Alphabet Thursday

This week's letter: K

K can be for...Katsura Tree


Or...Kelp


Or even...Kiwi

ABC Wednesday Challenge

X is for...Xtra Large Animals. (Why aren't there more words with X?)

Sunday Stealing

41. Who was the last person you went shopping with?

My sister.

42. What is something you need to go shopping for?

Nothing I NEED to go shopping for, but I always want to go book shopping.

43. Do you have the same first name as one of your relatives?

Nope. Valentina is unique in my family.

44. What kind of car do (did) your parents drive?

My parents drive a Ford Taurus.

45. Are you rich?

Ha! No, I'm not.

46. If you could spend one intimate night with a celebrity, no questions asked, never to see them again, who would it be?

Well, it would have to be Ralph Fiennes, but when he was much younger.



48. What famous person do you look like? Feel free to use this facial match program by clicking here. Show us at least the celeb photo.

People always tell me I look like Rachel Weisz. Sometimes I get Natalie Portman.

49. What is the most daring thing you've done recently?

Wrestled a mouse from a piece of carboard from a snake's mouth that got stuck while he was trying to eat. I think my snake was as stressed as I was.

50. Say you were given a pregnancy test right now. Would you pass or fail?

Pass.

51. Which sex scandal of the last decade bothers you the most?

None of them bother me. It's none of my business.

52. Do you know anyone in jail/prison?

No.

53. What are your plans (or what have you done) for this weekend?

This weekend I did nothing but write and read.

54. Have you ever woken up and not known where you were?

No. Thankfully.

55. What were you doing at midnight last night??

Sleeping. I'm not someone who likes to stay awake really late

56. Last restaurant you went to?

Ooh, can't even remember.

57. How many hours did you sleep for last night?

About 8 and a half.

58. Which is more distracting: Sexting while driving or sex while driving?

Um, I would have to say sex while driving.

59. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?

How should I know? Maybe. Possibly.

60. Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle?

Yes. Not fun.

Five Question Friday

. What is your current favorite tv show?

I love Dexter. I'm dying for it to start again.

2. What's the worst haircut you ever got?

You know, I haven't really gotten a bad haircut. I also haven't gotten a haircut in about 10 years so it's not really a surprise.

3. What was something that you did as a child that you thought you were so cool for doing?

I could do puzzles super fast, all kinds.


4. Do you have any GREAT frugal family fun tips?

Well, boardgames are always great for fun that doesn't cost more than the price of a game. The games can be a little expensive, but they last a long time.

5. Would you drive across country if you had the money to fly?

It depends, if I wanted to get there quickly, obviously no. But otherwise, probably yes, because I love roadtrips.

Lemon Cookies

2 1/4 cups (11 1/4 oz) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 oz) sugar, plus 1/3 cup for rolling
2 oz cream cheese, cut into 8 pieces
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, chopped fine
1 teaspoon lime zest
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and still warm
1/3 cup vegetable (or canola) oil
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, the lime zest, and cream cheese in a large bowl (no need to stir them together yet). Put the remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a pie plate and set aside. Pour the warm butter over the cream cheese mixture and whisk to combine – the mixture won’t be completely smooth yet, that’s fine. Whisk in the oil then the egg, milk and lime juice. Mix until smooth. Use a rubber spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet, until a soft dough comes together.

Portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets with a cookie scoop, using about 2 tablespoons for each cookie. Working quickly (if you handle the dough too much you’re more likely to wind up with flat cookies), roll the dough into a ball with your hands then roll in the sugar set aside in the pie plate previously. Repeat until you’ve used all of the dough, placing 12 cookies on each baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten the dough balls into discs that are about 2 inches in diameter. Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the remaining sugar in the pie plate, using about 2 teaspoons per sheet of cookies.

Bake the cookies, 1 tray at a time, for about 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set and beginning to brown. The tops will be puffy and slightly cracked. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes then transfer them to the rack to cool completely.

Makes 24 cookies

Alphabet Thursday

This Week's Letter: J

J for Jump!





Or Jog

Hoo's Got Talent?

Home-made Beignets

Ingredients
•1 packet dry yeast
•1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
•1/2 cup white sugar
•1 teaspoon salt
•2 eggs
•1 cup evaporated milk
•7 cups all-purpose flour
•1/4 cup shortening
•1 quart vegetable oil for frying
•powdered sugar
Directions
1.In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and blend well. Mix in 4 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add the shortening, and then the remaining 3 cups of flour. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
2.Roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Fry in 360 degree F (180 degrees C) hot oil. If beignets do not pop up, oil is not hot enough. Drain onto paper towels.
3.Shake confectioners’ sugar on hot beignets. Serve warm.

