I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade... And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party. Ron White

There is something about Ron White, his comedy is brash and offensive, probably and alcoholic and just plain funny. If I am feeling down, a skit or two of his and I am in stitches.

I felt that a quote of his was perfect to get this holiday weekend started and as an opener for a recipe I created last night after a game of what I like to call pantry bingo.

Those who have seen Ron's comedy might be expecting 'Tater Salad' one of my specialties however not on the menu tonight.

I suppose if I had to give this dish a name, I would have to call it

Lemon Chicken

What you will need:

           1                 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

           1/4 c           White Flour

           1/2 c           White wine

           1 Tbs          Garlic (minced)

           1/4              Medium white onion (chopped)

           1 Tbs          Real Butter

           1/2 c           Milk

           1                 Lemon (or 2-3 Tbs of lemon juice)

           1 c              Fresh mushrooms sliced

           1 Tbs          Parsley (chopped)

           4 servngs    Pasta (cooked al dente)

                             Salt and pepper (to taste)

Heat skillet on med heat with a bit of olive oil and teaspoon of butter. Cut breast in half horizontally and then in half again (top to bottom) creating four thin sections. 

If pieces are thick, they may be flattened with a meat mallet or heavy rolling pin.

Salt and pepper each side of piece liberally, then dredge through flour until coated. Place in hot oiled pan. Cook each side just long enough for a light brown color. Remove chicken from pan.

Add remaining butter, garlic, and onion to the pan. when onions begin to caramelize, add mushrooms. Cook a few minutes longer then add the wine. Turn heat up slightly and bring to a boil. Add juice from the lemon, then the milk. (Milk will begin to curdle slightly from the juice, use a whisk to mix well)

add parsley and place chicken back into pan.

Reduce heat and let simmer about Ten minutes.

Serve warm over pasta.

I am not sure that this is an original recipe, However, I did not use one. I also did not get any in process photos as I was unsure of the result. 

But it turned out wonderful and even better day two. 

Have a fabulous and safe holiday weekend. May this Labor day bring some new employment opportunities to those of us searching. 

Demi, Ellen, financial aid and too much alcohol?

Last night was a nice break. My best friend invited me to the mountains, where she is now living. If that brings to mind images of neanderthal man or big foot- let me clear the air. She, being a fellow single mother, of four boys is living in a small mountain town in her parents basement apartment. 

One of our many reservoirs in the area was holding a celebration of sorts which happens to fit smack-dab in the middle of both out nations independence day anniversary and our states discovery- by the pioneers. There was to be a picnic in the park, live music and fireworks. Because the mountains are approximately 10 degrees cooler than the valley, and it has been sweltering here, I took her up on the invitation.

We didn't take any food, I ate before I left- budget constraints. We packed a cooler full of beer she had on hand- also cheap and available. It would sure help the cool-down factor. We threw in some chairs and blankets and headed for the hills/lake. Neither of us are big drinkers- one or two beers, glasses of wine or cocktails and we are happy- and done. So we took four. 

It was a good time. Not much to report. Music, chatter with a good friend, and then the finally with the fireworks. Most people were there in family groups so it was certainly not a location for meeting anyone. 

But- here is where the story gets a little weird.

I climbed into bed at about 1am. The alcohol helping me to slip into slumber. And I awoke around 7am. 

Now, I rarely have dreams and if I am dreaming, it is rare that I remember them much longer than a few minutes upon waking. But this morning, I remembered clearly. 

My dream began with my standing in line at the unemployment office (which with the invent of the internet I have never had to do). I was explaining my situation and in return getting grief as to why I was not working when I have a college degree. Words such as lazy and no good were used excessively. 

My face was turning red, I am still not sure if it was from shame or anger. And in walked Demi Moore- yes, Demi Moore. She had on a pair of coveralls and her hair pulled up into a beige baseball style hat. I did not recognize her at first. 

She snagged my by the crook in my arm, as I have not been pulled since grade school and pulled me out the door and down the street into a very fancy office. The office was very modern and clean and empty. She asked me to wait there and that was when I recognized her. Who could mistake that velvet voice? 

I was alone- waiting. It was then that my parents appeared. Not saying a word. Just sitting near me and smiling. And I didn't say anything to them. Next came my kids, same scenario. 

I knew the look on my older daughters face, she never could keep a secret and that is what her face was saying now. But she didn't speak. From somewhere below, I could hear many voices. Almost like an audience. Clapping and one person speaking. Letterman? No- a woman's voice.

And then a woman with a clipboard came into the room. She took my children and ushered them down a tall staircase more resembling a ladder than stairs. Where were they going? More applause.

After a few minutes- my parents descended. Applause once again. 

