Happy Birthday, Audrey!

Audrey turns one year old today! She had us all worried a year ago about her & her mother, Becky. The doctors delivered her a bit early but she has thrived & grown into a beautiful toddler (not quite walking yet). Becky sent me this recent photo of her. Don & Cheryl are there to help celebrate & are doting grandparents. Eat cake!

cowboy bling

My niece, Amber (Gene & Jean's daughter), stopped by to see me yesterday. She's in town for a three day weekend with a friend. Having three days off in a row is very unusual for her so I'm glad I got to see her & glad she has a break from her job. She works at a large cattle operation & spends time riding on horseback. She's a real cowgirl. She explained to me once that she wears a bright colored scarf around her neck to keep it warm but also to a add a little bit of femininity in a male dominated job. She calls it cowboy bling. Yesterday she was wearing one of her bling scarves! She allowed me to photograph her & practice some techniques I've learned in my photo class. Thanks Amber!

Happy Birthday, Jason!

What a difference a year makes! A year ago Jason celebrated his birthday at Madonna. He got so many cards they could have papered his walls with them. It was an event to celebrate just as it is this year. Enjoy the day, Jason!

Happy Birthday, Kyla!

Kyla is Betty & Ron's granddaughter and Jenny's daughter. I took this photo last September. Anytime I am around her she is smiling & happy. Lots of energy. Loves dogs & soccer. She is growing up into a beautiful young woman. Have a fun day, Kyla!

lost & found

Since I'd reported it missing here I should also report that the pink scarf has been found . . . in my house. I was rearranging the blankets in Jack's chair last night & found my scarf! I'm glad to have it back. I'd originally knitted it for Mavis, Don's mother. Pink was her favorite color. Not sure she wore it much if at all, but I'm making up for that.

roasted vegetables

I came across this recipe for roasting vegetables a few years ago in a Fine Cooking magazine. It's quick & simple & delicious. Cut up or slice the vegetables (I've used cauliflower, broccoli and also a mixture of white & sweet potatoes with carrots) then spread out on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with oil & season with salt & pepper. Put into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes; stir once while roasting. You can poke the vegetables with a fork to test for desired doneness.

cattle

Growing up around cattle I continue to find them interesting & fun to photograph. There are always cattle in the pastures up at the ranch & I photographed these when we were there for deer season in '08. I grew up around Holstein cattle that dad milked twice a day. I'm guessing these are Herefords with a few Angus thrown in.