Christmas

Friday, July 3, 2015

Friday Fragments

Well, with being sick, I had time to collect some random thoughts, and here they are.

Baker: Before I got knocked down, I did some baking. I had tons of zucchini left, so I decided to grind it up and make some bread. My recipe is simple, and the end result is delicious. I haven’t had any yet – I’m thinking maybe by tomorrow, I’ll try it. My husband confirmed that it’s yummy. I sent a loaf over to my hairdresser, and I froze the rest. The house smells so good when I bake, and the aroma usually gives me joy, just not this time. [If you want the recipe, I’ll stick it in below.]

Visitor: Our little fur grand, Kasey, is staying with us for a week. My two big boys are on vacation, hiking on Mt. Rainier, so we get the pup. My husband picked him up on Tuesday night, and the poor dog was so confused with my being sick in bed. By Wednesday, though, he just wanted to play. I love having him here – he lifts my spirits. One of his favorite things is going for car rides, so I’m trying to get my husband to take him out.

Worrying: As I said, my boys are far away, and in typical ‘mom mode,’ I’m worried about them. I go through all the what-ifs, and I get nervous. After I do that for a while, I end up turning my worry over to the big Guy upstairs, and I try to relax. I’d worry even if they were just visiting someone in a far-away place, but doing all that outdoorsy stuff makes me anxious.

Errata: The last two books I read were both published by the same company – St. Martin’s Press – and I was annoyed. There were soooo many errors! Typographical ones, scenery changes, and plot errors caused me to get antsy. Do they not employ proofreaders or copy editors anymore? There’s no excuse for many of the mistakes. I even thought of writing the publisher a note, but I doubt if it would help. Do things such as that irritate you, or am I just a grump?

Good News: My daughter said they may be moving back to NJ by next year. It’s only an hour and fifteen minutes where they now live, but I’d like them to be closer. My SIL has been working way too much, but there are constant personnel changes, and he needs to fill in. They’ve already checked with a realtor, and they’ll easily get a good price for their current home. Wouldn’t it be neat if I get to see my little guys more often?

The 4th of July: We decided to keep everything very simple this year. I was too sick to deal with prep work, so it’ll just be the two of us, and Kasey dog. The weather isn’t promising, but it won’t matter. I’ll let my husband decide what dinner will be, and I’ll continue to take it easy. But I hope all of you have a great day.

I’ll report on my books next week. That’s it for now.

Peace,
Muff

Zucchini Bread
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups white sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts [optional]
Directions
1.    Grease and flour two 8 x 4-inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2.    Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3.    Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4.    Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.


8 comments:

  1. good idea muff, i don't love zucchini bread but i LOVE it breaded and fried or oven fried. that may be in my belly shortly!!

    have a nice, quiet 4th!!!!

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    1. Oh, I like it that way, too. Did you ever try rolling it in parmesan cheese and baking it? It's yummy!

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  2. It sounds like you'll have a cozy 4th. What your sons are doing sounds like a lot of fun.

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    1. Even before MS, I never thought of hiking and camping as "fun!" But the boys love it, so, I'm happy for them.

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  3. Sounds a lot like my pumpkin bread recipe. I use small pans because then I don't feel like we have to eat a whole loaf and they are nice to take out when we have company. You sound like you are feeling better.
    I hate books that have typos and plot changes that don't make sense and people that suddenly appear out of nowhere. Editing left the buildings in most cases. Have a good 4th! We are staying low key too! :)

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    1. I also make the mini pans and freeze them.
      About the lack of editing, I really think I, as part of the reading public, should write the publisher a letter.

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  4. I hear you on the kids far away, I will include them in my nighttime prayers that they have a great adventure, while staying safe. Hugs and Happy 4th.

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    Replies
    1. I, too, bombard heaven about their safety! Hope your holiday was great!

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