Pie, Anyone?!

For most of my life I have been opposed to 'cooked fruit'. So pie wasn't really something I partook of very often. Then several years ago, we started hosting a 'Pie Night' before Thanksgiving. The purpose was to get both sides of our families together and share pies because after you eat a delicious and giant Thanksgiving dinner, you usually don't have room to eat as much pie as you would really like to.

This caused me to start trying my hand at making different types of pie. The result was a growing appreciation for some 'cooked fruit'. I also realized that pie crust is truly an art form! One of the pies I tried 2 years ago was a Strawberry, Rhubarb pie (even though it was November), and I loved it!! I have been working on the recipe for the last couple of years and I think I almost have it the way I want it.

In February, when all the strawberries appeard in the grocery stores, it gave me a craving for some of that Strawberry, Rhubarb pie! And, oh, it was delicious! I was particularly excited with how this one turned out! YUM!

A Desert Tortoise Named Fred

She was a birthday or Christmas (I can't remember which) gift for my little brother in 1989! That's right, folks our Desert Tortoise named Fred is an old lady! She survived our dog trying to chew her like a chew toy 2 times when I was in high school. Luckily, the parts of her shell and toes that were chewed off have grown back! But when Mom and Dad got a new dog a few years ago, that dog tried to chew her too, and so Fred was handed down to our Sam. I couldn't ask for an easier pet...she hibernates 6-8 months of the year. She curls up in a corner of the house and sleeps for 6-8 months! A part-time pet! She has two different 'habitats'. Jared and Sam built this one outside for her to chill in during the summer when she is outside - complete with 2 entrances!

For her 'Winter Quarters', they built this handy place for her. She seems to be happy there-she hasn't come out to complain!

Sam was so excited when she came to live with us! He simply adores her! And who can blame him? How cool is that to have a pet that is four times your age!

Our Tricycle Path...

We have a tricycle path! It was Jared's idea, and as with most of his home improvement ideas, I love it!! It is essentially a sidewalk that circumnavigates (I love using that word!) our backyard. We designed it to be wide enough for a tricycle and other kid-sized people-movers that are reminiscent of the Flinstone's foot-powered car. It is really fun to watch the Little Man race around as fast as he can. He loves it when I time his laps. Tricycle path...great idea Jared!