbsPiM86tI/AAAAAAAAGqE/PHeUJMvJjPE/s1600/IMG_2878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzIVhbcHSQs/TlbsPiM86tI/AAAAAAAAGqE/PHeUJMvJjPE/s400/IMG_2878.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>That's right, Baby! MAYONNAISE! Turns out vinegar can break up some the bonds of the glue, but I was too scared I'd get it in her eyes. Mayo has vinegar and oil, double whammy! And although it's gross, it's manageable. So I slopped it on and started working it in. I was able to start pulling big chunks out after a few minutes, then I started in with the fine tooth comb. Slowly but surely, the slime started loosening up and I was able to comb the majority of it out. Then I shampooed a couple of times and conditioned really well and this was the end result...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1nhBT7I5io/TlbtYJHN3eI/AAAAAAAAGqI/Xd52sjX1G38/s1600/P8250042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1nhBT7I5io/TlbtYJHN3eI/AAAAAAAAGqI/Xd52sjX1G38/s400/P8250042.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Slime FREE!!!! I don't think I've ever loved a condiment so much in my entire life! GO MAYO! So remember, if you have one of THOSE kids and they get slime in their hair, it's all about the mayonnaise!<br />
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Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-56790546939373986192011-08-15T10:41:00.002-05:002011-08-15T10:45:22.782-05:00Escape to the Mountains: Evening at White SandsOK, I admit it, I love White Sands. Seriously. LOVE. IT. And I had the most grandiose plans of taking the Piglet's 5 y.o. pics at White Sands in a sweet little sherbet colored dress with her hand-painted Japanese parasol. Oh the pics were beyond amazing... in my head. Mother Nature, as it turns out, had different plans! We arrived late afternoon and it was still too hot and too bright to take good photos. White Sands is one of those places that you have to get early morning or sunset pics or everyone is over-exposed and squinty. It really is very bright there in full sun! So we just pulled out the saucers and let the kids and dogs run free and wild, hoping that the sunset would be awesome and I'd get some great pics of a little freckle-nosed girl. As things started to cool down, I set off with the camera to just shoot scenery. The big, puffy white clouds were awesome!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEo-V4amf-Q/Tkk1jvbow5I/AAAAAAAAGog/GpeTJyCOdZ4/s1600/IMG_8762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEo-V4amf-Q/Tkk1jvbow5I/AAAAAAAAGog/GpeTJyCOdZ4/s400/IMG_8762.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My feet are always happy and well-exfoliated at White Sands! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDtXSUlVGtw/Tkk3wgscPqI/AAAAAAAAGo0/AdU9OVy41mE/s1600/IMG_8801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDtXSUlVGtw/Tkk3wgscPqI/AAAAAAAAGo0/AdU9OVy41mE/s400/IMG_8801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div>The kids were enjoying sledding the dunes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JM5bn0slLQ/Tkk2aBj6x-I/AAAAAAAAGok/2yMyi_GkrZw/s1600/IMG_8814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JM5bn0slLQ/Tkk2aBj6x-I/AAAAAAAAGok/2yMyi_GkrZw/s400/IMG_8814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBfU9iuG6q8/Tkk2imvRCHI/AAAAAAAAGoo/-VHqAXA6wao/s1600/IMG_2839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBfU9iuG6q8/Tkk2imvRCHI/AAAAAAAAGoo/-VHqAXA6wao/s400/IMG_2839.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>In case you're wondering, they heavier the saucer is, the faster it sleds down the dunes, hence the bucketful of sand all over my kid! Big Daddy snapped a quick pic with my girlie! I kinda love her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCQ6DSGeEms/Tkk26bV_QNI/AAAAAAAAGos/HpwmXPsE1gQ/s1600/IMG_8792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCQ6DSGeEms/Tkk26bV_QNI/AAAAAAAAGos/HpwmXPsE1gQ/s400/IMG_8792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>It was the dogs, however, that REALLY enjoyed White Sands with the complete and total reckless abandon that only a dog can understand! And they're off!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvWlYhAMvUs/Tkk4Mop5lgI/AAAAAAAAGo4/kqT1nboxmA8/s1600/IMG_8774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvWlYhAMvUs/Tkk4Mop5lgI/AAAAAAAAGo4/kqT1nboxmA8/s400/IMG_8774.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div>Well hello Roddy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXOYDzzXWdQ/Tkk4nP8g9zI/AAAAAAAAGo8/UevU-ImsylM/s1600/IMG_8775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXOYDzzXWdQ/Tkk4nP8g9zI/AAAAAAAAGo8/UevU-ImsylM/s400/IMG_8775.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb6_-SUJq2Y/Tkk4u2g6IiI/AAAAAAAAGpA/izhZnO8CAdU/s1600/IMG_8779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb6_-SUJq2Y/Tkk4u2g6IiI/AAAAAAAAGpA/izhZnO8CAdU/s400/IMG_8779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>And yes, Nigel too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lh1JZmT2eHs/Tkk5GteK_cI/AAAAAAAAGpE/jAhFayNx-TU/s1600/IMG_2818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lh1JZmT2eHs/Tkk5GteK_cI/AAAAAAAAGpE/jAhFayNx-TU/s400/IMG_2818.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>He got hot though, and Big Daddy had discovered that the sand under the surface was damp and cool. I have NEVER seen a dog that was even remotely OK with getting buried in the sand. But he LOVED it!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzpcXVk2dUs/Tkk6vBcGBWI/AAAAAAAAGpM/iz6aE2zvf3k/s1600/IMG_8778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzpcXVk2dUs/Tkk6vBcGBWI/AAAAAAAAGpM/iz6aE2zvf3k/s400/IMG_8778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Roddy got hot too, but he wouldn't let us bury him, so he just panted...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-eP5-bElNE/Tkk7E2SBfZI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/Efwri0zl3_o/s1600/IMG_2820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-eP5-bElNE/Tkk7E2SBfZI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/Efwri0zl3_o/s400/IMG_2820.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>and PANTED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HaEu1wyFCSg/Tkk7OfGXyEI/AAAAAAAAGpU/FXyQIgeafTE/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HaEu1wyFCSg/Tkk7OfGXyEI/AAAAAAAAGpU/FXyQIgeafTE/s400/IMG_2823.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>They finally mellowed out just as the storm started rolling in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtsBUChJv7Q/Tkk7amBX8pI/AAAAAAAAGpY/MCkKWGEOCrE/s1600/IMG_2831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtsBUChJv7Q/Tkk7amBX8pI/AAAAAAAAGpY/MCkKWGEOCrE/s400/IMG_2831.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Can you see the rain in the background? So awesome! I have to admit, it was a bit of a pisser to have our evening cut short, not to mention the fact that glorious photos of the girl were not to be, but hey, New Mexico has been hit by this drought as bad as Texas and I was beyond thrilled to see the lightning and smell the rain! It finally started raining, COLD, life giving rain right as we were piling in the car. It was beautiful! So I forgave Mother Nature for screwing up my photo shoot! Besides, we all had fun playing in the sand and that's really what it was all about anyway! I hear that October is the best time to visit White Sands, so I think next year we'll plan a dual trip to take in Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque then head to Ruidoso for a week to enjoy fall in the mountains! Counting the days baby, counting the days!<br />
