BALSAMROOTS

what time is it?

2010-11-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Well two or three things come to mind:
1- we recently had daylight savings - fall back - so now it's dark outside at almost 4pm!!
2- I am so busy at work, long long days, but seriouly can't believe how fast the hours fly by! poof!!!
3-it's almost Christmastime! WOW it really does fly by
and finally - WHO HAS TIME TO BLOG?? not this gal!!

I am busy with kids, birthday planning, dealing with sick horses, and selling Scentsy - oy!!! Love this crazy life!!!

so cute

2010-09-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

ok we were in Alberta visiting family, and they have another regular visitor.

Apparently he's a "Baby" and the other visitor is Huge!
This guy is looking for bird feed.
After chowing down - he napped!! we were waiting for the porch to BBQ.

But after getting out there to see the BBQ - we had another friend!!
Look close! on the top rack! no sunflower seeds in there buddy - he must have been afraid of the porkupine too...

A closer look - EEKS - we surprised him!

caterpiller concoction

2010-08-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

My son brought in a caterpiller from the yard and put it in a jar. that's it. it was a giant ugly green strange alien. then.....then....after a good nights sleep... my son brought me this.

A hatchling if you will. He's "sleeping'' now.. and we are still waiting to see what enfolds...only time will tell.

FREEZER CORN!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me where my mother-in-law found this - Freezer corn recipe as follows:
Ingredients:   3 Dozen corn
                     1 pound butter
                     1 cup white sugar
                     2 cups Creamo
Method:
Cut kernels from the cobs into a very large roaster- add the butter,sugar & Creamo & stir all in

Throw into oven at 350 degrees for 90 minutes with no lid on the roaster- (Stir every 20 minutes- what I do is 10 minutes first time & then 20 minutes for next for 4 turns) NOTE- if you notice the corn getting dry just throw the lid on the roaster until you are done cooking it

Take out of oven and cool it down just enough that you can handle it-put into freezer bags with whatever amount you want in each bag(I usually put 2 cups in every bag)- it will probably have alot of juice at bottom of roaster so just scoop that up as well ; and then fire into the freezer when completely cool

The bigger the cobs you use you may have to "doctor"it up a bit with a little more Creamo or butter if too dry if you notice that when you are cooking it-(you can probably tell about 1/2 way through the cooking)

When you need to use it just warm up in the microwave or in the oven as already cooked

Gardners in Horsefly...

2010-08-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

A small community in a land far far away, well that's what it felt like.

http://www.horsefly.bc.ca/index.html

We were there for the memorial of Nana and Grandad (Grace and Al Gardner) - I personally only knew Nana. what a wonderful woman!! Such a fun beautiful family. We went to the lake - the site of the old mill that the Gardners had built. There is little evidence of the mill now, scraps of metal here and there, an old brick mill anchor (big - like a chimney), hiding in the trees.

It was hot out and the kids played in the lake - such a beautiful lake!! I wish I had my swimsuit, it was a lot of fun for the older kids diving off the warf. The point behind the kids is where the "new house" was built. That was about 50? years ago. Amazing...

Not much there, but lots of memories for the older generation. After spreading ashes, we had a huge Gardner meal at Kim's and proceeded to visit and drink the night away. I sure had a lot of fun, Horsefly really is a get-away-from-it-all kindof place. We were swimming in the river there, the same river where we had watched a black bear bathe, and the eagle soar over. What a view from Kims! I also liked the view in the morning when I woke from the farmhouse - sigh..........stunning.

PICKLES the old-fashioned way?

2010-07-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Are pickles Fashionable - ? Old or new, Pickles are a must-have in our house. I was raised on pickles. Tradition. Nevermind. Here I will divulge my Mother-In-Law Evelyn's recipe for Delicious Dill's .. which were passed to her by her Mother Mary, so I guess I should really call them Mary's Pickles. Here's the how to: mmmm....

BRINE ( Bring to a low boil )
8 cups water
4 cups vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup coarse pickling salt

***TOP SECRET**
How to get Crunchy pickles:
Keep your cukes in an ice bath, cut off ends when cleaning them and stab them with a fork...helps to get the juices flowing....

Boil lids and sterilize jars - I keep mine hot and handy in the oven. Keep the oven mitts handy as well....

