Lynn and Lily

My friend Lynn with her little dog Lily.

30 days of giving love | Tim Wheaton Photography | Southern California Natural Light Photographer

I love this concept, so I am sharing with you. I have already started the challenge and will try to keep it as a part of my life. And yes, somehow I am even going to unplug...Click through for the entire post...

30 days of giving love | Tim Wheaton Photography | Southern California Natural Light Photographer:

"I’m creating this challenge… for myself, and hoping to continue with it beyond just this next month of November… but I wanted to share it and challenge you all… any of you, to take it on yourself as well. Alter it if you want… but I would also challenge you: if you do alter it, make it more rather than less."

'via Blog this'

Things I’d Tell My 17-Year-Old Self | The Lettered Cottage

Things I’d Tell My 17-Year-Old Self | The Lettered Cottage:

"23. You might not ever figure out exactly what you want to be when you grow up, but that’s okay."

Love letter from a girl to her 17 year old self. Also a love letter to her mum...wish mine were here to share it with.

'via Blog this'

The Happiness Project: "One of the Most Unhappy Periods of My Life Led to My Happiest."

The Happiness Project: "One of the Most Unhappy Periods of My Life Led to My Happiest.":

"Happiness interview: Andy Borowitz."

click through to read the interview....

'via Blog this'

Lizzie and Merry's Excellent Zoo Adventure - Borderfly -- Sarah Ruckelshaus, Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue

Lizzie and Merry's Excellent Zoo Adventure - Borderfly -- Sarah Ruckelshaus, Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue:

"On a warm July day my brother and my nieces and I took a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. Also pictured is Chris Bartos, Mammal and Ungulates Curator at the zoo, as well as Tony the Rhino, Gus, Stella and baby Abby the giraffes and Micah and Rasi the Cheetah brothers."

Joel Felix - A Parents Promise

Joel Felix - A Parents Promise

The Curvy Carrot » Four Cheese White Pizza (and a Blog Anniversary!)

The Curvy Carrot » Four Cheese White Pizza (and a Blog Anniversary!)

So, now, let’s talk about this pizza. I have made pizza dough before, but this particular pizza dough recipe is my favorite so far, thanks to Annie. I followed both her tutorial (please visit her website for detailed instructions and photos) and recipe to a tee, and I couldn’t have been happier. Now I have pizza dough (it reminds me of Pizza Hut’s Pan Pizza) in my freezer, waiting to be thawed and made into some great weeknight pizzas over the coming weeks…and seriously, what offers more creative liberty than making your own pizza? And what makes better leftovers than pizza?

I have always been a fan of white pizzas, and with all these great options for cheeses out here, I knew I couldn’t go wrong with a four cheese pizza..with my favorite herb: basil. The cheese choices could be easily substituted with your own favorites, but I personally loved the combination of both the softer ricotta and goat cheeses with the mozzarella and Parmesans. I put a little red pepper flakes on mine and sprinkled a teensy bit of flaked sea salt on top. SO GOOD!

Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs | Animal Behavior and Medicine Blog | Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS

Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs | Animal Behavior and Medicine Blog | Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS:

"When a child is bitten by a four-legged family member, it can turn the household upside-down. Owners feel puzzled and confused. “They sleep together all the time,” they might say, or, “He’s always been really good. He even lets Timmy sit on him.” In a majority of cases, the bite seems out of the blue. The humans can’t fathom why their once-trusted companion would bite an innocent child. But anyone who reads “dog” or can see life from the pet’s point of view would most likely say, “I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner.”"

Great posters and illustrations on kids and dog interactions. Click through to read more!

The Chestertown Spy - PAR Community Garden Donates Bounty to Food Pantry

The Chestertown Spy - PAR Community Garden Donates Bounty to Food Pantry:

"The garden, hemmed on one side by fencing (to keep Ruckelshaus’s sheep from both ravaging the place and escaping), at a guess is 15X 50 feet, and is planted with beets, lettuces, peppers, sweet potato, shallots, carrots, peas, lima beans, herbs, pumpkins, gourds, and a veritable forest of tomatoes –38 incredibly robust plants barely contained by a regiment of volunteer-made cages. Among other things, the group has so far donated 40 pounds of mesclun (about a 55-gallon drum in volume) to the food pantry."

click link to read entire article. I am super proud of this project and our volunteers!

Foodie Review: Harvest Seasonal Grill

Last night I went with friends to a restaurant called Harvest Seasonal Grill specialising in fresh local foods with entrées under 500 calories. I was somewhat skeptical as to what would be served (salads, vegan, tofu??) but was beyond surprised and pleased.

The service was fab (very cute waiter who was over the top friendly without being annoying), great ambiance, (though as it filled, the noise level did rise) and terrific food was the order of the evening.

The menue was quite varied, both in ingredients and cost and provided something for everyone. I would dare you to go and not find at least two or three things on the menue to your liking, which was my issue. I couldn't decide between one of the yummy salads, the scallops or the shrimp (pictured above), and in the end went for the shrimp (pictured below).