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</div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-13614004933392300932011-08-12T11:38:00.001-05:002011-08-12T11:39:34.916-05:00Escape to the Mountains: Little HummersThose of you that have been following along with my blog for awhile know that I like to travel! And I also like to post full-blown trip logs of my adventures. Well, the fact is, now that the kids are a bit bigger and we have so many commitments, it is really hard to sit down and knock out a full trip log chronicling an entire week in one sitting. SO... I have decided to break things down in smaller more do-able increments! I hope you still enjoy reading them!<br />
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Our family doesn't have the cash flow to travel to wonderful, exotic locations. It's hard to save up for big trips on a single income! But we are so lucky to have our little cabin in the mountains of New Mexico! It's strange, we've been going there for years (and by that I mean close to 20 years!) and we have done everything there is to do in and around Ruidoso, but you know what? I have NEVER grown tired of this place. I mean really, how could you? Fresh, pine-scented air, cool mountain temps (20* less than the hell we call home in Central Texas) and abundant wildlife. Not to mention a deck that just cannot be rivaled! We spend most of our time sitting on the deck waiting and watching and RELAXING.<br />
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Some of our favorite cabin visitors are the hummingbirds! As soon as we arrive, we make up fresh nectar and hang out the feeders and within an hour we have hummingbirds out the wazoo! Big Daddy took it upon himself to try to get some great pics of the little beasties, and I can say from experience, it is WAY harder than it looks! But I think he did a great job, check it out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0uiM9ombAs/TkVQ7L5XtQI/AAAAAAAAGnE/IIAGXXQYIBs/s1600/IMG_9016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0uiM9ombAs/TkVQ7L5XtQI/AAAAAAAAGnE/IIAGXXQYIBs/s400/IMG_9016.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gB-2UfenSGk/TkVRHLmT5EI/AAAAAAAAGnI/M0aUdSS2fHw/s1600/IMG_9017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gB-2UfenSGk/TkVRHLmT5EI/AAAAAAAAGnI/M0aUdSS2fHw/s400/IMG_9017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you ever wondered what a hummingbird tongue looks like, click on this pic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-xmrtZV_oQ/TkVRYsXaLJI/AAAAAAAAGnM/KWTgh8xdyCY/s1600/IMG_9297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-xmrtZV_oQ/TkVRYsXaLJI/AAAAAAAAGnM/KWTgh8xdyCY/s400/IMG_9297.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you get any sweeter?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2bDNl-ObPY/TkVRs25i-3I/AAAAAAAAGnQ/u3ECKKk-9sA/s1600/IMG_9266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2bDNl-ObPY/TkVRs25i-3I/AAAAAAAAGnQ/u3ECKKk-9sA/s400/IMG_9266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>And then came the fattest little hummer we've ever seen! This little thing was beyond plump! Not sure if it was just well fed or maybe a female with eggs? Either way, too cute!<br />
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Coming in for a landing! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_q25xpNDWXY/TkVSNzYpyWI/AAAAAAAAGnU/BhFW7_I8xYw/s1600/IMG_9404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_q25xpNDWXY/TkVSNzYpyWI/AAAAAAAAGnU/BhFW7_I8xYw/s400/IMG_9404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grRs1ndEX1g/TkVSZiqXmrI/AAAAAAAAGnY/FwHu0MySPsg/s1600/IMG_9412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grRs1ndEX1g/TkVSZiqXmrI/AAAAAAAAGnY/FwHu0MySPsg/s400/IMG_9412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJcSWRQI-iU/TkVShJGjB0I/AAAAAAAAGnc/IAFOgH0Ab04/s1600/IMG_9438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJcSWRQI-iU/TkVShJGjB0I/AAAAAAAAGnc/IAFOgH0Ab04/s400/IMG_9438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9KOtLzI3q4/TkVSxyaaeGI/AAAAAAAAGno/dFt-PX8qia8/s1600/IMG_9443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9KOtLzI3q4/TkVSxyaaeGI/AAAAAAAAGno/dFt-PX8qia8/s400/IMG_9443.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L82lKJUxdh8/TkVSocv2jbI/AAAAAAAAGnk/SQH1KU2FMNw/s1600/IMG_9429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L82lKJUxdh8/TkVSocv2jbI/AAAAAAAAGnk/SQH1KU2FMNw/s400/IMG_9429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our second morning we had the fortune/misfortune of finding a hummingbird on the ground. My mom found the little thing flopping around in the driveway. We picked her up and my mom tried to warm her while I mixed up some fresh nectar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zGO0R00A7A/TkVT3HcvoKI/AAAAAAAAGns/4kaX0Ts8URk/s1600/IMG_2758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zGO0R00A7A/TkVT3HcvoKI/AAAAAAAAGns/4kaX0Ts8URk/s400/IMG_2758.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She ate well and started trying to flap her little wings. She just couldn't seem to take off though. We think her wing may have been broken. We allowed the kids to hold her gently, I mean after all, how often does a kid get to hold something that small and delicate. It was like holding a cotton puff in your hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnX1giKs6oI/TkVUfcSUkHI/AAAAAAAAGnw/U9lveoTTyG4/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnX1giKs6oI/TkVUfcSUkHI/AAAAAAAAGnw/U9lveoTTyG4/s400/IMG_2761.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a bit, we fed her some more and I settled her in the lower branches of a tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mqND1V4TAc/TkVU3z6BmzI/AAAAAAAAGn0/8HNTGw-54X8/s1600/IMG_2763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7mqND1V4TAc/TkVU3z6BmzI/AAAAAAAAGn0/8HNTGw-54X8/s400/IMG_2763.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're not sure what became of her. I went back to the spot and walked around the area about an hour later and there was no sign of her. Not sure if she died or if something got her, or if by some chance her wing wasn't broken and whatever the problem was, she was able to work it out and fly off. We are all hoping it was the latter, and honestly, as far as my kids are concerned it was. The Piggy was in tears over our little guest and I was in tears seeing my sweet girl broken hearted. All she wanted was for this sweet little bird to fly away "to be with her Mama and Daddy and her friends". Both of the kids were terribly concerned about her and although I know death is a part of life, I figured optimism was the best choice in this case. So we are hoping "Little Hummer" is flying around Ruidoso visiting every flower and feeder in the upper canyon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But on a happy note, the rest of our time at the cabin was spent observing and enjoying probably a hundred of these little beauties! They swooped around, buzzed our heads when we got too close to the feeders and spent endless hours chasing each other around and away from the feeders! Those little Rufous Hummingbirds are quite the territorial little farts! Stay tuned for more adventures! </div><br />
Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-687861378871955592011-06-27T11:23:00.000-05:002011-06-27T11:23:24.930-05:00Padre Island or Bust!Last week was the Piggy's 5th birthday! I can hardly believe it! A couple of weeks ago I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and she told me she wanted to build a sand castle! And so began the planning! At first we were thinking of South Padre, but it is SUCH a long drive and the hotel we wanted was booked. So we settled on a place on Padre Island up by Corpus Christi. A win/win really as Corpus had several nice activities to add to our itinerary.<br />
