Another reason to buy wine by the case

I wanted to make a "light box" and found an inexpensive way to do it.  See my Photography board on Pinterest, or ask me - it's pretty easy.

The first thing I needed was a large box so I use one from my favorite wine store, The Wine Cellar.

1.  Cut windows on all sides

2. Glued white "Bristol Board" to frame  inside

3. Cover three windows and top with white muslin

4. Add a "day" light on top.

I now have a pretty nifty "light box" to use when I want to photograph small stuff.

Happy Cow from my Pewter animal collection

Mini beer stein I use for toothpicks

Wisconsin Brats - Winterized

What a treat in January - or any month for that matter.  Brats made on the stove that taste like they were cooked on a grill.

Pack of 5 brats
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
1 Large onion thickly sliced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Bottle of beer (12 ounces)
4 Tablespoons whole grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon caraway seed

1. Heat 1 Tablespoon of oil in 10" fry pan.
2. Brown brats on all sides - about 5-10 minutes. Remove from pan to rest awhile.
3. Add to pan, 1 onion thickly sliced; 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Saute until onions are nicely browned - about 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 bottle of beer; 4 Tablespoons of whole grain mustard; and 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed to onions in pan.  Heat until simmering.
5. Add the browned brats and allow to simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes.  Turn a few times to make sure the brats are fully cooked.

2013 Goals (no resolutions)

No resolutions, but a few goals:

1.  Photography - I will improve in the following ways:

• Concentrate on Golden Hour Photos - I have an "app" on my phone for when the golden hour is.
• Recognize and narrow down what I truly enjoy photographing 

2.  Cooking/Baking - I will move away from "recipes" and try being more creative with what's "on hand".

3.  Reading - I will not spend any money on books!  The public library is my new best friend!

That's it for now!

Politicians & Journalists

Get Real!

Its like snuggling in my favorite robe or blanket!

A really good book!

When a book is really good, it is like being all snuggled up in warm PJ's; robe, or a blanket. All outside influences disappear. I refuse to rush or skim pages.  Sometimes I'll re-read a page or two to savor the story as it unfolds or perhaps to better understand how the author is uncovering the character; or to better understand the plot.

Here a few of my "really good" books! - Not is any special order...

		The Passage (The Passage, #1)	Cronin, Justin
		The Power of One	Courtenay, Bryce
		Shaken, Not Stirred	Gunn, Tim
		Cutting for Stone	Verghese, Abraham
		The Art of Racing in the Rain	Stein, Garth*
		The Paris Wife	McLain, Paula *
		Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet	Ford, Jamie*
		Still Alice	Genova, Lisa*
		The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)	Collins, Suzanne
		Room	Donoghue, Emma *