Are Past, Present Or Future Our Only Choices?

 

Well, let's think about this....Are the Past. the Present or the Future our only choices? I think not. Life is infinite...isn't it? Perhaps there's some things our humanity hasn't thought of.   Yes...there must be more....JA ROSE-BARTLETT 

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Family Photos

Photos Mom

Photos Dennis

The Caramel Cookie: Sour Cream Apple Pie

The Caramel Cookie: Sour Cream Apple Pie: "To me, apple pie is more of a fall dessert and I never really think to serve it during the summer. I decided to serve a cooler, summer vers..."

Abraham Hicks - Tell A New Story

How to make Cheese at Home in Under 5 Minutes

Five Minutes a Day for Fresh-Baked Bread

Five Minutes a Day for Fresh-Baked Bread

Make Your Own Olive Oil Lamp

Make Your Own Olive Oil Lamp

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk



Ingredients:

3/4 C. sugar

1/2 C. water

1 C. plus 2 T. powdered milk



Preparation:

Combine all ingredients. Heat to boiling. Cook until thick, this will take 15 to 20 minutes.

This equals one can.

This is a great way to make this milk, especially if your recipe calls for it and you don't have any in the house. It is lot cheaper to make it this way, and it does work nicely for baked goods.

John H. Semb By Crystal Sincoff

I didn't know him well. My grandpa.
My childhood memories will have to keep me because there isn't much of a relationship after I was 20. I lived on the other side of the states and seldom made it back to Washington.
Grandpa loved a good puzzle. He loved those games with the golf tees and the holes that told you if you were a genius or not by how many tees were left in the holes...and those wire shapes all looped together that seemed impossible to untangle, but he knew how. He would challenge us with a twinkle in his eyes, daring us to figure it out or do better than him. He was the carver of the turkey. The driver of the Motel T. He seemed to have one pair of jeans...lol...but I think he must have 5 of the same pair. I remember sleeping over at their place on the pull-out couch and waking to breakfast cooking and grandpa sitting at the table his his robe, reading the paper. He had a dry sense of humor. He loved to travel and I loved looking at pics of the places they had been on their Winnebago. As a child that was the preferred mode of transportation...lol...and I often thought it would be cool to have one of my own when I grew up.
I remember being at the lake. Some of my best memories were at the lake. Grandpa taught me to fish... And I have all sorts of memories on boats...a houseboat floating along...row boats on Lake Newman...speed boats on Lake Couerdalane... We took that speed boat across the lake, wind whipping through our hair...and I was perfectly happy...
My grandparents were always together. I don't think I ever had a conversation over the phone with Grandpa where he didn't say..."Here's your grandmother..." and hand me off to her. Honestly, I can't remember a time when they weren't. Sixty years they were married....and now she is alone. Family is there not wanting her to be left alone. I told her to go easy on them. There is nothing they can do to make it better. They know that. This is all they have, comforting her...I understand that empty hollow feeling. That feeling that a part of you is missing. A part of you will always be missing...but I told her to embrace the memories, good and bad, hold onto them because it rare indeed that someone gets to spend 60 years with the person they love.
This is one of my favorite set of pics...love...:-)
[John H. Semb died 5pm 3/23/10...Jan]
Wedding photos Aug. 20, 1949. John and Vernal Semb...[Vernal  A.George]

Best Friends

.....The orangutan was in a rescue sanctuary but not doing well. This old hound wandered in absolutely emaciated and the orangutan snapped to attention, like his best buddy had arrived. He stayed with the hound night and day until he was well and in the whole scenario, found a reason to live. They are now inseparable. Best friends Suryia the orangutan and Roscoe the Blue Tick hound.

