Welcome to my
Perfectly Imperfect Life..........

Friday, July 31, 2009

Autism Awareness Charity Auction Preview

August the 1st will be here shortly and when it is please come by eBay and check out our Auction for Autism Awareness. Our eBay group wants to do what we can to give back to our society and one way is to help those in need. There is a button in the upper right corner of this blog that will take you directly the these auctions.




Autism is a "disablity" that is on the rise. It has always been here we are just recognizing it more and more now. There are so many levels to Autism and no one really knows what is causing this in our children and adults. Autism spectrum as it is called ranges from those special little ones (and big ones too) who need constant help to those who are very highly Intelligent and have Asperger’s syndrome.




No matter the place on the spectrum these special Angels and their caregivers need our help. Studies in the methods of working with these Angels and also Research in to what causes and how to help these folks takes a great deal of money, and Age*Before*Beauty wants to do a what we can to help these special Angels.




So starting August 1 our eBay group will be listing all kinds of wonderful creations with parts or all of the proceeds to go to Autism Not For Profits Worldwide. Each artsits will decide on the Autism Charity they want to support and eBay helps us by sending the money directly to those charities. We will be adding creations through August 7. So you will be able to find our listings for a good part of August. Just search eBay to find us by typing in AB4B Autism in the search box. We will also be updating our listings in here so make sure to follow us.
Here is a peek at just some of our listings beginning on August 1
From Country*Dragonfly, me ; )
From Sunshines_Creations: From Always Crafty 1 Personalize your own Autism Bunny Computer Pet for that special Angel, Teacher, Doctor etc in your life..... Free shipping Remember to search on eBay on August 1 for AB4B Autism! We hope you will join us.....Believe In The Power Of Dreams Rather Than The Limitations Of A Disability

Friday, July 24, 2009

Monster Zucchini

It's Fruit & Veggie Season!
I have Tomatoes, Zucchini, Swiss Chard, Figs, & Grapes
to name a few, producing right now.
Picking at just the right time provides the tastiest produce.
BUT, I have a life and being able to check on them frequently proves a challenge at times. I feel so proud of myself when I have plucked every last ripe & ready piece. Or so I think ~
Going out the next day only to find a monster Zucchini! Where was it the day before? Did it develop over night? It would seem so ;~)

But that's OK with me!
I have the best recipe for Monster Zucchini's! :~)
Yes, Yes, I'm sharing. I can guarantee it is very yummy!!
*
"Z" Apple Pie
*
6 cups Zucchini, peeled and sliced
2 1/4 cups Sugar
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1 1/2" teaspoon Cream of Tarter
1 1/2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Dash of salt
**
Peel and slice through the middle of the squash; remove seeds with a spoon.
Slice each half to resemble Apple Slices.
Cook just until tender. Drain and put in cold water about 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Mix all ingredients well and place into a 9 inch, unbaked Pie Shell. Dot with Butter. Cover with top Crust, vent.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
The first time I made this I didn't tell my family it was Zucchini.
They thought it was real Apple Pie!
A great way to get veggies down the kiddos!
Enjoy!

More recipes

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A Walk in the Garden

I had a chance to wander my garden the other day.
I toted my camera along ;~)
Here are some of the pictures I took.

Come take a walk with me........

Friday, July 17, 2009

Givaway

There is a great new give away over at
The Continuing Adventures of Mama Rose and the Pink Princess Blog.
You have an opportunity over the next three days to win a $50 gift card for products from Paper Culture. What's the catch? Submit a comment to this post telling my why you want the gift card. It's that simple. All comments must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM 7/19/2009.
So hurry on over!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Berry Cobbler


I decided to make a cobbler
with the berries we picked the other day
and thought I'd share my
quick & easy recipe.
You can use most any fresh fruit with this.
*
Quick Fruit Cobbler
*
4 Tablespoons Butter/Margarine,
cut into squares
1/2 cup unsifted Flour,
spoon into cup
1/2 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Milk
2 to 4 cups fresh Fruit or Berries
*
Dot bottom of 9-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish
with Butter squares.
In a bowl, mix together Flour, Sugar,
Baking Powder, and Milk.
Pour over Butter and spoon
Fruit over all,
allowing space for dough to bubble up.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven
for 30-35 minutes,
or until golden brown.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Don't forget to join my giveaway!! 

