Halloween

The Stenquist's did it again with they're amazing, over-the-top halloween party.  Some photos I borrowed from Facebook...











Tinker

Our sweet little bean left us on Monday, October 18th.  She brought so much joy to us each and every day for well over 8 years.  I'll forever miss her genuine smile, big dog demeanor, and amazing spirit.  So many people adored her, and it pleases me to look back and realize what an amazing life we all gave her.
 
We've been walking around quiet and a bit lost since her passing.  Feels so odd that she's not there to greet us at the door, cuddle on the couch, or to even hear her nails click around all over.  We'll especially miss her on the camping and outdoor adventures that she loved so much.  She sure saw a lot of Idaho with us and her big sister Cody.  I'm thankful I was holding her in my arms before she became the tiniest 4-legged angel in heaven. 

Fly high sweet girl, we'll love and miss you always!

In her younger years with her first family, The Fetty's

Bittersweet - Our last night of snuggles on the couch

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Summer's over already, are you sure?  Well alright then if you say so. 

What a delightful summer it was, no wonder its my favorite season.  We had the boat out as much as possible with friends and neighbors skiing, tubing, fishing, and diving into the cool waters of Idaho.  Other memories made were the many camping trips, outdoor parties, relaxing in the backyard, and so much more.

Our most special mention for the season were the moments spent with both of our Grandmother's.  In June we took my Grandma Geri on our long awaited dream trip to Yellowstone.  It was just the three of us on a nice road trip to a beautiful place.  We drove non-stop for three days and the sights we saw were breathtaking.  It was so special to experience that with her and keep my promise made over ten years ago that we would someday do this together.
About a week after we returned home from Yellowstone, we got the call from Michigan that our Grandma DiMaria wasn't doing too well, and that it was time.  We jumped in the car right away and were in Michigan 36 hours later. The next four days we spent by her bedside holding hands, hugging, laughing, smiling...saying our goodbyes.  We'll never forget all the special memories and moments surrounded by all of the family.  And leave it up to Grandma and her Italian sassiness right through till the end, she had us in fits of laughter for most of the time.  Grandma passed away about a week after we came home, just a few days before her 96th birthday.  She lived a beautiful life, and she'll be carried in our hearts always.  Riposa in pace Nonna, ti vogliamo bene.

And time marches on...the leaves are turning now, Autumn is here. We'll be close to home for the holidays this year.  With college out of the way, I've been decorating pumpkins for the front stoop and am very much looking forward to getting into the Christmas goodies.  But before I can get ahead of myself, there's still some fall projects to do around the house.  We've got painting to do indoors and out, and also just bought a new Stor Mor shed that'll be used for all of our gardening/camping/boating supplies.  Very much looking forward to getting a bit more organized in our tiny little abode.

Zucchini Hamburger Pie

Ready for the top crust, and I must say "Look at those tomatoes!"

Loving the new cookbook I just picked up, if you have a garden, its a must have!

1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup diced pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano (I used fresh)
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (I used fresh)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
Pastry for double crust deep-dish pie (9-10 inches)
4 cups sliced zucchini, divided
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

1.  In a skillet, cook beef, onion, salt and garlic salt; drain well.  Add the green pepper, oregano, parsley, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and egg; mix well.  Set aside.

2.  Place bottom pastry in glass pie plate; layer 2 cups of zucchini in crust.  Cover with beef mixture.  Cover with tomato slices and remaining zucchini.  Roll out remaining pastry to fill top of pie.  Place over filling.  Trim, seal and flute edges.  Cut slits in pastry. 

3.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until crust is lightly browned.  Refrigerate leftovers. 
     Yield:  6-8 servings.

Hope ft. Jason Mraz - Love Love Love [Official Video]

This is the most beautiful song, enjoy!