tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65169562206404582352011-12-31T17:48:39.817-08:00Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.comBlogger2721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-82348008145090315052011-12-10T17:45:00.000-08:002011-12-10T17:45:14.006-08:00

Last month . . .well I think it was last month anyway, (I've been busy) we went to Vegas for a dental conference. I'd actually never been to Vegas, probably because it never really appealed to me. So I figured, why not? Vegas is a flashy, over the top kind of place, and though its not a town for the poor, it strikes me as cheap. Every single hotel had some crazy exhibit, and I think I was lost

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-44349351669045410392011-11-18T18:49:00.000-08:002011-11-19T07:25:43.758-08:00

Well, laryngitis season is upon us. Resting ones voice with an active yet often obstinate three year old around the house can be challenging. However, there is a strange peace about not being able to speak whatever falls into my mind. It significantly reduces all the wasteful words that I use throughout the day. The opportunity to listen the presents itself more often too. Maybe I'll post more on

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-28101601819620975922011-07-24T19:53:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:55:24.207-07:00

  The tragic passing of Amy Winehouse was not only shocking, but it's encouraged me into pondering life and why it is so very different for everyone.  I am also feeling very blessed, especially when I generally take things for granted.  Sometimes I think that in the midst of significant talent and blessings, there is the risk for it all to go awry. Unfortunately this is the case with this young

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-37148327184791570262011-07-18T10:47:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:48:02.327-07:00

I was really inspired by this post from Emerging Mummy regarding women's struggle with beauty, and how that affects mothering of daughters.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-50876704681525718992011-07-17T20:06:00.000-07:002011-07-17T20:06:12.054-07:00

 Personal therapy 101: Write a personal mission statement  Many of us float through life not considering how we might like to die. Meaning, when we are at the end, how we might have liked to live?  In Oncology nursing The End is thought of rather frequently, well, like every day. Every patient who walks through the door with a terminal cancer diagnosis has to consider whether or not their "

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-56625336011768536252011-07-11T22:10:00.000-07:002011-07-11T22:10:53.839-07:00

The Cattle Point peninsula isthe Southern most part of San Juan Islandand the driest place on the islandHence the lack of trees The Cattle Point area first became inhabited in 1853 by none other than the Hudson Bay companyThe company built a ranch on the southernmost part of the peninsulaand stocked it with cattle and other livestock. After one of the ships sank off shore and the livestock

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-46421896303760493842011-07-10T15:43:00.000-07:002011-07-11T15:49:55.485-07:00

Roche Harbor is one of the most picturesque towns I have ever seen,and is rumored to be one of the best marinas in the Western United States It hasn't always been this way - it was originally a mining town In 1787 Captain de Haro first sailed among the islands, discovering RocheIn 1845 the first trading post was built by the Hudson's Bay Company in the harborAnd after Kaiser Wilhelm settled the

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-56984610452668275382011-07-09T15:12:00.000-07:002011-07-11T15:13:03.464-07:00

As the days of freedom and merriment come to a close,we are doing our best to squeeze in last minute pleasures This past Thursday, we flew to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island The morning brought a cloudy day, and so our departure was delayed by a couple hoursThe majority of the one and a half hour flight was spent above the clouds San Juan Islands After a harrowing landing, and successfully

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-34564684295837156322011-07-05T14:58:00.000-07:002011-07-05T14:58:58.029-07:00

 Since July 4th promised clear skies and plenty of sunshine, my sky-crazy husband was excited to fly. We hadn't seen his cousin in Yakima in several years, and she was conveniently home for the day, so that would be our destination.  Getting ready   Little passenger   Vancouver on a warm and hazy afternoon  Very few clouds, which is very rare for the area    Green mountains and towering

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-46050518983989166202011-07-03T20:23:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:27:36.329-07:00

I follow several blogs, okay maybe more than "several" but Urban Cottage is one of them   This photo is from today's Urban Cottage postI hope He doesn't mind me borrowing it to encourage others to read his blog (I generally try to respect copyright, as a rule), because it's pretty greatReally beautiful result here

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-33878743360469718272011-07-03T20:19:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:19:36.421-07:00

  After a false start, or rainy spring, the peas are finally taking off     Not sure why they inspired me, but I think they are quite pretty in the evening light  Onion tops

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-90882658833501430202011-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:002011-07-01T15:49:25.319-07:00

This morning we went on a children's nature walk at a local state parkHere is some of the foliage we saw - the only picture I took that could do it justiceThe theme was ant colonies. We then stopped by a berry farm in Oregon CityDue to sunshine, it's a popular day for berry picking Isobel quickly gave up picking the strawberries for digging about in the dirtHer favorite activity by far

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-52104441495278875532011-06-30T11:01:00.000-07:002011-06-30T22:09:12.615-07:00

My daughter loves working the cameraMost of the results are muddled, but sometimesshe catches some amazing shots. . . Not on purpose, she's two, but they still catch my breath every time I discover them.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-36673864130563477372011-06-29T13:14:00.000-07:002011-06-29T14:39:46.368-07:00

  Multnomah Falls  There are friendships that all the miles in the world cannot separate nor decades of time diminish These past two weeks have been busy, relaxing, fun, stressful, sometimes all at the same time. There was time to contemplate our marriages, ourselves, and our God. Time to make sense of the big, whirling mass of matrix that surrounds us at all times. And amidst the storm, He

