How to use chopsticks

My child seems destined to best me at most things.  She is already much better at using chopsticks than I am! 

Everything is very lush

Oh my, has it ever been raining.  Hours and hours of heavy rain, multiple days in a row.  

While staying indoors can grow tedious, and the humidity is oppressive, everything is luscious and green! It's quite beautiful.  

Vodka update

Well, from what I can tell my berry vodka is coming along nicely.  I decided to siphon off 3 little bottles for our Fourth of July getaway weekend, but the rest was recapped and sent back to its hiding spot.  

It really wasn't sweet, which is what I was hoping for, so I did add more sugar before closing it up.  I have no clue if these berries are going to ferment and add another kick to the vodka, or if I'm just coloring and lightly flavoring vodka.  Did I mention I'm winging this? Whatever.  Que sera, sera. 

Strawberry Ice Cream

What do you do when you have an over abundance of strawberries? Why, make ice cream, of course! 

Homemade strawberry ice cream was the last thing my body needed.  But my soul? Oh yeah, my soul had a craving.  

Oh, the golden days are here

Oh, the golden days are here.  

The scent of gardenia fills the breeze. 

So long to the damp haze of spring,

farewell to winter's distant freeze. 

Our hands entwined, we gaze above,

sun shimmering through the ancient trees.

Far below, we sit relaxed, 

sheltered by nature's majestic canopy. 

The warmth brings heady happiness, 

from which we desire no reprieve. 

Our gales of laughter unstoppable, 

our infectious grins a dare to grief. 

You, my child, are my dearest love.

A haven from a world of greed. 

An unsullied soul who offers everything, 

that this mommy could ever need. 

Frozen Fruit

I recently decided to make some raspberry infused vodka for a camping trip we have coming up in a few months.

Basically, I just took an old applesauce jar (so glad I saved it despite my stepmom's dire warnings that I was veering into hoarder territory. She was gentle about it. And I am totally normal, people!), and filled it with raspberries, vodka, and some sugar. Then I closed that baby up and stuck it in a cool, dark pantry. I'll "burp" it in a month and see what's happening. I anticipate just sort of shaking it up and leaving it for a second month. I'll have to strain it (I've heard a coffee filter is an even better option than cheesecloth).  Hopefully it will be good to go by camping time.

We usually buy organic berries for the kid's sake, but this time I asked my husband just to pick up some frozen for cost effectiveness. Well, they turned out to be organic frozen raspberries. So, I have no idea if they were any cheaper or not. I should ask him!

My kid eats fruit like its going out of style, so I happily tossed her a few frozen berries and thought nothing of it. Dumb mommy moment. Seriously. Those suckers are waaaay messier than the fresh stuff.

Hence, she looked like a vampire baby. A very cute one!

I am so looking forward to testing out that vodka a month from now.

Making Granola

Well, that post title says it all. In the long absence from my blog I have been making granola!  Okay, I did that on exactly two of the days I neglected to write.  But I DID do it.

Granola is a really delicious snack. I eat it cereal style, but I know many who munch it by the handful.  It's incredibly easy to make and can be tailored to fit all tastes.  Some personal faves are cherry almond granola and peanut butter.  Yum.

This evening I made a very simple granola.  Just some oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, slivered almonds, and a little maple syrup.  I started with four cups of oats and then mixed in the dry ingredients.  After everything was evenly distributed, I added the oil and syrup and thoroughly combined all ingredients.

Finally, I spread the mixture on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper, and baked it for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.  I stirred it halfway through.  I know you can find a more precise recipe elsewhere, but really it's so easy that you can just put in a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

After the granola has cooled you can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or whatever floats your boat.  The options are endless.

Enjoy!

Regrets, I've Had a Few

I have never understood people who say they have zero regrets.  I mean, I understand them if they happen to be speaking English, but I just don't get how someone can go through life and have absolutely no regrets.  It must be nice to be so very smart.

I think the key to regret management is actually learning from the experience that caused regret, and making changes if appropriate.  How do you grow if you do not err?  And how can one really say that they are happy to have made every single error in judgment, action and thought? Every Single One? Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.

What I can understand, and the truth I personally live, is respecting your regrets and knowing that in conjunction with the lessons learned, you can end up where you want to be.  No human can always make the correct choice.  It's not possible to never fall short, never screw-up, never disappoint.  It would make for a very uninteresting personality if it were.

Most of my regrets start with, "I shouldn't have eaten so much _________," or "Why did I drink so much ___________".  But like most living people, I have some larger ones.  Not many, but a few.  They don't weigh on me or cause existential crisis, but they are there.  Those regretted moments may actually have made me a better person, they may even be the reason for this lovely, amazing life I lead, but I still cringe, and...well, regret.  

Come on, be honest, so do you!

Let's Go Fly A Kite

My husband had never flown a kite. I have vague memories of having done so.  At some point.  I'm honestly not sure.

Since last summer my daughter has been begging to go fly a kite.  Once she fell in love with Mary Poppins, she fell in love with kites.  The two go together, dontcha know.

The weather has been batty lately, but that's to be expected in Michigan. One of those, "Nice Winter we're having this Spring," scenarios. Luckily, we have had some warmer, windy days lately...perfect for kite flying. Or so Google tells me.

So, a few days ago we dug up a lovely kite Cassie had received for Christmas. And we flew it. So fun!

If you haven't flown a kite in a while (or especially if you have NEVER flown one), I highly recommend giving it a shot.  

Crappy Little Snowman

We did the best we could!

Winter Storm

Oh. Um. Well.

It snowed! A lot. And it's still snowing! I did a lot of shoveling yesterday. It was glorious!

Despite the snow, Punxsutawney Phil has declared an early spring. My dire warnings regarding the disappearing "Michigan Winter" might still be on track.

Global Warming Deniers

What the hell, Michigan? What is up with your weather? One day we have mountains of snow, and the next we have buckets of rain.  Oh, Global Warming deniers...what sort of evidence do you need? 

All Michiganders know that we have wonky weather.  It's not like it's new news.  However, the last five years have proven that climate change is really happening.  My husband and I often wonder what a "Michigan Winter" will look like in 20 years.  Pretty warm, I'm guessing. 

Already Longing For Spring

I've always loved a good 'ole Michigan winter.  Sadly, the Winter I knew as a child has not been seen in many years.  So, instead of frolicking in the snow, I am longing for the Spring.  The times, they are a-changing. 

The Holiday Season in Pictures

Because, why not?

Starting the season off right with Silver Bells in the City.

Hot cocoa and hard cider help to make the season bright.

Visiting Santa. 

Jamming to Christmas music, playing with trains and being a goof in front of the tree. 

Wrapping gifts.

Headed out to make snow angels. 

Christmas Eve.