Grade 8 Grad

My youngest grandson graduated from Grade 8 Monday night
Way to go Brayden!
PS.
Brayden made this photo of himself in a shoe.:-) brings a smile..

LRW #34

Red and White card.

The Mill Tales Inn

For June Red Hats had lunch at the Mill Tales Inn.
This old mill has been renovated and turned into a wonderful restaurant in the down stairs while the upstairs has accomadation. The mill overlooks a wooded area and stream.
Our luncheon was a lot of laughs , good food and delightful setting.
Another fun day out!

Up a Lazy River

Up the lazy river by the old mill run
That lazy, lazy river in the noon day sun
You can linger in the shade of that fine ole tree
Throw away your troubles,baby, dream with me.

This song was playing in my head when DH and I spent 3 hours slowly boating up not a river but Big Creek.
Big Creek flows thru a bird and wildlife sanctuary near Long Point.

Wide muddy water edged with willows bending low over the stream,
Some trees reaching out into the water brushing the boat as we slipped quietly by.
The air was warm and still, with birds adding song from time to time.
We weaved in and around some very narrow spots .
.

Dh was looking for the best fishing spots I was just enjoying the serenity of the scenery.
Hope you enjoyed the boat ride.

Daylilies

The daylilies are just starting to flower in the garden . These 2 are the first to show their faces. Fragrance Treasure and Sparkle.
Corydalis lutea is in full bloom , this plant loves shade and part sun , stays neat and fresh looking all summer.

Happy Birthday Sherry!

Happy Birthday !

LRW #33

LRW challenge this week was using beads.
Here is my card with accented ribbon with beads...

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry season is in full swing now. always looking for new recipes using this yummy favourite fruit. Found this recipe from Martha Stewart , it was first published in 2009.Described as mini strawberrry shortcake.
Would these cookies taste just like strawberry shortcake as claimed? Had to try it.
Ingredients;

12 ounces strawberries, hulled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup heavy cream
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine strawberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 7 tablespoons granulated sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter, or rub in with your fingers, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream until dough starts to come together, then stir in strawberry mixture.
2.Using a tablespoon, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment, spacing evenly apart,bake until golden brown, 24 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool.
Cookies are best served warm , but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cookie gets softer after day 1.
These cookies do taste like strawberry shortcake!

Fruit Bruschetta

For the neighbourhood happy hour I found this light appetizer.
It is a sweet treat . A nice change from the usual savoury nibbles. This recipe came from the Betty Crocker web site, of course I slightly changed it.
Ingredients:
1 package pound cake (frozen or fresh)
1 container of strawberry cream cheese( other flavours could be used)
Assorted bite size fruit, apples, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, Mandarin oranges, kiwi, whatever one has on hand.
Cut pound cake into 1/2 inch slices. Spray Teflon pan with Pam. Lightly brown cake slices on both sides.
Spread each slice with 2 Tsp. of cream cheese
Top with fruit pieces.
Optional; Drizzle with Chocolate sauce and sprinkle with coconut and toasted almonds. ( I left mine plain )
These can be made up to 4 hours ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
This is a lovely light treat and took all of about 20 minutes to make.

LRW #32

A sketch was the challenge this week.
Here is my card.

Roses in bloom

Here are 2 newly planted roses just starting to flower.
They are a gift for our wedding anniversary from my Mom.
Betty Boop
Charles Austin from the David Austin series of old English roses.

LRW # 31

Little Red Wagon's challenge this week is certainly a challenge. Use an embellishment in a different way then intended.
Finally came up with this card using a Christmas ornament punch as the vase shape, cutting off the tip, textured the brown card stock, dressed it with a yellow ribbon. Watermarked the kraft paper and used a flower stamp from watercolor trio.