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Happy Halloween ! Still one of my favorite holidays even though it's not nearly as fun as the days of old ! I miss my little witches and ax-killers......so much anticipation and excitement as darkness came on ! I do have on an orange tank top today and down at Raleys they gave me a free piece of candy ! I'll light a few candles tonight and we'll finish off the pumpkin pie I made on Saturday, but other than that........business as usual !
This weekend was an excellent one ! Saturday Molly and I met my mom at Taylors .....an old fashion hamburger joint in Loomis. It was a beautiful day and so we were able to sit outside in the sun. We split a burger and splurged on conversation......a really fun afternoon. Yesterday we headed down to Molly and Ross' for a few hours of pickin' and singin'. Jim really enjoyed the afternoon and ,of course, I did also ! It was so warm down in Auburn, but by the time we got back up here it was downright chilly. We warmed up with a dinner of Chinese noodle soup . Earlier in the day I had switched our bed from summer to winter.......off with the lightweight quilt and on with the down comforter......it was incredibly cozy and warm.
Sounds like we'll have a day ,maybe two, of nice weather then snow later in the week......I guess I'm ready !
Early last summer while Jill and family were here visiting we decided to "set up " the deck. It was a super late start to the warm weather and I hadn't gotten around to putting up the umbrellas or putting on the new outdoor tablecloths that I had purchased. I was so excited.......excited that Jill was here, excited that summer was here and excited with my new tablecloths ! Well, we got up the umbrellas , washed all the chairs off and took the tablecloths out of the bag. .............Molly and Jill did not like them !! Said they looked way too "Fall-ish", not the right colors for summer. Bummer........I had to agree and so retrieved the old ones from a box in the garage. The deck looked great.....summery and inviting with the old, but brightly colored tablecloths. Last weekend as I was again cleaning the deck furniture I remembered the rejected tablecloths .....found them in the garage and they were perfect for Autumn celebrations ! Anyhow....Jilly and Molly....everytime I look at them I remember our laughter filled afternoon and I am so happy I have such wonderful.....but picky.....daughters.
It's getting dark so early these days.....only 5 o'clock and already getting dark. Earlier in honor of longer nights and cooler days I devised a new soup recipe. Super easy and very delicious.......I know all my kids will love it......curry has always been a family favorite. Therefore, I'll share the recipe here ......for the 6 of you !
Curried Chicken and Rice Soup
In large pot saute 1 large onion, sliced thin, 2 sliced carrots and ,if desired, 3 stalks of celery,chopped, in 3 TBSP butter. Saute about 10 minutes. Add 2-3 TBSP curry powder and 1 TBSP sugar.....cook 1 min longer.
Add 6 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup Jasmine rice. Salt to taste.
Great served with corn bread with just a bit of curry added.
A wonderful day yesterday up here......the house was full of family and friends. It was sunny and warm......smiles on every one's faces! It was of course.....the Gathering of the Elders....otherwise known as The Fall Birthday Bash. Photos above are of the birthday honorees.....Mom, Denny and Jack.... and the other is of Tess, Boyce and Betty [Boyce's mom]. Betty had flown out from Florida and it was so wonderful to meet her. I understand where Boyce gets his great smile and warm personality......please come again, Betty.....you're part of the family now !
I also want to thank my long time buddy, Belle, for driving up from Berkeley....it was so special to have you here. And thanks also to all of you awesome family members who showed up....you make my life so wonderful.
We had a little after-party going on last night as Jack and Donna spent the night. Late night for us old folks....I think we were up until at least 10:30 ! We all slept in until about 8:00....leisurely ate our waffles and sat around the table until they left about 11:30. A wonderful visit.....as always.
I know, I know......I've been MIA for the last few weeks. Some excuses......nothing I'll go into now , but I'm back now ! Since I last posted Autumn has arrived here at Lupine Hill. Several large storms .....about 5 inches of rain so far this month. The leaves are beginning to turn and my ....and Jenny's....energy level has shot up off the charts !!
Yesterday was my Mom's 89th birthday ! These photos are of her and the new coffeemaker we gave her......it's a way cool addition to her kitchen. Last year we started a tradition of taking a little road trip on or near her birthday. Last year was a wonderful day on the coast......this year , due to time and weather constraints, we headed up tho Chico. Mom has an old friend , from the 50's, who is living up there . We met her up there and had a wonderful lunch and visit. Molly was able to join us since she had parent conferences and so was done teaching early. It was a rainy, windy day , but still a beautiful drive. Anyhow.......Happy Birthday again ,Mom.....you amaze and delight me !
Today was spent turning apples into apple pies.....they're starting to stack up in the freezer. I also found a delicious sounding recipe for a salsa using green tomatoes so I suppose that will be my next project. Oh !......I also decorated for Halloween today ! I love the Halloween decorations.....silly, since it's only Jim and me.....and Jim could care less !.......but, it sure makes me feel good !
