Saturday, April 30, 2011

"Oh my gosh I just made the yummiest dinner"

"Val's Veggie Casadia's"


Ingredients:

 Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
1 package Multi-grain flour tortillas
1 package sliced white button mushrooms + 12-16 medium sized crimini mushrooms
1 large green pepper, sliced thin like for fajitas
1 large red, orange or yellow pepper, sliced thin
1/2 of a large red onion, sliced thin
2 Chipotle peppers, canned in Adobo sauce
a bunch of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 
Sour Cream
Salsa (I love Newman's Medium Salsa)
Guacamole (believe it or not I love Dean's prepared Guacamole..its so yummy)

Directions:

In a large skillet saute mushrooms, peppers and onions in enough olive oil to coat the pan.
Once they are soft and the mushrooms have that beautiful brown sautéed look, add 2 small, or to your "hot and spicy" taste, chipotle peppers in adobo..I remove most of the seeds or my tongue burns for hours..!
Some kosher salt, about oh I don't know for sure how much, I just grab a couple of pinches from my salt bowl and distribute over the top..and stir it in.
Now get another frying pan, one that is the perfect size to fit the tortillas...heat up the pan...no oil or spray or anything..
put the bottom tortilla in the frying pan, add some of the shredded cheese, a generous bit of the yummy veggies and top with the remaining tortilla...
Cook until the tortilla in nicely golden brown and flip to the other side..
Once cooked, remove and let sit for just a bit, start the process over with a new tortilla in the pan and then cut the tortilla in 4's..
Serve with salsa, sour cream and guacamole..

So darn good you will hum YUM!
It would be might tasty also with some homemade pinto beans or if you like refried beans...and you could add rice too...but we just love the veggies and cheese and nicely filling just them...

Enjoy!!!

Now that I have had a relatively healthy supper I am off to the freezer for a cookies and cream chocolate dipped drumstick..!
Hows that for OXYMORON?
I always wondered why oxymoron ended with "moron"
guess now I know... :-)

Take Care and have a most jolly weekend!

Val



Friday, April 29, 2011

Inspiration Friday "Never Never Never Give up" Winston Churchill







For the love of a child..


Truly what else is there?

As you may have noticed on the top of my page I have posted a most incredible and inspiring video. One of courage and determination in the face of incredible pain! And as pointed out at the end..
 "When you don't give up, you cannot fail!
Warning: Tissue may be needed.   






Derek Redmond’s Olympic Spirit (1992) Barcelona, Spain


Derek Redmond was prepared for the 400m semifinal race at the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992. He felt he was in the best shape of his life. Despite 8 operations on his Achilles tendons over the past 4 years, he felt very confident. His father Jim, sitting in the stands, also had high hopes. Jim and his son were very close and he made it to all of the championship races.
Derek gets off to a good start. Coming around the first bend in the track, tragedy struck as Derek’s hamstring went. Initially he thought he had been shot because the pain was so great. His leg would not function. London’s The Guardian newspaper quoted him, “Everything I had worked for was finished. I hated everybody. I hated the world. I hated hamstrings. I hated it all. I felt so bitter that I was injured again. I told myself I had to finish. I kept hopping round. Then, with 100 metres to go, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was my old man.”
Derek hopped on one leg for half a lap before his father came to his aid. Together they finished the race arm-in-arm to a standing ovation. Now, some 17 years after the race, not many people remember who won that semi-final race or who even won the final. But, many still remember Derek Redmond.

For the love of a child..

Truly what else is there?

Many blessings
Me


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

"Monday Sharing, but its Wednesday"

Oh my goodness for some reason Monday's are terribly difficult for me to gather my wits about me, organize my brain and actually post "Monday Sharing"
But now, it has definitely become a personal joke for me between me and myself and pretty much that is just the way its goes sometimes...

So having tried to explain my tardiness, here is the coolest new site I have discovered and had to share..


This inspiration site is the wonderful endeavor of 
Julia, residing in Corvallis, Oregon...

There are so many places to visit on her site, so many beautiful stories to read..
Poetry & Art
Amazing guests to be introduced to..

