Blue Jean Bonanza!

Recently bought a new pair of jeans from Amazon. Loved them so decided to browse for another pair.  Now, I don't mind an unusual or unique fashion flair, but this is taking it too far!!

Do people actually purchase these styles?  Would these in some way flatter me?  Or would they suggest I'm a hooker? Slouch? Blind?

Christmas and New Year's Activities

The Blue Jacket Divas met up for dinner on December 12th at Rigos Latin restaurant.  Always fun catching up with each other especially since Perla was in town from Arizona.

December 13th we made our way to brother Jay's in Cannon Beach. Missing a few of the siblings but it was still fun.

I booked rooms to stay the night at the Inn at Haystack Rock. Sam and Shelly stayed; unfortunately, Jordan and Candy caught a bug so they had to stay home. 

This year we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. Made a big batch of crock pot seafood chowder which was a hit.

The top gift I received was a set of Wizard of Oz vintage dolls from Sam's girlfriend Shelly. They are fabulous!  Only item missing was the scarecrow, which I was able to purchase from Etsy.

What's funny was I gifted to Shelly a set of Wizard of Oz miniatures that I painted. She loved them!

Now that the new year has come and gone, my latest craft is watercolor painting. 

Happy New Year everybody!!

Bread and the Beach

Last Sunday I spent several hours baking to get ready for the annual family party this Saturday.  Made 10 loaves of cardamom bread, a huge batch of potato candy, and almost 20 pints of Friendship Tea.

To elaborate, first off I did not spend hours and hours mixing, raising, proving, and baking the bread. I'll admit it - i took the cheater's way out! Bought 10 loaves of frozen Rhodes bread dough, let thaw, mixed in a few teaspoons of cardamom, reshaped and baked. Hot out of tue oven I brushed the tops with Karo syrup and sprinkled with colored sugar.

For the potato candy, I used instant mashed potatoes, mixed in the coconut, and sliced into pieces. My twist was to roll them into small balls and dip into dark as well as semi-sweet chocolate so they are more like a Mounds truffle.  Turned out perfect!

Decided to make Russian Tea mix, which also goes by Friendship Tea.  Picked up large canisters of Lipton Iced Tea mix, Country Time Lemonade, and Tang. Yes, Tang!  I can't believe that stuff is still for sale!

Mixed up two batches of one canister of Tang to half a canister of iced tea and one-quarter canister of lemonade, added 2 cups of sugar, about 5 Tbs of cinnamon and 3 Tbs of cloves and mixed well.  Made a trial cup and it was pretty tasty!  Filled the jars, topped with a fabric square and done!

Tuesday we celebrated Candy's 50th birthday at Teri's restaurant. Haven't been there in years but will definitely be returning.  

Winter is here and it's been raining every single damn day!  Did take a cute photo of a hummingbird perched on the front bush, looking stately as he sat in the rain to determine his next adventure.

Friday we meet with the Blue Jacket Divas for dinner and the gift game. Then Saturday we make our our way to brother Jay's house in

 Cannon Beach for the family Christmas party. Rented three rooms at The Inn at Haystack Rock so we could all relax at the gathering and not rush home.  I'm looking forward  the mini-vacation at the beach!

Happy Thanksgiving 2025

Hard to believe 2025 is nearing to an end!  

We are hosting Thanksgiving this year. Manny did the cleaning and I'm doing the cooking. Planned ahead so potatoes, stuffing, and sides just need to be popped into the oven. To make it easier I bought smoked ham and turkey so they just need to be warmed up.  Also decided to play the white elephant game to add some fun to the event.

I've been feeding the neighborhood stray cat but have noticed the food is gone in the morning. Caught a raccoon a few times digging into the kibble so knew it was him. Stopped filling up the dish at night to avoid his plundering. Last night came outside and looked up to see Mr. Raccoon and his girl peering down at me from on top of the roof!  They were definitely begging for food! That's the first time I've ever seen one of those varmits on top of a roof.

Have been spending my free time drawing Wizard of Oz characters on 4x4 mini canvas.  Not sure what I'll do with them but sure is relaxing.

Surprised Manny this week with some Portugese food for Thanksgiving. Ran across shopportugese.com and purchased sweet bread, fava beans, linguicia,  sardines, and custard tarts. He was very surprised and in heaven!

Picked up some brand new timer lighted glass balls for $7.99 from Goodwill. Turns out they are worth $75!  Set them in my flower box.

Jordan gave me a nautical lantern and I turned it into a lighted display.

Have also been on a big kick with creating beach lighted displays. Me thinks it's time to refrain as there is only so much table space available!

Recent awesome sky display with incredible colors.

Enjoy your holiday weekend everyone!!

Come One, Come Owl

We've had ducks, we've had deer, we've had squirrels, birds, hawks, cats, and racoons. But last night was the first time we had an owl!!

Around 8pm we walked out on the porch. Moments later Manny said "wow - look at the owl!"  The owl had flown across the yard and perched himself atop our fence. He sat there and observed the yard, turning his neck back and forth. He even let me get close enough to take a few pictures, including some with the flash!

After about ten minutes, Mr. Owl flew from the fence and departed across the lawn back into the dark.  Perhaps he will visit again.