Perspective

John Brogan Park | Idaho City, Idaho

I enjoy taking something familiar and giving it a new angle. John Brogan Park, in Idaho City, is a landmark that many residents pass daily as they traverse Montgomery Street -- one of our 2 main drags. A private home is situated to the right of this fence. The most visited areas (out of view) surround the historical 1860's structures: the Boise Basin Museum, batten and board homes, the blacksmith shop and pest house; as well as picnic tables, a bandstand, and the horseshoe pit seen at the upper left of this photo. This old-style fence can easily blend in.

It was a warmer Spring day when this photo was shot. I used Hipstamatic with the Loftus lens and DC film. I appreciate how the distinctive marks on the fence lead the eye on a dreamy path. A few residents did not recognize where this photo was taken. That made me very happy!

Happy Spring!

 

A Day at the Museum

Boise Basin Museum | Idaho City, Idaho

Our Boise Basin Museum doors were reopened in April for field trips and tours; providing weekend hours for tourists. Our season begins officially on Memorial Day and will be open 7 days a week, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, until Labor Day.

The museum building had former lives as a post office, general store, meat market, and private residence. It was built in 1867 by architect and postmaster, James A. Pinney, as a defense against fire. In just 5 years since its founding, Idaho City had burned down twice and Pinney was not about to lose another post office. Shifting away from the usual board and batten structures, he designed a thick brick building with heavy steel shutters and doors. Even the attic had brick flooring with a layer of earth for further protection.

How the West was Won! | Idaho City, Idaho

I am one of 2 Curators and much like my employment at Disneyland in the late 1970's, a work day never feels like work. Each museum guest brings something special to the table, whether it's their own historical tales or simple curiosity. Many visitors have roots in Idaho City and a good portion come to us from other continents.

Old Royal Typewriter | Idaho City, Idaho

This is my 3rd museum season. Despite my familiarity, there is always something new to discover. I love learning, so I often use my work hours to educate myself. There is never a dull moment.

1865 Fire House | Idaho City, Idaho

Ironically, this 1865 Fire House is still standing. It was no match against the fires of 1865 and 1867,  largely because Idaho City was constructed of wood and used wood-burning stoves for cooking and heat. Following these fires, fire fighting was beefed up significantly.

At the Museum,

Belated Celebration

Joe's Crab Shack | Boise, Idaho

Sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for. Barry was under the weather on Mother's Day, so he pinky-promised me that my Joe's Crab Shack craving would be gratified the following Sunday. It was, and in the Miller tradition, WE SHARED EVERYTHING! Trust me, these platters looked this pristine for about 45 seconds.

Life is GOOD!

Filthy Rags?

FILTHY RAGS?

The Bible does NOT say that the effective, fervent prayer of a SELF-righteous man avails much. The Scripture [James 5:16] uses the word "righteous" and there is a huge distinction between the righteousness of God and our own righteousness. In fact, different versions of the Bible liken our own righteousness to filthy or grease-stained rags, even a polluted garment. [Isaiah 64:6]

Prayer is not a magic wand, a manipulative tool, or a weapon disguised as Christian love. Genuine prayer requires seeking and knowing the heart of God concerning any "thing" and allowing His heart to shape our viewpoint and petitions. 

Oh Happy Day!

Tea Collage

My lovely, joyful, and charming friend, Susy DeLucca, celebrated her Birthday yesterday. I became bemused, or something of the sort, and did not remember until after today's morning coffee. Instant human being, just add coffee!

Happily, I have a day off, so I donned my creative hat and set to work on something special for Susy's Facebook. She was once the proprietor of Hiatt and Peek in Long Beach, California. Truly, the store was a reflection of who she is and the things she loves. Susy often hosted special events that featured hot pots of tea and delectable treats as part of her hospitality. Thus, a Tea Collage!

Using iPhone apps, I selected a few favorite tea photos, applied the "Aquarello" effect in Paper Camera, and incorporated the images into a Diptic collage using a frame that resembles sunshine. Diptic, which it also on my Mac, has evolved nicely into something quite fanciful.

Happy Birthday, Susy!

Tea for Tuesday

Cradled Eggs

I was able to enjoy sunrise through a high window in our bedroom. No surprise, I even popped outside for a photo. Somehow, participating in the day's debut made me yearn for some "ME" TLC.

These Cradled Eggs were the ticket! Using red bell peppers as the enclosure, I added eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, scallions, oregano, sea salt and pepper. I found it useful to hold the bell pepper rings down with a spatula until the egg sets a bit. This keeps the eggs corralled. I was quite pampered, even if I was the one doing it!