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-86568839330336169222011-06-28T18:03:00.000-07:002011-06-29T14:12:26.066-07:00

 Cape Disappointment Lighthouse  There is something so spiritually symbolic about lighthouses.I can't bring myself to buy kitschy little lighthouse figurines, but I still love the majesty of them.They are all different, but serve the same purpose - leading us home during the roughest storms. So naturally I was excited to check out Long Beach, that has not one but Two lighthouses.And away we

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-6953069093202143662011-06-28T17:28:00.000-07:002011-06-29T14:13:04.779-07:00

Since the weather wasn't conducive to flying, we decided on driving to Long Beach.  The cottages where we stayed, a short walk to the beach.   The weather was really fine Friday, so we were able to spend some time outside  Evening walk on the beach  Long Beach claims to be the longest beach in America, but I'm not sure if it's true or not

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-18742633184226778932011-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:002011-06-08T10:02:32.348-07:00

Doe Bay, Orcas Our friend Dawn will be visiting from Michigan for a couple weeks. She will be arriving this Sunday. I'm totally stoked. We plan to take a little much needed vacation. Hmm.. . . where to go? Well, weather permitting, we can fly over to Friday Harbor in the San Juans, or if the weather is terrible, we can drive to Long Beach peninsula in Washington, and take a look at some

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-76176954936387948922011-06-07T00:35:00.000-07:002011-06-28T17:45:36.699-07:00

. . . ..unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24 Something's cooking. It smells faintly of death and transformation. It all started with this idea of living with excellence. This one word. It means so much. So everything else became Less. Less excellent. Less than best. Not Good Enough. I started to

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-57866420794195870972011-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:002011-06-08T10:58:29.046-07:00

I just realized I haven't posted for at least two months or so. . . . so I'll do a quick re-cap Isobela graduated to Toddler 3 this past week!They had a little party and made hats to celebrateShe'll be going to pre-school this fall Clear skies means more flying for ErnestIsobel loves to go to the airport and watch the planes with Daddy Weather has been clearing, so we've been spending more

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-36949894771877889892011-04-05T06:17:00.000-07:002011-04-05T12:21:04.616-07:00

Since the genetic composition of wheat has changed rapidly over the last hundred years, through genetic modification, and just plain evolution, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are now commonplace in our modern society. Certain peptides in the new hexaploid wheat gluten trigger an immune reaction in persons exhibiting what we now consider to be cellular celiac "markers." Since the tests for

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-76051343222584398362011-04-04T22:46:00.000-07:002011-04-04T23:21:46.014-07:00

When life gets stressful, or I decide to worry, I always come back to the kitchen. The rhythmic movements involved in food preparation, chopping, cooking, washing, organizing always calm my inner anxieties. The food results settle my stomach. Food is therapy. Food is healing. Indeed all health begins in the gut, or so said Hippocrates. . . . . Whey is a magical substance, a living thing,

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-9625491559999048072011-04-04T22:38:00.000-07:002011-04-04T23:21:35.076-07:00

Today I am halfway to counting one thousand. . . . one thousand blessingsamazing grace that I seem to take for granted 496. More interview practice, and still no clear career path - faith-en-test, a spiritual mis en place 497. Supportive husband who patiently encourages 498. Mom in poor health approved for disability = less worry about finances 499. The promise of volunteer involvement 500.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-80054092706531336442011-03-22T22:22:00.000-07:002011-03-22T22:22:19.705-07:00

We are going to turn it up a notch with the GRATITUDE practice and count blessings on some weekdays in addition to Mondays - God knows I need this. . . . a change in heart posture Today I am thankful for: 471. A day at home with my girl 472. An accidental extra hour of sleep 473. Little shoes lined up in the closet 474. A recreational drive through the city 475. Little one exclaiming - "

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-44348772747715382802011-03-21T14:04:00.000-07:002011-03-21T23:00:22.446-07:00

Inventory of all the blessings He gives. . . . count along with me 451. Five AM phone call - work cancellation 452. Lying in bed an extra hour 453. Sliced strawberries and toast for breakfast 455. Singing "It's Raining, It's Pouring" on the way to school to play with friends 456. Bright flowing flowery clothing designs fresh in for spring 457. The trying on of smart spring sweaters 458.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-89219700629131491222011-02-28T10:08:00.000-08:002011-03-21T13:51:37.858-07:00

In our book group discussion of the 3rd and 4th chapters of One Thousand Gifts we discussed many things, but the one thing I thought to place here is about practice. And how we have to practice with "mind numbing practice" to really get something. Sometimes I think, and know for myself, that in this culture of ease, with parents whose good intentions gave us everything, and did for us

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-91778701778273340882011-02-25T14:15:00.000-08:002011-02-25T14:17:49.349-08:00

A lot has been on my mind lately. And when we take the energy to ruminate on thoughts, they generally aren't good. They are usually anxiety provoking at the very least. How does a non-writer go about writing how she feels so it makes sense? Here goes I am still in between careers. I have a job, so I am not jobless. But it chafes. I love it, but since advancing in education, I find it hard to

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-8933120665857418522011-02-25T08:36:00.000-08:002011-02-25T08:36:56.320-08:00

