Andy: Week 3

I didn't know what I would find Andy doing this week.  In fact, I was afraid I might have to look through my list of ideas.  I would hate to use up all of my ideas too soon.  But, he came up with something all on his own.

Today we had a little company.  A sweet little girl spent part of the afternoon at our place.  She really missed her Mommy so there were lots of tears.  Andy to the rescue ...

But, a little snuggle time with Andy and she was able to relax
.

Since it has been years since we have had a little one around, it was fun to watch her.  The flexible body (she had her feet wrapped around her neck), the reactions to the cartoons and our dogs, and her excitement when she got to see the cattle up close.  Yes, it was fun to see life through the eyes of a little girl.  It was extra fun since this little girl just happens to by our Goddaughter, Stephanie.

Andy: Week 2

Remember the 52 week photography project?  Well here is week 2. 

Today I went to Kenmare for a haircut.  I asked my beautician if she'd help me with a little project.  She was nervous at first.  Could it have been that I was hiding something behind my back?  Anyway, when she met Andy and heard about my project she couldn't help but chuckle and agree to help.  She said she had never been asked to do anything like this before! 

Andy wanted to get primped for his photo series ...

He sure sat nicely! 

I think this little project might be kind of fun!  I have a few more photo ideas for the series; however,  I still don't have 52 ideas (though this was a "spur of the moment" idea).  I would appreciate you leaving a note so I know someone visited here AND share something that you would like to see Andy do this year.  Thanks.

Meet Andy

Sorry, I am not the best at keeping things updated and I won't promise to better in 2013! 

This is what happens after opening gifts

We had a nice Christmas with Mark's family.   Now it is time to get back to work (okay, my guys kept working - I was lazy).  The guys are busy hauling hay and more of that straw.  Luckily we currently are having nice weather. 

I have joined a Facebook page to encourage me to take at least one photo a week containing the same object.  I have decided to try this and will take Raggedy Andy along with me.

My Mom made Andy and a matching outfit for Christopher 20+ years ago.  Christopher did not have a great appreciation for the "doll", but I do!  So, we will see what kind of trouble and fun he can get into this year.  I know he is over 21 so he is legal!!

If you have some ideas  for Andy to take part in, please share them with me as I will need every bit of help I can get.  52 photos of Andy will be alot.  I am sure he will visit new calves, maybe the tractor, so I need 50 more ideas!!

Merry Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas! 

our Christmas update:

     We have had a fairly uneventful 2012 and that is a good thing!

     Christopher & Brett are a part of our farming/ranching business.  Christopher has also added a feedlot to his business.  Brett would like to get into the farming enterprise, but has yet to find any land to rent.  It is nice to have them with us. 

     Christopher & Paige live in Donnybrook.  Paige works in Minot as Ward County Extension Agent focusing on the agriculture areas.  
     Brett lives with us, though he can’t wait to get rid of us.
     Annette’s parents are doing pretty well.  Dad turned 85 on the 18^th.  Mark & Annette along with a few other family members made some surprise visits to Arizona.
     Mark’s mom was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2011.  It was extremely hard on her knees.  She now has two new knees and we hope this will help her considerably. 
     That is about all for our year.  We look forward to hearing from you.

       Wishing you a healthy and wonderful 2013.

                             The Rockeman Family

Here is one of the treats that I made for Christmas goodies this year:

SWEDISH ALMOND-CHOCOLATE MACAROONS

Makes 2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Note: This dough must be prepared in advance. Pasteurized eggs are recommended for food safety reasons. The Swedish cookies are also known as Choklad Biskvier. Our 2011 winner is from Beth Jones of Owatonna, Minn.

