August 18, 2012 · 8:44 pm

MRI results.

My apologies for those who have been waiting for the results of last week’s MRI. I had no time to process things as my mind last week was so “go-go-go” for the art festival. I just quickly dismissed everything in my mind that got in the way. This week has been different: lots of rest and lots of thinking. Plus a lot of different emotions–a bit of fear, a bit of frustration, a bit of anger, a bit of laughs, a bit of peace, a bit of hope. For the beginning of this week, it was the negative emotions. I guess I could blame it on lack of sleep, but I think I just finally started to process from last week’s appointments. There is still much to process and pray about, but after many good cries earlier this week…I feel refreshed for the continuing journey. Still doesn’t make the road ahead an easy one, but I know God will help me through it day by day.

So, there is some good news from last week: my blood clot is all gone [except just a little small spot], but I “graduated” from blood thinner pills!!!! Yay! No more finger pokes for blood counts, no more nasty tasting pills! I am still to wear the compression stocking for a while (ok, like a whole one more year!!), but we are looking into ones that are almost accommodated (to borrow the term)–meaning different ones from other companies so that I can start to put it on myself. Eventually leading to the hopes that I can move back into an apartment at some point. 🙂 That is exciting!

Also, praise: the MRI scans for the brain show no growth! My doctor said that surprised him really; He was expecting a few different turnouts. Just goes to show there is no predictions in this disease. Oh wait. I take that back. I predicted that they would want me to start Occupational Therapy for my hands (especially my left hand). I was right. But I was expecting it, so I was not upset about it. In the long run, it is a good thing.

I knew two months ago that my hands are starting to slow down and continuing to weaken. My job is becoming more difficult in working cash transactions. My typing is starting to slow down, let alone using the shift key (and reaching for “a’s” and “s’s”) with my left hand is not so great. I think the first key that will stop working on my computer is the backspace button. 😉 I am still able (thankfully!) to maintain function, like putting in my own earrings, makeup, tying shoes, etc. It is nice that we are not in cold weather yet. When I get cold hands, they just lose all function. But we are not to that point yet…still enjoying the rest of summer! 🙂

Anyway, yes, I did start OT. My first session was on Wednesday. Mom and I ventured down to the Liberty Children’s Hospital for a late night session. It went well. Better than I was expecting. The main issue is trying to strengthen what muscles I have left–trying to preserve it as long as possible. Since April, I noticed more weakness. Typical I thought, until my left ring finger started to curve in. I noticed that the first part of July.

Here is the anatomy of my left hand. Notice the muscle atrophy of the palm and how my bone at the bottom of my hand by the wrist stands out. My thumbs are also like this. The muscle stops receiving the messages from the brain to function, due to the tumor wrapped around the nerve that coordinates with the area. The tumor wraps around the nerve, cutting off the messages and thus, atrophy. I think I would have found anatomy class interesting. Now I regret not taking the course in high school or college. Anyway, also, notice the ring finger. This is the position that it is in at all times. I had already been doing some “therapy” exercises on my own such as trying to play scales on the piano. Just keeping it stretched out and moving. There is nothing to do about the numbness, just mostly keeping them moving.

Although you cannot see it in the pictures, I would like to point out the best feature of my hands (both hands!!!) DOUBLE JOINTED FINGERS!!! A lot of my own accommodations for getting around to do things is being double jointed. For example: When I put on my earrings in the morning, I grip the back of my earring but I cannot hold onto it without using my double jointed thumb for more stability. The OT was taking measurements for different exercises and told me not to cheat, because I was using my double jointed moves. But it is hard to perform normally, because I have already found ways to accommodate living daily and so it seems normal to me until someone points it out.

This is my right hand. I also have atrophy in the palms and numbness but my fingers don’t curve in yet. I was just taking this picture so you can see the atrophy in my thumbs. Both are like this, but my right hand is the worst. See the dip? That is where the muscle used to be. It started in my right hand when I was a sophomore in high school, but it was not until later college years that it started to get worse. Just a part of me now. It used to bug me, but I don’t notice it anymore.

