Big Weekend Plans!

So, it's here -- the Inaugural Seattle Rock-N-Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon! There's a WHOLE big group of us doing this thing and we're all getting pretty excited -- even if we aren't all really ready for it! Tomorrow at 7am we're off and running, walking, waddling, crawling! If for any reason you are interested in watching you can go to www.rnrseattle.com and watch the webcast! My number is 30178 and I won't be crossing the finish until around 10:15-10:30 most likely!! Will update after it is all finished!!

ALL SMILES!!!

This is from 6th grade Graduation Day -- braces went on just a couple of months later.

This was Mother's Day of this year.

Just before going into the orthodontist this afternoon!!

As we're leaving the orthodontist!

First bite of an apple in almost 2 years!!!

Girls' Day Away

So, Jolyn had to leave her car in Chelan last weekend because of a broken motor mount. That gave me an excuse to need to take her back over to get it this Thursday. So, after Tiana went off to school, off went we two girls to Chelan via Leavenworth. We did a bit of photography, a bit of eating a fabulous German lunch and then on to the car retrieval. On my way home, alone in the car, my mind was just spouting random thoughts of the day. Unfortunately, on the way home I ended up sitting completely stopped for two hours while a very serious accident was cleaned up and so I was able to write down those thoughts I'd had. Maybe I'll share them and a few corresponding pictures.

Swollen, angry, rolling rivers

From Day trip to E. Washington

Roadside Waterfalls

From Day trip to E. Washington

Leftover snowfields

From Day trip to E. Washington

Late spring wildflowers

From Day trip to E. Washington

Majestic Mountains

From Day trip to E. Washington

Gutes Essen und Freundschaft (good food and friendship)

From Day trip to E. Washington

Sunshine; Wind; Fresh scent of rain; Crystal Blue Lake; Big Horn Sheep Crossing; Bald eagle soaring, swooping; Apple trucks full of fruit; Peace; Quiet; Countryside; Time alone; Picturesque Towns; Renewal

Busy! Busy!!

WOW! It's been a long time since I've been on here! I think it may have to do with the fact that we have been so super busy! So, let's see, we had dinner with Big T, Robert, Vi and Andi and Anne from Austria. What a wonderful evening together!!



Then, it was clean the house time because Mom P. and Trenton were coming for a fast 5 day stay before heading out to the Great Frozen North! TT got to go to a Mariner's game after Union Meeting, he and his buddy Coda got to play at the dog park after he and Aunt Mo walked the almost 2 miles to the dog park, Monday he got to shop with his cousin at the mall, Tuesday he and Aunt Mo went to the zoo and to visit the troll. I think he had a bit of fun. I can tell you this, Coda misses his buddy! He and Trenton would lounge together. Trenton really liked that Coda would let him cuddle on the floor, because his own dog, Beemer, doesn't quite go for that!

From Trenton's Day at the Zoo

We're also winding down and counting down the days until school is out! Can you believe we'll have a High School FRESHMAN in the house?!?! Tiana will also be getting her braces off just before school is out. That was a quick trip through orthodontia! Less than 2 years!! YAY!!!

A Family Weekend

WOW! And CONGRATULATIONS to my parents on their 40th Wedding Anniversary. To help them celebrate, Justin, Kathy, Wyatt, Zoè, Kent, Tiana and I took Mom and Dad to Seaside where we enjoyed time on the beach flying kites and just being together. It was a short, fast weekend, but it went very well and we'll all have good memories I'm sure! We went out for a nice dinner once we all were finally there and then spent the evening just relaxing. The next day found us again on the beach flying kites and then meandering through the little downtown area that is so quaint. Sunday, after having a little study in our hotel, we went down to Tillamook and took a quick tour of the cheese factory. Although the time was short, we made the most of it and had a grand time! I'm ready for another beach vacation -- this time with a book or two and a comfy chair!

Check out the pictures here.

Well, HELLO!!!

Mom says I haven't been here for a LONG LONG time so it's my turn! She doesn't have a whole lot to tell you I guess. Like I do?!?! Let's see, yesterday I was ABSOLUTELY HUMILIATED!! I had a BATH! Yes, you read that correctly, A BATH!! Does mom NOT understand the complete and utter indignity of that? How am I supposed to impress the other dogs at the dog park if I don't stink? Speaking of said dog park. So it is the happenin' new place to hang out! I've even gone there with my new friend Mugsy a time or two! It's so cool, so it has LOTS of trees, PEOPLE!, and other dogs. Did I mention it has PEOPLE?!?! And not just any people, but people who love DOGS!! Happy Dance! So, other than that, there isn't much goin' on here. I see so many girls in and out of here, I can hardly tell which one is my sister anymore. Maybe I'll just call them all sister! Although, that big tall thingy with a net on it has been seeing quite a few boys, too, but I never get to go out and meet them! Bummer! It's been kinda nice, so I like to lay in the sun and get all warm, but today it was yucky and rainy. Rather depressing. You know the cool part, though? If I play my cards just right, pull out the puppy-dog eyes and mope around a bit, Dad's usually good for a Chew-EEze! Ahhh, that's the life! Well, my bed is calling me and so I think I'll answer that! Before you go, could you scratch my left ear? Thanks!

Lemon Angelfood Cupcakes

I didn't get a photo of these, I'm sorry, and now I've shared them and they aren't here! "Big T" and I made them and we agreed they are a hit! I will try to change the recipe to be chocolate, as Kent would prefer that, but I LOVED the lemon!! Super yummy and light, and "almost guilt-free"!

Lemon Angel Food Cupcakes


Sifting the flour mixture thoroughly three times incorporates the powdered sugar for a light, tender cupcake. Top with tiny edible pansy blossoms or rosebuds for decoration. Store extra cupcakes in an airtight container, or send them home with guests as party favors.


Cupcakes:
1/2 cup cake flour (about 2 ounces)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup egg whites (about 5 large eggs)
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

Lemon Frosting:
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon 1% low-fat milk
1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Edible flowers such as pansies or rosebuds (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°.
Place 16 paper muffin cup liners in muffin cups. Set aside.
Lightly spoon cake flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Sift together flour and 3/4 cup powdered sugar into a medium bowl; repeat the procedure 2 times.
Beat egg whites and salt with a mixer at high speed until frothy (about 1 minute). Add cream of tartar, and beat until soft peaks form. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Sprinkle flour mixture over egg white mixture, 1/4 cup at a time; fold in after each addition. Stir in vanilla and rind.
Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake at 350° for 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan; let cool completely on a wire rack.
To prepare frosting, beat butter with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar; beat at low speed just until blended. Add milk and lemon juice; beat until fluffy. Add more lemon juice as needed to adjust the consistency. Spread 2 tablespoons lemon frosting over each cupcake. Garnish with edible pansies and rosebuds, if desired.

Yield: 16 cupcakes (serving size: 1 cupcake)

CALORIES 144 (18% from fat); FAT 2.9g (sat 1.8g,mono 0.8g,poly 0.1g); IRON 0.3mg; CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 28.9g; SODIUM 58mg; PROTEIN 1.6g; FIBER 0.1g

Cooking Light, MAY 2006