Florence Flavored Black Tea

I also ordered some Florence Flavored Black Tea from Harney & Sons. Their website says this: "Our delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Tea, better known as Florence. We can't always be sipping hot cocoa while sitting in the Palazzo della Signoria. But, we can sip this decadent blend of chocolate and hazelnut and dream we are there."

Lastly, I keep giggling because of something Chef Brock (13-year old son) did last night. He made dinner for both of us by cooking up Schwan's Tomato Basil Soup and baking Schwan's Southern Biscuits. He watches "Top Chef" and "Chopped" with me, so he created his own personal touches. He said, "It's all in the presentation, Mom." There was a big puddle of soup on my plate. He had used a spoon to add what he hoped would be swooshes, but the soup was not viscous enough. It was so cotton-pickin' cute! I love that kid!

Arrivederci!

Solace and Salad

Greek Salad

It was a challenge to stay buoyant today. A number of things, beyond my control, are piling high right now, even causing some grief. I choose to lean on, rely on, and trust in God. It gives Him the God-portunity to act on my behalf without my interference, as I'm sure He appreciates. {{GRIN}}

I found solace in this Scripture shared by Kay Arthur on Facebook today...

Proverbs 3:24 (NKJV)
   When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
   Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

I also did something good for me today. I created a beautiful Authentic Greek Salad with Dressing, inspired by The Social Chef. I did add some Spring Mix salad greens to the dish. Not pictured are the Kalamata olives that I forgot to add until after the photograph. This salad is delicious and definitely worth your checking out.

It's all Greek to me...

El Gallo Giro - Kuna, Idaho

Dining options in Idaho are puny compared to my old stomping ground of SoCal. Then again, the population of Los Angeles exceeds that of the entire state of Idaho! Yes, California may have its superabundance, but Idaho boasts its scattered gems.

The Treasure Valley, an area that spans from Vale, Oregon to Boise, Idaho, has treasure that often requires some digging. For example, my first experiences with sushi in Idaho were lackluster. I wondered, more than once, if I had mistakenly grabbed the plastic sushi display. Yet through hopeful perseverance, I was finally rewarded with Sakana in Merdian! [Click HERE to visit that post.]

Mexican food proved to be just as elusive. We had visited some tasty fast food joints, but nothing remarkable. Then El Gallo Giro was praised in Boise Weekly. I added it to my iPhone. Word-of-mouth confirmed the writeup. So, we trekked down the mountain and headed for the farming community of Kuna.

The interior of El Gallo Giro is charmingly cozy. The wait staff made us feel like they had been missing us. My husband and I shared the Fajita Combination Plate, consisting of chicken, beef, and shrimp. It arrived at our table piping hot — even the steam was beautiful! The warmed tortilla's were wrapped in foil on a plate that featured handmade guacamole along with other toppings. The crescendo was the Molten Chocolate! We both nodded our approval!

I captured this trilogy on Instagram. My husband, Barry, kept eating the props. He nobly agreed to cooperate with my photo shoot. I assured him that it would move quickly and the photography was indeed a snap! However, the formatting became a distraction — mostly with the aromatic main course.

When I joined the living, I looked up to see Barry's strained patience and pleading eyes. I had forgotten to release him to his feast. I started laughing. He laughed just long enough to grab his fork. The rest is his-story!

Adios,

We Have a Winner!

We have a winner in my "Welcome to Spring" Giveaway! On March 19th, I payed tribute to author Diane Morgan and her newest book: Roots: The Definitive Compendium with more than 225 Recipes. Then I got to thinking, why not give away a copy? 

Each of the entrants shared their love of root vegetables and you can read their comments HERE! My son, Brock, drew the winner and she is...

This spuds for YOU!

Sushi!

Honeymoon Roll

I cruised down to Boise yesterday. Rain, hail, and wind persuaded me to do what any sane gal from SoCal would do: I ducked into Sakana for sushi! I welcomed the refuge, but I admit to having other motives. 

My last great sushi outing had been with my dear mom. She treated me to dinner at Kinokawa Japanese Restaurant in Long Beach, California. Kinokawa sushi definitely raises the bar and, unfortunately, finding the same quality in Boise has been an undertaking.

Sakana was immediately redemptive. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. I never had to ask for refills on green tea. Oh, and the sushi... I ordered Honeymoon Roll. What a presentation! And like a true foodie, I snapped a photo. A watchful little girl implored her mother, "Can we take pictures, too?"

Each heart was framed with strips of tuna. The interior, crowned with roe, consisted of salmon, crab, avocado, and rice. What a joy it was to dip sushi hearts in saucy dollops and swooshes. I followed up with Tuna Roll and King Crab Roll. Honestly, I could have sushi-ed all night!

The only thing that would have made the occasion better was sharing it with Mom. Sushi is something we do well together.