So, I have several strengthening exercises (both finger and hands) to do daily with a soft putty. It is in no way soft! It is quite the workout! And also, I wear a splint on my left ring finger to help strengthen the muscles. I go back for another session August 29th.

The best part of today was upgrading my phone. (finally!) It is just a simple T9 phone from Verizon. Nothing fancy, except the orange cover. It was that or black, but I figured orange would be good to find in case I drop it or lose it. Funny, the guy said the orange is labeled as “Hazard orange.” Guess it is a good fit for my phone. 🙂 The keys are a nice size and separated a tad so texting is smooth so far. I am thankful for that as that is a big part of my communication. I am still looking into a Captel landline phone as well.

…

The MRI of the spine showed that the tumor growing on the inside of my spinal cord at the C3-C7 area has grown. Also, the tumor is producing fluid which is adding extra pressure on the spine. My parents have noticed me curving my shoulders more. I have always had bad posture since the surgery in 2002. But some days even more I can feel tightness and pressure so standing up straight is difficult anyway. I am to watch my breathing. Not being obsessed about it, but keeping watch if I ever find that it is hard to breath or having pain breathing…but the tumor is slow-growing so I just have to keep that in the back of my mind.

Treating this tumor, I have a few options. I must be thinking and praying about these options before my next MRI on the spine only in October. There are two oral chemo pill options, a round of radiation (but unlikely), or have surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery is a last resort, but we also don’t want to wait until I have respiratory or diaphragm problems, so it is up in the air right now. I really have to sit down, write out the pros and cons, think and pray about the options and talk with my family…then talk with my doctor in October. I want to be prepared to discuss, because if there is an increase in size or more fluid, then action must take place. So, if you remember, please pray for me (my family and doctors) on this as it is important.

I will say one thing though: God sure has blessed my physical body. My doctor said that he knows my case, but for some other doctor to come in…look at my MRI scans just from the spine, the first question he thinks they would ask is, “Can she walk?” The answer is yes. Sure my right ankle continues to curve in and weaken, but I can walk. I can even walk fast (my version of running), climb stairs, get up and down off the floor and chairs, lift things, stand on my feet for a week straight while painting, drive and so much more. My doctor emphasized that my MRI scans do not show who I am. Coming from him–after just discussing all the things that are going wrong, possible treatments and things to watch for…that meant a lot. More than he probably realizes. I think it was God’s way of saying, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in [your] weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a). I surely cannot do this without Him.

More to come…

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August 13, 2012 · 12:51 pm

More Art on the Lawn Photos!

Hello all!

I hope your Sunday was a pleasant day whether you worked or you rested. I rested!!! I pretty much just got nothing done! I tried to upload some pictures on here yesterday and ended up falling asleep again on the couch! I guess I needed it. Yesterday was a nice time to reflect on Saturday’s events with my family and discuss future possibilities. This really was a huge event for me…such an open door to step through and see where it leads. It is exciting, and all so new–I have more things to learn about in different areas that are in the making. Currently, I do not have any paintings displayed at any other locations. There are several good possibilities for later events, so  I will be sure to keep every one updated of the where and when details as time goes on. So if that interests you, just keep checking occasionally for new posts concerning this matter. They would be referenced under the paintings archive. 🙂

And finally for today… more pictures!!!

This was the front left side of my booth. The story board shares a bit of my story and highlights of my past ten years of living with NF2.

My family was present, but this is the only picture I got with a family member. 🙂

My booth was right off the sidewalk! Just perfect!!

And as promised–a few of my favorites!!!

Call me a cat l0ver, but this is one of my ultimate favorites!

Thanks to my sister for the idea of putting the word “HOPE” instead of flowers! 🙂

The day after I finished this painting, a cardinal flew past my windshield on my way to work. I was passing through a wooded area, just a beautiful setting and a big surprise! It was special…my first sight of one since the move here!!

