Island Time

Baking and Creating

2012-02-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I've been doing some baking and cooking today. Love the smell of fresh baked bread and rolls! While I was looking through my Pinterest account I came across a recipe for Kahlua Balls that I pinned awhile back and thought it sounded yummy. I knew I didn't have any Kahlua but I do have Irish Creme Liquor! So, I adapted the recipe to use what I had.

Irish Creme Liquor Balls

2 sleeves of graham crackers
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
6 oz (half a package) of white chocolate chips {could use more if you want}
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup Irish Creme Liquor
3 Tbsp brewed coffee
1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling balls in

In a food processor, crush the crackers into crumbs. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa and process until cornmeal texture. Add chips and process till mixed in. Fold in the vanilla, liquor and coffee until you form a soft dough. Roll into 1" balls, roll in the granulated sugar, and refrigerate in an airtight container for 1-3days to let the flavors mingle. Makes about 20 balls. Enjoy!

Greenhouse growing

2012-02-17T10:02:00.002-05:00

It's time to start veggie seeds in our area so they will be ready to plant in April. With my greenhouse I'm able to get a good jump on the season. When we first built the greenhouse I researched so many ideas of how to heat it on a budget in order to start seedlings. I found a solution that work so very well last year! Rather than purchase expensive heat pads I found that electric blankets work perfectly! Yes, used twin size electric blankets!

Two twin size blankets fit the length of one of my benches and provide the perfect amount of heat to the soil for seed starting. Now, the only thing that you have to remember on cold nights (and some cloudy days) is that most electric blankets now have an automatic cutoff and don't stay on indefinately. I usually have to go out right before going to bed and switch the blanket off and back on in order for it to stay on all night. Of course, I haven't gotten into the habit of that this season yet!

Now, once I have seedlings coming up, if it's going to be a very cold night, i.e. frost weather, I will also bring the other half of each blanket up and cover the plants for the night. The id markers I have sticking in my flats keeps the blankets from damaging the plants but the little plants stay nice and warm through the night.

So, there's my budget secret to starting plants in an unheated greenhouse! Oh, and I'm sure you wonder how I water the flats? On mornings I need to water I move all the flats to the other bench (with out the blankets) and water. They drain during the day, the bottoms dry and then go back on their blankets that night. Yes, it's a lot of work but definately worth it! Happy growing!

New Direction

2012-02-14T20:41:00.003-05:00

With the new year barely behind us, I've been thinking about a new direction for my blog. Homesteading is on my mind more and more and I'm daily looking for ways to live a simplier life. So, I will share my journey along the way.

Providing my family with more homemade food has been one path I've been exploring. I bake bread and rolls from scratch on a weekly basis which the guys really enjoy. As I've tried to steer a little further away from processed and packaged foods, I began looking at what we eat for breakfast. I really wanted to get away from toaster pastries, cereal, other 'sweet' breakfast treats. Teenage boys can be picky but I really wanted to find something filling, not-so-sweet, and quick for weekday breakfasts.

One thing I found that has proven to be a hit is breakfast burritos. They are filling and quick for them to heat up. I make a batch up on the weekend, stick them in the freezer, and they can pop one in the microwave in the morning. Simple!

Breakfast Burritos

8-10 flour tortillas (burrito size)
1 lb ground sausage
1-2 cups frozen southern hash browns or dice your own potatoes
4-6 eggs, optional
Crumble and fry up the sausage, drain. Cook the hash browns according to the package, or if using fresh potatoes fry till done. Salt and pepper the potatoes. Scramble and cook the eggs if using. Only two of my boys will eat eggs so I only put eggs in half the burritos I make.
Working with only 3 tortillas at a time, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on high about 20 seconds. Put some sausage, potatoes, and eggs in the tortilla and roll up burrito style. The amount of filling all depends on how stuffed you want them and how many you are going to make. I then wrap each burrito in wax paper and stack them in a plastic container and put in freezer. In the morning you can unwrap and microwave on high about 1-1/2 minutes. Enjoy!

Freedom Protected

2009-11-12T17:12:00.003-05:00

Freedom, Liberty, Honor;
motives of the servants.

