With our abundant harvest, Sierra was inspired to try her hand at baking zucchini bread today. She loves to bake. She even talks about one day opening her own bakery and calling it CeCe’s Sweets. She looked up a recipe on the Internet, doubled it and baked 4 delicious loaves. The entire batch required 3-1/2 zucchini so we still have plenty left over for other recipes.
Zucchini Bread June 24, 2010
Dinner at Vava’s June 23, 2010
It doesn’t happen very often anymore, but it’s always a treat to go to Vava’s for dinner. (Vava is an affectionate term for Grandma in Portuguese.) Today we were invited over for one of Steel’s favorites, roasted turkey legs. It was delicious.
Jon Michael Terry June 22, 2010
For almost 20 years we have used the same photographer when we’ve needed professional photographs. Jon Michael Terry has been a popular choice for families and especially high school seniors when it comes to portrait work. At one point, Jon’s daughter and Sierra were dancing at the same studio and were in several classes together. We have become very familiar with each other and each time we go to the studio, it is much like visiting a friend. We knew when it was time to do Steel’s senior pictures we wanted to go back. I had this time in life already imagined when I had Steel pose for the first shot with the bat and pads. Steel was about 8 years old when we did this picture the first time It was inspired by our friend, Ryan Pimentel’s senior picture in the same pose. We have anticipated this “follow up” shot for a long time.
The best part about Jon’s photography is that he hands you the digital files (previously, negatives) and you own the rights and have them printed whenever and where ever you want. I never felt like I was stuck with only a few shots and print packages that I neither wanted or needed. It’s even better now. After the session, you sit down and review the pictures and pick 35 of your favorites so you always get 35 great shots…. no eyes closed or wrong position. I also appreciated the fact that he would fix my make-up and allow us to make wardrobe changes.
Bloom Where You’re Planted June 21, 2010
When I got home from work this afternoon, this little guy was greeting me at the bottom of the steps to the back porch. You can’t just ignore this… it is pure happiness. It stopped me dead in my tracks. It wasn’t there yesterday, or even this morning when I left for work… but I couldn’t miss it now. It’s amazing to me how it doesn’t really take much to grow if you have enough if you’re determined to do it. The crack in the sidewalk provided the perfect space for this flower to grow and bloom. And how appropriate that this flower is red… the color of courage. I’m going to leave it… and have it remind me of what I too can accomplish when I decide to bloom where I’m planted.
Basil, Parsley and Jalapeno, Oh My! June 20, 2010
With the recent success of my tiny vegetable garden, I took advantage of the fact that Leroy had to stop at Home Depot today. Steel and I went straight for the plants to see what herbs we could find. For me, basil is a must, although I have never had much success with growing it. I was also looking for cilantro (another tough one for me) but we couldn’t find any. I grabbed a parsley plant (easy to grow) and Steel threw in a Jalapeno plant. I didn’t read the directions (maybe that’s why they don’t always do well) before planting, I just threw them all in the same pot. Now we’ll see what happens.
Lion’s All Star Game June 19, 2010
I got back on the gridiron today after a six month hiatus. We watched the 2010 Lion’s All Star Game at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Leroy had warned me that it was going to be chilly so I wore pants, took a sweatshirt and a jacket… but it wasn’t enough. I was freezing by half time. I should have taken all of cold weather gear including my Uggs and Under Armor. I only shot the first half and tried to huddle with the masses for warmth during the second half. Is it really June?
Season Tickets June 18, 2010
I am so excited to announce that we are season ticket holders for the upcoming Pacific University Football home games this fall. We have four seats (right next to John and Anne’s 4 seats) up in the stands where we’ll have a great view for all of the action on the gridiron. I can already imagine how it’s going to feel to see my son take the field for the first time in his new uniform as a college athlete. My heart swells with pride at the mere thought.
I may not be able to attend every game, but my heart will be there every Saturday afternoon in the months of September – November. GO BOXERS!
Towels June 17, 2010
It is very difficult to decide what to give Leroy as a gift. He never asks for anything and is always content with whatever little silly thing we find. Keeping this in mind, you’ll understand my excitement when he asked me to bring him a towel from my bathroom because his cabinet was empty. A towel would never constitute a “gift” in my eyes, but with Leroy’s simplistic attitude, he would appreciate opening his cabinet and having clean, dry towels ready for the taking. I’m pretty good at keeping up with the laundry, but I think some of his towels have been taken out of the house and lost along the way.
I purchased 7 new towels for Leroy for Father’s Day. They have matching colors so it will be obvious where they belong then the laundry is being put away. I know it’s simple, but they are sure to bring a smile to his face.
Pink Party June 16, 2010
It was “Pretty in Pink” day at Heritage Ford today as we all dressed to celebrate the birth of Dianne’s grand-daughter. This “coordinated” dressing has been a trend the last couple of weeks and it has made me very aware of how dismal my wardrobe is and also confirmed the fact that I truly have no fashion sense what so ever. I did alright with my work wardrobe during the winter months, but now that the weather is turning warmer, I’ve got to do some updating and try some different things. My black slacks and button man shirts are getting a bit boring.
Charlie’s Lei June 15, 2010
Charlie got a souvenir from Steel’s trip to Hawaii… This is a doggie treat lei. It fit perfectly and he really doesn’t seem to mind wearing it. Aloha, Charlie!
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