I was reading a post by Melissa Ford at Stirrup Queens yesterday, just cruising down the blog. She posed the question about why we blog. Our intentions are of utmost importance. If we need this space, as she says, it will be more rewarding and fulfilling to us. Basically, don't write for others, write for yourself. Don't hold back (within reason of course) out of fear. So I wondered to myself,

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-82715901938798279232011-02-24T15:33:00.000-08:002011-02-24T15:33:42.798-08:00

Its snowing today. I watch the white come down and I think on warmer days to come. I think on a time when anxieties might be displaced, jobs will be found, houses sold, and plants will provide sustenance. But for today we trudge on, through resistance. Our hearts heavy and weighed down with decisions, and responsibilities and other self-inflicted drama.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-1007436877337783572011-02-21T14:30:00.000-08:002011-03-01T10:08:45.002-08:00

Today I got lost at the nursery. . . . on purpose. Nurseries are dangerous places. Pea planting day has encouraged trellis building. They are up, for the most part, and will need a bit of tweaking as time turns. Unfortunately, I came home with pole bean seeds, and no peas, meh. No worries. I want to plant them with Isobel, so I have some time. This will be my first intentional attempt to grow

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-80405929711086324712011-02-21T07:57:00.000-08:002011-02-21T07:57:39.708-08:00

Today we start our book club review of One Thousand Gifts. . . . And it's Monday - the day of the list. . . .onward ho! Today I am thankful for: 411. Grasping the ultimate importance of teaching by example 412. Spanish lessons 413. Massages 414. Cookbooks from the library 415. Paint & brushes waiting. . . . 416. Curly hair 417. Little voice on the phone 418. Lovely bald-headed

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-88834562224511692602011-02-19T13:40:00.000-08:002011-02-19T13:41:57.239-08:00

We've been working on our yard little by little since we moved in 4 years ago. Our house was built in 1952.It's been an interesting process. But we still have a ways to go.Here's the recap: The back of our yard is edged with evergreens over 30 feet high. They provide a lot of shade. Not much grows back there. It was being used as a dog run when we moved in. There were some nice mature shrubs

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-30266998103333368982011-02-02T22:09:00.000-08:002011-02-02T22:09:00.561-08:00

Some years ago I happened to read a book written by a journalist Michael Ruhlman, who decided to go to cooking school (culinary institute of America) and publish a book on it. From cover to cover it was filled with beautiful descriptions of kitchen skills, foods, culinary culture, hard work, sweat and tears. Gorgeous words and phrases like mis-an-plas, mire-poix, roux, rolled off the pages,

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-86309273538328885022011-01-29T00:44:00.000-08:002011-01-29T00:44:00.205-08:00

Dear Mom I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the sacrifices you made for us growing up.  There are a lot of things that happened that I still struggle with, or am angry about, but there are decisions that you had to make, difficult ones, that brought me to where I am today. I often consider how I might have turned out, had we never left Montana and the house with no shower or toilet. If

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-24552631539398664552011-01-28T22:37:00.000-08:002011-01-28T22:39:32.758-08:00

Starting the bidding process for the drywall in the basement laundry room. The first company suggested $750.00 for the two walls, with steel studs, sheet rock, taping, mudding, etc. The dryer hose will be covered, as will the hoses along the ceiling. This will also cover completing the ceiling, and texture. I will be painting.This is less than I expected. But I still want to see what a couple

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-5044183986930745512011-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-25T14:18:52.230-08:00

As a child I did not like tomato soup. But, as I've gotten older, I have come to appreciate its nostalgic soothing quality on cold dark evenings. Especially when served with a toasted cheese sandwich.  I decided to try homemade tomato soup. I used canned tomatoes here, but I think it would be tastier if fresh tomatoes, at their peak ripeness were used. Another motivator is that my two year old

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-83577029366001967552011-01-26T02:19:00.000-08:002011-01-26T02:19:00.488-08:00

Okay, so I have been fantasizing about re-doing our basement laundry room for a while. It has become more persistent lately with the other couple projects we have been doing around the house.  Here is what we are working with. It's even more stark when I look at the pictures. A very small room - that's pretty much it. It has everything we need, but it is also adjacent to the garage and tends to

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-22394772442312862952011-01-25T00:10:00.000-08:002011-01-28T22:40:47.735-08:00

This recipe from Mother's is a wonderfully rich and simple dish that implements heavy whipping cream, thinly sliced potatoes, salt and pepper to taste and topped with cheddar, Parmesan, whatever cheese you like. Add the potatoes and seasonings to the whipping cream in a pan and stir until the sauce thickens. Then transfer the ingredients to a pre-buttered oven safe dish. Its baked at 350 for

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-66770148734245308882011-01-24T00:50:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:39:51.649-08:00

Now, for the meatloaf. I really dislike this word. I can't believe I'm making a meatloaf. I despised it a child and swore that as soon as I had a say in what I ate I would never eat it again. Alas (sigh) . . . there is a fantastic and intriguing recipe in Mother's Best cookbook, and in light of my new found love of meat, can't resist trying it. Here goes: I want to make a good quality dinner

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-43641319581206688262011-01-24T00:30:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:53:04.825-08:00

