"Summer Recipe Swap" @ "Kathy's Cottage"....

It's Monday morning & my mouth is already watering!....Today Kathy, @ "Kathy's Cottage" is hosting a "Summer Recipe Swap"...I am a fairly decent cook, but I will admit that my "summer recipes" are a bit in need of some imagination!....So needless to say, this "swap" is one I have been so looking forward to!!! THANK YOU KATHY!!!.......So here goes!..... Kathy has asked us all to submit easy & healthy recipes for summer. An easy request really....However, since my "summer recipe repertoire" is so lacking, I will be posting 3 warm weather "desserts" instead. I LOVE to bake, & seem to have tried more than my share from the wonderfully "sweet section" in my recipe box!
My first recipe is for Ina Garten's, "Frozen Key Lime Pie". I'm sure you are all familiar with Ina, from the "Barefoot Contessa", her show on the Food Network & her lovely series of cookbooks. This pie of her's is so easy....& so amazingly delicious!....Would be wonderful served possibly after a spicy dinner of Mexican "carne asada", rice & corn pudding!

Frozen Key Lime Pie: serves 8

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (10 crackers)
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
6 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons grated lime zest
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (4 to 5 limes)

For the decoration:
1 cup (1/2 pint) cold heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Thin lime wedges

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the sides and the bottom are an even thickness. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
For the filling, beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for 5 minutes, until thick. With the mixer on medium speed, add the condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Pour into the baked pie shell and freeze.
For the decoration, beat the heavy cream on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until firm. Spoon or pipe decoratively onto the pie and decorate with lime. Freeze for several hours or overnight.
Note: feel free to use regular lemons if "key limes" are not available.....& remember, cold limes are easier to zest, but room-temperature limes give up more juice!

My next recipe is also from Ina Garten, ......"Orange Pound Cake". Oh mercy this is good! It has an incredibly "fresh" taste & aroma...simply incredible! Each bite is "citrus-y & sweet"! There are three ( but easy!) steps to this cake,... making the actual cake, the syrup & then the glaze....Each adds it's own depth of flavor, making the final outcome outstanding! This cake would be a wonderful addition to a "summer brunch" or in the afternoon with a tall iced tea!

Orange Pound Cake: makes 2 loaves

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature

2 1/2 cups sugar, divided

4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1/3 cup grated orange zest (6 oranges)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, divided

3/4 cup buttermilk at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Glaze:

2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted

3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and 2 cups of the granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, and the orange zest.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the orange juice, the buttermilk, and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.
While the cakes bake, cook the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with remaining 1/2 cup orange juice in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves. When the cakes are done, let them cool for 10 minutes. Take them out of the pans and place them on a baking rack set over a tray. Spoon the orange syrup over the cakes and allow the cakes to cool completely.
To glaze, combine the confectioner's sugar & the orange juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Add a few more drops of juice, if necessary, to make it pour easily. Pour 1/2 of the glaze over each cake.

And my last dessert is from decorator, Carolyne Roehm's book, "Summer Notebook".... "Blueberry-Orange Tart". Tart's are surprisingly simple & would be the crowning glory to a meal of barbequed steaks, potato salad & broccoli "hash"!

Blueberry-Orange Tart: serves 6-8

1 1/4 c. flour

1 stick unsalted butter, melted & cooled

4 1/2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

5 1/2 c. fresh blueberries

1 c. granulated sugar

juice of & finely grated zest of 1 orange

2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a med. bowl, combine the flour, butter & 3 1/2 T. powdered sugar. Press dough in a thin layer on the bottom & sides of an 8" square pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Prick dough all over with fork and bake crust for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven & cool.

2. In med. sized saucepan, combine 4 cups of blueberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and tapioca. Blend well & let stand for 15 minutes.

3. Cook the blueberry mixture over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil.Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring constantly & lightly crushing berries with a slotted spoon against the sides of pan. Add orange zest, then remove from heat. Cool for 15-20 minutes.

