Goings on...

These are the roses that JP brought to me for our anniversary. They actually smell like roses! I just love the burgundy flowers, they really serve to set off the pink roses.

We've been having visitors each afternoon. Anywhere from 4-9 deer come to the edge of our back yard and graze. I just love it. The dogs don't feel the same though. I endure the barking and pleading eyes as long as I can so the deer can graze but eventually I cave and let the dogs run. Then the dogs come back in and the deer come back out,,,,and repeat above. Sorry for the picture quality, my hands were shaking.



Charlie says hello.



This is Corrie's latest thing. She sits at the front window with her chin rested on the window sill looking out, so pensive. I think it's adorable.




Today, and for the past few days, I've had the windows open. I love being able to air out the house but this is weird Mid-January weather. I think we better brace ourselves for February. Other than these few things there's not much going on. So, blessings to you all from all of us in the holler...

Happy Anniversary to my Dearly Beloved!

I just want to take a moment this morning and make this post to, once again, let Mrs. JP know on this, our 27th anniversary, that she is a better wife than I ever deserved and that I love her dearly, more and more each day.

May God bless your day, dear, and continue blessing you for all eternity in Christ Jesus, as I know He will.

He has brought us a long way in our walk together and blessed us richly, praise be to Him.

Us in 1985.

Oh, and one more thing: No, I love YOU more!

That's what little sisters are for...

Scrappy's latest fascination is licking Charlie on the face or in his mouth. This poor guy just wants to sit as close to me as possible and be at peace but as you can see it's not happening.

Charlie is giving me the "help me" look.



Yep,,,really annoying!



Absolutely no peace around here for the handsome fellow!



Blessings to you all from the holler...

Another really good recipe...

I made this salad last night and it was so good. When we lived in Florida I became a fan of fruit in my savory salads and this one is my new favorite. I made one exception to the recipe, I didn't add the olive oil because it just seemed like there was enough with the bacon grease. You all know that given the choice,,,I'll always choose bacon. :O) Sorry, no pictures, we ate it as soon as it was plated!!

Ingredients
8 pieces smoked bacon, reserve grease ( fried crispy)
4 ounces spinach, Fresh Baby Spinach ( stems removed)
2 fresh pears, sliced, or bite-size pieces
1/2 cup fresh blueberries (optional)
1/4 bunch fresh mint leaves, torn
2 ounces goat cheese, soft, crumbled
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
8 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
4 tablespoons bacon grease, reserved
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
fresh ground pepper

Directions
Fry smoked bacon to crispy stage. Remove from skillet, let cool and reserve grease for dressing;
Wash and Plate Spinach (remove stems); Wash and slice pears (using red pears will add color) -
arrange over the bed of spinach; Add Blueberries if desired; Tear mint leaves and add to the
plates; Crumble the crispy bacon and goat cheese over top. Dressing is simple -- Add vinegar,
Dijon mustard and honey to blender, mix well. With blender set on low speed, add bacon grease,
and add EVOO slowly to emulsify dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste' mix well on high for the
last couple of minutes. Drizzle on salad, and serve.

Let me know if you try this recipe. I think you'll like it. Blessings from the holler...

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pull Bread...

I have been meaning to make this recipe since before Christmas and finally did last weekend. We really enjoyed it.



1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread
8-12 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
3 oz bag Oscar Mayer Real Bacon bits
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place slices of cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Blessings from the holler...

I got my copy of MAXDOG!...

Actually, I got my copy of MAXDOG just before Christmas. It is such a good book. Some of you know MAXMOM's blog and have and idea of part of the story but it's so wonderful to have the blanks filled in. I've been reading it slowly and enjoying each page; this book is so relatable and uplifting. It is a must read. Here's the information so you can get your copy because, although I love you all, I don't think I'll be sharing mine :)

“MAXDOG”



AUTHOR: Caryl Moll
PUBLISHED BY: Porcupine Press
Available from: early December 2011
Price to be advised.

MAXDOG is the story of a Golden Retriever who becomes a rock of emotional support for his owner after she faces a series of devastating life events that plunge her into deep depression. Years later, the tables are turned and roles are reversed, when Max is diagnosed with a cancer that will soon take his life.

In her journey to personal healing, Max's owner rediscovers her love of writing and begins an inspirational internet blog sharing Max’s final months with her readers. MAXDOG of South Africa, the blog, captures a world-wide audience giving Max's owner new purpose and direction in her life.

MAXDOG is filled with laughter, tears and bittersweet moments that will pull the reader into its pages. This heartwarming tale is testimony to the enduring power of the human spirit, and the unconditional love shared between a Golden Retriever and its owner.
“This is my dog;
Nothing he lacks.
My faithful companion,
This is my Max.”

Should you wish to reserve a copy of this book, please email the author:
carylmoll@yahoo.com
“Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!”
083 324 7921
http://www.africanwhitechild.blogspot.com

Blessings to you all from the holler...