Monday Chat and some Funnies

Our weather has turned into fall like temperatures, in the 70s with cool nights. I love it! We have 4 seasons here, but they're far more subtle than other places in the country. The only season I dislike is our summers as they can be smokin' hot. The fall and winter are usually wonderful.

Yesterday I planted some zucchini squash in one of  the raised beds. Its a gamble but thought I'd try it. If we have a wet winter, they'll probably be gonners but that's ok as we surely need rain. If we don't get rain, we'll have some nice squash in early December. So its a win either way it goes.

Yes, my son is doing fine with the motorized bike. I do hope he gets his car fixed soon though!

Now, I think its time for some funnies!

                                                  Hope everyone has a great week!

Amazing 105 year old film

I belong  to a group on Facebook, called You Know you're from Oceanside..and someone posted this wonderful old 105 year old film. The film was taken in San Fransico, Ca 4 days before the massive earthquake. It was sent on the train to be developed back east the same day so missed being destroyed. I find it amazing and wanted to share a glimpse into the past with you.

Imagine being on the street car, riding along in 1906. My grandparents were married in 1905. This film is a glimpse of a life they would have been familiar with and probably would have enjoyed traveling on the cable car. The bell tower you seen in the distance still exists.
The camera was mounted on the front of a cable car for the film.

Just think, at this time there was no income tax and you didn't have to even have a drivers license, which explains how everyone was driving at the time. Rather chaotic!

     My grandparents in 1905.

A Early Autumn Monday

Here's our Jayden..all of 3 years old. He decided he wanted his photo taken (finally!).  He's been having alot of fun playing video games, mostly Toy Story. He loves Woody and plays the train game on the disc the most.  He still plays with the Octonaut set that his uncle gave him for his birthday too.

We're so glad its cooling down. We had a rough few weeks with triple digit heat. Now it gets around 80 during the warmest part of the days with cool nights in the 60s. The kids even wear jackets at night now as we're so used to warm weather, anything less than 70 feels cold. Silly, I know but that's life in the desert.
With the fall quickly coming, I got in the mood to make an apple pie.

The color isn't true on this photo. It was actually a very pretty golden brown. I decorated the top using leaf cooky cutters from a set that Alan got for me last year. We hope to get up to Oak Glen again during Apple Month to get a box or two of apples for lots of pies and applesauce for the winter.

Business has been slow and everyone here has had car problems. Mostly tires but our youngest son's car broke down completely. I've been taking and picking him up from work but today he decided to ride a motorized bike he built. I've have to learn not to worry (fat chance!) I pray the Lord will look after him and bring him home safely. Its hard with adult children and just let the Lord do His will in their lives. Doing alot of praying!

Fall Decorating and Old Photos

We started our fall decorating and I sure like this pumpkin I bought from Brenda at her Rusty Thimble etsy shop.   
I poked a skewer in the bottom so it would sit up in the box that Alan attached to this washboard. I just love how it turned out. The crow I got from Michaels and I'm thinking of getting another one, They only sell these around Halloween.

I like easy crafts..I'm thinking of doing this one as it would only take a few minutes. The photos are self explanatory.

Alan's been posting old photos on Facebook. Here are two of them..the first is me looking out the train window in England back in the 80s when we visited my brother who was stationed there.

and the second is the one that got the most comments, even though its not in good focus. My brother and I sitting waiting for the underground to take us to London.

     It was a wonderful trip and one we'll always remember.   Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Zucchini Pancakes and an Opinion on Water

Our garden, sadly, didn't do well this year. I don't know if it was the heat or something else but that's the way it goes. Today I pulled out all the spent tomato plants (we got so few!) and getting the beds ready for future planting.
I  discovered a wonderful way to prepare zucchini and we have a few plants started for the fall so hopefully will have some to use in this recipe. Zucchini was on sale at the grocery store so I bought several and have been enjoying these.

Zucchini Pancakes

2 cups (or so) grated zucchini

1/2 c.grated carrot

2 T. chopped green onion

2 large eggs, slightly beaten

1/4 c.grated cheese, use whatever you have

1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. baking powder

 a pinch of salt

whatever seasoning you prefer. I like original Mrs. Dash

1/4 c. or so vegetable oil

Mix the zucchini, carrot and onion together, and blot on paper towels to get rid of the moisture. Stir zucchini mixture, eggs in a large bowl. Mix together the cheese, flour, baking powder, and seasonings and then add to the wet mixture. Stir until its moistened well. Don't over beat.

Heat oil in a  large skillet until hot and add rounded spoonfuls of the batter. Fry until golden, and then drain on paper towels. It usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Now I've seen corn added to this mixture so I'd suggest adding a handful if you have some left over from another meal. These pancakes are delicious and a good side dish for grilled meat or a great lunch by themselves with a green salad and some fruit.

 My Opinion

You've probably heard of the drought we're having in California and our area is no exception. We try to limit our water use as much as possible. But we do water the raised beds by drip irrigation and  water the lawn as the grandchildren love it so. What angers me is the city allowing more and more houses to be built. I'll believe the city and county are serious when they stop granting building permits. Right behind us is a huge housing tract with giant big box homes (over 3,000 sq. ft.)  being built. Can you even imagine how much water will be needed? Plus they built a large sport park with landscaping. Sigh