4. Pour cooked mixture into baked tart shell & chill for 30 minutes. Top with remaining blueberries & continue chilling.

5. Before serving, sift remaining 1 T. powdered sugar atop tart.

I want to take this opportunity to again "thank" Kathy for thinking this swap up, & putting it together for us all to enjoy!....I cannot wait to visit all the blogs to see what delicious recipes are awaiting!........Happy Swapping!......Heidi XO

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"Pink Saturday" & "The Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party"

Note: I have posted twice today.....My first post is for "Pink Saturday" hosted by my wonderful friend Beverly. And my second post is "The Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party" hosted by the darling Vanessa. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing both! What a wonderfully busy day this is!....Fondly, Heidi XO

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"A FANCIFUL TWIST TEA PARTY".....hosted by Vanessa

This morning was a day like any other, a bit dark & gloomy,...with dampness in the air. As I was finishing my cup of morning tea,....a soft, cool breeze delivered the news,...the party, the "Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party"....hosted by the extraordinary Miss Vanessa, in celebration of her 200th blog post!
I quickly dressed in my "party finery", and headed down the winding road. As I passed the ancient oak, I looked up through the mist, catching a tiny glimpse of the manor.
As I came upon the large stone structure, I paused....Miss Vanessa was peering out, motioning me to come inside. The walls behind her were lit with color & filled with excitement! I forgot my "prim & proper's", opened the door & began racing up the stairs!...........
Since receiving this wondrous invitation....my imagination had been twirling with "thoughts of the unknown"...the room, the food, the party...what would it all be like? As I gathered together with the other guests, outside the tall French doors leading to the great hall, my heart thumping & feet tingling with excitement.....Miss Vanessa swung open the grand doors! The "Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party" was beginning!...& I was there!
As the others & I carefully entered the room, our breath was being taken away....The room was simply glorious! We were swept up in the colors of pink, red & the deepest blue. The sight & scents of towering floral arrangements, along with the hauntingly lovely music of a trio of harps filled the air!....Red, red roses were tucked everywhere.......

And massive bouquets of "ocean blue" hydrangeas, occupied all the corners of the sweetly scented room! I was in heaven....in every direction was "beauty" in some form.

As we neared our table, I couldn't help notice the dozens of "tea cups"!..Not your everyday tea cups, but ones that were painted & trimmed & rimmed in sweet sugar!..... Along with the tea, we were served "pink champagne"....teasing our noses with bubbles.

And on silver trays, lined with sugar-dusted petals....we chose from confections of all kinds. The tiniest pink cakes adorned with "fairy dust" & set in lace...................... Ribbon candy in long, looping strips.....to nibble with warm tea. The varigated colors of the candy, was mesmerizing & the taste decadent!......

We were encouraged to dance, to the lilting music that was played throughout the afternoon. How could one resist?....Afterall, dancing under a ceiling of pink allows your feet to feel light as marshmallows. You are swept away in a "cloud of musical perfection"!
The afternoon was a splendid one.....one I will never forget. After having one last sip of tea & a final bite of cake....it was sadly time to go.
I thanked Miss Vanessa for the invitation...for the most exquisitely charming day. A day of folly, frivolity & fun! It will be a "treasured memory" I carry always......

I say my "to-ta-loo's" & am off for home.....A "lovely day of days"...I will hold dear forever.

Note: Again a very special "thank you" to Vanessa @ "A Fanciful Twist" for offering to celebrate her 200th post with all of us! What a grand day we are in for! Off to all your blogs!.....Enjoy, Heidi XO

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"PINK SATURDAY" & "SWEET BABIES"......

Welcome to our 4th, "PINK SATURDAY"!!!......When Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" dreamed up this idea of "posting pink" on Saturdays, I don't think she had any idea how popular it was going to be!!!!
This week I have had my "pink plan" all in place!.... Earlier this last week, I was looking for a random photo of something?.... while doing so, I happened across the most amazingly cute little cherubs, all decked out in pink! I couldn't believe my luck!!! I have always loved the work of photographer Anne Geddes, astounded by her ability to capture these wee infants in the most imaginative scenarios! Today's photographs are "classic" Anne Geddes...classic, exquistite & "pink".......
" Pure pink delight".......
A perfect, "pink" rosebud.
A tiny "newbie", peeping out into a "world of pink".......
Soft, Sweet, Fuzzy and "Pink"..........

