Warren spoils me!

Warren bought me a Cricut Expressions machine when we were in Utah last week. I had fun making this little round box/gift card holder for Angie for her birthday Sunday. Thanks a lot Warren! I'm looking forward to having lots of fun with my new toy!

Scrapbookers Eat Your Hearts Out!

I bought myself a fun new 'toy' yesterday. It's a great way to keep things at hand right above my work table. I think it will be fun and save me many trips to the cabinet.
Angie was sick today, so dad and I took her little boys for the day. We took our fun hike at Usery Park, over the mountain followed by a picnic and some play time in the playground. My friend, Linda Berry, and her daughter Janice went with us so we had time to play some games while the little boys enjoyed the playground. They were a couple of tired little boys by the time we left there. It was a beautiful day today with a temp. of 74 degrees! Wish you could have been with us! Love you all!

Chocolate Halfway Bars

This is a longtime family favorite!

Chocolate Halfway Bars:

makes a 8 X12 pan

1. mix together:
1/2 cup shortening (but it's better with butter)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar

2. add 1 egg yolk (save the egg white for later)
1 cup flour 1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp. bkg powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1 1/2 tsp. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Pat all this into greased 8 X 12 pan. Top with 12 oz. chocolate chip (milk choc. or semi-sweet)

3. Topping:
2 egg whites and 1/2 cup brown sugar, beater stiff.

4. Spread topping over chocolate chips and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

More

A spectacular small bowl


Green 'horns' on the ground


a spectacular 7 foot tall blue chandelier



Walkway


This is a Boojum tree

Two giant 'Cardon Cacti'. They are NOT Saguaros



This is a life sized row boat full of glass balls.

Some Cactus and More glass

As some of you know, I had six nerves in the right side of neck burned today (radio frequency). The left side follows at the end of the month. The lidocain is still in effect, so I'm feeling OK this evening. I was very dizzy and weak all day, but this evening is going OK. I got to catch up on some sleep, which was sorely lacking last night. Bedtimes follows soon.
I thought I would include some more of the fabulous sites from the botanical garden trip last week. I hope you enjoy them!

Desert Botanical Gardens

Today - Jan. 2nd - I went to the Desert Botanical Garden to view the blown glass exhibit of world famous artist Chihuly. It was amazing! Some of the art work was as tall as 27 feet! I spent four hours walking around and admiring the sculptures as well as all the desert plants. I wish I could have shared this day with all of my family.







"Mexican Hats and Horns"


15 foot tall "Yellow Desert Flowers" in blown glass