NO photo credits found...Jan

'BARTLETT Thunder Cream' Recipe

Well, this morning my Steve and got up early and created a wonderful recipe...COOL. After having our coffee [SUMATRA]...we got going on making our St. Patty's Day or Week Treat......I've been reading IRISH CREAM Recipes this past week...that got me thinking about making some of our own 'cream'...AND so 'Bartlett's Thunder Cream' was born this a.m.
Here's our secret recipe...OK?...take 1 can sweatened condensed milk...place in container with 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 cup whiskey. We put ours in a bottle with a srew lid...so it's easy to shake or mix. I then added 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavoring, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, about 1 teaspoon powered chocolate and about 1/4th teaspoon coffee crystals [cause..that's all we had..we were almost out]. Then shake the bottle, with the lid on. STAND BACK. Carefully unscrew the lid. Pour a little sip into cup and taste. Steve said it was DELICIOUS. COOL. I loved it too..but, had taken a big gulp...not recommened. Jan
Photo by Rob!

Overnight Veggies

From The Foodie Mom at blogspot.com...go to http://thefoodiemom.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

Overnight marinated vegetable medley
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup eggplant, grilled and chopped
1 cup sliced carrots
½ thinly sliced red pepper
½ sliced red onion
2 smashed garlic cloves
1 bottle zesty Italian dressing
Dash cayenne pepper
Toss the eggplant with salt and set aside for 10 minutes. Grill on the stove top until just tender. When slightly cooled, chop into bite size pieces and place in a bowl. Steam the broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper, and carrots until just tender. Immediately place in the bowl, and add the red onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, and Italian dressing. Toss until everything is well covered. Let cool. Spoon into jars, or sealed containers, pouring any remaining dressing over the top before sealing. Refrigerate overnight.

Amazing Deaf Musician Video...EVELYN GLENNIE

TOUCHING VIDEO...Thanks Kath

Shawn Semb With Dolmar the Dog

From FACEBOOK.

Nephew Shawn with Dolmar the Dog. Jan


Dolmar the Dog
Dolmars first ski trip
Photo By:NathanCarrie Peck

HAPPY BIRTHDAY To ME With RECIPE

Well, yesterday was fantastic. Besides turning BIG 6-0. I had so many well wishes from friends and family...MY son sang 'Happy Birthday' over the phone from Shanghai...so cool...it's been difficult to connect with him, as China blocks FACEBOOK lots of times.AND, Steve made a awesome dinner for me...PORK SHORT RIBS WITH YUMMY CRANBERRY BBQ SAUCE STUFF. This is the delightful recipe...good enough for company...fast and easy too. Got the idea from a recipe I read at ALLRECIPES...I've made some changes, that make it even better..YEAH!OK...here gos...get some pork ribs or beef ribs or chicken or ham. Steve fried our short ribs in a cast iron skillet in a little oil. When done...no longer pink. 1. Add i can jelly cranberry sauce to meat. 2. Add 1 1/2 Tablespoons prepared mustard. 3. Add about 1 teaspoon orange peel, torn into little pieces..ours were dried organic. 4. AND then add about 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. HEAT til the cranberry sauce melts and everything cooks together and is all over the meat. OK...that's it. ENJOY. It would be great with rice. Steve is such a great husband ...he also got me my favorite.... COCONUT CREAM PIE! WOW!! AND he bought me an Chehalis Apple Tree...he planted right outside of our back deck so I can watch it year around. Love you Steve.Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. Jan

Photo by by aNantaB

COLOR by extranoise

Photo by extranoise

Feel Like Chicken Tonight?

Ingredients


8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise (can use light but not FF)
2 (4 ounce) cans green chilies
12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
3 whole chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Directions
1Cook chicken breasts until tender.
2Cool.
3Shred and add all ingredients together.
4Place in a 9x13 and bake for 30-35 minute at 350 degrees.
Photo Photo by James Bowe

Snowed Last Night In Shanghai, China

Martin reports snow in Shanghai last night on FACEBOOK. COOL. Thanks Martin, Love, Mom

Sunday Jam With MARTIN SALINAS And My BARTLETT

This Sunday, February 14th bring your Valentine out for some great live music...there will be lots dancing, laughing, food, drinks and fun.Shelly Ely has asked my Bartlett On Bass, the awesome Martin Salinas/guitar and Dillian England/drums to host her Spanaway Jam night this week. Thank you Shelly...we are honored. Music from 7 to 10pm.

