Prince the Poser....

I said  "Smile Prince!!!"

so he did...

This dog loves the camera!!

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

And The Rain Came...

The rain began just after we went to bed..

I lay awake listening to it hammering on the roof...

and lashing against the window... just wonderful!!

The garden loved it too... 

and its so had to believe that with all this growth in the garden... 

its almost November

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Calm Before A Storm... Meal Plan Monday...

So here we go.. the last week in October and at last the temperatures are getting cooler. This week is going to be a busy one at the Blue House as I'm doing my pre Holidays "Big Clean".. and believe me.. its much needed. After all that hot, dry weather... compounded with all the fine dirt particles from MrD's soil sifting sucked into the house by ventilators and fans.... there is fine dust throughout the house. Add a dog who likes playing in the dirt... and our home is decidedly mucky

With walls to wash... curtains to launder and carpets to shampoo...Im going to be a bit busy... so forgive me if I dont get to post every day. It all has to be done this week... as next week the push towards Thanksgiving... and Christmas.. will be underway. If I time it right... it wont be too manic... but I cant wait

By late afternoon... the sky outside was getting very dark.. I do believe we shall have some blessed rain tonight.. 

It really is Autumn...

Have a good week everyone...and here's this weeks dinner menu

Weekly Plan - 28th October  2024

Monday               Chicken Chow Mein

Tuesday               Mexican Beef Stew, Tortilla Chips. Various Toppings

Wednesday        Chicken and Spinach Pie, Potato Wedges,

Thursday            Chicken and Sausage Pasta Bake, Garlic Bread          

Friday                  Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

Saturday             Leftover Mexican Beef Stew

Sunday                 Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Saturday Snippets..

Its been an absolutely gorgeous day here at the Blue House...

Blue skies.. autumn leaves and a lovely cool breeze..

First thing this morning we took Prince to the doge park...

then MrD went for a bike ride in the hills...

and look at that view....

For me it was the perfect afternoon for a cheesy black and white movie

and a bit of beading.

My Etsy shop has done well this week with quite few sales...

including this pretty peach and cream design

this vibrant red Valentines heart..

and this Halloween Spider heart...

How did you spend your Saturday??

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Prepping for Winter.. and a Bit of Gratitude...

Winter prep has started at the Blue House with the first of our firewood deliveries.

Its all stacked neatly in the garage.. 

We still have some from last winter... and with the logs and branches MrD has cut himself we are doing well. I cant wait for the cooler temperatures so we have a cosy fire again this year... and Im grateful we will have plenty to see us through

The cold weather has already hit the Uk and my grandchildren are bundled up well to keep nice and warm. They are growing so fast.. and its lovely taking a glimpse into their lives and sharing all their new experiences...

Little Tufty has learnt a new word...  and says it with great (and cute) enthusiasm

Im looking forward to some very interesting photos over the next couple of months.....

Little Miss has joined the school gardening club.. hence the warm and waterproof clothing. Shes a bit disappointed that this week all they did was pick up trash and leaves.. she wants to start planting...

But... she was very pleased to win the weeks Headteachers award for excellent work writing a book and with popup characters. Well done!!

Little Mr and Mummy and Daddy are in the middle of the upheaval of moving house. All the furniture is in.. There are packing boxes everywhere.. temporary window coverings up... and although their new oven and couches arent coming until next week and everywhere is a bit of a mess... they are spending their first night in their new home. In the middle of all the chaos.. Mummy found Little Mr saying his prayers. Apparently... he was thanking Jesus for his new upstairs bedroom.. and telling Him that there were 12 steps to climb to his room.. What a grateful.. and funny... little boy he is

I am truly blessed

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

In the Kitchen ~ Coffee Frosted Coffee Brownies

Did you know that coffee cakes means something different in the US compared to the Uk. Here..in America... coffee cake is any cake you eat with a cup of coffee. Back in England it simply a cake that has coffee flavouring! It took me a while to figure that out....

Anyway... coffee flavoured cake is one of my absolute favourites..and I havent tasted it in ten years... but recently I have had a craving for a slice...or two. MrD loves Brownies... so when I saw this recipe I thought "why not???" Plus...it is my birthday week and I deserve a tasty treat

These brownies are rich, fudgy, and quite delicious... and with coffee in the cake and the icing.. it fed my coffee addiction perfectly

MrD thought so too...

