Mother's Day Weekend in Solvang 2009

Kat and I had a great time! I am so happy I went with her....she makes me laugh. Luv ya Kat (missed you Lou!)








A quick stop in Camarillo








Solvang...here we come!






Welcome to Solvang!






Our timeshare in Solvang








The Girls








My mom sporting her apron that I had made for her. Happy Mother's day mama.











Dad hanging in Solvang











A photo op that we couldn't resist!











Dad and Mom in front of our condo








The BEST pancakes ever. We waited an hour and a half to eat here! It was worth every minute.










Oh little pancakes...I love you so much!








A flag right in front of Paula's pancakes











Me and my mommy








My mom bought me a tomato knife








I couldn't help myself







Solvang Trolley







A great pic of my mom and Katie











Los Olivos... a city featured in the movie Sideways.







The famous BLACK JACK RANCH











An adorable house in Los Olivos







Love it!







A breath taking view







Mom and dad as we leave







Bye guys....back to LA we go!







Katie and I stopped at the "Pork Palace"... :-( It was CLOSED!











Bye, Solvang we'll see you again next year!

The Staff Bulletin Board....need I say more!

Strawberry Soup

This month will be 1 year since my Grandmother's passing. In her memory, I made one of her specialties...."Strawberry Soup". I'm not sure on how this recipe came about, but it was definitely a Summer staple in my grandma's house. She would typically whip some Strawberry soup up on HOT summer days, it was always a nice refreshing treat. I recently made it for the first time at my house, I wanted to share a little bit of my Grandma with my own family.


Hope you enjoy this very special blog!

GRANDMA'S STRAWBERRY SOUP


I used about 2 green woven baskets full of strawberries.




Then you chop the strawberries




Put in Medium sized bowl and mash them (Do not drain, the strawberry juice is what makes the soup!)



Add a dollop of Sour Cream (A little goes a long way)




Then, Add sugar
I suggest to start with a little bit then add as needed



Stir well, and Enjoy!

Watermelons hanging from a telephone poll...what the?

Our neighbor has a CRAZY cool garden/jungle/forest. It is now growing into the alley , and it appears to be producing WATERMELONS! The strangest part is that all the watermelon vines are hanging from a telephone poll. Only in Temple City.

Party at the Strauss House

Happy Birthday Eric!

We DIG our planet

Earth Day was this past Wednesday (April 22nd, 2009). I've been trying little by little to become more green. Not only do I want to set a good example for Delilah but I want to do my part in saving our planet.

In honor of Earth Day, I planted a Japanese Maple (Thank You Kathleen!).

<--This is the bag that the tree came in!







<--This is the tree, after I planted it. I know it doesn't look like much now, but it will grow to be beautiful!






<--One way that I am trying to become more green is by no longer using paper lunch bags. Instead, I am now using re-usable, and eco-friendly bags.







<--Here is an upclose shot of the one I got for free from Whole Foods (Thank you OPRAH!)






Now.....go and hug a tree!