One thing I know for sure, as is one of her sidebar topics, is that if I am ever in, near or by Corvallis Oregon, I think I will love to have a friendly visit...!!!

I have to run now..straight back to her site and keep exploring!!!

Hope you do too..
Me 

"My heart is full, my house is blessed"


Spring blossoms work to open their beautiful faces to an evasive sun..


Birds utter their first notes, practicing for the many months of song ahead...


Dew christens the delicate grasses as their tiny blades begin to rise for feeding...


Windows begin to slightly open, casting out the staleness of a long winter...


Hearts are joyous, celebrating longer days of light and warmth...


And our souls, our hearts are lightened to the promises of growth and new beginnings...
Times of renewal in beauty and light is upon us...
Fill your being...stand in the warmth of the sun...close your eyes and listen to the beautiful sounds of nature celebrating yet another spring season as the earth turns towards the light...
It is a blessing...it is a testament...it is a miracle to behold!

Blessings,
Val 

Sunday, April 24, 2011

"Christ Has Risen"



There are no words that I could possibly express on this day that would encompass what my heart, my soul feels..

So I will simply share a couple of videos..both very different from one another, yet amazing and beautiful!..be sure to watch the "dance" video until the end, for what is left behind will warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes..!


Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page to turn off my music player prior to viewing the videos...

Blessings to all...
Val

Friday, April 22, 2011

"Today's the Day"






Its here...can you believe it?  After all this time, the day has finally arrived...!
My Eric is coming home...for good!

I am more than excited...I am down on my knees with thankful prayers for the gift that the Lord
has given us this day!

**********************************************************************************************************

It has been such a long, long, long road to reach this destination!  So many lonely nights spent by both...
One in an apartment 253 miles west and one in a house, with a dog, talking endlessly every night on the
phone, wanting to reach through the lines for but a touch, an embrace. One saying goodnight from an air bed, 
falling asleep with but the memory of the closeness of the other, yearning for the warmth, the nearness
of the other, one in a bed, with a dog cuddled up beside, shedding tears as she falls asleep, counting the
minutes until the Friday night plane arrives.

But the challenges, experiences and lessons have provided the bricks and mortar of faith and true
abiding love.  The distance between, providing solitary times of reaching for the words of spirituality,
the comfort of a higher need, the joy of releasing worry and strife to our father who never fails us, who
stands close and provides all that is needed.

The reuniting of a pair that was always and forever mean't to be, no matter what may come..

I am grateful for the test, thankful for the lessons!  The Lord has asked of me that which seemed to
difficult to embark upon or endure...things that have tested my faith, my strength my abilities...
and I listened and did what was asked knowing his nearness.
His faith in me never wavered, he remained steadfast in his love for me, he stood close, gently whispering 
his words of encouragement and sometimes literally carrying me through, lifting one of my legs and placing
it so gently down in front of the other....

This is my testimony...our Lord is my strength, my courage, my life, as he will remain always...

He has shared with me the gift of love not only in him, but in a very special man he gave to me...a man of strength, honesty, integrity..
A man who provides all that is needed for the family that means all to him...a kind, generous and loving soul..a true man of faith,
of compassion, of understanding in all beliefs and human differences.  I am blessed...we are blessed...

Beginnings....!!

Love to all...
   

Saturday, April 16, 2011

"It has been a heck-of-a couple of weeks, but hey, life goes on!"

Had to add this new fav picture of mine...its my writing prompt, weird as it may seem..

My new favorite picture, quote to live by and I totally want that buffet and chalkboard in my kitchen!!!!


This past couple of weeks have challenged about every part of me..
95 hours put in at my job with one day off...Whew
can you say "AM I COMING OR GOING"?
AM I COMPLAINING?..dare I say maybe, but just a bit..
possibly, but only because of the many things that I love that have not gotten the attention they deserve..
Me, Dog, gecko, house, yard, art...

but hey, all good things come to an end, and the paycheck is gonna look mighty fine in these very slim times..a few more of those and things will be looking up!!

