COME ON!!!

So it started snowing yesterday and hasn’t stopped. You all are probably tired of hearing me complain about the snow but I love the warm weather so much. I want to soak up some sun, wear less layers, enjoy meals outside, watch things grow, be mud free, and so much more. We probably have accumulated about 8 inches so far! UGHH! Here are some photos Gary took yesterday and today…

24 hours ago

This morning…

Can you spy Adah?

Gary took some photos of this little humming bird last night after dinner. He was a little stunned at the weather as well. It was as if he was saying “what the…?”

I’m reaching for a bright side in all of this and all I can come up with is that I’m forced to stay inside and get some projects done. I already cut out a bunch of sewing goodies last night. Hopefully I can stay motivated to complete them.

A classic from Jeb

Hola, Gary here. I thought I would post lyrics to one of our favorites from Jeb Puryear and Donna the Buffalo. So it goes, way back during the Christmas of 2007, Danette and I went to the Treadway Inn in Owego, NY, for Jeb’s Solo CD Release Party. The album is Hopes & Dreams, and although this song really has nothing to do with that night (other than it’s a Jeb song), I couldn’t help but mention that special night…which subsequently was our first “date night” since Ellie came a long.

BTW, Jeb Puryear is singer, songwriter and guitar player for Donna the Buffalo, and frankly, a living legend. And in case you’re interested (this is pretty neat) DtB has a cool site called Donnabase.com, where you can search for song lyrics, get set lists and much more.

Visitor

I’m just a visitor here, now that’s all right
I’m just a visitor here, now that’s all right
The prospect of dying makin’ life so strange
Just a worker bee workin’ out on the range
It’s coming clear
I’m just a visitor here

I feel the glory, the coming of the sun
I feel the glory, the coming of the sun
Behold the dawn it’s setting just beyond
We’re just getting started getting things done
Destiny’s near
I’m just a visitor here

Chorus:
But I’ve come busy doin’ what I can
Furthering the world’s gracious plan
Always at a loss when not applied
Furthering the world’s gracious side
Little birdie, little birdie
Won’t you sing to me your song
Such a short time to be here
Such a long time to be gone

But I’ve become attached to the things that I’ve seen
Mothers smile and the fields of green
The way the sun sets on the valley below
The way the things you love seem to come and go
Then disappear
I’m just a visitor here

Finally! Some Green Grass

We have been able to show Ellie this week that there is so much more out there besides that cold white stuff. There are flowers, dirt, and green grass underneath all of of that. We still have a very small patch of snow remaining from the pile off our roof, but everything is finally starting to come alive up here in TL. Gary even planted a few things in our little garden patch. This morning was perfect for enjoying our breakfast outside and breathing in some fresh air the temperature was just right and the sun wasn’t too harsh. I love waking up in the morning and having coffee on the porch one of my favorite things. Gary has officially moved his office out there as well. The humming birds have shown up as well. I love hearing the whir of their little wings. So sweet

Be Bop a Re Bop Rhubarb Pie

I have that little jig stuck in my head from Prairie Home Companion not even sure how it goes? Anybody know what I’m talkin’ about? So as I was putting in the linky link I found out they are having a Rhubarb Tour this summer. Rhubarb funny… Anyway, they are coming to Utah! At Red Butte Gardens on August 19. Not sure if we will be able to make it might overlap with our German vacation this summer. I haven’t had the opportunity to listen to PHC for so long. Sigh. It got inside my head this morning when I decided to go ahead and make myself a little treat for Mother’s Day.

I spied some good looking Rhubarb at the grocery the other day and Strawberries were relatively cheap so why not. Then I did a recipe search on Epicurious the first recipe sounded awesome. Rhubarb Strawberry Pudding Cake! Perfect! I put my own spin on it by adding some ground Cardamom for some flavor flav er spicy spice and because well I just really like Cardamom. I also divided the flour into 1/4 cup whole wheat flour and 3/4 cup all purpose white flour. It’s a fairly simple recipe which is another bonus and motivator for me to post about it. So here it is enjoy…

1/4 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar
2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb stalks (10 ounces)
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (5 ounces)

1/2 tsp ground Cardamom(optional)

1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1/4 cup ww flour and 3/4 cup white flour)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg
1/2 cup whole milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or small casserole dish. Preheat oven at 400 degrees

In a sauce pan combine the water, cornstarch, and 1/3 cup of sugar. Add the Rhubarb and heat let simmer 3-5 minutes. Take off the heat and add the strawberries.

Combine all the flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 c sugar, and cardamom if you opt for it. Stir in the melted butter, add the egg, then add the milk and vanilla.

Put 3/4 of the strawberry/rhubarb mix in the bottom of the pan. Pour cake batter over top and sprinkle remaining strawberry/rhubarb mix over the top of that. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

I’m imagining this would also make an excellent dutch oven dessert for those who love to cook with dutch ovens and coals while enjoying the great out of doors. 🙂

I’m also imagining some Vanilla Bean Ice Cream served along side. OOh Yummy!

On Mother’s Day

My mom is beautiful both inside and out. She is talented, smart, and creative. She is honest. She is a nurturer. She is patient, tolerant, and humble. She loves unconditionally. She is lovely. She is my best friend.

I LOVE YOU MOM!