I like the simplicity of this set and the color blends. It started out as a place to use my extra paints. Then the idea formed in my head! Notice any patterns?? 🙂

And this is a true representation of my brushstroke style and the abstract painting that I just love! The contrast from light to different shades of dark with the green spot as the middle focus. I didn’t plan it that way, but that is just how it turned out. 🙂 It was a really fun painting! I was painting in my normal fashion–when my concentration was disrupted by a splatter of blue paint; I went in for the curve like motion and my force was too strong! I saw a whole blob fly in the air (literally) and land across the room on the floor. LOL. Whoops!! 😉

Lastly, another peacock! It is quite a bit bigger than the one I painted for my sister a year ago. I used sort of the same format, but different style of the feathers and facial features. My favorite part of this painting (or on peacocks in general) is their mohawk feathers on their head! 😀

Thanks for taking the time to see my pictures! I hope you enjoy them, because each one was fun to paint and create. As you view my work, remember that all things are possible with God! He shows it to me time and time again with every new painting I paint. I would have never in my wildest dreams see myself doing something like this. And yet, here I am. 🙂 I am so excited to see where this leads…and lots to pray about in the mean time! Have a great day everyone!

More to come…

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August 11, 2012 · 12:39 am

Art as a language.

Have you heard the phrase that when people are fluent in a language, they dream it? If art is a language, then I am fluent in it. 🙂 The last few weeks, I have been painting in my dreams! I can see the colors and feel myself doing brushstroke techniques…blending and creating. Considering this week’s schedule, I guess the lack of sleep and all those hours in the basement were rewarded today!!

Let’s just say today was AMAZING!!! What a neat experience to be part of the Art on the Lawn Festival in Yellow Springs! I met so many nice people and some of my friends came too! It was a long day though! Starting out the event with only a few hours of sleep is not ideal, but I am planning on catching up on sleep tomorrow. Anyway, the day was a grand time! Kicked off the event by twisting my ankle in a hole incognito by the grass as I was walking to the registration table. No harm done…only grass stained pants! My family was there to help set up, which I think they did a superb job!! (Kudos!!!) During the day, most conversations were giving information…most people have never heard of the disease before. I had a story board there with some pictures to explain some of my story, which helped a lot to understand about the genetics and why I have the disease. Because a portion of my proceeds are going to be sent to The Children’s Tumor Foundation, they were able to send us flyers for more readings. I think we passed out all but two! I was amazed though at the occasional conversations with people who are either cancer surviors or knew someone who struggled from other benign tumors or even NF1. To think that these diseases are so different and yet there is a common ground. We understand each other. 🙂

Today just could not have been any better! I raised over a hundred dollars for The Children’s Tumor Foundation! Thank you everyone who contributed! God even blessed the day with super dark, rainy clouds that never poured! Only a few sprinkles! And to end the day, some of our family friends were there to help take down…which was a blessing, because I think by that time we all were pretty much exhausted! I even fell asleep at the dinner table! LOL. My favorite part of the day was sharing all the excitement with my family. They deserved it just as much as me. Although they would deny that–but I would not be doing this without their ideas, support, prayers and encouragement!

I was asked a few times today what inspires my paintings. Truly a good question! The only answer I can say is that this is a gift that God has given to me. I love to encourage people. And now I have a new passion to share my story, think of others above myself, stretch myself beyond what I think I am capable of doing, and have fun in the process. Today I was called an artist. As an artist, I am still not sure where this leads but I would love to be part of something like this again!! Right now, I just look forward to things getting back to normal for a few days: Back to normal sleeping schedules; back to one cup of coffee a day (not three!); back to normal work hours; and back to writing blog posts more frequently.  🙂 Speaking of which–I am starting to fall asleep. Time for rest! More to come…

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August 7, 2012 · 10:42 pm

You’re Invited!!

