C is for cookies.

One of the best things about my husband returning from deployment, his chocolate chip cookies. I was going to post his recipe, but upon further consideration it would be pointless. You see, he has a special magic with the cookies. In the past 15 years of marriage I have tried, and tried to replicate the perfection of his chocolate chip cookies. To no avail.

See the perfect shape. The crinkled top, with just the right mix of crisp and chewy. Ahh. . .I'm off to find a glass of milk. Can't you hear it? The cookies are calling me.

**Remember my friend Lorri over at Mac and Cheese Chronicles is hosting this Alphabet Photography Project. Click on over and check it out.

A little something for you folks that are snowed in. . .

I'm hearing murmurings that most of the country is snowed in. This may mean that some of you with little people might be needing a little diversion.

I bring you Homemade Play dough.
The ingredients are simple.

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

4 tsp. cream of tartar

2 tbsp. oil

2 cups water

few drops food coloring & extract for color and scent.

This is pretty easy to whip up too. Princess made a few batches for Bubby the other day.

Mix dry ingredients, add water stirring until smooth in sauce pan. Heat slowly until mixture "lumps" together. Knead until consistency of Play dough. Keep in tightly closed container in refrigerator.

**The recipe says it will last 1-2 weeks, but we've had it last for over a month. Just watch for mold.
From our house to yours, happy snow days. Enjoy, I know Bubby has sure enjoyed this special gift from his big sister. (He hasn't been snowed in, just rained in many day this winter.)

B is for Bubby: The Alphabet Project

My friend Lorri over at Mac and Cheese Chronicles invited me to join in an alphabet photography project this year. Stop by her blog and read all the details. She's such a sweet friend, she's letting me play along, even if I'm late.

So here's to catching up. . .

B is for Bubby's soft Brown eyes:

This was taken with our Nikon D40. A bit clunky to lug around, but I love the close ups I can get. To capture their little fingers, lips and nose. Oh, those eyes and that sweet little smile, you melt my heart little man.

The Making of an Angel

Remember, WAAAYYY back in December, when there was talk of Sugar Plums Dancing in our heads? Oh the joy of Nutcracker. Princess, had a delightful time. Since January is the month that we celebrate the birth of our beautiful girl, I thought this tribute was a nice follow up.

Step 1: Hair. Can it be that my beautiful little girl no longer needs help with the ballet bun? I don't know if I should cry, or be over the moon happy with this new independence. I'll get back with you on that one. ;)

Step 2: Make-up. So fun on day one, but by the end of the show the glamour had worn off. She was pretty tired of scrubbing the gunk off each night.Step 3: Getting into the costume. Putting on the hoop and dress. Look closely at her face. She has a mesh bag over her head. It keeps the stage make-up off those beautiful white gowns. I'm telling you, the ladies that run the show are amazing. They have thought of everything, down to the tiniest detail.Steps 4&5: Halo and wings.And voila. . .Our Princess is an Angel. (That is Grandma with our girl.)We already knew this. . .It all started here. . .

Happy Birthday Princess!

Sugar Plums are dancing in our heads. . .

Alas, it is here. Nutcracker opening night last night. Princess had a splendid time. She so enjoys being a part of the show. It makes all of the driving, volunteering, sewing and support worth the effort. This is definitely an example of the more we give of ourselves to others, the greater the gift we receive. Just one beaming smile makes it all worth it!

A question for Library Ann. . .

or anyone else who may have read An Army At Dawn by Rick Atkinson.

The General just picked up this book, and I am having a hard time finding a review. Well, I did find one that said it was an excellent book. However, the gentleman didn't say if it would be an excellent book for a 13 year old boy.

So if any of you folks have read this book I would appreciate your feedback. With Nutcracker being in full swing, I just do not have time to pre-read this one for him.

Thank you for your time,

Mrs. Nomad

Head Mistress of the Nomad Academy

Ramblin' Jacks Deep Fried Pickles. .

Yummmmm. . .

Since Princess has been busy dancing up a storm, I've had to find things to fill my time. Of all the endless possibilities, my favorite activity has been the taste testing at local restaurants. (I know you are all so shocked.)

Although I have never made these myself (I have an aversion to deep frying), a friend back in DC used to treat us with this appetizer. I think dipping hamburger cut dill pickles in a cornmeal batter and deep frying is all it would take to whip up this tasty little treat. At Ramblin' Jacks they have a Dijon Mustard dipping sauce on the side. Again I say, YUMMMM!

Do you have a favorite appetizer you'd like to share?