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A SINCERE "THANK YOU" & a recipe or two!.....

Once again "thank you" to all of our lovely friends who took part in our "let's go on VACATION" idea! It was a day of "whirlwind traveling" that took us all to some of the most amazing destinations ever! The day turned out to be the perfect solution for anyone wanting a change of scenery!
Last evening, Mallory, Holly & I were sitting comparing our thoughts on how it had all gone...& unanimously wel were shocked to realize we truly did feel we had experienced something "new", we had our "break"... & now felt better resuming our everyday lives!!! This idea may be one we will need to repeat in the future???...Yes?.....Your thoughts?


And now for today,... being home & getting back to my normal little life! A few weekends ago, I tested out a couple new recipes that I am pleased to say were huge "successes"!!! With being Friday morning & on the "cusp" of a relaxing weekend at home..I thought I would post them both for you to possibly try & enjoy! ......Both are from the book "Get-Togethers with the Gooseberry Patch"....the first is "Chunky Chicken Salad with Smoked Gouda" & the other is "Triple Cheese Tart"....Both are just fresh & summery recipes that I know your family will enjoy!......So friends,...stay home, cook, eat & enjoy!..............Love, Heidi

CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD with SMOKED GOUDA

* 1 lb. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( to save time, I used the breast meat off two store-bought rotisserie chickens)
* 1/8 t. salt
* 1/4 t. pepper
* 8 cups spinach
* 3/4 cup red pepper
* 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced in rings
* 1 1/2 cups apple, cored & thinly sliced
* 3/4 cup honey-mustard salad dressing, ....(more or less according to you personal taste)
* 1/2 cup smoked Gouda cheese ( or Jarlsberg), shredded
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Sprinkle chicken with salt & pepper...Arrange on a broiler pan coated with non-stick spray; broil 5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Let cool. Cut or tear chicken into bite-sized pieces...(personally I like to tear the chicken into pieces, very "earthy & casual" & so much more appetizing than cubes!)....Combine chicken, spinach, red pepper, celery, onion & apple in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad & toss well. Sprinkle with cheese & almonds. Serves 6.

* NOTE: I added the cheese & almonds to the other ingredients first, then tossed with dressing! I wanted to incorporate it all with the dressing! Yum!

TRIPLE CHEESE TART:

* piecrust ( home made, frozen, packaged...whatever you prefer!...I used frozen)
* 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
* 2-3oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup half & half
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
* 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained 7 chopped
* 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
* 1/2 shredded Swiss cheese
* 1 t. Worchestershire sauce

Bake piecrust for approx. 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. Place pecans on bottom of crust: set aside. Beat cream cheese at medium speed in a large mixing bowl for 1-2 minutes, until creamy. Add "half-and half" & eggs; mix well. Stir in blue cheese, tomatoes, onion, Swiss cheese & Worchestershire sauce. Pour into crust; bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean. Cut into wedges & serve. Serves 6-8.

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Off To England.....

Summer Vacation has finally arrived....& I have chosen to spend the entire summer in the English countryside. Not to say I'm not interested in what London or any larger city has to offer, but this summer is about "rural living". Anyone who knows me well, understands that I have always wanted to travel or maybe even live for a while in England. So this is my opportunity! Now I said rural living, but I don't intend to"'rough it"...In fact, I am planning a slightly grand "holiday".......... As soon as my family & I arrived this morning, we rented a car & started our lovely drive. The landscape is so very green & the air so fresh. We wind along narrow roads that take us by storybook cottages & still ponds,... our anticipation mounting with every turn.

