Road Trip to the Lighthouse on Lake Michigan

Afternoon sunset

On Thursday January 24, 2013, I went on a small road trip to the lighthouse on Lake Michigan with my niece. It is less than a one-hour drive, however, the amount of snow on the ground there with the winds coming off Lake Michigan was a huge difference compared to here.
 

Frozen railing

The beauty of the ice on the pier, the railing, the ice covered light on the end of the southern pier as well as the ice covered lighthouse on the northern pier was a site to see.

Water splashing

It is awesome to see the flowing water as it splashes up against a frozen chunk making it even larger each time it hits and freezes. Also amazing is watching the ice bob up and down when the waves come in. If it had not been for the cold temperatures, I could have sat down and watched that for quite some time. However, the pier being snow and ice covered was not inviting to my butt. It was not the type of weather, where you set on the pier, dangling your legs and put your feet in the water.

Crazy kayaker

Isn't it angelic looking?

One kayaker did not view the cold water in the manner I did, as he was out there paddling his kayak around in the freezing water. At one point he perched himself on a big chuck of ice, at first I thought he was there inviting me to take his picture but then realized he was taking a moment for a photo op of the ice covered lighthouse. He was definitely going to get a different vantage point from all the others we saw that day.

Ice covered Lighthouse.

If you get an opportunity to take a road trip this winter viewing the Icy Lighthouse on the St. Joseph River/Lake Michigan, in St. Joseph Michigan is beautiful.

Cold Indiana Winters

Preparing for winter weather can sometimes be challenging in Indiana. Winter months can be cold or even sub zero, add in western winds and it can make it extremely hard to keep the pipes from freezing.

My advice is to stay prepared for any weather, but especially, severe winter weather.  I do not know how the winter months are in your area, however, the cold temperatures that Indiana has been having is not fun.

• Of course, the obvious is stock up on canned goods. If you can get things that you can eat without cooking is the best.
• Purchase cans that have either pull tops or have an old-fashioned can opener like the one I use everyday. If there is no emergency your pantry is stocked up, no harm no foul. You never know when a storm is going to hit whether it be a blizzard, ice storm, frozen water lines or just a storm that sends your electric out.

This week the temperatures in Northern Indiana have dipped below zero and our cold water line to the bathroom did lightly freeze. Therefore having plenty of bottled water on hand was necessary.

Creating a New Normal with Exercise

OK, not only is it a new year, but also new exercise program has been started. With the closing of 
Curves for Women in my town, I joined a gym that has men and women. To me this was a bit intimidating, I don't like to shake my fat in front of women and the thought of doing it front of men was really not in my plans. Well plans change therefore creating a new normal with exercise.

I struggled at first doing the stepper, the elliptical and treadmill for any length of time. I now try to do everyday, if the machines are available, .5 mile on the stepper, 1.5-2 miles on the elliptical series of reps on weight machines followed with 1-1.5 miles on the treadmill. I also try to push myself for faster times and higher inclines.

I am still struggling with my weight as I really baked and ate to much from Thanksgiving thru the New Year. Therefore, it's my motive to reduce the waistline and improve my health in 2013 by creating a new normal with exercise. 

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas to All

^{Luke 2:8-12; NIV}
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

I was blessed on Sunday Eve to see my son Ian, his girlfriend Erin, my daughter and her family for Christmas fun and celebration.

 Christmas Eve at great grandma's house, the cousins shared a little bit of time.

 Family dinner, fun and laughter

My daughter Jasmine, Granddaughter Zeely Jade and myself at our home. 
Zeely decided to show her love to us (in her own way) in this picture. She grabbed on tight and had a genuine smile of love. I am one blessed mom and grandmother.
 Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. 

  

It's Christmas Cookie Time

Are you like me and you love to bake cookies? Doesn't it make Christmas time feel like Heaven? I truly am a cookie monster.

Whether you are baking regular or normal cookie recipes, or the gluten-free variety for family members, the Amish Drop Sugar Cookie and the Sugar Cookie Pumpkin Bar recipes are a must try.

Both recipes can easily be converted into  a gluten-free cookie.

 BOTH RECIPES ARE ON SEEKYT

                                              
This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Whether you consider a pumpkin to be a vegetable or a fruit is of little importance, what you make with the pumpkin is. Using pumpkin in recipes adds so many vitamins and moisture, however, adds little calories. It’s a oh my goodness, win-win situation.  Carving pumpkins for Halloween is fun however; the pumpkin cinnamon roll is one of the recipes you will want to make our family for a healthier breakfast alternative.

For the recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls pop on over to Seekyt

Halloween: Safety First

My nephew and niece as Bi-Polarism

Whether you are an adult going to a costume party, attending Light the Night or a child going from door to door trick or treating, it's Halloween: Safety First.  As parents or grandparents it's our job and responsibility to keep our children safe!

