A couple sights from New Mexico

Just thought I would share a quick picture of something that I get to drive by everyday on my way to work. I kept forgetting my camera so I didn't get to take one when the leaves were at their best. But it's still a pretty sight.




Plus this one is so typical for around here. Only the newer neighborhoods have the cluster mail boxes. I love seeing the mailboxes all lined up along the road - like in this picture:

Apple Cider Syrup

One of the things I like about fall is the apples - canning apples, apple pie, and this apple cider syrup. This is from a friend of mine, Katie, who is a great cook. I included it here so you won't have to go find it.

So, stop by her website here and check out all her wonderful recipes. Then, go make some of this today, you won't be disappointed.

Apple Cider Syrup

3/4 cup sugar
1/4/ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 cups apple juice or cider
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup butter

Mix sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg well. Add apple juice (cider) and lemon juice. Bring to a rapid boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. After use, store refridgerated in a lidded container (canning jar works great). Use within 1 week.

**Try topping with chopped apples and/or pecans.

Balloons Aloft

Yes, it's that time of year again already. I love to see all the balloons up in the air at the same time. Throughout the year it's not uncommon to see a few up every weekend. But who wouldn't love to see this on a daily basis?



This is what we patiently wait for all year long - the skies filled with balloons and the chill in the early morning. Well, ok, maybe we don't wait the for chill but when the balloons are up, we know that fall is here.

A really yummy cake

I don't make this cake very often. In fact, I think it has probably been 10 years since I made it last. I don't know why. I made two this weekend- one to take to a church function and one for the family. It was such a big hit with everyone that I decided to share the recipe:

Pineapple Coconut Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (with pudding)

Mix and bake as directed on box. About 5 minutes before done, boil (1) 20 oz can crushed pineapple & 1 cup sugar for 5 min. Remove cake from oven and poke full of holes. Pour hot pineapple mixture over hot cake. Best to do several hours before planning to serve.

When cooled, mix one large box of instant vanilla pudding as directed. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with coconut. Let set up. Then spread one small carton of Cool Whip over top of pudding . Top with toasted coconut and/or chopped nuts.

Enjoy !

A wall redo

So this is what the hallway looked like before- I know boring:




So I bought a new shelf (Hobby Lobby), painted the picture frames black and added a few accessories that I already had and didn't know what to do with them. What do you think? Any ideas are welcome. I still feel like it needs something just don't know what.

Here is a close-up picture of the shelf. Sorry for the glare.

Meet Sadie...

We recently adopted a new family member. We rescued her from the animal shelter. So far she's been pretty good. Best part.... she doesn't bark.