Christmas Day in Oklahoma 2009

We had prepared a huge Christmas eve feast for family and friends and they all got stuck in Oklahoma City in the blizzard. Our daughter Tori and three of her co-workers (tor is on the left) were snowed in the mall where they worked. All their cars were buried and they had to hike in the snow up to the Fairfield Inn where Bath & Body Works graciously put them up for the night (no dinner though . . . every surrounding eatery was closed up, so they had Pop-tarts from a machine for Christmas eve dinner!)

We got up Christmas morning, put on our winter gear, loaded shovels and drove to the city to dig her out. It took us more than two hours to drive the turnpike at 40 mph. I stopped counting abandoned vehicles at 220 LOL!

Above, our front porch and below is the road in front of our house (old 66)
This what the main highway (new66) looked like . . solid snowfloor


Jim & Tyler digging out cars of the Crossroads mall parking lot. Along with Tor's Jimmy and the cars of the three other girls, they dug out two additional cars nearby


There were a couple of folks taking advantage of a large open parking lot to do some "truck skiing"

Highway 240 going into Edmond

Intersection in Edmond (most intersections were blocked with stalled cars and huge snowbanks)

A line of cars and trucks blocking an on-ramp to I-35

It was an exciting Christmas Day! We got back home about 6 p.m., warmed up the leftovers and are looking forward to leaving for our trip to Cody, Wyoming on Monday! (will send pics from the road trip)

Oklahoma Christmas

According to the weather experts here, this is one of the worst blizzards in Oklahoma history. Maybe it was because of the 40-60 mph winds that came with it, but we didn't think it was all that bad (maybe that's because we both grew up in Idaho . . . where they have REAL snowstorms and blizzards!)

The night beforeDuringA white Christmas!

Butternut squash and cranberry casserole

Mmmm . . this is great hot or cold and can be made ahead of time and baked later.
Try it, even Jim who swears he hates squash likes it.

Pre-heat oven to 350 and spray coat a rectangle glass baking dish

Ingredients
Small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
1/4 hot water (or red wine for a tastier version)
2 medium onions quartered, then cut in halfs (small chunks)
Small jar (6 oz.) whole peeled garlic cloves
2 T. Olive oil
2 T. Chopped fresh oregano leaves (can used dried)
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Salt & Pepper

Pour hot water or wine over cranberries and let them sit until you assemble the rest of the ingredients.

Peel and dice butternut (easier if you peel first then cut in half and scoop seeds), throw in a large bowl
Cut onions into chunks, throw in bowl with squash
Add entire bottle of garlic cloves
Add olive oil and herbs
Drain cranberries and add to bowl

Toss well and place into baking dish in an even layer.

Bake on 350 for 1 hour and 10 min (check towards end, you may want to increase or descrease cooking time depending on if you like your squash firmer or softer)

You can add salt and pepper to taste when served or sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar or splenda to brighten the taste of the squash.

Makes about 8 servings
Enjoy!

Ow! . . . . I mean Owl

We were zipping along a windy road, somewhere in the mountains and like most country roads, you see a number of animals that didn't quite make it across. Just a fact of country life. We saw this "lump" in the distance, barely being missed by passing cars and when we passed it, it looked up at us. That is all it takes for me LOL, I am a sucker for an injured animal on the road. I was afraid that someone would run it over so we turned around to pick it up.

It was the most pathetic thing I have seen in a while. He was just a handful and weighed barely anything. His eyes and feet were the biggest thing on him. We took him to a nearby road off the highway (he most likely swooped down in time to get bonked by a car). We waited a bit to see if he would recover and when he did, Jim put him on a pile of rocks. He had a bloody beak, after checking him out, nothing appeared to be broken, he just was stunned from boinking a car.

We googled owls when we got home and we think he is a Flammbulated Owl, which is native to the Ozarks and the western US. He was about the size of a softball and almost as round.

Brrrrr

How cold is it when the springs coming off the hills freeze?? This was "somewhere" in the Ozarks (can't remember exactly where LOL)

Wanna buy a Ra Bite?

While shopping in Van Buren, we stopped in a great store call the Main Street Connection. They had an old sign on the wall that I didn't see until we were walking out . . . it made me giggle all the way down the street. I finally walked back and asked the lady if I could take a picture of it.

