iCAD drawing 2

JaimeHaney2012iCAD2, a photo by Jaime Haney on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
about 1000 calories

scootin' in again late, but I've made it two days in a row now =)

see all the cards from everyone here

Strawberry Sunday

just picked

I had to share my drool worthy pictures of what my latest project has been and that is cooking (well sorta) I guess making strawberry yummies. I went strawberry pickin' if you can't tell.


Freezer jam... aka candy crack. I use Sure Jell and have success every time. So easy to make if you've never tried it. When buying berries for it remember one and a half pounds of berries = 1 quart if you're trying to figure how much to get for the jam. Tons of sugar, not for the faint of heart, but oooh so tasty!

just jellin...

and strawberry pie!

make sure you wipe the drool off your keyboard ;)

nom nom nom

And of course many many didn't make it this far. Popped right into my mouth! Mmmmm


I went to an art show today called Arts in Harmony in my little town of New Harmony. There was a real nice selection of artists of all kinds. Some I see often, some friends and some new ones that I've not seen until today. All very talented and I want to buy something from everyone but of course I can't. Still though, I'll share with you my finds tomorrow hopefully when I can snap some pictures of my goodies :)


Enjoy your Sunday evening.

Cherry Cheesecake recipe

Cherry Cheesecake!

I wanted to share with you my mother in law's sister Janice's Cherry Cheesecake which is simply made and always a crowd pleaser for special occasions. It is as yummy as it is pretty. This recipe is a no bake recipe and makes 2 cheesecakes. Make this the night before so it sets up nice.

Cherry Cheesecake

ingredients:


2 graham cracker crusts
1 can cherry pie filling (divided) we like Lucky Leaf
12 oz. cream cheese, softened (1 + 1/2 packages)
2 tsp vanilla
2 tubs of cool whip (8 oz)
2 cups powdered sugar
pecans for garnish

Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese and vanilla till blended. Fold in cool whip. Distribute evenly into graham cracker crusts. Cover each with the cherry pie filling (1/2 can per pie). Sprinkle with pecans.


This is so yummy and I have used an Oreo crust in place of the graham cracker crust and it is more like a Black Forest treat... mmm! Also, if you choose to lighten it up with the light versions that is ok, but it may not be as firm as the one here. I have used the fat free cream cheese and it didn't set up but still tasted good, but not quite the same. Let me know if you try it!

So I'm 40, now what?

I want to thank everyone who stopped by and posted a birthday wish for me today... thank you so much. I am touched to know I have such great friends who truly care about me. I appreciate and care for each and every one of you. I so enjoy reading about everyones lives and ups and downs and thoughts and such. We really are social creatures, aren't we? I get my fix everyday as I peek into your lives through your lovely blogs.

So, today I am 40. Well, technically yesterday since it is 1:23 am as I write this. Nothing really exciting happened to me today. Another decade flew by. I had a fairly normal day, a day in the life... No magical wind blowing in change, no tears of sorrow about turning another year older. It's better than the alternative! But I did feel the many well wishes of my friends. I enjoyed a burnt frozen pizza while Asher had a hotdog. We're a healthy bunch, ya know. Daryl worked as usual. He did buy me some beautiful Wave Petunia's and a sweet card to his credit. I think I'm liking being 40.

I did decide to make some cupcakes for myself and Asher. Actually, it was his idea first... kinda. I told him this morning, since he had forgotten, that today was Mommy's birthday. The first thing he said to me was "but where is your cake?" gotta love him. A boy truly after my own heart. So this evening I looked through the pantry to see what was quick to whip up. Nothing is quick to whip up. I had a box cake... fine. I had fudgey icing that I know for a fact is pre 1995. I opened it thinking... what could go bad? Well it stunk like plastic and rancid oil. It was Pillsbury Lovin' Lites. Who remembers those? So I tossed it and made my own with Hershey cocoa (their recipe) and I don't think I'll ever buy that plastic tub again. I let Asher decorate the finished cupcakes and I'm still stepping on those tiny little balls in the kitchen. Do you know how hard it is to sweep those things up? He loves to bake and help with things in the kitchen except the cleaning up part. So I had to post these cute pictures of him enjoying the process.

Well the hub bub is over and I've decided to update my profile picture to the one I posted as my last day in my 39th year. I didn't do it on purpose, the blurriness, but I love what Rebecca of Knee Deep Studios said about it... "I love how it's blurry... echoes the blur between our 30th and 40th years, how we often see ourselves, the waves of life we encounter, the changes that happen oh so slowly but surely until one day, we look at ourselves in the mirror and hopefully say... "I like who I've become." Well, Rebecca, I think I do like who I've become. I hope we all can say that. Good night friends (or good morning!)