But now is it heavenly Saturday and 3 glorious days off...
House is now back to where it should be, well except for my bathroom, but it should be bright and shiny momentarily..
Dog is beginning to come back from the "being alone constantly neurotic state"
Eddie the gecko's tummy is full and the heat lamp is back on..
Yard is lavishly drinking in an early morning sprinkle...perennials are popping through the moist earth and showing themselves, and some of the pine needles, not all mind you, but some have been cleared to the big green dumpster...
And last but not least I have turned on my pretty little lamps in my darling little studio and am getting ready to spend some long overdue time in my special little place.

My husband and I are preparing to depart to Seattle in the earliest time of the morning tomorrow. We will begin packing up our beautiful apartment there and moving all of his belongings back home.  Even though we have been apart, we have enjoyed spending time together in Seattle and have savored every moment. So many wonderful memories.  We will miss it very much.  But hey, one never knows, we could end up back there someday.

Our beautiful balcony garden at our apartment in Seattle...my most favorite place to read...oh how I will miss this special place...



Sunday market in Ballard, one of the places we loved to go!








Life...with water and mountains all around...from one of the many beaches we loved to visit..

The Locks...I could sit and watch the boats come in and out all day...such a wonderful place.

Elliott Bay Marina and one of the few pictures I have taken...not too bad huh?


 He has been working and living there during the weekdays, coming home only on the weekends, for almost 4 years and just recently was transferred back to our hometown.  
Oh how wonderful it will be to have his companionship again...
Even though we will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary next month, got married when we were 18...
Anyway, even after all of these years we have missed each other tremendously..
It has been a long haul for us, but who are we to questions God's plans for our lives...patience truly is a virtue..all things in his time...
And the timing couldn't be more perfect!



The new life of another spring and our new life together
Beginnings...proves your never to old for new beginnings...


I wish for new blessings always and springtime beginnings...

Val


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

"Monday Sharing, only its Tuesday"

There is a very special place I visit in the quiet of each morning.
This place brings me peace even in the most challenging times..
Its a place of comfort, a place of renewal in faith, a place where the words teach and the gentle way in which Ann writes her words
 embrace..
Its a place that lifts me up, inspires me to think and move towards an even deeper relationship with my God, my life, my purpose my world...

This place is called



Created by:


Ann Voskamp

Ann also is the author of a most incredible book that everyone should journey into the reading of. I have highlighted this book before on my blog a few weeks ago, but it truly deserves another showing...


A must read..!!

My hope is that when you have a moment you will pay a visit to this site and see for yourself this beautiful spirit walking and living among us!!

Blessings,
Val 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

"Yes..your eyes are not deceiving you-another post"

I'm catching up for the week...I worked so much at my regular job last week that by the time I got home at night I couldn't manage to do anything but fall onto the couch and stare at the TV...sometimes even if it wasn't on..scary!

I bought a couple of new books to read last weekend and wanted to share them...they both look exceptional..

Still heavily involved in.. 


Soooo good if you enjoy a good family saga..really huge but worth every word...I am engrossed in the character development already and the 1800's are always a favorite period of mine to read about...

Was in Border's books last weekend and when it comes to books I have a hard time, I just love them!
And yes I do love to go to the library as I have way too many books now and need more bookshelves just to house them all...but what can I say, I couldn't resist..


The first lovely choice:



From the back cover:


Like so many others, David Lebovitz dreamed about living in Paris ever since he first visited in the 1980s.  Finally, after a nearly two-decade career as a pastry chef and cookbook author, he moved to the City of Light to start a new life.   Having crammed all his worldly belongings into three suitcases, he arrived, hopes high, at his new apartment in the lively Bastille neighborhood.  (Ok pretty much hooked now)
But he soon discovered it's a different world en France.
From the illogical rules of social conduct to the mysteries of men's footwear, from shopkeepers who work so hard not to sell you anything to the nightmare of unchecked bureaucracy and the arcane etiquette of the cheese plate, here is Lebovitz's story of how he came to fall in love with-and even understand-this glorious, maddening city.
 (Gotta buy it now-no question about it)


I was with my daughter on this particular shopping outing and dare I say her patience only goes so far with me in a bookstore.  When she caught a glimpse of this book she said "you know Mom you need to quit reading books about living in Paris and go there yourself"



And I think I shall like to live right here, but where are the window boxes?
What an incredibly smart child I have raised..now if she would like to fork over the bucks it would take for me to get there for at least a fair amount of time to properly assess the city, then bring it on sweet baby girl of mine!!
Trust me I never get the last word with her..I will here from her soon... :-)




Second gotta have choice:




Now I have heard great things about this book and it has been on my library list for most of last year..just haven't gotten to it yet..but after reading about it...well you judge for yourself...