For all, love of Country,
the fallen and the present.

To them we owe so much,
more than we even know.

May we never lose sight,
never forget the sacrifices
offered by these heroes:

Our Founding Fathers
Patriotic citizens
Uniformed Soldiers
and all those who have defended the freedom
granted us by our Maker and Creator.

God Bless America and God Bless you all

Island Sunset

2009-10-27T20:36:00.002-04:00

Licking the sky
with brilliant colors
of pink, red, yellow, and blue.
As an inferno
spitting toward the sky,
she lowers her head
and bids goodnight.

Memory remains...

2009-09-18T22:11:00.003-04:00

Rain begins to patter on the tin roof as the evening sun fades from the sky.
A puff of wind billows the lacy curtains in the bedroom window while
the fragrance of freesia in bloom among the ivy lingers in the air.
The cool sheets caress my skin and help stifle the growing fear within.
Speaking to me with a subtle click, the clock understands my pain,
But it is unable to erase the memory fresh in my mind.
As I reach for the vacant pillow, my eyes glimpse a filament
of his hair clinging to the white blanket; my breath catches.
When I last saw his face, love for me radiated across it,
his eyes promising a quick return, his anxiety well hidden.
The memory remains, handsome in his Confederate uniform,
waving goodbye, as the train rolls away from the station.

Written for the Friday 5 prompt on Poefusion.
Photo by Angie Clawson

Patriots

2009-09-14T22:10:00.004-04:00

It was a sea of Patriots as far as the eye could see.
Awe inspiring, sending chills up your spine.

With one voice, they exclaimed excitement for the moment,
Annoyance with their leaders, and love for Country.

Like a deep rumbling of thunder, rippling across the lawn,
“Can you hear us now?” crescendos through the crowd.

Voices from the stage motivate and encourage,
With words, song, and even some rap.

But the most moving of all was the sound heard from
Capitol to Mall of “God Bless American” sung by all.

Summer Friends

2009-09-10T23:08:00.006-04:00

Lazy days, humid nights
Swims, walks, sails,
A few campouts.
Days of summer
Are our moments
Cherished, remembered.
Waves, beach, sand,
Games old and new
Fun not forgotten.
Time may end
But only for a moment
My summer friends.

Inspired by my boys and their summer beach friends, I couldn't resist writing about them. These pictures were taken at our annual Sail Camp.

Just for fun...

2009-09-09T22:39:00.001-04:00

Timeless Treasure

2009-09-08T22:41:00.002-04:00

A dock
With old and new
A splash of aged treasures
Alongside modern architect
Timeless

This is a cinquain which was created by Adelaide Crapsey. A cinquain is a five line poem which consists of a 2, 4, 6, 8, 2 syllable count.
This picture is one I took during our vacation in Portland, Maine.

Footprints in the Sand

2009-08-27T22:24:00.004-04:00

footprints in the sand
hand in hand we walk

a breeze on the water
cools and refreshes

water birds skitter
along the foamy surf

salty air gives a
fragrant aroma

time stands still
if only for a moment

(I took these pictures on Fisherman's Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Needless to say, we were asked to leave the island because it is restricted and there is no trespassing. Who knew! The signs did not clearly state this but the Federal Ranger was very nice about it. We did enjoy our quaint island during our time there though.)

Summer Blooms

2009-07-06T09:37:00.002-04:00

I love the beauty of summer! Especially the flowers in bloom. God's creation is just amazing. These are just a few pictures from our garden showing the wonderment and beauty we are given.

Regatta

2009-03-10T22:51:00.005-04:00

The sailboats begin on the beach with only a whisper of a breeze. A big push gives them that extra burst needed to clear the rocks. As the lead boat, a dark blue sailfish, starts to scoot across the water into the open, the wind catches her colorful sail and gives her extra momentum. The remaining sailboats begin to glide into the wind line and the race becomes a dash to the round yellow marker.