Pizza, anyone?

Well I haven't done any more to the GeeJay Creations logo yet, but I wanted to tell you all about this pizza I ate the other night. As some of you know, I'm on a stinkin diet and hating every minute of it. So far here's the way it's going: First week, I have lost 4 pounds, lost 1 more the second week, gained 2 more back after then and then lost 1 pound last Monday and now as of tomorrow (Monday) I think I may be the same as last week. I try to only weigh on Mondays but I cheated and got on the scale yesterday. This is all going excruciatingly slow. Granted I have not done much of anything in the way of exercising. But I feel like I'm doing the Diet Tango.

Back to the pizza. It was DIGIORNO 200 Calorie Portions that I actually got for FREE because I joined the Kraft First Taste. The program is great because they send me coupons for free food items quite often and I in turn give them my thoughts in the form of a short survey. They also send along extra coupons for a considerable amount off the product to supposedly give away... but I usually am stingy and keep most of them if I like the product. But I have shared a few. Use the link and join, you won't be sorry. But this pizza tasted great and when you are counting calories, this is well worth the 200 calories that is in it. I got the pepperoni one. I opened the box and chuckled because there were 2 individually wrapped pizzas in it and they were the size of a graham cracker, but I popped one in the oven anyway. I nearly burned it, but it was real tasty, at least to a starved 1000 calorie a day eating dieting maniac (1000 calories every other day). I sure wish this was easier.

The other night I dreamed I was eating that yummy Stuffed French Toast from IHOP... Yummo! That's bad when you dream about eating haha. Oh well, that's it for now. I just wanted to share my pizza experience with you guys. Enjoy your Sunday!

Did I buy enough turkey?

Today I have just been plain cold. It's not even that bad out, it's like 50 something, but man the wind is blowing. I took Asher out and retreated to the garage (to read Martha Stewart) where I could get out of the wind a bit and still see Asher dig to China. I'm taking advantage of nap time to catch up on my blog before I go upstairs to draw some. The picture is part of my messy desk that I see at my computer, but I like to think it is "warm and cozy" looking.

I have been reading some just fabulous blogs lately. My newest thing here is to give a little nod to some of the places I visit. Some on a regular basis, some by chance. There are funny ones, serious ones, creative ones, complaining ones, some just flat out brag and others quietly show their creativity and wit.

I bought just a Turkey breast this year and will be cooking it at my dad's this year, so I let it thaw in his fridge. I got home and then freaked out because I just figured out how long that is going to take! I think this turkey is going to have to take the plunge, into the sink that is. My grandma used to always thaw out meat in the sink. Long before all of us turned into germ-a-phobes. I read that the sink, espcially the drain, is the germiest area in the kitchen. It was nothing to walk by her sink, in search of something to eat or drink and pause to look at the skin and headless squirrel carcasses floating in luke warm water.

I won't just leave you with that thought, so here is...

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: cold on the outside, but warm inside :)

I'm grateful for: optimistic people

I am wearing: Royal Blue

I thought about today: is my turkey thawing out?

I miss: warm summer afternoons

Best thing I did today: took my kid outside even though it was blustery

Today I visited:

http://designsbyck.blogspot.com/2009/11/vamp-jack-haunted-sno-cap-hallomas.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DesignsbyckBlog+%28Designs+By+CK+%7E+Blog%29

Pizza Yum Yums

I thought I'd share with you my girlfriends concoction I am gonna call Pizza Yum Yums. They are nothing more than french bread cut into about 2" slices with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni (I used turkey pepperoni) on top. Pop them under the broiler and voila! Pizza Yum Yums!

I have been revamping my art studio these past few days. I've got myself a nice U-shaped work area going and hope I can make it up there more often and get back to creating some things. I'm even including a place for my son (3 1/2 year old) to color and hopefully allow me to continue working!

I love to find new art blogs and I've found quite a few good ones lately. See them under my "Inspiration" list. I learn blogging techniques from them and get stimulated to create which is really helpful lately. I do more creating in my head these days than anything else and I'd like to change that.

I'm hoping to see the Central High School craft show tomorrow to see what kind of handmade goodies made by the local folks I can find. I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping yet and maybe this will spur me on.