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The drive out was nice, it actually RAINED the night before we left, so everything was overcast and a bit cooler and you can't beat that for traveling weather! When we arrived, everything was still pretty cloudy. We were too early for check-in, so we drove around the island a bit, trying to get a feel for things. We stopped by a pier, since the kiddos have never seen a pier, much less been on one. We were shocked to find out that this particular pier wasn't FREE! You had to pay $2 a head to get out on it! We paid it, just so the kids could experience it, but what a crock! The kids were impressed by all the fishermen and the seagulls, not to mention the churning ocean water. Since a storm had recently passed through, everything was wild out there. It definitely gives you a healthy respect for the ocean when you see it like that. After getting our fill of the pier, we cruised around on the beach, letting the kids get their toes in the sand. They LOVED it! The Piggy was all about the soft sand and the Monkey Man was all about the cool water! It started to rain again, so we packed everyone up, headed to the hotel and got settled. We were all hungry, so we perused the Island guides to see how the restaurants rated and decided to go to <a href="http://docsseafoodandsteaks.com/">Doc's</a>. It was a nice looking restaurant on the bay with a great view and it was supposed to be affordable. Well let's just say, this restaurant was the worst mistake of our trip! The margaritas were mediocre at best, the crab cake appetizer was cold inside and our main dishes were LAME! And if that wasn't bad enough, we were out something like $85 for this crappy meal and we only ordered 3 entrees! The one thing that was good was the sourdough bread, but unless you want to have a great view and only eat a basket of sourdough bread, I would steer clear of this place! Serious two thumbs down! We would have been much better served spending $15 at Sonic and calling it a night. On the bright side, by the time we got back to the hotel, the sunset was gorgeous! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8uZjh7eE_E/TgiS4VaJG7I/AAAAAAAAGfc/PD0S3STL-3Y/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8uZjh7eE_E/TgiS4VaJG7I/AAAAAAAAGfc/PD0S3STL-3Y/s400/IMG_2527.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next morning we got up early to head to the beach. Sadly, the Piggy had a rough morning and stayed back at the hotel with Big Daddy while the Monkey and I went to explore the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm">Padre Island National Seashore. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ0IBNyysDs/TgiU1VI9AGI/AAAAAAAAGfs/GpmDZyXKh7Q/s1600/P6230001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ0IBNyysDs/TgiU1VI9AGI/AAAAAAAAGfs/GpmDZyXKh7Q/s400/P6230001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Visitor's Center was REALLY nice here. The rangers were very informative and more than happy to talk birds with the boy for a half an hour! There was a little store, nice restroom facilities complete with showers and changing rooms, and the beach itself was so much nicer than the other beaches we saw on the island. Since this is a National Park, you have to pay a fee to get in ($10 for a 7 day pass), but it was well worth it for the facilities and the cleanliness of the beach. It was still early and still overcast when we made it down to the water, and it was pristine and there was hardly a soul in sight, other than the seagulls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va_NAhlvqOE/TgiTv26qzLI/AAAAAAAAGfg/pBb-5Gnmlak/s1600/P6230006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va_NAhlvqOE/TgiTv26qzLI/AAAAAAAAGfg/pBb-5Gnmlak/s400/P6230006.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The boy decided to test out the water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dg77qpxw9U/TgiUFWJXhOI/AAAAAAAAGfk/1aVCnE-NjIo/s1600/P6230012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dg77qpxw9U/TgiUFWJXhOI/AAAAAAAAGfk/1aVCnE-NjIo/s400/P6230012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We found tons of little clams under the surface of the sand. They were so pretty and we both just loved watching them burrow back under the sand when a wave would uncover them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXw2OB5ngdg/TgiUWOXrUrI/AAAAAAAAGfo/Dz3bvSEHv80/s1600/P6230009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXw2OB5ngdg/TgiUWOXrUrI/AAAAAAAAGfo/Dz3bvSEHv80/s400/P6230009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After about an hour of exploring, I couldn't stand it anymore, I had to head back into town and get the rest of my family! It just didn't feel right without them! By the time we returned, the sun was starting to peek through the clouds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdr4hCbj7k4/TgiVRlGYZkI/AAAAAAAAGfw/_nf6oRRlfhM/s1600/P6230027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdr4hCbj7k4/TgiVRlGYZkI/AAAAAAAAGfw/_nf6oRRlfhM/s400/P6230027.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>We munched our picnic and then it was time to explore and have fun! By then the sun was out in full force and life was good!<br />
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Here are some of the things we found... This is a crab hole.<br />
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I felt the need to tell everyone to shut their crab holes quite a lot that day! <br />
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This is a Portuguese Man O' War that was washed up on the beach. <br />
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Luckily no one touched it's tentacles and therefore no one had to get peed on! And just as an FYI, supposedly vinegar and/or meat tenderizer helps with jellyfish stings as well, which may be less messy than trying to pee on your foot! <br />
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There were sandpipers galore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaEv0dHakmc/TgiWoyUzY1I/AAAAAAAAGf8/K-55K6fB-0w/s1600/IMG_2539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaEv0dHakmc/TgiWoyUzY1I/AAAAAAAAGf8/K-55K6fB-0w/s400/IMG_2539.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
And a beautiful Great Blue Heron that seemed to just be hanging out watching what everyone was doing. And can I just say those are some BIG damn birds!<br />
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We found ourselves a sweet, little piece of real estate, not too close to other folks and not too far from the Visitor's Center with all the facilities.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2x4UA4Df7Xc/TgiZ2wQNj6I/AAAAAAAAGgE/OCR4T4WEORE/s1600/IMG_2532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2x4UA4Df7Xc/TgiZ2wQNj6I/AAAAAAAAGgE/OCR4T4WEORE/s400/IMG_2532.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The umbrella was one of the best purchases I made before the trip ($19.99 @ Costco), along with the boogie boards. Now if you remember from earlier, the Piggy wanted to build sand castles for her birthday. Well as it turns out, the Piggy likes the "idea" of sand castles, but not so much the actual work! Here she is contemplating her game plan as she goes over the blueprints in her head!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_cr77gdRkQ/TgiakGx4nvI/AAAAAAAAGgI/CyhTOcJRESI/s1600/P6230032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_cr77gdRkQ/TgiakGx4nvI/AAAAAAAAGgI/CyhTOcJRESI/s400/P6230032.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
You've got to have the appropriate tools!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GS2hzGDY_fY/TgiaulevVWI/AAAAAAAAGgM/cdRaYFOKAU0/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GS2hzGDY_fY/TgiaulevVWI/AAAAAAAAGgM/cdRaYFOKAU0/s400/IMG_2562.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
