In memory and honor

 

"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.

I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did. "

~Benjamin Harrison

In memory and honor of those who have fought and died to keep our country free.

What is that!

 What is rising behind our house?

A boom!

We had a dying tree taken down. It was really big and in a difficult location. So the tree man brought in a boom.

Lifting the guy up into the tree.

and here he is....

up up and away...

Lifting the last section of the tree.

Skywatch Friday

Tangy Lemon Blueberry Loaf

 

This is the time of year for delicious blueberries and tangy lemons.  Somewhere, I found this recipe online, and I'm sorry that I did not note the author.  But blueberries were in my fridge and lemons were hanging on our tree.  Time to try this recipe.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

2 tsp lemon rind

1 cup full fat plain yogurt OR sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1.  Stir together first 4 dry ingredients.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, bet together eggs, vanilla, lemon rind, sour cream and oil.

3.  Add dry mixture and mix just until dry ingredients are well incorporated.  Don't over mix.

4.  Gently stir in blueberries.  (I coated mine with a little bit of flour so they would bake evenly in the loaf.

5.  Pour batter into well greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes (test doneness with toothpick)

6.  Once baked allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes then remove to cooling rack.

Lemon syrup:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Heat together until sugar is dissolved.

2.  Poke warm Lemon Blueberry loaf with small fork and brush lemon syrup over loaf.  Allow to cool completely.

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Stir together and drizzle over cooled loaf.  Allow to set.

This is a great combination. Enjoy

                                                     Friday Favorites 

Enjoying Florida

 

I love to see the palm trees swaying. This is the best time of year to live in Florida :-)

Skywatch Friday

Easy recipe

 Rice and Mushrooms.  A staple in our household.

Simple ingredients -

1 cup rice

1 package dry Onion Soup mix

1 can mushrooms

butter

Pour one cup rice into baking dish.

Combine 1 package Onion Soup mix with 3 cups water.  Add to rice.  Top with mushrooms and 1/2 stick of butter.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

And voila!  It's that easy.  

                                                 Friday Favorites

All That Really Matters

 

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese 

Molly McKenzie is a beauty influencer. With a following of six hundred thousand, Makeup Matters with Molly is on the radar of big sponsors.  But there is one hitch. She is being asked to show a human interest cause. Convinced that she is more than a pretty face, she approaches Silas Whitaker. He manages a house for young adults who have aged out of the foster system. He helps them transition to independent living.  To say the first interview doesn't go well, is an understatement. Silas is put off by Molly, but Molly is determined to volunteer. She'll show them she isn't self centered!

This is a beautifully written story. The characters are deep and well written. You can't help but get involved in the lives of the residents of the Bridge. And Molly and Silas are so authentic you just want to cheer them on. The side characters are just as genuine, with hurts and insecurities. I love how the story builds and you feel the real depth of each person. Molly's optimism even when it seems all hope is gone. Faith playing a vital role. 

Nicole Deese has written a five star novel. Her characters, dialogue, setting, everything about this book is captivating and engaging. This story is a heartwarming, clean story. I would highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Traveling

 Traveling north, we enjoyed skies as only the open road can offer.

                                          

Skywatch Friday

Happy Mothers Day

Little bits of fabric
sewn together with care ~
one is rough and ready
the other dainty and fair.
Seams are sewn together
with love and tenderness ~
Mother's love surrounds them
with prayers and hugs caress.
The love and care of Mother
leave footprints on the heart ~
of children that she nurtures
until with wings depart.
So many days and nights
filled with love and care ~
one day released into the world
she prays from her rocking chair.

copyright 2010 HCQ

Golden

 

Palm trees are so representative of Florida. And a beautiful golden sunset doesn't hurt either :-)

                                                             Skywatch Friday

Antiques

 Making a journey north in our Airstream is always an adventure.  We recently ventured a bit north and while my hubby was in meetings I visited a couple of antique shops.

Don't you love these old kiddie rides?

Someone took books and laser cut them into letters. Here is my name spelled out.

I love finding things that I already own and see how much more they  price them in an Antique mall.

Fun huh?

                                                       You're the Star

No Journey Too Far

 

After returning from the war, Garth McAlister makes it his mission to find his little sister and his sweetheart, Emma. Both were British Home Children, sent from England to Canada when they became orphans.  

Emma and Garth worked on the same farm as indentured servants. They grew to love each other, pledging themselves with an understanding. But when Garth no longer received letters from Emma while away at war, he wonders if she no longer cares for him. The obstacles of prejudice and trials brings them on a journey of faith. 

This is the second story by Carrie Turansky about the fictional McAlister family and the British Home Children. The characters and settings are interesting and moving with historical value. This is a good clean story, where there is a mysterious murder, suspense, determination, faith and love. It can be a stand alone read. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.