Jacob's Fascination w/Stairs & Doors

Jacob's Fascination w/Stairs & Doors

Jacob's Fascination w/Stairs & Doors

Surprise Visit!

Jen , John Justin and Jacob made a surprise visit to see us earlier today on their way to Grandma Hoekman's to celebrate her 89 birthday over lunch. What a wonderful surprise! I am still smiling.

Jacob would crawl up the stairs and then want help to walk down them.

We just can';t get over him walking and doing so many new bigger boy things.

My two very handsome grandsons. I love how tan Justin is from swimming so much this summer, playing outside and helping his Dad work on the new sprinkler system and lawn.

The bro's hanging and chillin together. I love how Jacob adores his older brother and how much care and love Justin has for Jacob and shows it.

Jen and John look great. Jen's hair is getting long, I love it!

Me and Jacob. I can just eat him up!

Me and Jen. Yes, I got a different hair cut again this week. When the kids came I had just put some gel in it, so I quickly blow dried it without going back with a curling iron which I normally do. I actually don;t mind it like this and it took all of 2 minutes. I have such thick hair and it retains water, so with longer cuts I have been sporting up until now it usually takes me a long time to get my hair dry and just as long a time putting curl back in it and styling it. This razor cut is a dream care-wise. I like that I can get a bit funky with it too if I want.

Jacob was having a snack of Jr. cinnamon graham crackers while I got to sneak in hugs and kisses. I miss them already.

Snapshots of Our Week

I still have all that Meyer lemon juice and zest in the freezer so to use a little of it I made Meyer Lemon Curd this week and shared a jar with Shawn and Theresa.

David picked me a peach form the few left on Theresa and Shawn's peach tree so I could try one. Very juicy and good flavored. A real treat.

Green peppers are starting to be ready in the garden. I did large dice and froze them to use in cooking and sauces down the line.

Shortcakes (aka Poopie) had to have his teeth cleaned yesterday. They were so bad, especially in the back that they were affecting the gums. Using anesthesia never thrills us, especially on older animals, but it had to be done.

He was very happy to be home after a full day at the Vet's. The booboo on his leg is where they put the IV. He hasn't eaten yet or been drinking and that concerns us. It seems to have taken a lot out of him. I think his teeth hurt too. Poor little big guy. He isn't himself at all.

This weekend Shawn started to paint the nursery. Two pretty shades of pink and a third one deeper shade will go between the two there now. Theresa will be stenciling something special through the deepest line of pink. I will have picture updates as things progress. We are so excited! They are creating a real princesses room.

Saw the family of turkeys Friday morning. Look how big the babies have grown! They were on Theresa's street as well as on ours that morning.

Our summer theater series started last week. We saw Thoroughly Modern Millie. A first for both David and I on stage. A musical filled with laughter which is always fun. A very talented cast of actors and singers. It was delightful from start to finish.

New candle light in my kitchen.

Beautiful tomatoes starting to make their way off the vines in our shared garden. This is a Paul Robeson. Very good.

Purple Cherokee heirloom tomatoes from the garden and another other type to make fresh sauce to go on fresh picked spaghetti squash from the garden.

Top with some grated Vella dry Monterey Jack cheese....oh yum!

Buon Appetito!

A Paul Robeson tomato sandwich. heart be still.

Made a veggie pizza one night.

Summer has been full so far with things at and away from home. I love being the age I am. I have learned to be still, enjoying the simple joys of every day living. Amazing treasures abound in my own backyard. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home!

Wishing you amazing treasure filled days from my home to yours.

RECIPE: Grilled Italian-Style Lamb Chops

GRILLED ITALIAN-STYLE LAMB CHOPS, SERVES 2

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
6 loin lamb chops (each about 3/4 inch thick)

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, blend all the ingredients except lamb chops to form a paste. Rub the paste over the lamb chops and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

Heat a grill pan or a nonstick skillet until almost smoking. Add the chops and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Reduce the heat to medium and cook chops to desired doneness, about 3 minutes longer per side for medium-rare.

Note: You can play with this, as you like. Sometimes I use all rosemary instead of combo of thyme and rosemary. I also like to use lavender sea salt in place of the kosher salt sometimes when using the combo of herbs.
This paste also works wonderfully with a full rack of lamb (just double recipe), or for a leg of lamb (triple recipe).

A Few Other Moments From Last Week

Thursday morning we picked some vegetables form the shared garden. (We were not the only excited ones with the harvest.) Two of the last three spaghetti squash were ready. Picked some zucchini and lettuce as well as a beefsteak tomato.

Had to have a tomato sandwich for lunch afterwards. Even had real mayonnaise. It was awesome!

Friday my friend Verona and I spent the day at the Roseville Galleria shopping until we dropped, taking advantage of the holiday weekend sales. Also, using $75 worth of Star Rewards certificates I had earned from Macy's along with extra coupons they had sent me in the mail and a return, I bought 3 pair of crop pants and a top for $13. That was my jackpot for the day!