Without Excuse

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. - Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Us- 2013

We had a few family photos taken after Mac's college graduation, but to be honest, Mac had hat head and everyone else was wearing a goofy grin. While I was happy to capture the day, it wasn't our finest moment.

Thanksgiving afternoon, Collin's friend Randall met us to capture a few images. No pressure. We'd already eaten and been laughing, and the smiles came easily. Perfect? Our finest moment? No. What we really look like? Yes. It was quite chilly, being only 37°, but the late afternoon light was gorgeous.

Mac had the brilliant idea to capture a "sorority girl" photo with Collin, and their smiles are perfect. Since Collin usually hates being photographed, being comfortable with the photographer and the silliness of the moment really made him laugh. Perfect.

Strawberry Shortcake and Other Deliciousness

Let me apologize for the quality of the photos in this post. I've gotten quite lazy about getting out my good camera. It's so easy to grab my phone that I've neglected real documentation. Ugh... note to self- get back to real photos!

We didn't get near as many berries from the garden this year as we have in the two years prior. Too much rain, and not enough sunshine makes for a poor berry season. Thankfully we've had lots of strawberry shortcake. Not enough, but we'll be thankful for what we've had. ;-)

Strawberry Shortcake

Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated white sugar

1 tbls baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup cream, half and half, or milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and place rack in middle of oven. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Whisk together the egg, cream and vanilla extract and add to the flour mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not over mix the dough.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead dough gently four or five times and then pat or roll the dough into a 7 inch round. With a 3 inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds and place the scones on the baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of a scone comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack.

Filling:

2 pounds fresh strawberries

1/4 cup - 1/3 cup granulated white sugar (or to taste)

Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Place about one third of the strawberries in a large bowl and crush them with a potato masher or fork. Add the remaining sliced strawberries, along with the sugar.  Cover and refrigerate.

Topping:

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream

1 - 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar (or to taste)

Chill the bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 15 - 30 minutes. Place the cream and sugar in the bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours.

To Serve: Cut the scones in half and place the bottom half of the scone (soft side up) on a dessert plate. Top with some of the strawberries and whipped cream. Place the top half of the scone on the strawberries. Top with whipped cream and a few more strawberries. If there is any juice from the strawberries, drizzle a little over the top of the scone. Serve immediately.

Serves 8 people.

Not to worry; we've made some healthier things with our berries, too. 

B is for _______________

Continuing on with the Alphabet in August, we're on the letter B. I'd love it if you'd play along- if not on your own blog, then in the comments. Let me know what describes you!

Babies - I love them! I loved being pregnant, I loved nursing, and I wish I could have had many more than four.

Baker - Baking is fun! From pies, to cakes, to cookies, to scones, I simply enjoy being in the kitchen and coming up with new concoctions.

Barefoot - I very rarely have socks or shoes on, and am most comfortable in my bare feet.

Belligerent - I think it runs in my family, and you'd only have to ask my mother to find out this is true about me.

Berries - Yum! I eat them each and every day, year round, on my morning yogurt. I enjoy strawberries fresh, and I particularly like frozen blueberries and raspberries. They are refreshing on these hot summer mornings after my long walks.

Brown - Brown eyes, brown hair (with LOTS of salt sprinkled in), and one of my favorite colors. Brown skin, too, in the summer!

Books - I adore books, and can't imagine a world without them.

Bustling - As I said yesterday, I don't sit still very well. I love bustling about my home, accomplishing things as I go.

Your turn. What "B" words describe you?

Alphabet in August - A

Susy over at Chiot's Run is hosting an Alphabet in August group, and I thought it would be fun to join in. Over the next month I'll be sharing a bit about myself, day by day, letter by letter.

Active - Though I've only been exercising the past few months, I've always been active. I'm not a good sitter at all. Even if I'm watching a movie, I need something to keep my hands busy.

Abrasive - I have a feeling that many people find me abrasive, unfortunately. I truly do care about others' feelings, but I am definitely strong-willed and opinionated, and I'm not afraid to state my opinion.

Adaptable - I adjust to most situations with very little problem. I like to go to new places and meet new people.

Ambitious - Sometimes I'm too ambitious! I very often have too many things on my to-do list, and feel disappointed when I can't accomplish all of them.

Summer Storms

Collin spent the majority of the evening on the porch trying to capture the lightening with his camera, and came away fairly happy with the results. I'm happy that the garden got a bit of a drink, too.

