Quotes that will live on ... because I write them down!

While listening to a re-make of Somewhere Over the Rainbow I was reminded of a memorial video Michael put together for a friend whose sister passed away. I really like the song, but each time I hear it, I'm reminded of the loss of my friend's sister. Michael has the same problem with another song involving rainbows. I declared at breakfast that morning while hearing the song that I wanted a song that basically couldn't be ruined played at my memorial. Amira chimed in, "I know! How about Poker Face by Lady Gaga?"



Last week as we walked up the front path to my in-laws Michael said, "Okay, is everyone carrying something? Rex, you have the pie. Valerie, you have the yams. Amira has treats for Oscar. Tiffany, you have the wine. Good. Let's see ... what I am carrying? Oh, yeah, the mortgage."



Last night we went out to dinner and enjoyed some Indian food. As we sat round the big family table Amira declared, "Okay, I'm Carrie (from Little House on the prairie series). Valerie, you're Laura." Then she looks across at Rex with a wicked grin and says, "... and you're MARY!" Valerie chimed in, "Yeah. Mary's blind." Poor Rex didn't even have come back for that one.



Funny, I can actually see the resemblance to the kids there ... really.

It's not so much as a quote as a car story that involves me turning a corner (probably a little too quickly) and Amira shouting from the backseat, "Great! Now there is soup EVERYWHERE!" I looked in the rear view mirror to see her face covered with tomato soup. I mean, who brings soup in the car?

I think she just Mommed My Ride.

Autumn at the Rancho

Ah, autumn has arrived. And so has my super cool rooster mail box that I special ordered from some place in Florida two months ago. Totally worth the wait! My good chaps, Rex and Michael installed this thing lickety split! Our mail carrier loves it so much she was taking photos of it the other day. I must say, it does brighten up our as yet to be landscaped front yard.



In other news: Valerie is official ten years old. Yes, that really puts things into perspective for the rest of us, doesn't it? Gluten free pumpkin muffins, veggie chili and licorice and peppermint flavored ice cream for everyone. MMMmmm! Such a proud non-conformist.



We took a visit to the Book Family farm. Rex just had to hold a chicken since there were no roosters around to defend the poor girls. Really, he just can't do that at the Rancho anymore without risking the loss of an eye or something. That Mr. Johnson has a "hands off" policy for us with regard to his harem.



And while most of us carved pumpkins the traditional way, Rex showed us how it really ought to be done:







Finally, in other news, the kids had a recital this last weekend. They took turns looking like moody musicians. And we were all proud of the performances. How cool is this?










Oh, and on an unrelated note, the cod wasn't so bad. I mean, nobody barfed. But it really didn't need to be flour coated or anything. I think next time I shall simply broil with a little lemon butter. I'm sorry to say that my review of this dish could never live up to the dramatic review in that last post.

Baked Cod Recipe

Okay, we have been eating pretty well around here late. We've had everything from roasted chicken to beef bourguignon to soups and chili. Well, I decided I wanted something a little lighter and easier to fix for dinner tonight. I was thinking about salmon. But all the local store had was farmed salmon. So, I opted for the (alleged) wild caught cod.

I decided to troll the internet for recipes (which I love to do!) Anyhow, I make it a point to read the reviews now too. (I learned I should have done that after making a Paula Dean version of a pumpkin pie that turned out a lot more like a pumpkin cheesecake. I mean, it was Paula Dean, am I surprised?)

Anyhow, I wanted to share the most hysterical review I've read in a while. This was on a recipe for baked cod. The reviewer (not me! I only wish I could take credit for such a fantastic review) gave 4 1/2 stars out of 5 along with this:

"I thought this was a delicious, easy recipe. However my three children thought differently. My oldest child sat at the table with tears streaming down his face, my middle son was throwing up at the trash can, and my daughter sat with her arms drawn inside of her shirt saying she will not try anything on her plate. So I think I'll be making this recipe again next Friday. Thanks for a new way to torment my kids."

And, in case you were wondering, here is the recipe. I might just have to try it based on the review:




LEMON BAKED COD

1 lb cod fish fillet
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
paprika

Directions:


If fish fillets are large, cut into serving pieces.

Mix butter and lemon juice.

In another bowl, mix flour, salt and white pepper.

Dip fish into butter mixture; coat fish with flour mixture.

Place fish in ungreased square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches.

Pour remaining butter mixture over fish; sprinkle with paprika.

Cook uncovered in 350 degree oven until fish flakes easily with fork, 25-30 minutes. Garnish with parsley sprigs and lemon slices if desired.

Good information to have!

Arbor Day Has Arrived!

So, Arbor Day Eve at the Rancho was the big excitement around here. Michael was so stoked to drive the backhoe up the driveway. After he had a lot of time moving earth around he let the kids go for a ride.



Valerie did her part in the orchard too on Arbor Eve.



Alas, Sunrise over the partially prepared site of our future orchard!



Alligator came over to help put in the plants. Here we are taking a break from digging holes for the grape vines. I believe this one is a Chardonnay vine.



I tell you, he's a real farmer that Gator!





























So, here's the progress during the day. Very satisfying to see trees in what was just yesterday a barren patch of weeds. Now there is a promise of shade and fruit and birds and bees back there!



Here are the long shadows at the end of the day looking back toward chicken land. We got 11 trees in. We'll finish the rest on Sunday as I'll be on farm tour tomorrow. I'll be sampling the best wine/cheese/olive oil this valley has to offer ... who knows how it will inspire the direction of our future yard?

From Amira

Oh, that Michael and his iPad ... techno genious and oh so popular with the kids! I don't know exactly what he and Amira were up to this morning, but I did receive this in my e-mail this morning. Maybe I'm a little less Joan Crawford-like today? Must be the baby chicks and trees.

Arbor Day Eve

Nothing says Arbor Day Eve like a backhoe delivered to your house! I said to Rex, how cool is this house? We can have a rooster, hatch out baby chicks and drive backhoes around the backyard!!!

Now, you and daddy get cracking! I need 28 holes for trees pronto.