Puppy Kindergarten

I'm going to start posting some of my favorite layouts. These pictures were taken when I took Dakota to Puppy Kindergarten at Tara Animal Clinic. This dog was huge but still a puppy and so gentle - he was Dakota's favorite buddy in class.

Recipe #2

This is something new that I made over the weekend.


Greek Artichoke & Chicken Pasta Salad

10 oz pasta of choice
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
8 oz feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
2 plum tomatoes, cored and diced
½ c red onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ c Greek style olives, sliced
¾ c extra virgin olive oil
2 T red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 t oregano
1 t thyme
2 c cooked chicken, cubed
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Sauté red onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Set aside.
Combine cooked pasta with all ingredients. Stir well; chill for several hours and serve.

It's Monday Again

Like always, the weekend flew by. On Saturday we went to the Guitar Center so Bret could get some guitar lessons on DVD. He’s trying to teach himself without taking lessons and I’m not sure how that’s going to work out, but only time will tell. In preparation for our upcoming cruise, he bought some new golf shirts and I picked out one that I told him looked “tropical.”

On Sunday, we went to church and later in the day, while I was cleaning, Dakota opened and back door and came in. She has done that several times in the past but apparently hasn’t figured out that the door will open EVERY time she jumps up and pulls the handle down.

My small group from church resumed our meetings every other Sunday and we were paid an unexpected visit by Becky and Hannah Harber. We are starting a new study book on Revelation. We have a great group of women.

Recipe #1

I'm going to share some of my favorites. This is one that I really like and it's very easy.

Chicken and Pasta

4-6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1-2 t fresh chopped garlic
1 T dried crushed oregano
1 T basil
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 chopped tomatoes
Whole wheat pasta

Sauté chicken pieces with garlic in olive oil until chicken is done. Add oregano, basil, salt and pepper, and vinegar. Cook 2-3 minutes; add tomatoes. Cook appx. 3-5 minutes.

*You can add more vinegar and oil if you want more sauce.
Cook pasta; spoon chicken mixture over top of pasta.

Woo Hoo - Cruisin' is Gettin' Closer

Now that the days left til sailing time are in the double digits, I'm starting to get really excited. As a scrapbooker, of course, I have to get ready for all the pictures I plan to take. I have already stocked up on cruise-related patterned paper and embellishments. I found the perfect album but of course, it was sold out, so I signed up to be notified when it's back in stock.

We're in the process of planning our shore excursions and although I'm not a very good swimmer, I think I'll give snorkeling a try since who knows when I will get another chance to give it a try.