I waited, getting nervous... is this the day of reckoning? Have I done all I could have? Was it punishment for not being able to take care of my family to the best of my ability?

And then he appeared. A man much taller than I. By at least a foot. Blonde hair hanging over his eyes. He spoke softly. Telling me not to be nervous. Telling me that this will be over soon. Ashton?

I look down at my hands wringing in my lap and discover that I am still in my ratty cut-off shorts and dirty T-shirt I mowed the yard in this morning. Should I be dressed more appropriately? And what would be appropriate?

I began to descend the same ladder-like stairs and down into the bright light....

And then see my family, they are spread across one of those oh so familiar talk-show guest couches. And there at the end? In the single, hosts seat? Ellen Degeneres.

I cried. She said she could help. I cried more. I remember telling her, I don't deserve this. I am a college graduate, I can support my family. So many need this more than I do.

But, I was helped.  I think. It was not clear after that.

The audience broke into a quiet roar... I woke up.

_____________________________

I am not making this up. I couldn't.

I couldn't help but laugh. Had the alcohol messed with my subconscious? Had I watched too many day-time talk shows this week? Is the stress getting to me?

What in the world do Demi and Ashton have to do with anything?

And as I sit here writing this, I am reminded of the soap box I perched myself upon in my latest post.

You know, the one about bailouts and easy fixes. And then had a good laugh with my morning coffee.

Ellen, if you are reading this, I would not turn down the offer- If however you have yet to visit my humble blog, or my dreams well then I suppose it is up to me.

Happy dreams everyone.

Pitiful creature of darkness, what kind of life have you known? God, give me courage to show you you are not alone!

I attended the production of Phantom of the opera. My youngest daughters high school put on a fabulous production.
She had an opportunity in her first directing gig. Assistant Director. I couldn't be more proud.

They went way over budget but the sets and props and costumes were of the quality of an off-Broadway show.

I will be attending again next Saturday with the little brother of a long time friend. Here are some shots.

Absence from those we love is self from self - a deadly banishment. William Shakespeare

What a great weekend!

We headed south for a four day weekend to watch my youngest perform in the annual Utah Shakespearean Festival.

She rode down with the school Thursday morning and we drove to my parents just one hour south of where she would be performing.

We spent some time with my parents for two days while she attended workshops and then on Saturday we drove up to watch her perform. After her performance, they had a few hours of free-time. We drove up into cedar canyon to decompress at Navajo Lake. It was the perfect time of year and the perfect time of day. Absolutely gorgeous.

We then left her there for the rest of her workshops and encore performances,  and returned to my parents house. Later that night I returned to pick her up following their awards ceremony. Their ensemble group took second place and her school took first place over all. Way to go Vikings!!! It was a lot of fun. The scenes  were great.

The rest of the weekend was fun and filled with activity. We could not have asked for better weather, DesCartes fit right in with us all and we laughed and just played all weekend.

We even took the time to create a small celebration at precisely 10-10-10 10:10am. Just because we felt like it. It is life's little celebrations that makes it lively and fun.

I hated saying goodbye to my parents. It is always hard but we will see them again soon.

On our way home, we stopped so that my kids could see my ex's family. My ex (the father of my children) lives in Alaska and is not a large part of my children's lives. However, rarely do you divorce the 'family'. It is important to me that my children have the chance to know both sides of their family and heritage.

They had not seen each other in a while and it was nice to let them stop to chat for a while. My ex's mother was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis about six years ago and her health has deteriorated at an accelerated rate since then. I find it sad that my ex has lost his relationship with his mother especially in her condition but find it to be in their best interest to ensure that it does not happen with my own kids.

We arrived home late last night, missing everyone terribly but it was nice to sleep in our own beds.

Back to the old grind.

"Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been.'' Albert Einstein

People often inquire how I ended up working in Engineering. It is definitely a male dominated field. I am not a whiz at math, which is generally a requirement. I am however, a creative soul.

Since I was a very young child I loved to doodle, draw, and create. Some of my first toys were Engineering based. Tinker Toys,  Lincoln logs, and models. I love to create.

I also know how to appreciate others work.

I cannot drive or walk down any street without observing and digesting all around me. Buildings, houses, paint choices, car contours, even people.

Sometimes I feel a little bit stalker when I drive by houses at night and sneak a peek inside the lit open rooms. I love to see how others decorate, arrange furniture, use color pallets and contrasts.

It started early with me. As soon as I could hold a pencil, I would create rooms and house designs on paper. I would often rearrange my bedroom furniture. A habit I still afford with some frequency.

Ever since I knew what an architect was, I wanted to be one. I love the shapes and colors that create a city skyline. That combine to form a sub-division, or those which create a welcoming old back country town with bridges and farmhouses. There are some structures locally which have been standing over 100 years.

