Reflections

As I've already told you, Bush Babe is a master of photography. Today her post is about reflections. In addition to sharing some of her own photos, she's asked others to share some of theirs. I'm only playing along as an excuse to get you to link over and enjoy the wonderful photography! So what are you waiting for....click here and enjoy!!

What's in a name?

If you haven't entered the Caption Contest, it's not too late!

This is one of those games folks send around in e-mails. I've done it before, but thought I'd post it here this time around. Join in if you like.

Take the first letter of your middle name and answer each of the following questions with a word that begins with that letter. Try not to repeat any words.

1. What is your middle name? .....Gene

2. A four letter word.........Gasp

3. A boy's name.......Gary

4. A girl's name.......Gail

5. An occupation........Grocer

6. Something you wear...... Glasses

7. Beverage.........Grape juice

8. A place.........Germany

9. Something you shout........Geronimo!!!

Caption Contest

Ever since I won a contest over at Scotty's blog last April, I've wanted to host some sort of contest here. After much contemplation, I've decided to make it a "caption contest".

I've re-posted a picture I shared recently of Alice, Esther & Mabel looking out my office window. I want you to come up with a clever caption that you think best describes the situation or what they might be thinking or saying. Leave your entry as a comment and in about a week I will have an independent judge (so I can't be accused of bias) select the best caption. The winner will receive their choice of a photo from the selection at Bush Babe's blog. If you've never visited her place before, you have no idea what you're missing out on. She is an outstanding photographer and quite an entertaining person in general! The contest will conclude at 7:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, February 3rd and I will announce the winner the following day.

Okay, time to put on your thinking caps and see what you can come up with! One entry per person, please.

Dragonfly's Poetry and Prolixity

Hosted by Cara at Ooh...Books!


I was in my 40s before I truly appreciated poetry. I always liked what my sister wrote, but that was because I could relate personally to her subject matter. It was through an online writing site she encouraged me to join that I discovered other poets whose writing I enjoyed. A few of these have become my friends and I would like to acknowledge one in particular.

Marion is passionate about poetry. Not only does she love poetry, she wants everyone else to love it, too! Her blog is a wonderful mixture of photographs, quotes and poems, poems, poems. She posts informative entries featuring her favorite poets and occasionally treats us to her own work, which is outstanding in its own right.

In honor of Cara's weekly FreeVerse (click on the FreeVerse button above to visit her site), check out Marion's blog for a delightful poetry experience.

Dragonfly's Poetry and Prolixity

Piano Stairs

Here's a fun and clever idea.

Favorite Five - Birds

When I sat down to begin this post I thought it would be an easy one. Turns out it wasn't. I was going to limit myself to songbirds or birds I see around the feeder, but decided instead to branch out and include all birds.

After much inner debate, here are my top five:

1. Northern Cardinal

2. Indigo Bunting

3. Mallard

4. Bald Eagle

5. Great Horned Owl

Worth mentioning... Goldfinch, Wood Duck, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Red-Headed Woodpecker.

As usual, I feel like I'm leaving out so many good ones!

Animator vs. Animation

It's been a rough week on a number of levels. It's time for some levity.

Click here.

Betty

Betty

August 28, 1999 ~ January 20, 2010

Saying goodbye, no matter what the circumstances, is the hardest part about loving a pet. I said goodbye to our beloved Betty this afternoon. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, her health was declining. Last night was a bad night for her and although she didn't seem to be in pain, she obviously wasn't her usual self today.

I carried her to the vet's office this afternoon. After a brief consultation I decided it was best to put her down. It was a difficult decision.

They gave me a few minutes alone with her to say goodbye. I told her how much I loved her and thought I was doing the best thing for her. I reminded her that she would soon be with Veronica again....and JJ, Angus, Daisy Mae, Hope, and Bella.

I don't like playing God and making decisions like this. I miss her.

Walnut Molasses Pie

Pecan pie is a staple of Southern Cuisine. I've tried numerous recipes and always have trouble getting mine to "set up". If my husband is the only one eating it, that's fine... he can use a spoon. That won't do, though, if I'm baking for others.

I'm always on the lookout for the "perfect" pecan pie recipe. That said, here's a recipe I found last fall. I'm not sure, but I think I clipped it from the American Profile newspaper insert. It's not traditional pecan pie, but it's similar enough that I decided to try it. Not only did it set up properly, it was delicious!

Walnut Molasses Pie

3 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup corn syrup

1/4 cup mild molasses

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 (10-inch) unbaked piecrust

1. Preheat oven to 325F.

2. Beat eggs. Add melted butter, vanilla, salt and nutmeg; blend well. Add brown sugar, corn syrup and molasses. Mix thoroughly.

3. Sprinkle nuts in unbaked 10-inch piecrust; pour egg mixture over nuts.

4. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until filling is set. Serves 8.

Giving & Receiving

I like to think events like the recent earthquake in Haiti bring out the generous, humanitarian spirit in most of us. However, knowing exactly where to give can sometimes be a problem. If it all seems a little confusing to you, here's a good website our pastor shared with us this morning:

Charity Navigator

On the receiving end, yesterday was my lucky day. I was a winner over at DJS Krimiblog and received a $15 gift voucher from Amazon! Thanks Dorte!