She was thrilled to tell the story! She said she purchased it from an old guy up the road near where she lives, when she stopped to ask him to buy it, he said, "I think it's spelled wrong, let me make you a new one" . . she insisted on buying the original. (it's NOT for sale, I asked). Apparantly the old guy wasn't sure how to spell rabbit, so he stopped a truck on the highway and asked him, this is the spelling the trucker gave him. The gap between the FO and the R is because there was a tree growing where he wanted to nail the sign up and that's why he left the gap. The shop owner pointed out that she especially like the extra efforts like the "dot" in the middle of the O.

She showed me another great original work of "art" that she purchased at a local flea market. This one is hanging in the back of her shop. Apparantly there wasn't enough room for a capitol "D"


If you are near Van Buren, stop into the Main Street Connection in old downtown and let Marcia know you saw her on my blog!

Shopping in Van Buren

We decided to take a weekend off and head to Van Buren, Arkansas for a day of antique shopping. We are looking for a mission oak style dresser for our bedroom. We didn't find the piece we wanted but we got some quality stocking stuffer shopping done! Old Van Buren has a gorgeous restored downtown and it was all decked out for Christmas.

I love a good sign!

Sign on a BBQ joint just outside of Fort Smith, Arkansas

Uh Oh!

When I got up this morning and looked at the temp (a balmy 5°) I told my husband we need to check the well house for a lightbulb (he said it's done) and check all the outside faucets to see if they were turned off and disconnected (famous last words)

When I went out to feed and I walked back up to the house, this gorgeous ice sculpture was waiting for me!

Lucky enough the water was still running through the connections and it didn't freeze into the house.

Check your faucets (before the temps dip)

Lucy's new dad!

Last night, Lucy was delivered into the hands of a young man (college grad) named Michael. He lives in the Edmond/Oklahoma City area and was so excited to include Lucy into his life.

He has a fenced backyard, no other pets, so Lucy will get his undivided attention. Another plus? he lives less than a block from the local dog park (pictures coming soon!)

I am so pleased! In slightly over three weeks, Lucy has gone from a panic striken, grossly neglected dog to a happy, bouncy, slightly goofy fur bundle of joy!

Good luck to Michael and Lucy! and THANK YOU to all who called and inquire about her and especially to PAWS!

Rescue dogs are the best . . they are grateful for their homes and the attention given to them. If you need a dog, bypass the breeder and pet stores and check out your local dog pound, shelter or dog rescue group. You won't regret it!

We named her Lucy and she needs a good home . . .

UPDATED WITH NEW PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM

The PAWS adoption clinic did not go well for her. It was the day after she was plucked out of the bushes and she spent the entire adoption clinic cowered in her cage and growling at everyone who came near. (read the post below this one to learn about her story)
I am happy to report that almost all of the nasty ticks have fallen off and that she has put on a lot of weight (eats like a piglet right now . . I'm sure she still wonders if each meal is her last LOL). She is happy, bright and a delightful pup to be around. She adores playing and soaks in the hugs and kisses. She is completely social and loves everyone she meets. I am sure the next adoption clinic will go well for her.

She loves playing ball and will bring it right back to your hand. She caught on to sit very quickly but like most puppies there are too many distractions for stay to mean much. She caught onto the doggie door very quick and as of the last 3 days has gone outside to do her business without a fuss or accidents.


She is great around the cat, curious but not threatening, in fact the cat scared her to death the first time he turned around and faced her (Monster has raised a LOT of dogs!) She gets on well with our dogs (my jack russell Scout is a cranky old thing though . . and will be happy when she leaves and can resume her queen status)

She is a good girl and deserves a family that will love her. For adoption information, you can call me here 1-800-276-7754 or contact PAWS at pawspals@msn.com


7-12-15 UPDATE:  Six years ago, Lucy was delivered into the hands of a young man (college grad) named Michael. He lives in the Edmond/Oklahoma City area and was so excited to include Lucy into his life.

He had a fenced backyard, no other pets, so Lucy got his undivided attention. Another plus? he lived less than a block from the local dog park!

I am so pleased! In slightly over three weeks, Lucy has gone from a panic striken, grossly neglected dog to a happy, bouncy, slightly goofy fur bundle of joy!

