Books and a Movie!

Have you read anything by Adriana Trigiani? Big Stone Gap? (about to become a movie). A friend suggested Adriana's new Trilogy about a family of old world Italian shoemakers in Greenwich Village. They've been making exquisite wedding shoes since 1903 and now Valentine must bring the old-world craftsmanship into the 21st century. She returns to Italy to find some answers. Throw in a romance with a dashing chef! Adrianna is such a good storyteller... I don't want to put the book down and I just started it last night.
The second book in the trilogy is Brava, Valentine. The third book has not been published as of today.

I stumbled across this movie, Easy Virtue the other night on Netflix, and watched it right on my laptop... FREE! I adored it!! Great casting!! I may watch it again! Love Colin Firth... always! And Kristin Scott Thomas is one of my favorite female actresses. And what fun when the setting is an English Country House.

Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes bring Noël Coward's witty comedy of manners magnificently to life in this "deliciously cheeky" adaptation. When British playboy John brings his new wife Larita - a race car-driving feminist from Detroit - home to meet the family at their country estate, pretty much everyone's expectations are disappointed. His snooty mother is offended by Larita's carefree American ways, while Larita does everything she can to get her mother-in-law to loosen up, which only annoys her even more. John's sisters have diametrically opposed feelings about their new sister-in-law, but his father is intrigued to have finally found another who sees through the family's façade - and takes great perverse pleasure in watching his wife meet her match.

The Newlyweds

Mother and 'the sisters'.

Mother finds her dog dead in a throw pillow.

Whoops!

New DIL sat on her!!

That's it for today... Make this a great day!!

Hugs to you my friends!

Joni

Simple but Tasty!

It's beginning to be that asparagus time of the year. It was Boyd's favorite veggie! So in honor of Boyd here's a new simple and quick recipe I just tried. Asparagus Fettuccine


Break off the tough end of each spear by bending it gently until it snaps. It will break at the point where the tender part ends and the tough part begins.

Ingredients:
1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄4 cup dry white wine
4 Tbs. (1⁄2 stick) unsalted butter
Zest of 2 lemons
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 lb. fettuccine
1⁄4 cup chopped fresh chives
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions:
In an asparagus pot or steamer filled halfway with boiling salted water, add the asparagus, tips up. Cover and cook until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Cut the asparagus into 1 1⁄2-inch lengths; set aside. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the wine, bring to a boil and cook until almost evaporated. Add the asparagus, butter and lemon zest, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the butter melts. Season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, bring a large pot two-thirds full of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl. Add the asparagus sauce and chives and toss to coat. Pass the cheese at the table.

I'm really on a 'cooking-new-recipe' kick! And I'm having fun playing in my new little red and white kitchen. A very comforting place to be!!

Make this a great day!!
Hugs,
Joni

YEA!! My Girls are Home!!

And this is what the coffee table in the den looks like. It screams, "The girls are home!" And I love it! Wendy always has fun poking through the tubs in the basement and brings touches of nostalgia up stairs. Last night it was their Smurf collections and their Sticker Books. Home sweet home! "Move over... let me take a picture!" Notice the box of Milk Duds?? More nostalgia!!Almost all the Smurfs look essentially alike — mostly male, very short, with blue skin, white trousers with a hole for their short tails, white hat in the style of a Phrygian cap, and sometimes some additional accessory that identifies a personality. (For example, Handy Smurf wears overalls instead of the standard trousers, a brimmed hat, and a pencil above his ear.) Smurfs can walk and run, but often move by skipping on both feet. They love to eat Sarsaparilla leaves, whose berries the smurfs naturally call smurfberries

There was a huge stack of sticker books, but I just took a pic of a few of them so that you could get the idea. Wendy can remember everything about each sticker... what a memory! Some great stories were shared last night.

Kristin and Wendy have left for Chicago where Wendy will catch a flight to Phoenix and where Kristin lives. It's always so empty when they leave but I am so blessed to see them as often as I do.

Safe travel girls!

Hugs,

Joni

Yummers!

I found this recipe on kashi.com and it is YUMMERS!

Beans make a nutritious alternative to meat, and heating them briefly in olive oil and garlic infuses them with flavor.

Makes 2 servings

4 ounces whole-wheat pasta shells, tubetti, ziti, or rigatoni
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 large clove organic garlic, minced (I smash mine and remove it after it has been sauteed with the beans)
2 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsps oil-cured black olives (I use regular black olives)
¼ cup sliced fresh basil... a must!!
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tbsps freshly grated Romano cheese ( I use Parmesan Reggiano)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add tomatoes, olives, basil and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Divide the pasta between 2 plates and top with the bean mixture and cheese. I toss it all together! I also add chopped green onions. OR you could add chopped red onion to the beans and garlic when sauteing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm finding a sense of peace in the kitchen and I've printed a stack of recipes to try. I'm about to go back to the kitchen and make Leek & Potato soup. A favorite of Kristin.