Sushi wishes,

Good Friday and Easter

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;

Death is strong, but Life is stronger;

Stronger than the dark, the light;

Stronger than the wrong, the right...

~Phillips Brooks, "An Easter Carol"

Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there.

~Clarence W. Hall

Before the Resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals only on certain occasions for special tasks. But now, after the Resurrection, Christ through the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of every believer to give us supernatural power in living our daily lives.

~Rev. Billy Graham

Two thousand years ago, in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point.

~Rick Warren

Easter Blessings,

Chickens and Change

I almost tossed publisher J. Pagliaro's renewal letter for MaryJanesFarm. Then I noticed the word "chickens"...

Whether you're awakened by chickens in the yard or traffic in the street, you know what it is to be a farmgril. Farmgirl is a condition of the heart. It is a love of the earth ... of what is natural and organic ... of a day's work with one's hands and an evening in the company of one's friends. It is independence. It is community.

I can relate. Since living in the Idaho mountains, I have been awakened by roosters, snowplows, hail pounding on metal roofs, even the eerie silence of snowfall. I enjoy 4 seasons, wildlife, and a glittered galaxy. I am enthralled by it all and so is Bear!

Yet, change is on the horizon. [See my post, "Pioneers or Settlers?"] Our landlords definitely want to sell. We could remain up here, but the signs — and even our hearts —seem to be pointing toward Boise.

Not wanting a suburban life, we have taken road trips to the rural areas west of Boise. The mountains frame the sprawling farmland and the big city is close enough. We found a middle school and high school for Brock (13) with good recommendations and awesome athletic facilities. There may even be opportunities that we have only dreamed of.

Brock and I have discussed raising chickens. We have joked about having a dairy cow, or even an ostrich or a llama. We laugh, but with God all things are possible!

Smiles.

Dove Chocolate

Doves at Sunrise

I gave Barry the task of finding Dove Chocolate Eggs in Boise. He found every Dove product except the elusive eggs. So, he came home empty-handed.

This is where 28 years of marriage comes in. Bear knows that my chocolate cravings need no translation. True, I was hoping for Dove Chocolate eggs, but my desire for CHOCOLATE will always supersede the shape or packaging. After my impassioned speech, Bear made it his mission to bring home Dove® Promises last night. Happy wife, happy life!

My Dove® Promises are enjoying an abbreviated season in my cranberry glass basket. I say "abbreviated" because chocolate love is a driving force in my family. I captured them on Instagram while there was still something to look at.

Dovingly yours,

P.S. I finally located the Dove Chocolate Eggs at Target. Yes, a couple bags followed me home.

NOTE: Don't forget to enter my 

"Welcome to Spring"Giveaway!

[Scroll down 1 post or click on the blog banner to visit the main page.]

"Welcome to Spring" Giveaway!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

SEE MY APRIL 9, 2013 POST.

Happy First Day of Spring! Although it will take a bit longer for our mountain community to thoroughly embrace it, there are telltale signs!

To celebrate, I am hosting a "Welcome to Spring" Giveaway of Diane Morgan's new book, Roots: The Definitive Compendium with more than 225 Recipes. If you scroll down one post, you will discover why I am in love with this book! I seriously crave root vegetables 365 days a year and this book is an adventure just waiting to happen! I guarantee that it will inspire you to dig deep and explore the possibilities!

TO ENTER...

1. Leave a Comment on this post. Share what you love about root vegetables. Make sure that your name is on the post and that I have some way to reach you.
2. I will award an extra entry for each person that you refer. Just make sure that they mention YOUR NAME in their post.
3. I will award an extra entry for following this blog. You may do so on the top right sidebar. Please leave an additional comment telling me that you did so.
4. The Giveaway will end at Midnight PST on Monday, April 8, 2013.

Rooting for YOU!

"Roots" by Diane Morgan

Celery Root, Celery Heart, & Celery Leaf Salad — From Diane Morgan's NEW book, "Roots: The Definitive Compendium with more than 225 Recipes"

I heard author Diane Morgan interviewed a couple of times — via podcast — in regard to her NEW book: Roots: The Definitive Compendium with more than 225 Recipes. I was so impressed that I added her to my 300+ streaming FOOD-QUEST List on Facebook and recently purchased a copy. Diane's beautifully photographed book is a magnificent resource and inspiration!

I was hoping that Diane might be bringing her book tour through Idaho, especially Boise. This seems like the perfect fit to me since we are a Potato State. Yes folks, we have über tubers here!

