Lots of things

I cooked the corn chowder from this "Prevention" cookbook - very good.This was the best, recipe from a cooking challenge on the Food Network - "Three Cheese Crostini" - delicious and it went well with the soup.  In case you don't know, my favorite, youngest niece is getting married in October - Jenny - 27 years old, hard to believe.  I met Jenny, Tracie and Mary Lou for lunch to talk about Jenny's bridal shower which I am hosting in August - I am so excited to have the opportunity to do this for her.  It will be a blast - Sisters!Mary Lou, Jenny and Tracie.After lunch I headed home.. I went by the cemetery.  Tracie's mother in law, Pam had placed this beautiful Easter Basket on Mom an Aubrey's grave.  It was so gorgeous, I really appreciate it.  I put blue hydrangeas - Mom's favorite color, my favorite flower!We had Max with us for a few days while Kari and her family were on vacation.. Such a cute little guy, I want another little doggie!Mexican Chicken in the crockpot - I had brocolini, Dave had asparagus.I kept the nursery at church on Easter Sunday - I had a few treats ready--Another book from Amy; I haven't finished it yet, but it has definitely got my attention.. At first I didn't think I would like it, but I love it - very different, hard to put down.  There are some far out segments in the book, which Amy calls  "magic realism" - new to me.  I thought it was just the imagination/thoughts of the main character in the book.  I looked magic realism up - "Latin-American literary phenomenon characterized by the matter-of-fact incorporation of fantastic or mythical elements into otherwise realistic fiction".  Another description:  an aesthetic style or narrative mode in which magical elements are blended into a realistic atmosphere in order to access a deeper understanding of reality. ( ok, I get this),  These magical elements are explained like normal occurrences that are presented in a straightforward and unembellished manner which allows the 'real' and the 'fantastic' to be accepted in the same stream of thought.  It has been widely considered a literary and visual art genre; OK - you either like it or not - so far I like it - final review soon =

Spring is Coming

I found these cute pop makers.  I can't wait to use them for the kids this summer.  Bunnies don't have to be just for Easter!We are enjoying our Senseo Coffee Maker.  Yummy Coffee!Dave has already started on setting up the pool.  It has been a lot of work for him.  I just love how he works so hard on something that he really doesn't care about - but for his grandkids and wife he will do without too much complaining.Well, maybe he will enjoy it some.Our yard looks pretty bad, but it won't look this way for long.First colors of spring.I am going to plant pumpkins here this year.  I have had no luck with pumpkins, but I will keep trying.Our strawberry patch.My Thyme area needs a lot of work.  Bandit plays havock on this area.Rosemary!Lavender!My herb garden.Outside my veggie garden.I have been doing a little cooking - Crockpot Roasted Chicken, not bad but I like it better in my Roaster Machine.These spices are the best!Salisbury Steak - ready to cook - Dave's favorite.COOKIE OF THE WEEK FOR MY CO-WORKERS - I don't have a pic of the final product, but by far these were the favorite - "Chocolate Key Lime Cookies"  - Rave reviews from all.  I will be making these again soon.March is almost gone!  April is on the way!!