Winter Wonderland

 Several weeks ago on a Saturday, I woke up to this all around and crystal clear skies and brilliant sun.

 I was wowed and jumped in my car to see if I could capture any of the awe I felt for God's creation.

 I decided just to drive further north to see the pristine beauty the snow caused on the land.

 It was relaxing to be only one of a handful of people driving around in a sea of white. I looked for some deer {for Dave} but they must have been in a hidey-hole or something.

 It was so pretty. So still and quite.

 Filled my heart with awe for my Creator.

 Driving up and down hills gave sweet views.

 It may get dark really early,

 and temperatures may drop to below -30,

 but, when you look for the beauty in winter...how can you not love this season?

 The road just...vanishes into a cloud of white.

 I just love the back country roads...you could drive for miles and still be in the middle of nowhere!

 Such magnificent views.

 Lots of ranches and farms around here. And lots of animals...both domestic and wild!

 While driving out of my cul-de-sac yesterday, I saw a shadowy figure on one of the lawns. It looked like a horse, but...in the middle of town? No way...we're close to farms, but not that close. Anyway, I angled my car a bit and turned on my brights. Um...that shadowy shape? Yeah, not a horse...just a cow moose lumbering around in the neighbour's front lawn. I rolled my window down in disbelief and watched as she made her way to the backyard. Alright, if I had any doubts before, now I KNOW I live in the middle of nowhere :D

 {And loving it, by the way :}

 How could I not with such beauty around me?

Happy Winter!

Pinterest: Eclair Cake

 I made this chocolate eclair cake several months ago, but am just  now getting around to posting it on my blog. Ever since winter began--back in early September--I've not had the gumption to go to the library and use their WiFi  {Ok, so winter didn't technically start in September, but it did start on Thanksgiving Day...and the second Monday in October doesn't make it any better!} It's starting to get dark around 4/5 and that is a sign for bed...not galavanting around town!

Anyway, back to the cake :)

It was....different, but pretty good. It was light, fluffy, and a right amount of sweetness. The only thing I didn't like about this cake was the crust. It didn't fit the amount of filling and was--for me--unbalanced. Normally, when you think of an eclair, the filling is pretty much encased by the pastry and the amount of filling to pastry is balanced. I love the idea of this cake and it was good. I will just have to re-work the crust to fit my tastes if I do make it again :) Or, maybe change up the pan size...

All in all...a Pinterest food success :) Here's the link if you want to try it out yourself: www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2009/06/chocolate-eclair-cake.html

Have a great night!

Pinterest: Oatmeal Cream Pies...Homemade

These are delicious. 

The cookies are full of flavour and great texture.

Neither the cookie or cream filling are too sweet...they are just right together {or alone! Although, I don't know why anyone would just eat the filling by itself :P} That top cookie is just bursting with yummy-ness ;)

These are so simple to make and assemble. You can make the cookies ahead of time and fill on the day you would like to eat them. Keep them in a cool spot.

These were the first batch I made and the cookies were a bit thick to my liking. I have since made them thinner and they resemble Little Debbie's Oatmeal cream pies...much better though ;)

I would rate this a smashing success from my Pinterest cookie board! Try them...you're bound to love 'em!

Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 cups quick oats

Cream Filling

2 teaspoons hot water

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream {This must be an American thing, b/c here I can only find Marshmallow Fluff...works for me!}

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.  In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add in eggs, beating after each. Finally beat in molasses {I add about a tablespoon more} and vanilla.  Add to the flour mixture to creamed mixture and beat until just blended; mix in the oats with a wooden spoon.  Drop dough by tablespoons on parchment lined sheets, with plenty of space in between.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until just starting to brown around the edges.  Let sit on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

While the cookies bake prepare the filling. In small bowl, dissolve the salt in the hot water. Set aside and allow this to cool.  Combine marshmallow cream {Fluff :)}, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl; mix on high until fluffy (3-4 minutes) {If you're using Fluff, just mix until combined.}.  Add the cooled salt water and mix well.  Spread filling on flat side of one cookie, press 2nd cookie on top.

Enjoy!

Lots of Pictures!

Here are some pictures {in no particular order!} that hopefully paint a picture of this part of Alberta. The pictures do not do justice to the majestic pines or fields of rippling canola. They don't capture the sense of smallness you have when the land is stretched out before you--on all sides--far beyond your eye can see. It seems as if the heavens and earth meet and the world really is flat. The sunsets are glorious and the sunrises make getting up early a treat. And the clouds. No words for those. God's creation out here is just beautiful. I am so looking forward to fall and all the gorgeous colours!!

