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| via Pinterest |
After all Saturday is the first OSU footbal game - GO BEAVS.
In other news....still can't find the thingymybob to download pictures out of my camera so weekend pics are still delayed....
About Me
- Makanani
- I live in the Pacific NW with my husband,our 85 pound black lab and the newest member of our family our adorable little boy! I love to cook, stick my hands in the dirt and grow veggies and flowers, etc., craft for gift giving, repurpose things from my grandmother, find a cozy corner and curl up with a good book, and most of all hang out with my boys and our furry one.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Grateful
I have days where I seriously want to just go to bed, pull the covers over my head and stay there.....for a long time and perhaps cry for any or no reason. Last week was one of those weeks. And even though its overcast and gloomy out today I have a fresh spirit and a happy heart.
Here are some things I am grateful for today
Here are some things I am grateful for today
- My husband
- Sunflowers on my desk
- A job to go to
- A car to drive to work in
- A grocery store by my work with wonderful fresh and local things
- A lunch of smoked salmon, feta, and fresh tomatoes from my garden
- The furry one
- My pink bike
- New glasses
- Watermelon
Friday, August 26, 2011
Aloha Friday
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| via Pinterest |
Hello Friday!
Looking forward to the weekend as we are headed to the ocean!
Hoping that Irene behaves herself and doesn't destroy the east coast.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Aloha Friday
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| via Pinterest Hello Friday! I love this picture mostly because it includes 3 things I love: ocean, wine, and adirondack chairs. It looks so peaceful and serene. Don't you just wish you were there? Peaceful is something I am hoping for this weekend. Life is a journey and on that journey I hope to treat those around me as I would hope to be treated. I plan to bake this weekend - thinking some rum raisin choc chip cookies (thanks Jackie) and some zucchini bread. And I must get some fresh flowers. Its been too long since I've had some around the house - seems I will be hitting TJ's and maybe the farmers market. |
A hui hou kakou malama pono
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Jellyfish
Recently I went to the eye doctor because I felt the glasses I had just weren't enough anymore. I won't bore you with the details of the 3+ visits it took for me to get what I needed from them but suffice to say I now am wearing contacts. If you wear contacts you will understand my pain if not you won't........
You see if things keep going the way they have been I'm going to have to get up at 4:30 instead of 5 (yes that's am) to allow myself the time I need to be able to see for the day. Granted I've only been wearing these for about a week so I keep assuming this will get easier. On Sunday and I didn't even bother to put them in but then again I didn't even bother to put on makeup so as far as I knew I looked fine.
This morning took the cake. It should not, I repeat should not, take over 10 minutes to get this flimsy little pieces of slightly tinted jelly fish into my eyes. Yesterday it took about 5 minutes so you see my dilemma that I'm headed in the wrong direction here.
The fun begins when you approach the contact case. As far as you remember when you went to bed last night you were sure they were both in there in their respective sides. So you can only hope that this is still the case (trust me it isn't always - I've had the right one run off in the middle of the night once). This morning however was a good start and they were both there happily waiting for me to clean them and attach them to my eyeballs. I started with the right one - not sure why but I always do - maybe because I'm right handed? I do my due diligence and clean it for the 15 seconds with the solutions before my first attempt. At this point I have to put on my glasses so that I can look at the bugger and make sure it hasn't flipped itself wrong side out.
Now is when the fun begins. I balance thejelly fish lens carefully on the tip of my finger and add a little solution. I aim for the middle of my eye, pull my finger away and blink. What happens next is that the little bugger is either still on the tip of my finger or is in a little pile underneath my eye. "Soft contacts" have the ability to either a) form to the tip of your finger by which they are only noticeable to your eye because someone was smart enough to tint them a non flesh color or b) puddle up under my eye like a translucent small jelly fish that has somehow missed the last wave and is now stranded on the beach. This can go on for quit a few "takes" as it were. Usually after about 3 -4 tries I give up on the right eye, deposit it back in its plastic home and give the left a try.
The funny thing is once I do get them in I doubt that they are really there. I think --- I can see better can't I? And where else could it be? Its not on my finger, not under my eye, and doesn't seem to of attached itself to the porcelain around the sink (again thank you to the person who tinted the buggers).
At this point most would be done and would go on about their day. I however have the added joy of having what they call dry eyes so I need to add drops. Lets just say that I get about 3 drops out of the bottle and I'm lucky if I get half of one in my eye. G is trying to help me w/ my "aim" and even though apparently watching me do this is funny he has given me some good tips. Ever seen the Friend's episode where Rachel needs to put drops in her eyes? I think of this almost ever time.