Unexpected Beauty

Garden Daydreams

Collin caught me dreaming in the middle of the raised beds. Dreaming? Yes, dreaming!

Dreaming of warm, sun-ripened tomatoes, cut into slices, and sprinkled with salt and pepper. 

By the looks of things it won't be too much longer!

Busy as a Bee on the Echinacea

My days are consumed with hanging laundry on the line, getting Collin to work, and preparing meals. Sometimes it seems as that's all I get done around here.

Not really, though. The days are busy, but it's not all work and no play. I have plenty of time for long morning walks, a bit of hand-sewing, a swim in the pool, and even a short nap once in a while. And for that, I am glad!

Six

There were six of us around the dinner table tonight instead of the more common five, and that makes this mama's heart very happy. 

365/2 A Bit of Whimsy on a Saturday Night

The girls and I spent a fun evening at an art show featuring local artists whom donated half of the proceeds from the sales of their creations to a fund to stop malaria. Our admission went to the purchase of mosquito nets.

Some of the art we enjoyed more than others, which is to be expected. Though I'm a very traditional person, and my house is decorated accordingly, I loved the above painting. I seriously debated buying it but couldn't think of a single place it would look right in my home.

Some pieces are best enjoyed at the show, or later on your computer screen. The girls had a fabulous time.

There were several pieces that really caught our eyes, and I kept going back to one in particular.

We enjoyed musical talent, namely Stephen Gordon, who goes to church with Mac while he's away at college. We were glad we had two of his albums on our iPods to enjoy on the way home.

And I couldn't resist bringing a piece of whimsy home with me. Part of me wished the script wasn't on the painting, and I talked to the artist about buying a custom piece without it, but in the end, I decided to let my kids think I'm ubercool for having this hanging in my sewing room. Half of the proceeds did go to the malaria fund after all. Anyone know what the little script part is from without googling it? Brave enough to admit it?

365/1 We Win!

From the time my children were born I've been taking their photos on a regular basis, and filling scrapbook after scrapbook with memories, hoping to pass them down to them when they are grown and on their own. Several years ago life caught up with me and the scrapbooking stopped. Printed pictures turned into digital images that were saved on my computer, and sadly, I didn't back them up. And then I had a computer crash. Nothing could be retrieved from the hard drive. And I cried.

Blogging has helped me preserve some of those memories, but not often enough. I want to remember my children as children. I want them to remember their childhood, too. And so, this is my attempt to take a photo a day for a year. To remember all of the important days, and the not so important days. But you know, its the not so important days that add up to a lifetime, and they are special after all.

Day one. Collin's basketball game this evening was a very exciting night for our family. With Verne as the coach, and this being the first year to have a local home school basketball team, the team won 78-29, and Collin was the lead scorer with 19 points. Definitely a moment to remember.

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

First Light

With only one or two frosts so far this season, the mornings have been extraordinarily mild. The first light of the morning reflects brilliantly off of the dew, and sparkles like diamonds.

Camera in Hand

You'll never see too many photos of me since I'm always the one with the camera in my hand. Unless of course, Collin is around. In that case, we try to get photos of each other. We often have to sneak because neither of us likes to be the subject of the photo. Like mother, like son.

The End of October

October is nearly at the end, and the days show no sign of slowing down. I'm enjoying every last bloom from the cosmos, to the roses, to the hydrangeas and daylilies. Collin, Abigail, and I enjoyed the fall foliage as we drove over an hour to the big city today. During some stretches of the road it already looked like winter, with bare trees glistening in the cold misty morning.

We enjoyed a trip to Whole Foods for their One Day Apple sale. I debated on a few bags full before finally deciding on an entire bushel. I already have jar upon jar of applesauce put up, as well as gallon after gallon dried and waiting for winter's oatmeal, and snacking. These apples, crisp and delicious, will be eaten fresh, and placed in a pie or two. I've already eaten three today!

We also made a trip to Sam's Club where we purchased olive oil in bulk for soapmaking. Verne has reminded me that I need to get a few new batches made as we're down to less than 10 bars. The thought of having to use store-bought soap after several years of homemade is frightening.

Next stop, the camera store. Collin and I enjoyed playing and talking to the salesman while we dreamed. Collin added to his wish list, and has talked non-stop about his (potential) choices the entire day long.

A late lunch was enjoyed at Panera Bread. Mmm. Warm soup on a chilly day always hits the spot.

Last stop? The fabric store. I bought a pattern and some nice soft flannel to make my self a new pair of winter pajamas. I can't wait to get started on those!

October Sky