But reality set in fast and she lost interest in her sand castles and decided to go explore the water! So Mama decided to build a sand turtle instead! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz2b6p5j7Og/TgibZE-vmII/AAAAAAAAGgQ/Bk7vLjh60M4/s1600/IMG_2621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz2b6p5j7Og/TgibZE-vmII/AAAAAAAAGgQ/Bk7vLjh60M4/s400/IMG_2621.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>And just as a side note, the Visitor's Center at Malachite Beach has Kemp's Sea Turtle hatchling releases throughout the summer. If you are lucky enough to be in town during a release date, you can call a hotline the night before to find out if the release is happening and then show up the next morning at 6:30am to witness the release! We had hoped to see one of these, but none of the clutches were ready for release during our stay. But for anyone interested in sea turtles, what a great opportunity!<br />
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The Monkey Man was all about learning how to boogie board, so he and his father decided to head out and try their luck in the waves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4oWNq5Ogaw/Tgibp3M3c5I/AAAAAAAAGgU/H0Zro8ow5u4/s1600/P6230034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4oWNq5Ogaw/Tgibp3M3c5I/AAAAAAAAGgU/H0Zro8ow5u4/s400/P6230034.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
At first he needed a little help, but before long he was goin' solo and that is pretty much where he stayed ALL DAY, which is amazing because I tried it and after about 20 minutes of getting the crap beat out of me by the waves, I was EXHAUSTED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbDAuO_8TZM/Tgib4IrUzvI/AAAAAAAAGgY/i5Sc0Jen3Nc/s1600/IMG_2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbDAuO_8TZM/Tgib4IrUzvI/AAAAAAAAGgY/i5Sc0Jen3Nc/s400/IMG_2555.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
I made a new friend, well, maybe not a friend exactly, he laughed too much and I'm pretty sure it was at my expense!<br />
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I was in love with the pelicans, so cool and so graceful, at least in flight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkSuDBavX7g/Tgic4jCSWbI/AAAAAAAAGgg/18SjgMwdsEM/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkSuDBavX7g/Tgic4jCSWbI/AAAAAAAAGgg/18SjgMwdsEM/s400/IMG_2607.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
And yes, I admit it, I caught crabs at the beach! I didn't mean to, but I just couldn't help myself!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pG81DoE5YuM/TgidB1WnRsI/AAAAAAAAGgk/6raRzZJ7OxU/s1600/IMG_2611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pG81DoE5YuM/TgidB1WnRsI/AAAAAAAAGgk/6raRzZJ7OxU/s400/IMG_2611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Isn't it pretty with its bright blue legs? It was a very nice crab, and it didn't even try to pinch me once! I caught a sand flea too, but for some reason didn't take a picture of it, go figure?<br />
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Late afternoon we called it quits, we were all a bit burnt and crispy and completely worn out! So we showered and packed up to head into town. The girl at the Visitor's Center had told us that if we wanted to see dolphins we should head over to Port Aransas where the ferry is. So we took that little drive up Mustang Island, found a little pier off the beaten path and sure enough... dolphins!<br />
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I was so happy because it wasn't just adult dolphins, there were BABIES! They were no more than 2 or 3 ft. long and they were flipping around and splashing and just being kids! Sadly, none of the photos turned out that well, they were just TOO fast and TOO crazy! We did, however, get to see a pelican up close and personal!<br />
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Have I mentioned how much I adore pelicans?<br />
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We ended up having dinner at The Parrot, The Peg and The Patch in Port Aransas. It was a cute little burger joint with outdoor seating and good service. The teriyaki burger with pineapple was by far the best! Poor Monkey Man had to endure me stealing bites throughout the meal! A much better deal than stinky, ol' Doc's!<br />
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The next day was all about Corpus Christi. We got up early and headed to the Texas State Aquarium. The kids LOVED the dolphin exhibit!<br />
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And Merlin the otter!<br />
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But the highlight of the day was the escaped Harris Hawk! This bird was NOT about to come down and cooperate and the staff were running around like crazy trying to nab her. Because of her antics, the Bird of Prey show had to be canceled, but in all actuality, we got a bit of a show anyway watching her interact with Grace the Bald Eagle who was NOT happy about this hawk who kept landing on her enclosure!<br />
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And for those that haven't been to the aquarium in awhile, they have a very nice little splash pad that the kids enjoyed immensely! On our way out of the aquarium, I stopped for a quick pic of the Lexington.<br />
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I wish we could have gone on board to see it, but alas, the fiasco at Doc's didn't leave us with the budget to see it. Maybe next time. <br />
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We headed back to Padre Island for some souvenir shopping. I mean really, who can resist shopping in a place with a ginormous plaster shark for a doorway?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZruSW0U_ig/Tgil2mOQNwI/AAAAAAAAGhA/5DfB8CIPMpI/s1600/IMG_2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZruSW0U_ig/Tgil2mOQNwI/AAAAAAAAGhA/5DfB8CIPMpI/s400/IMG_2645.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
Later that night we headed to a <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t482">Corpus Christi Hooks</a> baseball game at Whataburger Field where we managed to get front row seats right next to the home team dugout and it was Friday Night Fireworks! Did you know that Corpus Christi was the birthplace of Whataburger? I didn't, but I do now!<br />
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The next morning we planned to get up and head to the beach for one last hoorah, but Mother Nature had other plans. It was pouring! So we packed up early to head for home. I was bummed we didn't get to make one last sand castle and I didn't get to shoot one particular photo, but hey, Corpus has been in this drought too, so badly in fact, that many of the local birds have left due to the lack of fresh water. So we were happy that they were getting some much needed rain. Now if we could have managed to get it to follow us home!<br />
<br />
We had a great time and we really did it up for my baby's birthday. I hope she will remember all the fun we had. I learned that my girl is a total beach bunny (she takes after her Mama!) and my son has more stamina and energy than should be humanly possible! I also have a new found love of the Texas Coast. Years ago, we visited Port Aransas and I was stunned to see a bunch of rednecks with their trucks backed up on the beach swilling beer and tossing trash everywhere and being that I was fresh from Oregon where the beaches are amazing and people actually pack out their trash, I was SO turned off. I mean obviously, it has been 7 years since I set foot on a Texas beach! But Padre Island was great, the National Seashore was beautiful and clean and I will be looking forward to going back soon!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-12871040139118890862011-06-06T12:54:00.000-05:002011-06-06T12:54:45.287-05:00Now THAT'S a bean!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj_TOL5NpTI/Te0TUcqIU4I/AAAAAAAAGfA/3VQX4JnzgzQ/s1600/IMG_2436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj_TOL5NpTI/Te0TUcqIU4I/AAAAAAAAGfA/3VQX4JnzgzQ/s400/IMG_2436.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I am so glad someone clued me in on these little beauties! The vines seem to be doing well, even in the 100* heat. The flowers are open when it's cool in the morning and I started noticing actual bean pods about a week ago. They are now about a foot long! I still have to wait though, 18" is optimal! I expect to harvest this weekend! It's about damn time!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-6007423872544414312011-05-31T11:23:00.000-05:002011-05-31T11:23:53.553-05:00The Unexpected Guest!Before I get to my visitor, I just wanted to share a couple of finds from the garden today. Who knew yard long beans produced such a lovely flower?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MJCMCS213o/TeUTDwZMH8I/AAAAAAAAGb4/ClFQQfxICMY/s1600/IMG_2423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MJCMCS213o/TeUTDwZMH8I/AAAAAAAAGb4/ClFQQfxICMY/s400/IMG_2423.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Not me! I'm used to the white flower the black-eyed peas produce, which is pretty too, but nothing compared to this gorgeous purple! I can't wait until the entire vine is covered in flowers!<br />