FILL THE JARS:
1-3 cloves of garlic, a sprig or two of Dill weed, and add the cold cukes, packing tight to avoid floaters! Add the brine - filing jar up to within 1-2" of the top, wash rim and seal with the lid. It's done in a "SNAP"!!
(Redo any that don't snap, or keep them in the fridge and enjoy sooner than later)

This picture is a counter full of Snapped Jars full of Mother's Pickles. mmm. A cleaned house, no kids or husband around, music on, dinner in the crock pot on the counter (crock pot lasagna), I was feeling a sense of HAPPY HAPPY satisfaction. It was a good day. The dill must have been getting to my head. This year I am hoping to pickle beets and beans!!! we have oh-so-many beans this year, and oh-so-little time.....I AM in a pickle!!!

BONUS RECIPE - Here's a Friends Famous Bread and Butter's - Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bread & Butter's Kansas Style

Side note- variations are welcome - I once used apple cider vinegar and sea salt and raw sugar instead... it's all good... I had the garlic turn one year too, but Husband liked to eat those too. :)

OMG life is flying by...

2010-07-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

Or rather the SUMMER is flying by! I have had lots of ups and downs - but mostly it's blurring by.. I promise to place more posts! My family was recently over for a visit - and my sister had the coolest Hammock -I have to get one, everyone seemed to love hanging around in it! It's on my wish list for both me and as a gift or two. very cool! I think it was made out of parachute type material.

Corben COOKS!!!!!!

2010-05-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

The boy was outside playing with the hose..then his clothes got wet, which he promptly removed, and he proceeded to help me cook hotdogs - chopping wieners.....is this safe? nope - maybe a bit redneck!??!!

Alexandra Bridge, Fraser Canyon, BC

2010-04-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

So we recently did a trip through the British Columbia Fraser River canyon. I hadn't been down that highway in many, many years, so we decided to go home to the interior the 'long way'. The best part of the trip is of course the tunnels! Our kids haven't seen too many tunnels, and I remembered to roll the windows down and have hubby honk the horn!!!

When my sister and I were kids, we remember stopping at the Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park. It looks like the park is closed down now, but we found the trail and took a jaunt down. Here's a picture of my kids on the bridge.

The day after we got home, I got an email with a link to a commercial that was filmed on the "New" Alexandra bridge, as well as one of the tunnels.

Auto Commercial China Bar Tunnel

Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park's website has this to say about the History of the bridge:

"Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park was established in 1984 because of its inherent natural, historical and recreational attributes. The area has been used and inhabited by First Nations for over 9,500 years. The first European visit did not occur until Simon Fraser's expedition passed through the region in 1808. The first permanent trail, the Anderson Brigade trail, was then established in 1848 and subsequently, the original bridge was constructed in 1861 by Joseph W. Trutch and named after Princess Alexandra of Wales. To recover the $45,000 construction cost for the 90 metre bridge, a toll of $7.40 per ton was charged. Today a second bridge, built in 1926, sits on the site of the original which was dismantled in 1912."

Another Blogger, Kansas - was also on an interesting bridge that crosses the mighty Fraser. Here's a link to her post and the awesome walking bridge that her and her husband 'found'.

Lytton Walking Bridge

Here's another interesting website: check it out and if you have time, travel the canyon! http://www.travelthecanyon.com

2010-04-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Goldfrapp "Caravan Girl"

I forgot about this great song, until I was reading this post by Slice of Feist and remembered that I adore Goldfrapp! I really need to get this CD!!! this other song is FANTASTIC!!!

Tasty Kitchen Lemon Crumb Squares

2010-04-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares

Added by Ree on March 25, 2010 in Cookies, Desserts

3.75 Mitt(s) | 8 Rating(s)

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A tangy, creamy, crumbly treat for coffee, tea, or dessert.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1-⅓ cup All-purpose Flour
½ teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 stick (1/2 Cup) Butter, Slightly Softened
1 cup Brown Sugar (lightly Packed)
1 cup Oats
1 can (14 Ounce) Sweetened Condensed Milk
½ cups Lemon Juice
Zest Of 1 Lemon

Preparation Instructions

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES.
Mix butter and brown sugar until well combined.
Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add oats and flour to butter/sugar mixture and mix to combine.
Press half of crumb mixture into the bottom of an 8 x 11 inch pan.
Mix together condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Spread onto the bottom layer of the crumb mixture. Top with the other half of the crumb mixture, but don’t press.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow pan to sit on counter for 30 minutes after baking. Cut into squares and refrigerate for a couple of hours or until cool.
Serve cool.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/creamy-lemon-crumb-squares/

Fauxy Lady Feature!!!

2010-04-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my ABSOLUTE Favourite Western Shirts, made by my dear friend Sherri Belcham of Ashcroft, BC. I have some pictures of samples, this Lime Green is actually MINE!! ALLL MINE!!!!

