Oh Golly, the Chocolate.

Easy recipe for truffles:



10-12 oz. of good quality dark chocolate (we use Ghirardelli 60% Dark)

2 Tbsp. butter



Pour 1 C. heavy cream, scalded and hot, over the chocolate and butter. Cover and let sit 5 minutes or until chocolate is melted. Whisk until smooth. Add any flavoring at this point too. Vanilla is good, but so is mint, or Bailey's, or Frangellica, or orange zest. Put the bowl in the fridge for several hours or until the chocolate is thick enough to scoop. Be sure to dip your finger in the bowl and lick it several times. It's especially good when the chocolate has thickened enough that lots sticks to your finger.



Scoop thickened chocolate into balls, roll them into nice round shapes if you want. Freeze for 20 minutes. Now, dip in melted chocolate, roll in nuts or cocoa, or just eat. Super easy and so good. No pictures to share because we ate the examples!

An Autumn Walk

Sarah's new pumpkin hat.

Looking across the pond. The ripples are from Jack's BB gun that he uses to skip BBs on the water.

Another view. Aren't the leaves too pretty?

Another gorgeous day in Virginia. Took off for a walk this evening, across the field by what the kids think is a haunted house. We've been hearing logging machines in that direction and seeing loaded trucks come by the house but weren't sure exactly where they were working. We found the landing, machines and all, by our favorite pond. Didn't seem to be bothering the beavers as there were plenty of freshly fallen trees on their dam.

What Fun!

Gosh, we had a fun day today. Woke up at 5:00 this morning when the power went out (and the kids came in) and rewoke at 8:00 to find it still out. Since Saturday mornings are Donut Shop mornings (I do love keeping to a predictable schedule!), I figured we'd fare well for breakfast without needing to open the fridge. Turned out the power was off in our entire part of the state. Every business (even Walmart) was closed. No donuts, no coffee, no nothing. Now that wasn't the start to a fun day. What were we to do?

Bill decided to load us in the car and head south, having heard a rumor that the power was, indeed, still on in NC. A quick 25 minute drive found our hungry family in a small town called Warrenton, which just happened to be hosting a lovely little Fall Festival in the town park. Lots of silly junk, a few talented craftsmen, some local produce, and many nice shops to browse through. After eating a hearty brunch (I had to convince Jon that it was okay to combine breakfast and lunch into just one meal) we wandered about for several hours just enjoying the day. The weather was gorgeous and warm. The leaves are really peaking in color right now, and the wind was blowing them all around as we walked. Jon was certain that they weren't "real" leaves. Just a few treasures we found:

A wildly bright table cloth.

New Pyrex goodies. All bought separately. I think I had a green thing going on today. Madeline cannot use this pitcher, as she was the breaker of the last one I owned.

Can't show you the awesome chocolate we had because we ate it. I think there will be some truffle-making going on tomorrow.

An all around great day, spent with my favorite people.

Tonight

On our way home.

Sarah, asleep in the backpack. Drooling.

Crossing the creek.

Just pretty leaves.

Such a nice night for a walk. Bill got home early tonight and there was no baseball practice so we decided to get in a walk before dinner. The weather is so nice here right now. The leaves are so pretty and the bugs seem to be leaving so walking in the woods is just lovely. Knowing that there was a roast and mashed potatoes waiting for us (already cooked!) was lovely too.

Not too busy of a week. School work, outside play, baseball, drooling and teething, and hopefully more walks.

A Completed Project

Boy, does that feel good. I love it when I come to the end of working on a big project. Or at least big to me. I finished my poncho last weekend while at Chincoteague. Unfortunately, it hasn't been cool enough to wear it. Yet. I believe there's rain and cool in the forecast for the week ahead.

This poncho is really simple to make (all my brain can handle). It's a repetitive pattern, which puts you in a near trance-like state while knitting it. I was able to knit in the car, on the beach, at our house, even in the dark!

It Came, It Came!!

After exhausting all sources providing movies, including my own stash, I have succumbed to the power of Netflix. The available choices are incredible. However, only one choice can really tempt me. Only one choice can really offer me the thrilling, well-acted, exceptional story lines including both drama and romance. Yes, people, Netflix offers "Nash Bridges" complete seasons for your viewing pleasure. Oh, how I look forward to sitting down, rocking and feeding Sarah, and watching quality TV this weekend. Can they (at Netflix) drop you for having the strangest, most eclectic queue? If so, I'm in danger of losing my membership. And WHY is queue spelled that way?

Just a few pictures from our trip.

Posing on the beach.

Sarah. And mom.

In front of "our" house.

Weird Viking statue.

Sleeping Sarah on the beach.

Off We Go!

Heading out today for a birthday weekend trip. How come the planning and preparation for a trip is great, but when the day of departure arrives, I actually dread leaving? Will someone get sick? Will the house we've rented smell bad and be dirty? How will I feed everyone something other than fastfood? Did I pack everything? Who will feed the animals while we're away? What if our house burns down (Jon always asks this question)? Is this really supposed to be a vacation for me? By the time we pull out of the driveway, my patience has already traveled approximately 238 miles in the opposite direction. Really, I'm no fun to take on vacation.

Immy, we're hoping to stop in Machipongo--will be thinking of you!

Rheann and Alexander, you've traveled with me and can substantiate my claims.

Mom and Dad, thanks for having a baby in 1971. (I can't make myself type my actual age)

Bill and Chris, thanks for the birthday gift!

Marguerite Henry, thanks for writing a book about a real place that inspired a girl to visit the actual place and see the actual ponies. A favorite book really comes to life.....