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Purple seems to be the theme today as I also discovered my first little bunch of fairytale eggplant! Aren't they sweet?!? I see curry in my future!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clWNV4xiNXk/TeUT-n1-roI/AAAAAAAAGb8/REW_NVLAZHU/s1600/IMG_2425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clWNV4xiNXk/TeUT-n1-roI/AAAAAAAAGb8/REW_NVLAZHU/s400/IMG_2425.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>But as cute as the eggplant are, they just can't hold a candle to this most welcome visitor in my garden...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46Jx_T2GMsE/TeUUT-8A2jI/AAAAAAAAGcA/6cs_CHH8rk4/s1600/IMG_2427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46Jx_T2GMsE/TeUUT-8A2jI/AAAAAAAAGcA/6cs_CHH8rk4/s400/IMG_2427.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I can't believe I actually saw this little guy! It was less than an inch long, but I'm thinking must still be pretty lethal as it was licking some juicy, buggy morsel off of its little front legs! More power to it! I hope it has many brothers and sisters living on my tomato vines and throughout the garden! Something tells me they could do a helluva lot better than ABC Pest and Lawn AND they use totally organic methods! ;)Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-21010362563715443182011-05-25T13:33:00.001-05:002011-05-25T13:35:17.365-05:00Summer garden is shaping up!I went out to water this morning and what did I find?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBNGRIdGgQ0/Td1I0rTo3PI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/cE6W9hISKvo/s1600/IMG_2403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBNGRIdGgQ0/Td1I0rTo3PI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/cE6W9hISKvo/s400/IMG_2403.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Hehehehehehe! Actually three of the 6 tomato vines have baby tomatoes and I'm SO excited! I don't know why I was so surprised and mean look at these big, beautiful things! The one in the back is almost as tall as me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5AT6tAasdQ/Td1JJdF9p0I/AAAAAAAAGbU/1UhG4XQZ9KY/s1600/IMG_2404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5AT6tAasdQ/Td1JJdF9p0I/AAAAAAAAGbU/1UhG4XQZ9KY/s400/IMG_2404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So far, eggplant is growing and flowering well, my burgundy okra is flowering (we found 3 little okra this morning), chives are kickin', parsley is out of control (which is good because I wanted there to be enough for me AND the caterpillars!), the regular okra is growing well and the Chinese green beans (aka yard long beans) are already to the top of their tepees, not sure what happens now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9nx8QGTEPU/Td1KJtOaoUI/AAAAAAAAGbY/zlZLj1z_Iho/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9nx8QGTEPU/Td1KJtOaoUI/AAAAAAAAGbY/zlZLj1z_Iho/s400/IMG_2401.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A close up of those gorgeous beans! Now let's hope they produce as well as they grow! My goal is to have a freezer full of green beans by the end of summer!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwZ9Z3Ul_aw/Td1KfAdAQYI/AAAAAAAAGbg/uq8DLzdTmPQ/s1600/IMG_2405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwZ9Z3Ul_aw/Td1KfAdAQYI/AAAAAAAAGbg/uq8DLzdTmPQ/s400/IMG_2405.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Black-eyed peas are doin' their thing as well. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my little garden? I've gotta say though, this drought isn't helping! First we had a sucky winter that damn near killed off that season's garden, now I'm fighting with this drought. Note to the gods of weather: Please send some good drenching rain at least twice a week for the next 4 months. We would greatly appreciate it if it were just rain. No hail, heavy wind or tornadoes. Thanks in advance!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-72579453192909159962011-05-23T12:21:00.004-05:002011-05-24T08:23:19.021-05:00California Adventures--Seal BeachYou know, I almost have to laugh when I refer to my time in California as an "adventure". Other than my aunt taking me on the long drive to Malibu to visit the Getty Villa, I spent most of my time hanging out in coffee shops playing on my iPad, farting around downtown Seal Beach, meandering through the streets taking pictures and swooning over glorious gardens and funky little cottages with million dollar price tags. Nothing terribly adventuresome there! But then again, this WAS the first time I have been away from my kids for more than an evening by myself. So although I wasn't windsurfing or sky-diving, I suppose the "adventure" was finding myself again! I think sometimes people don't realize how hard it is to have that inner dialogue when you have kids constantly interrupting that and jamming the signal! It was an "adventure" in peace and quiet and in not having to worry about someone else's needs. As a stay-at-home mom, I can tell you, those moments are PRICELESS! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my kids big time and I certainly don't regret my decision to stay home with them, BUT it really was so incredibly nice to just have a few days to do what I wanted to do without worrying about who needs to go potty and who's hungry or tired or grumpy. <br />
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Welcome to Seal Beach, California! It's a sweet, little town nestled in between Long Beach and Huntington Beach with a thriving downtown, a beautiful public beach and California's second longest wooden pier and the PERFECT place to laze around for 3 days!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYR1E8CH4fg/TdqL2dGQVUI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/gZ-Obj8Oqys/s1600/IMG_6864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYR1E8CH4fg/TdqL2dGQVUI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/gZ-Obj8Oqys/s400/IMG_6864.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>"Slick" the mascot<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w10Lf9FdRI/TdqNHe7XM4I/AAAAAAAAGaA/JQZpMWqAkj4/s1600/IMG_6861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w10Lf9FdRI/TdqNHe7XM4I/AAAAAAAAGaA/JQZpMWqAkj4/s400/IMG_6861.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The Seal Beach Administration Building (Blue skies and palm trees, gotta love it!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oOJp8Fcx_nM/TdqNVHShKBI/AAAAAAAAGaE/emTSpljocgI/s1600/IMG_6854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oOJp8Fcx_nM/TdqNVHShKBI/AAAAAAAAGaE/emTSpljocgI/s400/IMG_6854.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Granted, most of the kitschy little cottages have been bought, torn down and replaced with McMansions, but there are few of the 50's, old-school cottages. They are of course my favorites!