Sherri is VERY Talented and makes all kinds of styles. Soft, Racey, Rocking, and of course Fauxy. Call her for your next Custom made showstopping, crowd pleasing, one-of-a-kind Western shirt! Fauxy Western Wear

2010-04-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am going to start some posts on products, services or other cool things for you to check out! The first one I just absolutely LOVE is Jenn Bunney's beautiful Leatherwork and Western Art.. Check her out at Jenn Bunney Western Art & Custom Leatherwork
I would flip my skirt for one of her purses!!!

box of treasures...

2010-03-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

My dear Fauxy Friend Sherri - makes western shirts, the most gorgeous, fancy, Fauxy Western Shirts. Well, after she's made her creation there is usually a bit of fauxy scraps left over.

She sent me home with a couple boxes of treasures. The possiblies are endless with a box of shiney, sparkley, satiney (is that a word?) goodness...here's the fashion show!

A Beautiful Bride in Yellow??? Check out this bow!!

OR Maybe a Wizard or a Tarzan inspired outift??

All in All it was a box full of fun and inspiration!
Thanks Fauxy Lady!

With glowing hearts.....

2010-02-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, just a post about spring cleaning! or spring in general. The weather here in the Pacific Northwest has been fantastic! so warm! It's hard to believe it's February. And although we horsey people LOVE to see the robins and the mud, they are wanting the snow to stay a bit longer in Vancouver. We are anxiously waiting to watch a fellow barrel racer Mellisa Hollingsworth, as she competes at the Olympics today! We are so proud to be Canadian! I heard that Canadians are breaking into song at the most random of places, singing our anthem on the skytrain! OH CANADA!!!!!

View the vancouver2010.com medals' table

A day for snuggles

2010-01-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

So the story goes, we needed some cats - we had a mouse problem. a major mouse problem. a problem so bad that I was unwilling to purchase/dealwith any more mouse traps (GROSS). At the time, I had a toddler crawling and learning to walk. He was into everything. and I was afraid of the deer mice.

so I found an ad at the local corner store, and voila two manx kittens came home with me. The kids LOVED them. I love the black and white male - called him Sly - got him fixed right away. He's my cat. We have a bond. And I am not a cat person.

But then, there was Snuggles...

she isn't very clever, and has a bum-hip. The kids almost called her hopper because she hops more than she walks. Well. I didn't get her fixed because I was sure she was coyote bait. owl bait. eagle bait. road kill. I can't justify spending all that money on her. well. luck would have it, she ended up pregnant. ugh. I had never dealt with kittens. But in the end mother nature took over and Snuggles was a good momma, and the kids also loved the babies.

After I found homes for the babies, (only one manx)... and got the silly vixen fixed...did I find out that manx kittens in the area were selling for $200/each!!!! OH MAN!!! I charged the new owners $20 for the kids to be able to buy something to console them.

well. All in all, Snuggles is still with us, years later. Because how can you get rid of a cat that lets children squish, strangle and yes, snuggle it?....honestly I think she loves the attention.

Dressing with style!!!

2010-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Here she is, my showboat. .. she was doing a fashion show, actually a 'cat' fashion show. I had to take a picture.

and one of the boy - he's wearing Dad's new toque.

please pass the pendant

2010-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

So I have waited and waited and waited (get the picture?)for my order of PMC to show up, it took FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!! but it arrived just before xmas (ordered in September!!). (so much for making my xmas presents had to go to plan B). Well I finally had time to play with the clay. It's Precious Metal Clay, I got the silver. You can mold the clay, and then the kind I got, I fired it on the gas stovetop. I forgot to get the camera out until I was partway thru my adventure, the clay was drying fast....so now there are cracks in it... I had tried to smooth it out a bit, but it's a learning process.

I had trouble taking it's picture too, of the final product. Without flash it didn't show the "shine", with the flash it was too bright! lol...oh well, here it is...Enjoy.

Happy 2010

2010-01-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well it's January, starting fresh! love it!!
I phoned my sister to wish her Happy New Year - and she was telling me about her night out, she worked of course - but they had a Moulin Rouge themed party. How fantastic? I laughed and said I went to the local rural community hall and had a blast with some farmers/neighbours/old friends. Couldn't have been more opposite! but that's how it is with me and her, complete opposites. :)

here's the link to her restaurant -
http://www.thewhiprestaurant.com

xmas tree hunt

2009-12-08T17:32:00.001-08:00

heading out to the mountains to find a tree!!!