The lead boat tacks back and forth, hoping to evade the group of sailboats pursuing her. A sunfish with blue and white sails begins to peck away at the distance between her and the lead boat. She uses a different tactic, taking longer tacks, gaining ground with each one. With the wind pushing them on, the marker, which once looked like a lone freckle on a bare back, is now only a few boat lengths away.

One by one, the boats round the marker, then begin the straight shot back to the beach. The dark blue sailfish has managed to keep her lead but this final stretch will be challenging. The wind, which has now gained strength, is at their stern quickening the pace. Spectators line the beach cheering on the competitors. The small boats scoot onto the beach one by one, the sailors glowing with excitement. All are winners today!

This was written for Friday 5 at Poefusion. Friday 5 words are in bold.

Life Among the Wood

2009-03-02T17:23:00.005-05:00

With today being a 'snow day' for the whole family, I've had plenty of time to just sit and write, hence the many entries today. This was just a fun thing I decided to do after seeing this picture Scott took of the snowy pile of wood.

Stacked together in a pile with unlike kind
I’m left here to imagine what awaits me now.
At one time only a small part of a whole
Together a strong towering presence.
As we became acquainted with the earth
A transformation began to occur,
This tall tower, once unified and sturdy,
Now broken into many fragile pieces,
Left in a heap to become parched,
Thirsty for the drink that once hydrated.
Now arid, I find myself here amass
Awaiting my turn to enter the abyss;
At least it so seems to me.

Amid Inlets

2009-03-02T15:24:00.003-05:00

Murky water laps at the post below the deck board
With snails clinging just above the water line.
Fog lingers on the surface like an alien mist
While the sun beckons her upward return.
A mislaid net ensnarled in the tall marshy grasses
Lays hold of a wayward fallen limb.
Low tide reveals the maiden silt left in her exit
Littered with crab shells strewn like tidal mines.
A gentle salty breeze laced with honeysuckle
Freshens up the stagnate marsh air.
This kaleidoscope of senses greets me,
Here at the dock amid inlets of our creek.

I wrote this poem using the title Amid Inlets which is an anagram of my blog title, "Island Time". This was a challenge by Poefusion, but I took it further and used four more anagrams of Island Time which I put in bold.

Island Snow 2009

2009-03-02T10:33:00.009-05:00

We got our first (and probably only) snow of the season here on our island. Scott braved the cold and took some pictures.

Our snowy dock at the end of the creek.
The four great snow hunters!
Preparing for the great snowball fight!

On the dock at the end of the creek

2009-02-28T22:40:00.002-05:00

The day was bright and clear with the sun shining brightly in the sky. Luckily, the humidity was low today, offering some relief to the hot summer. The past few days had been some of the hottest that Kate could remember here on the Chesapeake Bay. Yes, August always gave herself up to the overwhelming sticky heat so common to the Bay area in the summer, but this year it seemed to really envelope and smother.

Kate sat on the end of the dock in her lounge chair. Seagulls were flying overhead, squawking and swooping, keeping an eye on the boat coming up the creek. A stray breeze drifted across Kate’s cheek, a very welcome thing even in small portions. Of course the gentle rustling of the water brought back the memories of the previous evening. Oh, and what memories they were.

Kate always loved going out on the small boat in the early evenings with Nick, and this night was especially nice with the cool breeze and golden moon rising over the bay. It had been a long week but a trip out on the boat for some night fishing was a welcome diversion.

Nick pushed the boat off of the dock and they began rowing out of the shallow end of the creek. He started the engine and they made their way out of the creek towards their favorite fishing spot. Once anchored, Nick helped her bait and cast her line, then they relaxed and talked of the past week and the upcoming weekend.

Their conversations always turned to reminiscing over their past 25 years together and their forthcoming empty nest and of course this night was no different. They’d been enjoying their life on the Bay for more than fifteen of those years, with so many fun times out on the water as a family and a couple.

Nick did seem to have something on his mind tonight though that Kate had yet to drag out of him. He kept beating around the issue, teasing her about her lack of catching anything, of course, he hadn’t caught anything either, but they didn’t care, the fun part was just being together. Of course, Kate had that foreboding feeling that women always get when they know someone has something to tell them, but she tried not to let it show.

Finally, to Kate’s relief, Nick took in their lines, handed her a cold beer and told her he had some news. In his usual manner, he asked if she wanted the good news or the bad news first, which she hated (at least she tried to act like she did). So, in order to get it out of the way, she asked for the bad news and with a smirk, Nick told her there wasn’t any bad news. That got him a slap on the leg!

“So???” she asked.
“We did it, babe.” he replied.
“What?” Kate asked, with no clue what he was talking about.
“We have an appointment on Monday to sign the contract to publish our novel.”

So awed by the news, Kate almost falls out of the boat in an effort to hug Nick. This was the best news he could give her; the best news he could give them!

A drop of cool water from her glass of ice tea brought Kate back to the day at hand. The seagulls were now enjoying the meal being tossed in the water off of the dock down the creek. The sun was now getting higher in the sky and the heat seemed to be intensifying, but Kate didn’t seem to mind much. Her future looked bright (and hey, she was wearing sunglasses!) and their dreams were coming together before her eyes. Yes, life looked very good here on the dock at the end of the creek.

My Crush

2009-02-17T21:45:00.004-05:00

A fluff of black fur
White wisps, soft and cuddly
Purr, sweet sound of joy
So full of friskiness.

White wisps, soft and cuddly
Whiskers rub my leg
The soft fur under chin
Begs for some rubbing.

Purr, sweet sounds of joy
White tummy of softness
A rub of the head
Soft strokes satisfy her.

So full of friskiness
Playing to and fro
This ball of black and white
My sweet little Crush.

This poetic form is a quadrilew as prompted from Poefusion. Created by C. G. V. Lewis the quadrilew is a form of the quatrain with an abab rhyme scheme, repeating lines and an alternating syllable count.

Springtime of Life

2009-02-16T20:27:00.004-05:00

As she wanders through her fragrant garden
A perky squirrel skitters up a nearby tree.
Blooming flowers of red, blue, yellow, and orange
Raise their heads towards the brightly shining sun.

A visual picture of her life slowly fills her thoughts,
Just like a facsimile slowly printing a page.
A beautiful life which paralleled this spring garden,
Vibrant colors of love, hope, joy, and peace.

A comfy wicker lounge welcomes and invites
She stretches out, the sun warming her breast.
Kitty, soft and loving, finds a place on the seat,
Purring softly with every stroke of her hand.

When this comfortable, your mind takes flight,
Painting pictures of the chronicles of your life.
She relished in this time, remembering the past
Taking joy in the hope of the future.

Robins and Bluebirds were scattered about
Pecking for worms and seeds, singing gaily.
Overhead a seagull swoops and squawks,
Looking for its midday meal in the creek.

The wonder of it all floods her soul,
Leaving her in awe of the beauty around.
She knew this spring beauty was created
By the same whom held her life intact.

Written for Friday 5.

Life Content

2008-11-18T15:55:00.002-05:00

As Angel looks out
Pout on lip,
Lustre Crème Shampoo drips down on
Deck of ship

She ponders the day,
Pray daughter,
Comfort from the cistern pours out,
Cool water

Below in cabin
Chin held high,
Applies face cream from her blue jar,
Peaceful sigh

In time with the sea
Teapot sways,
Their coffee perking on the stove,
Joyful days

Coming on the breeze
Teasing scent
Of man at rusted tiller wheel,
Life content.

I used the poetic form, "The Memyric", which was invented by Lancelot of Pleiades. See Lancelot's Memyric, the roll. The syllables are 5, 3, 8, 3, with the last word of 5 rhyming with the first of 3 and the two 3's rhyming.
I also used Friday 5 words.

Kiptopeke Breakwater

2008-11-13T20:25:00.006-05:00

This is a picture we took last year of part of the concrete ship breakwater off the coast of Kiptopeke Beach, Eastern Shore, VA. In December 1948, nine McCloskey ships were partially sunk to form this ferry breakwater. It is a great place to fish and the breakwater makes a wonderful beach. If this picture sparks any creative notions in you please share.

Twofold Freedom

2008-11-12T22:06:00.006-05:00

Clean air envelopes us as only it can out here,
The breeze touches with a tenderness all its own.

Touch creates a blush from within,
Forming in my inner depths, flowing outwardly.

Gliding forward through tranquil waters,
A quiver in the sails improves our progress

Quiet whispers playfully tickle my ear,
While a shiver touches my spine.

Sails are tuned and lines pulled taut,
As the wind paves out unchained roads.

Your embrace shrouds me with love,
Capturing unchained passion in my heart.

Written for Tuesday Title and 3WW.

Honor

2008-11-10T22:24:00.008-05:00

As we set aside this day
To honor our veterans,
Keep their memory
Afresh in our mind,
Lest we forget their time.

Some of them have lives
Shattered by actions
Performed on distant shores,
Haunted by images
Not soon forgotten.

Many have walked
The valley of death,
Searching for hope
In an upside down world,
Led by honor and truth.

The fortunate league
To have not seen battle,
Still carry with them
Pride and a hundred tears for
Service to their country.

God, help us remember,
Lest we forget their service
The time they served Us,
For some have given all,
And all Veterans give us honor.

Written for Saturday Scribes prompt.

Picture taken by Scott Clawson at the Warrenton Cemetary in Warrenton, VA.

For a Time

2008-11-07T12:11:00.003-05:00

Swirling, twirling
Falling to the ground,
Splashes of color
To the earth they are bound.

For a time they show
Bright beauty of spun gold,
Mingled with crimson and ginger,
Exquisite and bold.

Artwork on a grand scale
Displayed for all,
The very work of the hand
For which they call.

Soul Wanderer

2008-11-06T08:31:00.007-05:00

Gently gliding through clouds of newborn stars,
Casting glances back at worlds in translucent darkness,
Riding wings of hope while clutching the mane of destiny,
Softly caressing dreams common to distant travelers.

I travel alone, always looking forward, never behind.
This ship is my home, a refuge in the vast domain.

Listening to echoes of ancient songs in rhythmic time,
Meandering mindless fields of sobering thoughts,
Finding solace in gentle tugs of wayward gravity,
Searching timeless realms of silent wanderings.

My destiny calls me to this realm, once again solo.
This life is my own, a hell of my own creation

Coasting along this thoroughfare which never ends,
Lightly touching the shadows that always surround,
Grasping aimlessly at anchors of uncertain hope,
Looking for even a nuance of recognition in this despair.

Slowly fading, sinking into my own abyss.
All prospects seem to disappear as in a black hole.

Seizing a safe mooring which floats in this gloom,
Remembering hazy whispers of distant arenas of time,
Calmly soothing rough edges of fractured dreams,
Discovering tranquil peace that transcends all ages.

You grab hold, clutching me, securing the line.
Hopelessness fades as I gaze upon your face.

This poem was a collaboration between my husband, Scott and I. His contribution is in italics. Written for 3WW.

Anticipated Return

2008-11-04T20:08:00.000-05:00

Once again as the sun doth rise
I see the red music of burning glass,
Images of an epoch far gone, but
Forever etched in my mind.

How did I get to this point?
Where has all the time gone?
Questions never answered, always
Incised on my delicate facade.

Anger, passion, and sadness
All resonate in my head,
Like a chorus of voices mourning,
Lamenting for your return.

I long for your touch
To feel your warm embrace,
Oh, to have you back to be
Captain of only my heart.

But I know, for now
That dread ship has stolen from me
Your attention and time,
And yes, your very spirit.

Each morning I face dawn
Hoping to glimpse the red music,
Not burning or broken, but
Hailing your sweet return.

Written for Tuesday Title

Closing Stages (Duet Ritardando)

2008-11-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

Getting older, full of dust
A few broken keys
Altered melody, uneven pitch.

Once majestic, alive with song
Polished, shiny
A sound, joyful and melodic.

Kind, the years were not
Ah, but lovely
Worthy, with pleasant tune.

The journey was weathered
Tempest and gales
Sometimes battered, even worn.

Even so, the music remains sweet
To our mellow ears
Always cherished, forever prized.

