Since returning from our epic Christmas trip, its been spring cleaning around here--so thankful/proud/accomplished to get so much cleaned up--as well as guilt/dismay/shame it was so neglected!  Oh well--in the words of St Junipero Serra "Always look forward, never look back!" (esp in back of the refrigerator!)

Not super clear, but just before the election our neighbor put a flag pole up with his recent renovations, and the lower flag has an image of an automatic rifle with the words "Come and get it".  Somehow it seems this is one "curb appeal" hint that won't be in Better Homes and Gardens....
(should I write "come and get it" under my fake police dog flag?)
moving on....

Lucy has her confirmation on May 18, by the military bishop (hope to see Bishop Burbidge some other time!)
Speaking of Lucy, we asked her recently what she would wish for if given 3 wishes. Without hesitation she said:
1.  Chinese food
2.  Korean food
3.  Portuguese food
(now there is a simple soul!)

And here is the recipe for Homemade Bread, as requested by Teresa!
4 C whole wheat flour
7 C white flour
4 C water
1/2 C sugar
1T yeast
1T salt
1/2 C oil

 Here is the method:

I usually double the recipe, and put all the dry ingredients in 2 bowls (except the white flour).  Its a good idea to keep whole wheat flour in the freezer because it turns rancid easily otherwise.

The oil I measure into a 4 C glass beaker, and then fill with hot tap water

It goes right into the working bowl, and becomes a wet batter--run for few minutes to dissolve the yeast

Add enough white flour to start pulling away from the sides

Then switch to the dough hook and knead

until it looks smooth, only about  5 min, adding flour as necessary.  Then dump the contents of the 2nd bowl into the mixer and move the dough to the other bowl to rise. Repeat process for second bowl, using all the same attachments/measurements so a quick cleanup :)

This is the fast and easy way to prepare a double recipe (8 loaves) of bread.  After punching down, shape into loaf pans, rise until doubled and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
(also check out the totally radical octopus dishtowel my friend Di gave me as a CA souvenir) :)

The week and a half that was...

Last Tuesday, Dec 20, I met Mary and Laura on a walk.  Laura didn't even look pregnant from the front, but from the side it was obvious she was carrying a large baby :)  to be continued....

Wednesday we headed west on our big adventure: this was the sunset over Ohio

Lucy enjoying coffee in the DV quarters at Wright Pat

Our drive across the midwest went very well.  We saw several large flocks of geese both morning and evening.  In Iowa we stopped for a break at this gas station

I was amused by the signs in the bathroom "PLEASE--push handle GENTLY" seemed to tell a story...

as did the sign next to the sink:  "BE CAREFUL Don't lose jewelry, etc down the drain"

yep, pretty open drain

after washing my hands (carefully) I went to throw out the paper towel and saw this!

the stacked farm equipment that I always feel compelled to photograph

We arrived at Tom and Kris's house Thursday evening and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality! Here are some pics from our visit :)

Sweet, handsome Max

Zoe enjoying her Granddad

Simi the cat--as wide as he is long, at least when he's lying down!

Christmas Eve sunset in Omaha

Simi and Zoe really are pals

Max loves his bath time 

and his Granddad!

Frosty Nebraska morning

Tom and Kris took the kids to have a picture taken with Santa

Zoe is pointing out bubbles, not the Christmas star! :)

Zoe and Santa seemed to have a real understanding 

But no one was excited as Lucy!

Zoe and what remains of her well loved Simi Doll

Zoe enjoyed her beach box and book

these two played all day, everyday!

This pic was taken after Midnight Mass, about 1:30AM

I was amazed at how great they all looked!

Visiting the manger after Mass

We said Merry Christmas to the priest and deacon, and Zoe, in a mischievous mood, told them she was 5 years old

the Christmas tree on Christmas morning--looks like Santa's sack must have split right there!

Lucy loved her silky Chinese robe from Anne

Tom and Kris and family had matching pjs :)

Tom and Zoe looking at the book Nonie and Nano sent....

Zoe loved it!

 We truly hated to leave Omaha, and feel so thankful for Kris and Tom's warm hospitality!


Tuesday after Christmas we headed for Nashville...

Our visit with SMJ just flew by!  We were there a day and a half...

and these were our only pictures!

As we left on Thursday, we couldn't resist taking a pic of a sister flying a kite :)

Here, on the rim of the car window,  is our total snow accumulation from the trip--from overnight in Roanoke



Oh--and that to be continued  from the first pic?

Laura had this beautiful 11 pound boy 9 days after the first picture on this blogpost was taken!
Congratulations Laura and Mikey!
Happy New Year to all!!!!  God bless!