Now to start something new that I saw on one of the great new art blogs I was telling you about (L. Gruger), I give you my version:

"This Artists Observations of the Day"

Feeling of the day: hopeful

I'm grateful for: pre-made cookie dough

I am wearing: purple and blue

I thought about today: my mom

I miss: Wink (a sparkling drink) and my mom, of course

Best thing I did today: Play frisbee with Asher

Today I visited: http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintallnightstudios

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly!

Ooooo Eeeeee! I Chee Wa Wa!! that is what I can say about making this jalapeno pepper jelly. While I was chopping up the jalapenos with my Pampered Chef food chopper (because I don't have a food processor!) I took in a deep breath. Big mistake. I started coughing and choking, it was like I breathed all that hotness in. I was smart enough to use gloves though while chopping and scraping. Unfortunately there was a hole in one of the fingers and I quickly found that.

Now I was following a recipe, but you know me.... I like to improvise! So I followed it for the most part, but I decided to not seed the peppers or remove the pulp by straining. I do believe this made for a hotter jelly. It is really sticky too. But it gelled up great! Now I just need to get the courage to try it! I wanted to put it on Ritz crackers with a little cream cheese and I haven't got the crackers yet. But from licking my fingers, I can tell that it is gonna be pretty hot. I made just 8 half pints and won't make any more until I know I like it.

Happy Tuesday!!

Yay! Tomato Pie!... Ewwwww...Tomato Pie.

Well my mom has been asking for a tomato pie all summer and last summer, too. She raves about this tomato pie her friend Tresa makes. So, this year being the dutiful daughter I am, made her one. Yesterday to be exact. I planned to take it to her for supper. First it took a lot longer than I thought it would. After looking for the perfect recipe online for who knows how long I settled on a Paula Deen recipe from recipezaar.com. Now I consider myself a competent cook and felt like I could improvise a little on this, I mean come on how can you screw up tomatoes, cheese and spice? So I got fancy and added sauteed onions that I made from the grease of the bacon I fried up to add to it. I was quite pleased with myself. I let the tomatoes drain in the colanders all in my sink and on plates for a couple hours determined to not have a soggy crust like the others had complained about on the reviews. I even dabbed them with a bunch of paper towels, these were really juicy tomatoes! It just was coming together beautifully. I finally got it in the oven and anxiously awaited. While I could smell the pungent smell of maybe just a little too much italian seasoning I began to let a little doubt creep in. My son, walked in and asked me what I was making and I told him Tomato Pie! He just wrinkled up his 3 year old nose and said "Yucky! I like apple and nanna pie, Mom". I didn't let his negativity get to me. But by the time the timer went off and the smell did not get any better, I was wondering if I had just wasted 4 of my prized tomatoes. But oh my! How pretty! I took many pictures. I wanted to be prepared to brag about it here and on facebook, you know. After all this, it was late and I didn't go to my mom's with her supper. I thought well, it'll just be even better tomorrow, all the juices and flavors will meld together and I'll be a hero on Thursday! So all day I waited until I could take it to her and prove what a fabulous cook I had become. Oh hurray! My uncle was there, I could show off for him too, as I knew he too loved tomatoes. I re-heated the pie for what seemed an eternity and finally after checking umpteen times pulled it out after I thought the crust was starting to burn. My doubts were kicking in again as I smelled burnt crust and the now extremely strong scent of italian seasoning. But... it was a beauty to behold! I sliced into it for the first serving to my uncle. Ok... a little runny, I'll admit. Then I plate up Mom's and mine. I'm looking in anticipation at my uncle, awaiting my praise. Well? Do you like it? I got a very un-hyped up "yeah, it's alright, it's a little doughy". Ugh. The "alright" answer. That's as good as my husband calling my food "filler" when I try a new dish and asked him how he liked it. This was not going as I had envisioned it. My mom was silent in the living room. I couldn't see her. I start to eat mine... ewwww is all I can say. No wait, I can say ewwww... what nasty foul smelling muck.

