Author Archives: ~~Rhonda

Living in a small town, I share my life with my husband Russell (married in 1977), five children (one still at home), and six cats (one indoors, the others outside).

I teach an online class called “The Christmas Notebook” which is about all things holiday prep. The many facets of celebrating Christmas comprises one of my favorite hobbies. Other favorite things include gardening, reading, cooking, and scrapbooking.

macro monday ~ january 11, 2009

January 11, 2010 – 11:57 pm

The theme for Macro Monday was “paradox.” That was a hard theme! I found two quotes I like and perused my photos for something to describe them. “I can resist anything except temptation.” Oscar Wilde I took the candy picture last year at Easter time. I love those Snickers Eggs! :-} “Some day you will […]

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baked penne with chicken

January 11, 2010 – 6:26 pm

Last week, I made Baked Penne with Chicken for supper. It was delicious! The family loves it and wants to have it again. Soon. I changed the recipe just a bit, so am including my own version here. See Ezra Pound Cake for her version, which was the base for my own dish. I took […]

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menu plan monday ~ january 11, 2010

January 11, 2010 – 3:18 pm

I start taking down Christmas this week. Finished the laundry room and the downstairs bath. I hate to do it, but the fresh look of the room when all the holiday decorations are gone is rather inspiring. Nothing major planned for the week other than putting away decorations, so I’m trying a few new recipes […]

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7 days of shooting ~ january 3-9

January 9, 2010 – 8:49 pm

The theme this week for the flickr group 7 Days of Shooting was “blue.” The idea is to shoot pictures depicting the theme, with a different emphasis each day. It breaks down as follows… Macro Sunday – shoot something small. Curling ribbon Mono Monday – monochrome (for non-color themes, this could be black and white […]

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triple chocolate mess

January 7, 2010 – 9:04 pm

I made this for the girls when they were home for the holidays. It’s a favorite. When I take it to a church dinner, I take a bucket of vanilla ice cream to serve with it. So moist and delicious! I first had this dessert when my home extension group went to The Chocolate Affair, […]

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favorite photos from 2009

January 5, 2010 – 4:48 pm

January ~ We went to Florida. Wonderful to “get away” for a while. I especially like this picture of DH and DD, walking back from the water. February ~ Valentine tulips. March ~ Spring! April ~ Had to pick two this month. May ~ We had a lot of rain in May. June ~ I […]

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menu plan monday ~ january 4, 2010

January 4, 2010 – 1:21 am

After a house full of company and multiple parties, we are finally getting back to a regular schedule. Our little duet and their family went home Saturday. Our older girls are leaving for their home today and our youngest daughter is back to school, so the house is quiet and I’m taking it easy today. […]

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happy birthday, grandpa!

December 29, 2009 – 10:37 am

Gary and Laurie gave DH a balloon bouquet for his birthday. Or were they really for the twins?? I wish you could have seen the twins’ faces when he walked in with them! Much laughing and squealing with delight! After they had them for a few minutes, they found out they could run with the […]

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menu plan monday ~ december 28, 2009

December 28, 2009 – 12:20 pm

The last of the Christmas Mice met a delightful end. We have some family visiting through Saturday, and some through the fourth, a birthday, plus two Christmas parties thrown into the mix, so the menu reflects some easy meals, some party food, and some special requests. 🙂 Monday Happy birthday, Honey…here’s your favorite! marinated pork […]

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Christmas day

December 27, 2009 – 4:33 pm

Christmas morning, we were up around 7:00. Breakfast first! Or perhaps I should say “first breakfast.” The twins had some fruit in the kitchen, then joined everyone about an hour later for breakfast casserole and apple dumplings before opening presents. Once we were all gathered in the living room, it was time to hear the […]

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