And then through the trees, we realize we have arrived....."St. Catherine's Court". This historic house has been around since medievel times. It was once owned by the English actress Jane Seymour, but was then sold late in 2007. During the years in which Miss Seymour owned the home, she was only able to enjoy it a few months of the year, so in turn she began offering it for rent. I am not sure what St. Catherine's new owners are doing with the house now, but for the purposes of my" dream vacation blog", I am pretending that we have been granted access to use it as our "summer home"!.....It is quite large, & rumored to have a few friendly ghosts keeping house as well,.... Therefore, I, being a true believer, thought it might be a good idea to invite lots of our friends & family to join us for our "dream vacation"!.......... A bit less spooky with lots of people around!

This summer I am planning on immersing myself in the novels of Jane Austin...I plan on taking long walks & exploring St. Catherine's incredible grounds & attending services at the home's own "chapel". There is tennis to be played & horses to be ridden.....& many days spent, with "relaxing"being the top priority.
We have just arrived, & I already know this will be an extraordiary experience for our entire family! We will be living a small bit of history, by choosing to enjoy this glorious home for the summer months ahead!
After a long day of traveling, I will be retiring to this incredibly charming bedroom....Can you believe it?...My "dream vacation coming true".... time to turn in now, ....Good Night All...........See you back in the states!.....Love, Heidi

Note: Holly & I wanted be sure & thank all of our " friends" that chose to participate in our "let's go on VACATION" blog!...We are both fairly new to all this, so it means a great deal to us, that you cared enough to be part of it! To those of you who "joined us on vacation" & for those of you who are just enjoying reading about them, ...again we thank you!

1. Heidi from Foxgloves, Fabric & Folly
2. Alicia from Butterfly*Gems
3. Cecilia from Nifty
4. Madrin Designs
5. Tonya from PuddinPop
6. Mallory from Mallory D. and her Big Bodacious Blooms
7. Rachel from Cherry Tree Lane
8. BJ from Sweet Nothings
9. Jeanne from Backyard Neighbor
10. Mya from Creative Musings
11. Vintage Girl at Heart
12. Diane at A Picture is Worth 1000 Words
13. BrainMosaic
14. Cole from My Menagerie
15. Kari and Kijsa from Ask Kari and Kijsa
16. Beverly from How Sweet the Sound
17. Molly from Molly B.'s
18. Rhonda from Scooterblu's Whimsy
19. Shaybert from thirtyandholding
20. Joanna at Sweet Finds
21. Brittainy at The Litany of Brittainy
22. Melissa at The Inspired Room
23. Shirl at Shirl's Rose Cottage
24. Jan and Tom's Place
25. Jill at Bailiwick Designs
26. Schotzy at Wings of Eagles

**It is never too late to sign up... please post a blog with your dream vacation still, and email me! Ill add your blog to the list so you won't miss out. :)

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Tomorrow..."let's go on VACATION"!!!!!!

Hello Friends!....Tomorrow we are all going on "vacation"!!! And I for one am so looking forward to it!!! If you would like to join us, you still have time!!!!...but hurry, today's the last day to sign up! Just leave me a comment here, or my daughter Holly at "mommyholly" & we will add you to the growing list of bloggers who also feel the need for a terrific "vacation"!
Just press the "let's go on VACATION" button on the right side of my blog to get all the details! & feel free to post it on your blog as well!!!!!...and tell everyone! The more the merrier!
At this time of year everyone needs a "break", a "change of scenery", so Holly & I decided it might be fun to invite all our blogging friends to join us! You can completely make up the "vacation of your dreams"....with no limitations what so ever! With no time restraints & money no object...the possibilities are endless!...So come with us!.... Holly & I will be posting all the "participants" on both our blogs tomorrow! Think of all the friends you'll meet & wonderful destinations we will have a chance to see!!!
My bags are packed!!!.....Are yours???......See you tomorrow!!!!........Love, Heidi

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"Guests Rooms".....