So my friends, learn from my mistakes and please don't try this one at home. If you notice half the pie is missing. That is because I was just so sure that everyone would just scarf this stuff down that I handed out very generous portions to the three of us. As for the rest of the pie, it will sit in the fridge awaiting my mother in law this weekend. She can't stand to throw food out, so I know she'll at least eat it ;)

Salsa Saturday

Well it's actually Sunday, but I made salsa on Saturday but was too tired to write about it. I made a double batch of my DEE-Licious homemade salsa, medium heat, that made 15 pints plus two half pints. I guess it's med. heat. I put in 2 cups of jalapeno's, isn't that med? My mother in law took a taste and nearly fell on the floor, but she's got a whimpy heat-o-meter. My kid on the other hand is like me and slurps up the hot stuff. I usually just freeze it, but the old freezer is full from my ever-producing garden! So I canned it. Probably will be better this way, cause I can eat it whenever and not have to remember to lug myself down to the basement to get a jar and then wait forever for it to thaw to get the yummy goodness. If you have never made salsa and you like salsa, DO IT! It is easy and soooo much better than store bought. I will never buy another jar again. I'm willing to share my recipe if anyone is interested. I actually have two favorite recipes, but I can't seem to find one of them. I think my clutter is procreating behind my back, literally.

I've also tossed in a picture of my baby's first black eye! He actually got it at church last Sunday, he said a little girl pushed him. I told him that he had better get used to women pushing him around ;)

Jalapeno Heaven

Just look at all these jalapeno' s I just picked from my garden. Not bad for my first haul, huh? Now if my bell peppers would just get a little bigger and I'll be ready to make some salsa! My zucchini plants are huge but not putting out what they should, which really isn't a problem cause what would I do with all that zucchini?

I can spend so much time looking at other people's blogs! Time I don't have... haha. But it is nice to veg in front of the computer even if it is for only 30 minutes or so every now and again. I wish I had some paintings or sketches to show, but I've been so busy with my mom and the garden and canning before my food goes bad that my art projects have taken a backseat. My latest dilemma is whether to cancel an art show I've already paid to be in for September. It's called the Kunstfest in New Harmony and it's a 2 day show. I'm so disappointed I can't make it but I won't be able to attend on the first day! and I haven't even asked if I could just be there Sunday, so I may be out anyway. With all that has been going on I don't have much to show right now either. I hate asking for my money back. But I hate to lose it too. Any suggestions? I'd love to hear from someone.

Veggie Garden Mayhem

First, I gotta say I have nearly eaten this whole box of Grippos by myself (in less than a week), not a hard thing to do btw... they are soooo good. Hot and spicy and a little sweetness to them... yummmmmm! My favorite chip. If you have never had them, do yourself a favor and buy a bag or do one better and get a box. I think they are regional to my area, but I'll bet you can order them online from their website which is www.grippos.com I tell ya, summer just ain't the same without BBQ Grippos, homegrown tomatoes and iced tea! Add some fried potatoes with onions and I am in heaven!

Whew! I've been busy lately!! I haven't had time lately to create any art or to blog. I've got lots of ideas, but no time to do them. I'm trying to finish up a Memory Book I'm doing for my high school reunion and that was LAST August in spare time!! I'm only about a year late. the rest of the time I'm too tired to drag my stuff out. My house is in ruins. I've got a "studio" upstairs, but it is packed with stuff and all my sewing stuff is out. Someday, I'll have it to where I can go up there and do something and leave it there if I need to and not worry about Asher stealing it or something getting put on it. My kitchen bar has all kinds of canning stuff on it along with tons of tomatoes from the garden, some art supplies, mail, crap, etc. and I have to cook on it too! It's all I can do to keep up. Holy Cow! Canning and having a veggie garden is a lot of work. We've been picking green beans 2 or 3 times a week. All from just 2 little 20 foot rows of beans! I've bought countless jars and spent countless hours snapping beans and canning! and freezing tomatoes and corn and zucchini! oyi! I get tired just typing about it! I haven't even had time to make salsa yet! My jalapeno's are going rot on the plant if I don't pick them soon! My bell peppers haven't come in yet. Dag gone Blight is taking over my toms, hope they keep going.

First Canning Job Evah

Well yesterday for the first time ever, I canned. Woo hoo! the best part is, it was easy! I've been wanting to can for years but have been afraid to. I jumped in head first. I bought this gargancheous pressure canner. It was so big, that I had to buy a new cooktop. These may be the most expensive homegrown and canned green beans in the history of mankind. 

Last year I froze everything including the beans and they were icky, just horrible. I froze tomatoes, salsa, corn, peppers and yellow and green squash. This year I'm gonna be a "Cannin' Freak". I may just have to buy another shelf for the basement!

I also, spied my first ripe tomato! A Stupice, one of my Heirloom Tomatoes I grew from seed. I haven't had a tomato before July 4th in a long time! They are growing gangbusters! I think they have found some tomato crack in the soil or something. Seriously, they are doing fabulous.

Today, I also did a little sketch of a fairy. Man, I really need to practice and loosen up some.