Bring you axe...we're gonna have a great time. Jan

WHERE: Uncle Sam’s Bar & Grill 7pm

16003 Pacific Ave,

253-507-7808

Spanaway, Washington 98387-8259

http://www.unclesamsbarandgrill.com/

Breast Cancer Blues

This event is for a great cause..BREAST CANCER BLUES. Six fantastic bands at THE SWISS this Sunday. Music from 2 to 9pm.SHELLY ELY's 'Big Nasty' is one of the bands playing...that's why my Steve , Martin Salinas with Dillian England will be helping Ms. Bluzzz-SHELLY ELY by hosting Shelly's Jam at UNCLE SAM's for her this Sunday.So, please come out Sunday on Valentine's Day and support great live music. With a Silent auction/prize drawings on items at THE SWISS.Here's a link from the TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE with more info about this event. Go to.. http://calendar.thenewstribune.com/tacoma-wa/events/show/101236825-breast-cancer-blues
Photo from Tacoma News Tribune.

WHERE: The Swiss Tavern 2pm
1904 S. Jefferson Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 572-2821

Listen To This Video...Orianthi

Fiona And Auntie Crystal

Fiona is less than a week old..weighs 3 pounds 2 oz. Crystal's friends, Doug and Nancy's baby. Beautiful photo that I got today from Crystal's FACEBOOK page.

Banofee Brickle Bars

This recipe looks easy and wonderful. Let's make up a batch now, Go here for the recipe.. http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/02/banofee-brickle-bars.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JoelensCulinaryAdventures+%28Joelen%27s+Culinary+Adventures%29

Photo by moria

Video: Don't Underestimate This Ol' Gal..I Celebrate 60 in a Few Weeks..YEAH, Jan

Delicious Scallion Pancakes

These are different and DO sound delicious. Go here.. http://goodthingscatered.blogspot.com/2010/01/kates-delicious-scallion-pancakes.html

Photo by D'Arcy Norman

From China

From FACEBOOK

Martin John Barela Finally found a way to get to facebook. It's been months... For those of you who don't know, it has been blocked here for almost half a year

Steve Plays This Friday At 'Liquid Soul' In ECLIPSE

Great food, drink and Live Music this Friday night in McKenna starting at 8pm with ECLIPSE. That's Friday, January 29th at 'Liquid Soul Coffee Roasters and Music Cafe'. Dancing, good friends and fun.ECLIPSE ...Tod Lemkuhl/guitar/vocals and Michael Harrison/drums and of course my Bartlett On Bass...WOW!
Liquid Soul Coffee Roasters & Cafe,at the McKenna 'Y' , behind Baydos. a place to enjoy a cup of fresh roasted coffee, latte art, select teas and even extremely hot live music along with fine tap beer and exclusive wines. A place you can enjoy breakfast along with our very own signature pastries, lunch, or unwind at the end of the day relaxing a bit. We have plenty of room for large gatherings, private parties or company meetings. We have free INTERNET for customers and also offer an in house PA system ( 1000 watts ! ), including a DLP Projector with a giant 106" screen. From their site www.liquidsoulcoffee.com We serve delicious grilled and cold sandwiches, carefully prepared wraps, gourmet brushettas, crisp salads, and fresh homemade soups. Our juice bar includes organic wheat grass shots, carrots, apple, celery, beet, parsley, cucumber, lemon, ginger , including seasonal fruits and vegetables. We proudly grow our own organic wheat grass and sprouts. Call them at 360.400-soul, a fun place. www.liquidsoulcoffee.com Kids are always welcome.Not only great coffee, beer and wine too. Jan
For music updates..go to http://www.bartlettonbass.com/

Erik And Krista's Wedding Stuff

My really Cool 'Twin' Sister sent me this web site with all of my nephew Erik and Krista's Wedding Stuff on it. Cool. Go here.. www.theknot.com/ourwedding/ErikSpeicher&KristaDuke