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxmoKuOglsQ/TdqOX8KyzkI/AAAAAAAAGaI/mXZvzaOwwQ8/s1600/IMG_6870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxmoKuOglsQ/TdqOX8KyzkI/AAAAAAAAGaI/mXZvzaOwwQ8/s400/IMG_6870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzf1G4N5M8M/TdqOktLpBCI/AAAAAAAAGaM/jHw64kbvkNE/s1600/IMG_6867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzf1G4N5M8M/TdqOktLpBCI/AAAAAAAAGaM/jHw64kbvkNE/s400/IMG_6867.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>And although I adore the cottages, this particular beachside beauty caught my eye. I'm trying to talk Big Daddy into springing for it, but I have this gut feeling the answer's gonna be no. :( And in case you were wondering, this IS one home!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBuhXT8oWes/TdqPEWFurVI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/HGorLey-Di8/s1600/IMG_6936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBuhXT8oWes/TdqPEWFurVI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/HGorLey-Di8/s400/IMG_6936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Almost every house has a little garden and the stuff that grows there in that mild, salty air is incredible! Some things I recognized like lantana and roses, but most of the stuff I had know idea what it was, but the streets were just full of color!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6azajqRk78/TdqPXSN7Z3I/AAAAAAAAGaU/0BmHnfGw9sQ/s1600/IMG_6872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6azajqRk78/TdqPXSN7Z3I/AAAAAAAAGaU/0BmHnfGw9sQ/s400/IMG_6872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Rx0yg7ZqoE/TdqQG1S4LiI/AAAAAAAAGaY/3HbCeaQZujw/s1600/IMG_6869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Rx0yg7ZqoE/TdqQG1S4LiI/AAAAAAAAGaY/3HbCeaQZujw/s400/IMG_6869.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mean really, I haven't seen a rose like this since I lived in Portland.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsDDStsFgMU/TdqQXUvJoOI/AAAAAAAAGac/YbX2zP7ETcI/s1600/IMG_6873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsDDStsFgMU/TdqQXUvJoOI/AAAAAAAAGac/YbX2zP7ETcI/s400/IMG_6873.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the ice plant on the beach!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kehqdj-lRng/TdqQkvDAMZI/AAAAAAAAGag/rArrYtfKBe0/s1600/IMG_6858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kehqdj-lRng/TdqQkvDAMZI/AAAAAAAAGag/rArrYtfKBe0/s400/IMG_6858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Downtown has lots to offer, funky little shops, lots of restaurants, and we can't forget the<a href="http://sealbeachhistoricalsociety.com/id1.html"> Red Car Museum!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZSYOAIRStY/TdqQ9R1uSaI/AAAAAAAAGak/jY4gF7IH9xQ/s1600/IMG_6883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZSYOAIRStY/TdqQ9R1uSaI/AAAAAAAAGak/jY4gF7IH9xQ/s400/IMG_6883.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also adored Brisa's Old Town Garden. If I could have, I would have bought the place out! I haven't seen plants that green and gorgeous in years!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syi7X9gmGEE/TdqSV-HjI9I/AAAAAAAAGao/CF7ZMPrOc-s/s1600/IMG_2345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syi7X9gmGEE/TdqSV-HjI9I/AAAAAAAAGao/CF7ZMPrOc-s/s400/IMG_2345.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were a couple of antique shops, and I just couldn't resist a picture of this. I was thinking how cute that thing would be in my backyard with baskets full of petunias or geraniums!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIXC5qN2LTs/TdqVGCyNESI/AAAAAAAAGa4/jczQCVOPlGs/s1600/IMG_6885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIXC5qN2LTs/TdqVGCyNESI/AAAAAAAAGa4/jczQCVOPlGs/s400/IMG_6885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And did I mention the pier? The longest wooden pier in California? Needless to say after walking to the end and back with the heavy ocean breezes, I was a bit winded! So cool though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xICzxfGAKcA/TdqVS-LxF2I/AAAAAAAAGa8/SxyLMVhZmqw/s1600/IMG_6840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xICzxfGAKcA/TdqVS-LxF2I/AAAAAAAAGa8/SxyLMVhZmqw/s400/IMG_6840.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And what is the beach without seagulls?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uq7xt5b1AsM/TdqVlHkYQLI/AAAAAAAAGbA/fICqT6f4uWE/s1600/IMG_6842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uq7xt5b1AsM/TdqVlHkYQLI/AAAAAAAAGbA/fICqT6f4uWE/s400/IMG_6842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdi-bf-dWu0/TdqVtvyC_-I/AAAAAAAAGbE/HgF3bSrUMjY/s1600/IMG_6833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdi-bf-dWu0/TdqVtvyC_-I/AAAAAAAAGbE/HgF3bSrUMjY/s400/IMG_6833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isn't he a beauty? This was a lucky shot though. He flew off moments later! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of the day, I started walking home around sunset and turned for a last look at the beach for the evening and couldn't help but get a shot of the pier in the far distance with the beautiful, wind-blown palm trees and the moon rising... just stunning. California was definitely a nice change of scenery!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGeOsye18I4/TdqW7K_3sVI/AAAAAAAAGbI/SyL0Kq7z7JE/s1600/IMG_6849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGeOsye18I4/TdqW7K_3sVI/AAAAAAAAGbI/SyL0Kq7z7JE/s400/IMG_6849.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you have enjoyed my little photo journal of Seal Beach. I will probably annoy you with another couple of California posts before it's all said and done, but what can I say, I love to travel, I love to take pictures and I love to share my adventures! Does anyone know how I could get a job with the travel channel?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-79941592793231624742011-05-16T12:14:00.000-05:002011-05-16T12:14:17.542-05:00California Adventures-The Getty Villa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIP7gve5Mcs/TdFJV7steGI/AAAAAAAAGYk/wpWhzl96WYk/s1600/IMG_2328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIP7gve5Mcs/TdFJV7steGI/AAAAAAAAGYk/wpWhzl96WYk/s320/IMG_2328.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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Up on a hillside in Malibu there is a most magnificent museum called the<a href="http://www.getty.edu/visit/"> Getty Villa</a>. The Villa is modeled after a Roman country house, the Villa dei Papiri, in Herculaneum which was buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The museum is entirely dedicated to arts and antiquities from the ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan cultures.<br />
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The view from the parking lot was breathtaking! I do miss the ocean! <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GW_n5uzboTU/TdFKQWfrUnI/AAAAAAAAGYo/3Z96YGtHbZQ/s1600/IMG_2329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GW_n5uzboTU/TdFKQWfrUnI/AAAAAAAAGYo/3Z96YGtHbZQ/s400/IMG_2329.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The wall along the path leading to the Villa was lined with the most beautiful pink roses that smelled AMAZING! And since I was on vacation with no kids, no hurries, and no timelines, I did truly stop and smell the roses!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn1ojp_kUuM/TdFK0M8l0II/AAAAAAAAGYs/OJTrO1mhQAs/s1600/IMG_2332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn1ojp_kUuM/TdFK0M8l0II/AAAAAAAAGYs/OJTrO1mhQAs/s400/IMG_2332.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> How's this for a fine welcome? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5ornmWNf6g/TdFL3hA_VnI/AAAAAAAAGYw/PwVzmefJW9s/s1600/IMG_6781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5ornmWNf6g/TdFL3hA_VnI/AAAAAAAAGYw/PwVzmefJW9s/s400/IMG_6781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This is the Outer Peristyle and seriously, it was so beautiful and so peaceful all I could think of is how much I would love to just come for an hour a day to read in this garden! Stunning. (And please, click on the photo to get the full view, you won't regret it!) I love the statue of the drunken satyr on the rock!<br />
