Rainbow

Just had to show you the rainbow.  Isn't it beautiful.  This is standing on my back porch.  We have had a lot of rain and it's really been a downer but when I walked out and saw this....Wow !  The orchard is peach trees.  They just planted them last spring.  Any who, just wanted to share this gift for the eyes. 
     I'm waiting on my french bread to rise.  Yes, I made bread or I should say I'm in the process as it's not done yet, it still has an hour and a half then I divide it in half, roll each one out, roll up and it has to rise for another hour.  Hey, it takes a while but boy is it worth it. Buy 2 we should be having warm bread.  Make a sandwich, toast it, make french toast, what ever you want and it smells sooooo good.  I got the recipe off the internet and I make it every week or so.  Hey I have a great recipe for chocolate cake and I got it here on the kindle.  Let me share.
                   Nana's hole cake
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teas. salt
4 Table. cocoa
1 teas. baking soda
1 Table. vinegar
1/2 cup oil
1 cup hot water
     Make a hole in center of dry ingredients and add 1t.baking soda and 1T. vinegar  (this will fizz, that's ok)  Then add oil and hot water.  Stir until smooth.  Bake in an 9x9 ungreased (I grease mine) 25 minutes in 350' oven.  Cool and frost .  serves 6 to 8.

Now for the frosting....  Dark Chocolate Ganache

8 oz. 62-65% of dark chocolate chopped
9 oz. heavy cream
1 oz. butter cut in small pieces
     Measure chocolate in metal bowl.   set aside
     Heat cream to scalding, not boiling  (when scalding,cream will form a film on surface)
     Pour scalding cream over chopped chocolate,  let set 20-30 seconds to heat chocolate then mix.
     When Chocolate and cream incorporated, slowly stir in pieces of butter until melted and incorporated.
Pour over cake and enjoy.
     I make this for Jim and I it's just enough and we love it.  Happy Holidays !  Tootles and Doodles

Kindle. What is not to love ?

Thought I would show you a picture of the Smallest Mountain Range, "The Buttes,"  located north of Sacramento.
     Now getting back to our Kindle.  I am just thrilled to death about all the free books they offer.  I swear, I'm like a kid in a candy shop.  I snap up the books like they will disappear if I don't and they will.  Disappear from the free list that is.  There were a couple of books I was debating about getting.  Even though they are free, I have made myself read about them first and decide if I can't live without them.  Well, I waited too long and the next thing I knew here they were on the paid list for 9.99.  What!  I was so mad.  So now I decide right away.  There are a few Authors I really like and I do watch for there new books to show up.  One of the books I want to get  is by Fanny Flagg.  If you haven't read here books, do so.  I think you will love them. Right now I am reading, "Deadly Sanctuary," by Sylvia Nobel.  This is a free book, if you haven't pick it up yet, do so.  I am really enjoying.  Happy Reading !  Tootles and Doodles

Happy Holidays !