Michael is now married and Lucy resides in the very happy home of Michael, his wife and two children which she adores.  They say she is the BEST dog.  I am so pleased that I stopped to pluck her out of the bushes.

Rescue dogs are the best . . they are grateful for their homes and the attention given to them. If you need a dog, bypass the breeder and pet stores and check out your local dog pound, shelter or dog rescue group. You won't regret it!

NEW LUCY PICS!

This is Lucy, six years later with muddy feet from a frisbee chase

Outside, being a mud puppy

Relaxing with toys

THIS is what happy, healthy and LOVED looks like!!

Thank you Michael!!

Doing the right thing . . .

Even if it means you are late to where you are going, smell like a dog and may have fleas.

Friday afternoon, as I waited at the drive up bank window, I watched a small young dog walk from car to car in the parking lot and stop and look up into every window.

Even from across the parking lot, I could see that she was in bad shape and looked so forlorn and confused at every car she looked into. I was late already for a holiday show where I was setting up to sell my cards, but my heart absolutely melted on the spot.

When I finished my transaction, I pulled into the lot, parked my car and went to find her. When I whistled at her, she turned towards me, tucked her tail and slinked away. When I got close to her, she bared her teeth and appeared -- for lack of better words -- hysterical with fear. I finally backed her into a corner of two fences and sat on the edge of the flowerbed near her. Every time I stretched out my hand, she panicked, bared her teeth and screeched. I was so torn . . I was already late, but, could not bring myself to give up and leave her there.

You could see that she was skin and bones and hadn’t eaten for a obviously a while, so I walked back to my truck and found the bag of carrots and a mozzarella cheese stick that I was planning on eating on the way to the show. After a few bites, she decided I was an ok human and let me pick her up. This dog by looking at the breed (near we can determine a boxer mutt mix) and size should weigh about 20-25 pounds, I bet she didn’t weigh 10. She had ticks the size of raisins and every bone was sticking through her skin.

I was envisioning my husband killing me at this moment (we have 3 adopted dogs already). I took her to the local adoption shelter (www.paws pals.com) and asked if they would take her and as luck would have it . . they were holding an adoption clinic in Tulsa the next day. They fed her, dipped her and gave her puppy shots and seemed to think she would be adopted before the day was over. I offered to “foster” her if she wasn’t adopted and needed a home to rehabilitate in (again, envisioning what my husband will say) . . so we shall see.
I will add a picture as soon as I have one.

She is so sweet, despite the obvious neglect and abuse she as suffered. I am always amazed at the ability of a dog to forgive and still be loving after all that. Humans have a lot to learn.

I made it to my show . . a little late . . a little smelly LOL and I’m sure I have a flea or two . . . But some things are worth the effort.

A rare treat . . .

I was driving down the road, about 5 miles from the house a couple weeks ago and out of the corner of my eye I see an eagle standing in a field. What caught my eye at first was the huge mob of ravens that were obviously giving something a hard time (that's the official job of a raven you know)
When I looked closer, I see a Bald Eagle in the middle of flock protecting his breakfast. What a thrill . . and of course, I didn't have a camera with me! I headed to the house, ran in and grabbed a camera and headed back down the highway. He was still there! (minus his raven friends) Yeah me!

I wish I would have had a bigger lens LOL!
He was in a field just off Highway 66 outside of Kellyville, Oklahoma.

What a beautiful bird!

I'm a proud Mom!

I am proud of BOTH of my kids! They are amazing people!

My son Nick, is on his third tour of duty in Saudia Arabia, he flys KC-10 tankers for the U.S. Air Force. He just made Captain and will get his official promotion in June of 2010.

Here are a couple of (old pics . .) (need some NEW ONES . . NICK!! . . that's a hint for when he reads this LOL) when he was stationed in Vance at Enid, Oklahoma.

Cats are strange . . .

And our cat Monster is no exception to the "strangeness" of cats.

Of all the places in our house that would appeal to a cat -- soft beds, chairs, couches with snuggly blankets always draping over them -- he loves the bathroom.

This morning, I caught something out of the corner of my eye and there he was . . tucked in BEHIND the bathroom door.

Getting ready for a wedding!

It's official! (has been for several months . . but I am REALLY behind in my blogging LOL)

Tori & Tyler are getting married on July 17th, 2010.

