Wordless Wednesday-My strange puppy

(she had curled herself up in this towel-I guess she was cold?)

Menu Monday-Dairy Free

On Monday's menu I will post meals that are "free" of specific food allergens. I have to observe a almost dairy-free diet, so most of my menu postings will do just that. I will from time to time post menus that are gluten, egg and nut free. Find more recipes here
Breakfast: Pancakes-Pancakes are made with a Mesquite meal or flour. (I like to add a 1 tbsp of vanilla extract and about a 1/3 cup of brown sugar to 1/2 cup of meal for some flavor. It's up to you to add whatever you like for flavor.)
Lunch: Eggplant Dish-For this, I cut up an eggplant, a red and green bell pepper and little bit of onion and saute. I make a homemade tomato sauce using a medium can of tomato sauce or about 4-6 tomatoes with a few shakes of basil, parsley, paprika and chili powder. A dash of crushed red pepper can be used (but it's a strong spice.) After the sauce is heated through, add the vegetables to the sauce. Is good with pasta or rice, such as couscous. Today is couscous.
Supper:Pesto Pasta-you can make your own pesto using about 1/2 cup pine nuts and olive oil (I use canola or other vegetable oils), a little bit of garlic and a couple cups of basil leaves. If you don't have leaves, about a cup of chopped basil should suffice. Boil some pasta and add your pesto for a healthy dinner. Try this Homemade Potato Gnocci as a side dish.
Happy Monday!

Have a Merry Christmas

I have always liked Charles Schultz "Peanuts" cartoons. The cartoons have been made into tv programs and specials(I'm sure most everyone knows this but I am noting it regardless.) I always enjoy the specials. In the Christmas special, One of my favorite parts is where Linus tells Charlie Brown the real meaning of Christmas.

Matthew 1:23-25

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."
Matthew 2:1-10

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

Another favorite of mine in the special is when Charlie Brown's small tree can't hold a tiny ornament. He is very disappointed, but others come to see the good in the tiny tree and do what they can to make the tree special. In the end, a tiny tree becomes beautiful.

I'll end with a quote by Albert Einstein-"The ideals which have lighted me on my way and time after time given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. . . . The ordinary objects of human endeavour -- property, outward success, luxury -- have always seemed to me contemptible."

Have a Holly, Jolly Day and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Aftermath of Snowstorm

Blizzard of 2009 they (The Weather Channel) called it. Not so much a blizzard where I am, but a snowstorm indeed. Many people, actually millions in my state went without power and many still don't have any. Thankfully, I was spared my power. In the end we got close to a foot of snow, more than I've seen at any given time in a few years. I love the snow, it takes the bareness of the trees away and my dog only comes in wet instead of muddy and wet. The negative about snow: Having to drive in it. Luckily, this happened on the weekend and I'm on college break.

Neighbor's house (car's fine, only knocked the antenna off)

Tree leaning over (thankfully didn't fall, would of hit the power line and likely the house across the road.)

At the end of the day, this beautiful sky appeared. (Yes, indeed, the time isn't wrong, it's after 10PM)

Have a great day!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog. I am creating this blog as a way to reflect and remember what happened. As a full time college student, I stay busy, so I'll try to keep this updated, but make no guarantees. Hope you enjoy the read! Happy Winter!
May the Warm Winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Mocassins
Make happy tracksin many snows,and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.~Cherokee Prayer Blessing