concert lunch

Today we had our monthly senior group lunch at our church. Before lunch we enjoyed a set of songs performed by Jimmy R. Sells. He grew up in our church  and is a veteran working with Operation Song, an organization that helps other veterans deal with ptsd by songwriting.  He recently performed on the Grand Ole Opry and at Memorial Day programs in Washington DC. We had a good lunch and then some time to visit with friends.

pickles

Today on the Ponderosa we are making pickles!

squash

We have an abundance of squash in the Ponderosa gardens. This photo is the harvest from today. Tonight I found a recipe that was very tasty. It only took one zucchini to make it so I still have plenty to share with others!

Baked Cheesy Zucchini Bites

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups packed shredded zucchini (no need to peel the zucchini)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup panko or regular bread crumbs

1/4 teaspoon dried basil (or 1-2 teaspoons fresh)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray or lightly grease an unlined baking sheet.

Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out all the excess water over the sink until the zucchini is really dry.

Place the zucchini and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until combined.

Drop the mixture by tablespoonfuls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly press the mounds with your hands to flatten slightly.

Bake for 16-20 minutes until the edges are golden.

Yield 2-3 dozen

Note:

(I left out the basil)

Brooksisms

At dinner my aunt Sybil ask who we were going to vote for in the presidential election.  I said, "I may not even bother to vote."  Someone said, "There is not a good choice."  Brooks says, "Why don't you just vote for George Washington!"  We agreed that would be the best choice!

*********

Brooks: "Nana, I ran into your car with the Gator, but I didn't rip it or anything."

five

On Wednesday, May 25th the Ponderosa Stinkbugs were five years old.  The celebrating started that day and the party continued for days!  Their birthday was the last day of school for them so they took donut holes to their classmates and after a half day of school they headed for Chuck E. Cheese.  This was Brynn's pick.  It was her wish to play all the games she wanted!

The next day we picked them up in Cookeville and they stayed until Saturday.  We had a cookout and party because all Brooks wanted for his birthday was to play football with his cousins!  He got his wish! An extra added bonus was an epic water balloon fight that also happened at the party!

On Monday they had another party at their house!  More cake, more water balloons and some slip and sliding!

Happy 5th Birthday to Brooks and Brynn!

driving around

It was a sunny day but too windy to work outside, so we went for a little Saturday afternoon drive.  Peanut took Mom and me to some places with a nice view!

saturday morning cooking

Fried apples. I once thought I did not like them--how foolish.  The fork is for taste testing. I must make sure they are perfect. It takes several tastes to be positive!

spring stroll

easter

We had our annual egg hunt and Easter picnic on the Ponderosa last week end.  There was some really delicious food, competitive egg hunting and perfect weather.

sad

Our hearts are broken.  On March 18 we lost our beloved Pa Lyle.  He made us all a better person.

it's me

We were in the Disney Store when Bailee began saying, "It's me,  It's me!"  A stack of princess dolls had caught her attention and one had red pig tails just like her!

Of course, her Nana made sure it went home with her!

strawberry pie

There was a little snow on the roof this morning and sleet fell earlier, but in my kitchen today its May! 

Strawberry Pie
Ingredients:
1 refrigerated or frozen Pie Crust
2 cups sliced strawberries
2 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 box strawberry jello

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Poke holes in bottom of pie crust and bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are browned.
Allow crust to cool and place strawberries in the bottom
Stir together water sugar and cornstarch and bring to a boil.
Return mixture to simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat, add Jello and stir until dissolved
Pour mixture over strawberries, and refrigerate until set.
Don't forget the whipped cream before serving.