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There were two long, open corridors surrounding the peristyle with beautiful columns, inlaid floors with mosaic tile and glorious ceilings. I couldn't keep from hearing that quote from "Jurassic Park" about how they "spared no expense"! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ1UPABelfk/TdFNEQj04jI/AAAAAAAAGY0/_RuDSByjhuM/s1600/IMG_6778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ1UPABelfk/TdFNEQj04jI/AAAAAAAAGY0/_RuDSByjhuM/s400/IMG_6778.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Here is a view looking out toward the ocean from the steps of the Villa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNWiaxu_gto/TdFNn9avm9I/AAAAAAAAGY4/JdnZD638CBw/s1600/IMG_6779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNWiaxu_gto/TdFNn9avm9I/AAAAAAAAGY4/JdnZD638CBw/s400/IMG_6779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Another one of the many halls with decadent floors, paintings and ceiling detail. They really didn't spare any expense! And although I would not have liked being the person that laid all the mosaic tile (pic to come momentarily), I would have loved to help paint this place! What a cool job!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKxo4-0wuas/TdFOUHW63TI/AAAAAAAAGY8/rwbx9hWRbsA/s1600/IMG_6752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKxo4-0wuas/TdFOUHW63TI/AAAAAAAAGY8/rwbx9hWRbsA/s400/IMG_6752.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course there was an herb garden, I mean what country estate wouldn't have a proper herb garden, not to mention the grapes. I hear later in summer the grapes are amazing and drape over the entire garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtkJAxLv9Kw/TdFPC6tlDyI/AAAAAAAAGZA/HBNDbMilQ10/s1600/IMG_6762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtkJAxLv9Kw/TdFPC6tlDyI/AAAAAAAAGZA/HBNDbMilQ10/s400/IMG_6762.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yes, in addition to all of the amazing gardens and architecture, there was art! Fancy that in a museum! There were every day items such as pottery, oil and perfume jars, weaponry and armor and statues, amazing statues like Venus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAoxX3NpFSI/TdFPzyE8Q4I/AAAAAAAAGZI/IZimKgBma8Y/s1600/IMG_6761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAoxX3NpFSI/TdFPzyE8Q4I/AAAAAAAAGZI/IZimKgBma8Y/s400/IMG_6761.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the busts of emperors like Augustus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7p5aayIogYk/TdFQGsB5qRI/AAAAAAAAGZM/9VfSbVWW_1s/s1600/IMG_6809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7p5aayIogYk/TdFQGsB5qRI/AAAAAAAAGZM/9VfSbVWW_1s/s400/IMG_6809.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite pieces was called "<a href="http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=8912">The Victorious Youth</a>" which according to their information is one of the few Greek bronzes that have actually survived. You will have to forgive the crappy quality of the photo, as this room was small, had strange lighting, flash photography was obviously not permitted and I was tripod-less! But the piece was so amazing that I still had to share. They found it in a shipwreck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUKaHjSh-yU/TdFRLwPGJDI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/cXX4ykSDYwM/s1600/IMG_6807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUKaHjSh-yU/TdFRLwPGJDI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/cXX4ykSDYwM/s400/IMG_6807.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were funerary pieces, I particularly liked this lion!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQJHrJX5yWg/TdFRsK-nV3I/AAAAAAAAGZU/B-v05jwjm9c/s1600/IMG_6813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQJHrJX5yWg/TdFRsK-nV3I/AAAAAAAAGZU/B-v05jwjm9c/s400/IMG_6813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This coffin was amazingly intricate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NdRVEjQ7pM/TdFSAIkDvoI/AAAAAAAAGZY/LZDFCg__0qQ/s1600/IMG_6749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NdRVEjQ7pM/TdFSAIkDvoI/AAAAAAAAGZY/LZDFCg__0qQ/s400/IMG_6749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now just look at the detail on the ceiling! Little animals and birds, flowers and butterflies, so beautiful! (You'll probably have to click on the photo to see it more clearly.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OB0EYJ3rhUo/TdFScs1RCbI/AAAAAAAAGZc/tTQWnGv3-N4/s1600/IMG_6776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OB0EYJ3rhUo/TdFScs1RCbI/AAAAAAAAGZc/tTQWnGv3-N4/s400/IMG_6776.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And remember the mosaic tile I was talking about? Here is the floor in the atrium. Each piece was maybe a half inch wide! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J0mbPYRCYM/TdFS5BKFHvI/AAAAAAAAGZg/WHJoEQoJMOU/s1600/IMG_6819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J0mbPYRCYM/TdFS5BKFHvI/AAAAAAAAGZg/WHJoEQoJMOU/s400/IMG_6819.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you passed through the atrium you went into the Inner Peristyle. The columns were so pretty, not to mention the wonderful tiles on the roof!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PA9H17g6xYA/TdFYe88jzLI/AAAAAAAAGZw/goYE3zS3Yq8/s1600/IMG_6816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PA9H17g6xYA/TdFYe88jzLI/AAAAAAAAGZw/goYE3zS3Yq8/s400/IMG_6816.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They had an amphitheater where, in summertime, they have classical drama performances. Wish I could have experienced that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wQFQM2j5CQ/TdFTabyYCZI/AAAAAAAAGZk/G8igRLRsNY0/s1600/IMG_6810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wQFQM2j5CQ/TdFTabyYCZI/AAAAAAAAGZk/G8igRLRsNY0/s400/IMG_6810.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of mosaic tile again, the fountain in the East Garden was incredible! So colorful and detailed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlDqpCnzM04/TdFUKqaxejI/AAAAAAAAGZo/F8axclujWsA/s1600/IMG_6792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlDqpCnzM04/TdFUKqaxejI/AAAAAAAAGZo/F8axclujWsA/s400/IMG_6792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last but not least, one of the last things I saw... the view from the upstairs balcony looking out over the Outer Peristyle. Please could I just live here for a week? I even promise not to swim in the pool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEDrxOmcPxI/TdFUqilu0ZI/AAAAAAAAGZs/XAaaF1_Chbc/s1600/IMG_6804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEDrxOmcPxI/TdFUqilu0ZI/AAAAAAAAGZs/XAaaF1_Chbc/s400/IMG_6804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to thank my auntie for taking the day off and fighting the traffic on the 405 so I could see this place! It was lovely! And although I enjoyed not having to call after the kids and worry about potty breaks and snack time, I did wish that my Monkey Man could have been there. He is a big fan of the Greeks, Romans and Etruscans. But most of all, I would HIGHLY recommend that if you are ever in the Los Angeles area, you really should take the time to see this place. The entrance is free, but an advance, timed parking ticket is required (I think it runs around $15). SO worth the effort though! I hope you enjoyed my little photo tour of the museum and although I posted quite a bit, it is truly just a taste of what was there! Oh, and the restaurant was nice, affordable and made the BEST peasant bread ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-3881161198863774922011-05-15T21:27:00.001-05:002011-05-15T21:28:19.546-05:00Little StinkersMy aunt has interesting neighbors. They have serious attitude, they are terrible troublemakers and worst of all... they STINK! But you can't hold a grudge because they are just cute to boot!<br />