For cookies:
• 2 (7-oz.) tubes almond paste, cut into small pieces
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar

For filling:
• 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 pasteurized egg yolks (see Note)
• 4 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

For chocolate coating:
• 10 to 12 oz. dark or bittersweet chocolate
• 2 to 4 tsp. vegetable oil or melted butter

Directions
To prepare cookies: In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat almond paste and egg whites until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a small scoop, form dough into balls (or drop by heaping teaspoons) and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Moisten the flat bottom of a glass with water, dip into granulated sugar and carefully press prepared glass bottom into dough balls, flattening dough; repeat with remaining dough. Bake until lightly brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

To prepare filling: Line baking sheets with wax paper.
In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolks and cocoa powder, and mix until smooth (scraping down sides of bowl as necessary), about 2 minutes. Using a small knife, spread about 1 tablespoon filling on top of each cookie, making a rounded top. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

To prepare chocolate coating: Break chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler over gently simmering water (or in a microwave oven), melt chocolate. Whisk in 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or melted butter), adding more to reach desired consistency. Let mixture cool for a few minutes, then dip tops of cookies into chocolate mixture, holding onto almond base. Return cookies to prepared baking sheets and refrigerate until chocolate hardens, at least 30 minutes. Store in refrigerator and serve chilled.
SOURCE:  Star Tribune  28 Nov 2012



A week of surprises in Arizona

My Dad just turned 85 years old.  It was time to give him a few surprises!! 

My eldest brother and some of his family flew to Apache Junction, AZ on Thursday, Dec. 13.  They had lined up a ride from the airport to Mom & Dad's winter home.  My niece knocked on the door and Grandpa could hardly believe his eyes!!  They took Mom & Dad on a couple of little tourist outings and returned to Minot on Sunday, the 16th. 

Mark & I, along with my sister and her daughter, boarded that same plane and headed to AZ.  Again, the granddaughter knocked on the door and surprised her grandparents!   Oh, it is so fun to pull off surprises like this!!  We were in Apache Junction for Dad's birthday on the 18th.  It was fun to celebrate with him and Mom and some of their friends.  We returned home on Thursday the 20th.

Dad & Mom

This niece is attending North Dakota State University (NDSU) majoring in Architecture.  We took time one morning to tour the Arizona home (Taliesin West) of Frank Lloyd Wright, a well known architect.  It was amazing to see the futuristic work of this man. 

(click on the photos to see them better)



Entrance to Taliesin West

entrance into the house (from the south)

looking northwest at the house





Metal Sculptures by Heloise Crista


Winter Wonderland

We have had numerous days of snow and/or fog.  As I look out the window I see many images resembling Christmas Cards.  My guys remind me it might look nice from this angle; however, it is cold outside! 

Here are some photos of what we can see...

looking south from our mailbox

  

This photo is a macro of some snow.  After I loaded the pictures onto my camera and noticed that the little bit of sunlight we had was lighting one individual snowflake.

After our vehicle sat outside through a couple of snowy, windy days I got into the driver's seat and found this view!  I liked the layers and imperfect lines.

Frost on our kitchen window

Paula & Betty's Apple Crisp

WhoooHooo!!  Two recipes in a row and I don't consider myself much of a chef!   Last year we had what seemed like tons of apples.  Some of the family liked my old recipe, but some had been out in the world and liked a more pie-like apple crisp.  So, I combined two recipes - one from Paula Deen and one from Betty Crocker (thus the name!).   Now, everyone is happy.  I made a batch today so thought I'd share it with you.

Paula & Betty's Apple Crisp

Bottom of apple crisp:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspon ground cinnamon
7 medium apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

As I prepare the apples, I mix them in a water/fruit preserver mixture but you could also use the juice of 1 lemon.  In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon.  You could also add freshly ground nutmeg, to taste.  If you used the water/fruit preserver mixture, drain the apples.  Stir the sugar mixture to evenly coat the apples. 

Spread in bottom of 9X13 pan.

Topping:
1 - 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup softened butter
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, optional

Mix together until crumbly.  (I don't know if I should use more flour.  Mine is usually not real crumbly - but it tastes good!)

Sprinkle over apples.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30-45 minutes - until top is golden and apples are tender.

Best served warm with ice cream on top.