A few of my friends don't have FB, so I'm posting the scrapbook room to my blog. Still enjoying a nice clean room - I've even begun creating in it and managed to keep it neat and tidy.

Summer 2009

My summer, like many of yours, want by fast. I don't usually vacation much in the summer so I can go in the fall. This year it just worked out differently. In June I went to my cousin's wedding. I drove across Montana to see my sister and her family at the end of July (2,300 miles round trip). In August my sisters came to visit me, as many of you already know. We spent four days at Wallowa Lake, very relaxing!!!! I had a great summer, but I can honestly say I'm ready for fall, my favorite time of each year. Enjoy Round-up for those of you in Pendleton. Maybe you'll see another post or two from me before the year has ended.......

Birthday lunch with the Girls

The weather did a 180 today. Everything is melting, the streets are a mess, but that didn't stop the girls. It took Ronda 9 tries to get to the Interstate (Meacham is still getting snow), others put it in 4-wheel drive to get around town and I slid down the hill to get to our girl gathering. Kirsten (12/31) and I (12/28) are celebrating birthdays. Always fun to get together to visit (we don't do it often enough). I couldn't get back to my house afterward so Carla gave me a ride (thanks Carla).

Christmas Eve

Here are a few pictures from Christmas Eve. I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Kerry and his family. We had a very nice holiday. On Christmas Eve we had spaghetti dinner and after the dishes were done a hot game of Monopoly got started that didn't end until the banker (me) called it quits at 3:00 am. (that made for a very short nap before getting up and opening packages on Christmas morning).

Buddy gave up and found a spot to rest around midnight.

The only two that didn't get caught up in the game of Monopoly were Dana (Kerry's sister) and Richard. They were sensible and went home and got a good night's rest.

Corbin (Kerry's nephew) wanted to show me his favorite ornaments from the tree. I don't think we were suppose to remove them from the tree, but we were careful to get them back on and didn't even get in trouble!

Morgan (Kerry's niece) wanted to stay up as long as the adults, but it was soon after this picture was taken that she fell asleep.

The next morning came early, but luckily we had the kids, so there was no sleeping in.

Miranda (Kerry's niece) made it a lot longer than her sister, but she was really tired and it didn't take her long to fall asleep once her head hit the pillow.

The tree was beautiful and look at those packages.

Snow Dog

Well, I can't be too sad about the snow. Both Buddy and I love the snow. I'm disappointed about missing out on family traditions, but I love having a white Christmas. I hope everyone is planning a nice, relaxing holiday. Things can always get so hectic this time of year. Just remember to slow down and enjoy. Christmas will be gone again for another year before we realize it. Merry Christmas everyone.

Winter has arrived

Thought I'd share a little winter with you. Doesn't look like the weather is cooperating for me to be able to go to Montana for Christmas this year. My first Christmas in Oregon. Hummmmm - I wonder how I feel about that.

Thanksgiving, just around the corner

With the holidays just around the corner, it makes me think about traditions. Thanksgiving hasn't always been the most traditional of our family holidays, Christmas wins (no contest). When growing up however, I remember my Mom and Dad's house filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great-grandparents. There were times when 50 or more people came for Thanksgiving dinner. After my sisters and I were out of college and out on our own, Mom and Dad would travel to see us for Thanksgiving. Since moving to Pendleton, Mom, Dad and Deanna have come for a couple of the years. I've gone home for a couple. I've been to Renee's house for Thanksgiving and Ronda's too. I've even spent the day home, quietly tucked in my house with a couple good movies, my Buddy dog and leftover pizza. The worst Thanksgiving was one spent on my sofa, too sick to care about going anywhere, seeing anyone or eating anything!

I like making the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy and all the extras. It's just as fun to make the old recipes as it is to find some new ones to mix in. I even plan the table setting and usually make place card holders. While I don't really consider these my Thanksgiving traditions, they are probably the closest to tradition that I have for this holiday. What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Where will you be spending your holiday?

Whatever they may be, I hope you are planning to enjoy your Thanksgiving with family, friends or both.

Here are a couple of recipes that I'm planning to try this year...

Artichoke Parmesan Sourdough Stuffing (found in Sunset Magazine)
Serves 12 (makes 10 cups) Time: 1 1/2 hrs.

1 lb. mushrooms, rinsed, ends trimmed, & sliced
1 tbsp. butter
2 onions (3/4 lb. total), chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 tbsp. minced garlic
About 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 loaf (1 lb.) sourdough bread, cut into ½-in. cubes
2 jars (6 oz. each) marinated artichoke hearts, drained &chopped
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ tsp. poultry seasoning
1 ½ tbsp. minced fresh rosemary leaves or ¾ tsp. crumbled dried rosemary
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg

1. In a 12” frying pan over high heat, cook mushrooms, butter, onions, celery, and garlic, stirring often, until vegetables are lightly browned, about 15 min. pour into a large bowl. Add a bit of broth to pan & stir to scrape up browned bits. Add to bowl.
2. Pour 2 cups broth into bowl & add bread, artichoke hearts, Parmesan, poultry seasoning, & rosemary, mix well. Add salt & pepper to taste. Make a well in stuffing. Add egg & beat with a fork to blend, mix egg with stuffing.
3. Preheat oven to 325° to 350° Spoon stuffing into a shallow 3-qt. (9x13) casserole. For moist stuffing, cover with foil; for crusty stuffing, do not cover. Bake until hot (at least 150° in center) or lightly browned, about 50 minutes.
Make ahead: Up to 1 day ahead, make stuffing, put in casserole, cover, & chill. Allow about 1 hr. to bake.

Pioneer Woman’s Whiskey-Glazed Carrots

2 - 3 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into thick circles
1 stick (1/2 cup…1/4 lb) butter
1/2 cup Jack Daniels or other whiskey
3/4 to 1 cup brown sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper

Melt 1 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add carrots in two batches, cooking for 60 to 90 seconds each batch. Remove from skillet. Pour in whiskey and allow to evaporate 30 seconds.Reduce heat to medium, and add remaining butter.When butter melts, sprinkle brown sugar over the top. Stir together, then add carrots to skillet. Cover, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.Remove lid and add salt and pepper. Continue cooking until carrots are done and glaze is thick, about 5 more minutes. Pour onto a platter and serve immediately. Sprinkle with chopped chives if desired.