“TOW-Wanda in the Trees”

Well, the time has come. I have to put TOW-Wanda to bed for the winter. :-( I’m going to be traveling again soon and won’t be back till 10/20 for a week then off again. By that time there will very likely be snow, at least in the high country, and I don’t want to get stuck with her in front of my house. The snowplow dude and my neighbors would not be happy! So, sweet TOW-Wanda…let me thank you for a WONDERFUL first season as a trailer girl. You helped me more than I can say!

“Rest in Peace, Mr. Virgo”

Another milestone is here. It was six months ago today that the life I had planned came to an abrupt stop. Time, insight, prayer, and hard work has paid off. I am healthy, well rested, loved, and blessed with a whole new life. Not better. Different….and beautiful.

Grief is an amazing journey to the inside. We stop, nurse our wounds, evaluate our past life, contemplate our new life, then stand up to accept the blessings as they come. Life, however long, is too short. If we only had the insight at 30 that we have at 60, we would fill every moment with as much joy and laughter as we can.

“Key Lime Pie”

For my friend, Becky. A friend brought me key limes from Florida and we made this recipe. It was awesome! I am trying it today with the bottled key lime juice so I’ll let you know how it compares to fresh squeezed.

http://m.allrecipes.com/video/1360/key-lime-pie-vii/

“Putanesca Sauce”

This is a rustic, Northern Italian spaghetti sauce that is rich and spicy. Perfect for these cool days of Fall. Serve over pasta of choice and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.

I always start with two or three jars of a good quality jarred sauce to save time. I pick spicy flavors because it enriches what I’m adding. Boulder Sausage Company makes a great Hot Italian Sausage in ground or links. I like the links. You can use any good quality sausage. Using kitchen shears, cut the links in half-inch circles Use the amount to your liking and to the size of your pot. I used one package of 5 links. Sauté a large chopped yellow onion and a box of sliced mushrooms in 1-2 T. olive oil. When the onions are pretty transparent, add the Italian Sausage and a teaspoon or so of minced garlic. Add a good handful of pitted Kalamata olives cut in half and a couple of tablespoons of capers, drained. Mash two or three anchovy filets (trust me, you will not taste these in the sauce as fishy…it just adds to the richness) and throw them in. Add red pepper flakes to taste. Remember, these get hotter as they cook. I used about a teaspoon. Then pour your jars of sauce over this mixture once the sausage is cooked. Stir well, cover with a spatter screen (this keeps the stove relatively clean while allowing the sauce to thicken) and simmer over a low flame for at least an hour or two. The flavors evolve if you refrigerate this overnight and heat it the next day. Adjust thickness with a little water if it’s too thick. I never cook with a recipe, so I have given approximations. This made a nice-sized pot of sauce that made four meals. You can multiply for a crowd. Also, the sauce freezes well.

“Western Sunset”

The firsts are always difficult. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays…the first ones after a loss bring many emotions. Sadness at the loss. Fondness of the memories. Joy with the knowledge that he got to see Jesus already!

Mr. Virgo, you are missed by all who knew and loved you. We will meet again!

“Ginny in Sisters Regalia”

Oh, this is just too much fun! Sisters on the Fly makes girls out of women. What are you doing in your life that let’s your “little girl” come out to play?

“Stormy Colorado Sky”

I love the Colorado sky. I took this the other night and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was in every direction.

I’ve actually been home for the last NINE days! Wow…I think that’s the longest stretch since I started “The Grand Adventure” on May 10th. I’ve been a busy bee, nesting in preparation for the change of seasons. I didn’t get to do my spring cleaning this year so I’ve been playing catch up this week. Thank you Deisy, Liz, and Mama Elena for your help yesterday! I just finished shampooing the carpets and I’m doing laundry. It’s beautiful outside and I am so tempted by the Siren Song of the woods. Must…stay…focused!

“Sunset on Storm King”

Oh my, what a perfect day! I worked at the office all day, ran into some really awesome people, stopped at a cool new shop and she loved my jewelry! She wants to sell it in both her Basalt and her Aspen stores. And, there was a special treat on my doorstep. Yes, it was a perfect day! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

“Black Eyed Susan”

Those of you have known me from the Roaring Fork Valley, you may remember a time when I was known as The Pie Queen. I used to bake competitively and have a box full of ribbons to show for it. A couple two page spreads in the papers and a few pie baking classes to my credit. Those were some fun times but I haven’t done it for years. And today I get to revisit some of the glory days. I’ve been asked to be a judge at the Annual Pie Baking Contest at the Downtown Market in Glenwood Springs today at 4:00! Can’t wait…I’ve starved for two days in preparation!

“TOW-Wanda!”

One of the first things I did when Mr. Virgo died was join the Sisters on the Fly. The largest women’s outdoor adventure club in America, SOTF offers women the opportunity to gather and travel together in the safety of groups.

“A favorite jacket…it came from a Nashville entertainer.”

Women helping women. Learning to be girls again. Offering a hand up to the newbies.