Preserving Memory of Flower Gifts

If I can photograph the flowers, they will bring me joy over and over...

Think I will do a wall of little framed flowers~

To catch them in their peak~ and then snap, snap different angles.

They lasted for an entire week~

and brought much pleasure~

Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota ~ unusual views

We enjoyed two fabulous nights in the little western town near Mr. Rushmore~
Here I am, yours truly, the photographer, pictured on the left. Had only seen professional photos, therefore, became fascinated with the different views of this carved mountain.

The mountain actually sits in the middle of no where yet has acclaimed world fame.

The sculptors selected this mountain after considering all aspects~ sunlight, durability, etc.

We were lucky, as in the gift shop was a book signing for the last man living who worked on the schulptor. Is in his 90's and was so, so interesting. I bought his book, of course and enjoyed his stories....he was just a young kid who needed a job and they needed workers. He told many stories with unusual views as well.



Here are two photos of the work in progress.

Gives an understanding to just how large the images are.

To get the shots above, we walked the trail through the forest which was about 1.5 miles of one photo op after another.

the chipped away rock has been left behind. see below.

Good Bye Mr. Presidents of the past.

Photo taken as we drove around the mountain to head on west.

Sailing off St. Maarten, Dec/Jan 09

Sunset Sailing is one of our favorite things to do...each time is is different.

I always sit right up front...and hang my feet down over the water...in into the sunset we go.

Often wondered if a barracuda could take a bite...I know they could if they could catch us.
Looks like a post card...the Condos on the shore...
Click on the two videos below to get a sense of being there with us.

June

Dancing Buffalo of South Dakota

The bison is a member of the bovine family. Commonly called “buffalo” it is the largest land mammal in North America.

The bison has a large head with relatively small, curving horns.

Its dark brown coat is long and shaggy on the forequarters, including the front legs, neck, and shoulders, while the rest of the body has shorter, finer hair.
Go Wild!

Bison are considered a keystone species – they once roamed the continent in great herds, and their grazing pressure helped shape the ecology of the Great Plains.

Height 6-6.5 feet at the shoulderLength 10-12.5 feetWeight 900-2,000 lbs; males are larger than females.

Lifespan 18-22 years in the wild; over 30 years in captivity



Among the many books sold in Gift Shops was one titled "Why Buffalo Dance." I decided not to get it, however....

When we later enjoyed the company of this wonderful wild

animal, he danced for us..
HE DANCED FOR US. He danced for the entire time we stayed and was still dancing as we drove away. I can say for sure, THEY DANCE....and dance and dance. Think he was dancing just for us?

Of course, I then went on a quest to find the book "Why Buffalo Dance" as we continued our drive through the plains, but didn't find it. This is a good reason to go back, right?

Wild Buffalo of South Dakota

This is my first attempt to add a video ~ taken to bring a little of our trip to you. Click on the play symbol to begin....You will hear our differences of opinions. The driver always gets his way.

The road trip from Northern Virginia over to Wyoming was semi-planned. We just let each day open like a flower. Allen Carmicheal met up with us and we just had a ball. Each day brought totally unexpected adventures.

The wide open spaces are home to million prairie dogs and buffalo. It is a trip we actually would like to do again.

Sweet Potato Casserole

We are going to substitute Ruth's Chris sweet potato Casserole as is the BEST I HAVE EVER HAD~Your Family and Friends will be impressed.

Ruth's Chris special sweet potato casserole

Makes 12 servings

Crust
1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred)

1/3 stick butter, melted

Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Set aside.

Sweet Potato Mixture
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs, well beaten

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a medium-size casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a large mixing bowl in the order listed. Beat thoroughly with a hand mixer to increase the fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture.
Pour mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.

(At this point, dish can be covered and refrigerated.)

Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture and return to oven for 10 minutes. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.
The brown sugar and pecan crust should be slightly browned and crunchy.

Green Beans Almondine

Green Beans Almondine

4 cups fresh green beans

1 cup blanched almonds, toasted or 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano

Wash beans and bring to boil in 4 quarts water. Lower heat and simmer covered for 20 -30 minutes. Drain. Saute almonds in butter until lightly browned. Add almonds and oregano to cooked green beans and toss well. Serves 8