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Day Trek Continued

After the Lake we headed south, back towards home.
There were a few unusual sights....
we caught one on film.
Now usually at the entrances to farms there are
related farm items attached to the entrance posts,
ie. horns, brands, western iron silhouettes, etc.
As we passed a few farms in the area where we were,
we started to wonder exactly what they had put on these.
I slowed down and stopped at the next one.
Yes it was a bike!
A little further down the road we stumbled upon a treasure!!!
Wild Berries!!!!

Lots and lots of Wild Berries!

We had a plastic bag so TJ & I got out & picked & picked! Then, wouldn't you know it, I got the bag stuck on a thorn, it ripped & all those berries went flying! GRRR I tied up the bag as best as I could. I wasn't leaving empty handed! We picked again ;~)

Not too bad a haul. They were sooo sweet. We headed home after that...thanks to Garmin ;~) You didn't think I'd go get lost without a surefire way to get back home did you? hmmmm, now what to make with all those yummy berries.......

Monday, July 13, 2009

Speechless

We were doing pretty good today until we received a knock at the door.
The local Florist was there with a pretty bouquet of
Carnations, Gerberas, Bells of Ireland, Statice & more inside a sweet
ceramic Coffee Cup with the quote
"Friendship Are The Flowers In Life's Garden".
We looked at it & couldn't figure out who it could be from.
We opened the card...
they were from our Veterinarian's Office with condolences for the loss of Toby.
We looked at each other and none of us could speak.
Needless to say we cried all over again.
This was such a touching gesture
which in today's world of bottom lines & business
have gone by the wayside.
We were so lucky 15 years ago to have moved to this small town
where my Father was born,
where people are still friendly, know most everyone by name
and still has compassion.
We have the best Vets & staff in the world. They are always there, even for the smallest questions and available 24/7. Dr Wallace & her family live behind the office. She has met us there in the middle of the night when my daughter's cat had heart failure. Then again when our 14 yr old Husky's body failed her, to supply us with answers and guidance. And when my youngest son's new kitten couldn't stop coughing to find out she was born with an enlarged heart and would need medication for the rest of her life...and many more too many numerous times to mention.
Doing their job? Yes, but they are so devoted to the animals
and to the people who care for them.
So it is comforting to have a professional who takes time to do the little things, sometimes it's the littlest things that mean the most.

Thank you Dr. Cathy Wallace, Dr. Tina Faulkner
and staff from the bottom of our hearts.

Day Trek

When I was little, Mom & Dad would pile us in the car and go for "a ride".
Usually we drove by neighbors farms to see how the crops were coming.
Sometimes we would drive to places we hadn't been in a while...
usually into the hills & canyons.
I always loved those. Guess it was the country girl inside me ;~)
A few days ago, I decided to take my 3 youngest on a trek/adventure.
Destination unknown.
They took turns telling me which way to go, they liked that!
We went through tiny little farm towns and
ended up at a State Park we didn't even know existed!
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
What a neat place and had such a nice Park Ranger.
When she found we were only staying for a bit
she waved the entrance fee!
then she gave us a free "Save Our Natural Resources" Frisbee,
How cool is that!
The Lake had different areas,
a boat launch, viewing area, campground, picnic area with bbq's,
swimming areas, campfire center and.....
a little beach...

Even islands...

Then we saw Canadian Geese They were picking and eating the grass and probably bugs too As we got closer some decided to head to the water The we remembered we had some popcorn in the car. When they saw we were throwing it out for them they came flying back! I think they enjoyed it, we did ;~) No this isn't photo shopped. Just happened! Then we found........ More to follow....

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Toby Pics

A dear friend of mine made this for us.
Thank you Sara & Critters of Love
Just wanted to share a few more pictures of Toby...
Toby, Whitley RIP Better times...

Saturday, July 11, 2009

We Love & Miss You Toby


Today was a most difficult one.
One of our fur babies has been suffering and fighting
Prostate Cancer for about a year.
Toby our lovable Basset.
The last coupe of weeks I've noticed slight changes.
3 days ago his tail stopped wagging,
no more "thud thud" throughout the house.
We was starting to suffer and his cheerful demeanor was gone.
He was put to rest today.
Toby we will never forget you,
the guardian of our yard...
from cats, gophers & those pesky mice.
Our feet will be cold this winter
and our hearts are empty.
Go, run , jump and play with Whitley...
she is waiting for you across the Rainbow Bridge
Toby 5/5/99 - 7/11/09
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

Monday, July 6, 2009

Summer Backgrounds

Hope everyone had a fun 4th of July. We sure did!
Since we are pretty much smack dab in the middle of summer I thought I'd share some summer backgrounds with you.
Here ya go : ~)







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