Make this a Great day!
Hugs,
Joni

Another Great Loss

Gabby died Tuesday at the age of 18 years. She loved to sleep on my lap and play with plastic bags. Her love and warmth will be sadly missed. I love you Gabby! Go be with your Daddy.

New Scrapbox!

I want to introduce you to Angel. She was rescued from a Puppy Mill by one of my good friends. After a lot of love and extensive grooming, Angel is thriving in her lovely new home... she had previously lived in a crate and was used for breeding. Angel has a HUGE wardrobe and I wanted to take photos of her in her many outfits. However, she didn't like the camera's flash. I will try again soon and share them with you. Isn't she adorable? And she has a personality to match!
I made another Scrapbox this weekend. I wanted to preserve my favorite book from when I was growing up. My Mom read it to me several times and then I read it myself a few more times. It has such unforgettable characters like Hookie-the-Goblin, Little Lemon Cookie, Snickerdoodle, and more. I read it to my girls when they were little and then they read it themselves, too! The book has been a fixture around our house since the 1940's.

I created a scrapbook page about this book experience, reduced it to 6x6, and printed it to be included in the scrapbox. The spine of the book was broken and I used a very strong 2-sided tape (from a scrapbook store) in the corner of each page to keep the book together

I stumbled upon scrapboxes at Tuesday Morning. They had Martha Stewart's label on them and they were only $3.99 each (originally $24.99). I bought them all!! The box I used for the above creation is from TJ Maxx. All scrapping materials used in the making of the above layout are from Designer Digitals (click on 'my Gallery' for more details).

My daughters are coming home this weekend and I can't wait!! We're going up to the Green Bay house to move all my scrapping materials, Summer clothes, and anything else of importance that was left behind. I just love every minute that I get to spend with them... such a gift!

Choose to MAKE this a great day!

XOXO

Joni

Snow, snow, snow!

Snow... those beautiful white delicate flakes... that can shut down whole cities. Isn't that amazing when you think about it! My heart goes out to the East Coast and all the people that have been negatively affected by their recent storm. And another storm's on it's way! We had snow all day yesterday and it's predicted to hit us hard today and tomorrow morning. I love being snowed in! However... I wouldn't feel the same if I had to go to work.
********************************
Yesterday I added white wooden snowflakes to red branches on the fireplace. Wendy found the snowflakes at Crate and Barrel and they are so delicate. Love them! Thanks Wendy!!
I have become very sensitive to caffeine and am now on a quest for herbal teas and/or caffeine free teas. Some are soooooo tasty... and smell so good! At this time of the year I seem to have a cup of something hot in my hands most of the time.

RANDOM THOUGHTS...

~ "The Bachelor" was ridiculous last night!! Such phony drama... obviously rehearsed!

~ I am loving Geraldine Brooks novels. I bought them all! Remember... I buy on Amazon.com from their used books. So inexpensive and almost always in great shape.

~ Has anyone seen the movie "Amelia"?? I'd love to know what you thought of it!

~ I just watched "The Hurt Locker" and "Inglorious Bastards" as they both had a lot of Oscar nominations. I wasn't crazy about either of them.

~ Yesterday I wore my Uggs, a plaid flannel nightshirt of Boyds, and an apron over that. Try and visualize that for an outfit! It sure was comfy! Boyd would have laughed!

Make this a GREAT day! You have the choice... and if I can do it, so can you!

Hugs to you all,

Joni

Scrapboxes

In the February Issue of Martha Stewart's Living magazine, there's a long article with photos (see: below) about a very talented gal that makes scrapboxes. You can also find out about them on Martha Stewart's website. I had to try creating one and bought several on an online site (they also have them at Michael's Crafts).

My box is 8x10 but they do come in other sizes. I printed a photo of Gabby and glued it (around the edges) to the back of the box. Then printed some letters from my stash and mounted each on a piece of red paper (for sturdiness and color), and staggered them with small pieces of foam to make them 3-D (there are actually 3 different heights but the camera didn't catch that). Finished it by gluing one of Gabby's favorite catnip mice to the bottom of the box. Simple and quick to do!! And it looks cute hanging on the den wall. Boyd would have liked it!

Here are the pages from the issue of Living about scrapboxes. The photos in the article are small but try clicking on it and see if it enlarges. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't!

I have soooooo many ideas of ways to use these shadowboxes. Can't wait to start another!

Make this a great day!

Hugs,

joni

Good Eating!