ABC Wednesday Challenge

This week: W

W could be for...Well



Or for...Waddling



Or even for...Warmth

Show Off Your Cottage Mondays

This week: ROSES




That is my python, Topkapi, enjoying the scent of delicious flowers. Not from my own garden, but sweet smelling, just the same.

Meet Me on Monday

Questions:

1. What feature of the opposite sex do you notice first?

Hands and eyes.

2. Do you talk to yourself?

All the time.

3. What is your current relationship status?

Single

4. Do you have a garden?

I do, a lovely one with all kinds of flowers.

5. What is your favorite licorice flavor?

Don't have one, really, love them all.

Saturday 9

1. What is the craziest thing you've done in the last Year?

Kissed a snake on the mouth. it's not nearly as bad as people think :)She's my snake, so I now she's healthy and clean.

2. What is something that you've lost recently?

A measuring spoon I use for baking. no clue where it's hiding.

3. Where does your patience suffer the most?

At cash registers in teh supermarket. Some people really are clueless as to what proper manners are.

4. Have you ever reread a book?

Yes, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

5. What is a TV show that you absolutely HATE to miss?

I love "Dexter" so I do my best never to miss an episode.

6. How old do you wish you were?

I'm perfectly happy with my current age, 25, so i wouldn't really change it for another one.

7. Do you know your neighbors?

No, and I don't plan to, especially the ones on my house's right. They are not pleasant people.

8. Do you believe that opposites attract?

Sometimes, but it's short-lived. Once you stop being amazed at the craziness that is the other person, things get pretty dull.

9. Who was the last person that made you laugh?

My sister. She always comes up with the randomest thoughts that she has to voice.

Five Question Friday

1. What is your favorite summer time activity?

Swimming, for sure. In the pool or in the beach.

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?

Whatever's on sale, not too picky.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?

Fish, it's lighter than meat so it goes well with the heat.

4. Do you have any talents?

I'm a classical singer, so I sing. I play a bit of piano, and I also write.

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?

I would love to know how to milk venemous snakes. I love all kinds of snakes, but the venemous are ones I would love to learn how to handle.

Alphabet Thursday

This week's letter: I




I is for Icing
I wanted something colofrul to top a simple chocolate cake, so I whipped up some raspberries and made this yummy pinkness.

Hoo's Got Talent?

Fig Brioche



For recipe, see here.

ABC Wednesday Challenge

This week's letter : V

V...could be for Vine


















Or for Vincious, our dog








Or even a Viper

Show Off Your Cottage Mondays

This week's theme: PINK

Meet Me on Monday

Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!

Questions:

1. What is your favorite yogurt flavor?

Peach, sometimes Peaches and Cream

2. Ankle or knee socks? and on the same theme, white socks or coloured??

Ankle, and the whackier the better.

3. How is the weather right now?

Apocalyptic

4. Are you a fast typer?

I guess, not auper-sonic fast, but I get things done.

5. Red or White Wine?

Red.


How about you?

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing:The Seriously Random Question Meme, Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Your ex's car is on the side of the road, on fire. What do you do?

It depends. If I'm okay with him, call the cops. If I hate him...probably let it burn.

2. Your best friend tells you she is pregnant. What is your reaction?

If she's in a place where she can take care of the baby and she wants it, then I'd be happy.

3. When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face?

Two days ago. People can be really rude.


4. What is the last thing you spent money on?

My voice lesson.

5. Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month?

Lost

6. Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos?

Puffy

7. The first person on your friends list just called you a bitch. What do you do?

Call her a bitch right back.

8. Congratulations! You just had a son. What’s his name?

Morgan

9. Congratulations! You just had a daughter. What’s her name?

Odile

10. What are you craving right now?

Peanut butter jelly sandwich

11. What was the last thing you cried about?

One of my pets was sick.

12. When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it?

Tell the cashier to keep it.

13. What color is your tissue box?

Don't have one, too cutsey.

14. Do you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom, and if so, is there dust on that fan?

No celing fan. I hate them.

15. What was the last voicemail you received about?

My teacher asking me if we could reschedule a lesson since he was sick.

16. Have you ever blocked someone on Facebook?

I don't have an account on Facebook.

17. Scariest thing you’ve experienced in the last year?

Serious financial problems. I'd take a ghost roaming my house anyday to money problems.

