Seth Thomas Machak 1983 - 2013

I AM WITHOUT WORDS

 

First Snow of the 2012-2013 Winter Season

So the winter begins...we had the first snow of the season this past Tuesday.  While I don't like all the work it brings, I can' deny how gorgeous it is outside when everything becomes dusted in a sparkling layer of white.  We had about an inch and I took these photos just as the ground started to become covered.  I think everything looks so pretty when the snow is just dusting everything...the colors remind me of a steel engraving and I am in the middle of it...

The garden is just becoming covered in a white shroud of snow.

Snow is falling fast and furious...the white pine boughs
are protecting the grass below from falling snow...

The herb garden is still producing cold weather savory treats.
Seth picked herbs for our Thanksgiving stuffing, as well
as the centerpieces...little vases filled with sage...GORGEOUS!

Blueberry bushes have turned their winter red.

A garden guardian...

Another watchful eye over the winter garden beds...

Rosemary continues to produce...

Interesting pattern effect as the white pine boughs capture the snow fall
and leave the ground below bare.

The gazebo appears to be covered in a dusting of confectioners sugar!

Delightful and dreamy...

Thankfully we received only an inch and then it melted away from the walkways and driveway...we are expecting record breaking warm weather this week...that's our New England...wouldn't have it any other way!

Elizabeth

I Am Not Home Right Now...

Elizabeth

It is Election Day....GO VOTE!!!!!

 No excuses....GO VOTE!!!!!

If you vote early...you have the rest of the day to bug everyone else to go vote!
Elizabeth

Tomorrow Is Election Day - FINALLY

 Well the day is almost here to cast your vote in the national and local elections...Hallelujah!!!!!

No excuses...get out and just do it!!!!!

 Lay your clothes out tonight, make a list of who you are voting for, read over your state and town referendum and go to bed early...get a good rest and be first in line to cast your vote tomorrow!!!!!

Elizabeth

Seth Was Here Last Weekend....That Means There is No Bacon in the House!!!!!

If anyone knows my nephew Seth, they will agree he is a bacon glutton...there are many other words I could use but this is a family blog.  So I was honored with his company last weekend and it was a wonderful visit.  His parents (my sister Catherine and brother in law Mark) were here as well.  So a great weekend of company!

On Sunday morning, Seth kindly asked if anyone would like him to make breakfast...which I believe is code for "I am going into the freezer for the bacon and since you are all within sniffing distance, I guess I will have to share".  Of course I am game for someone being chef for the morning.  So I asked for one slice of bacon with my eggs and Catherine as well requested one slice.  Mark on the other hand had to battle out the remaining slices with Seth...hands down Seth will always be the winner in this battle!

I like to have cooked bacon in the freezer so when it comes time to use some there is no muss or fuss.  I really dislike bacon splattering in the frying pan and stinking up the house while eating my breakfast or making a BLT.  

I bake off three packages of bacon at a time at my leisure and just freeze it.  So when the spirit moves or Seth shows up...bacon is available and within 2-3 minutes after a reheat in the microwave.  The kitchen is grease free just the way I like it.

So this past week I picked up my favorite bacon an uncured variety of apple wood smoked at Whole Foods.  I baked off three packages and now I am prepared for the next visit from Seth!

Initially I line my baking sheets with a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil.
Place a cooling rack on top and spray with PAM.  This insures easy cleanup.
The baking sheet stays clean, the foil is tossed as well as any drippings I don't save
and the rack cleans up in a jiffy.
I much prefer my bacon baked on the rack opposed to cooking in the grease.

All set and ready to roll....I bake at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes...
this is not a guaranteed time...so just bake till the bacon reaches the
degree of doneness you prefer.

All finished...

A quick drain on paper towels to remove any additional grease.

I take all the slices and layer them and then just roll it all up and place in
a freezer bag.  Now when I want some bacon, I just open up the
package, remove what I want and return the package to the freezer.

This is such a simple task that can be done when you have a little time.  It really is nice to just reach in the freezer and pull out the cooked bacon and it insures a clean kitchen and range top.  

But most important...when Seth visits he is a happy bacon boy!

Elizabeth