Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Let the Work Begin

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We are cutting down trees where the driveway and the cabins will be, burning the limbs and shrubs and keeping the logs for firewood. It was a busy weekend and at the end of the day we enjoyed the evening around the fire talking with our new, and most awesome neighbors, and dreaming of the future.

Thanks for coming out Pops and spending the weekend with us.
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Friday, March 26, 2010

Granola


4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup chopped pecans - or sliced almonds
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 Tab oil - canola or olive or sunflower
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup cranberries or raisins or dried apples or all three

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Combine oats, seeds, nuts, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, syrup and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the oat mixture and toss together, making sure all the ingredients are coated .

Spread evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and move granola around using a heat proof spatula or wooden spoon. Spread out again evenly onto baking sheet, place back into oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Depending on how crispy you like your granola but be careful not to get it too dark or you will get an unpleasant burnt flavor and no one wants that!

Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Remove from pan and add the dried fruit to the mix. Store in an air tight container for up to two weeks.

It's yummy! Enjoy!
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Thursday, March 25, 2010

Cousins ~ Family

...Thank you Wendy for the frame.
Thank you Emily for the photo.
I love them both and those little
cuties ~ Jake's buddies!
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

New Driveway

...Soon there will be a driveway that cuts in off the road and up this hill to the left. Home sweet home is a coming.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Outdoor Privy


Ready or not here it comes... your very own outdoor privy.

Privy, outhouse, backhouses, earth closest, or just going out back, whatever you call it just beware that if you live in Alaska you could have a poop Ermin invading your space.

Beware the Ermin!

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Raising Arizona


"I dreamed of a place where all parents are strong, wise and capable. And all children are happy and beloved."

Raising Arizona ~ released on March 13, 1987.
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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Tall Giants

Saguaro cactus can live up to 150 plus years, grow to 50 feet and weigh up to 4800 pounds. They are quite the sight on the hills and landscape.

Our trip to Arizona was awesome, relaxing and just down right enjoyable.
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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Fun in the Sunshine

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Walnut Canyon ~ Best Ever

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Walnut Canyon National Monument ~ and the cliff dwellings that were occupied more than 700 years ago and are unique as they are the only known such remains of the northern Sinagua culture.
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