It's Monday again, and today I am thankful for: 396. I've made it another year alive and well, and without too  many wrinkles 397. Wildwood for lunch 398. Organized kitchen cabinets 399. Discovering potential pre-schools for our rapidly growing toddler 400. Exercise & the potential for further health 401. Cheesecake 402. Chai 403. Singing with family for the sake of it 404. A little girl

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-1442758509528924112011-01-23T23:15:00.000-08:002011-01-23T23:18:51.222-08:00

More organizing business. I am a clipper. No, not coupons, but recipes. I think I might try something one day, so snip snip and away they go into my binder. Unfortunately the binder is full of recipes I have never tried, nor will probably ever. Good thought - yay me, but it's a bit over the top. So, today I decided to go through this mess and create some order. Now I'm down to just the recipes I

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-90679260336572712802011-01-23T00:10:00.001-08:002011-01-23T00:23:19.687-08:00

So to continue my cooking frenzy, today I decided to make a large batch of pasta sauce for freezing. I decided to make a Pomodoro. What is the difference between Pomodoro and marinara, you ask? Well, that's exactly what I was wondering, and here is what I found.. . .Pomodoro and marinara are very similar. Some argue that they are interchangeable, and exactly the same. Pomodoro is the Italian word

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-79610735402854011782011-01-22T01:41:00.000-08:002011-01-22T02:11:47.358-08:00

I stumbled across an AMAZING cookbook the other day. It was published by the chef at a local bistro here in Portland. Portland Restaurant of the Year, actually. Mother's features a Mom of the Month each month. Her best dishes/recipes are created for clients for the entire month. What a novel idea! This is real food created by real people. Home food. Comfort food. Yum. The first recipe I tried was

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-70577331573062588092011-01-21T21:27:00.000-08:002011-01-22T02:12:21.937-08:00

I was totally inspired to re-organize my kitchen cabinets after reading several blogs about pantry organization last evening. I would love to have an actual pantry, but our house is too small, so cabinets will do. Unfortunately it turned out to be more of an ordeal than expected. Glass containers aren't that easy to find, and when you find a store that carries them, they seem to be in short

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-89335702729241915572011-01-20T18:21:00.002-08:002011-01-22T02:12:53.315-08:00

I should have gone into the food profession. I love food so much. Maybe in my next life I'll try to stay on course. It's funny how people change over time. As a kid, I was a very picky eater. I did not like meat much (a vegetarian for a time), and I disliked savory dishes like stews, beans, eggs in any way except boiled, and even then the texture made my stomach turn. And this was only the

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-19975388223999635102011-01-17T05:12:00.000-08:002011-01-23T23:40:14.005-08:00

Like any average American young person, I struggle with materialism to some extent. I want glittery, fast and cheap. I want it now. But I certainly don't want the empty feeling that accompanies it. In fact, that empty feeling has become more obvious and painful to me as I have gotten older. And I often wonder what it would feel like to experience freedom from such earthly delights. What would

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-44599866374101517092011-01-14T18:33:00.000-08:002011-01-22T02:13:17.707-08:00

Dear Mom,I hope this finds you well and feeling up to par today. It was one of those hang around home kind of days for us. I felt a bit without a plan. We are looking into having insulation put into our walls on the main floor, so hopefully the house will hold more heat. We had a couple of guys come to give us bids today. The temp was actually in the 50s, and raining so I'll take it. I heard

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-69166583105429168642011-01-12T23:23:00.000-08:002011-01-16T23:31:40.968-08:00

July 22nd, 2007Dear Baby ~Its been a week since I discovered that you will be joining our family soon. I can only thank god for such a gift to us. The idea is still very new to me, but I think God has been preparing my heart for some time. And as I become more accustomed to this new experience, I begin to wonder the typical things. Who will you be? What will you look like? Will you favor me or

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-2191071837695422422011-01-06T21:15:00.000-08:002011-01-28T22:42:21.565-08:00

I just love how creative some people can be. Here are just a few links to some neat DIY stuff. Rolled Felt Flower Coiled Rag Bowl Poinsettia Garland Falling Leaves Wall Hanging

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-14516873977104728242010-12-30T16:59:00.000-08:002011-01-06T21:08:27.140-08:00

Last week we celebrated 7 years together, and Ernest bought me these beautiful flowers. So thoughtful! We went out to dinner to celebrate and filled our bellies with steak and chicken. Isobel was the model child at the table; many people noticed her good behavior and charismatic personality.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-71851020596651572352010-12-23T23:28:00.000-08:002010-12-23T23:43:46.704-08:00

This year we are having a quiet holiday around the house. Its my holiday to work, so I will be at the hospital Christmas day, but the good doctor has a five day break, which is a treat. It will be difficult for him to return to work after it ends. I guess we could always pray for a blizzard.We went to a surprise birthday get together for our friend Patricia on Wednesday. She was kind enough to

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-24702881970402879102010-12-22T22:16:00.000-08:002011-01-28T22:43:19.492-08:00

A couple more felt tutorials I think would be fun to make: Aquarium Magnets Flower Winter Wreath Little Lamb Pillows

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-13289187150908127372010-12-20T17:26:00.000-08:002011-01-22T02:14:59.680-08:00