That is our Eleanor wishing you Good spirits for the season.  This is just before I made the apple pie and apple butter.  Yum Yum  She is our sassy cat who wakes us up every morning wants her can and believe me will not take no for an answer.  You can hide under the covers all you want she is standing guard and will trample up and down you with her steel paws.  Ha!  We do love her along with her sister Elviria and the rest of our clan.
     Did I mention I will receive the money for Christmas on Dec. 24.  Isn't that a kick.  Of course, this year we are having record rain fall so with slick and wet streets Jim and I will be out and about finding that perfect gift for our Granddaughters.  Yikes !  You have probably already guessed I did not do my shopping early.  Well, I kinda did.  I bought all my animals their presents.  I even have them  under the tree in little decorated boxes I got at the Dollar Store.  Ha.  How fun was that, I mean you know they will like them, especially the dogs.  They love anything with a noise maker and something they can chew up.
     This Season already I have made two batches of party mix, a batch of fudge and I have 8 rolls of cookie dough frozen in the freezer.  I made the cookie dough baked one pan and  rolled the rest in  plastic wrap to put in the freezer.  Jim and I do not need to have more than one sheet of homemade cookies in front of us at one time.  Sadly we will keep eating until they are gone.  So I think I have figured out how not to eat so much on Christmas.....eat it all a week before.  Let me tell you, I am so sick of goodies I do not want to look at another piece of fudge or a bowl of party mix, small or otherwise for a long, long time.  All I want is lemon water, herb tea, water base soup,.....are you getting where I am going.  Just the plain simple food.  It's my fault but I do believe I'm on to something here.  I have overindulged already so now for the rest of Dec. I will eat right.  Hey, I'll let you know, at least I have a week to try and lose the 5 pounds I put on.  Wish me luck.
      I do look forward to spending time with the family.  My Granddaughter is coming up tomorrow to make popcorn balls.  Something my Mom did every year.  She was the best person to be around on the holidays.  She loved making candy, cookies, cakes and of course party mix.  Oh, how I miss her,  What fun we would have getting ready for the celebrations.  So tomorrow in honor of my Mom we will make popcorn balls.  I have a feeling she will be right beside us enjoying every minute.   Tootles and Doodles

Are you Ready for Christmas ?

     Is anyone really ever ready for Christmas ?  Now, I ask you, I don't care how planned out you think you are, there is always something you didn't get done.  Am I right or what ?  I just figure I will do the best I can.  The Adults in our family are fine with no gifts.  Although I do try to get small little gifts.  Maybe some candy, cookies or just something I know they will use.  Now as far as my Granddaughters are concerned,  I think I could buy the Moon.  It's so much fun buying for the kids.  Especially if you get it right.  I tell you, in this day and age, it's hard to even know what they are talking about.  They have mentioned some games for their computer.....Sims 3. Now what in the world is that.  You can't even figure it out by the name.  There is no hint of what's inside or what it is all about.  I'm lost.  Jim and I do try to keep up with all the new things but let's face it, if you don't know what they are talking about, it's a little hard to keep the conversation going.  I just tell them to write a list and let me look at it.  They do and boy, do I have a lot of questions for them.  Sometimes they have to take a few minutes to explain it and even go back and remind me about another conversation we had earlier that ties in.  See what I mean, are you confused yet ?  Hey, I just make sure the candy dish is full, the party mix is out along with fudge and of course  frosted cookies.  I find you can't go wrong with food unless of course one of the Granddaughter's is 15 and watching her weight!  Help  !!  Oh well, let's hear it for Egg Nog with a little something extra inside (if you know what I mean).  Tootles and Doodles

A Great Present !

     I have the best present to give.  You can even give this to yourself.  In fact I would give it to myself first then give it to someone else.  You could give it to yourself and say it's for your love one because really in a sense it is.  What is it ????  Join a Gym.  That's right.  Jim and I joined  "In Motion Fitness," in Chico, CA., last April.  We love it.  They have a Senior Wellness Program that is the Tops.  Bree and Stephanie who are the fitness trainers for our group are very knowledgeable in Health and Fitness and guide you in your exercises.  Then we have Kelly, who is the fitness instructor for Aqua exercises.  Wow, what a program.  She finds out what your needs are and shows you what, in water exercises, are the best for you.  What's great is your not in a structured class where you are unable to do half of the exercises.  So you end up watching the other members workout and you feel not quite up to snuff, if you know what I mean.  You can do your own and work as hard or as light as the day allows.  You know, some days you know you can do a lot more than other days and that's why it's perfect.  As you can tell we really love it.  It's the best decision we have ever made.  So I will be harping on this until Christmas and maybe even after, it's that important.  Take the time right now to check all of them out.  I for one think "In Motion Fitness," is the best but if your not close to Chico, (we live 35 miles away and go M.W. and F, in the mornings) then check out what's in your area.  Go in and talk to them.  Walk through and see what they offer.  Meet the people who will be working with you and number one.......Ask about the Senior Wellness Program.  If they don't have one, ask, why not ?  Then ask if they will start one.  Hey, it's for your health and the rest of your life.  Go, Go Now!  Tootles and Doodles

Two Classy Ladies, just ask them.