Wow. This Saturday couldn’t come any faster! And with a loaded week of doctor appointments, work, a football game 🙂 and the finishing touches of paints and details for the display of my booth…sleeping in my MRI today has never felt so good!!! Yep, these summer months just seemed to fly right on by!!! My last MRI was in April. Things were stable, so the decision was to go another three months with no treatments of any sort and let my leg continue to heal from the blood clot. I am doing well for the most part. Some days I feel the tightness and pressure from the tumors more than others, but God always gives the grace needed to continue on. I must admit that standing on my feet all day long while painting and drinking lots of caffeine is not very normal, so I will look forward to more normality next week.

There are a few things on my list that I need to discuss with doctors about on Thursday. My mom and I go down for a full day of appointments with different doctors. I also have a hearing test on Thursday morning.

Usually during a week like this–full of doctor appointments–I often get nervous. Since I don’t know the results of my MRI, my mind starts to wander…thinking of all the different things that could be showing on the scans. I get frustrated when I go to the appointments and hear that nothing has changed on the scans. Don’t get me wrong, that is great news! But when side affects continue to change–more weakness, more difficulties in hearing, more pain spasms, more achy nerves, more fatigue…if I go Thursday and hear “No change”–I might be upset. But see this is all nonsense to think this way. I have no idea of the scan results and no control over it, so why worry about it? Bad habit I suppose.

To ease my bad habit, I honestly have been too busy these past few weeks and especially this weekend to even think about my doctor appointments. I have too much on my “to do” list for Saturday. I am so thankful for my family helping me…not only with different suggestions for paintings, but also ideas for my display and logo, getting supplies, steering clear of my messes in the basement, encouraging me when I am burnt out, and for planning on being there to help all day during the festival! One thing that is for sure–if I ever do another event like this, I will (1) have all the supplies such as tables and a canopy, (2) have one experience under my belt for reference of things that went well and things that did not, and (3) I will remember the cause/effect of procrastination and not go in that direction! Overall, it has been a great learning experience! I even painted different styles and experimented with different themes, textures and colors. 🙂 Not to mention sizes! Some paintings are almost as big as me (and wider!)

Thus, I would like to formally invite you to this Saturday’s events!

What a great opportunity to represent my paintings, my passion and what God has done in my life! I am so excited!! Check back early next week for a few pictures of my favorite paintings and stories of Saturday’s event!

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August 3, 2012 · 12:01 am

Anne (spelled with an “e”).

As I finished my crunchy peanut butter and honey sandwich for lunch, I headed back in my room to finish a project. Today’s goal: my earrings. Picking out my earings in the morning (let alone putting them on) takes a while–due to all of the studs being crammed in the same small oval container, combined with the small backs which I usually drop. I decided if I organized my earrings, my early morning ready routine leaves me with a few more minutes to spare. I got a pack of cork tiles and a 5×7 frame, turned on part two of Anne of Green Gables and went to work.

Right about the time I start pushing in my pearl studs, the scene where Anne recites “The Highwayman” for the White Sands recital starts playing: Matthew Cuthbert buys Anne a pearl necklace; she recites; Gilbert gives Anne a standing ovation; and the scene ends with Diana and Anne walking by the lighthouse on the beach.

Now I can relate a bit more to Diana…wanting the latest fashion, the buzz, eyes the fashion of the ladies’ hair at the dances. But Anne sees past that. As they watch the sunset the conversation unfolds:

DIANA: Did you see all those diamonds? I wish I were rich and I could spend my whole summer at a hotel eating ice cream and chicken salad.

ANNE: You know something, Diana? We are rich. We have sixteen years to our credit, and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens. Look at that! [Points to sunset.] You couldn’t enjoy its loveliness anymore if you had ropes of diamonds.

DIANA: I don’t know about that.