The last few days, here in Southern California have been outrageously "hot"...As high as, 107 degrees at our house here in Valley Center!... Yikes!.....the "heat" coupled with the fact that we hosted "company" over the weekend, really made me think about the "Summer Guest Room" & making them feel comfortable.....You may think this is a somewhat "odd" topic, but hear me out. Making up a room for guests always reminds me of how "I" like to be treated when visiting.
First of all, it is so important to have a "comfortable bed"....crisp linens, with the fragrance of fresh air....an extra blanket at the foot of the bed... & plenty of plumped-up pillows!....At our house the "guest room" is usually one, where it's regular inhabitant has been "kicked out" or "relocated",....expected to sleep on the couch or double up with a sibling. :)... Whichever way you work it out, it's always so appreciated to offer a a quiet room for a guest. When company arrives, take a little extra time to make sure the bed they are sleeping in is incredibly comfortable!....Nothing needs to be expensive or extravagant....just well-thought out. Adding fresh flowers, candles with wonderful aromas, and a few currant magazines/books is always appreciated.
And making sure that the nearest bathroom, even when sharing, has more than enough towels, a few "new" shampoos, a fresh bar of soap & maybe an extra toothbrush, are all signs that the hosting family really cares about it's guests!
And when the temps. hover around 100 degrees,... make sure "fans are fanning" & "air conditioning is working"!
By making sure your guests are well-attended to,... you will not only make them want to visit again...but it will also make them feel like family & that they truly belong in your home.....

A perfect example of the most welcoming of "summer guest rooms".......

" Fresh & Floral".....so wonderful to crawl between these sheets!..... Love this pattern!...........

Even a "quiet corner" of a room, can be the sweetest accomodation for your summer company!

Forget the guests!.....I feel a nap coming on!......

NOTE: Remember to leave a comment about taking part in "Let's Go On Vacation"...this Thursday! Meet new people & travel the world!...all the while relaxing in your own home!

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"The Simple Woman's Summer Swap", hosted by Peggy.....

Hi All!... Have I come across a wonderfully fun blog idea or what!....I happened across Peggy at her lovely blog,"The Simple Woman". I started reading & found out about her idea to have a seasonal "swap" 4 times a year. The first one is about to happen, a "Summer Swap"!... In order to participate you need to visit Peggy's site & read all about it! You need to do it quickly though!, time is running out! Stop reading & go sign up!.....I'll see you there!
Time to join a terrific "Summer Swap" hosted by Peggy at "The Simple Woman"....Enjoy!

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"Sunday Thoughts"......

"Sunflowers & Blue Sky"......Summertime at it's best!.........

It's Sunday afternoon. The temperature outside is 102 degrees & the house is quiet. Mallory & I just got back from taking my sister-in-law Jackie & niece Kylee to the airport. We all just had the most lovely time,.... lots of visiting, a little shopping & tons of relaxing!!!!...possibly one of the most enjoyable visits ever!
As I mentioned above, the house is so quiet,...My husband & grandson are both napping?...I think the heat is responsible. Holly is upstairs reading, after tidying up & sweeping!... How nice is that to walk into a calm, peaceful & clean home!, especially after having company for a few days! Thank you my sweet daughter...
Now I am going to sit & post this blog & then retreat upstairs to putter around with a few "dress designs" & watch a bit of HGTV.
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While my sister-in-law was visiting, I whipped up some "blueberry crisp", one of her favorites! The next night Jackie informed me she had to have "crisp" again!...maybe this time using "cherries"? Well I was more than happy to!.....& with amazingly delicious results!!!! So I completely recommend using my "blueberry crisp" recipe ( on the right side of my blog) & instead use frozen cherries in place of the blueberries...You will LOVE it!!!!
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And last, but not least....My friend Sian, at "Diary of a Tinyholder" presented me with the "Arte y Pico" award...This award is one that honors a blog's creative contribution & design content within the blogging community.... Thank you so much Sian! I am so flattered!!!!...The rules are that the recipient needs to choose 5 other deserving blogs?.... So many of you have beautiful blogs that I enjoy, so this is a bit difficult. However, the ones I choose are the following.....

