Project 365 Week 10

My life in pictures

July 19 - 25, 2007
I had a fun week...check it out!

Sunday July 19
My daughter and I were spending some time hanging out at the pool and she found this little guy crawling along the edge of the pool. We were a little creeped out at first, but then decided that we liked him. He became the first photo of the week.
After taking the snail's picture, I took one of my daughter, just for fun.

There she is!

Monday, July 20
I took today off of work and it was a nice day to do nothing but rest.
It RAINED in Texas on this day.
Instead of spending time in the pool in the sun, I enjoyed watching the raindrops make circles in the water. I hung out in my pj's until lunch time! What fun.

Tuesday, July 21
I have mentioned a couple of times that my husband and I have been looking at cars.
We finally found one that we wanted to keep today!
This is a picture of my Honda CRV...me after parking her safely in the garage the first time and then what she looks like sitting in the driveway. I guess I am still a kid at heart because it is STILL fun to get a new toy!

(Angela, Virginia, Cheryle, Shirley, Liz, Melissa, & Kim)

Wednesday, July 22
This photo is dear to my heart!
Two summers ago, I invited Kim (on the right in the white...next to me) to a summer Bible study. She was not sure about God then and had lots of questions.
Since that first Bible Study two years ago, Kim has become a solid believer in Christ...and there are a group of us friends from that study that still meet together once a month or so, just for friendship, prayer, and fun.
This is us...except Ashley- who is taking the picture.
These friends are ROCKS in my life and I am so, so grateful that God has blessed me with them!

Thursday, July 23
Fred, my husband, went out of town this morning for a few days.
When he is gone, my daughter and I become very messy.
This is how many pair of shoes were left downstairs in less than a 24 hour period because we didn't have "daddy" here to carry them upstairs for us!
Pathetic!

Friday, July 24
photo #1
One of the things I enjoy doing is hosting parties!
When I found out that Fred was going to be out of town on a Friday night, I snatched up the opportunity to host a Potluck dinner for another group of really good friend!
This is a photo of me and Laurie!
She is another one of those friends that I am glad that God has blessed me with. I can call her anytime of the day or night and tell her "I just need to talk." and she is there.
She has heard the good, the bad, and the ugly, and has walked with me through some really dark times. She is my friend, my mentor, and a very special lady!

Friday, July 24
photo #2
So, there is a story to this pasta salad.
Friday morning, I went to the car dealership for a couple of things and found myself having to wait a little while. Knowing this might be a possibility, took a cook book and planned to sit down and plan my food the the evening's potluck dinner. (nothing like waiting until the last minute)
While getting a cup of coffee, I met a woman who was there because of a speeding ticket that she received in all places, but Chesapeake, VA. (I used to live there)
She was there because she thought her cruise control was messed up (whatever!) and when I asked what she was doing in Chesapeake, VA...she told me that she was a chef.
After discussing Virginia, and different places that she has prepared food, my idea light came on and asked her if she had any ideas for a potluck dinner.
She asked me about the guests, the atmosphere, etc., and then came up with this wonderful pasta salad that I promptly made for dinner.
It was a FABULOUS hit!

Recipe ( a very loose one, since there isn't one)

1 lb pasta (shape of choice)
2 lbs medium shrimp, fresh (peeled and vein removed)
Yellow squash, thinly sliced and halved (I used 2 small)
Snow Peas (about a pound)
Broccoli, coarsely chopped (one crown)
Red Pepper, cut in strips (one large)
Carrots, julienned (about a cup or a little more)
Fresh Basil (to taste)
Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
Cook pasta in boiling water.
During last 2 minutes, add shrimp.
Cook until shrimp is pink.
Remove from water but do not rinse.
Starting with the lightest color vegetable, blanch in boiling water for one or two minutes, rinsing in cold water and adding to pasta and shrimp.
Repeat with each vegetable.
Cool pasta, shrimp, and vegetable mixture.
When cool, add coarsely chopped fresh basil and oil and vinegar dressing (to taste)
Salt and pepper
Toss with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
YUMMY!

Saturday, July 25
This is my son, Aaron.
He drove in from his apartment on Tuesday to provide a ride for his sister to driving school while Fred and I purchased the car.
(if you haven't purchased a car lately...it takes HOURS)
I bribed him, telling him I would take him out for dinner this weekend.
This was the night, his choice...a mother / son date!
We went to BJ's Brewery and it was very good!
This photo was not staged, it is exactly him taking a bite of his sandwich!
We laughed so much at it and he gave me permission to post it as my photo of the day!

What a wonderful week -
full of blessings, family, friends.
I am loved.

~Liz