The Simple Woman's Day Book . . .

FOR TODAY, January 25th, 2009 ...

Outside My Window...
All is dark, quiet and still. I slept last night, the whole night through without moving a muscle. That is the first night I have done that in a while. I think I was asleep by 9:30 and I didn't wake up until 4:30. I usually wake up at least twice during the night, so that was very good that I slept right through, quite un-disturbed.

I am thinking...
About the miracles we see coming out of Haiti daily . . . like the man they found alive just yesterday. So many day's after the earthquake . . . how very un-expected. And he praises God for his rescue, just as he should. I wonder . . . if more people were faced with "crisis" types of situations would they turn their hearts to God? Is that what it takes for a people to begin to rest in Him once more? Pity that, if it is so . . . I am thankful for a heart that seeks Him in both the good times and the bad.

I am thankful for...
We booked our plane tickets yesterday afternoon for our trip to Canada in July. I am so very thankful that we have been able to do that. It gives me something very sweet to look forward to in the coming months. We will leave here on July 1st and be away until the 23rd. I don't think I'll be able to set up blog posts for that whole time, but I may be able to set up a few surprises before I go. We shall see. In the meantime I am so very thankful that we now have firm plans to go to Canada and that I will be able to see my family, if only for a short time!

From the kitchen...
There's still some cranberry cake left from the other night. It just gets better and better. I am quite sure you could use blueberries instead, or even raspberries. Mmmm. . . . the thought of raspberries sounds so very good. There are some pains aux chocolate left as well. Other than that, not a lot in the way of baked goodies. I must be slipping!! ☺

I am wearing...
My red and white flannel Christmas Nightie. Oh, it is sooooo cosy and warm. I just love it!


I am creating...




Here is a little peak at what I did yesterday afternoon. Of course you can see the full one on Blossom Time Creations. I had done the sketch weeks ago and only just now got her painted. I also have a doll almost finished. Just the eyes, stockings and shoes left to do now, and she is ready for her trip to New York. I have orders for another 3 as well, so that will make my spare time fingers very busy over the coming next few weeks!

I am going...
I have not a lot planned this week. I've a very heavy week on at work, with several luncheons, dinner parties, a Christening luncheon and a special brunch. Most of my time will be spent on the shopping and preparations for those. I do have Seminary on Thursday evening, but that pretty much will be it!

I am reading...



The Recipe Club, by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel

A delightful novel about food and friendship which spans several decades in time. Valerie and Lily have been friends since childhood, when they created a very special club, with just two members, in which they exchange recipes . . . it is called The Recipe Club. As the book opens they have been estranged due to some mystery unknown to the reader (you). Valerie's mother has passed away and in going through her mother's papers she comes across the letters and recipes that she and Lily had exchanged as children. This prompts her to get in touch again and they begin a guarded, written conversation with each other once more.

I have only just begun this book, but it is delightfully written. You feel like you are reading someone's special diary as it is written almost completely via e-mails and recipes shared by these two wonderful characters. Very well written, it shows the spirit and character of these two special lives and the heart of their special friendship. There's also more than just a few recipes there as well!!!

I am hoping...
That I can get all the things that I need to get done, done this week, and that everything goes smoothly at work! Wish me luck!

I am hearing...
It is silent in here, save the ticking of the clock and the tap tapping of my fingers on the keyboard. I have the little heater on as well, so that is humming. It is a bit chilly in the mornings and it helps to take some of it away and warm things up.

Around the house...
All is normal. I tidied up the table on Saturday and it's cluttered again. Oh my, it doesn't take me long . . . .

One of my favorite things...
Is talking to people in my family! I got to speak to my sister via the telephone yesterday afternoon and it was soooo good. I had not talked to her in ages. It was nice to her her voice and words. We have always been very close but these past couple of years we have not spoken that much. We both lead such busy lives. At one time we spoke on the telephone each and every morning, for at least an hour. Ahh, those were special days. I treasure them in my heart. She told me the most peculiar story yesterday. She and I used to do a lot of craft sales together. We made dolls and teddies and other things to sell. One day recently she was in a Charity Shop and she spied a doll that she had made and sold! She knew it was hers as the tag was still on it! Of course she bought it, but how peculiar that you would come across something that you had created in a place like that and be able to by it back!


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Work, Seminary, cooking and baking. Would be nice to find a little play in there as well. We'll just have to wait and see how it all turns out!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



Snow drops from the garden. The perfect reminder that Spring is just around the corner. Tis really only weeks away . . . . or at least we can pretend that it is. We've only the rest of January to get through and the few weeks of February and then it truly will only be a few weeks away. Crocus, and primrose . . . daffodils . . . lilacs and the cherry blossom, the beautiful cherry blossom . . . Oh how very much we have to look forward to!!

And there you have it, my Simple Woman's Day Book for today. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!)

I made this simple, yet very tasty lemon dessert yesterday afternoon. Todd is not overly fond of lemon desserts, but he did like this. Me, I love lemon. I could eat it in any way shape or form! I loved this. It was rich and tasty and very quick and easy to do!




*Lemon Pudding*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

A delicious lemon pudding that is light and rich and topped by fluffy sweet meringue. Just perfect for when you want the flavours of lemon meringue, but without the hassle of baking a pie crust.

2 large eggs, separated
1/3 cup sugar
3 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup double cream
1/3 tsp cream of tartar
2 TBS sugar



Beat the egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the 1/3 cup of sugar, the cream cheese and the sour cream. Blend until smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice and the zest.

Place n the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook and stir until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Pre-heat the oven to 205*C/425*F. Whip the cream until thick. Fold this into the lemon mixture. Divide the lemon mixture between 6 custard cups or ramekins.

Beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the lemon pudding in the ramekins. Place the ramekins on a baking tray and then bake in the oven for about 6 minutes, until the meringue topping is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and cool completely before serving.



There's a deliciously Creamy Potato, Onion and Cheese Soup over on The English Kitchen today!

PS - today is the first day of the One World One Heart Giveaway blogging event. TO learn more hop on over to Blossom Time Creations where I am giving away a beautiful doll.