Read about my thoughts this christmas:
Showing posts with label Pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pictures. Show all posts
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Got ya!
Do you see that? It's a hummingbird! I finally got the little thing. At first, I thought it was just the annoying wasp. When I got closer, it is the most amazing thing. I have waited so long for a shot of this incredible creation! They usually start to come out early September and disappear before December. Yes, they love my honeysuckle! And sometimes I see them playing by the veranda railings. I am quite surprised to see them still around at this time of year! Must be my lucky day! And so I ran and grabbed my sony cybershot, escaped through the back door and tiptoed behind the animate being! Wow! It's just unbelievable! Tuesday, December 4, 2007
On the little things and the little creature
I had my moment this early morning and took a picture of the baho-baho flowers that are abundantly flourishing in the garden. When I uploaded the picture unto my laptap, I noticed a little creature that was focused on my camera.
This reminds me of the things we take for granted. Oftentimes, we miss out the little things that gives beauty to life!
The Little Things
by Marian Jones
Thank you God for little things
That bring much joy our way,
Like a sudden burst of sunshine
Cleansing a sky of grey.
A kindness from a stranger,
Children's laughter as they play;
There are so many little things
That brighten up each day.
Things we take for granted,
Like someone's thoughtful deed;
A perfect flower unfolding
Amidst a patch of weeds.
So at the end of every day
When we turn to God and pray
Let's thank Him for the little things,
He loves to send our way.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Life's greatest moments!!!!
My kids received academic awards in school today. These are the times when I can just jump and thank the Lord for His faithfulness in the lives of my children.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Drying your own herbs?
Yes, nothing beats the taste of fresh herbs picked from your own garden and added, seconds later, to the pan simmering on your stove.
But when fresh herbs are no longer in season, there's no reason to resort to those jars of stale supermarket herbs that have lingered in your pantry for years. 
Last weekend, my family had a chance to visit a place where herb plants were in abundance. My herb plants in the garden have passed their season. Unfortunately, only the chives survived. So, I snipped a handful of the herbs I could find.
It was a good thing we were there early morning just as the dew evaporated and before they are subject to direct sunlight. I carefully picked the ones just before the flowers open as this is when the oil in the leaves are at it's highest level, providing the greatest flavor.
But if there are a few flowers, I guess it won't matter too much. If you plan to dry your own herbs, this is what you’ll do. If you've harvested entire "branches" you can air-dry them by tying the stems together and hanging them upside down in a large brown paper bag or plastic bag with holes around it for ventilation. 
Make sure there is plenty of room inside the bag so leaves do not touch the sides of the bag. Label them and date each bag. Look for a dry, fairly warm area away from direct sunlight to hang your herbs.. There is no need to wash them first, unless they have dirt or other inedible bits attached. If you do need to rinse them briefly in cold water, pat them dry immediately with paper towels before hanging. 
It should take between two and four weeks to yield an excellent supply of dried herbs. Test them periodically to see how they're doing. The leaves should be brittle but not so dry that they crumble to dust between your fingers! When herbs are dry and crumbly, remove leaves from stems. Crush leaves with a rolling pin or leave whole. Pack in an airtight container, preferably dark, or zip-top bag with air removed.
I combine half of the yield in one container for my roasts, pastas, pizzas and soups. Some recipes dictate individual portions so I keep the rest in separate containers. Use within 6 months. 
Reminder: Sage, thyme, summer savory, dill, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary and marjoram are sturdy, low-moisture herbs that are best suited for air-drying.
Basil, tarragon, lemon balm and the mints have a high moisture content and will mold if not dried quickly. So the oven, dehumidifier or dehydrator methods work better.
Chives are best frozen.
Last weekend, my family had a chance to visit a place where herb plants were in abundance. My herb plants in the garden have passed their season. Unfortunately, only the chives survived. So, I snipped a handful of the herbs I could find.
It was a good thing we were there early morning just as the dew evaporated and before they are subject to direct sunlight. I carefully picked the ones just before the flowers open as this is when the oil in the leaves are at it's highest level, providing the greatest flavor.
But if there are a few flowers, I guess it won't matter too much. If you plan to dry your own herbs, this is what you’ll do. If you've harvested entire "branches" you can air-dry them by tying the stems together and hanging them upside down in a large brown paper bag or plastic bag with holes around it for ventilation. 
Make sure there is plenty of room inside the bag so leaves do not touch the sides of the bag. Label them and date each bag. Look for a dry, fairly warm area away from direct sunlight to hang your herbs.. There is no need to wash them first, unless they have dirt or other inedible bits attached. If you do need to rinse them briefly in cold water, pat them dry immediately with paper towels before hanging. 
It should take between two and four weeks to yield an excellent supply of dried herbs. Test them periodically to see how they're doing. The leaves should be brittle but not so dry that they crumble to dust between your fingers! When herbs are dry and crumbly, remove leaves from stems. Crush leaves with a rolling pin or leave whole. Pack in an airtight container, preferably dark, or zip-top bag with air removed.
I combine half of the yield in one container for my roasts, pastas, pizzas and soups. Some recipes dictate individual portions so I keep the rest in separate containers. Use within 6 months. 
Reminder: Sage, thyme, summer savory, dill, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary and marjoram are sturdy, low-moisture herbs that are best suited for air-drying.
Basil, tarragon, lemon balm and the mints have a high moisture content and will mold if not dried quickly. So the oven, dehumidifier or dehydrator methods work better.
Chives are best frozen.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thank you!
To our mentors, professors, and classmates who have been an inspiration.... to our loved ones with all their support, love, and prayers..... to our friendship that will last a lifetime! Godspeed!
Friday, April 6, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
Adieu, Anna!
My friend, Anna, leaves for Chicago today as a nurse. I pray that you'll have a safe trip, dear. We will miss you and that our friendship continues to flourish even we are miles apart!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, August 5, 2004
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Friends..... Forever
Laughters and tears
We all share our dreams
No matter what tomorrow brings,
The thought of friends, my heart sings!
(Not in photo is Kiki)
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
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