They want a small family only ceremony on Catalina Island and a HUGE deep pit barbecue here in the backyard a few week later . . boy, do I have my work cut out for me!! She wants a casual, make it look like Martha Stewart did it affair (hah!)

(I see a backyard remodel in my future!!)

I was honored that they asked me to take their engagement photos (not to mention I come cheap). We drove ALL over the state of Oklahoma looking for prime fall color to take pictures and ended up taking these at the Tulsa Historical Society's Rose Garden.

How'd I do??

Recipe for Green Tomato Relish

Green Tomato Relish

INGREDIENTS
24 large green tomatoes
3 red bell peppers, halved and seeded
3 green bell peppers, halved and seeded
12 large onions
3 tablespoons celery seed
3 tablespoons pickling spice (tied in a cheesecloth ball or bag - do NOT add loose)
3 tablespoons mustard seed
1 tablespoon salt
5 cups white sugar
2 cups cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS
1. In a grinder (I use an old fashioned crank grinder - you can buy them in antique stores) or food processor, coarsely grind tomatoes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onions. (You may need to do this in batches.) Line a large colander with cheesecloth, place in sink or in a large bowl, and pour in tomato mixture to drain for 1 hour.

2. In a large, non-aluminum stockpot, combine tomato mixture, celery seed, mustard seed, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Sterilize enough jars and lids to hold relish (12 one-pint jars, or 6 one-quart jars). Place your rings and lids into a bowl of very hot water while you wash your jars. Pack relish into sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets. Fill jars within an inch of the top. Place lid and screw on ring gently but not too tight.

4. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot or canning pot and fill halfway with boiling water. Carefully lower jars into pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, until tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, then cover and process for 30 minutes.

5. Remove jars from pot and place on cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool, listen for the pings as they seal. Once cool, press top of each lid with finger, ensuring that seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Jars that don't seal need to be refrigerated and used immediately.

Relish can be stored for up to a year.

Enjoy!

Green Tomato Relish

As I was picking (and picking and picking and picking) the last of the tomatos, I was thinking what I was going to do with all of these . . and then I thought of the the amazing green tomato relish my mom would make at the end of the garden season. Nothing ever went to waste at the end of the gardening season . . there was always a recipe and use for everything.

Growing up, we grew a huge garden (almost a half acre in size) and canned, dried and froze everything for the winter. Our basement was lined with shelves and row after row of home canned goodies. My personal favorites were canned peaches, apricots and mom's relishes and pickles. My dad is 86 years old and still grows a huge garden and still cans his own food.

I learned to can food at an early age, (it was my job when I was little to listen for and count the "pings" as the jars sealed) and it's been awhile since I canned myself so I dug out all the equipment out of the attic and dug up mom's recipe and went to work . . . and was comforted by the familiar smells and nostaligic sound of jars pinging as they seal.

I put Jim to work grinding the tomatos, peppers and onions while I washed and sterilized jars and got the sugar, vinegar and spices boiling (what a WONDERFUL smell).

I am so glad I grew up learning these things, although as a teenager, I would have never guessed that I would be thankful for learning how to preserve garden produce and how to cook from scratch (and without a cookbook) . . but have been VERY thankful every day of my adult life since.

My dad gave me a love of outdoors, gardening and how to do it organically long before it was fashionable and my mom taught me how to can and cook. One of my most treasured items is a notebook in my mother's handwriting of canning recipes, secrets and favorite things . . . she taught me to cook from my heart and by taste, rarely using a recipe. Thank you Mom!

Jim is eyeballing these and making a list of everything he can use them on . . hotdogs, bratwurst, beans . . . . Mmmmmm! Any bets how long they last?

I will post the recipe in a minute if anyone want to try it . . . enjoy!

The end of the garden

The weatherman is forecasting freezes into the 20's next week and rain this evening and into next week, so we thought it was a good afternoon for garden cleanup (ewwww)

So, we trimmed the strawberry patch, picked ALL the tomatoes (mostly green) and what was left of the pathetic green pepper plants. Tossed the remains to ed (who is a VERY happy and well fed goat today.


And put the beds to rest with a layer of sawdust . . . waiting for next year.

Next year's plans are for a bigger, fenced garden with the addition of 2-3 more beds, benches and walkways (yeah, rabbit proofing . . now if I just squirrel proof it)