All I can hope and aspire to is that the time gets shorter each day instead of longer. I like to consider myself optimistic on this point.
One of my friends recently said a book could be written about my visits to the eye Dr. but instead you will have to settle for a blog on my encounters with the jelly fish.
Side note: You will notice there are no pictures......lets remember technically I can't see that well without the lenses so in less the furry one learns to use the camera you will have to use your imagination on this whole affair. After all G is usually still asleep as this whole mess transpires.
You see if things keep going the way they have been I'm going to have to get up at 4:30 instead of 5 (yes that's am) to allow myself the time I need to be able to see for the day. Granted I've only been wearing these for about a week so I keep assuming this will get easier. On Sunday and I didn't even bother to put them in but then again I didn't even bother to put on makeup so as far as I knew I looked fine.
This morning took the cake. It should not, I repeat should not, take over 10 minutes to get this flimsy little pieces of slightly tinted jelly fish into my eyes. Yesterday it took about 5 minutes so you see my dilemma that I'm headed in the wrong direction here.
The fun begins when you approach the contact case. As far as you remember when you went to bed last night you were sure they were both in there in their respective sides. So you can only hope that this is still the case (trust me it isn't always - I've had the right one run off in the middle of the night once). This morning however was a good start and they were both there happily waiting for me to clean them and attach them to my eyeballs. I started with the right one - not sure why but I always do - maybe because I'm right handed? I do my due diligence and clean it for the 15 seconds with the solutions before my first attempt. At this point I have to put on my glasses so that I can look at the bugger and make sure it hasn't flipped itself wrong side out.
Now is when the fun begins. I balance the
The funny thing is once I do get them in I doubt that they are really there. I think --- I can see better can't I? And where else could it be? Its not on my finger, not under my eye, and doesn't seem to of attached itself to the porcelain around the sink (again thank you to the person who tinted the buggers).
At this point most would be done and would go on about their day. I however have the added joy of having what they call dry eyes so I need to add drops. Lets just say that I get about 3 drops out of the bottle and I'm lucky if I get half of one in my eye. G is trying to help me w/ my "aim" and even though apparently watching me do this is funny he has given me some good tips. Ever seen the Friend's episode where Rachel needs to put drops in her eyes? I think of this almost ever time.
All I can hope and aspire to is that the time gets shorter each day instead of longer. I like to consider myself optimistic on this point.
One of my friends recently said a book could be written about my visits to the eye Dr. but instead you will have to settle for a blog on my encounters with the jelly fish.
Side note: You will notice there are no pictures......lets remember technically I can't see that well without the lenses so in less the furry one learns to use the camera you will have to use your imagination on this whole affair. After all G is usually still asleep as this whole mess transpires.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Say Cheese!
I went to my first cheese making class Friday - mozzarella. This takes care of one of my top ten for summer list items! I will have to say right off the bat that there will be no pictures....sorry. I took my camera but decided to just be in the moment and enjoy without worrying about taking pictures to capture every move.
The class was taught by Debbie who just happens to be the wife of one of the engineers I work with. She actually did a cheese internship in Italy. Can you imagine how fun that would be? I remember when she went and thought it was odd and wondered what she would do with the experience once she returned -well now I know. The class was small about 12 people and we were divided into groups of two. Debbie did a short introduction about herself and then had us go around the room and tell our names and why we were there. It was mostly women with two men. My partner was Jenny and she was super nice but a tad interesting. She didn't have a microwave and didn't seem to be married as her roommate had just moved out - and he had taken the coffee grounder. She did however have a huge dog that she had gotten the DNA testing back on but had not had time to open it. This I don't understand - how could you go to all the trouble to send in the testing and then not look when it came back - people are funny for me. Since Jenny didn't have a microwave we did a different method on the finishing part of the cheese than the rest of the class. The rest of the class used the microwave once the curd had formed. We heated our whey back to 175 degrees and used it instead to "cook" the whey. It made the cheese a different consistency then the others - not good or bad just different. I think that this method would get easier the more you did it as well. The microwave approach was more straight forward and you were able to do all the curd at once so you didn't have to handle it as much.
Overall it's amazing to me how simple and easy it is to make mozzarella. Definitely a good party trick and hope to do it for my next dinner party. It is a task for two however - doing it by yourself might be a little challenging. Debbie also sent us home with citric acid and rennet tablet so all you need is the milk and your off and running.
