remembering tony

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tony would have turned thirty two this april.  he was a wonderful chef, fun to be around and loved his dog dearly.  he had a smile brighter than sunshine itself.  i know everyone misses your sweet face.  happy birthday tony.

"He lives the poetry that he cannot write.  The others write the poetry that they dare not realise."

-Oscar Wilde 

watching you grow

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I've had the pleasure of watching little Sosie grow over the past year and this little one has always reminded me of a perfect porcelain doll.  Just a beautiful child.  So happy I got the opportunity to take her 1 year old portraits.  Happy Birthday little dear!

Easter blessings

There is a breath of fresh air on Easter and those who realize what God has done for us all feel a skip in their step to be so lucky.  Some of our blessings this Easter...

Flowers everywhere, looking very alive and colorful yet peaceful.

A table outside, allowing us to eat breakfast in the sunshine.

New friends to snuggle with.

Irish Soda Bread with orange zest and currants.  Delicious served warm with softened butter.

Pretty in pink.  Dressing up and feeling quite like a lady.

Little egg shaped teacakes making the day even sweeter.

Hope all had a lovely Easter!

"There is a time for everything."

-Thomas A. Edison

paint your life colorful

"A good laugh is sunshine in the house."

-William Makepeace Thackeray

how do you do?

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Meeting the newest family member this past weekend.  A new cousin for Emma, Miss Ashleigh Lynne.  Welcome to the family!

"Who is the happiest of men?  He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own."

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

sweet citrus

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Oh the beauty of cooking your own jams and jelly!  Yesterday our house smelled like an orange grove as the pot bubbled to golden perfection.  There's something satisfying in doing things the good old-fashioned way.  Then again, I'm an old-fashioned girl so this feels like home to me.  This marmalade is at its best on toasted ciabatta bread.  It's pure pleasure to the spirit and makes you feel like you're delving into a citrus sea.

Audrey's Sweet Marmalade

3 medium oranges

1 medium lemon

1 (20 oz.) can crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained

6 cups sugar

1/2 cup hot water

1 (6 oz.) jar of marachino cherries, drained and chopped

Wash citrus and quarter.  Remove seeds and membrane.  Grind in food processor.

Combine citrus, pineapple, sugar and water in Dutch oven.

(I like to add a splash of pure vanilla extract.)

Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer 30 minutes uncovered, stirring often.

Remove from heat and stir in cherries.

Pour hot mixture into hot sterilized jars.  Process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Makes: 8 half pints

sunny day

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When the sun comes shining down on you, you know it's going to be a good day.  Feeling the warmth of it on your back almost feels as if the sky is giving you a hug.  I believe that God smiles at us through the sunshine and makes our hair shine like gold.

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."

-Louisa May Alcott