Caramelized Baked Chicken

WOW...great recipe. Go here.. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Caramelized-Baked-Chicken/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=30791882&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2010-01-26&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipe&me=1
Photo by (nutmeg)

Girlfriend

Please Forgive Me...Sweetheart

To my darling husband,

Before you return from your business trip I just want to let you know about the small accident I had with the pick up truck when I turned into the driveway. Fortunately it's not too bad and I really didn't get hurt, so please don't worry too much about me. I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into the driveway I accidentally push ed down on the accelerator instead of the brake.

The garage door is slightly bent but the pick up fortunately came to a halt when it bumped into your car. I am really sorry, but I know with your kind-hearted personality you will forgive me. You know how much I love you and care for you my sweetheart. I am enclosing a picture for you. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again.

Your loving wife. XXX

P.S. Your girlfriend called .

Latest From China

I have not heard from my son ,Martin, for a while. He lives outside of Shanghai. He teaches english there. Crystal, my daughter heard from him at New Years. He was happy. Cool.

The Chinese government blocks FACEBOOK and other internet communication at times...and I miss talking to him there...and seeing photos etc. His girlfriend's english name is 'Rose'...COOL.

Here's the latest photo I have of him and Rose.

Steve's Son JAYME Is A Hero

Taken From Jaymes MYSPACE PAGE: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=110333449&blogId=503513416
"drowning Current mood: accomplished
well yesterday me and 2 good freinds were floating the stillaguamish river, the float started later in the day, about 2ish ran into some good people, and people i would rather not see, but the day was good the sun was out, beers were going down very nice. might have even partaked in a little bowl session(needed to decompress). there was a group of people in front of us oh about 200 yards or so. the sun was going down and we were pushin pretty hard to get to "big rock" they were pushin hard to. 2 woman and a guy, the guy was pushin the woman a mother and daughter i find out later... we got to within about 60yards of them, there was a little riffle"fast water" ahead of them about 30 yards oh so. the first raft makes it, the second raft makes it, the third raft didnt make it.. this was a 62 year old grandma, she hit a log in the river, popped her tube and sucked her under!! the current was strong, well i come upon this log, and the people that she is with are in shock they didnt say help, she's drowning, nothin.. which is real fuckin strange... o.k so i go by this log in the water and no shit there is this woman stuck under the water, no she had to be there for at least 20 seconds. i fly of my tube, but the current is movin real fast and i went past her by about 2 feet. i bust my ass to get back up to her. now mind you another 10 to 15 seconds have gone by. so now were up to about 40 seconds this woman was under water in fast water. i get a a hand on her and then the current took me down again. this woman is stuck so she cant help herself... here comes Aaron he was about 30 feet behind me just enjoying the day.. he doesnt now yet was is happening. this is taking place sooooo fast, i scream at him"grab her, grab her!!" he's like "grab who" and as soon as he said that he saw her, jumped of his tube. he got to the woman, another 15 seconds has gone by. so we are up to a minute now. Aaron is trying to get this woman free... finally he has her but she in not breathing. i am about 6 feet away in the current just staying put, we agreed to let her float down to me.. he was in real fast water, so he lets go and she sinks, he grabs her 1 more time gets her head out of the water and pushes her to me. now this woman is a dead stick her lungs were full of water and she wasnt breathing, i grab her put my arm under her chest and as i'm heading to shore i am pumping water out of this woman. she is still out when i get her to a safe spot, about 2 feet of water i put her head on my chest and repeated "come on lady breath" like 4 or 5 times. she started throwing up water, she is breathing, i allmost died just trying to catch my breath, as well did aaron. we got her put her in a boat that was going by a spanish family that couldnt even speak english but they saw what had just happened. we get this woman to "big rock" around 8ish she took are phone numbers and names... this was a day i will never forget... janet i'm glad you are here to see another day... James McManus"
Photo from James McManus FACEBOOK page.