Anniversary Day

It's that time again!

The anniversary of the two peas.

Lately they've been taking hikes and walks to celebrate.

Here's the day in pictures from a beautiful nearby park:

Forests!

Beautiful clearings with gorgeous wild flowers....

And mushrooms....

And Assassin Bugs!

What a beautiful day!

Oh, this poor yard!

The two peas have been working hard to clean up 

this sad, neglected, over-grown, weed and vine ridden backyard. 

Whew!

Here's some pics for updates,

since pictures speak faster than I can:

These vines are ridiculous and run shallowly under the soil for 10's of feet. 

Resetting the stones....

Filling in the sides with fresh cedar mulch. It smells so good!

Clearing out even the tiny weeds. Believe it or not, but most of those little leaves on the ground by the pot are from several tiny tree shoots we had to cut out.

A few potted flowers here and there to brighten it up a little.

Donating Hair!

Two years ago the wife chopped off most of her hair with the intention of donating it.

Yeah...the key phrase being intent.

So, this year the wife chopped it off again.

This time it's going in the mail!

Here's the damage:

It was so long!

My stylist did an awesome job!

Creamy Soy Alfredo Sauce

The two peas love Alfredo sauce, 

but not the fact that a serving (1/2 cup with noodles) is usually 600+ calories. 

So, the wife whipped up this version instead, and it tastes pretty good.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Light Original Soy Silk (you can try using almond milk)
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 6-8 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (based on using the powder kind; you can also grate your own)
• 2 tbsp corn starch (thoroughly mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
• Black pepper, salt, and garlic to taste
• Dash of ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Sautee 1-2 cloves of garlic in butter. (You can use garlic salt or garlic powder to flavor the sauce instead).
2. Add soy milk to pan with butter, and heat it until the milk starts bubbling. 
3. Add parmesan cheese one tablespoon at a time and mix thoroughly with a wisk into the milk. 
4. Add the corn starch mixture and thoroughly mix into the milk and cheese sauce immediately.
5. Allow sauce to thicken and simmer over medium to low heat for about 3-5 minutes. 
6. Add seasonings to taste and the dash of nutmeg.

The recipe serves 4 people. 

With a serving of noodles, the total calorie count is about 400-440 (depending on whether you use 6 or 8 tbsp of parmesan cheese).

Enjoy!

An Easter to Remember

Easter is beautiful

with its promise of new life,

and every year the earth seems to celebrate

with blossoms, fresh foliage, and baby animals.

This year it took on a new, more personal meaning for the two peas. 

They had hoped to welcome a third pea to their pod by year's end,

but alas, it was not to be.

A beautiful set of lilies graced the living room,

and then a candle.

Sometimes the promise and joy of life is experienced in its blessed renewal. 

Thanks to Ma and Pa H. for the beautiful flowers.

A Valentine's Project

It's taken a while, a couple of years, but the two peas finally got their bedroom looking a little more beautiful. For Valentine's Day they hung curtains, which also means the wife can sleep because the street lights aren't pouring blinding, sleep-depriving...

eh, you get the point.

It turned out pretty well.

Here's some before and after pics:

Before....

After....

Ta-da!

Crafts for the Home

 The wife got a little crafty with some old items lying around collecting dust.

These include two candle/tea-light holders for the table, 

a table runner, 

and a display for the very first flowers hubby ever gave to her.

Here's the details in case you'd like to give them a try.

For the tea-light holders:

1. Clean two Prego jars (or other jars for jam and such)

2. Pour in a wonderful color of mixed potpourri

3. Add tea-lights or candles to your jar

4. Add a ribbon to the top of your jars

5. Display however desired on your table

For the table runner:

1. Buy burlap fabric (enough to cover the length of your table)

2. Cross-stitch a border

3. Lay out on your table

(you can also add a border of blanket tape to prevent unraveling)

For the Flower/Candle Display:

1. Buy a glass candle holder

2. Place a layer of glass pebbles in the bottom

3. Place a votive candle holder in the center

4. Display flowers around the votive candle holder

5. Tie a ribbon around the center of the glass

6. Display where you so desire