The Vacation Continued, part 2 (many weeks later)

We spent a quick day with out grandkids in Arizona.  The time was precious and went way too fast.  How I miss those kids.  They are getting so big.  Both of them are taller than me!

After leaving Arizona, we made a quick trip into Mexico.

Dental work for some, food for all, jewelry, lotion, prescriptions, etc.  You know.
When friends are together, if one buys something, then everyone needs to.
That is the law.  Whos law, I don't know, but I am sure it is the law some where.

I didn't want to carry my camera, so no pictures, sorry.  It is probably for the best.
Black mail is illegal.  So are some drugs. What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.

Then we were off to San Diego!  That is where my baby grandson is.  Oh, so is my daughter, but that baby is growing and changing every day, so I was glad to get my hands on him!

I have pictures of the cutest grandson!

He has room for improvement with his table manners, but he is still cute!

He tries hard too be good, and use a spoon, ....... sometimes........!

But, dang he is cute!

And he has such "attitude".

I taught him several new things while I was there.

To say "Pee Ewe"...

What does the donkey say?  "Hee Haw".

And to Break Dance!!!

We practiced every day.

We shot hoops together, we jogged together and we read books together.  We sang lots of songs together, we ate and shared drinks together, we took rides and both sat in the the back seat together, we played on the computer together, we even napped together.

We even refinished his mamma's patio furniture together.

He is so cute.

I MISS HIM SO MUCH!

And I am sure he misses me!


Love, Nana

Another Cookbook Must Have

If you know me at all you know I love to cook.

If you know me at all you know I collect cookbooks. (DH takes issue with this obsession)

If you know me at all you know I read The Pioneer Woman 3 days a week.

If you know me at all you know I have never won anything on her blog.

If you know me at all you know I enter every time she gives something away.

If you know me at all you know I am doing it again.


If you know Ree Drummond you know she has a new cookbook.

I love her first cookbook. 
Not just the recipes, but the everyday stories of her life on a ranch in Oklahoma.

She is a mother of 4 and is rich, and home schools her kids, and is rich.

She cooks and entertains, but is very down to earth, and is rich.

She built a lodge to cook in, and entertain in, because she is rich.


But she is real. 

She cooks.  Rich foods, with butter, all the time.

And she makes messes just like the rest of us,  even if we aren't rich.

I wonder if she has domestic help to clean up after her.

But she and I have some much in common.

We both have four kids and a Darling Husband.

We both cook and make messes.

We both have cast iron frying pans.

We both live in houses with stairs.

She likes Photography, too.

And we both can food.

We have a few differences in our lives, though.

She has red long hair.

She wears dark shades of nail polish.

Her kids wear chaps.

Her DH rides a horse everyday.

And she has published two cookbooks.


Once again, I am entering to win one.

If I don't win one, I will have to buy one!

Yep, I like PW.

She is real!


Love, Me

Downton Abbey

Since my daughter took me to "High Tea" I keep thinking, I am living the wrong life.

I want to be in "Downton Abbey"!

To say that I am obsessed with the series is putting it mild.  Very mild.
I am addicted, obsessed, and really like it!

And now I have discovered there is a book! 
A book with pictures!
"THE WORLD OF DOWNTON ABBEY"

Those ladies have "High Tea" every single day.
Without me!
Arugh!!!!

I have to give credit where credit is due!
I found this information out while I was reading some of the blogs I follow.

One blog that I love is http://getcottage.blogspot.com/
I am best friends with this Jacqueline and she doesn't know it.

Anyway, she is the one who posted about the book of Downton Abbey.
She posted the pictures I am using to share with you.

Because I haven't got the book yet!!!
But, I will!

The pictures are so cool.
I want to be there. 
And wear the clothes.
And be skinny.
And wear those clothes like they do.

Brace yourself for the clothes......
I love them!!!!!

I took the test to see who I would be on Downton Abbey.

I am Anna, the Ladies Maid, to Mary. 

That figures!  It is because I know how to do hair, I am sure. 

Aurgh!!  I want to wear gloves and hats and neat heels.
And have someone draw my bath, and do my hair....
And have an accent, and live in England,
And have lots of stuff, like silver pots, and china, and ride horses, and eat fancy food,
And let someone else make my bed, and spoil me, everyday..
Every single day.

Or, would I rather be Mrs. Patmore and cook in her awesome old fashioned kitchen.
I would even be happy there!
I love cookstoves, and crocks, and cast iron, and dough, and learning new recipes,
And making food look fancy with fresh fruit, like raspberries, and
I love scones and lemon curd, and cream, and tea, and
Yep, I could even do the kitchen stuff........

Some of my obsession has poured over into my shopping.
Today I bought China, from England, with Forget Me Nots....... so I can have a tea party!
I don't dare pack it in my luggage, so I will have it delivered to me in April.
(I am amazed at what I can find at Goodwill..... just saying.......)

Aurgh!!

