A Valentine's Day Story

 Husband M likes bran muffins so I decided to make some using this recipe.  The recipe uses buttermilk and molasses.  If you don't have buttermilk you can substitute plain yogurt or add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk.  Apparently brown sugar is a good substitute for molasses if you don't have any on hand.

So we have been trying to clear out our stacks of old paperwork, memorabilia, etc.  I seem to have kept all of my children's school notes throughout their school lives.  Anyway I came upon this old email printout sent from my sister dated February 5, 1998.  She doesn't remember it and thought maybe my mom might have sent it.  It contained a charming story which I found in this link.  I hope you will read it and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

On muscle memory

What do you see in this photo?

 I am really enjoying doing Lucy Wyndham Read's 7 minute workout videos on youtube each morning.  Stuck on doing the same one for awhile, daughter L told me to try different ones.  It would avoid 'muscle memory' where your body adjusts to the same routine and it is as if you are doing nothing for your body.  Lo and behold I discovered so many new ones that Lucy has been doing.  They are quick and enjoyable and go by so quickly.  Are you a creature of habit like me?

Every winter I seem to gain 5 pounds, likely due to less activity.  It is not a good thing.

Paint Party Friday - Two Horses

Happy Valentine's Day when it comes and welcome to Paint Party Friday.  As always thanks to our hosts Kristin and Eva.  I am showing 'Two Horses' and ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in alcohol ink and permanent markers on poster paper cut to size.  This one seems timely for Valentine's Day don't you think?  My niece took this inspiration photo atop one of the horses I am thinking, she rides.

And Happy Chinese New Year if you celebrate!  It is the year of the Ox.

Rain's Thursday Art Date - Film Noirs

 Welcome to Rain's Thursday Art Date.  For the 'Film Noirs' theme I did the Joker from 'The Dark Knight' in an ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") in alcohol ink markers.

Also linking to 29faces hosted by Martha at Ayala Art.

Such a Pleasure

I saw this photo on social media, don't know who to attribute it to but it shows an Osprey poised to attack. Isn't nature magnificent, it is also a beautiful, well timed shot.

Last week daughter L and her fiance spent some time with us, she cleared a lot of clutter out of her bedroom and we decided to give some old childhood books to our neighbour with young children. It was such a pleasure ringing their doorbell, the young girls scrambled past their mother to greet me by name. I was fully masked with the hood of my coat over my head. They seemed to really appreciate the books. One was a large book never really used depicting the human body. It had matching stickers. The other was a simple 'learn to cook' book for little ones, with recipes for sandwiches and such. Then daughter L suggested a book on spiders with lots of pictures. The 8 year old told me she wants to be an animal scientist, that she loves animals. I didn't linger although it would have been good to chat with them awhile longer. Everyone is glad for a little company these days.

My black bean beef burgers

These black bean beef burgers were a success! It seems when there is some meat in a burger my family will readily try it.  So I decided to add meat to my black beans.  It is also makes a lot more burgers using less meat.

 Here is my recipe:

1 lb lean ground beef 

1 19oz can black beans, drained and roughly mashed

 1 onion diced

 2 cloves garlic minced

 1/2c breadcrumbs

 2 eggs

 1/2 tsp chipotle or chili pepper 

1/2 can tomato paste 

1/2 tsp cumin

 1/2 tsp dried oregano

 mix all ingredients to form approx 12 patties pan fry in canola oil 8 mins per side,  flip gently

I am going to try baking at 325 F  10 mins per side as an option

 This recipe would work for chick peas as well

Jump-Start Banana Muffins

 Robin kindly shared this banana muffin recipe with me and I set about making them.  They were perfect and so yummy!  Thanks Robin.