Upcoming CSN Review

I’m excited about doing another review for CSN stores, they have ton’s of wonderful stuff. I can look for hours at all kinds of different things I would love to have, anything from an awesome pair of shoes or stylish handbag, to a classic dining room table, or Le Creuset cookware. Right now these are a few of the things I’m considering:

Laredo Women's Broken Spoke 13" Cowboy Boots in Burnished Red

I've always wanted a pair of red western boots.

Trademark Global Red Firefighter Wiggle Ride-on Car

Looks fun doesn't it?

Household Essentials Sewing Center

Or what about one of these? You can iron on it and everything!

Or I still want these, and I know if I get them I'll find my missing pair of sewing scissors.

Mundial Classic Forged 8" Dressmaker Shears

With so much nice stuff to pick from I'm not sure what I'll choose. Stay tuned and I'll tell you all about it.

Last Camp of the Season

I suppose last weekend's camping trip was probably the last one of the season. The water is too cold for swimming, and it gets mighty cool in the evenings in a nylon tent. However, we had a wonderful time. My parents, one of my brothers and my sister-in-law went with us.

This is very close to where my parents grew up, and they took us on a little jaunt to some of their old stomping grounds.

The scenery was beautiful, as was the weather.

Even the drive was beautiful, howbeit, very bumpy! Some of the way we rode across what looked to me to be ditches running across the road, and other times big boulders were part of the roadway which was pretty narrow, making it hard to dodge the various problem spots . I didn't take any pictures of those though because I was too busy taking in the more lovely aspects.

From time to time we got out and hiked a little.

We did a lot of looking...well, there was a lot to see.

Doesn't my brother remind you of Huckleberry Finn with his britches legs rolled up?

Some of the leaves were beginning to turn, like little patches of fire here and there.

Of course there were the regular camping activities, like campfires, tents, cooking, finding and chopping firewood, and setting up camp.

Summer's Last Hurrah

I know that technically summer is gone, but there are a few traces left.

I saw them while camping in the woods last weekend.

Little glimpses of beauty here and there,

bright little flowers nodding their heads bidding summer adieu.

Four Generations and Gratitude Continued

Here we are 4 generations and our entries to the fair.

It was fun doing this as a family. It was exciting when our entries won ribbons and we were able to share the joy of making things at home with another generation. This legacy goes back beyond those of us pictured here. My grandmothers on both sides liked to make all sorts of things, from soap and canning, to quilts, and crafts. One of my grandfathers was a carpenter, and the other learned to tat as a little boy. My dad, brothers, husband, and son also create stuff, so do my daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and other grandchildren.

I'm sorry some of our entries were cut out of the picture, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

I am continuing my list of things I'm thankful for. This is an ongoing list, and I will post additions randomly.

11. merry-go-rounds

12. sweet sticky smiles

13. my heritage

14. challenges that I don’t always appreciate at the time, but help to mold me

15. unexpected gifts

16. funny smiles

17. little ones who always want to come home with me

18. the friendship of my grown children and their spouses

18. autumn

19. cornbread

20. camping trips

21. the wisdom of my parents

Cheesy Fresh Tomato Lasagna

This is a really simple lasagna made all in one pan and as delicious as it is simple.

Cheesy Fresh Tomato Lasagna

7 large tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 egg, slightly beaten

5 oz romano cheese

16 oz mozzarella cheese

8 oz lasagna noodles

Set one tomato aside for later.

Peel and quarter remaining tomatoes then pulse them in a food processor until they are a sauce like consistency.

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until tender.

Add tomatoes to onion and garlic, salt and pepper to taste and cook until sauce thickens, about 12-20 minutes.

Pour sauce into a bowl. Leave a small amount of sauce in the pan.

Mix ricotta cheese with egg.

Layer ingredients in this order noodles (I used regular noodles and did not boil them and they were fine,) ricotta, romano, mozzarella, tomato sauce. Repeat layers twice more, reserving 1 cup of mozzarella.

Slice remaining tomato on top.

Bake at 375 until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.

Top with remaining mozzarella and broil until cheese melts. This takes just a few minutes so watch it carefully.

I didn't think about it at the time but fresh basil would be a great addition to this dish.