18. Do you wear a name tag at work?

No, I'm lucky.

19. What kind of car do you want?

Porsche.

20. What do you order when you go to Burger King?

I don't eat at Burger King. I think the last time I went was about 10 years ago and I had some type of hamburger. Can't even remember what it was called.

Saturday 9

1. What's the remedy for you to stop worrying?

When i want to stop worrying about anything, I pick up a book, something that will completely distract me, which means it's usually Stephen King.

2. What is your favorite summertime beverage?

Water, water, water!

3. Do you use any freeware on your computer? If yes, do tell.

iTunes, Adobe Reader

4. What is one thing about your home that has to be just so or it drives you crazy when it comes to organization?

I hate when there's used plates or cups lying around. My sister does that all the time, just leaves stuff when she's finished eating or drinking. Drives me nuts.

5. Is there a specific subject you're especially curious about? A person? A region of the world? An animal? A field of study?

A subject would have to be literature, I'm just obsessed with reading. No person, at least none that are not fictional. I am in love with Ireland, everything about it tugs at my heart.
Animals are easy. Snakes. All kinds of snakes. They are so interesting, so cool.

6. What do you consider your most interesting trait?

I love animals, all kinds, to the point of craziness.

7. What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

I'm scared of lack of security, i guess. I like to feel safe, be it in my job, in my house, or when I'm out anywhere. Can't really trace it back, luckily, to any particular experience, it's just something that I've carried with me.

8. Who do you want to yell at to “get a grip!”?
Two people: Sarah Palin and Ann COulter, what a bunch of nutjobs.

9. What do you wear to particularly look great for a party or event?

A colorful dress, usually an emerald green one I have.

Five Question Friday

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?
Well, I've always wanted to be a classical singer and I have been training for it since I was 12, we'll see if it actually happens.

2. What is one must have item for the summer?
Sunscreen. I HATE tans.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)
I don't have kids, but my parents did make me keep up with school work. Usually, I had lots of reading assignments to do for my literature classes.

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?
Freeze
5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?
Yes, I am a complete morning person, so I practically jump out of bed and get ready.

Alphabet Thursday

H is for Hooting

My sister works at a wildlife care and rehabilitation center, so she gets to handle all these beautiful animals, including this particular owl, whose name is Goatcheese. No idea why he was given that name. He is an imprinted owl, which means that he was taken from the wild when he was a baby and raised by humans. He now feels more comfortable with us than with other birds, which is sad, since that means he can't be released back to the wild.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Best Songs For Spring

Well, it is spring after all.


1. "Spring Haze" by Tori Amos

2. "Bravedancing" by Rachael Sage

3. "The Star of the County Down" by Loreena McKennitt

4. "Sacred Shabbat" by Loreena McKennitt

5. "I Want You" by Rachael Yamagata

6. "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele

7. "Everybody" by Ingrid Michaelson

8. "Sweet the Sting" by Tori Amos

9. "Amie" by Damien Rice

10. "Shalott" by Emilie Autumn

11. "Right As Rain" by Adele

12. "Shores of California" by The Dresden Dolls

13. "1."Uummannaq Song" by KT Tunstall

A Life

"What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining, elusive element which is life itself."
- Willa Cather

Living-Room Charm

Hoo Are You?

Here are this week's questions!
1. How often do you wash your vehicle?
I don't have a car, mainly relying on the craziness that is Miami public transportation.

2. When riding in a car with someone who usually drives, them or you?
Them, I hate to drive.

3. How many states have you traveled to or through?
Let's see, all of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, I've also been to New York, Pennsylvania and California.

4. What kind of music do you listen to the most?
I don't really have a style, I'm quite eclectic when it comes to music. My favorite singer/songwriter though, is Tori Amos.

5. Do you prefer the window down or air conditioning?
I prefer the window down.

Show Off Your Cottage Mondays

Theme this week is WHITE

Just Something I Whipped Up...

Plum Jam Tart.
Easy and delicious.

That's My Answer

What did you do this weekend?


On Saturday, I went for a long walk around my neighborhood, then did some writing. I'm always scribbling. Lots of reading also, since I had to finish a book for a pending review. Had a drink at night and did some more reading.
Sunday, I wrote the review and watched a movie.
In between all of this, I took care fo the many animals in my home, snakes, turtles, dogs, cats, birds, etc. They keep me busy.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Circles :: round


2. Born :: die


3. Teddy :: bear


4. Comfortable :: chairs


5. Chaste :: virgin


6. Burned :: toast


7. Blouse :: blue


8. Threats :: danger


9. Cuddly :: pillows


10. Condemned :: house

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Team Jeffie Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

TRUE OR FALSE

Q: Kissed someone on your friends list?

