TGI Tuesday (almost)

OK, so the cartoon made me laugh! In truth, I am on the Conservative side, but I don't consider myself a Republican. I don't know what I am - Independent I guess. I like to pick and choose from all political parties.

I do struggle to separate my moral and religious beliefs from issues facing the world today. I vote based on those beliefs. This election, let's use Prop 8 for example, I keep hearing how it shouldn't be based on moral or religious views, that is being racist. What? That makes no sense to me. I fully believe in marriage being between one man and one woman, how can I then vote against it?

There are so many issues being dealt with this year. It is scary and a bit overwhelming... I AM sick of the elections and can not wait for Tuesday to come!

The Thirteenth Tale

by Diane Setterfield


This novel was a wonderful and unexpected surprise. Secrets, ghosts, and lies! I read this book in a week and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am surprised this is a first novel for Diane Setterfield. The writing was perfect. I loved her style. The story was intriguing and kept me guessing till the every end. I thought I had it figured out several times, but I was wrong! I LOVE THAT!

I won’t give out any other details, it is too much fun to discover it yourself. I do suggest you read it!

Unanswered Prayers

Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers...

This will age me, but remember this song? Garth Brooks?


It was huge. I was in high school, senior year to be exact. I remember talking to my good friend about the message in the song. He didn't agree with it. He was sure that Heavenly Father would answer any and all prayers. I knew that sometimes the answer was no, which meant the same as unanswered.

I don't know why I continue to recall this conversation. Maybe it is because in the back of my mind I wanted to believe that Heavenly Father would ALWAYS answer my prayers, the way I wanted Him to.

Over the years He has answered all of my prayers and five times out of ten the answer was no. Then He gave me gifts I never asked for but desperately needed.

As I look back on the blessings thus far in my life, the gifts I have been given and the lessons I have learned, I do know that some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd


I really enjoyed this book

My sister-in-law has been telling me to read it for a while, but bees mixed with civil rights didn't tempt me. For some reason I saw it and bought it anyway. Once I saw that the movie was coming out, I had to read it first. I hate when I read a book with the character/actors already in my head, but this time wasn't awful.

I did have to look past the worship of a statue/honey combination. My attention was held the entire book, I thought about advice that had been given through out my day. I liked the characters and the relationships they developed. I thought it was well written. Towards the end it became quite suspenseful but then it was over. I didn't like how it ended. I wasn't ready for it to be done. I still have unanswered questions or maybe just interest in what happens next.

My favorite quote to sum it up would have to be from Lily. "Nobody is perfect. You just have to close your eyes and breathe out and let the puzzle of the human heart be what it is."

Ravioli with Roasted Zucchini

With all of the zucchini we get this time of year, we had to figure out how to use it. I thought I would share a family favorite. I double the recipe and it disappears quickly!

4 small zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried red chili flakes
2/3 Cup finely grated Parmesan
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound cheese ravioli
3 Tbsp chopped, fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 400° F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Place the zucchini in a large baking dish in a single layer and drizzle with the oil, chili flakes, and 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan, then season with the pepper and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Add the garlic and roast for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and just golden brown.

Meanwhile, add the ravioli and the remaining salt to the boiling water. Return to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent the ravioli from sticking.

Cook the ravioli for 3 minutes after they begin to float. Drain and place in a large bowl.

Toss gently with the roasted zucchini, half the parsley, and half the remaining Parmesan. Serve immediately with the remaining parsley and Parmesan.



Makes 4 servings

Toffee Dip

We found our new favorite treat! This toffee dip is the best! It is super easy to make and a little goes a long way. Thank you so much Emily. YUM!

1 (8oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 (8oz) bag Heath toffee bits

Mix all ingredients together and serve with sliced apples or refrigerate till ready to serve. Makes about 3 cups.

Poor thing!

Turn up your volume and wait for her to smack the pole.
Nothing like a rude awakening!



Thanks Dooce!