Mozart?

Classical Piano? Lessons by Derek.

It cannot be easy to play one of these things when you are trying not to laugh! It was a very serious lesson, really.

Danny

Danny and Joe came over for pizza and games. (Troy and Beth too.) Danny is starting to smile! Lifts his head and looks around. A very alert, curious little baby boy. (I like this photo with the baby picture of Grant in the background- taken by our own Victoria Burgess!)

Vertical Ranch

We had a glorious time up at Vertical Ranch this past weekend. The kids were out of school on Friday so we went up late on Thursday night, and got the camper ready by flashlight, crawled into very cold sleeping bags and waited for the little camper stove to warm us up a bit. Friday woke up to frozen ground but beautiful sunshine. After a pancake and bacon breakfast with very strong coffee (yikes!) we headed up to Cooper Lake with the port-a-boat. I cannot tell you how many times I lamented not having my camera! The lake was crystal clear, and the snow capped mountains were reflected to perfection in the deep lake waters- well, until the kids started throwing rocks in. Since our purpose was to fish, we halted that as soon as we could, hopped in the boat and rowed out. It was lovely to have the lake all to ourselves. It was cold but we were dressed warmly and the scenery was worth it. I was the only one to catch a fish (a foot long brookie) but we sure gave it a great effort. There are plenty more there for next time!



When we got back to camp I warmed up some stew, started a fire, and ate our catch of the day as dessert. Grant loves it, Victoria is reluctant. I made brownies in the oven and they both approved of that for a bedtime snack! Gentry and I stayed out by the fire while the kids played games and read comic books in the warm camper. The fire was beautiful, warm and romantic. We watched the moon come up....a full moon that came up like a sunrise over the mountain, lighting up the top of Davis peak and working its way down. Someone had put the big dipper on top of Davis peak. It looked pretty careless, as it was tipped at exactly the same angle as the mountain. We went to bed when the the nights golden globe crested over the tops of the trees. What a great day it had been.

Lemon Herb Chicken

1 4-4 1/2 Lb. Chicken
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Lemons, washed and quartered lengthwise
Several sprigs of mixed herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme or oregeno)
2 Tbsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 400. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the chicken and rinse well, inside and out, with water. Pat dry with paper towels and generously season inside with salt and peper.
Place the lemon quarters and herbs inside the cavity of the chicken. Using kitchen twine, tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the wings. Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and rub the skin with the olive oil then season the outside generously with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken on its side and roast for 20 minutes. Using two wooden spoons turn the chicken to the other side and roast for 20 minutes. Turn the chicken breast side up and cook an additional 20 minutes. Turn the chicken breast side down and roast the chicken until the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh with a skewer, about 20 more minutes. Total cooking time will be around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and tent the chicken loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes. The chicken will continue to cook as it rests and the juices will be reabsorbed into the meat.
Carve the chicken and squeeze the cooked lemons over the meat. Serves 4.

Tips: If the chicken starts to smoke as it is being cooked just add a little bit of water to the pan. Do not pierce the chicken when turning- it will lose its lovely juiciness.

Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy made from drippings in the pan. (DUH!) :)

Victoria gets to babysit

Victoria has a job! She got to babysit Jaden and Liam today while their Mom went and had a conference with the teacher. Of course she hardly saw Liam since he was playing with Grant the whole time. Wow, they are sweet kids!

Red Maples- before our big wind scheduled for today

Victoria is enjoying having two little cousins to care for.

Grant loving the fantasy.
"Back to the future!"

October: We now have a new baby on our block. Troy and Beth had their baby, Daniel George, born on October 8th, 2007 . His big brother Joe stayed with us for a short time until baby came home and Grandma Wandler came to help out with everything. And I do mean everything; she is busy cooking, cleaning, organizing, and Joe sitting. We are very happy they are so close to us.

All are doing well.