This one is too small....but kinda cool..

Here we go - up goes Dad - don't slip~!

Now to decorate it...

and Dad says he's Done! :) let the season begin!!!

she's 7!!!!

2009-12-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

She's the one in Pink!
we started off with a weekend get-away to Vancouver to see Disney on Ice. Aunty took her out to get her ears pierced (Daddy wasn't 100% on board - but she's happy),
then we had dinner with family at Boston Pizza.

On her actual birthday - which was Wednesday the 2nd, we had a cake and dinner at home. just the four of us. it was nice.

then on the following Sat. we had 3 best friends from school come over to play, eat, and play some more! it was sooo much fun. The girls made hats to take home, played a game of "Snorta" - barnyard memory game, and then we had cake and presents and they played hide and seek. Whata week. Now I can hunker down and get thinking about Christmas!!!

Jed

2009-11-20T08:11:00.000-08:00

This is our handsome Australian Shepherd - yes he barks at bikes, strangers and kids that randomly wander by our yard. But he's protecting the herd. his herd. what a nerd....

OK here he is...

he loves balls. barking at horses.going for rides. and he loves it when his kids come home. he wags what little of a tail he has.

he's irreplaceable.

some baby pictures too. my grandma used to call him a Furrball, which she shortened to Furbee...or fuzzball. lol. we love this fuzzball...

SNOW!!!???!

2009-11-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

Okay - so up until now we have been spoiled with a wonderful autumn... but now....SNOW.

It's actually quite pretty. we stayed warm in the house and yes listened to xmas music, but we just couldn't resist. so out we ventured.

throwing snowballs for one dog..

while the other dog makes dog-snow-angels?? LOL she was enjoying herself!!!

and the horses are playing... ah winterwonderland... time to go in for cocoa, stew, and make some cookies! HAHA

New kid in town.

2009-11-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well here I have another new addition to my furry family - this one is Jetson! He's a handsome, sweet, couldn't pass up the sweet deal, Quarter Horse hunny.

My friend in Enderby called me and offered him to me at a price I couldn't pass by, he's even had a couple months of professional training. He's not registered, but AQHA has a sale on registrations - so because I know he has fantastic bloodlines, I think I will have to think up a cool name for this guy.

Here he is meeting the rest of the crew:
the one looking at the camera is Chopper - an old rope horse currently being used as a barrel horse for our 6yr old.. he's a super horse. The one with the collar is my barrel horse in training: Cruise. And the bay mare is a 2yr old prospect Holly.

Boys showing who - who's boss!

and the royal welcome, haha...

I sure like him, I can't wait to go riding now!!!

couldn't resist...and hope their father doesn't kill me....

2009-10-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

So we had a dance night in the house.. haha. The kids were having fun trying different outfits on in anticipation of Halloween.... this is what we settled on...

and Missy here is supposed to be the tooth fairy (I didn't let her play with her fancy wand!) and now she's talking about being the Halloween Fairy - only b/c of the orange and black!

I couldn't resist posting pictures, man was he hilarious dancing around!!

And finally, boys will be boys, no matter what clothes they are wearing.... (yes he's 'adjusting')

Still an Oldie, but a goodie - the REAL storey!!!

2009-10-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

I shared my blog with my Grandma (Great Grandpa Turner's daughter) and this is what she replied...I thought it makes the storey even Better!!! I love a good laugh...(at myself)....

"Hi Diana - - your idea of the table and chairs was great, but it was bought for a Christmas gift by your Great Grandma and Grandpa Weir and I'm trying to remember where - - They sent a check for $25 for a Christmas gift for your Dad and Aunty Pam - but made it out to Grandpa - in his drinking days - he, of course, bought liquor with it - - when Grandma asked what I'd got for the kids - I told her what had happened and she sent another cheque in my name and I bought the table and chair set with it. I'm really think we were living in Port Alberni, because Pam would have been at the right age, too, to enjoy them. You don't need to change your blog - just so you know what actually happened. storey"

She went on to tell me that Grandpa Turner actually wasn't much of a carpenter... so much for that! Adorable storey, don't you think?

An Oldie but a Goodie

2009-10-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is a set of children's table and chairs that my Great Grandpa Turner made for my Dad and Auntie when they were kids (my Dad is the eldest of 4, he has three younger sisters, so this set was made before Colleen and Lora-lee were around).