The presentation was lovely, plate was small, but filling. This is a lesson all American restaurants could learn. We had appetizers, a main course, and desert and walked away feeling wonderful, not like bloated cows.

Harvest Seasonal Grill is most definitely a place worth traveling to, perfect for a date, a birthday dinner, or just because. The menue changes seasonally (on the change of season) so regular visits are highly recommended! I will be having dinner there again...soon I hope!

Robin Hood Review -- OK, Gush...

I'll preface this by reminding you that I am not a movie reviewer. (If you want to read a real review of Robin Hood, this is a good one.) I tend to like movies other people don't, and dislike movies other people love. I also understand you are likely reading this because you know me, and not because you value my opinion. I am mostly writing this because I am having a crap day, am in the midst of watching Ridley Scott's Robin Hood directors cut for the fourth time in three days, and I am trying to avoid hacking away at the jungle that should be my yard.


Little did I know that when I took my exchange students to see Robin Hood that would begin a love affair, not just with Robin Hood, but Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott and most of the rest of the crew of Robin Hood. I saw the movie four times in the theater and was disappointed when it was replaced with something newer and more popular. I am normally only that obsessed with music, not movies (see facebook posts regarding Dave Matthews as evidence of that little obsession).


And now you know more about me than you might want to.


I grew up loving horses. OK, more like worshiping them. From the time I can remember, I knelt at the Alter of the Horse. And now that I am a grownup (or at least pretend to be) handsome boys riding pretty horses are very cool. I mean seriously, what horse loving, boy loving cowgirl would not appreciate this?

or this...

That just might be part of why RH is such an escape for me.

I have always been fond of the Robin Hood legend. I have read a few books, watched the movies and tv series when I was a kid and thought it was cool that he stood up for the little guy. Not that I approve of stealing, but why should the rich have it all? To have a movie version of Robin that seemed less like fantasy and more like reality is fabulous. I am always for the reality of things...Robin and his Merry Band of Men. Yep, they could ride into my town...

What really got to me in this film is the story told by Russ and Cate. Cate's Marian is strong, determined and opinionated, yet is graceful, proper and respectful (something I strive for but never quite reach). And I realised this morning, it is Russ's Robin that makes the movie for me (big surprise I know). Some brilliant writer decided that Robin should be impressed and somewhat awed by Marian's strength and that her opinions and determination should be part of what he finds attractive. Fully evidenced at the beginning of the final battle scene on the beach when he first yells at her, then tells her to gather her troops (awesome feral boys on Shetlanders).

And seriously, what man loving woman wouldn't swoon just a smidge at this...

For Marian, Robin showed his muster at being really true to his heart. He knows what is right and wrong and has no problem standing up for it. He made no bones about his convictions and that they are his, no one must stand beside him unless they do it of their own choosing (I can so totally relate to that one). He is one man that could come to my rescue...I mean, really, I am admitting right now that I wouldn't mind having him charge after me to save me from an evil doer...as long as he doesn't mind me saving him back (and yes, she did).

I adored Max von Sydow as Walter Loxley, the departed Robert's father. In a far fetched but possible twist, Walter knew Robin as a child and filled Robin in on the missing pieces of his life. Of course he had to die, but it was sad nonetheless. His character was great and full of life.

Another surprise was William Hurt as William Marshall, a part that was fleshed out in the director's cut (who knew the director's cut would make such a huge difference in my viewing pleasure!). I hope he plays a bigger part if there is indeed a sequel.

Not that you are surprised after reading my gush, but Robin Hood is now one of my Top Ten movies (well, maybe Top 20). If I were on a deserted island it is one of the movies I could watch repeatedly and never bore of it.


Last spring, once Robin Hood was no longer available to me in the theater, I held a little Russell Crowe film festival. I was surprised to find that I appreciated him far more than I thought I would in (not my cup of tea) movies like American Gangster and The Insider which are both great, and his performances are captivating and well worth watching. I gleaned new favorites while watching ( A Good Year, and Mystery Alaska) and still have a few to watch (Romper Stomper and Body of Lies).

As Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator (my son's favorite film)

As Cal McCaffrey in Sate of Play

As Max Skinner in A Good Year


Enough of the gushing, at least for now. Back to reality and a yard full of knee high grass I could literally watch grow if I sat still long enough...

Mangia! Mangia!

Tonight was out first cooking adventure with our International Students for the Spring Semester. I took the girls shopping for ingredients (and wine) and then on to Betta's for preparation and eating!

Discussing Italy and Katarina's home city.

Katatrina and the bacon. Sadly, not Italian bacon, but bacon just the same...

Jim looking professional with his knife.

 Katarina and Laura putting the Carbonara together.

Bellisimo!

Luciana

 Laura

Very happy to finish with Espresso!