I'm lagging in my weekly exercise in thankfulness. It's now Wednesday, but I'm still trudging along. I have been submerged in felt and needles, enjoying the countless hours spent stitching play food for my girl. I am currently thankful for: 361. Twinkling Christmas lights362. Thread and scrap mess363. Surprise birthday parties with friends364. Daddy and baby girl dancing to Motown in the living

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-79621383171945952632010-12-15T14:30:00.001-08:002011-01-22T02:15:43.719-08:00

So recently I have been getting into softies, and have made a few animals and am now working on play food.Softie Scottie DogHazelnuts the rabbitCut apart carrotFelted RavioliFelted Tomato SliceGeneral FeltingFelted PancakesFelt Pop TartsFelt Easter EggsFelt LettuceFelt Cherry PieSaltine CrackersSandwich & ChipsHamsterEvergreen TreesMimi Kirchner's (amazing) Doll PatternI wandered lonely as a

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-87662084245678766662010-12-13T05:26:00.000-08:002010-12-11T23:09:49.040-08:00

This Advent season we are attempting to consistently do a devotional. We're taking the Jesse Tree Journey. I'll give us an A+ for effort, lets keep it at that. As I am out and about with all the Christmas shoppers, I find I am bedazzled by all the "stuff" there is to buy. Its gorgeous, and shiny, and I want one of each please. While perusing aisles of exotic body lotions, scented candles,

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-12579821714478225802010-12-06T06:55:00.000-08:002010-12-06T16:17:49.918-08:00

Continuing to list things I am thankful forHere they are in no particular order . . . . 321. Thanksgiving with family322. Little hands hanging Christmas ornaments323. Hearing "happy birthday to mommy" all day long324. Gift of a John Deere tractor from Great Grandpa325. Making biscuits and cookies with my little one326. Arriving home safe after 8 hour drive home.327. My own bed328. Snow balls329.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-28765582194456856692010-11-08T12:07:00.000-08:002010-11-10T12:32:04.955-08:00

This week I am thankful for:301.The little girl pictured above302.Two unexpected days off303.Ability to make a contribution to something worthwhile304.A rainless day305.Facebook comments that trigger a laugh306.Silly songs sung incorrectly307.Rocks and buttons308.Potty training310.Jasmine tea311.The fear of trying something new312.The will to overcome it313.The surprise that it all went well314.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-19983087072992785412010-10-24T13:02:00.000-07:002010-10-24T13:25:31.922-07:00

This month Isobel turned TWO YEARS. We had a quiet birthday at home, as we were all sporting colds, and didn't feel up to doing much. We sang Happy Birthday a gazillion times, and Isobel now knows she's two. If you ask her how old she is she says "Two! - Cake?" We made a birthday cake at home, and she dug right in. Unfortunately its all on video, rather than photo, so nothing to post.Here she is

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-37875370296663257762010-09-21T19:46:00.000-07:002010-09-21T19:59:15.259-07:00

Things going on in our life right now . . . 1. Ernest has finally, after much suggesting from his colleagues, submitted his application for board membership at PDA2. I'm still recruiting for an employer. I have an interview tomorrow. I am absolutely nervous and will be pleasantly surprised if I am chosen, but I am keeping my hopes up and getting some interviewing experience in the process. 3. I

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-69626088469541531152010-09-20T19:22:00.000-07:002011-01-22T02:16:26.647-08:00

(recent trip to Redmond, Oregon)Still counting 1000 things to be thankful for291. Patients who think you are the best nurse in the world, and don't realize that this belief is a direct reflection of their own hearts292. An amazing manager who steps up to mentor her staff through thick and thin - someone who BELIEVES in ME!293. A hot bath294. Oatmeal soap295. Cool crisp nights296. Leaves

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-89473321354973778072010-08-25T22:03:00.000-07:002010-08-25T22:19:30.991-07:00

Its been a while since I've posted. Life continues on. Isobel is growing taller and more advanced by the day. Her English has improved tremendously this past month. She knows her ABCs and counts from 1-10. She can also read a few words. She is becoming more independent, saying "Bela do it" frequently. We are very proud of her.As for me, it is a career transition time and one of inner reflection.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-1421803589019509662010-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:002010-07-11T21:38:54.815-07:00

We just returned from holiday, to find the beginning of a new week ready and waiting for us. Unfortunately I am not so keen on coming back to reality, just yet. Luckily it's Monday tomorrow, which means I count all the things I am grateful for. And even better, I actually have some pictures to go with the list of gratitudes.We had originally planned on visiting New Orleans for a conference, but

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-11935978058596141062010-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:002010-06-29T15:30:47.440-07:00

This past weekend Ernest had a conference at the Catamaran resort in San Diego for the American Dental Association. It sits on a convenient piece of property between Mission Bay and Mission Beach. It is known for its tropical theme; fowl and fauna included. Here is the indoor waterfall that flows under a glass wall to feed the rest of the ponds on the property.Some baby ducks nesting on the rocks

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-53461428526072653322010-06-27T20:22:00.000-07:002010-06-28T10:57:24.814-07:00

It's Monday again, wow does time move quickly! Today I am thankful for . . . .261. A short jaunt to San Diego262. Feeling homesick, the Pacific Northwest is my kind of place after all263. Good Cuban food264. My first Luau - remarkable265. A wonderfully honest cab driver who found my lost wallet, saved it, and then drove us to the airport when he was off shift! Did I mention he was also a