Do you take the time to appreciate what is around?
Alas, I did not make it into the field of Architecture as there was not enough local job opportunity at the time. We were beginning our young family and moving was not an option.

I don't regret my choices. I am happy that my children grew up near my birthplace and near family. I still create. I still derive joy from others creations. And I am able to share that with my children and others through my photography and creations.

So take a look around you and notice something you have not before. The curve of a window, the slant of a roof, the colors and shapes, and the structural integrity some of those might require. What makes it work? what makes some buildings so appealing? It was someones creative mind who created such cohesiveness.

There is beauty all around if we stop to notice.

Rockets Red Glare...

Save up your toilet paper rolls.. at least the cardboard centers.

Summertime with little ones can be daunting on mothers. School is out and whether the parents work or not, kids get bored. Summer is filled with gatherings throughout the summer with family and friends. After everyone says their hellos and the food is devoured, what then?

Here is a fun and easy craft my mother brings to most every gathering. My children are no longer little but like to help the younger ones. I think they secretly still like to watch the rockets launch.

You will need:
Empty toilet paper tubes - enough for at least one per child.
Empty 35mm film canisters - enough for at least one per child.
These are harder to find now that we are in the digital world. Check with your local camera shop.
Duct tape
An abundance of stickers, glue sticks, markers, crayons, pipe cleaners...anything that will make Rockets look like rockets.
A box of effervescent medicinal tablets - Alka-seltzer or any cheaper substitute I suggest you buy the bulk pkg. Break into fourths beforehand and keep in an airtight container.
and a pitcher of tap water or a hose nearby
small plastic drinking cups- one per child (optional)

Cut down one side of the cardboard tube, wrap tube around canister just below the lid lip. The opening in the canister should still be open when the lid is off. Also, you should be able to easily open and close the lid on the canister.
Secure the canister in place with the tape.

At this point you can pass them to the kids to decorate. The older kids can create fins and a cone top. (Be sure to avoid occluding the canister opening and lid). While younger ones may be happy with a few stickers.

When everyone's rockets are ready to launch, pass out one cup of water and a few seltzer fourths.

To launch:
This is the best part. Watch their faces glow as they watch their rockets shoot for the sky...the anticipation is just enough to keep them on edge without boring them.

Fill the canister half way with water, place a seltzer fourth into the water and cap tightly and quickly. Smaller children may need help.
place the canister end of the rocket lid side down on a flat surface.
Then wait....

It takes approx 20-30 seconds for the pressure to build then the rocket is self-propelled into the air.

Happy launching!

This is an outdoor game... it can get messy. Kids will have fun shooting the rockets over and over. Soon enough even the younger ones get the hang of it on their own.

We were having too much fun to get pictures for a step-by-step but if these directions are not clear there are many websites that explain in more detail.

Happy Summer

Betty Crocker's here in spirit

Every year the girls and I (even my son when he is in town), bake up a batch of festive treats and then run them to friends and neighbors. When the kids were younger it served two purposes. First being that it was a rather inexpensive way to share the season. Second and most important was the company. Spending the day in the kitchen with the children is a great way to teach them. Spending the day together also teaches them to get along, work together and give them the satisfaction of creating something delicious.

Then we deliver them. Meeting with neighbors we rarely see in the winter months when we all hibernate and stay out of the cold. Saying hello and spending a moment or two catching up. Suburban neighborhoods can become a bit unsociable or make you feel isolated especially in the colder months. It is nice to take a moment with others.

This year we made quite a spread. I would have taken a few more photos but our tiny kitchen was overrun. More like a disaster.

After spending the morning coffee in hand, wrapping gifts for my ever expanding family we fired up the oven.
Beginning with simple mini banana bread loaves which used up our ever ripening supply of the star ingredient.

Next we made some tiny little vanilla tarts with pomegranate seeds.





Rachel mixed up some lemon ginger biscotti cookies while I started on some toffee fudge.

Things could have moved along much more quickly if we had more than one oven. Lots of waiting time on baking and cooling. This is why I think I love cooking so much more than baking.



We created a good mix of old favorites and some brand new recipies we found this year. I really need to stop watching the food channel and picking up new recipe books on a whim.

We made tiny cherry cheesecakes and then some blondies with cranberry and apricot topping and some raspberry spritzel bars.

Finishing off with chocolate truffles, and a pecan log then some simple edible snowflakes for decoration.


Hours later I sit, pizza in hand absolutely exhausted. The girls have run the treats this year I haven't the energy. Will have to get out to say hello to the neighbors and friends before the holiday hits.

But all in all it was a great bonding day with my girls. I love spending the day in the kitchen with them. We laugh, we talk, we giggle at our mistakes sing to the carols playing on the system and just enjoy each others company.

Isn't that what the holidays are about?