Then my sister and I used it, then my brother, and now it is being used by my children (that makes Grandpa double Great!!!). And despite some minor repairs, and all kinds of God-knows-what spilt onto it, it's held up pretty darn good, I'd say.

By the way, Great-Great-Grandpa Turner is still around, he says he's still kicking - just not as high!!! He turns 99 on January 16th! Isn't that amazing!?? I will post his picture once I find it...

A new family member....

2009-10-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

So today, after much research from books at the library, and much pleading and wishing, Raquel has finally received a bunny of her own. She was saving up for one, but I found one on Kijiji (like craigslist) that came with cage/feed/shavings... FOR FREE!!! YAHOO

Being that today was busy with Equine Vet visits, Ballet and school, etc. Corben and I zipped into town before Raquel got home, so that when she sauntered down the driveway, she would be surprised.

Corben (being that he gets to share) will get to name him. They are still deciding, Bounce, Nibbles, Bugs ? -we will have to wait and see.

Not sure what kind of bunny he is, but he's 1.5yrs old, and super friendly. He's adorable actually....and guess what? He LOVES carrots! (go figure, haha)

And here he's meeting the other members of the family;

a Painting

2009-09-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

well, I have taken some tips from a friend and decided to try my hand at painting leather. It seems like it can be done! Here's a picture of a belt I had down deep in the back of my closet (yes! I have closets - a long story which I will save for another blog).... anyways, I figure I can mess this up and it isn't a big deal, I bought it cheap at a thrift store. It has snaps at the end so I can put on my rodeo buckle.

Here's the paint I bought at Wallyworld - I decided to buy the pearl acrylic. Should look good, fingers crossed! My hardest decision was which colours to pick.

I am going to have to hide these paints from the kids.
Well, here goes - as long as I stay within the lines, I should be OK.

I am supposed to leave them to dry between coats and then spray with a sealer, so it will weather better. If this turns out then I will splurge a little and try some headstall or breastcollar for my horse! fingers crossed...

And still didn't figure out what to paint which colour. But eventually I had to committ, it still needs another coat and the spray sealer. But, here's the end result. Not sure how I feel about it. I might have to wear it around for a bit! It was fun to do regardless.

Chopper

2009-09-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

So I have had a special request to put pictures of Chopper up here on my blog. Yes, 6 yr old girls LOVE their horses, almost as much as their moms.... so here he his all dolled up in his best! (Almost can't tell that he's Dad's old rope horse!)

Holly and Cruise

2009-09-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

This is JC Majorly Haulin Gas, my 2 yr old "project" who I call Holly. I bought her in the spring from the breeders. I purchased her because she's out of a full sister to my old barrel horse, (the first horse I trained for barrels - I was 13 when my parents bought him) Chance. Sentimental, I know.

She's a silly girl, as you can see... She has been doing well. I can saddle, tie, haul, pick her feet, and lunge her. I have not got on. No - I will admit it- I am Chicken. I have leaned in the saddle, full weight, and she's ok with it. I have bitted her up, and that went ok as well. It's almost time. I really need a round pen to get going on this set-back. I have considered sending he to a trainer for 30days, but, so far, I can't seem to fork out the extra cash. Maybe, just maybe, we can git-r-done by ourselves....time will tell.

This other guy is my big boy Cruise.

He's got a soft spot in my heart just for him. He's an off-the-track runningQH, who has been thru a few homes (and was starving at one point), and now, long storey short - he's mine (thanks to a good friend who let me basically have him for next to nothing). Yes I am in Love...and I know he loves me back...he snarls at everyone else. I have been spending this years riding season, teaching him the art of barrel racing. He's not the most turney-athletic fella, but man can he run a hole thru the wind!!!! ...and boy-oh-boy, does he ever LOVE LOVE LOVE to RUN!!!!

My First Blog Post

2009-09-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is... I have started to blog... I am a little intimidated....but am hoping for the best. I am not exactly sure why, but I have felt the call of the blog-sphere, and am now committed.

We went shopping the other day for a costume for our son - and lo- there it was, on a cute little girl in the back isle of Winners! Luck was on our side, when her Mom put it back on the rack, FARE GAME RIGHT? - I tried (Honest I did) to see if they might still want it... I opened the window for them to take it back (I HAD to...because as soon as the princess saw that I had picked up the only green costume in the store - she said "Mommy that lady has my Frog!"

.... I told hubby let's go! I didn't want to chance them changing their minds...so we hit the till before we had to go back for a panda, bunny, or other cute girly costume...this one was the one!!!! And at the end of the day, the Frog is the cutest one there is...at least in my opinion.