ballpark

There is something so familiar about the ballpark in the summertime.  The exuding warmth from the field and intensely patriotic feel keeps everyone's eyes locked on the field and the excitement of the game.

Well, our Texas Rangers have made it to the world series.  Yea!  Now, I have to clarify that we aren't huge baseball game watchers but we have been to a few Rangers games and enjoy them immensely!

What fun it is to cheer our home team!

warm and cozy: time for SOUP!

With the arrival of the cooler weather, it is definitely time for soup!  I love homemade soup.  Lovely concoctions of herbs, vegetables, stock and sometimes meat make for the most delicious and healthy meals.

I made this one today to soothe a growing cold and to warm the little souls in the house.  It was the most delicious tomato soup I have ever tasted.  Of course, the recipe included basil which is still growing like mad. I feel like I need to utilize it before it dies off for the season.

I kept my soup a little more hardy by not blending it too smooth.  It was hardy and full of flavor, yet light and fulfilling.  I served mine with a toasted cheese sandwich.  It would also be great with some hardy bread.  Enjoy it on a cold night!

Roasted Tomato-Basil Soup  

The Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice
• 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 quart chicken stock or water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.

In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.

driving in heels {and a crown} with the skirt stuck in the door

There is nothing like getting dressed up, wearing heels and driving yourself somewhere fun...even if your skirt is stuck in the door!

 

ice cream, hot air and halloween

We recently attended a fun little small-town event for Halloween.  A sweet friend told us about the celebration and we decided to give it a whirl.  Children were dressed up in their costumes and hot-air balloons illuminated the night sky.  Collecting candy and eating it was a favorite but when the skies darkened and the balloons began to stand tall, fright consumed my kids.  As the fires illuminated the balloons, they made a loud sound that terrified both my kids.  The little one was ready to go home after she saw the first balloon but my big girl decided to hang in there for the candy that was being given out at each balloon basket.  Funny, how candy can motivate.

The best part was the vintage ice-cream truck!  After all the hoopla with the balloons and fire, it was neat to see that the charming vintage ice-cream man and truck experience was a favorite!

What fun it was to take part in a fun little community celebration.  We are hopeful we will be able to stay longer and enjoy the beautiful balloons next year!

flowers at the door

Ringing doorbells, leaving goodies and dashing away {while we were booing neighbors} peeked the interest of my big girl.  

The other day, she asked me to wait at the doorway while she busied herself in the yard.  As I waited, she tore through the yard gathering little leaves and flowers.  When she peeked back at me she asked that I close the door and wait for the doorbell to ring.  When it rang and I opened the door, a sweet little bouquet awaited me on the front step while she hurried around the pillar. 

Oh, what fun it is to leave little surprises for unsuspecting folks {or Momma}!

taking care of pumpkins

Since my little one snatched this pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch a week ago, she has not let a day go by without moving it or shuffling it around the yard.  When it rained, she dutifully moved out of the rain and into the garage.  When we arrive home, she walks up to the font step and picks it up and heaves it around before we go inside.  When we walk out the front door, she takes it out to sit under the shade of the trees.  When we went for a walk, she attempted to take it along but decided not to after she dropped it and it rolled down the driveway.  At the rate she's going, I am not quite sure this sweet pumpkin will make it to Halloween.

the rain came

When the skies darkened from the west and the winds kicked up, it was like a magic signal sent out to everyone.  Doors swung open and kids ran outside while parents marveled at the sight of rain -- a sight that hasn't been seen for many, many months.   Little boats were sailed down the water-filled gutters while umbrellas were abandoned in the yard.  It was almost surreal to see the dark clouds instead of the accustomed blue.  We are so thankful the rain came down today.