pomegranates...and a pizza party

The pomegranate...which literally means 'an apple of many seeds'...has become a hugely popular fruit in recent years. Rich in nutrients...and proving to pack a powerful punch in fighting against heart disease and cancer...pomegranates are showing up in everything from smoothies to teas.

They are a unique and exotic fruit...with flavorful seeds that are tart, sweet and deliciously different. They are grown in sunny, arid climates...and most of those sold in North America come from California. They grow on attractive small trees that produce vibrant orange blooms in spring. The fruits are harvested in fall and are available from September through December...but can be refrigerated for up to two months!

When shopping, choose a pomegranate heavy for its size--it will have the juiciest seeds. The seeds glow like little jewels...but they also stain whatever they come in contact with! So getting the seeds out has always been a bit of a challenge...and somewhat of a deterrent to buying the fruit in the first place. When I saw a video featuring Martha Stewart's simple method of removing the seeds...I just had to see for myself.

It works great...no mess, no stain! So I thought I'd share her secrets with all of you...and you could go out and buy a pomegranate or two while they are still on the produce shelves, and give it a try.

Martha's Method: Score the pomegranate into quarters...being sure to cut right through the skin. Carefully pry the fruit into four sections...turn each piece face down (skin side up) in the palm of your cupped hand.

Hold your hand over a bowl. Then take a wooden spoon and whack hard on the pomegranate repeatedly...and most every seed will fall right out. There's nothing to it!

They are great tossed into a salad...or just eaten by the spoonful for dessert. I quite like them!

Last night we left pomegranates at home...and went next door for a wee pizza party! Jeremy was home at long last...looking somewhat smaller than he did just ten days earlier when he began his battle with pneumonia. Three very thrilled children and a most relieved wife had a bit of a welcome home party for 'daddy'...and we joined them at the table. He will be 'on the mend' for some time yet...but things are definitely looking up. Thanks to all of you who came alongside in prayer.

Have a great day...

still smiling...

I have no idea what these birds were so excited about yesterday...

...but I had my own reasons to 'leap for joy'! I had a wonderful day from beginning to end...filled with good things, good wishes, and family and friends who stopped by. At the end of the day, I enjoyed a dinner out at one of my favorite spots...in great company.

And before we left for home...I had my cake and ate it too! Now this wasn't just any old cake...think layers of light and fluffy cake with cream filling, garnished with toasted almonds, chocolate curls and strawberries.

Not only did I eat the cake...but when all was said and done, I took home the plate...a pedestal cake plate with hand-painted dome cover. How special is that?

Yes...I am blessed with the best friends and family! Thank-you one and all for being a part of my life...in the good times and the bad.

Another reason for 'rejoicing' is that Jeremy is doing much better. I'm not sure if he has talked any of the 'powers that be' into agreeing with him...but I know he is wanting to come home from the hospital today. We'll see what the day brings!

Have a terrific Tuesday...

a bus trip to remember...

So why would anyone actually want to take a bus trip? My bus riding experience was mostly limited to riding a bright yellow bus to school…

...or this lovely seafoam green specimen on a missions trip in the West Indies in the early 70’s. Bus rides were for school children and seniors! That was my thinking…until I took a surprise bus tour that threw that theory out the window.

It was a normal west coast January evening…and the plan was to go out for dinner with friends. Hubby had made all the arrangements…and our friends were stopping by to pick us up. But they were a little late…and then I heard the ‘milktruck’ coming down the barn driveway. Strange…the milk was usually picked up late at night. Next thing I knew…the ‘milktruck’ was honking in front of the house. Hubby said, “Let’s go…I think they’re here.” Suddenly I knew he was up to something…and I wasn't so sure I wanted to find out what! Sitting outside my front door was a state-of-the-art tour bus….and the passenger door opened as I approached. By now I was totally taken aback…but hubby insisted I get in.

Surprise! Inside were about 50 of my nearest and dearest friends and family. They all yelled “surprise” and I stood there dumbfounded! Soon we were off on a trip to “who knows where”. I don’t think anyone knew exactly where we were going…but someone suggested maybe Las Vegas. As it turned out…our destination was a quaint little restaurant on the other side of the river for a fiftieth birthday celebration. My kids had arrived earlier to decorate the room…hubby had made arrangements for the dinner…and we had us a party. The bus driver came and joined in…after all, fiftieth birthday celebrations are few and far between!

And when the party was over…it wasn’t really over…since we all got to ride that fancy bus together one more time. Reclining seats, overhead television screens, and spa music...it was all a far cry from the buses of my past! Here’s what I know to be true…the journey can be as much fun as the destination. Hop on a bus with some friends and find out for yourself!

All this happened on January 19…just a few years ago (well, quite a few, actually!). Don’t you think I have the most creative husband? He decided that for my inauguration into ‘old-age’ I should go on my first senior’s bus trip. Although, it wasn’t really on my wish list of things to do…we had us a fun time! I’m still wondering how many cows he sold to pay for the evening…but he’s not telling.

It’s January 19 again…and I’m not planning on going on any bus rides today!

PS Another good reason to celebrate today...Jeremy is definitely on the mend. We are hoping he will be home from the hospital in short order!