I have fallen in love with Kashi Frozen Dinners!! They are soooo tasty, unique, and very healthy!! This particular dinner (that I had for lunch yesterday) had such wonderful flavor and so many good grains in it... oats, brown rice, rye, red winter wheat, buckwheat, barley, and sesame seeds. Over this interesting combination were strips of chicken breast, spinach, orzo, red peppers, crimini mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and a garlicky sauce. It was soooooo yummy!! I'm hooked! They are a bit more expensive than most frozen dinners however Walmart has a great selection and good prices. I've had several of the other entrees and each one was tasty! Very high in fiber!!
Check out the Kashi website for some really great sounding recipes.


It's 0 degrees at the moment but I'm in the mood to go to Target. I do have a short list but with Valentine's Day quickly approaching I want to see what they have to add to my heart collection. Even without Boyd here I want to make the effort to continue familiar traditions. I think that's really important for my mental and emotional health.

I love Target!

Make this a GREAT day and treasure every moment with family and friends!

Hugs around the world... Joni

Hello you wonderful people!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind comments when Boyd died. I read them over and over and they brought me such a warm feeling. I love you all for responding to a difficult post.

I'm getting used to being alone... somewhat... and thought it time to attempt posting on my blog. My attention span is very short right now... I'm finding it hard to concentrate. But it's a beginning!

I was looking for a crazy photo in my files and found this one of Wendy, her friend Tiffany, and Kristin. It was taken New Year's Eve at a "Wigs & Wine" party. Kristin had flown to Phoenix from Chicago to celebrate with Wendy, Darin, and friends and get a bit of sunshine. Kristin was back in Phoenix last weekend to run the PF Chang "Rock and Roll Marathon" with a whole group of friends. FUN!!

Wendy and Darin just left for the PGA in Florida. Kristin is joining them tomorrow night. They never sit still. They live each day!

When I found Boyd that Monday, both girls were here that same day. They stayed for a week and held me up and organized the funeral, etc. I applaud their employers for giving them that time.

I copied this from Karen Walker. Try it yourself!

Outside my window . . . fresh snow on the sidewalks and sunny.
I am thinking . . . please let this Vertigo go away so I can drive.
I am thankful for . . . another day and my wonderful girls, my friends, & SIL Mary.

I am wearing . . . jammies with a hoodie sweatshirt zipped up. Charming!

I am remembering . . . Boyd
I am going . . . to get the Christmas decor tucked away in the basement today.
I am currently reading . . . 'People of the Book' by Geraldine Brooks. It's the first book I've tried that has hooked me.
I am hoping . . . for another good night's sleep.

On my mind . . . organizing papers for my attorney.
Noticing that . . . I'm not eating well... few veggies.

Pondering this word . . . "widow". I don't associate it with me. That's something that only happens to other people.

From the kitchen . . . I actually made chili a few days ago. After one bowl I froze the rest.

Around our house . . . Stacks of legal papers.

One of my favorite things . . . movies, movies, and more movies. I get lost in them and forget reality.

There! I did it! And it wasn't so difficult!

Love to you all!

joni

Sad News

Yesterday, January 4th, my dear Boyd died unexpectedly at home. He was 62 years old.

Moving On...

The "My Wellness Journey" class begins the 31st... and as of this morning I'm ready to go! The instructions said to make a 6x6 album covered with paper the makes you smile! This paper really did!! (June Bug Collection by Basic Grey) I finished the album this morning and it's ready for Thursday! I do need to sandpaper the edges but there isn't a piece of sandpaper in this house. Will pick some up later today!

This is the coordinating paper I used for the inside of the album. Normally I would have gone with a stripe or polka dot however I just love this paper so much! And you just can't have enough cheery colors at this time of the year!

Here are a few of my December Daily pages that haven't been punched and put into that album yet.

I don't know if you can read the journaling but the girl's dad took them and Wendy's husband to the Packer game against the Seattle Seahawks. The weather was freezing but a true Packer fan will sit through anything to see their team play!

Yesterday morning Wendy, Kristin, and SIL Darin headed to Chicago and flew to Phoenix AZ for a warm New Year's Eve.

I haven't done a page for Christmas as it was spent at the hospital. I'm not certain how I'm going to handle the page. Maybe it will be just a journaling format... no photos.

Boyd's brother fell on the ice at his parents on Christmas morning and broke a bone in his upper hip area. They found out that the bone broke because of a cancerous mass on his hip. The cancer is also in one kidney and lower lung. Please pray for Dana, his doctors and family. His mom is so exhausted as his Dad (90 years) fell last week and broke a bone in his shoulder area. I'll keep you updated!

Make this the best day you can!

Hugs,

Joni

Our December Story continues...