From the back cover:
In 1986, Henry Lee joins a crowd outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle's Japantown.  It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has discovered the belongings of Japanese families who were sent to internment camps during World War II.  As the owner displays and unfurls a Japanese parasol, Henry, a Chinese American, remembers a young Japanese American girl from his childhood int he 1940s-Keiko Okabe, with whom he forged a bond of friendship and innocent love that transcended the prejudices of their Old World ancestors.  After Keiko and her family were evacuated to the internment camps, she and Henry could only hope that their promise to each other would be kept.  Now, forty years later, Henry explores the hotel's basement for the Okabe family's belongings and for a long-lost object whose value he cannot even begin to measure.  His search will take him on a journey to revisit the sacrifices he has made for family, for love, for country...


Hooked...I practically ran to the check out, well especially since above mentioned daughter said "You are done now"..so rude!!!


All this talk of books and food...off to the kitchen I go and then I may just have to take a rest and read a tad bit!


To-dah-lou...


"And another thing"

Be watching for these to hit your area 
Costco soon..
They are soooooooo delicious!!

No more needs to be said.. 

"Sunday Sharing What's For Dinner"

Oh my gosh, after that last post my dinner is going to pale in comparison...but I will put aside my fears and move on anyway..

Today feels like a soup day to me..this is one of our families favorites..especially on Sundays..originally found and cooked by my husband, who by the way seems to have misplaced his cooking skills, along with many others..its funny how that happens!

"Pinto Bean, Tomato and Butternut Squash Soup"
originally captured from a Bon Appetit Magazine several years ago



Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup celery
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups canned stock, either veggie or chicken, I prefer chicken myself, haven't found a prepared veggie stock I like..
2 15 ounce cans pinto beans, drained
1 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
2 cups 1/2 inch pieces peeled seeded butternut squash
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Preparation:

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.  Add onions and celery: saute until onions are golden about 7 mins. Add garlic; stir 1 minute.  Add broth and next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash is tender, about 15 minutes.
Transfer 3 cups of soup to blender or food processor, or better yet if you have an immersion blender by all means use that.  Cool slightly, then puree until smooth.  Return puree to pot with soup.  Simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon basil.

Dilly Bread


This recipe was given to me by one of my neighbors when we lived in our old house, and it truly was our OLD house.  Her name was Pat and she always delivered on Christmas morning, a couple of loafs of this scrumptious bread...just perfect to go with this soup.

Ingredients:

1 package yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup small curd cottage cheese - warm
1 tablespoon butter softened to room temperature
1 egg
1 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon oda
2 teaspoons dilly weed
1 tablespoons onion flakes
2 cups + 1/4 cup flour (you can use either white or wheat)

Preparation:

Place yeast in warm water for 10 minutes.
Mix sugar, salt, soda, dill weed, onion flakes and flour together, leaving the additional 1/4 flour for later.
Add cottage cheese, butter, egg, yeast and water.
After mixing together well, add 1/4 cup flour to mush it all together..(is mush really a word?)
Cover and let rise 1 hour
Squash it and flip over, cover and let rise another 30 minutes.  Place in lightly greased pan.
Bake 40-50 minutes at 350 degrees.

If I was you I would double this recipe and make 2 loaves, because once you start eating it with nice creamy butter on top you devour the whole loaf yourself..then you have no bread left for the family to eat with their delicious soup and that is never a good thing. Especially when they smelled it baking...
Finally there is no doubt who the culprit was, as you are left with that certain guilty look on your face, and those plumped up cheeks that come with too many carbs ingested in a very small amount of time...best to save yourself and just bake 2...!

Happy cooking and eating...
Me