Feb 21, 2012 | Uncategorized
We bought a “new” house last week!
It’s a historic 1930 craftsman a few blocks from our house.
The coolest part is that it sits on three full lots (which means awesome garden!)
We’re really excited to start work on the house- keeping it original, green, and yet functional for a modern family!
I’ve been doing research for the historic tax program and got some background information from the NLR Historic Commission. Last night Scott was doing some research on the original owner, and the first picture that popped up on the net was…
A picture of Scott’s great-grandparents!
 |
| From “The Guardian” March 30th, 1945 |
How strange of a coincidence is that?
(It ended up there was an ad for the man’s business on the same page of the paper.)
I call it fate.
Feb 14, 2012 | Uncategorized
Happy dia de San Valentin!
Emily and I made 7 dozen cupcakes last night for school parties!
 |
| Just some of the 7 dozen |
We opted for easy this time and just dusted them with natural sprinkles
(India Tree-Nature’s Colors in Raspberry Red)
 |
| Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing |
 |
| Jac’s “cards,” handlebar style |
|
The boys wanted “mustache” Valentine’s cards. These are supposed to look like you have a mustache when you suck on the lollipop…
 |
| Max’s “cards” note the Charlie Chaplin moustache |
To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.”- Lao-Tzu
Feb 10, 2012 | Uncategorized
 |
| Clematis on Fence Downtown |
Yesterday our baby would have been full term.
The women that were pregnant when I was have their wee ones in their arms or are ready to any day now.
I am truly so happy for them.
Life is so precious and fleeting.
I took some special time yesterday for me.
I went and had a long massage and let the tension go.
I cried and let the feelings flow.
A conversation with a stranger made me realize that
I’ve come to terms…
It’s okay for me to mourn my son.
It’s okay for me to be happy too.
Feb 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
 |
| Cinnamon Sweet Rolls! |
We are buying a new old house! It’s exciting but so scary. It was a spur of the moment decision and we didn’t think we’d actually get it (but were hoping.)
A 1930’s brick Art Deco Bungalow (I think…)
All original lighting fixtures, tiles, doors, knobs, even stove and sink. High ceilings and plaster walls. Very cool (or it will be.) The lot is what sold me. Almost an acre in the city! (4 level lots.) I can have a nice garden! It’s only a block from my house now, so not a huge change that way. (We LOVE our neighborhood!)
I am freaking out because now I have to finish the rent house, fix this one to sell, and fix that one to move into…
Anyone want to buy my house???
Feb 4, 2012 | Recipes, Sweets
I made up a recipe for sweet rolls today because my impatient husband and son wanted sweet rolls “NOW!” I didn’t want to make the short cut recipe I usually do when we want sweet rolls quickly- so I improvised by using the ratios I use on my pizza crust. They ended up being better than almost all the other recipes we usually use! After breakfast I had 4 left out of a pan of 15…
(It also made a small pan with 6 small ones in it that I’ll freeze.)
The results…..
What I did:
Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Vanilla Glaze
5 cups flour
add 1/2 stick of butter (melted) and put in mixer with dough hook
On stove warm 2 cups milk
(You want it to be warm, but cool enough to stick your finger in and not be burned if you count to 10)
To this add 3 1/4 teaspoons of yeast and about 1/4 cup of sugar (I use Mexican cane sugar instead of white sugar in everything.)
In a small cup beat 2 eggs
Add milk mixture and eggs to flour mixture and blend.
If dough is really sticky add enough flour to make it still moist but where you can touch it and
not have sticky fingers (it’s okay if it’s more on the sticky side now because you can add flour later when your knead.)
Let rise about 15 minutes (would be better to let rise til double, but we are impatient.)
Knead dough on floured surface. Add flour to make a nice dough if it’s sticky. Knead until you have a pretty, soft dough.
Roll out into a large rectangle (about 18 x 20)
Brush with melted butter and then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (you can add nuts or chocolate chips or raisins if you want to.)
Roll up from long side pressing as you go.
Cut into about 1 inch pieces and place cut side down in a greased baking dish.
Let rise at least another 15 minutes (or ideally until doubled.)
Bake at 350 until light golden brown.
Pour or brush glaze over rolls while warm.
Glaze
About 1/4 cup of melted butter (more or less)
Add powdered sugar (1-2 cups, again more or less)
thin with orange juice and add about 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
