Antler Lake

This special spot holds lots of childhood memories...
it's a shame it's in jeopardy.
Judith Lavoie: Cash-strapped forestry companies are aiming their chainsaws at patches of old-growth trees in easily accessible areas as they struggle to keep costs down while harvesting high-value timber. The decision is leading to increased clashes with communities as companies log in areas close to towns, which have often been left alone for generations and therefore used as recreational areas. Get the full story HERE

Poppy Parade

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.
~Gerard de Nerval~

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Eggs and beans make a quick and easy dinner.

2. Simple Pleasures of the Garden is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of camping, baseball tournaments, roadtrips and swims in the river.

4. Who says it was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams to someone before breakfast it's bad luck.

6. It may be too late if you take too much time to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going grocery shopping (oh, have times changed! lol), tomorrow my plans include attending a family birthday party/bbq and Sunday, I want to play in the pool, read and enjoy time with the family!

Currently Reading

just started this book today...and although I do not have a green thumb at all, I'm enjoying it so far!

Recent Reads

I've been reading MHC books for decades...borrowed these three and had them read in two days! The Queen of Suspense definitely has me wanting to read on because once I start, it seems I cannot stop! Quick and easy reads--->perfect choices for my summer reading!

Taco Salad

It's a very quick and easy version to make:
Break baked tortilla chips on your plate and sprinkle some grated cheese over them. Top with cooked ground beef that has been simmering in taco seasoning...sprinkle a wee bit more cheese on top of meat mixture.

Chop up some spinach (or whatever lettuce greens you prefer) and place on top of your pile...top with salsa, sour cream and a final sprinkle of grated cheese!

Easy to eat with a fork, but a spoon may just be easier for some!

Some Simple Cards

First Aid Training

This week my Swedey and I took a first-aid course together...he for the umpteenth time, and me for the first. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. You could save someone's life with the information and the skills learned.

8 on the 8th

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Hanging out and laughing with my family and friends

2. Walks and talks and snuggles with my Swedey

3. Crafting and Cooking
4. Reading and anything book-related: perusing bookstores/libraries, thumbing through magazines, flippin' through cookbooks etc.
5. Summertime
6. Getting a haircut
7. Pajama Days

8. Snow on Christmas Eve

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Spent time with my Swedey
2. Studied for upcoming First Aid course

3. Made my yearly potato salad
4. Went for a walk and took some pictures
5. Read MHC's The Second Time Around
6. Cut my bangs

7. Made butterscotch tarts topped with whip cream
8. Watched Wes finally get the boot on The Bachelorette! YAY for PVR---> I got to watch that part a second time just for fun and am thinking there may just be a thing called bad publicity afterall. I don't normally watch this show, but seeing how Jillian is a local BC gal, I wanted to this time. Cheerin' for Ed I am, and have been since the beginning!

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Sing so people recognize the song and don't cringe.
2. Travel more
3. Work from home

4. Knit
5. End world hunger

6. Stop people from lying

7. Blink like Jeannie and have all the housework done! 8. Predict the future

8 Things or Shows I Have Watched Lately
1. Birds and Butterflies---they are so graceful
2. The Bachelorette
3. Jamie's Fowl Dinners (check it out HERE)
4. My Swedey demonstrating CPR
5. Y & R (long-time Y&R viewer--it's a guilty pleasure)

6. Butterscotch pudding coming to a boil
7. Australia (The movie)
8. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Country Mouse in the City

You Are Country

You'll take natural beauty and quiet over the hustle and bustle of the city. You can appreciate the simple things in life, and it doesn't take much for you to feel content.

While you appreciate the many opportunities of the city, you see them as too much of a good thing. You love living a peaceful life. It's important that you can hear yourself think.

Sounds right to me...

Are You City or Country?

Walk in the Park

EVERY DAY
IS A GLORIOUS
DAY FOR A
WALK IN A
BEAUTIFUL PARK

Feathered Friends

JUST A FEW
OF THE
FEATHERED FRIENDS
I ENCOUNTERED
DURING MY
WALK IN THE PARK

Angel Food Cake with Fruit

Last night we enjoyed this delicious dessert after dinner:slice your Angel Food cake in half and place the top on the bottom of the plate (this leaves the nice, flat bottom for the top of your cake)...fold fruit into vanilla pudding (I used instant for convenience) and place on cake...

top with bottom layer of cake...

slather in delicious whip cream...top with more fruit

and serve--->you may just have to have seconds!

A nice light delicious dessert that's easy peasy to make!

Martha's Mango Fool

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 medium ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped, plus slices for garnish
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice (1/2 lime)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. In the jar of a blender, combine chopped mango, 2 tablespoons sugar, and the lime juice. Blend until smooth.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine heavy cream, the remaining tablespoon sugar, and the vanilla. Whip on medium high speed until peaks form. Remove 1/2 cup whipped cream; set aside. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mango puree into the remaining whipped cream until well combined. Divide evenly among four glasses. Garnish with reserved whipped cream and mango slices.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

This jewel of a sanctuary is right in the city...
talk about being an urban gem!