Summer in February

I just got home from spending a glorious week

in Florida with my son.

It was a fabulous week of sunshine and warm weather,

soft sand and the sound of the surf.....
topped off with some really great fresh seafood.


We spent the first four days in Daytona Beach.

No trip to the beach would be complete without a

visit to Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.

Then it was off to Ocala to spend a few days
with good friends.

One day we spent kayaking at the beautiful
Rainbow Springs.

We saw all kinds of wildlife...turtles, beautiful birds
and even a 7 ft. alligator. Here he is!
Not the best picture but
YOU wouldn't get any closer either! Nick made a new friend.


Thank You Carol and Lynne for a wonderful time!!



Why do we live in Illinois??

My resolution for 2009...

Happy New Year!!!

Grand-Dogger

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

"Deisel"

the cutest, sweetest puppy ever!

This is it....the most Perfect Tree in the Forest!

We searched and searched...sawed it down and drug it thru the woods.

We tied it to the top of the car, brought it home and decorated it.

Here it is...this year's Masterpiece!!

It's That Time Again.

Yesterday, the radio station I was listening to flipped the switch for all Christmas music. As
"It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas" filled my ears, I instantly felt my spirit lift.

It seems like the "pomp and circumstance" of the holidays creep in earlier and earlier every year. Halloween costumes share the isle at Walmart with Christmas decor and the trees at the malls are up and decorated long before our Thanksgiving menu is even planned. I know it makes some people crazy, but I think WE NEED THIS !!! ..... now more than ever.
Those songs, the beautiful decorations and even the smells of the season have an amazing way of warming hearts. It even softens how we react to the cold weather. Who can help smiling at the beauty of the first snow fall.
We are reminded of how much we love and appreciate our friends and family and how grateful we are for our many blessings. Our focus is brought once again to the foundations of our faith...what we believe and what makes us who we are. It seems that people are more likely this time of year, to think of others before themselves and goodwill is more the rule than the exception. What could be better for us right now?

So I say,

"Welcome Christmas! Welcome Hope, Peace and Joy!!"

Happy Holidays to You and Yours.

Happy Birthday My Friend!

Today we celebrate YOU!

You are such an inspiration. Your ability to conquer whatever life

brings with grace and determination is awesome to see.

You are my HERO!

I wish you a year of happiness, love, contentment,

friendship and only cleansing tears.

You deserve it!

Stuffed Pepper Lovers...Enjoy!!

I had this soup at a restaurant the other day. It was so great, I just had to figure out how to make it. This recipe is pretty close and super easy to make. Tastes Just like stuffed peppers!

Stuffed Pepper Soup

1 pound ground sirloin, 2 green bell pepper, chopped 1 cup finely diced onion ,1 clove garlic, crushed, 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth, 1 (14 ounce can) beef broth, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne,salt and pepper to taste, 1 1/2 cup white rice, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.


In a large stock pot brown ground meat. Drain fat and add pepper and onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, not letting them brown. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, rice, seasonings and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, until peppers are tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!!