This is so good and a great snack fresh out of the oven with some garlic floated in olive oil --- try it --- this is a new favorite for me. It's so easy and so fast, I can't wait to try it with some grilled veggies and pesto!

Focaccia Bread "A flavorful alternative to sandwich bread" Focaccia PREP TIME - 15 Min   RISING: 20 Min  COOK TIME - 15 Min SERVINGS -1 focaccia pan (8-12 slices depending .. size)        INGREDIENTS      * 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour      * 1 tsp salt      * 1 tsp turbinado sugar      * 1 T. active dry yeast      * 1 tsp garlic powder      * 1 tsp dried oregano      * 1/4 tsp dried rosemary      * 1 tsp dried thyme      * 1/2 tsp dried basil      * 1 pinch black pepper      * 1 T. olive oil      * 1 c. water ------------------------------- * 2 T. olive oil  for brushing DIRECTIONS    1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil and  black pepper. Make a small well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the 1T. olive oil and  water. Cover with flour from the sides and mix until well combined.    2. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large bowl (I simply use the original mixing bowl to save dishes),  place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.    3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Punch dough down; place on greased baking sheet. Pat into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Brush top with olive oil and sprinkle  with toppings if desired: whole rosemary, sesame seeds, kosher or sea salt... or just about any other seasonings you like!    4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut with pizza slicer for clean, easy squares. Serve warm with olive oil or use for sandwiches. Yummy! ...and by the way, if you just read this recipe, you'd notice this recipe is also vegan/vegetarian friendly :o)

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Button_earth_from_space

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INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 c. Soy Milk (vita-Soy is my favorite- very creamy)
3 T. Frozen orange juice concentrate
1 tsp. Turbinado Sugar
4 ice cubes

* optional additions/substitutions I also enjoy

  1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  substitute ice cubes with 4 large frozen strawberries
 

DIRECTIONS

Pour milk into blender, add remaining ingredients and set blender to "smoothie" setting or turn the dial to the middle and blend for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes (until ice chunks are no longer visible and drink looks smooth).

Enjoy!

This is a favorite hot day drink of mine and today was especially hot, so I had 2 of them ;-)

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What's the best gift you received this year?

More life: I was blessed with more time with to spend with my loved ones.

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Fun, I am learning how to use a macro lens attachment for my camera. It's amazing how close up I can zoom in to things. I've taken about 200 pictures today and have pared them down to about 50 of which I'll further pare down. I mostly shot flora and fauna, but also desserts! I don't know how well I am with food, but I made a key lime pie and tried it out.

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vacation had to get away...
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It never ceases to amaze me just how quickly vacation time slips away. It seems yesterday I had 9 days of R&R and fun ahead of me, now there are but 2 days remaining.

Today I did some grocery shopping, got new break shoes for my car and paid some bills. Sadly I didn't get to spend much of the beautiful day outdoors as I'd hoped to do; duties called and damnit, I guess I have to be a responsible grown up and do that stuff. Yipes! Speaking of... I almost forgot to get my rent check in.

I suppose it's time to leave the blog, go fix some supper (though late) and get the rent check in to the apartment managers.

Darn! I really just want to retire... I wouldn't mind retiring at 35 years old. Don't laugh - it could happen!

Ciao for now!
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Today (well, now yesterday) was the 6th year of marriage... wow! I made it this far? Well, it has it's hard times, tears and sweetest moments just like life does... and who better to go through it with than my best friend? Well, I only hope there are less bumps and strains in the coming years, since it seems there were more than the ordinary couple go through, and I certainly appreciate the little things much more now because of it. I'm anxious as ever to continue with things as we had originally planned... life sort of has a way of delaying plans, but slowly and surely it seems things are coming together.

Wedding-Day 2001

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Red-tipped-yellow-rosebud

White Hydrangia SM

A bright yellow rose,

but splashed with magenta,

I couldn't help but admire it's beauty.

              Round White Pom Poms
              of Hydrangea bounce in
              the breeze.

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Light Pink Peony

April Showers brought them, and I had to shoot them... and I've been shooting them for the last few hours.

After all the hustle and bustle of the city, I find the flowers and my camera and the outdoors soothing to the soul.

I hear only the birds singing, squirrels playing in the shrubs and the rustling of leaves as the wind blows gently.

Ahhh... peace.

Purple Pansy SM

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