Debbie has a website found here that list her class schedule. I would totally recommend taking one of her classes. They are fun to go to with friends or totally doable to do by yourself and meet new people. She also does parties so you could do a cheese making birthday party - would be kinda fun! The classes are taught in the Mississippi area of Portland at Mr. Green Beans and they have other fun classes as well which are probably worth checking out. Side note - there is a frozen yogurt shop next door and couple of cute restaurants so it would be fun to go to a class and then dinner after.
The class was taught by Debbie who just happens to be the wife of one of the engineers I work with. She actually did a cheese internship in Italy. Can you imagine how fun that would be? I remember when she went and thought it was odd and wondered what she would do with the experience once she returned -well now I know. The class was small about 12 people and we were divided into groups of two. Debbie did a short introduction about herself and then had us go around the room and tell our names and why we were there. It was mostly women with two men. My partner was Jenny and she was super nice but a tad interesting. She didn't have a microwave and didn't seem to be married as her roommate had just moved out - and he had taken the coffee grounder. She did however have a huge dog that she had gotten the DNA testing back on but had not had time to open it. This I don't understand - how could you go to all the trouble to send in the testing and then not look when it came back - people are funny for me. Since Jenny didn't have a microwave we did a different method on the finishing part of the cheese than the rest of the class. The rest of the class used the microwave once the curd had formed. We heated our whey back to 175 degrees and used it instead to "cook" the whey. It made the cheese a different consistency then the others - not good or bad just different. I think that this method would get easier the more you did it as well. The microwave approach was more straight forward and you were able to do all the curd at once so you didn't have to handle it as much.
Overall it's amazing to me how simple and easy it is to make mozzarella. Definitely a good party trick and hope to do it for my next dinner party. It is a task for two however - doing it by yourself might be a little challenging. Debbie also sent us home with citric acid and rennet tablet so all you need is the milk and your off and running.
Debbie has a website found here that list her class schedule. I would totally recommend taking one of her classes. They are fun to go to with friends or totally doable to do by yourself and meet new people. She also does parties so you could do a cheese making birthday party - would be kinda fun! The classes are taught in the Mississippi area of Portland at Mr. Green Beans and they have other fun classes as well which are probably worth checking out. Side note - there is a frozen yogurt shop next door and couple of cute restaurants so it would be fun to go to a class and then dinner after.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Aloha Friday
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| via me! - taken in Lahaina outside the Crazy Shirt store - probably left by the whalers in the old days The weather has been wonderful this week! I'm sure some would prefer it to be warmer but I am must admit I am more down with this weather than all that 100+ heat the rest of the nation seems to be having. Going to be playing a little catch up around the house this weekend but hope to make it to the Tualatin Crawfish Festival. Oh! I'm taking my cheese making class from Debbie tonight - fun time to be had for sure! Car is in the shop today so I'm working from home - always confuses the furry one but hopefully she will settle down here soon. |
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Rise Up!
So another thing on my top ten for summer was to make homemade bread. Check this one off as done! Granted this was not exactly what I thought I would be doing when I wrote that one but it will work. I found it on 101 Cookbook Blog (which I love).
The recipe....also found here
One of the many things I love about the iPad is being able to view recipes in on it.
The Ingredients -
goodness I must pay more attention to my "background" when I take pictures. However love it that all ingredients are local (well besides the Red Star)
Ready to rise
Damp cloth
Finished product
This was so easy its silly. I might actually make a loaf of this every week. It's what I like to call a hearty bread. G said he would like his slice a little thinner next time which was funny for me. But it is perfect in the morning warmed or toasted with a little piece of cheddar. G took his with butter and jam but I like a little protein in the am. All in all count this one down as a success! This inspires me to explore the world of bread making -wish me luck.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Dilly Do!
One thing that I do every other summer is make dill pickles. This is the on year. Being that summer is late so are the vegetables (usually I would make these mid July - not the end of July). Also, on my top ten summer list is canning something. So in case I don't have the time to make tomatoe jam this definetly counts!
The cucumbers
The dill
The jars
The other ingrediants
My "helper"
The process
The finished product
The Recipe
Cut the blossom end off of the cucumbers (I trim both ends) Pack cukes in jars with dill weed, dill seed, and garlic. You can also add grape leaves and picling spice but I don't.
Pour over this HOT liquid
1 cup vinegar
3 cups water
1/4 cup pckle salt
Be sure everything is hot! Your jar, your rings and your lids. However don't let you lids boil as this can affect the seal.
You don't need a water bath on these if your liquid is hot and your jars and rings are hot. Everything should seal just fine - listen for the magical PING.