*"Bailiwick Designs".....Jill

*"Freckled Farm"...Cammyk

*"Pink Purl"...Tracy

*"Simple things Small joys"...Cathy Louise

*"Scooterblu's Whimsey"...Rhonda

You all have lovely sites!.....Thank you for inspiring me!.....Your friend, Heidi (XO)

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"Pink Saturday" #3

Exquisite "pink" ruffles.....

Happy "Pink Saturday" to Everyone!.....This weekend, my sister-in-law Jackie, & my niece Kylee are visiting from Seattle, Washington. We are thrilled to have them! For the last few days we have been staying close to home, enjoying the patio & pool, & making & eating, lots of "berry crisps". ( my sister-in-law's favorite dessert!).... Tomorrow however, we are planning to spend the day "shopping"!... I haven't done that in ages, so it will be quite a treat for us all! I must have "shopping" on the brain, because while deciding what "pink" photos to post, the ones that attracted me most this week were of pretty"pink dresses" & pretty "pink shoes"!.... The dresses are "couture" & the shoes Manolo Blahnik....for any of you that know me, I am obsessed, by Manolo B.'s "maryjanes"! ( any color!...I just someday would love to be able to have a pair on display in my closet!) .....I hope you all enjoy my "Girlie Pink Saturday"!! Thank you again to our lovely hostess Beverly at "How Sweet the Sound"!....We would love to have you join us next week!

Doesn't this dress look like a "pink confection" of some sort!....Simply charming!

Heidi's most coveted shoes......"pink maryjanes"" by Manolo Blahnik........Someday they will be mine!
Note #1: I wanted to be sure & thank all of you, who have left the most wonderful comments on my blog lately!!! I just cannot tell you how very much it means to me!!!!
Note #2: Be sure & sign up for "Let's Go On Vacation" on June 26th....for details just click the button on the right side of my page....Should be a enjoyable day!

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" A Mantle Party".....how lovely!

Happy Thursday Friends....My daughter Holly told me about a wonderful blog, Kari and Kijsa that today is hosting a "Mantle Party"!.....How lovely is that! So I decided to take a couple photos of my mantle & post them for you all to see. For Summer, I left my mantle fairly "bare" which I like....anchored with a pair of black, iron urns filled with graceful branches & shells. I also have flanked my over-sized mirror with two antique "rose prints", very faded & a bit tattered. Along with an embroidered sampler & a scattering of a few more shells and votives & there you have it..... my mantle, all ready for Summertime"..........


A "close up" of one of the black urns, shells & antique print.....
On the right side of my mantle, I added a tiny blue book of "housekeeping hints", which I picked up the last time we went to the Brimfield Antiques Show...... off to see the other mantels!! Thank you to Kari and Kijsa for hosting this fun party!!! :)

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"Kitchen Sinks and Tiny Boys"......

Good Morning All, I was looking at some photos I took of my grandson a couple weeks ago & thought I would share them this morning with you. The photo above is Andrew, our first grandchild. It goes without saying that he is a "treasured little child"!.....His "Nini" ( me...a name that somehow developed from granny) like most grandmothers, thinks he is the most handsome, most brilliant & most well-behaved 4 year old ever!!!!!! We are fortunate to all be living in one household, under one roof.....so instead of seeing Andrew just once in a while, we are in on all his comings & goings! On this day in particular, his mother Holly & I were sitting at the kitchen table trying to work on a couple projects. As usual when momma's & "nini's" need a minute, little people tend to be a tad impatient! .......So it was this day..... Being the "Brilliant Nini" I am, I decided a bit of playtime at the sink was in order!!...An apron, some cooking utensils & LOTS OF WATER & we had ourselves quite the morning!!!...Andrew played contentedly for at least an hour, while Holly & I had a chance finish our projects & even enjoy a cup of coffee! Right in the middle of all this, I quietly motioned to Holly to get the camera,.... so we could record the "bliss"! .....Note to self: never underestimate the playing power of "kitchen sinks & tiny boys"!!!!


Our Andrew, standing on his little blue chair, beginning to mix his "concoctions".....

Look at that face!!!.........

A little boy, absorbed in the task at hand....& completely oblivious to the "goings-on" around him!....................

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