ANNE: I’m content with my string of pearls. Matthew gave them to me with as much love as ever went into any of those stuffy women’s jewels. I am happy Diana, and nothing is going to hold me back. (1)

I think Anne says it best. She is content. She is loved. She has a goal for her future. I think when I start to see life from Diana’s point of view, I get anxious…wanting more yet not realizing how much I have. Funny, Anne was a lot like Diana in the beginning of the movie–insecure yet prideful. She even wanted to be called Cordelia, always dreaming to be someone else. Her attitude changes over the course of events that unfold. And her attitude in this scene is spot on. Thinking each day from Anne’s point of view allows room for God’s point of view to rise above my own. Meaning, if I am content, happy, and realize that I am loved by the One who created me…even all my handicaps and pain and failures cannot hold me back from becoming who God created me to be. He says,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Seems like the best way to start out each morning. And just like Miss Shirley told Anne, “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it,” (2) so too God’s compassion and mercy never ends. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness! [Lamentations 3:22-23].

References:

1. Sullivan, Kevin. 1985. Anne of Green Gables. Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels. Retrieved August 3, 2012. http://greengables-1.tripod.com/script/1part7.html#.

2. Sullivan, Kevin. 1985. Retrieved August 3, 2012. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088727/quotes.

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July 31, 2012 · 11:03 pm

Accommodations For Normal Living

I did something yesterday that I have not done in a while years! I ordered to go…DRIVE THRU!! A big deal considering every time I want to grab and go–I have to park, walk in, order, wait, then go. When I am with family, things are pretty normal (minus a missed ordered fries or no sauce); or if I am driving and my sister is in the passenger seat, she yells past me and then I just pay and pick up at the window. But me alone…ordering drive thru most often is like talking on the telephone (even with my internet captel)–lots of communication problems. I think most people would say ordering drive thru is hard for anyone, but it makes it even harder with profound hearing loss. Thankfully, most now have big screens so you can see your order.

The most common misconception I have about my hearing loss is that I cannot hear anything. True…when I have no hearing aids in. My new hearing aids give me a lot more power and range to pick up on sound, but even still I think my hearing is slightly decreasing. I have a hearing test next week with my MRI/doctor appointments to see how things are going.  People at work ask me if I hear voices. I do, but if I am not reading lips, then I have no idea what you are saying. SO, I have to give credit…it was like a “cheat sheet” drive thru. I got off work around noon, aka, lunch hour. I was exhausted but had a coupon for a free Chic-fil-A hand spun milkshake. They seemed to have a really busy noon hour and since I could not find a parking spot, I ventured in the drive-thru lane. They had long lines so they had set different workers at certain points to take your order and punch it in, so by the time you got to the window, you had already paid and just got your order. Brilliant! 🙂 But I still count it as official drive thru…because I never left my car!

Friday, I had an appointment to discuss different options for my phone upgrade. I am not interested in an iPhone or anything big with touch screens, because it is hard for me to hold and text. In discussing my needs, we are focusing on phones for seniors. Most common are flip phones with big T9 text keys. There are also ones that have ICE buttons on the top of the key pads, which for safety factor might not be a bad idea. We still have a bit of research to do with different things, but I think that type of phone is what I will possibly get. With my fingers getting so numb and loosing function…I am not looking for anything fancy but that covers my need. We also talked about getting a captel landline phone. That was a big factor for me in my apartment. My phone service was not always the best, and if I had an emergency, I just can’t call people. I have to turn on my computer, start my internet, load the address, log on, set my phone numbers, then hope the website runs smoothly and does not cut off my conversations (which seems to happen on my most important calls). It takes a lot of time. With the landline, I just have to pick up the phone and dial out. I think that might be an important investment–especially when I want to call grandparents. 🙂

We also discussed a lot of different options for helping me maintain my independence. It is my hopes to get into an apartment of my own again soon. It was a big shift going from living with roommates at all times to living on my own. I saw concerns that could have been problematic. Thankfully, my apartment accommodated for a lot of them, such as a strobe light on the fire alarm. But I think there are more concerns than just my hearing. I also fall a lot. I fell out of the shower a few times in college and in the apartments in Denver. Not that it will happen again, but I also think of when the blood clot hit. I was also in the shower. That event was actually very scary for me. It leaves me with doubts of being able to safely live on my own again. And that is why the appointment Friday was such a huge encouragement for me to understand that there are resources, accommodations and technologies that help make independent living (for as long as I am able) a safer experience. I am so thankful for that.