Her website gives a wonderful description of the book, so I am going to share my own excitement! I needed someone to demystify root vegetables for me and Diane dedicates her first chapter, "Roots, Tubers, Rhizomes, and Corms" to a root-imentary crash course. Each subsequent chapter highlights a root vegetable and then provides history, lore, varieties, nutrition, storage, use and preparation. Then there are the mouth watering recipes!

Diane included a passionate "root" quote from Henry David Thoreau. Being that I have always wanted a root cellar, I found it quite enjoyable...

I dug my cellar in the side of a hill sloping to the south, where a woodchuck had formerly dug his burrow, down through sumach and blackberry roots and the lowest stain of vegetation, six feet square by seven deep, to a fine sand where potatoes would not freeze in any winter . . . . I took particular pleasure in this breaking of ground. 

—Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1854

Rooting loudly,

St. Patrick's Day

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Extracting Irish from both sides of my family (Matheny and Drummy) and having performed in "Finian's Rainbow," I have one burning question today... "How ARE things in Glocca Morra?"

"So I ask each weeping willow

And each brook along the way

And each lad that comes a-whistling tooralay

How are things in Glocca Morra this fine day?"

St. Patrick's Day is a wonderful prelude to Spring, which begins in 3 days! May your day be blessed and vibrant!

[NOTE: "The music was composed by Burton Lane and the lyrics written by E. Y. Harburg. The song was published in 1946 and introduced in the 1947 musical Finian's Rainbow. There is no actual Glocca Morra in Ireland (though there is a Glockamara, pronounced the same way)." —Wikipedia]

Irish eyes are smiling,

Instagram

Photo of a Painting by Mary Kay Crowley
"Tea Cupboard"

It is rather amazing what our smart phone cameras can create. Back in the day, we never imagined mobile phones, let alone smart ones with cameras! 

Once a camera becomes an everyday tool, we are ever ready for shot-portunities. The above photo was taken in my bedroom. I was reading by lamplight — on my iPhone — and noticed that my Mary Kay Crowley "Tea Cupboard" painting had taken on an extra degree of ambiance. I opened my Instagram app, snapped the picture, chose a lens and frame, and "Voila!" (The resulting photo is just a fraction of the original painting.)

I detest flash photos, so I have been experimenting with natural and warm lighting. The following photo was very warm... The timer had just signaled the doneness of this Lime Chicken Casserole. I shot the picture in a darkened kitchen with just oven lighting. 

Happy Saturday!

Monkey Picked Ti Kuan Yin

Monkey Picked Ti Kuan Yin
The Bamboo Tea House via Steepster.com

Today, I sipped an oolong tea with an offbeat name: Monkey Picked Ti Kuan Yin. Its history is whimsical. It is said that Buddhist monks trained monkeys to access hard-to-reach leaves, even encouraging monkey business in order to loosen precious branches. Perhaps untrue, but the term monkey-picked has become synonymous with this tea.

Oolong means "Black Dragon." Teaclass.com offers this description of oolong...

Oolong is a semi-oxidized tea made from large, mature leaves, which can withstand the lengthy rolling and oxidizing process. (If standard tea production is the newest two leaves and a bud, oolong is often three or four leaves and a bud.) After being plucked, the leaves are withered to remove some moisture. The leaves are then rolled, and that can happen in several ways — twisting, curling into tight balls, etc. After rolling, the leaves are allowed to rest and oxidize for a while. For many oolongs, those two steps — rolling and oxidizing — are repeated several times, creating many layers of flavor and aroma.

California's historic Claremont was a favorite escape of mine. The Bamboo Tea House, a tea lover's paradise, is located on the town's brick and mortar main street. The walls are shelved with a variety of exotic and classical teas, along with some delightfully flavored blends. It was there that I discovered Monkey Picked Ti Kuan Yin tea! Thankfully, after moving to Idaho, their products can be ordered online.

World Spice Merchants features this tea, along with the following description...

Monkey Picked Ti Kuan Yin

Camellia sinensis teas : Ti Kuan Yin Monkey Picked - Item # 0297

This competition-grade oolong delighted us at first sip. The lightly oxidized, light and dark green leaves unfurl slowly during steeping to release a lush, honey-colored liquor and an orchid-like flavor that will awaken the palate and linger for some time. This Monkey Picked Ti Kuan Yin oolong is rich and good for many infusions as the leaves release the complex flavor. But, is it really monkey-picked? We're not telling. 

Brew 1-2 minutes at 195°F; 1 to 6 steepings (for multiple steeps, use the shorter steeping time). 

This tea can be acquired from links in this post. Harney & Sons also carries Top Ti Quan Yin, considered the best tea out of the northern Fujian Province, which, as Harney & Sons explains, "is always expensive." Keep in mind that only a teaspoon is needed for multiple infusions as the tea expands dramatically.

Oolong for now,