~Adventures in art, life, family, friends and love ~
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Thursday, February 18

Livin' in a small western town...

 I had a photography assignment that was due today.  It was to take photos that represented a "sense of place".  I realized that after living in this small little town for the last 13 years, I have taken for granted what a truly small western town this is after taking an hours worth of photos.  I went right down to Main Street and looked at the town through the lens of my camera.  
What I found was that even with all the growth surrounding Main Street, we still have that small town feeling.  To me, it's harder to find that western small town feel all the time, but it still resembles a small western town ~
 
We actually still have cowboys.  I caught this man heading to the local real estate office.  Maybe looking for more land for his horses?
This is a historic home converted into an office (Engineering firm) ~
 I was bummed that I caught this too late, but this was a refurbished John Deere tractor being pulled by a big truck with the dually wheels... I could hear it coming, but I didn't expect the tractor.  Everyone out this way loves a big John Deere!
This is the Episcopal Church in the center of town and the brick path leading meandering through the grounds ~
Another historic home converted into a Veterinary clinic ~ 
 There aren't too many huge trees out this way.  It's just so dry out here.  I thought this was a great shot ~

~ ~ Enjoy ~ ~

Monday, February 15

Home Sweet Home!

Back to reality!  It's always a good thing coming home to my girls and critters, but it's soooo bad not waking up on the beach!  Oh well.  It will only be a few months until we go to Hawaii for our honeymoon!

We saw a few couples getting married at the resort we were staying at and it confirmed that we just really want to elope!  So, the fun begins for planning our wedding, just the two of us, in Hawaii!  I don't even know where to begin... fortunately, simplicity will make things incredibly easy!

Enjoy your Monday!  I'm off to reality... class and everything else!  How blessed I am!

Sunday, February 7

Superbowl Sunday!

It is snowing lightly here and so a yummy, homemade tortilla soup was in order.  It was well received by my sweetie and daughter #2. I thought I would share my recipe.  I never can create the same thing twice, however, this time, I wrote it down...  enjoy!

Kathleen's Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 smoked jalapenos in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 (15 ounce) can rotel tomatoes
  • 3 boxes organic chicken broth, I get it from Costco
  • 1 cup whole corn kernels, frozen works well
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 boneless chicken breast halves, frozen
  • crushed tortilla chips
  • sliced avocado
  • shredded sharp cheddar or jack cheese
  • chopped green onions
  • fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic and smoked jalapenos in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in frozen chicken breasts, corn, beans and cilantro. Simmer for 1-1/2 hours.
  3. Chicken will cook and then you can shred it.  Add water if needed.
  4. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, cilantro and chopped green onion.




Friday, February 5

Fabulous Friday find of the week....

Friday morning... 

a day to collect my thoughts.  I don't have classes on Friday, so it's my day to get some other things done.  Lately, it's the day of the week for my body to recoup.  I am finding that either I'm not used to this type of lifestyle (having to focus on something in which I have to be graded on), or the silent illnesses I have are really taking a toll on my.  When you have Fibromyalgia and CFS, among other things, you body is really affected by more than just the physical things you do, it's also affected by the mental things you do which truly affects one's body.  I am definitely more stressed, yet again, going back to school as I juggle single parenting and running a household, etc.  The role I played at home is still there.  My older daughter tries to compare me to her when I say, "well, I have homework to do" and she jumps in to say," now you know what I feel like".  Yeah, I don't think my daughter's college life is like mine at 47.  I can't sleep past 7 a.m. as I have her sister to get out the door, dogs to feed and a house to clean, etc.  I have to really laugh as she doesn't get that my travels to help her this week, twice, driving an hour each way to help her pick up and move some furniture for her house is tough on me.  Oh well, I love having the girls in my life... but, a little help and understanding would be sweet.

Today, I have the joy of the dentist.  I have put off this visit for about a year due to the cost.  But, this week, my jaw has been in such pain.  I have a cracked tooth that needs attention sooner than later to prevent further damage.  Also, due to stress, the dentist said I need a mouth guard so I don't continue to harm more teeth.  I am clenching my teeth in my sleep from stress causing TMJ and my teeth to crack.  That must be some intense clenching.  No wonder I wake up feeling like I have been hit by a truck!  So, a good $500 bucks spent on my mouth.  Ouch, that just made me clench my teeth!  LOL!

Fridays, a day for me to get my treasures listed on Etsy.com or eBay.com.  I picked up some fabulous finds at the thrift store near school.  Some vintage earrings, corningware, a Pashmina (cashmere) shawl and some other goodies that I am sure will easily find a good home.

Today, I also need to get started on packing!!!!  Yep, packing!  My sweetie was rewarded at work with a free trip to Mexico.  Until last week, we weren't sure if we could go as he's swamped at work.  Fortunately, we can go.  Tuesday, we are headed off to the south of Cancun!  I sure hope the weather is wonderful.  I would love to get out in the ocean and do some snorkling.  It's an all inclusive resort that we are going to... never been on such a trip.  That will be fun!  I will be missing some classes, but I think it will be okay.  I will do some homework today and turn it in on Monday (early) and then, go in early on Monday to my ceramics class to work on my assignment that is due on the 17th.  A critique.

Vacations are wonderful, but there's always so much to do as soon as you return. Parent teacher conferences are right when we return and I start another new class.  Actually, three, but two start a couple of weeks after I return.  Phew... there goes the clenching of the teeth!  hee, hee...

So... deep breath... 

I hope to also use Fridays to start creating.  I haven't been able to get that sewing machine going yet.  I think I am six weeks behind that goal, aren't I???  Oh well... can't do it all, can I?

As I leave you to think about what your Fabulous Friday will entail... enjoy.... 

Vintage crystal earrings...