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-46013861339072346962010-06-22T17:27:00.000-07:002010-06-22T18:04:53.057-07:00

Today I scan blogs and books looking for some encouragement for this meager (inner) life. Here is what I found. And I want to share it, because it effected me so intimately. Ann's piece is just incredible, as usual. Here is a little taste to pique your interest. . . Mama had suffered through an abusive childhood. And I had suffered through my early years as she wrestled to lay her past down. Then

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-56566087854961439292010-06-21T10:31:00.000-07:002010-06-21T13:45:09.492-07:00

(Mt Hood morning, shot from the 2007 men's backpacking trip)Starting off the week with a Monday of gratitude sounds appropriate, no?Here's what I'm thankful for today241. A Father who begins anew each morning, extending the long arm of Forgiveness242. The humble person reaching out to grasp it.. . . Then He said to the man, Reach out your hand. And the man reached it out and it was restored. .

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-11209752320640033132010-06-19T22:24:00.001-07:002010-06-19T23:13:48.030-07:00

The topic is forgiving our parents, at A Holy Experience, a topic relevant to everyone, I think. As a parent, I know that one day I will need the forgiveness of my children. And I consider the tumultuous relationship between myself and my one parent, my mom. Over the years I have gone through periods of anger, shame, denial, forgiveness, hope, amongst other things. Our relationship has largely

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-349458260062166812010-06-18T12:23:00.000-07:002010-06-18T16:01:13.276-07:00

Not having something super exciting to talk about every day, I decided to just post some random facts about what is going on around here at home, some with pictures, some without.1. The one sunny day of the week is Today, and it is turning out to be only a half day2. Just planted some hydrangeas in the yard, love these flowers!3. Painting the upstairs bathroom and bedroom, it's been 4 years since

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-24327575631849863252010-06-14T10:26:00.000-07:002010-06-15T10:45:37.402-07:00

When life doesn't go as I wish it would, I am challenged by gratitude. Honestly, I struggle to see the good when I am struggling with the not so good this week. I peek in to meet my daughter in the morning as usual, and am greeted with a fit and call for "Nanna." I am bruised. I shrink inside. And she has won, again. The woman who thinks she knows best how to raise my daughter, knows best how to

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-89256355118504422802010-06-09T13:02:00.000-07:002010-06-09T13:45:46.299-07:00

The topic for June is that of marriage at Walk With Him WednesdaySo I wish I could consider myself a marriage expert. Unfortunately I'm not even close. It seems marriage has highlighted all that needs fixing in me. I have to confess that much of the time I just feel insecure about myself as a person, and as a potential partner; what Joyce Meyer calls being "under condemnation." It's embarrassing

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-51529189014413381292010-06-08T20:01:00.000-07:002010-06-09T13:38:34.033-07:00

I just wanted to mention our family blog project that Laurie has generously taken on for us. My Great Aunt Laura, Laurie's mom is the collector of all things Nielsen, Davis, Holbert, which center around her mother, Odessa Holbert-Davis-Nielsen. I grew up hearing stories about this woman, since my Grandfather, Ace Nielsen, (pictured above) was Odessa's youngest son. The woman was a force, and not

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-24580068206467825322010-06-08T08:32:00.000-07:002010-06-07T21:28:25.351-07:00

1. We lose approximately 20% of our kidney mass between ages 40 and 80.2. The body makes 1 mL of urine per minute, or 1440 mL per day3. Infants with reflux should sleep on their LEFT side to prevent aspiration4. The male prostate secretes Zinc, which is a natural antibacterial agent5. Rubbing or massaging a frostbitten area of skin, especially with snow, can cause permanent tissue damage6. People

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-74133820108220860332010-06-07T19:42:00.000-07:002010-06-07T20:32:12.549-07:00

It's Monday again, and time to consider all we have been given from above . . . today I am grateful for:216. A quiet house on a quiet evening217. A sunny mild day218. Smell of fresh cut grass219. Satisfaction of cutting back overgrown shrubs220. Yard work221. Lentil soup222. Living in a place that is green year 'round223. Three prong electrical outlets, finally!224. Energy to meet the day, a rare

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-9643104959635064182010-05-31T07:35:00.000-07:002010-05-31T12:51:35.697-07:00

201. Little girl babble making words to hear202. A dry afternoon for going to the park and swinging203. A lawn just mowed204. Pizza and a movie205. Going to bed early206. Holiday weekends207. Ice cream on coffee209. Staying warm and dry while the rain continues for another week210. Graham crackers for breakfast211. Disney movies, where dreams always come true212. Almost caught up on the

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-19899647365065850782010-05-27T08:55:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:59:29.554-07:00

I frequently read Ann's blog, especially Mondays and Wednesdays. We are blessed in this bloggy world to have someone such as she writing about that which she does. I cannot explain it, you just have to read it.I wanted to post this Wednesday's post, because I think that her personal struggle mirrors that of so many women, and none say it as she does.Making Of A Marriage Bedhttp://

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-35034236619678221462010-05-24T22:25:00.000-07:002010-05-25T22:48:58.900-07:00