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The culprits...<br />
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Minding their manners and trying very hard to look sweet...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Realizing the jig is up and making a dash for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd_A-g9m-3Y/TdCLXdHqW5I/AAAAAAAAGYc/ynZ2cQ5CkgQ/s1600/IMG_2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd_A-g9m-3Y/TdCLXdHqW5I/AAAAAAAAGYc/ynZ2cQ5CkgQ/s400/IMG_2393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I was outside with them and no, I didn't get sprayed! ;)</div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-20969552038257627372011-05-05T10:07:00.000-05:002011-05-05T10:07:25.552-05:00Very Tweet Little Birdhouses!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l897eYowrH4/TcK8suSMqWI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/9QY4uWNlbOQ/s1600/IMG_2257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l897eYowrH4/TcK8suSMqWI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/9QY4uWNlbOQ/s400/IMG_2257.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This year we have had oodles of birds around our property. The Monkey Man spends many of his mornings out front with his field guide and trying to identify them all. He is especially fond of the blue jays that seem to be considering making the nest in the ligustrum bush their home! As it turns out, last weekend the folks gave both kids little birdhouses to hang in the maple tree. These things are so cute! They are obviously meant for smaller birds, so maybe we'll get some finches or sparrows that like them. Whether they get occupied or not, they are just super sweet hanging in the tree! They are made from all recycled materials and are 100% recyclable themselves, which is always a good thing. If you think they're cute, they are by a company called "<a href="http://tweettweethome.com/about.html">Tweet Tweet Home</a>"!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-90659536394120393252011-04-07T14:14:00.003-05:002011-04-07T14:16:50.380-05:00Beet It!OK, sorry about the dumb reference to a Michael Jackson song, I just couldn't help it! Anyhoo... the other day I really hit the gardening jackpot! I was out watering and checking on things as I REALLY need to get the summer garden going but I still have winter garden stuff going strong. I decided to pull a beet or two, just to see how they were doing and you know what? They were doing FINE! So I pulled a big ol' bunch of them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xGmI06VGhI/TZ4J7HfAloI/AAAAAAAAGUE/XfsJ25mrwFU/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9xGmI06VGhI/TZ4J7HfAloI/AAAAAAAAGUE/XfsJ25mrwFU/s400/IMG_2087.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just look at that beautiful red! To die for! I washed them up and trimmed off the greens, which I'll be serving for dinner soon. Can I just say that I LOVE beets and turnips for this very reason! You can eat the leaves AND the roots. Super. Food. Awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXqYAhUm2Rk/TZ4MFsejRQI/AAAAAAAAGUI/CvO1EwqbA-I/s1600/IMG_2095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXqYAhUm2Rk/TZ4MFsejRQI/AAAAAAAAGUI/CvO1EwqbA-I/s400/IMG_2095.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I popped them into a pot of boiling water for about 30 min. (40 for some of the bigger ones). Then as I rinsed them in cold water, the skins just came right off and I was left with beautiful burgundy beets! So I let 'em cool off so I could slice 'em and then EAT 'em!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEARnOf33eg/TZ4MfteYsbI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/eJABxhIcmvo/s1600/IMG_2098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEARnOf33eg/TZ4MfteYsbI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/eJABxhIcmvo/s400/IMG_2098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And oh HELL YEAH, they were awesome! I have been nibbling on them periodically or serving them on every salad I eat! They have a nice bite and the texture puts those icky canned ones to shame! Now I'm on the lookout for the perfect beet salad!</div>Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390886556679547364.post-79628564889081546152011-04-05T18:32:00.000-05:002011-04-05T18:32:40.872-05:00Our First Cecropia!Last year I was good and remembered that my bug dealer has a much better selection in the fall, so I called him up and got all sorts of new critters for this year. As you saw earlier, the two polyphemus moths emerged the same evening and they were stunning, big moths, but today, the Granddaddy (or in this case Grandmama) of all moths emerged! Meet Hyalaphora cecropia, the largest North American moth...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqffDemixhk/TZuU-qGGI7I/AAAAAAAAGTw/9brEpshP8fc/s1600/IMG_2134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqffDemixhk/TZuU-qGGI7I/AAAAAAAAGTw/9brEpshP8fc/s400/IMG_2134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Had I managed to get the ruler straight, this moth would have almost a 6-inch wingspan! Impressive girl! This one has shown a very mild temperament, she didn't seem to be scared or mind being handled. The Monkey Man is completely in awe over her! And honestly, so am I! Here she is in all of her grandeur hanging out on the boy's knee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls7oh8Z7qiM/TZuioi7lzkI/AAAAAAAAGT0/2IXAhEIjz-I/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls7oh8Z7qiM/TZuioi7lzkI/AAAAAAAAGT0/2IXAhEIjz-I/s400/IMG_2102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The wing pattern is really striking. But it's her body that I am amazed by. She is fuzzy beyond belief and her abdomen has such amazing color. The next photo isn't optimal, but it's REALLY hard to get a photo in focus when the moth is "shivering" (making rapid wing movements when agitated).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAokdzWlu-k/TZujM9GWkkI/AAAAAAAAGT4/HT9ZncoUfBc/s1600/IMG_2107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAokdzWlu-k/TZujM9GWkkI/AAAAAAAAGT4/HT9ZncoUfBc/s400/IMG_2107.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The striped pattern is so cool. And was I kidding about the fuzziness?!?! The underneath portion of the wings are beautiful, but again, the body has such incredible color and patterns! She's all polka-dotty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRKgPbbK-lU/TZujw9VgSTI/AAAAAAAAGT8/wBQHnVl7pqA/s1600/IMG_2144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRKgPbbK-lU/TZujw9VgSTI/AAAAAAAAGT8/wBQHnVl7pqA/s400/IMG_2144.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>And what about the face? Is it the face only a mother could love? Nope, this moth is just about the sweetest looking creature I have ever seen! Just look at those big, black eyes and the feathery antennae! And the fuzzy orange legs!! Beyond cute! Click on photo to see EXTREME close-up! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxIMHu76hCA/TZukPpKJZ1I/AAAAAAAAGUA/bVk_L-7G8Bc/s1600/IMG_2149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxIMHu76hCA/TZukPpKJZ1I/AAAAAAAAGUA/bVk_L-7G8Bc/s400/IMG_2149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We are holding on to this little lovely until well after dark. We need to release her when the birds are asleep and the bats are less active. And as always, I am humbled by the beauty of this little animal. I wish her the best of luck and I hope her pheromones attract a big handsome boy and they make lots of baby cecropias! We need all the beauty we can get in this world!Little Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00958855326898083222noreply@blogger.com0