I have to wait until April....to have a tea party on china with Forget Me Nots........

So, I am going to buy the book to hold me over.
I have already bought season one and season two of the series on DVD.
(I am grateful for Masterpiece Theater!!!)

Sigh!

Love, Me

Vacationing While Retired

Everyone needs to take a vacation.  Everyone.

Even old people who are retired.  Especially, old people who are retired.  Because, if they don't go on vacations, then they get used to getting up at the same time, and eating the same old things, and doing the same routine and going bonkers every now and again.  I suggest to all who are retired, to take a vacation.

I didn't invent this concept.  There are "snowbirds" and "sunbirds" dotting the planet.  I see their little white heads all over the  place.  I see cars with men in the front seat and women in the back seat.  I think that is a club that is formed when old people hang out together too long.

I don't want to join that club.  I don't want to have white hair.  I don't want to go bonkers.  I just want to take a vacation every now and again.

The time is NOW.

So, I called a few important people and made some plans. 

First, My parents. 

Me:  "Mom, we need a vacation.  May we stay with you?"

Mom:  "Of course.  We would love to have you.  I will tell Reggie.  She is the only one we need to prepare for change."

Me:  "Oh, thank you mom.  We will see you and dad and Reggie in a few days".

As soon as Reggie knew we were coming she was so excited.  By the time we arrived she was beside her self.  She ran out the front door and greeted us on the driveway.  Yes, she was so excited she peed on the driveway.  She just loves me that much.  She can't contain herself.  She does that when my Brother Kelly and his wife show up at their house, too.  No one else has the same effect.  That makes me so proud.

We spent several wonderful days in southern Utah.  The weather was perfect.  Warm days, cool nights.  We ate at some very fun places.  My favorite was an Asian Buffet.  Fresh shrimp galore.  I was in heaven.

We went to some specialty shops and actually kept our wallets in our pockets for most of the time.  And they are really special shops, which I just love.  We also went to quilt shops, home decorating shops, .....  well, I could go on and on, but just know how much fun we had.

Then we were off to our old stomping ground in Arizona.  You see, I had a craving for lemons and fresh grapefruit, and I just happen to know where there are some trees, and yes, we raided them.  Just a little.

It is quit amusing how all of our Idaho neighbors were in Arizona.  And how we just happen to meet up with them.  We all went to the Renaissance Festival together.  It was the first time for them.  They didn't quite know what to expect, but since DH and I are seasoned Festival Goers, we kept them on the straight and narrow and didn't let them fall into any cleavage, or pubs, or end up on some stage.  They all behaved admirably.

We watched jousting, and our man won.....why wouldn't he....he is gorgeous!

Well, I will just show you a few of the sights we saw.......

I ate lunch next to these ladies and took up a conversation with them.  They Made These Clothes!!!

And this might be next kitchen!

This is not my next husband......

I like the one I have!!!!!!!!!
He plays, with me, and we have so much fun!


The music from The Tartanic Nation was splendid.  Two bagpipe players and two drummers.
They were marvelous.........

Even after they undressed they were still good......


However, I will stick with what I know.............

And what I love...................

Just look at these ladies.......!

And then there are the Turkey Legs!

Some were eaten there and some were purchased and taken home for later.  We couldn't seem to get our fill of all the good food.

 Bread bowls with spinach soup/dip. 

Chocolate covered strawberries, onion rings, fish and chips, burritos, diet coke, water, ...... it was a long day, and we had to keep up our strength.... we had to eat.   and eat.    and eat.

So, we enjoyed a full day.

If you want to go have a fun adventure.  I suggest the Phoenix Renaissance.

And our vacation continues.  So stay tuned........

Love, Me

"High Tea"

I could have been in London today, instead of San Diego.  I can tell you I felt like a queen!

My middle daughter took me to High Tea.  Something I never knew existed.  What a treat!
I want to share every bite with you.  I wish I could share every smell, flavor, texture, and ambiance, as well.  It was a real treat.

We went to Tea-Upon-Chatsworth.

Yep, it began with a cup of tea.
We chose Bangkok Green tea.
It was suggested we not add milk to the green teas.
It was very good.  My second favorite one.

It began with the Tea List.
We were to choose two selections. 
We narrowed it down to three. 
They were very gracious and served us our three choices.

What would you choose?
It was a hard decision to make on an empty stomach.

There were tea cups everywhere.
And tea pots.
And flowers.
They were our center piece.

 
And ....... it was lovely! 
We felt like "Downton Abbey" gals.
Except our "footmen" were gals.
 
Then our first course was served.
Cream of Potato and Watercress Soup!

It was SO good. 
Sipping it with a small soup spoon was torture. 
I wanted to pick up that dainty little cup and scarf it down in one gulp!

Then the second pot of tea was served.
Paris- Fruity with a hint of bergamot and vanilla, reminiscent of a blend in Paris.
My favorite of the three.