 Meet Eleanor.  I am looking out my kitchen window and what a site it is.  This is early morning in Northern CA.  Fog is shimmering over this orchard of peach trees and Eleanor is on her throne looking at me.  She does this every morning.  Next she will continue on the top of the fence, then jump down into the orchard and roam around a few minutes then come back in and sleep on my bed.  What a kitty !

This is Eleanor's sister, Elviria.  She prefers to look at the orchard from afar.  Like on my breakfast table.  You can see the fence in the back ground.  Elviria is the sweet one who cleans everyone's faces or at least tries too.
     Wanted to share a quote I found quite interesting..
"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom.  It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err,  Mahatma Gandhi
     Isn't it funny how many of our Holiday's are not really real.  Some one made them up usually for profit.  I guess we could just have our own get together with family and not name it.  Probably would not work, as most of them would not show up.  Ha !   Tootles and Doodles

I have pictures for you !

 Did I describe it right or what ?  The setting is just like you would expect.  Home.  It's inviting and calls to our warm and calm side.  There is no way to refuse an invitation to come in, sit by the fire, while I put the kettle on for a nice cup of tea.  No, I'm afraid I was not asked to come in, darn !  But I would not have turned it down.  It's one of those day dreams you have, in the blink of an eye.  What if, kind of dreams.  They are quite fun to think about and who knows, maybe someday it will happen.  

     Don't you just love the yard.  I do.  I can imagine a family out in that yard.  Sitting on the logs, of course the kids are riding them as if they are horses and Mom and Dad are sitting on them like a bench.  Oh, the imagination of youth, is something no one should ever lose.  How exciting it makes our day and besides it just brings a smile when we need it most.

Now how about this barn.  Couldn't you see yourself inside selling apples and all the other products which are locally made?  I know I could.  Think of all the people you would meet.  Just watching them would be fun and hey, if you make some money to boot, well heck, you sure can't complain.  I love everything about it and hope I run into more of the same and when I do, you will be the first to know about it.

     Hey, check out my other site,  adustycottage.blogspot.com.  Tootles and Doodles

Is it apple time ?

     Last Friday we went to an Apple Farm.  How fun was that.  It's located in Paradise, CA.  The Name is "Noble Orchards".  It's old time at its best.  I mean, you drive in the driveway, it's a one lane road that you drive right by a rock house, which is adorable.  The yard is somewhat mowed but has overgrown bushes, loads of leaves and a few logs which are tree size, kinda stacked in a not set pattern.  I love it.  As we drive by the house here is this old barn which is all open at this end.  You can look in and see shelves and shelves of apples in sacks and boxes.  Let's just say many nooks and crannies.  There are two ladies working around.  We take our time and look and see what all they have.  On some of their shelves is all local items.  Butte View Olive Oil from Oroville, CA and Blackberry Sauce from Antelope Creek Farms.  I buy one of each and start looking at apples.  They have many varieties, we try several, as one of the ladies is handing out samples.  One in particular is yummy and that is the one we decide one.  It's Gala and delicious.  I come home and the weekend I am making apple pies till they are coming out my ears but before I even started the pies I peeled and sliced apples in my slow cooker to make apple butter.  That needs to cook for at least 12 hours and it's so simple in the cooker.  I'll add the recipe next time.  My house smells wonderful and I feel I am getting in the holiday spirit.
      Do what I did. Find that Apple Farm.  Go and get yourself a bushel.  It's great and nothing like the clones you find in the store.  You know the ones, when you put them up to your nose, you can't smell apple and if you scrape your nail on the skin off comes wax.  YUK!  I think my Mom had wax fruit on her dining room table back in the early 60's.  They really should not be in stores in the produce section.    Tootles and Dootles

It's Friday !!

