The perfect way to close out one of the most beautiful Fall weekends of the year. Many cars were actually pulled off to the side of the road to gaze, as the artistry of the evening unfolded before them. 
In light of the world situations that confront us on this Monday morning, how very comforting to know that The Master Artist is still in control of our world, and His workmanship continues to thrill, amaze and astound us.
...as viewed from the back seat of my husband's motorcycle. Riding with my younger brother and his wife is always a treat, especially on a perfect Fall evening.
The small "Cool pix" camera did a great job, even though the real beauty of the evening just could not be captured.
Sadly, the motorcycle chapter of this year will soon be closed. What a way to end the season!! Thankfully, there are many cherished memories from the spring and summer rides.
I found these sorry looking fellows, in the fruit drawer of my refrigerator. I had purchased them a week or two ago, with the intent of making this "pear bread" recipe that I came across while paging through "Home Cooking" magazine. One of the featured articles was, entitled "Pure Pear Perfection". I like most recipes that include pears so I decided to try this one with my soft, very ripe pears.
Instead of using the two greased larger bread pans that it calls for, I used my small eight loaf bread pan. I cut the tempeture down to 350 degrees, which I find works best with my oven. I cut the time down to 25-30 minutes, because of the smaller loaves. Also, instead of adding the sugar and butter on the top, I pulled out my container of crumb topping that I keep in the freezer for such a time as this. I use it for most of my muffins, my apple crisp, or any fruit crisp and my quick breads that I make. The crumb topping recipe comes from a "Martha Stewart" magazine. Here is the recipe; Combine 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt. Blend in 15 tablespoons unsalted butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until small lumps form. Use topping right away, or freeze it. Sometimes I give a plastic container of this topping in a gift basket, along with some red apples and a favorite "apple crisp" recipe. However you use it, I find it so very convenient to keep in my freezer.
Eight little loaves of "pear bread", all from some overly ripe, brown pears...it works for me. I will serve some of these right away and wrap the rest individually and put in the freezer. By the way, this recipe will go in my file. Sweet and mellow is a good way to describe the taste.
This time of the year, I get to observe this scene from my back porch. Actually, I find myself looking forward to it, as Summer comes to a close. They are getting the fields ready for the winter, and it seems to be a long process.
They work together in the fields, and to my amazement, I could hear them singing loudly together as they worked. I have learned to know this neighboring family over the years, and as I have had that privilege, I have learned some valuable lessons from them. A large family that lives simply, works together long hours and they always have time for a kind word with others.
Her loved and adored baby sister. The little girl who knew her vowels before beginning kindergarden...thanks to her big sister.
Twenty-some years later...her loved and adored baby daughter. It seems to me, that she has been a mother the good part of her life. Watching her in that role continues to bring me great joy!
I must admit, I found it difficult to believe that anyone could win a million dollars for creating a recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies, but that is what I read in the little Pillsbury Cookbook that I picked up the other day. I went on the website, found the recipe for "Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies". It even had a short write-up about the lady who won. I knew when I saw this recipe, that someday I would try making them.
One of my favorite parts of the recipe, was that I did not have to mix up the dough. Pillsbury already did that for me(and you too, if you want to try this cookie). The only two ingredients that are not pictured are, granulated sugar and powdered sugar.
These cookies were so simple to make, smelled so good baking, and tasted amazingly delicious! If you ever decide to try this "million dollar recipe", go to http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=44842
I have been cleaning out drawers and cupboards, though out the last few weeks. I found some photos containing many fond memories of our girls, in their growing up years. Most of the photos that I've taken, are now in photo books, but others that I have and just could not throw away. As I was walking through the Walmart store last week, I found this fabric board on a shelf below the photo albums. I purchased it for $10.00, thinking it would be a solution for my photos and would be a perfect, early birthday gift for my daughter.
I purchased a pack of green chipboard alphabet letters, from the craft department of Walmart. And, since there were white pearls on the board already, I purchased a pack of pearl stickers at Michaels, to add texture and dimension to the pictures. I glued the letters on with a permanent glue stick. I must tell you, that there are only two "o"s in one pack of letters. I cut off part of the "q" to have another "o" for the word "of", just in case you would like to use the same wording.
I cut and mounted each photo, on some soft green and tan background paper that I had on hand. The pictures can be removed at any time and others added, just by slipping the photos under the ribbons. I'll send this to her as a reminder of events in her life. Personal gifts are so meaningful. If you happen to find some valuable photos from the past, this is just one simple idea on how to display them.
