Random Happenings

This little bunny and his buddies have been enjoying the Purslane and

sweet potato plants on the patio.

Taking pics of the sky unfolding in so many different ways is one of

my favorite things to do.

Noah attended Camp Longhorn last week. The above pics were taken at

Church Mountain. I think this may have been one of the only times they

slowed down all week because all the other days were filled with fun activities.

Just Grandpa being silly.

Jack has a habit of running through the house and

running into things such as cabinet corners, tables, etc.

He's tough though.

The kids stayed over the weekend and requested (begged) that I take them to the mall. We made pinkie promises with each other about our little trip, setting price limits of what we (I) would buy, how long we might stay, and what shops we would visit. They were terrific. They found what they wanted in the Lego store and before we left, took a little ride on the carousel. After that, we picked up Grandpa and went to Braum's for ice cream.

Kate told me afterward she thinks she might be getting too old for the carousel. Sigh ... she's growing up.

Last week we spent the big bucks getting the back yard cleaned up and new plants put in. I am happy with the results, but as I look back at old pics and how the back yard has evolved, it seems to me that we better keep an eye on the plants and keep them from becoming overgrown so that this will be the last makeover while we live here. When we bought the house, the back yard was barren except for one ugly bush and two mesquite trees. Since mesquite trees have sharp and ugly thorns, we had them surrounded with a border and landscaping around them. It looked pretty enough, however, a lot of the plants didn't survive and then, when grandchildren came along, we realized how dangerous the yucca plants were and so had them removed and planted more roses.

Trudy searching for bunnies

The pink, red, and yellow roses were bursting with color in the spring, but they grew so big and eventually were afflicted with the dread disease known as Witches Claw!! They were ugly with buds coming out and the promise of a flower, which couldn't happen.

Work in process

I can't wait to see the grasses grow up and the Vitex come into bloom.

It is covered with blooms right now which should burst out any day now.

There are grasses and Nandina bushes in there, too.

We've had plenty of rain to soak everything in.

These are kaleidoscope abelia.

My friend, Victoria, says these will grow quickly and

cover the blank spaces.

And today, the AC guys are here to install new AC and furnace units and collect the really big bucks. Hopefully, we will sleep very well tonight and hopefully, there will be a slowing down of shelling out the dough.

Speaking of dough, yesterday I made focaccia bread again to go with a sausage tortellini dish. This bread is easy, turns out so good and is tender and tasty.

Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

• PREP 1hr 20mins
• COOK 20mins
• TOTAL 1hr 40mins

Our focaccia recipe is very simple to make – no fancy equipment is needed at all. The secret to the best focaccia is a great tasting olive oil. Since there is quite a bit used, the bread really takes on the flavor. You don’t need to spend lots of money, just use an olive oil you love. For the herbs, we love a combination of thyme and rosemary, but you could use whatever herbs you love – fresh or dried. Or, omit the garlic and herbs all together and use plain olive oil instead.
A note on pan size: In this recipe we call for a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet. If you do not have this, you can use a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking dish with taller sides.

Makes approximately 8 servings

You Will Need

1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup (235 ml) warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 teaspoon honey
2 1/2 cups (325 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

• Make Dough
In a cold medium skillet, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and the black pepper. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes or until aromatic, but before the garlic browns. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir a few times then let sit for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of the flour and a 1/4 cup of the infused garlic-olive oil mixture. Stir 3 to 4 times until the flour has moistened. Let sit for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Once the dough comes together, transfer to a floured board and knead the dough 10 to 15 times until smooth. Transfer to a large oiled bowl, cover with a warm, damp towel and let rise for 1 hour. (It’s best to let the dough rise in a warmer area of your kitchen).

• Bake Bread
After 1 hour, heat oven to 450 degrees F. Use two tablespoons of the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture to oil a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet. (See above if you do not have this pan size).
Transfer the dough to the baking sheet then press it down into the pan. Use your fingers to dimple the dough then drizzle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of the garlic-olive oil mixture. Let the dough rise for 20 minutes until it puffs slightly. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool baked focaccia bread on a wire rack.

A side note as to the people installing the AC. If workers came to my house every day, there would be no end to the number of tasks I could accomplish. There is something in me that when other people work in and around my home I cannot sit idle. I feel guilt. Isn't that sad? LOL! Oh well, I am getting lots done.

Just happened to walk past the front door to see one of the AC guys taking a well-deserved break! It is hot up there in the attic!