2 of my grandsons a few years back.

Common sense should tell you to purchase flame-retardant costumes that are roomy enough to allow a child to dress warmly, however, not too big as that could cause your child to trip or brush against a lit Jack-o-lantern. Also, take into consideration the color of the costume, the lighter in color the better for the visibility of the child. If the child is wearing a mask, instead of makeup, test it out before hitting the streets so you are certain the child can see in all directions well. 

Light the Night; couple of years ago

For years and years this treats inspection has been advised:

1. An adult should check all treats before they are eaten. Explain why this is important to children. 
2. Only eat treats in original, unopened wrappers. Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, have holes or tears, or if the candy has been unwrapped. 
3. Check fruit and homemade treats for punctures or contamination. Allow your child to eat such items only if from someone you know and trust. Fruit can be cut into sections to check for sharp objects. 
4. Consider giving non-edible treats such as stickers, crayons, coins etc.

 More trick-or-treating advise:

1. Feed children before trick-or-treating and give them some candy from home while trick- or-treating to avoid the temptation to eat from their bags.
2. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks, wear reflective clothing or tape, and watch for cars. Try to finish before dark.
3. An adult should accompany young children, and visits should be limited to familiar well-lit homes.
4. Avoid barking dogs or other upset animals.
   
   • Portions of this information came from Halloween Safety; MnPoison.org
     
     • Read more about Light the Night  on Seekyt

 

    

Fall Cottage Time

Usually when I visit the cottage in the fall there is vibrant colors. This year the weather being very strange and dry the leaves changed at a different rate. As you can see with my busy fall I have missed the peak season of the leaves turning here on the island of Dewart Lake. 

One good thing is the tree across the lake is still Orange and color rich. I get to enjoy the beauty of the cool blue lake from my living room window. 

I can also enjoy the birds on the lake. I did spot the eagle yesterday, however, with my camera acting up I did not have a chance to capture a shot. 

Thank goodness this Heron was not in a hurry, it was not letting the cool lake water distract him, while I got my messed up Canon camera  to get this picture.

Digging Potatoes with Grandpa

While Grandpa used the fork, she used her hands

Grandpa loves gardening, potatoes and sweet potatoes are one of our biggest crop, therefore, when the grandchildren want to  help dig potatoes he is glad to show them how it is done.

Digging potatoes with grandpa is an annual event, 3-year old Zeely Jade was here last weekend so it was her turn to help.

Look at this big sweet potato

At first Z didn't get the hang of the potato fork, however by  the time they got done with the sweet potatoes and headed to the white and red potatoes she was a pro.

She's got a handle of the tater fork.

Gluten-free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

Zucchini from the garden

When it comes to making breads and or meals, it is great to have an organic garden to get your supplies. For our family, the garden ends up in canning jars or freezer bags to use all year long. Since I have many family members either gluten or wheat intolerant I use zucchini for bread recipes.
Gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread is yet another quick bread people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can enjoy. Gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread, because of the low calorie pineapple, is very high in vitamin C and Manganese. Pineapple is also a great source of vitamin B6, Copper, B1, folate and fiber.

According to the Worlds Healthiest Foods, “Excessive inflammation, excessive coagulation of the blood, and certain types of tumor growth may all be reduced by therapeutic doses of bromelain when taken as a dietary supplement. Studies are not available, however, to show these same potential benefits in relationship to normal intake of pineapple within a normal meal plan.”

The summer squash zucchini provides in 1 cup, a mere 18 calories yet contains 32% of your daily vitamin C. Zucchini also provides a variety of other nutrients right down to omega 3. WHF also explains, “No category of health benefits from summer squash is better researched than the category of antioxidant benefits. As an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoid phytonutrients), summer squash provides us with a great combination of conventional antioxidant nutrients.”

Therefore, making gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread for the gluten intolerant in your family is necessary.

A popular blend of gluten-free flour is Bob Red Mills, the all-purpose flour contains; garbanzo flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, sorghum flour, and fava. I think that is why it is so good for breads and cookies. Most prepackaged gluten-free cookies and such start with the gritty rice flour.

Ingredients for making gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread:

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt 2 cups rice flour
• 2/3 cup potato starch
• 1/3 cup tapioca flour
• 3 tsp xanthan gum

 *I prefer to use Bob Red Mills all-purpose flour instead of purchasing all the individual flours.

Directions for making gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread: 

Gluten-Free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

Mix the following in a large bowl:

• 3/4 cup oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, large
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Add :

1. 2-cups zucchini, shredded
2. 1-20 oz can crushed pineapple drained completely
3.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
5. Pour the mixture between 2 greased loaf pans.
6. Bake approximately 55-65 minutes, until golden brown and when a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread rest in pans for 5 minutes.
8. Cool on a rack or cutting board, slice and enjoy.