High Five for Friday!

Whoa! Busy week. But now it's the weekend...and an extra long one at that! Here's what's making me smile this week...

1. Catching Dudley sleeping with his signature pose.

2. From all the sadness coming out of Oklahoma, it was great to see this story about a woman who was reunited with her dog. It just might make you cry...but in a good way.

3. The beautiful rolling hills of the Palouse.

4. I received a lot of love, support, and prayers from family and friends this week. Thank you!

5. I love that our coffee table can also double as a place to rest your head when needed.

And that's that. Let the long weekend begin...Enjoy it!

Love,

Betty

Linking up with...

A Gal's Guide to Grilling.

When it comes to grilling on the bbq, Cowboy has got it going on. I'm spoiled by all of the deliciousness he so effortlessly creates. But more often than not, we don't eat our meals together (blame it on that crazy restaurant schedule). Which means I'm missing out on lots of goodies on the grill.

Well, not anymore. I have learned how to grill chicken. And you can too! Ready? Here we go. 

Step 1: Take off that grill cover.

Step 2: Shake what your mama gave you.

Step 3: Open up the grill.

Step 4: Turn on the gas.

Step 5: Turn on the burners.

Step 6: Close it up and let the bbq heat up. For chicken, you will want the heat to be between 425-450.

Step 7: Clean and oil the grill. First give the grill a decent brush. Then take a rag, dip it into some vegetable oil and give the grill a little rub.

Step 8: Lay your previously seasoned chicken carefully on the grill.  Plan to cook your chicken about 20-25 minutes, and flip it when it's half way done. 

Step 9: Check the chicken again. You'll know it's done when it's firm to the touch. If you're not sure, you can always check the chicken with a thermometer (the internal temperature for poultry should read 165).

Step 10: Put your chicken on a plate.

Step 11: Turn off the burners and turn off the gas. Allow grill to cool off.

Step 12: Get ready to eat!

Now it's your turn. Go grill!

Love,
Betty

The pictures before the picture.

I love looking at the photos that lead up to a good picture. The photos where someone's eyes (usually mine) are closed, the ones where a dog is licking or jumping, or the ones where we look just a little goofy. They make that one good photo all the more special.

What do you do with your photo outtakes? 

Love,

Betty

High Five for Friday!

Alright. Let's get real. This week had some rough spots. It started with a rotten head and chest cold (that is showing tremendous staying power) and ended with this:

Yep. Someone broke into my car while I was at work. As far as I know, they didn't steal anything. But it's so annoying. And a little unnerving. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the window will get replaced today. But goodness gracious...what was the point?

But, let us never forget...it's Friday! And like I've said before...there will always be things to be happy about. Here's what's making me smile this week:

1. I'm getting better at grilling chicken!

2. A husband made a video after his wife told him a joke about tortilla chips while she was a bit tipsy. I just can't get enough of it. Watch it HERE...it will make you giggle.

3. My boys. I love them.

4. We made tostadas! Recipe coming soon...

5. Flowers from the tree in our front yard.

What's making you happy this week?

Love,
Betty

Staple & Fancy.

While we were in Seattle a few weeks ago we met up with some dear friends for dinner. While we don't get to see these friends as often as we would like, it's like old times when we get the chance to reconnect.

Cowboy had been hearing good things about a new restaurant in the Ballard area called Staple & Fancy.We decided to check it out by sampling the chef's menu which consisted of a four course meal, with all food selected by the chef.

Boy Howdy. I've never seen (or eaten) so much delicious food. My belly was full after the first course. But I powered through...all four courses. Yowza.

I took a picture every time a new plate of food was brought out just so we could remember all of that deliciousness. And so I could share it with you. Ready? Here we go.

First Course (Antipasti): bruschetta, chilled asparagus soup, fried oysters, goat cheese & peas, deviled eggs & sardines.

Second Course: Pasta. 

Third Course: Scallops, Pork, & Fiddle Ferns (quite possibly my new favorite fern). 

Fourth & Final Course: Dessert! 

Whoa. I'm full again just looking at those photos. 

When it was all said and done our dinner lasted about three hours. We enjoyed some delicious food, tasty wine, and the absolute best company. Cheers!

Love,

Betty

Boys will be boys.

A few weeks ago we got to spend some time with our nephews in Seattle. Within 30 minutes these boys showed us how much energy, emotion, and silliness they are capable of. There was...

Running. Lots of Running.

A self-portrait: 

A photo bomb: 

Some tears: 

And some cuddles: 

One thing is for sure...we couldn't ask for happier, funnier, or cuter nephews. 

Love,

Betty