Cat-Nap Wednesdays

OK, a blast from the past. We dearly miss our other cat, Abby. We still have some great shots of her along with great memories. Here are some at Christmas with a much younger, and skinnier, Katie! ;->
Andy

As you might be able to tell, Abby LOVED this rug that we gave her for Christmas!

Food Cravings

If it wasn't for the fact that I am postmenopausal, I would be concerned about the odd food cravings I had today.

Honey, though, is not an odd craving for me ... it's a daily one. I am a fan of light honey and this jar, from the farm market, looked so good. The beekeeper told me it was extracted from the hives just a few hours earlier. It is incredible, I'm eating it by the spoonful.

This evenings sunset certainly says Autumn ... my favorite time of year.

~Michele

Our thoughts are with our family and friends living on the east coast. Stay safe.

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

Need I say anything?
Andy

Ginger Sesame Stir Fry

This turned out good . . .

• 2-3 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 cup chopped broccoli
• 1 cup carrot slices, cut diagonal
• 1/3 cup or so broth (chicken or veggie)
• 1-2 teaspoons minced ginger (we keep a jar in the fridge)
• 2 teaspoons lo-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1-2 tablespoon water
• 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds as a garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, turning the pan to coat well. Add the vegetables and saute for a minute.

2. Add in the broth and ginger and toss to blend. Cook about 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add more broth if more moisture is needed.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low, push the vegetables up the sides of the wok, and stir in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture. Heat and stir until thickened (about a minute). Stir in the vegetables to coat with the sauce.

Andy

Hope's Party II

I wanted to add a few more pictures of our dear friend, Hope's, 90th birthday celebration. I thought the cake deserved some recognition. (Yes, it's always about food with me!!)

Hope is a wonderful baker and her "Prune Cake" is well known and coveted at family gatherings. It was a very special touch that the caters were given the recipe so they could bake Hope's favorite cake for her. (Hope wasn't the only one who was happy to see the Prune Cake. It's really, truly the best cake I have ever had!)

I loved this moment ... the very last dance of the evening and Hope was still dancing!

Happy Birthday Hope!

~Michele

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

Andy often mentions that Katie doesn't need so many toys, boxes, and beds. But she uses all of them, therefore I think she needs them. She loves hiding under this paper. (Now where can you find a less expensive kitty toy??)

She does have two cardboard bed/scratching things (Whatever they are called?) .... but as this picture shows, the poor baby needs another one for her back feet!

Michele

"Hope's Party"

A friend recently hired me for a photo-shoot for his mother, Hope, who turned 90. They had a reunion party for all to remember. Michele and I were invited as guests, but I also worked it providing what shots I could of the 50 some people that flowed in and out through the afternoon and evening. 

I always think "event shoots" can be the most exciting . . . and . . . or. . . the most challenging! So much is going on, so much people interaction, and it is SO easy to miss a timeless shot. The leading or "hero" shot at the top was one where I timed it right. I think I was lucky enough to capture 75 years of wonderfully close, fun filled friendship between what the family calls "the royalty".

We had a great time, felt honored to be a part, and thought the shots turned out very well. 

Andy

Late Summer Blooms and Marina Music

Lucky for us a little cooler weather headed our way. We enjoyed catching up with my coworker and her family at Friday night music in the marina park. A little rain the next day left gorgeous droplets on lilies.

Andy

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

As we do every morning, we played several rounds of Katie's favorite game this morning.

She loves having a large piece of newsprint to hide under. She seems so sure that "mousey" doesn't know she is there!

We are happy to finally have cooler weather and the windows open again. Katie enjoyed the fresh air this morning (I was outside and took her pic through the screen.) before settling in for her nap.

~Michele

Suttons Bay Art Fair

Another great year for our local Art Fair held the first weekend of August. Good art, good food, and good people. Just so you know that it is NOT . . . all about food, I posted shots of art booths too. ;->
Andy

The bay is in the background.

More Fire Poi

I thought this "event" was simply stunning and had to share more . . . 
Andy

Traverse City LipDub

Yes, I know all of our local readers have heard and seen enough of the LipDub .... however I thought it would be fun to share it with our out of town family and friends. I think "FishSoup Films" did a wonderful job getting everyone together and creating this fun LipDub. (It was about 150 degrees that day!!)

Here is a video created by our friends out at "Two Lads Winery", on "Old Mission Peninsula." It's a short, fun video ‎spoof on Old Spice commercial. Two Lads winery is a great stop when you're touring northern Michigan. In the video you will see the spectacular view they have, not to mention, they are fun people who make great wine.

It's Friday, enjoy a glass of wine (hopefully from northern Michigan) and have a great weekend,

Michele

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

Do you see what I see?

"One-size-fits-all" . . . 

Andy