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July 24, 2012 · 8:14 pm

Wishful thinking…

As I paint, I have been jamming to oldies. Anything past the year 2004, I really don’t listen to due to my hearing loss. I don’t know the words plus I can’t catch the beat equals that I stick to oldies that I know. Personally, I think the 80’s-90’s are the best anyway. However, I have also been into movie soundtracks or classical music lately. It helps me to think while I paint. Today, it is Bach and the Sea. The London Symphony Orchestra plays the greatest of Bach’s pieces with the sounds of the sea in the background. It is so relaxing.

A few songs are so calm…lots of cello so the sound is deep–makes me want to sit by the sea with a cup of tea in a cute sundress and fancy hat. Others pieces have more upper violin with a good beat which makes me want to ballroom dance like they did in the day (think Pride and Prejudice style songs); and still others, I wish to have my flute at hand. Although I definitely could not play a note or even remember the hand positions, I have been missing being able to play the flute. I really loved it. I can see myself being the flute soloist in Bach’s “Badinerie”. 🙂 My favorite piece on the cd is Bach’s No.1. I think it is the whole symphony, but I am not positive. Lovely melodies none the less!!

With the Olympics starting this Friday in London…my thoughts of my dream vacation arouse. I really hope to make it to England at some point in my life. There are a few things on my list to see: London (obviously), Oxford University and C.S. Lewis’ home, “The Kilns”; Canterbury and St. Augustine’s Abbey in Kent; and the countryside of England…maybe Wales. So much to see!

I love any history (as you might already know!), but since some anscestry is rooted in England, I find their history even more fascinating! Last summer, I spent a lot of time studying the time periods from King Henry VIII to King James I. This summer it has been King Arthur. I picked up T.H. White’s classic work, The Once and Future King, but it is over 500 pages and with all this painting–I have a feeling it will be my autumn season reading (with tea). 🙂 For right now, I just enjoy BBC’s show called Merlin. You can watch the first two seasons on hulu. I have yet to start The Downton Abbey series, but I will!! 🙂

My final months in Denver, a friend and I went on a quest to visit different tea shops around town. We found a British-owned cafe called The House of Commons. 🙂 We enjoyed the simplicity of decor, bright atmosphere, and sugar lumps for our tea. I, of course, put in three. 😉

Have a splendid evening, regardless of how many lumps of sugar are in your tea!

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July 21, 2012 · 12:46 am

The Master Painter

This week I have been spending much of my time painting. The Yellow Springs “Art on the Lawn Festival” that is approaching on August 11th. I am getting excited for the event, but in the next two weeks I also have a lot of details to figure out with the booth set up and paintings. I am so thankful for my family allowing me to take over the basement with my projects. My dad even put in a fluorescent light in a corner of the unfinished part, so I can paint my big paintings. Yes, HUGE. Well, they could be bigger, but for right now they are the biggest I have ever worked with, meaning the boards being almost as tall as I am…that I consider pretty big. 🙂

A few things I have learned the past few weeks of painting: Artists keep an open mind (explore possibilities); Artists learn from others and artists do not procrastinate. Also from personal experiences: Artists do not talk with their hands while holding a paintbrush. 🙂

My family sees all my paintings. I have had paintings I consider duds, but that is where my family sees potential in them. Some like today, needed help! My mom and sister offered a few suggestions of how to make the painting better…then my dad came in and made a few comments, so I fixed more things. As I was finishing, I got paint (unknowingly) on my hand that smeared the bottom of the board. I had to redo the whole bottom half. I spent hours on this one piece. After finishing, I took a small break then headed back to work on another. But then it hit. Just this wave of fatigue. It felt like being back at college during finals week. I caved and took a nap.

