Our daughter Lindsay and son-in-law Ryan O’Donahue were married today!  The ceremony was held in the Earl Miller Burns Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach under blue skies and beautiful weather, even though it is nearly the first day of winter! Â
Lindsay was elegant, beautiful, and poised walking with her proud father. The bridesmaids wore red gowns of various styles, and the men wore black tuxedos with red accents. (there are other wedding photos on the garden’s website – none of our wedding, but you’ll see what a lovely setting it is!) The reception afterwards was held at the El Dorado Event Center in Long Beach (operate the scroll slider beneath the picture for more images).Â
Family and friends gathered with the new couple for dinner, dancing, toasts and all the traditional trimmings. I presented a slide show of photos from babyhood through engagement after dinner. What a memorable evening!Â
Click to see a photo slideshow of Lindsay & Ryan’s wedding!
I first tasted these bite-sized treats when teaching in Alaska. This popular recipe appears multiple times on the internet, so I can’t credit the source! A few simple ingredients and about an hour’s time provides tasty bite-sized treats to serve, or inexpensive stocking stuffer gifts!
Don’s brother, Gordon Krentz is the Director of Special Events at the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha. During Thanksgiving week Gordon gave us a tour of the Lied Humane Center. It is an amazing facility – colorful, and absolutely huge! There are many services for animals including veterinarians, a multi-unit surgery, multiple kennels to hold the animals in large enclosures during the evaluation period. Special “get acquainted” rooms are available for families to bring their pets in to meet a potential adopted pet.
Take a peek at pictures from our tour, and visit your local shelter or Humane society. Donations and volunteers are desperately needed in every community. Contact with the animals will enrich your life, and the lives of those you provide care for.
This easy holiday recipe from my friend Jean O. makes a large amount – quick, and great for inexpensive gifts! It would be a fun activity for children to help prepare and mix.
2 lbs Mini Twist Pretzels (most favorable design)
10-12 oz. butter flavored popcorn oil (Orville Redenbacher’s is best!)
1/4 c. Origina Hidden Valley Dressing mix (the 4 pack 4.5 oz. pkg will make 2 batches)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. onion powder
1 large oven roasting bag (8-24 lb Turkey size)
Pour pretzels into a colander to remove the extra salt. Place pretzels in the oven bag. In a 2-cup measure, add the dressing mix, popcorn oil, and spices. Mix well. Add the mixture into the oven bag with the pretzels. Secure the oven bag with a twist tie near the top of the bag.
Leave enough space to lay the bag on a flat surface − no need to remove all the air. Spread out the pretzels inside the bag.
For the next 2 days, periodically rotate the bag to mix the pretzels and distribute the seasonings. Turn the bag frequently − upside down, downside up, right / left, crossways, sideways, and always anytime you pass the bag or think about it. After 2 days the oil will have been absorbed and the pretzels are ready to eat. The flavor improves with age!
Jan’s note − what a great stocking stuffer or party gift − present each guest with a cute holiday package of pretzels − you could also print copies of the recipe, fold and attach with a bow.
Romaine Lettuce (at least one head)
1 cup shredded swiss cheese (I often substitute parmesan)
1 cup chopped almonds or cashews
½ cup dried cranberries
1 red apple
1 pear
Dressing:
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 Tablespoon poppyseeds
2 teaspoons grated onion
2/3 cup salad oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
Dressing can be made ahead and the apples and pears can be chopped ahead too!!! Just toss them with a little lemon juice, it is in the dressing anyway, and put aside so they won’t brown!
We had a great workshop in early November – the Variable Hunter Star design. The quilters joined me for a 1-day workshop following their successful weekend Quilt Show! Good job, ladies!
