Showing newest 7 of 10 posts from May 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest 7 of 10 posts from May 2009. Show older posts

5/28/2009


Who doesn't love beach days?? Although no one more than Charlie. He starts howling two miles from the parking lot.




Warm May Days at the Beach. With the low tide it's a perfect time to run the tide flats





Or chase after sticks in the water






Or watch the tankers cruise up the shipping lanes






Eagle on the flats looking for something to eat




Here is the Eagle Footprints left behind on the sand...... You know how big they are??




Here is in comparison with my foot.




Then we have the sea treasures.





Hermet Crab... minus a shell. Someone obviosly needed his shell more.




Dungeness Crab.. caught off gaurd






It's been a good day at the beach...and before we pull away from the parking lot headed for home... Charlie is fast asleep.

5/27/2009

One Quarter Wild Duck


This is our 'somewhat' wild duck Caramel and her new brood.




She hatched out fifteen little ones about a week ago.





She's a good mommy.

5/21/2009

Lonely Lion


One of many lawn ornaments. This guy is Mr. Lion although it's hard to tell with all that dried up slobber on his mane and his defenseless position.




Tess is very gentle with her toys.





She really doesn't like it when they squeak.





So most of the time she just holds on and enjoys the scenery around her.






Until Charlie comes into the picture and steals the toy away. What's good for Tess is much better for Charlie.






Sure he looks like he'll be gentle too and for some reason Mr. Lion is spared from having his stuffing scattered in the lawn.




Unlike my petunias that were sitting on the deck waiting to be planted.






Nothing is safe around here when it comes to things to play with... you should see what they did with my new snow ball tree!

Flower World


One of our favorite things to do in the spring is head to Flower World




Here is Michelle... Queen of the Road Trip. She's our driver. Her sweet husband let us borrow his beast of a truck. It's HUGE.
We're along to help navigate.



Spring is such a beautiful time of year here in the Northwest.



This is one of five carts we have to fit in the HUGE truck.




It will fit Michelle... our mantra for the moment.



We just need to move some things around ... put some plants in the back seat... Sorry Michelle's husband... we only got your truck a little dirty~!



Time to start planting.




But first... let's talk breakfast! Part of the Flower World experience is to eat at the Maltby Cafe.



Have you heard of the Maltby Cafe?? If so, then you know about their famous Cinnamon Rolls



Today on the 'Specials' Menu was Watermelon Mimosas




Times three Please!


~Cheers

5/13/2009

The Color Green

























5/11/2009

Polka Dot Cupcakes







If you havent noticed... Our friend Jacki LOVES Red and white polka dots.




So for a little twist on the coconut cupcakes we added red dots to the frosting.



Nothing more than some strawberry flavored Skittles, but the presentation was Oh So Jacki!






Try this recipe NOW!! Perfect way to start out the week. Barefoot Contesa Coconut Cupcakes.

5/08/2009

Jacki's Birthday



It's Jacki's birthday... technically it was yesterday. So in honor of this special day for a special lady we made these!!




Here is the recipe for Barefoot Contesa Coconut Cupcakes... Can you say YUMMM!

Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut

For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut