David Austin Roses

This is the a new David Austin Rose named Anne Boleyn that I just ordered. I love Peonies, but since they don't grow well here in So Cal, I've purchased this beautiful rose. I think it kind of looks like a Peonie. It has a slight fragrance too. I love to garden, but unfortunately, I'm not very good at it.
This is a David Austin rose called William Shakespeare that I have had in my back yard for at least 7 years. It does very well, blooms year round. I love the deep, rich color. I wish I had more space to plant all the beautiful flowers that I love. All the David Austin roses are so beautiful, it was so hard to pick just one.

Happy Valentine's Day!

MMMM-Delicious!!

Photo courtesy of Cooking Light

Stuffed Chicken

200 calories

You will want to make this recipe this weekend. It's delicious and flavorful and only 200 calories a serving. I've made it twice this month!

2 tsps. olive oil - divided

3/4 cups artichoke hearts cut up(I use the tall jar of marinated)

1/4 cup green onions

1/4 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese

1 tsp. herbs de provence (sale at grocery store in spice sections)

1/4 tsp. salt divided

1/4 tsp. pepper - divided

4 4oz. chicken fillets (boneless and skinless)

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. corn starch

Heat 1 tsp. oil in skillet over med. heat.

Add artichokes and green onions saute 4 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, stir in cheese, 1/2 tsp. herbes de provence, 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper.

Cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each breast half to form a pocket. Stuff 2 tablespoons artichoke mixture into each pocket.

Heat 1 tsp. oil in large skillet over med. heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper, cover and cook on each side (about 6 minutes or until golden brown and done.) Remove from pan.

Add 1/2 tsp. herbs de provence and broth to pan, bring to a boil. Combine juice and cornstarch; add to broth mixture, stirring with a whisk. Cook 1 minute or until thickish. Return chicken to pan, cover and cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

ENJOY!

HAIR

Sunday, my friend Marie and I, saw HAIR. Yes, I missed the second half of the superbowl! I have never seen it before and didn't really know what it was about. Let me just say this, it is not for those under the age of 18. Sex, drugs, and the vietnam war is what it is all about. I feel sorry for those sitting in the front row at the beginning when the guy comes out and molests some poor unsuspecting soul. Haha! There is full frontal nudity. There were a lot of big hits from this musical. I recognized at least four from when I was a kid. It ends kind of sad, but I'm glad I saw it.

The Hangman's Daughter

I'm am really on role this year, reading some great books! I really enjoyed this book, The Hangman's Daughter. It takes place in the 1600's and is about the town Hangman and the role he plays in the town, how people treat him and his family, medicine that the people of the town do not understand and call witchcraft and evil. It was a great story and really exciting. I've added the link to the title above so you can read the story line and the reviews. 5 stars, couldn't put it down.

The Sherlockian

The Sherlockian was a good read. It wasn't my favorite, but it entertained me. The story was good, a little excitement and intrigue to perk your interest. I'm glad I read it. If you read a lot of books, I would read it, but if you only read a couple of books a year, skip it. Again, linked at the title.

Katie's 21st Birthday

Our Katie is 21 today.

She is so fun.

She is hysterically funny.

She makes me laugh.

She feels things deeply.

She loves children.

She wants to be a 2nd grade teacher.

She is strong.

She is loving.

She is compassionate.

She likes to shop.

She likes to DANCE.

Her new favorite color is purple.

She likes to decorate.

She likes to take pictures.

She likes to travel.

She takes 2 hours to paint her nails.

We love her!

Happy Birthday, Katie.

Capote

Yesterday I saw CAPOTE. It is the story of how Truman Capote finds out about, researches and publishes his best selling book "In Cold Blood". Phillip Seymour Hoffman did a great job portraying the dysfunctional Truman Capote.

I read, "In Cold Blood" when I was in my twenties, so when I happened upon this movie, I was interested. It moved a little slow but I found some things very interesting.

1. Truman Capote and Harper Lee (she wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird") were best friends. They grew up together in Alabama.

2. Being openly homosexual in the late 1950's wasn't easy. Harper Lee basically got Capote interviews with the people associated with the Clutter murder so he could begin the relationships. They didn't want to talk to him based on the way he dressed and talked. A lot of the time, she would do the interview and he would observe.

3. He sympathized with one of the killers, Perry Smith.

4. He bribed the warden of the prison so he could have unlimited access to the prisoners.

5. He provided attorneys for them all the way up until the Supreme Court appeal.

6. Truman Capote wrote "Breakfast at Tiffany's" which was banned from some small town libraries in the 50's.