Then came the main course. 
There are not words to tell you how good the food was.
The only problem was............
I could have eaten 3 of the displays!

We began with the lower tier.
That is where the warm foods are.

The one on the far right is what we ate first.
Chicken, Roasted Apples and Walnuts en Croute.
(Prurdy fancy, hey)
There was also.......drum roll.............
Welsh Tomato and Olive Rarebit.
Broccoli and Mushroom Strata.
Ambrosia Tea Sandwich is the one with the pink filling.
Cucumber Garden Tea Sandwich.  (My favorite of the two sandwiches)
No, I didn't eat the rose petal, or the rosemary. 
Although, I could have.

The second tier:

A palette cleanser.
Fresh fruit.  Orange and strawberry.
Currant-Caraway Scone with powdered sugar.
(Where was the rest of the baking sheet... I Wanted More)

The scone was served with a side of fresh apricot jelly and cream.
I think the cream was made in heaven. 
Yep, it was that good!

Even the cream and apricot jelly had a rose petal and greenery in it.

Top Tier:  Dessert!

With our third pot of tea, Almond Cookie.

We started with the Scottish Petticoat Tail Dipped in Chocolate.
It was like a shortbread.
Then we tasted the Frangelico Chocolate Truffle, and only had a corner of it.
It was so Divine we wanted it for the last taste.
So we ate the Victoria Rose Tea Cake, topped with fresh black berry.
Then finished with the truffle.

When I say there are tea cups every where. I am not kidding.
See the wreaths in the window.......

Yep, tea cups.
Tea pots and tea cups lined the window seal.

Although it was fabulous food, darling decorations, amazing ambiance, the best part was sharing it with my daughter.

She is a food critic and chef on the side of her motherhood life.  She smells, tastes, and adores food.  She is an amazing cook and is courageous enough to made and decorate tons of fancy cookies.

She is a perfect tea party guest/host.

I can't thank her enough for this special treat.
It was a day I will remember forever.
We shopped all the rest of the day and ended with a quick dinner of pesto pizza at  Schlotzskys.
That was a treat for me too. 

Thank you my dear daughter.

Love, Me

Mercury Glass

I love the look of Mercury Glass.  It is very popular these days.  It is very expensive these days.

So, I decided to make my own. 
Thanks to Pinterest I can.
But, if you don't lose hours of your life, like I do, I am going to share with you how to make it.

You call all the Michael's in the San Diego area and ask if they have Krylon Looking Glass paint in a spray can.  If and when you find someone who sells it, you drive and buy all two cans they have.  The cans we found were pretty small....so I bought all two cans they had.  6 oz. cans.  Small.

This is great stuff.  Did you know it was for sale?  I am amazed at the education available on Pinterest.

Then, you have your daughter go into her garage, and when she emerges she has some neat goblets in her hand.  She said, "I have lots of these things and we can learn on them". 

So, we washed them....well, she did....."she" is my middle daughter.  I think I forget to tell you I am at her house.

We went outside and put a cardboard down on the patio table and went to work.

After a few attempts, I got out the camera and let "She" do it.  "She" is better at it than I am.

The trick is to make the coats of paint very light.  VERY light.  It will take 3 to 5 coats of paint, but it dries really fast.

I am going to show you how it looks as we did it.

First coat of paint.  Spray lightly.  Short bursts of paint, on the inside of the container.
When it is wet it looks opaque but it dries transparent.  This is important.  Then you know when it dries.

It is like magic!!!!

Then when it is dry, spray another very light coat.

It will run if you don't spray light enough.  But, don't worry.  It won't show.  Somethings just happen that way, but it turns out fine anyway.

Remember it will spray on cloudy looking, but dries smooth and shiny.

You watch it dry.  Who said watching paint dry was boring???  They didn't know about this Looking Glass Paint.  It is magic!

See how it changes.....you can see it, right?

Our first attempt doing this we painted about 5 coats.  After doing them I wish I had stopped at 4 coats. But, you have to try it and decide how you like.  I still love them, even with 5 coats.

The next step is a chemical reaction!  Magic, again.

In a spray bottle mix 50% water and 50% vinegar.  The vinegar is like an acid and helps lift the paint.

Spritz the water vinegar mixture on the inside of the glass.
It will look like this.

Do you want to see it closer?  Okay.  Here is another look.

The bubbles form, and they eat the paint off.

Let the solution set for about 30 to 60 seconds. 

Then use a  paper towel to pop the bubbles, and soak up the solution.
We found that it worked better with torn pieces of paper towel in smaller pieces worked easier and had better results.

We dabbed, and spritzed a little more and dabbed some more.  Until, we liked what we saw.

We are going to do more stuff, because, you know me, I can't ever do just one or two of anything.
I find it addicting.
I like the results. Don't love the results, so I am going to practice this a few times.  I think there is a learning curve.  However, it is very fun!

I hope you try it. 

Love, Me