Picture Spring!

 Oh yes I did.  I was so ready to be rid of the snow that I got out the shovel and chipped away at the remaining chunk of ice.  It really did help me, though I didn't really make a big difference.  Really.

Once I got the snow out, I hit the fertilizer for the lawn!  You know, normal spring activities.

 Last weekend, we headed out to go on an impromptu camping trip.  Since it was short notice, we just "luxury" camped; meaning we drove right to the camp site!  We camped on Petersen Lake and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset (extremely late this time of year!).

See!  So tired!

 The spring has brought with it the swans, flowers, and lots of moose!

 The swans are excellent at mooning us.  

Happy Spring!

Teakell Design

Once upon a time, a certain brother-in-law and a friend did a really awesome favor.  In response for this favor, a new form of artwork was born:

Since these first two pieces, the art form has continued to progress into many venues.  Most pieces are in 10"x12", 12"x12", or smaller sizes; easy to ship or carry!  (Yes, these are for sale!)

We are going to be taking these pieces and more to the Kenai River Festival in Soldotna in June, so stop by and check it out or give us a call about a piece.

Projects and "Pets"

 This time it was my turn to play!  I thought up a project for me to do.  Under the tutelage of my fabulous husband, and some of his assistance, we finished this pansy!  I am hoping to present this as a gift for my former employer, so don't tell!

We were graced this morning by a visit from one of our resident moose calves.  She is a little thing, and didn't seem overly concerned by Pat on the porch taking pictures!  

Pat's Projects

 Pat's latest piece: A beautiful Steel Salmon!  Pat's been having fun with these, and as usual, has a billion ideas on where he could take this.  The options are seemingly endless, though the costs will reign him in a little on super detailed ideas.

 In other project news, Pat got a contract to build welding test booths for a company in town.  It was a great project that provided Pat a project!  You know he always needs a project.  It's really nice when the project provides nice income as well!

 The finished product was perfect!  It is able to be disassembled and reassembled for transport.  It went over well with the company, and Pat continues to build his reputation for good, solid, and quick work.

February

So, it's been a while!  I'd like to say I'll do better, but I'm still in a blogging funk, so this is doing pretty good!  Plus, I have to admit, we haven't been doing anything all that interesting.  

Winter is winter, I still walk the dogs most mornings, and a while ago it was very chilly!  I often wrap my face in a scarf, and my exhalations freeze on any surface that will hold the frost: including my hair and eyelashes!

 A couple weeks ago, we had what we call Neighbor to Neighbor at our church.  It's a Sunday where we all break out into groups and basically do service projects instead of regular "church."  Pat lead a team who cut a couple cords of firewood and delivered them to Neighbors in Need.  It was a great day!

Speaking of service projects, this is Pat's Steel Salmon that he made for Love INC's fundraiser dinner.  I will have to take my camera to work and do a post on Love INC and what I do there.  It is a great Non-Profit that helps many people throughout the nation.  Check and see if your community has a chapter!  (I know that Wichita does!!)

Mushroom "Beef" Stew w/Cranberry Pilaf

Photo Courtesy of Taste of Home Magazine

I took this recipe from my Taste of Home Magazine, adapted it to a crock pot and Gluten Free, and it was tortuously fragrant as it cooked as well as delicious!

Because we use a large amount of hunted game in our recipes, this one was made with venison instead of beef.  The finished product was substantially less fatty, so keep in mind if you use beef you may need to skim fat before serving.

In a crock pot combine:

• 1-2 lbs "stew" meat (This is simply chunks of meat.  If you use a roast, thaw and cut into chunks before putting in the crock pot.  I used 2lbs, original called for 1lb.)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 lb sliced mushrooms (original recipe called for Portobello, but I just used what I could find and they were scrumptious!)
• 3/4 cup white wine (I found the cheapest one I could)
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.   

Pilaf

• 1/3 Cup chopped onion
• 1/3 Cup chopped celery
• 1Tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 Cup uncooked long grain rice (I used regular cheap stuff and it was yummy, too)
• 1/3 Cup dried cranberries (do not neglect this: it's the best part!)
• 2 Cups beef broth

In large saucepan, saute onion and celery in butter/oil until crisp-tender.  Add rice and cranberries; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until rice is lightly browned.  Add the broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender.  Fluff with a fork.

Before serving, mix 2Tbsp. cornstarch with 2Tbsp. water and add to stew if desired.  Serve stew over Rice.  

KU's #68

Despite their recent lack of consistency, we were able to witness KU's 68th consecutive win in Allen Fieldhouse!  It is something that I have been dreaming of for years!  Thanks to my brother-in-law's connections (not mob-related, I don't think), he was able to get us tickets while we were in Kansas.  

 Even though Pat has less enthusiasm for KU than I, he was a great sport!  We really enjoyed the museum outside the arena and he even tried his hands at some of the interactive displays (pun intended!)!

 You know I was in awe the entire time, taking pictures sparingly and trying to act like I'd been there a million times.  Fortunately, Pat was less inclined to care what others perceived!  I had goosebumps through the entire beginning!

 Yeah, this was totally staged.  KU was so far ahead within minutes that the poor UMKC Kangaroos stood no chance and we had to change our excitement to hoping they'd make it to 100.  They made it to 99!

I had such a great time!  We took our time leaving, even hanging out around the campus before we cataloged this in our "Most Awesome Dates" file!