May 3: May Day (a few days late)

I learned something about my new city today, they celebrate May Day, May 1, by hanging baskets of flowers. Lots of businesses and homes downtown hang arrangements on their doors to welcome spring.

A costumer at the coffee shop today asked me if I had walked around to see them; after she enlightened me about the tradition, I decided I would ride my bike downtown this afternoon and take a look. Here are a few of my favorites (It was hard to pick; I didn't think I should post all 30 pics I took).

May 1: Coconut Chocolate Chip Bars

Three times in three weeks these have been made and shared (no I did not eat them all by myself, although I probably could have) at our house.

This recipe, handed down from J's mom, is one of his favorites. And, because today was a long day and I am tired, here is the recipe in photos.

c is cup, T is tablespoon, tsp. is teaspoon

sorry this one is a little hard to read, basically, mix, poor in pan, bake

P.S. I sometimes add extra coconut and almost always have to cook a little longer.

April 30: Journey

Life is full of many characters, 

some for a single moment, 

some for a time, 

some for many years; 

all are a part of the journey.

April 29: The Creator: Ivy

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, 

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

"Ah, Sovereign Lord," 

I said, 

"I do not know how to speak; 

I am only a child."

But the Lord said to me, 

"Do not say,  'I am only a child.' 

You must go to everyone I send you to 

and say whatever I command you. 

Do not be afraid of them, 

for I am with you and will rescue you," 

declares the Lord.

-Jeremiah 1:5-8

April 28: Oatmeal Date Bread and Honey Butter

For brunch today I tried a new recipe out of my new favorite bread cookbook.

The book: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois

The recipe: Oatmeal Date Bread

It was turned out awesome (in my humble opinion), and since the recipe made two loaves, I got to bless friends with one and enjoy some myself.

I also made a honey cinnamon butter to spread on top.

The bread still warm with the butter melting slightly on top, delicious!

April 27: Strawberries and Pineapples

Yup, that's it: Strawberries and Pineapples. So simple yet so excited.

Two of my favorites, both on sale, both a special treat, and they are delicious together.

Cleaning and chopping them was not a chore, rather a pleasure. I can't wait to enjoy them with friends at brunch tomorrow.

April 26: Driftwood Mobile

Today is a rainy Thursday; that coupled with staying out to watch the Bruins lose and an early morning coffee shift meant my afternoon was mostly a long nap. But, Saturday was sunny and warm; we enjoyed it by taking a long drive and exploring a new beach. A picnic on the beach and looking for treasures in the sand made for a wonderful day.

I made a mobile, mostly out of driftwood, for on the balcony. I know you are wondering, when will the balcony projects end? Well, not yet; that's all I can say.

In my last beach mobile I used my Dremel to drill holes in the pieces. I was too lazy to get out the Dremel this time. I used a nail and hammer to make holes in the driftwood, the shells and sea glass I used conveniently had holes in them, and I wire wrapped a beach stone. I also used some natural looking beads, and held it all together with brown thread. 

I like the way it twirls in the wind; sometimes the top part spins one way while the bottom branch grouping spins the other way.