My December Daily album is starting to get thick and take on that 'sandwich look'!! Day 18
This is a photo of our small tree in the den. We spend so much time in the den chatting, reading, watching movies, and knitting... and so on. Therefore it was the first tree to go up in the house. It has small colored lights, small paper tomtes (elf-like creatures), and a gingham ribbon as a tree-topper.

Day 19

A quick (?) run to Target and several hours later we returned home! You've gotta love Target as it has great stuff just calling out to be taken home! Gabby Cat loved the plastic bags!!

Day 20

The presents are finally all wrapped and under the tree. Wendy (Arizona) shipped her presents to our house and they are tucked under the tree also!

Day 21

When I woke on the 21st, Boyd's first words were, "It's the first day of Winter!!" There was a light snow falling and it was PERFECT!

Day 22

The weather forecasts for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have not been traveler-friendly. Wendy is flying in from Arizona to Chicago to stay overnight with her sister. Then she and Kristin will drive up to Oshkosh late morning. TRADITION... They have lunch with their Dad and then come to our house for the afternoon and exchange presents. NEW... Then we're all going to church with their Dad and his wife Marcia, and then to their home for a light Christmas Eve meal. However the weather could play havoc with these plans... we'll see!

Now here's my BIG news...

I, joni possin, got a PERM!! I love it!! It's got body... yea!! It's still one length. Boyd took some pics but they were horrid, especially since I just woke up and had a plaid flannel nightshirt on. Not the best of necklines!! I will share a photo soon!

Fa la la la la!!

Holiday hugs...

joni

Up-to-Date with 'December Daily'

Day 12
Gabby got a Christmas Mouse in her stocking... actually two! The green mouse has vanished but I keep tripping over this red one! She loves it!! For my album I took a photo of the mouse, printed it and cut it out. Then mounted it on white cardstock and cut around the mouse. Day 12
A photo of Gabby with her mouse between her paws.

Day 13

Pictures of most of our wreathes in and outside our home.

Day 14

The day I signed up for my new class... "Wellness Journey". More information about the class in my previous post.

Our 2009 Christmas card which will not be sent this year. I created it in PSE7 and saved it but can't find it. I keep searching! So... I decided not to send cards this year. I have too much I want to do... no time to start over!

Day 15

My current book... almost finished! A wonderful story about SELFLESSNESS! It takes place in a small village in England in 1666 during the time of the plague. This is a photo of the cover which I printed and cut out.

Day 15
This is a library card glued to the back of the cover photo.

Day 16
Each December I'm interested in seeing who (& why) Time magazine chooses for their 'Person of the Year'.

Day 17

I've been making heart garlands to hang on our tree. I wanted to enhance the Scandinavian flavor of our 2009 tree.

December has gone so quickly!! All the prep and it's over next week. But those moments with family and friends will last forever.

Fa la la la la!

Joni

Wellness Journey

I am really excited about the class I just signed up for on Big Picture Scrapbooking. "WELLNESS JOURNEY" taught by Lisa Cohen. She is not only a great scrapper but a personal trainer, a nutrition counselor, and lifestyle advisor.

We will make a 3 Ring Binder to keep her handouts, our goals, personal plans, recipes, and so on.

"We will have the vitality to engage in the activities that we really want to do and the energy to enjoy the things in life that really matter", Lisa Cohen said.

And this is Lisa who has me so pumped and ready to go!

I'm not a great dieter and I don't like to exercise... but, I know with scrapbooking and record keeping involved I will give this class 100%.

The class runs from December 31, 2009 to February 24th (8 weeks) and is only $40.00.

For more information click on http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/wellness.php.

I just heard this on TV as I was typing... "Christmas is really weird! When else do you sit in front of a dead tree eating candy and cookies out of an old sock!". Cute!!

Fa la la la la

Joni

December Daily Album (continued)

DAY NINE (Wednesday)
We had quite a snowstorm! It started Tuesday evening and the School Closings started marching across the TV. The worst came during the night and Wednesday morning. Even though I have retired from teaching I still get a thrill of a "Snow Day"! It is so exciting to see your school district's name appear on the TV (snow days are built into our teaching contracts) and know you have a day to hibernate with your family.
DAY TEN (Thursday)
I put our new Scandinavian straw goat by the tree after I had tried it in a dozen places in the house. It's so big it really had to sit on the floor. I really like the added Scandinavian flavor in our home!

DAY ELEVEN (Friday)

We watched 'Julie and Julia' (from Netflix) and we both loved it!! Meryl Streep deserves an Oscar for her performance! This is an adorable movie... many laugh out loud parts! Perfect for Christmas giving or Holiday watching!

We may not send Christmas cards this year as I made a prototype on Photoshop but can not find where I saved it! I have searched and searched and am so disappointed that it can't be found!

Fa la la la la!

Off to take some photos!!

Joni