About this Blog: Bread making recipes, knit and crochet projects, wood working, gardening, digital imaging, travel, cruise ships, Labrador Retrievers, and more....

About the Header Image: Idlebrook Wendy Darling Evensen "Wendy" one of our three Labrador Retrievers.

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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Oasis of the Seas - Part 1 of 2

Good morning,

Our friends, Martha and Russell are on the high seas this week celebrating Martha's Birthday aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.
Martha was kind enough to send me images of their gorgeous Star Class Stateroom so that I can share them here.
This suite includes a baby grand piano and a library.
The suite is comprised of several rooms over two decks so is large enough for a family to enjoy and for entertaining.
Cookies and cranberry juice:  a perfect afternoon snack.
 This suite is actually a luxury apartment aboard a huge cruise shp.  This is the living room area.
 The suite covers two decks...
 ...with spectacular views.
 The private balcony has seating for outdoor meals...
 ...and relaxing in the sun.

Tomorrow I'll share more images of this beautiful suite.

Thank you, Martha and Russell, for sharing your images.  It is such fun to see them!

All the best,
Lois

Monday, November 27, 2017

Still Another Birthday - Alex's Turn

Good morning,

Yes, the entire family seems to be born in the same part of the year.  Here's another birthday cake we enjoyed this months!
This time it was grandson Alex's turn.  This is a special birthday!  He's a teenager now!

My goodness they are growing up fast!

:),
Lois

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Flashback to Last Wednesday

Good morning,

Since we had conflicting schedules for some of us, we celebrated Thanksgiving a day early this year.  Each holiday gathering is an opportunity to gets pictures of the family that will be treasured in years to come.  This year I had my camera at the ready to capture all the moments, but we got so busy that I missed plenty of the great moments.  Here are the ones we did get for family and friends to enjoy.

That beautiful turkey gave its all last Wednesday.  Catherine prepared the main part of the meal...
...and prepared Mr. Turkey outside on the grill.
Of course, we have three Lab Assistants here that encourage us to send all items to the Lab for testing.
I made the herb flatbread early and have it waiting in the wings.
The green bean casserole is traditional.  Of course, I prepared it in my mom's Cornflower Corning Wear.
 Catherine made the deviled eggs for the appetizer.  That tablecloth is historical, too.  I embroidered it more than 50 years ago.  We use it for the appetizer table at most of our family dinners.
 Mr. Turkey is pictured here just after he came in from the grill.  He's "resting" before Daddy began the carving.
 The table is set for eight which includes family and friends.

It was at this point that we got so busy that I didn't get any more pictures of our Thanksgiving dinner.  I should have a designated photographer, shouldn't I, so I don't miss anything!

In addition to all that has been pictured, there was more.  There was so much food, we sent some home with friends and have leftovers for several days:  twice baked sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and more prepared by Catherine;  salad prepared by our friend, Erica;  and cranberry sauce made by me from my Mom's recipe.  The Poinsettia centerpiece was provided by our friend, Judy.

We hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful!

Lois

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Bill to the Rescue!

Good morning,

After the tree disaster (see yesterday's post), our friend Bill came to the rescue with his chain saw.  I didn't start taking pictures until he had cleared most of the tree from the roof.  You can see one of the three large upper branches of the tree is still leaning on the garage.
It took Bill two days and two trips to take away all the brush in his truck.
Our baby car was in the garage and our two other cars were in their parking spots just outside the garage.  The falling tree missed them all.  Not a scratch. 
These are some of the upper branches Bill cut and threw from the garage roof to be cut further to fit in the fireplace.

 It was high winds that pushed the tree over.  It obviously had problems at the base, but most of the upper branches looked quite healthy.

 This is one of three main branches that Bill is cutting.
 Ah, so much more work to do!

Thank you, Bill!  We so appreciate all you do for us!

Lois

Friday, November 24, 2017

More Fire Wood

Good morning,

Well, this wasn't planned!  I was standing in my kitchen making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when I heard a huge crash in the back yard.
It seems the huge tree in the middle of the yard has volunteered to keep us warm this winter.
From what we can see so far, there is no damage to the detached garage or cars.  At least we have access to the garage and cars without immediate tree service this evening.

It's always something, isn't it....

Lois

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Another Birthday? Yes! It's Aunt Carol's Turn

Good morning,

You'd think we were making these up so we can eat cake. 

No, it's for real.  We have another birthday.
This time it's Aunt Carol's birthday!

Happy birthday, Aunt Carol!

Love and hugs,
Lois