Choo Choo, All Aboard

Today, my parents and I went on a fun adventure. On that train. Yes, from 8AM to 5PM, we just enjoyed a little bit of life. A slow and fun trip, on the train. Seeing some of the most beautiful landscape that you can imagine!

It's something that mis padres, have talked about for anos and anos. Since I was a ninita. They've always wanted to go. And after a long road trip, much longer than we expected, a little investigating, a questionable hotel, and a fair dinner, we made it to the train. Honestly, I would not trade today for anything. We had that much fun!

Our trip included a tour, bus ride, up the mountain. Crossing the state line at least 11 times on the way back. The return trip was on the train. And halfway back, we stopped for lunch. It was really a fun ride. We met new people. Had great conversations! And it ended with a sprinkling of rain, and getting to see a family of deer. :)

When we got back, we did some shopping. Yes, in that little tiny town. And got a few souvenirs. Nothing crazy or odd. Just some cute things. My Mom bought a hummingbird sign, for her yard. My Dad bought a train for his collection. And I got a pin and some earrings.

Then we made the trip home. Well, we didn't get there. We made it to the state capital. We managed a small dinner, before hunting down a hotel. A better hotel. And we've pretty much collapsed. In pure exhaustion! It was such a great day. A fun trip. And now, I'm ready for some sleep! ♫

Flower Baskets

About a year ago, my parents and I, traveled up to the State Capital. For no real reason at all. Just for a quick trip. We didn't have a plan. But figured that we would walk through the Plaza. And eventually head home. It was a day trip.

And when we got there, you couldn't miss the beautiful flowers. Tons and tons of baskets, overflowing with beautiful flowers. Hanging throughout the Plaza. A little like these...



And since that time, those flowers were all I could think about. I wanted baskets of beautiful flowers for my yard. Something simple, but beautiful. So I almost died out of excitement, when I found hanging flower baskets, and liners, at the Dollar Tree.

I bought a dozen. I'm not even ashamed to admit that. They're not huge. But they are the perfect size. And I planted a bunch of seeds inside them. And a few flowers. I have bigger plans for next year. Since I have a better clue about growing flowers in a basket. And I've got so many ideas. Yup, I'm excited!

It's funny. How simple the idea is. And how it never occurred to me before. I want flowers to hang from my HUGE trees. And in the middle of the lawn. I just need to find those poles. I can imagine flowering vines growing up the poles, and flowers dangling from the baskets. All the things that inspired me, on that summer day. ♫

Big Cherry

Do you remember the candy, Big Cherry? It was my favorite growing up. I could count on a good family friend, to sneak me one, at the little league games. Every single time! Or my Auntie Joe, bringing one over, after I finished my dinner. Yum! Those were the days. :)



Today, I got a delicious Big Cherry! Ya, I know. It's early in the morning. But yum, it was good! Honestly, I didn't know that they were still making them. I never see them anywhere.

But Dr. M walked in. 2 precious candies in his hands. So we sat and ate. Enjoying our bliss in complete silence. The crunchy nuts, super sweet filling, and the yummy cherry! This is going to be a great day. Happy Saturday! ♫

Polka Dottie Blankie

I don't know what is more precious, the baby in this picture, or the blanket. Honestly, both are making my heart smile. But back to the blanket. It's a crochet blanket! No lie. Isn't it just too cute?

I'm working on 7 separate ones. For some very precious baby girls. Yes, I know it sounds a little crazy. But it is so much fun. I just love this pattern. All those "polka dots." Since I couldn't find a pattern, I made up my own. And it's going surprisingly well.

Mi Princesa is also a big fan, of this fun pattern. Oh yes she is! I think it's the texture, that gets people interested. And Mi Princesa may have hinted at a new blankie. You know, to match her "Nap Mat" for school. I just might be able to squeeze that in! ;) Nah, she's not spoiled at all! ♫

Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

Vegetables are seriously my favorite things to eat. I don't think people realize how different they can taste, just buy cooking them in different ways. An example, broccoli. When it's raw, it's crisp, and has a very strong taste. Steamed, it's still crisp, but the taste is less intense. But when roasted, the texture and taste change completely! The broccoli has a more "nutty" taste. Here's a fun and easy recipe from Gooseberry Patch. This week's Free Recipe of the Week, highlights the wonderful taste of roasted veggies.

Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

1 lb. fresh mixed vegetables, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
2 t. dried rosemary
2 t. dried thyme
2 T. olive oil
1/2 lb. rigatoni, cooked
2 t. balsamic vinegar
2-1/2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

Arrange vegetables in a lightly greased 13"x9" baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary and thyme; pour oil over all and toss. Roast vegetables in a 500 degree oven for 10 minutes or until browned. Drain vegetables, reserving juice; set aside. In a large serving bowl, toss pasta, vegetables, reserved juice and vinegar together. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; toss. Makes 4 servings.


Honestly, this is one of the yummiest, and easiest recipes around. It can easily work as a side dish, or a main course. This is also a good way to use up any bits and pieces of veggies. You know what I mean. At the end of the week, when we have a mix of veggies, leftover from cooking all week. So yummy! ♫

I Need Lucy

It's been a ridiculously tough week. And it's only Tuesday. If we're Facebook friends, you seen my post. About marriage. Yes, I contemplated marriage. So I could run away, from all of this. But we all know, that won't solve anything. Let's just say, it's a good thing, this man, is in Espana right now. :)

So to cheer myself up, I decided to watch a few YouTube videos tonight. More specifically, I Love Lucy. She's my favorite! This is one of my favorite episodes. And it makes me laugh every single time. I hope you enjoy it too!



So what do you do when you're having a bad week. Or when you are just feeling "down in the dumps." I watch YouTube videos, bake yummy cupcakes, and paint my nails. Anything to feel good again. Hopefully, it works tonight. ♫

Victorian Cape

A friend of mine, forwarded this to me today. The Victorian Cape. For a baby. The best part, it's today's free pattern from Free Crochet. I can just imagine the perfect little baby, all wrapped up. So sweet! I just might have to start making one, or five! Because this would be absolutely perfect, for a wintertime Baptismo. ♫

Makes Me Smile

The moment I seen this necklace, I had a smile on my face! It is just the cutest thing ever. The pinwheel reminds me of my childhood. And summer. All those summer evenings that I spent with my Grandma S. Sitting in her porch. Playing with pinwheels.

You know the ones. You would buy them at the store for a dollar. They were made out of a very thin plastic-foil type of material. You'd play with them all summer, and then, you weren't quite sure what happened to them...

This necklace just reminds me of a time past. Filled with laughter and happiness. Now, I'll be saving up my pennies for this little gem. Oh, I just can't wait! ♫

Good Luck Team USA!!!

Team USA. Isn't it just amazing what they've accomplished? I think so. Tons and tons of hard work. And heart. We're so proud of these ladies. It's not the time to compare them to 1999 team. No. These ladies are different. They've accomplished so much. Just like the 1999 team, they're amazing. A different set of women. Who will inspire so many American girls.



No matter what happens today, we're proud of our fellow Americans. Yes, we'd all be so excited with the victory. But our fellow Americans have already accomplished so much. So very much! Good luck ladies. We're all cheering for you. ♫

Sisterly Love

If you are someone from my family, you know, I have 8 half siblings. For my entire life, I've been closer to my 2 youngest sisters. Unfortunately, many of my brothers and I, aren't exactly on the same page. But my sisters, they've been there for me.

It's crazy. In the last 12 years or so, I've really lost touch with my hermanas. It makes me so sad. It hardens my heart. And honestly, it makes me feel incomplete. I really wish, that I could get in touch, with my sisters.

My Mom's daughter and I, were never super close. But we got along. And we saw each other when we could. But honestly, it's been nearly 10 years since we've seen each other. That saddens me. So much!

About 2 months ago, I reached out. We sent text messages back and forth. And talked about meeting up. Before she left town. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. I wish it had. I miss my sister. And now, all I can do is hope. That we can reconnect sometime soon.

Then there is my Dad's daughter. We were super close. For years and years, there was rarely a day that would go by, that we didn't see each other. I love my sister so much. We were so close. And it's super sad to say, but we haven't spoken in almost 10 1/2 years!

I think about her all the time. And honestly, I wish I could talk to her. I wish that we'd run into each other. Somewhere. Because I really miss her. We were so close. I miss that. She was the only sibling, that I've ever had, who treated me with love, respect, and care.

Most of all, I miss just hanging out with her. Laughing. Sharing our lives. Cooking together. The simple things. Celebrating our birthdays together. I miss just spending time together. Being sisters and friends. I miss my sister more than words can say.

It's crazy. The older I get, the more I miss my sisters. It's like I need them more. I need them in my life. I want them in my life. If only. If only we were closer. We had more time together. Had a better bond. Didn't have the family issues to deal with.

My sisters mean the world to me. And if I can help mend our broken relationships, I'm all in! If only I had a way to get in touch with them. To build back our broken relationships. To be sisters and friends again. I pray for this every single day! ♫