Cat Nap Wednesday Part II

Continuing on from yesterday's post ..... 

 After brunch and being petted,  Katie has the difficult decision of where to take her afternoon nap. She gave this box a try, but changed her mind.

The old stand by ... a chair with a double cushion. (Yes, Katie has her own cushion. She thinks it's because she's the queen; really it's because we want to sent on cushions that aren't covered with fur.)

 All settled in till the phone rings .....

.... then she's puzzled, thinking " hum, was that the dinner bell?" 

Katie is not one to miss a meal, so she's up and looking very sleepy!

Soon she realized it wasn't dinner time .... back to her nap ... this time in a sunny window. 

~Michele

Cat Nap Wednesday

 This is how most days go for Katie. After breakfast she naps ... go figure.

 Then she begs for brunch ... right on schedule; 10:30!

 Lips her chops when she sees the bowl of canned food come out of the microwave.

 When she's finished with brunch, she lays by her bowl and meows loudly. This means I am to drop what I am doing and come running to pet her while she purrs! 

Part II of Katie's day will be posted tomorrow....

~Michele

Macro "Memorial Day" Monday

OK, I know this is an unfair Macro Monday. Hopefully, it will make more sense as you read through this post. Regardless, any guess to what this belongs?

This should help.

Surely, you know now?

An antique Fire Truck.

Just missing a Dalmation, I guess.

We went to a collector car show in Northport on Saturday. It was the 15^th Annual Cars in the Park. (You can also get a little more info here.) We'll post more shots later, but we enjoyed this truck immensely. 


Fire fighters, wherever they may exist and be they defined by profession or desperation, risk much for their lives and those of others. It is within this context that this post is tangentially appropriate for 5/28/2012. 


In the United States, we celebrate what we call Memorial Day on the last Monday of every May. It is a day of remembrance for those that have died in the armed forces in service to our nation. I will not pretend to import more depth to this ceremony than what occurs across our country already today.


My only comment is for those who have righteously fought, to express my personal indebtedness to them not just in our nation, but across the world. No society is alone in the sacrifices of war. 


With deepest respect,
Andy

Michigan Artists Gallery

One of our favorite galleries is the Michigan Artists Gallery or the "MAG" located right here in Suttons Bay, MI. Luckily, it is run by one of our good friends, Sue Ann Round. Over the years, she has held tons of events that have benefited our community. Some of them she orchestrated for the entire town and some for the gallery. In either case, they typically bring in hundreds to over a thousand to our town to shop. 

Last night was an example of the latter. To celebrate the gallery's 15^th anniversary, she held "the mighty miniature show" where pieces are no larger than 7" x 7." This showcased the work of over 60 artists with many in attendance, hors d'oeuvres, wine and music. Since we are art lovers and knew many of the shoppers we went for the entire event. It was a huge success in our eyes, we had a fabulous time, and got some wonderful art!

Sue Ann, the "Maestro," is on the right. 

At the presumptuous risk of speaking for your friends and colleagues, Sue Ann, we sincerely thank you for all that you do for Suttons Bay and for the art community; your loving soul touches us all!


Andy & Michele

The talents of Michael Bodus. Amazing clay and glaze work. Yes, we got one.

Friends, Linda and Bill, stopped by.

Another good friend with his "best friend."

Macro Monday

What is the above object?

Does this help?

How about this?

It is a US Two Dollar Bill. Above is the back . . .

. . . and this is the front.

~Andy

Cat Nap Wednesday

 Can this really be comfortable??

 I guess Katie thinks so!

Silly girl!

~Michele

Macro Monday

Any idea what the above object is?

Here is another shot.

And, here is a big hint.

If you don't have it by now, then you likely are not into this sport.

It's a baseball.

~Andy

Cloud Bread

These were really fun and we will definitely make these again!
Andy


Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, separated
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Separate the eggs carefully; there must be no yolk in the white.
3. In one bowl, mix together the egg yolks, the 3 T. Cream Cheese and the sugar.
4. In the other bowl add 1/4 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar to the whites and beat the whites on high speed until they are fluffy and form firm peaks.
5. Carefully fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites until mixed. Do this gently so as not to break down the fluffiness of the egg whites.
6. Spread parchment paper over the cookie sheet.
7. With a large spoon, "scoop" the mixture into even rounds on a cookie sheet (roughly 3/4 inch thick and 4 to 5 inches across; like a hamburger bun). It makes about 9.
8. Bake on the middle rack and watch closely for around 20 to 25 minutes, but it could be less or more. Watch them until them become nice and golden brown.
9. Remove from the pan and cool on a rack.
10. Their consistency will be something like bread - a soft texture that is nice and chewy. Once completely cool, seal them in a ziplock storage bag or tupperware. 

We found the original recipe here.

Cat Nap Wednesday

 Katie has a new habit when playing her favorite game - Mousey. When she's finished playing, she takes her mouse and leaves the room. (Notice Mousey is a stick toy.) We hear the stick being dragged along to a different room. After the game she normally goes to get a snack. (Hum ... go figure ... it must run in the family!)

 The other night Katie finished her game, took her toy, and left the room. So when I heard her meowing I figured she must be out of food, although the meow sounded different ... like she was concerned about something.  I was surprised to find she had dropped Mousey into her dish. Maybe she was planning to eat it? But why does she look so puzzled ... she put it there!

Silly Katie

 I think, in the past, we've mentioned that Katie has never been a kitty who plays a lot. (Well, she played A LOT as a kitten, but grew out of it.) We're happy to finally have a toy she likes. It's been over 2 years and she continues to play with this toy everyday. She lets us know, in a very demanding way, when it's time to play Mousey. Here is a link to where you can get a Mousey for your kitty. The toy Katie likes is called "The Cat Catcher."

~Michele

Macro Monday

Obviously, this is rusted metal, but to what does it belong?

Does this help?

Certainly this pic does?

It's an old window at the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, MI. The "commons" once served as the state mental hospital for many decades. The buildings are gorgeous structures and we feel fortunate that the entire campus is being re-developed into some of the most wonderful shops, restaurants, and living quarters in the area. Stop and visit some time and, heh, you might feel like Michele and me . . . right at home.  ;->
Andy