Random Pictures

I was looking through my pictures today, and I came across a few random pictures to share. 

This first picture was taken in the spring when the trillium was blooming in the Big Woods.

I have no idea when I took this picture.

Just happened to notice this bird when looking out the front door and was lucky enough to get a shot before he flew away.

 This is a random picture of a piece of the birthday cake my daughter made for me.

I have to say this was one of the best cakes I have ever eaten.

It was strawberry with butter cream icing on top.  

I love it when my daughter makes cakes, because she makes her icing much thinner than I make mine.

This last picture is simply a reminder for me.

A great way to serve chocolate chess pie is with a dollop of fresh cream and a strawberry.

Wish I had a piece of this right now.

Have a great day.

Our Special Place

Our favorite place in the Big Woods has become a place that is not in the Big Woods at all...

It is actually in front of the Big Woods.

It is in fact an area that we have created between the woods and the wheat field.

It is a place that was started by hanging a swing from the branch of a beautiful oak tree.

And now it has grown to be a place for family and friends to gather and visit.

It is a place where my husband and I try to spend a few minutes every day.

 Chairs have been added...flowers have been added..citronella candles have been added...

 The peace and quiet were all there to start with...we just had to find this place and become a part of it.

 The view from this spot under the tree is always changing.

The wheat is now gone and soybeans have just been planted.

  A cornfield is now visible from this very spot.

 The scenery changes with the time of year and with the time of day.

 But always...it is a place where I can go and think about my family.  

It is a place where I can remember and appreciate all the people of my past who worked hard to purchase this land that I am now honored to live on and be a part of.

 It is a place that I hope my children will always cherish and remember their raising the same way I remember mine.

Butternut Cake

So, the next time I make this cake, I will definitely chop the nuts up before putting them on top of the cake.  Or..even better...I think I might chop them and then mix them into the icing.

This is a really good cake. 

I especially liked the taste of the cake with the extra vanilla that is added to the mix.

It does have to be kept in the refrigerator, and it seems to get better with time.

You will need:

1 Duncan Hines butter recipe cake mix

Add: 1 Tablespoon vanilla and mix according to box recipe.  

Frosting:

1 stick softened margarine

8 oz. softened cream cheese

1 Tablespoon butternut flavoring

1 box confectioners' sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

I chose to use 3 round baking pans, and I sprayed each one with Pam for Baking.

 This is a beautiful cake batter.

Just try to put an even amount in each of the three cake pans.

Bake according to the cake mix directions.

Cool.

The margarine and cream cheese for the frosting need to come to room temperature before mixing.

I still like to use my hand held mixer when making frosting.

I love the smell of this butter and nut flavoring.

 Slowly mix in the confectioners' sugar.

 And, now it is time to frost the cake.

I put frosting between each layer.

 Enjoy!!!

Do You Know the Muffin Man???

 I can't seem to stop making these muffins.

They are fun to make and they look really nice fresh out of the oven.

 Today I made lots as a treat for some very special friends.

My daughter has been on a mission trip with our Youth Group from church.

They have been to St. Simons Island Georgia.

 I have packaged each adult who took such good care of my daughter a few of these muffins.

All nice and warm and ready to go...

 I also played around a little by making some cinnamon muffins for my own family.

I just left out the chocolate chips and added a teaspoon of cinnamon to the mix.

Then, I mixed about 1/4 cup of sugar with some cinnamon and sprinkled on top.

Seemed to work just fine.

Here is the link once more to the original recipe:
http://www.inspiredtaste.net/22078/classic-chocolate-chip-muffin-recipe/

Blue Jar Glasses

 Give my daughter a little time with Pinterest,

and she has to create something.

With a little help from her Daddy and the Dog Days Flea Market, she created these unique glasses.

 The blue jars came from Kroger.

The grommets came from the flea market.

My daughter's favorite part of making these was saying the word "grommets".  

I know she has said it at least 100 times.

Precious Kitty

Oh Precious Kitty...

You are the queen of the Big Woods.