     Alice and Rose give out a big, "Hello",  Are they not as cute as they can be.  I am taking the picture through our front gate.  Oh, how they would love to come in our yard and nibble.  Ha!  Let me tell you they have plenty of fun running around the outer yard with the chickens.  Along with Elvis the little back stray cat and Edgar our very big stray cat.  I just love to watch them running at full speed, then they jump up on their hind legs, turn their heads sideways and keep going.  Let me tell you I get out of their way.  They are pets.  Started out belonging to my Granddaughters but have been passed down to Grandpa.  Ha!  He loves taking care of them so it all works out.
     Yes, as I said it is Friday but now that we are somewhat retired,  SO WHAT.  It just does not have that same meaning.  Kinda sad in a way as the anticipation of looking forward to the weekend is gone.  Yes, I know we have everyday and believe me we do enjoy them. 
     The gym was great again today.  Oh, how I love to be in the water.  It is so refreshing and fun.  Speaking of the gym,  Have you joined one yet ?  You know it's important to find the gym which has the wellness program.  You will be with other Seniors and feel very comfortable.  It's no longer, only for 20 year olds, with their slim bodies.  I think that is what scares some people away.  I just wish I could have all of you come to "In Motion Fitness", in Chico, CA.  Bree and Stephanie are super trainers for the Seniors and Kelly is the best for water wellness.  Can you tell I love it.  If you can't or are unable to come here then check in your town or a town nearest you and join.  You will love it and the rest of your life will be healthy and happy.  Tootles and Dootles

Autumn is Here and I like it

     Don't you just love the changing seasons ?  I think it's great, the change in the weather that is.  We get use to and depressed about those very hot days, especially over 100'.  That is just too much.  I don't care how many times you can jump in that pool.  We have had our little pool put away for about a month now.  It works out very well for us.  We only paid 200.00, I say only, but it really is a lot of money to us.  After discussing it back and forth, Jim and I decided it was worth it for extra exercise on the days we do not go to the gym and for just having fun and cooling off.  We really are so glad we bought it.  I would not want a built in pool that you have to maintain year around.  Everyone I have talked to that has one, regrets getting it.  So we are happy we did it this way.  Next year we can get it out set it up and just buy the chlorine for it.  Hopefully that will all work out.
     Speaking of the gym, are you checking them out yet ?  I'm telling you, you will love it.
      Have you heard about the diet, Prism.  It's suppose to go through the church.  I have read about it on the internet.  Sounds interesting.....but here is what I think......  Believe me I have no objection about this diet or any other diet plan, if it works for you then go for it.  I have found, with all the diets I have tried, what works best for me is using common sense.  Now I know that is nothing new but I think sometimes we make it much more difficult than it really needs to be.  I do not have anything, diet labeled.  That is a given, that it has something inside which is not natural.  If I want real butter on my potato, bread or whatever I do not go overboard.  I do use a little sugar, I mean come on, if you are having a bowl of Cherrios you are going to want some sugar.  I, however do not ever (it's been twenty years) have soda's.  No Pepsi, Coke, etc.  I try to limit snacks.  If I make homemade cookies, you can bet we are having company.  That way I can share and indulge myself.  I do not eat beef.  Once in a while I have chicken.  I love fish but can't really find a good source to buy it.  So that is a little of what I do.  I'm not on any diet plan and I go with the flow.  In other words if I find myself with a group of people or just my husband and myself and the only, absolutely the only food we could get was beef and I was hungry......?  You bet your life I would have that juicy hamburger with the works.  You just use common sense.  More later.  Tootles and Doodles

Some of Our Cool Girls

     Don't they look fashionable in their red hats and tweed jackets ?  What show girls.  We just love them and of course, love their delicious eggs.  We also have two smaller chicks, one is white and the other is light brown and their eggs are a  beautiful pale green.  They are just prefect for my morning breakfast.  How fun it is to watch them scratch all over the yard, then take off like a bullet and scurry to the other side of the yard.  I do like to watch them and as you can tell really enjoy them.