I look at this and think, Thomas Kinkade.

This one too.

This is in our little town. There are several silos and trains.

Dave captured this little guy playing by the tracks.

This is also in our town. I love the reflection in the water.

Love the colours!

These are from a couple weeks ago when we went out to Cozy Cove. It's a little campground where people can park their campers and just relax. {Our church is having family camp there in just a few weeks} Anyway, Ray & Silvana invited us out there for supper {had SO much fun with them & another couple as well} and we were able to go the lake to watch the sunset.

Old cars for Uncle Randy :D

This one is fuzzy, but it's a BUFFALO! To some of ya'll, it might not be a big deal...but this was the first time I had seen one up close and personal. Well, as personal as you can get with a fence between you :p I remember there were a TON of mosquitos!

This is the Wap-i-ti River. I remember seeing this from my plane ride and thinking, "Yuck, that is so muddy!"  Well, it was just as muddy from ground level! It is a very fast moving river that starts up in the mountains and causes its browness. I will admit though, with the sun shining on it, the Wapiti sparkled!

Dave got this one of a woodpecker. Pretty neat.

We went to look at dino bones and there was a dry creek bed we had to cross...FILLED with stones. Next time Dave says we're going for a hike, I'm wearing my running shoes. I wore flip-flops because I didn't think we were going to pretend we were Lewis & Clark, :p

There's quite a few of ranches around here. It almost feels like the Wild, wild West, :)

Lots of old barns too. And old houses. And just old stuff in general hidden in some hidden fields.

Day Trip

A couple weeks ago, David and Theresa, his dad, brother, and I all went to Toronto for a buck show and then shopped in the mall. I had a great time for the most part. We really didn't find any sales or cute things--at least I didn't!

Anyway,  Theresa and I were passing one of those vendor guys that sit in the center of the mall and the guy tried to stop us to talk. Well, we just kept walking, of course. But on the way back--different story. We were supposed to meet the guys at 1 over by Bass Pro, and we were running late {Dave's dad hates having to wait.} so we were walking super fast and doing our best to zig-zag through the "traffic". Lo and behold, we crossed over and walked right by the bank people--only this time we were much closer to them. The guy jumped out beside me shoving this piece of paper in my face saying a whole bunch of jibber. I told him I wasn't interested. Told him no thank you. But, do you think that deterred him? No way. He GRABBED my hand and PULLED me towards him! I was so shocked! Theresa came to my rescue -- telling me to let's go and finally just pulled me back and said we had to go. I was so embarrassed!

 

And THEN, Theresa, Dave and his brother Matt, and I went into Stitches. As soon as we got in, I made my way around the store and was standing in the back when this older guy in a suit smiled at me. So, I smiled back. I thought it was a little strange, but decided he must be the manager or owner or something and wanted to make sure I was enjoying my trip? Anyway, I turned back to browsing and when I looked up next, he was standing right next to me with this cheesy grin. He asked if I was shopping. I should have told him no--I'm shoplifting. Duh. I said yes and kept browsing. He then came even closer and asked where I was from. At first I thought he was talking nationality, but then realized he meant what part of the city. {I should have just told him Africa ;} At this point, I realized that he was NOT a part of the store management or even a worker and mumbled London. I then pretended to browse when in reality I was just trying to get to my group before the creep talked to me anymore. By the time I was in front of Theresa, I tried to discreetly ask her if the suit guy was around. At the same moment--the suit-creep came up to the right of me as Theresa bodily moved me to the left. As soon as he saw that I was with them, I gave him a half smile and he left. Theresa later told me that he had followed us into the store and then followed me around while in the store. Creepy!!!! I'm so glad I don't live in Toronto.

 

My favorite part of the trip was our drive home. We took back roads and it was just GORGEOUS. Lush scenery, little quaint towns--I loved it. Plus, we saw Amish/Mennonite people and I got to take some pictures {discreetly of course since I know they're not fans of photos.}

 

We had quite the day--but so much fun.

Last month I took the first course in cake decorating. I absolutely LOVED it. I would love to get into decorating cakes and cupcakes and I have seen so much to inspire me on Pinterest. Plus, I've gotten several books on it :) One of the girls at church asked if I would make her a cake and I decided I would do one for her birthday that's coming up in a couple weeks. I'll post it once I finish.

Yay! I can cross something off my list of goals :) Although, I still have much more room for improvement!