A passage full of devotion
Tended, cultivated
A tenderness to be seen.

After all the years, a treasure
Beautiful harmony
Radiates despite the years.

Our Love transcends time
Blinded to flaws
A symphony to our ears.

Written for Monday Mural.

Blessed Union

2008-10-30T21:10:00.000-04:00

Fresh and pure
A bud on a tree
Slow to blossom
Quick to ripen.

Yearn to taste of
The sweet fruit
Rinse the past
Ready for new life.

Change of identity
Look only ahead
The meddle behind
Challenge is yours.

Afterwords, calm
Two become one
A third holds it strong
Leaving no debris.

Written for Friday 5. Friday 5 words are in bold.

Silent Fume

2008-10-29T14:17:00.000-04:00

Displeasure spews forth
An ache within grows
The path to follow
Hard to consider

Difference abounds
A flurry of emotion
The choice unspoken
Buried deep within

Pride trickles away
To suffer is gain
Fight abandoned even
While Blinking with Fists

Written for Tuesday Title and 3WW.

I Shall Let the Wind

2008-10-28T12:40:00.000-04:00

In the midst of the aging day
Whilst the sun lowers her head
I Shall Let the Wind tickle me,
Cool wisps of gold spun hair.

I gaze at the waves on the sea
Wrestling to reach the beach
I Shall Behold the Wind before me,
A struggle to push aqua to shore.

As the once white downy clouds
Transform to a crimson hue
I Shall Consider the Wind above me,
Driving the billow of pink masses.

Above me the majestic trees wave
In a chaotic chorus of sound.
I Shall Admire the Wind around me,
A conductor in her element.

Even as day beckons night
Peace transcends upon the isle.
I Shall Let the Wind direct me,
Back to my Love’s waiting arms.

Listening to the Color of My Mind

2008-10-07T22:52:00.000-04:00

Where once the new day brings a fresh mind,
Long days lend their way to fatigue thoughts.
By the end it is all black and blue,
The feeling of monotonous dread.

The wind down brings relief and elation,
Feeling the thaw deep within.
Warmth begins to turn it an amber shade,
Radiating throughout like glowing coal.

Wonderful sweet, the sound of love,
Enveloped in an embroidery of color.
The secluded sparks of yellow rays,
Penetrate my being on the way to renewal.

2008-10-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

Well, I will surely be in trouble with Richard for using this picture on the web! Oh well, this is Richard my foster son. He became quite a sailor this summer! And soon he will probably become a good driver because he's almost that age! AARRGG! His brothers are not looking forward to him learning to drive the van while they are in it! (And I'm not either!! Ha! Ha!) Richard has really began to show a true heart for Christ and I see true worship coming from him on Sunday mornings. Of course, he's a sweet one just like his brothers, and a helper.

2008-10-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

Here are my two proud boys, Brandon and Cole, at 8th grade graduation.

Brandon is my foster son, and another brain of the family. He's another sweet boy (I seem to have all sweet guys!) and another good helper. Brandon is just one of those overall good guys that will also make a good husband some day. He's also very creative.

2008-10-07T21:12:00.000-04:00

Ah, what can I say? These are my two boys, Cole and Grant.

Cole, the brains of the family, is always caring, loving, and willing to share anything he has. He will definately make a great husband some day. And not only because he is those things but also because he loves the Lord and has a great faith in God. (He also gives good back scratches!)

Grant, my baby and clown. He is just a sweet boy, willing to do anything to help his mom. He's such a creative boy and I can really see him using his hands like his dad when he grows up. And he is taking an interest in art, who knows, he may be famous some day! Or be a missionary!

I Love You...

2008-09-30T13:59:00.000-04:00

Your laughter, your smile
your soft warm touch.
Your eyes shine with love for me
making me feel safe and secure.
I love you with all my heart.

Your gentleness is like a blanket
covering me with warmth.
Your smile takes my breath away
then fills me up with joy.
I love you for all you are.

God has give you to me to love
I cherish every minute of this gift.
You are one of the special few
who are after God's own heart.
I love you forevermore.