True

Q: Been arrested?

False


Q: Held a snake?

How about 7 of them?

Q: Been suspended from school?

False

Q: Sang karaoke?

False

Q: Done something you told yourself you wouldn't do?

True

Q: Laughed until you started crying?

False

Q: Caught a snowflake on your tongue?

False

Q: Kissed in the rain?

False

Q: Sang in the shower?

True

Q: Sat on a roof top?

False

Q: Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?

False

Q: Broken a bone?

False

Q: Shaved your head?

False

Q: Played a prank on someone?

True

Q: Shot a gun?

False

Q: Donated Blood?

False

LAST PERSON...

1. You hung out with?

Sister

2. You texted?

Italian teacher

3. You were in a car with?

Sister

4. Went to the movies with?

Sister

5. Person you went to shop with?

Mother

6. You talked on the phone?

Mother

7. Made you laugh?

Sister

8. You hugged?

Friend

IN THE LAST 48 HOURS HAVE YOU...

1. Sang?

Absolutely.

2. Listened to music?

Yes. To Adele, in fact.

3. Danced Crazy?

Yes

4. Cried?

No

FIRSTS .....

1.Who was your first prom (or homecoming) date?

Went by myself. I'm the independent type.

2. Who was your first roommate?

Alexandra

3. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk the first time?

Champagne

4. What was your first job?

Church Singer

5. What was your first car?

Never had one.

6. When did you go to your first funeral and viewing?

When I was 16, I was hired to sing at the funeral.

7. Who was your first grade teacher?

Laura

8. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?

Here, to the USA

9. When you snuck out of your house for the first time?

Not really snuck out since I wqas 19, but I didn't tell anyone.

10. Who was your first best friend?

Samantha

11. Who was your first Best Friend in high school?

Jennifer

12. Where was your first sleepover?

At my neighbor's house when I was about 7

13. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?

My mom

14. Who's wedding were you in the first time you were a Bridesmaid or groomsman?

Never been either.

15. What is the first thing you did when you got up this morning?

I'm rehabing a baby opossum, so I fed her.

16. First time you tied your shoe laces?

No idea. Too young to remember.

17. Are you Facebook friends with your first crush?

I'm not of Facebook, so no.

18. Who was the first person you met from the blogosphere?

Hmm. Haven't really met any of them face to face.

19. What was the first music album that you bought?

A Sarah Mclachlan cd

20. Who was your first celebrity crush?

Johnny Depp, years ago.

Straight Out of the Camera Sunday

What are the rules for SOOC Sunday?


•On any Sunday you can post any photo you like (it must be one of your own)
•that hasn’t been tweaked or altered in any way (cropping is OK).
•In other words Straight Out Of the Camera.
•Link to Murrieta365 in your post so others will know where to go if they want to join in the SOOC fun.




A baking challenge that turned out pretty nicely.

Saturday 9

1. What was the best thing that happened to you this week?
I had a wonderful voice lesson

The worst?
One of my pet snakes refused to eat

2. What's the best thing someone's done for you (recently or not so recently)?
A few days ago, I recieved a wonderful, original compliment.

What's the worst thing someone's done to you (again, recently or not so recently)?
This was hard, since I take things pretty much in stride, but a few "friends" a while back spoke some nasty things behind my back.

3. What's the best thing about your job?
I'm a singer, so the solitude of being on stage. I know a bit contradictory when there's an audience watching, but I go into a world of my own.

Worst?
The hours and hours of rehearsing.

4. What's the best new website you've found?
Haven't really found any recently.

Worst?
See above.

5. What's the best book you've read?
My favorite book ever is Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Worst?
Hands down Catch 22 by Heller.

6. What's the best movie you've seen?
I loved "Black Swan"

Worst?
Any of the American Pie movies.

7. What's the best meal you've had?
My mom is an excellent cook, so pretty much anything she makes is fabulous.

Worst?
Anything with tofu.

8. What's the best holiday?
Going to New Orleans two years ago with my sister.

Worst?
Disneyworld as a class trip, my god it was awful!

9. What's the best thing in your future?
The uncertainty.

Worst?
The uncertainty.

Photo Friday

So for my first post, I wanted to do something different, something that I don't do on my other blogs, which is post a picture without too much explanation, following a particular theme. Sounds fun, right?

So this week's theme: People