Challenger September 28, 1986



NASA's Challenger explodes!



Crew of the Challenger
Christa McAuliffe (September 2, 1948 – January 28, 1986) was an American teacher from Concord, New Hampshire, and one of seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. (2nd row, 2nd from the left).

I remember this, do you? Today is the 25th anniversary of this horrible event. I can't help but think of the families of the crew who are certainly remembering this day too.

Snake and Cape

I finally have a picture of the Batman/Superman cape I sewed and the snake I knitted for Aidan. The cape is reversible with Batman on one side and Superman on the other. I put 3 little bells in the snakes tail so it would have a rattle.  Having had only girls, it was fun to create some things for a little boy.

Nana nana nana Batman!



"Look up in the sky, or down in the den, it's Superman!



Ssss!

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake

Kendall and I were watching "Cupcake Wars" on the television and one of the cupcakes they made was based on the Humming Bird Cake aka Italian Creme with a few additions.  In the mood to bake, I looked up the recipe and just happened to have all the ingredients, so I made one. The cake is 3 layers so it is definitely meant to serve 12 or more people.  The cake turned out pretty good, a little dry, but I blame that on my oven, it's very moody. I have included the website for the recipe I used.  http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/beautiful-hummingbird-cake

Lindsay Ann's Accident

On the Thursday after the snow Lindsay Ann ventured out onto the roads and unfortunately hit a patch of black ice ending up in a ditch. There was no damage to her vehicle, so all she had to do was call a tow truck to pull her out...unfortunately another vehicle hit the same patch of ice and collided with Lindsay Ann's vehicle head on! Lindsay Ann was not wearing her seat belt as she was sitting there waiting on the tow truck. Blessings abound as Lindsay Ann only suffered a huge bump on the head and some neck and back pain, her passenger was sore all over from the impact. After seeing the vehicle and realizing that it was totalled, the potential for what could have been became apparent. Thanks be to God that the injuries were not catastrophic!

Poor Big Red...thank you for protecting Lindsay Ann and her friend!

Lindsay Ann's Big Bump

Snow 2011

Snow/Ice Storm
The storm came in Sunday, January 9 and lasted until Tuesday, January 11.
First we had sleet, then snow and then freezing rain.
 Kendall and Lacey have been out of school for 2 days;
it looks like they will be out Wednesday too!

While the weather outside has been frightful,
I have been warm and cozy inside knitting these for Kendall
and cooking lots of yummy food.

Kendall's Art

Ted is Dead!

This is not Ted but what Ted looked like.

Today we are sad at the Hallberg house, Ted, Lacey's beta fish died.  Lacey has had Ted for 2 years. Britta rescued Ted from an irresponsible child she nannied.  We weren't sure at first if giving Lacey the beta was an improvement but Kendall and Britta checked up on Lacey to make sure she fed and cleaned Ted's tank.  I know it's hard to believe but Ted had a great personality and we enjoyed him very much, he will be missed!

Silver Belle Celebrates A Milestone!

Silver Belle turns 100,000

I know this is a strange thing to celebrate but I have only driven used cars which already had over 100,000 when I got them, so I have never seen a car turn over to 100,000 miles. My Dad always told me that when a car turned 100,000 you had to push it a mile so it would run another 100,000.  I wasn't able to do that last night but Belle (as we call her) spent her milestone picking up my Mom from the hospital, getting  her prescriptions filled, and carrying groceries to restock her home. Belle and I spent the first mile after 100,000 serving someone in need, so I think that is as good as pushing her a mile.  Belle has been a great vehicle and has afforded me the reliability I have needed and have greatly appreciated in the past 5 years!

Thank you Silver Belle!
May you live another 100,000!!

Very Yummy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup
Serves 4
Ready In: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Butter
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups chicken stock or bouillon
1/2 pound fresh broccoli
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar
2 Tlbs. cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste


Directions: Saute onion and broccoli in butter. Mix 2 tbls cornstarch into the 2 cups of chicken stock (make sure it dissolves) add stirring constantly to the onions and broccoli, bring to a boil until soup thickens, reduce the temperature to low and add the half and half also stirring constantly. Cook on low heat for 20 mins. Add cheese stir until melted, add salt and pepper to taste and nutmeg. serve.