Good Bye Ladies

The other day, we came home late to find 2 chickens missing. Izzy and Bubbles have been abducted or they've strolled away. Either way, they are gone. We are left with Penny, the attack chicken! There was no evidence of a struggle and the back gate was open, so there are many scenarios to what could have happen. Only Izzy, Bubbles and Penny know what happened and Penny isn't talking. So, we bid farewell to our friends and egg providers.

I Like Bananas, I know that Mangoes are Sweet!

If you love mangoes, or even just like them, you've got to try this recipe! It is delicious!

Mango Pudding

2 ripe mangoes
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup hot water
1/3 cup white sugar
1 cup coconut milk

1. Scoop out the fruit, and add to blender or food processor. Give it a whirl until the mango is pureed. Leave in the blender.
   
2. Boil the water, remove from heat and sprinkle the gelatin into the water. Whisk well to remove lumps.
3. Add sugar to the water and gelatin and stir until dissolved.
4. Pour the water mixture into the mango in the blender and add the coconut milk. Mix well.
5. Pour into ramekins or cups or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
   
6. Serve chilled. For an extra treat, pour evaporated milk over pudding before serving.
   

Tea Time

Being sensitive to caffeine, I am always on the lookout for herb teas. I found a great blend that was a bit tart, but very yummy. I soon came to realize that buying tea in a pretty little package with individually wrapped bags was drowning my finances! I took a look at the ingredients and was astonished at how simple they were. I headed to the local health food store and bought all the herbs I needed for my tea blend. I felt like a mad scientist! I brewed each herb, sipped, tasted and asked for the kids opinions. We finally came up with a personal blend that we all like. It tastes great hot or cold and with or without honey. I made a batch about 1/2 a mason jar full and am enjoying it. If you get a chance, mix your own tea, it's fun and cost cutting! Here is the blend I made:



Hibiscus Medley

• 1 part rosehips
• 2 part chamomile
• 1/2 part cinnamon
• 1 1/2 part hibiscus

I measured the herbs whole, mixed them together, then ran the mix through a coffee grinder. I serve 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water. I have a little strainer basket that I add the herbs to then I pour boiling water over the herbs to fill the cup. Let it steep for about 5 minutes. It turns a beautiful magenta color. Enjoy!

Faith

Just the other day, I went to a funeral. I didn't know the person that died, but I knew his wife. I was somewhat unattached to the whole situation, very unlike my grandmother's funeral earlier this year. As I sat in the pew, waiting for the ceremony to take place, I realized what a gift I had.

I have the gift of faith. A faith that won't ever let me down. Through my faith, I know the time spent here on earth is fleeting, but that there is something even better than I could ever imagine beyond this life. It is truly a comfort to know and believe that.

The gift of the Sacraments given by Christ, Himself feeds our faith. At the very end, my friend's husband went to confession, received Holy Communion and received the Anointing of the Sick. How beautiful is that! His beloved wife was so full of peace, knowing that her husband is in a much better place.

Without faith, we are lost and distraught. I thank you Lord for this precious gift.

Summer Highlights...

An afternoon at Muir Woods...















Crawdad Boil in Grass Valley...Yummm...Lots of family, good friends and great food!



















Lunch with Sr Marija Joseph of the Sisters of Life She was visiting from Connecticut.














Lazy days on the American River...














Kayaking on Lake Tahoe...














Boating on Folsom Lake with one of my God daughters...














More time at the River with a bunch of great ladies!













Reunited with another group of great ladies at Lake Siskyou...














Thank you Lord for a great summer filled with friends and fond memories! God Bless my family and friends.

Where did it go?

Summer always amazes me how fast it zips by. One day we are freezing cold in a lake fed by run off and the next we are hitting the books for a new school year. This summer was the most relaxed summer I've ever had! This was the first time I wasn't running here or there and trying to get laundry done in between. We made a few short road trips but spent a lot of time at home.

God graced me with great friends both near and far. This summer, I spent more time with my friends than in the past. One friend, in particular, usually gets about a dinners worth of conversation a year. This past summer, God gave us hours together! It was tremendous. Fr David is a good family friend who is a Franciscan Missionary in Mexico. I've know him since I was about 12. He is truly an amazing person!



My dear friend Andi has taught fitness classes since before her little darlings were born. As time moved on, she became a full time mama but this summer, she decided to whip her friends into shape! Ann, another good friend, volunteered her pool and we gathered 2 - 3 times a week to workout in the pool doing water aerobics! It was great to be around my friends so often this summer! We exercised together, played together and enjoyed eachother's company.

My Mexican friend and her lovely family are back for a little while, at least. It is so nice to have her so close in proximity. I'm sure the impromptu lunches and dinners will be back in full swing!

My other dear friend, Francesca, graciously invited my family to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom! What a thrill to ride roller coasters again after such a hiatus. I am definitely getting old in regards to those rides, my head just can't take it any more! But to see my kids strapped in and know the adrenaline rush about to occur for them was fun to watch! My little ones aren't so little any more. Nini is tall enough to ride most of the rides and just loves them!




Another friend was visiting from Italy. My plans and God's plans didn't quite mesh, but his plan was definitely better! We got to spend about a week with our Italian friend; roadtripping and camping. The camping reunited me with friends I haven't seen for a few year! Again, we were blessed!



I thank God for the wonderful people he has placed in my life. This has been the summer of friends and friendship! The relationships and bonds that are created will last a lifetime! Thank you Lord for being so good to my family and me. Our summer was graced with good company and usually good food! I've grown closer and strengthened the relationships with many friends this summer.