1 Cup butter

4 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
2 Cup sugar
3 Tbsp. instant espresso powder
4 eggs
1 1/2 Cups flour
1/3 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Frosting:

1 Tbsp. instant espresso powder
1 Tbsp. milk
1/2 Cup butter softened
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 Cup confectioners' sugar

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Line parchment paper into a 13 x 9 inch baking pan 
• Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and the chocolate.
• Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, espresso powder and eggs.
• Stir in flour, cocoa powder and salt.
• Pour into baking pan.
• Bake 30 - 35 minutes; until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
• Cool in the pan.
• For the frosting, in a bowl, mix espresso powder and milk together
• Set aside.
• In another bowl, cream the butter and salt until fluffy.
• Slowly mix in the confectioners' sugar and milk/coffee mixture.
• Once combined, increase speed and mix until fluffy.
• Spread on the cooled brownies.
• Slice, serve and enjoy!

Starting to Feel Like Fall..

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Meal Plan Monday...and Another Birthday...

 Well... today I celebrated another year of a blessed life with my 62nd birthday. MrD took the day off work and we had a lovely day together and I was completely spoiled

The day started really well. Little Mr called yesterday to wish me happy birthday.. as from today they are without internet because they are moving into their new home

So it was left to Little Miss and Little Tufty to FaceTime, 

sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candle on a cake.

Also I had a call with our eldest grandson... 

who is growing into a lovely young man..

and just a bit cheeky...

I miss them all...

but another couple of years and we wont have to celebrate over FaceTime

Have a good week everyone...and here's this week dinner menu

Weekly Plan - 21st October  2024

Monday               Birthday out

Tuesday               Pork Carnitas   

Wednesday        Chicken Biryani, Naan Bread

Thursday            Chicken and Sausage Pasta Bake, Garlic Bread          

Friday                  BBQ Chicken Pizza

Saturday             Taco Beef Burgers

Sunday                 Leftovers

A Job Well Done...

So this weekend was the final push..

First the lawn area had to be cordoned off to keep the dog off the soil.. We used cattle panels and chicken wire to surround it.. but we left a run between the railway ties and the back fence so Prince could chase the squirrel that scurries along the power lines every morning.. stopping now and again to twerk at the poor dog and drive him insane.

Next MrD sprayed the tiny grass seed...

then topped with triple action fertilizer, feed and weed killer.

Then finally he covered the whole lot with peat moss.

With a final watering it’s now up to nature to do its job.. 

but doesn’t it look great!!

My hubby is an absolute beast!!

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Coming Along Nicely…

 MrD is keeping busy working in the garden. He is racing time right now as at last temperatures are starting to drop. The soil has to be a certain temperature so that grass seed can germinate.. so he hopes to be ready for a weekend sowing.

He has laid extra sprinklers…

and all this week he has tilled...and dragged...

and flattened the soil… 

and dragged and flattened .. 

and dragged and flattened a bit more

It’s looking really good and is now ready for seeding tomorrow…

I only hope the high winds die down!! 

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

In the Kitchen ~ Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo Bake

Did you know its National Pasta Day?? No me neither... but  Thursdays are always Pasta night in the Blue House....and this is a favourite. Quick and easy to make... its a comforting and cheesy tortellini bake with a rich Alfredo sauce and tender broccoli florets. Ring the changes by throwing in some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

16 oz cheese tortellini

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in Alfredo sauce and bring to a simmer.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce.
• Mix until well coated.
• Transfer tortellini mixture to a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Early Start at the Blue House..

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Ups and Downs of Life...

Little Miss was so excited...

She wanted a Mermaid Rockstar bedroom 

and Mummy worked hard for a week and got it done for her

I think she is very happy with it!

But the next day she was brought down to earth with a bump!

Little Tufty had been aggravating Bluey the kitten and Little Miss got in the way.. 

and Bluey attacked her

Her poor little face...

But scratches will soon fade and she still loves her kitten

Thats my girl

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x