Da Boys

Look what the cat dragged in!
Just joking! Happy boys visiting us!

Pictures to share!

Dillion and family
Spring of 2010

Wild Animal Park has quite a few wild creatures!
Tiger!

Lion!

What will he be next?
Take him to the Wild Animal Park to find out!

How Does the Garden Grow?

Starting to look good.

Lettuce, cucumbers, Okra, tomatoes
Lemon Balm, Nasturtium
Sprouting Up!

Flowers and Herbs!

Lantana and Cilantro

The Highlight of My Summer!

Preparing for our annual District Convention! The most important way we prepare is by inviting our neighbors and our family. Many people in our area are hard hit with problems and concerns and are looking for solutions. Where can a person find more comfort and hope than through God's inspired word? Of all times in history, now more than ever we need to draw close to God! Building up our faith in God's ability and desire to have obedient ones as his close associates. By taking time out of our busy schedules to focus on God and one another is a most upbuilding experience and is sure to draw us closer to God.
But many people ask, is it possible to draw close to God now?


A talk answering the question, "How Can you Draw Close to God?" will be given as part of the Sunday morning program. You are invited to attend all or part of this convention. Admission is free, and no collections are taken. All the sessions at each convention are open to the public. You will be warmly welcomed.

This program will be available in many cities around the world. In the United States some places with the dates and times are:

Ogden Utah
Dee Events Center
4450 S. Harrison Blvd.
English: July 2-4

Evansville, Indiana
Roberts Stadium
2600 Division St.
English: June 11-13 and June 18-20

Tucson, Arizona
Convention Center
260 S. Church Street
English: May 28-30, June 4-6, June25-27 and July9-11

San Diego, California
Qualcomm Stadium
9449 Friars Road
English and Spanish: May 28-30

Oceanside Pier

May 2010

OK then!

Here we go!

That was Fun!
Which Pier shall we go to next?

Do you like Saffron?

Chicken Soup with saffron and almonds.


1/4 tsp. saffron threads
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tbls. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 lb boned, skinned breasts, cut into 1-in chunks
1 1/2 cups quartered mushrooms
1 1/2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 qt. reduced- sodium chicken broth
Finely shredded zest of 1 lemon, plus about 1 1/2 tbsp. fresh juice
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 3/4-in cubes.
4 oz Spinach.
Salt to taste.

1. Toast saffron in a 5 - to 6-qt. pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes; (careful not to burn) scrape out of pan and set aside. Add almonds and 1 tblsp. oil to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer nuts to a bowl.

2. Add remaining tbls. oil to pan with chicken and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until chicken is brown on underside, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink, about 3 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl.

3. Add broth, lemon zest, pepper, saffron, and potatoes to a pan. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Return chicken mixture to pan and simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and salt to taste.

4. Ladle into bowls, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with almonds.

Serves 4 (makes 6 1/2 cups)

This is quite a different flavor and aroma. We liked it. I hope you will too.

Coming from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus, it takes 75,000 blossoms, or 225,000 handpicked stigmas to make a single pound which explains why it is the most expensive spice. For more information on this intriguing spice I have posted this link:

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Exotic-Herbs-Spices-and-Salts-639/saffron.aspx

An Impromptu Trip to La Jolla -

Is never a bad idea!

The shoreline at La Jolla.

My beautiful friend said, "Lets go watch the sunset and get gelato in La Jolla".
I said, "ALL RIGHT!" (I was really excited about the gelato)
She got currant and chocolate gelato.
I got passion fruit and lemon.
It was well worth the drive.

We saw the seal families with their new babies coming up on shore.

Enjoyed very much the ocean air, and the surroundings.
And of course the upbuilding conversation

Before long the gelato was gone and so was the sun,
but we had escaped for a couple of hours
-very refreshing!

Arizona Cactus -

On my California hill.

When still living on East Third Drive, our Dad took me to the neighbor who raised cactus and gave me some. I took it home and planted it on my hillside. That was a happy memory with Daddy, as he was so excited to share these with me, knowing that I love cactus.

A little friend, found in the yard.

I still need more practice taking pictures,
but at least they are not blurry anymore!

A big friend, found on the deck!

What Goes on in the Garage-

when Desy is gone?

The younger crowd takes OVER! What are they doing?

Playing video Games, of course!

In the meantime, our girl, beats up the monkey, then gives him a big KISS.

First Pictures - Flowers

The Bees love the bottlebrush flowers and so do the hummingbirds

These are flower pots and soon to be our Patio Garden.

Pots soon to be filled with herbs and vegetables.

I will up date the patio pictures as the garden grows.
We'll see what happens!

Surprise!

I Woke Up One Morning and LOOK what I found on my keyboard!

Yep, Dennis surprised me with a new camera!
I have been blaming my old camera, for bad pictures.
Now we will find out if it was me or the camera.

Bye bye old friend!
Dennis will still be using this camera. As he is very good with it.