We, Jim and I went to the gym today. We got a late start so our routines were not our usual but that's ok as we do as much as we can on the machines for as long as we can until 10:00 as that's when we go to the swim class.  What a hoot that is.  We try to make up with our routine in the pool.  Mainly just keep moving all the time.  We do a lot of social talking as we are moving.  The water walking is great, believe me your muscles get a good workout.  I want to pass along what I have come to know.  If you do go to the gym then great, keep it up and good for you, but if you don't, then please consider it.  We joined the Senior Wellness program at our gym and we love it.  You have instructors who not only show you how to set up the machines but they also monitor your heart rate while you are doing it.  So you don't ever have to worry about over doing and hurting yourself.  Get up right now, check out what you have in your town.  Go to all of them and ask if they have a wellness program.  That's what you want to join and the water swim class is a must.  You get your exercise along with visiting with some great people.  Go, Now !   Tootles and Doodles

Introducing our Animals and More

Elvis

This is Elvis, my husband named him, I really don't know why for sure unless it has to do with the letter E.  He, also is a stray.  Showed up one day in the outer yard, one tiny little black spot and scared to death.  Jim started putting out food, as he would not come near him, and quietly talking as he would get closer and closer.  I would say it took him a few weeks but before long Elvis would comes running when he would sees Jim.  Now after a couple of months he comes up to our fence early in the morning when Jim is feeding our other cats and dogs and watches through the fence.  It is so adorable.  I'm hoping soon he will want to come in the yard but our other cats are somewhat snotty and one of our dogs, Tasha is so spoiled she can't believe we would give more of our attention to yet, another animal. I will be putting more pictures of our animals and our yard each day so sit back and enjoy a cup of tea, I, myself, would love a cup of earl gray, thank you very much.
     Besides our animals and yard and garden, we have another love.....The Gym.  We go three times a week.  It's called, "In Motion Fitness".  It's about 35 miles away and we love it.  They have a Wellness Program for Seniors or really any age.  I say that because some of our members are young (young to me anyway) but have had an accident, an illness or are recovering from something and need some extra care and handling.  That's what you get in this program.  Bree and Stephanie are our trainers inside with the machines.  They check our heart rate while we are doing our workouts.  It's great and you just feel so much healthier and fit.  Then we go outside in the pool, which, by the way is completely covered so we don't have to worry about the rain.  As for cold weather, well, this is CA but we are in the Northern part so it does get cold sometime just never any snow, plus the pools are all heated so we are covered.  We get a great workout from our trainer Kelly, (who also manages the cafe, at the gym. Talk about healthy food and delicious, well I haven't yet but just wait, I'm just getting started) who is the kindest person you will ever meet.  Our class in the water is unique as everyone has a different disability, although I prefer to say we are each uniquely different in our exercises.  Believe me we have a blast and I have met some of the nicest people.  We share our laughs, and difficult times but we always stay positive and happy.  Tootles and Doodles.

Hello and Welcome !

     Arcanes Portus Aveo   which means Secret Haven of Happiness and Good Health   That is the name of our home.  What could be better, now I ask you. 

     This is Edgar but we call him Sparky.  He showed up one day inside our house.  Yes, that is right.  You see we have a dog and cat door, so our animals come and go as they please, (no surprise messes on the floor).  Well, low and behold Jim and I get up one morning and here is a new meow, looking up at us.  We live in the country so what a surprise.  As you can see he is quite large, much larger then our other cats which I will be showing you.
     You have much to look forward too.  Our line up of animals..... Tasha, Bella, Olivia, Elviria, Eleanor, Elvis, Alice and Rose.  Along with chickens.  So sit back and be prepared to smile and shake your head as we do have lots of fun at our Secret Haven of Happiness and Good Health.  Raine