I've slipped away from the Gratitude Community exercise. Here I am again. Thankful. 181. Lazy days182. Pelting rain183. Flooding garages184. Green green grass185. Pitter-patter of little running feet186. Soft cuddly "Mono" or monkey187. A husband who laughs at silly things188. Clink of two spoons in the cereal bowl, one daddy, one Little Miss189. Hot bath - Lavender oil190. Jasmine Tea191.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-13548490518891353742010-05-23T13:54:00.000-07:002010-05-24T06:46:35.742-07:00

I've really messed up. Really. I let down a patient and his wife. It was not my best moment, probably my worst. There are lots of excuses I can think of, but none suffice. The truth is that I should have known better. And as this frustrated wife was speaking disappointed words into my life, I was hearing, "you have lost yourself; you have lost your God." And I wonder who this person is I have

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-3842093072611377952010-05-21T10:36:00.000-07:002010-05-23T13:43:58.801-07:00

Yesterday we went to the park, in between rainstorms, to swing. Isobela loves to swing - and is very unhappy when it's time to leave. When I show her these pictures, she signs and says "more" indicating more swinging would be nice indeed. Unfortunately it's due to rain for the next two weeks, so our swinging will be limited. But we were able to enjoy the swinging experience twice recently, and I

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-44618661047543029502010-05-17T18:37:00.000-07:002010-05-17T18:47:17.270-07:00

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-36885900559233528752010-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:002010-04-18T12:18:02.841-07:00

So, what have we been up to? Spring in Portland brings forth flurries of gardeners and a burst of plant related activity. Our Home Community certainly did not miss the boat this year. Joe decided that he wanted to turn his recently sodded back yard into a garden space where people could grow food, and enjoy the fellowship of company and plants. So, the community garden begins.A few of us who

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-83818420480837265762010-04-06T10:58:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:45:25.898-07:00

Isobel will be a year and a half this weekend. Since I'm going out of town, I thought I'd post this early. We have many books we read together, but this one is particularly touching, and heartfelt. I thought I would use it to express how I feel about the past 18 months.I love you."How much?"So much. "How much is 'so'?"Way, way more than you know. . . . I love you as bright as each sparkling star,

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-90306137598806469732010-02-25T06:24:00.000-08:002010-02-28T08:13:46.347-08:00

Last week we spent 5 days in Dallas/Fort Worth visiting Ernest's mom and Isobel's grandma. It was sunny and dry for the most part, and we didn't really do much touristy type stuff. But that's okay.On our way to DallasBig & Little enjoying the sunshineFort Worth museum of scienceIsobel meets turtlePose by the cows for grandma!Visiting some friends in DallasThe only way to get Isobel and Grandma in

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-56904719450514528632010-02-12T21:27:00.000-08:002010-02-13T14:09:32.219-08:00

Thursday we were able to get over to OMSI and use our family pass we just bought. Luckily it wasn't too busy, and Isobel was able to sample all of the venues in the under 6 age range. She was so cute in the chipmunk coat, I took a lot of these, which I will post. She kind of reminded me of a chipmunk with her fuzzy hair. They had set up a wildlife representation display with a hollow tree and

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-62522523272792239832010-02-09T22:29:00.000-08:002010-02-09T23:05:41.248-08:00

What the heck is Kefir?, I asked myself, and anyone who was listening as I began to find article after article about the probiotic properties of this substance. I heard about fermenting from a sustainable living class I recently attended, and did some research on that. It seemed the fermenting folks were really into this Kefir stuff, as well as some kind of organism-laden mushroom-like entity

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-10536629007754279342010-02-08T18:04:00.000-08:002010-02-09T23:36:10.174-08:00

Today a (sweet-hearted) young man is told that it would not be too soon to start taking HIV medication. His CD4 count is trending downward, and his viral load is steadily increasing. He has already considered this, as he says the words before anyone else can. He knows what's coming. He is afraid of what it means. Perhaps sees it as a failure on his part, a step closer to the other side. He speaks

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-23858014879949467342010-02-03T16:21:00.000-08:002010-02-03T18:44:21.627-08:00

Since the weather has been so nice lately, we have been attempting to get outside more. Sunday we went for a walk by the river, out by the airport, so Ernest could watch the airplanes, I suspect. It was nice and mild, and Isobel seemed to enjoy herself tremendously, toddling in the long grass, pushing the stroller, and running everywhere we didn't want her to go.Isobel pushing the strollerIn the

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-2274889769496497812010-02-01T08:03:00.000-08:002010-01-31T23:13:53.583-08:00

141. Just submitted my first rough draft for my "thesis" paper142. Starting clinical rotations tomorrow - so nervous, but so glad143. Joy in discovering small talents here and there144. Homemade bread, even if it collapses145. Walks by the river, with planes flying overhead146. Mild weather147. Trees budding148. Daffodils peeking149. Infrequent sunshine150. Clean clothes151. Clean house152. Smell

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-60148368195267018992010-01-31T22:54:00.000-08:002010-01-31T12:39:52.810-08:00

I have been reading lately about the art of fermenting, or growing your own cultures, and the benefits of good bacteria in the human diet. Various cultures have been eating fermented foods since the beginning of time, really. Unfortunately, due to our heavily processed food industry, the strength of fermented and cultured foods has decreased over time, as have the nutritious quality of food

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-31481735388372205622010-01-30T22:34:00.000-08:002010-01-30T22:48:51.980-08:00

Need a cheaper alternative to dishwasher liquid?1. Washing Soda or Baking Soda2. Borax (20 mule team)* 1:1 ratio - approximately 1 tablespoon of each3. Add vinegar to the rinse aid compartment (to rinse off residue that sometimes appears).

