Time....

In my entire life, the one lesson that I continue to need is that of patience. When I was a little girl I can remember feeling like I would burst out of myself if I had to wait, for pretty much ... anything. This has found it's way into my adult life as well. As a young adult I had a job that needed me to be very precise. This made me slow down and realize that small things matter. Most of the time quite alot. That doing something really well the first time is usually the best way to go and that "things" are a process, built one upon the other. Making sure the first one is completed and "done right" will make the outcome much more pleasant. Having my children again taught me to pace things out. That things were not always accomplished on my time schedule and again that small things were the most important. Even though I learned to sew while quite young, making clothing for my girls and husband taught me the same lesson again and again. I could go on and on about the many times that God has used my life situations to teach me patience. Memories are running fast through my mind right now but that's not where I want to go with this.

It's just that, now, again, I find myself needing to be reminded that time is what it is going to take to get through this season in my life. Patience is of utmost importance right now. and I find myself hard-pressed to find it some days. My life is good. I want for nothing. And My God is a very kind and loving God. He continues to hold my hand through all my learning processes. He has given me the gift of a loving family and friends who fill my life with blessings.

And so now, having said all this. I will finish my wine, slowly, smelling, tasting and reflecting on just how good I have it. The rest.... will fall into place..... it always does!!!!

Blessings, Sue

New Beginnings

We have moved Allison's horse, Cricket, to a new ranch. It has turned out to be a very wise thing indeed!! It is at the beginning of San Diego riverbed, at the base of El Cajon Mountain or El Capitan mountain. It is gorgeous!!! Smaller than our previous boarding facility and not at all like a "business".

Lets take a little walk around. The horses there, total 10 horses including Cricket plus the owners own 4. The atmosphere is one of peace and harmony. Thats actually Allison riding in the background in the white shirt.

The horses are all friends with each other and are allowed to actually be horses. While cleaning Crickets stall Allison let her loose to roam about nuzzling and visiting with all the others.

This is a shot in the direction of El Cap. The colors bounce back bright orange and brown at sunset and it is truly breathtaking.

With lots of shady trees to sit under it is the perfect place to be. I really can't say enough about how happy we are now. Cricket was completely trailer trained in 3 days. On the third day following Allison into the trailer without even a lead rope!!! The owner and Allison have the same training styles and its seems to be a great match.

This is Crickets new stall. Complete with her very own shade tree.

These are absolutely my very favorite tree. Cottonwood. When the leaves are blown by the wind they dance.

So beautiful.

I spent almost 4 hours there the other day and came home feeling wonderful. Cricket has already put on some much needed weight and seems very content.

More tomorrow, I've been busy and have pictures to prove it!!! hahahahahaha

Blessings, Sue

Whats going on????

I'm not sure whats going on with my blogger, but I'm having a hard time downloading pictures. I will figure it out soon.
Until then, enjoy the bits and pices of Autumn weather we're getting and I'll be back soon!!!!
xoxox blessings, Sue

Some Days

Some days...... Not much else will do!!!!

Peanut butter and Jelly Blessings to you......

Thought for the Day...

Since this post is basically to remind myself not to take myself to seriously, I guess that it doesn't matter that I can't get the pictures to load in the order I wanted them to be in. You'll get the jest. You can pick your friends....and
You can pick your nose.....

BUTTTTTTTTTTT....

You can't pick your friends nose!!!!!!

You could pet it though if you both agree!!!

Blessings Sue

Fiddlin Around

I wanted to see what different settings on my camera would do. This is Sassy contemplating a treat.

As I was walking around the living room I realized that my coleus had bloomed. Man, I try to stay on top of it, and pinch off all blooms so the leaves will stay full and luscious.

This is one of the first times I haven't noticed it for this long and I must say the blossoms are quite lovely.

I was shooting for the droplet of water. Not to bad.

Again the droplets intrigued me. Coleus is definitely a favorite house plant of mine. They come in so many beautiful colors. Brightens up the room!!!

This is Baby Paige. I have the privilege of taking care of her a few days every week. She has brought me so much joy. There have been days of late that having her here has made it all worth while!!!

Her daddy is a Marine, her Mommy is a Vet Tech. We are happy to have them as our "adopted" children.

Is this not adorable!!!! This is also the treat that Sassy was anticipating earlier. The cookie, not the baby toes!!!!

Blessings, Sue

Cinnamon Bread recipe

This recipe makes a really great basic sweet dough. If you like sweet dinner rolls, (kinds like the Hawaiian kind) cinnamon rolls, cinnamon bread. Just about anything you want to use a sweet dough for.

6 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons oil - I have used melted butter, olive oil, even vegetable oil, what ever you have.
2 cups warm water
2 Tablespoons yeast- or 2 packages

Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and whisk in the yeast. Let it stand for about 3 minutes or so until you see the yeast starting to work.

Add oil, and start mixing. Add the salt and then start adding the flour one cup at a time until a dough is formed. It should start coming off the sides of your bowl and lumping together. If not add flour a Tablespoon at a time until it does. Not too much more only go as much as a 1/4 cup over the 6 cups, or your bread will be dry and flaky.

Spray another big bowl with cooking spray and transfer your dough. Spray the top of the dough lightly with the cooking spray and cover with a dish towel and place in a warm spot to rise for about an hour or until it is about double. ( I put it on top of the oven)

Punch down your dough, 1/2 it and plop 1/2 on a sprayed cutting board.
Working with one half at a time roll your dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick, with one side as long as your loaf pan. Make it as long as necessary to get it thin, otherwise your swirls will be to thick.

Slather the rectangle with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. You can melt the butter first but sometimes its just as easy to rub it on at room temperature. Use as much cinnamon as you like for your taste. I use quite alot maybe about 3 Tablespoons and about that much sugar as well. Its up to you.

Begin rolling your rectangle( tight) from the short end and pinch it together. Place it in a loaf pan with the seam side down and the ends tucked under. Repeat with second 1/2 of dough.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and cover each loaf to let rise for about 20 minutes or until your oven is hot. Don't let it rise to much above the pan. Brush each loaf with egg white, or milk.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. It will be beautifully browned and hollow when you thump it. Remove immediately from bread pans and cool on a wire rack. Try your best to let it get all the way cool before slicing off a huge piece and enjoying it!!!!

If you have questions feel free to call or leave me a note in the comments. Let me know if you like this bread.

Blessings, Sue ( Carlye, does this mean no more store bought when I come to visit??? hahahahaha You are the best daughter to always have cinnamon bread there for me when I come. I love you!!!!!!!!! Store bought is just fine with me, especially at your table!!!) Momma :)