Vicariously in Italy

One of my former students found me on Facebook a couple months ago. He had come across this picture I sent to him years ago of me "holding up" the Leaning Tower of Pisa. He wanted to let me know that he was going to Italy for a 6 week semester.
I was more than thrilled to hear from him and even more thrilled to hear his news! Having been single for so long, I had the great opportunity of doing a lot of traveling and I desperately wanted my students to see the world too!

So he is there now enjoying all the sights, smells and tastes of Italy. I living vicariously through him by reading his blog and Facebook updates! As his old teacher, I am filled with unspeakable pride when I see the skill with which he writes and the insight and imagery he uses to enable us to be there with him. I am just so glad that he is getting this experience. It is the fulfillment of my longheld desires for my students - to see God's world and explore of much of it as they can.

Springtime at Longwood

I've been averaging 1-2 walks a week at Longwood and it is amazing how they keep it ever changing. There is always something new popping out. One thing I love is the sweet fragrance that permeates the pathways. Sometimes its like you are walking through a perfumery. In some places, you just catch a whiff of sweetness as a breeze blows and then it is gone.

The colors are vibrant, they feel even more vibrant when they stand all together.

My dress blows in the breeze and brushes past the tulips...

So I will keep taking my beautiful walks... I can't say that I am losing the pounds I want to but at least I am not putting more on!

First Pie

I have never been much of a pie person. I prefer a quick bread made of old bananas and baseball bat size zucchini. For years my friend told me pie dough is easier than I think. So with my trusty Kitchen Aid mixer and last years blueberries I set out to make a pie for Easter dessert.

I used a recipe from the Williams and Sonoma Pie cookbook. It called for 4 cups of blueberries but I only had 3. Undaunted I decided to supplement with the apples neither of us were eating.

The mid-way results... I tried not think of the shredded apples as anything but shredded apple. Because it kind of looked like worms...

The finished product was attractive to look at as well as eat. For a first attempt, I'd say I was well pleased. Dad and Hubby enjoyed their slices too. I am looking forward to fruit season. I am dreaming of strawberries, cherries and peaches and if I can find a way to make coconut custard without dairy I'll be one happy pie making fool!