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-52688401982391400692010-01-28T22:16:00.000-08:002010-01-30T22:53:58.406-08:00

Note: This is not an exact science, as one can approximate the measurements to his/her heart's content . . . 1/2 cup Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer)1/2 cup Borax (20 Mule Team)1/3 to 1 bar soap, grated (mild soap like Fells Naptha,Ivory, Dr Bronners, etc.)Hot waterEssential oils for smell - adjust to personal tastesIn a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted.

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-25054243013585737932010-01-26T15:51:00.000-08:002010-01-26T17:41:33.386-08:00

Here's where I am. I've been here for the past couple weeks, and will be for the next couple. I am squeezing every ounce of intelligence out of my brain into this paper. My brain is mush and I am in a haze as I sit and stare at the electronic screen for hours at a time imagining how some sentence or idea might sound to the reader a gazillion different ways . . . .and but for the grace of God, I

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-33635395452102706222010-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:002010-01-25T12:29:48.408-08:00

Gosh, at the rate I'm going, I will never get to 1000 things to be grateful for! I'd best get to it!111.Another year of life lived112.My new camera - which is far faster than the last113.Time to work on stuff114.Quiet time115.Blessed rest116.Writer's block - not sure why I'm thankful - but what else can I be?117.Ebay turned out to be kind of lame, which is a good thing118.Old friends119.A heated

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-57719109112742320392010-01-11T12:50:00.000-08:002010-01-12T13:19:34.762-08:00

I remember the excitement I felt as a new professional at the prospect of being able to "touch lives" and change the world - not sure what I thought that meant at the time. I am pretty sure it was more cut and dried 6 years ago. Today it is obscure and aloof, this "making a difference" in people's lives. Some days I'm not sure if I believe in the ideal at all. I am blinded by the loss, the

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-90182513532267173832010-01-05T08:07:00.000-08:002010-01-05T22:43:33.156-08:00

As a kid who took class notes using the outline format complete with roman numerals and upper and lower case letters, I have a hard time imagining anything other than a List of new year resolutions . . . . alphabetized that is. Don Miller, at his blog, suggests painting a story for your life, and more specifically for your 2010, rather than just a list of goals you'd like to achieve. This is a

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-68134213748380335872010-01-05T07:45:00.000-08:002010-01-05T21:54:18.005-08:00

No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich.Did I mention that I love quotes? This one is particularly beautiful, don't you think? And it has a lesson behind it, too. More the merrier!In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell paints a strikingly beautiful picture of the Asian peasant's struggle to feed his people by painstakingly coaxing rice plants

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-42711834016029179542010-01-04T04:08:00.000-08:002010-01-04T10:10:10.325-08:00

It's gratitude Monday again, and yes I am finding it difficult to name 10, let alone 20 things that I am REALLY grateful for, meaning that the gratitude is not diluted with any negativity whatsoever. More evidence in favor of continuing on. That is the reason for the exercise, right? To develop a habit of gratitude where the ability to appreciate something, anything, comes naturally and

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-89351592495807675642009-12-29T10:02:00.000-08:002009-12-30T15:36:08.635-08:00

I just love getting books in the mail. Today I received one that was wrapped in brown paper, fastened with tape, name and address front and center. No amazon or USPS box this time. Cashmere in delicate tissue is book in wrap.Another personal fetish is quotation, especially from people who have made a significant impact in the world. A book in the mail plus quotation is double the fun! Let me

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-10841218485167328682009-12-29T07:48:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:07:38.173-08:00

One of my personal goals for the year 2010 is to cultivate the spiritual discipline of regular prayer. What might this look like, for me, I wonder. How will it be different than the current state of prayer in my life? There are as many options as there are types of prayer, but I think just the idea of discipline is a good one. I am personally defunct in the art of personal discipline in about

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-6336114865951836422009-12-28T10:43:00.000-08:002009-12-28T18:28:15.629-08:00

Its time to start thinking about new year's resolutions. As another year comes to close, it is natural to consider the next, and one's expectations thereof. I guess I have never really considered expectations in the sense of what God might do in the following year, or 2010, respectively. And since being inundated with Joel Osteen paraphernalia, thanks to my husband, I can't help but consider this

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-25598290190793530162009-12-25T10:10:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:14:53.813-08:00

Come, thou long expected Jesusborn to set your people free;from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.Israel's strength and consolation,hope of all the earth thou art;dear desire of every nation,joy of every longing heart.Born your people to deliver,born a child and yet a King,born to rein in us forever,now your gracious kingdom bring.By your own eternal spiritrule in all

Cottage en Mainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07289609664494986048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516956220640458235.post-27129832479734363762009-12-24T22:03:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:15:41.094-08:00

So I thought it would be cute to have Isobel wear a dress for Christmas, as we have received many that she has never worn. She did look very cute, but as she is not yet walking independently yet, and the dress was long, not to mention made of stiff plastic-y synthetic fiber, it didn't go over very well at all. Needless to say she went to Christmas dinner in pants and a shirt.What is this thing

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