I do this in batches. I double the liquid and do about 4 quarts or 6 pints at a time.
You will notice there is no exacts for the garlic or dill weed or seed because it's personal choice. I put in a good amount of all three but its totally up to you how much you do.
This is Ada Irene (my grandma's) recipe and I think she was actually with me in the kitchen this year helping me along and laughing at me but then again I feel her with me a lot these days when I'm doing these kinds of things.
Also, you can't eat these babies right away. I say it's always best to wait until Thanksgiving but truth be told we probably won't get to these until next spring. However the pints.....those are for presents so if you have me to dinner at your house or you mention that you might want to try some I might be so inclined to give you a jar.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Aloha Friday
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| via Pinterest Hello Friday I've been waiting for you all week! This has been a bit of a challenging week where I am learning to have patience and breathe. It started on Sunday when I was happily minding mine own business working out on my trendmill and my mom called. There house had been broken into in broad daylight while they ran to the store for canning jars. Seriously? What in the ....... But really we are blessed as it could of been soooo much worse. They took her iPad and some jewerly but didn't get her phone or wallet and the only damage to the house was the door so all in all we are counting our blessing on this one. Its times like these that I'm glad I am close enough to be able to go down and really check out the situation for myself - so I am blessed in that way. Each day along the week has brought some fun challenges (that's what I'll call them) but also was sprinkled with some sunshine. My friend Joseph drove out to have lunch with me on Monday, the sun has been out all week which means I can take breaks from my desk and go walk in the sunshine, and I was able to meet my bosses wife and she was a delight - the kind of person you just want to take home with you and share a cup of tea and a good cookie. This weekend I am going to have a massage and take a trip to IKEA to get some new frames for the wall I am working on for the family room. I might even make some pillows for the couch. |
A hui hou kakou malama pono
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Family Reunion
Ok this is a very tardy post being that the reunion was on the 17th of July but for some reason I haven't downloaded pictures in a while so here we go......
The Hartley Family Reunion has been going on for over 150 years. My great grandfather - Charles A. Hartley - came across the great plains in a covered wagon when he was 11. True story. One day I will get a scanner and maybe I will be able to post of picture of him and Adeline. When I was a child the second Sunday of every July was spent going to the Hartley family reunion. All good memories for the most part. It was just a big potluck of sorts held in a different place each year where I saw a lot of people that I bascially saw once a year. Many times my grandmother had it had the ranch but in past years we have ended up at Silver Creek Falls. This seems to be easier as nobody has to worry about getting there house ready for the big function. This year the turnout was sparse to say the least. And despite the fact that it was mid July it was POURING down rain and chilly. My mom has always reserved us covered area - thank goodness - and Emery made a fire this year. So silly if you think about it being that it is July! Not that it's ever going to be that warm up there but still.......
The Hartley Family Reunion has been going on for over 150 years. My great grandfather - Charles A. Hartley - came across the great plains in a covered wagon when he was 11. True story. One day I will get a scanner and maybe I will be able to post of picture of him and Adeline. When I was a child the second Sunday of every July was spent going to the Hartley family reunion. All good memories for the most part. It was just a big potluck of sorts held in a different place each year where I saw a lot of people that I bascially saw once a year. Many times my grandmother had it had the ranch but in past years we have ended up at Silver Creek Falls. This seems to be easier as nobody has to worry about getting there house ready for the big function. This year the turnout was sparse to say the least. And despite the fact that it was mid July it was POURING down rain and chilly. My mom has always reserved us covered area - thank goodness - and Emery made a fire this year. So silly if you think about it being that it is July! Not that it's ever going to be that warm up there but still.......
The Food
Which was a little silly this year. There were 4 couples and I think we all brought 3 dishes a piece.
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| Heirlom tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and basil from my garden |
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| Fruit Salad with fresh mint |
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| Deviled Eggs |
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| Berta's cupcakes which were beyond yummy - that little bite just dissolved in your mouth |
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| Berta checking in with the park ranger - making sure we had no "excessive alcohol". What I ask you would be considered excessive? One keg - five kegs? |
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| Tom and Cousin Beth |
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| Ok so this was a squirel that we had to chase off continously. He came right up on the table and helped himself to a cookie. G was throwing ice at him and it didn't even phase him. |
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| The parking lot......those 3 cars in front are ours. |
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| I'm not kidding when I say there was nobody there. This area is usually packed with people |
The sad thing is that I think this is the last Family reunion. For some reason the turnout is not what it used to be. Not sure if people have fallen off the invitee list or what the situation is. Sad that something that has gone on for over 150 years has to end.
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