As I was cleaning up for the night, I noticed a beautiful sunset out the window. I grabbed my camera and rushed outside just as the colors were peaking through the clouds. I realized that my painting is so small compared to the sky–God’s canvas. He is the Master Painter. I stood in awe of His work, His beauty and His majesty.

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.

Their voicegoes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for  the sun,
which comes out like  a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Psalm 19:1-6

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July 15, 2012 · 1:42 pm

Weekly forecast.

Here was a quick recap of my week: coffee, work, paint, sleep (repeat). There were also some fun family events.

Friday: I had been talking about this day for weeks. I had my outfit set out in advance, just for this special event. Even a few people at work knew about my plans. But convincing my family to join me was another story. Shortly after “Uncle Kim” decided to join us, we were all on our way to a great dinner. It was wholesome fun, provided well needed laughs and the best food.

Yes siree, Friday was none other than Cow Appreciation Day, hosted by Chic Fil A. We were supposed to “moo” in this picture, but I did not hear that part–hence my smile. Of course, Dad went as Farmer Brown. At least the people found great humor in it. 🙂

Why dress like cows? Answer:

It was totally worth it!!

 As we were getting ready to leave, the cow mascot came out to meet kids.

I had to chase him down for this picture. 🙂

High five!!! If you missed it, don’t worry. It is an annual event. 🙂

Topped off the week with a spontaneous family event. We attended the musical called Seussical, based on Dr. Seuss’ works. What a show! I honestly could not hear much of anything (words) but I could catch a few phrases, like when Horton is looking for the speck in the field of flowers…he lifted up a flower and said, “Are you there?” Then would put it to his ear. LOL. Best part overall was watching their facial expressions and seeing their costumes. Really good show, dinner (they even had green eggs and ham!) and being with my family.

This weeks forecast looks back to normal: coffee, work, paint, sleep (repeat). Enjoy your week weather rain or shine!

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July 10, 2012 · 9:51 pm

Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini

My mom is an amazing cook! This summer season she has been cooking some amazing dinners whether grilled, cold pasta salads or in the oven. Tonight she used fresh picked zucchini from her garden to bake Stuffed Zucchini.

Mom uses a very practical idea for keeping her recipes easy and accessible. She uses a photo album!!

While I think recipe boxes are very cute and classic, I like the way the recipes in the photo album are easy to flip through and easy to read. To make things easier at dinner time, like my mom did for herself, you can categorize.

Recipes come from a wide variety of sources: internet, family or friends, magazines or ones you make yourself. I personally do not like to hand copy recipes. They turn out like burnt cookies. 😉 I am glad others enjoy it though. It is fun to flip through the “cookbook” and find Grandma’s handwriting on recipes. I am blessed with three Grandma’s, so there are many delicious recipes…my favorites being the different cookies and cakes. Flipping through the pages brings you an appetite and good memories! After all, isn’t that how most recipes start?

Stuffed Zucchini was a magazine clipping. I think it was probably from Taste of Home. Regardless, it was first made by a lady named Ruth. Mom used her zucchini and also used her garden herbs: dill (I think) and she added basil to the sauce.

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini (Mom had 3 large ones)

1/2 pound ground beef or bulk Italian sausage

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/3 cup milk

1/8 teaspoon dill weed

1 cup spaghetti sauce (Mom used a whole jar)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Mom used the rest of the Cajun curds from Young’s Dairy! Added some good flavor!!)

Directions:

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-in shell. Chop pulp; set pulp and shells aside. [Mom is putting her pulp/seeds in her compost pile, so it tastes fine without it too!] In a skillet, brown meat, onion, and garlic; drain. Add pulp, bread crumbs, milk and dill. Spoon into zucchini shells. Place in a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Top with spaghetti sauce; sprinkle with cheese. Cover [foil] and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until zucchini is tender.

Yield: 2 servings [but it fed our family of four! 🙂 See picture below–plus add another pan! Made us two dinners this week!]

It is really a delicious recipe! I hope you enjoy it!!

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