Burns Night. I love me some Haggis!

January 25 is Burns Night in Scotland.  My best friend is from Scotland, only here for 3 yrs. now.  This delicious plate is compliments from Helen.    Robert Burns is the man we acknowledge on this day.  I love my friend and her traditions.

Best Christmas Ever...and 3 New Foster Puppies.

We spent Christmas Eve. at my mom's down the street from us. My nephew Brandon brought his girlfriend's family.  This photo is of her sister and family.  Don't you love my Nathan over to the right there?  He still has his "No Shave November" beard.  I told him it's December.  He said that it keeps his face warm.  Makes sense as he's a Jimmy John's bicycle delivery guy...in NEBRASKA!

 Christmas Morning was MARVELOUS w/ our little grands here.  Dorothy is 2 (left) and Della is 4.  The fellow talking to Della is my 19 yr. old son Zach.  How do you like our tv/fireplace?  I told Greg (23 yr. old step son) that we have a real fireplace (same room), he snapped back, "this is better".  Hilarious, I love that kid so much.

 SOMEBODY got in to Nana Cindy's lotion by the bed and made her hair all pretty with it.

 The Doctor Kit that Santa (us) gave the girls was a big hit.  Here they are w/ their Mom and Dad.

 My mom and dad came over for brunch and then board games.  The sun was blinding my mom (we have no window coverings facing the meadow to the west) so, she got her sunglasses.  This game was a lot of fun, Fact or Crap. My husband Jim is to the far right.  He wins nearly every game we play (MENSA) but I won this game by a landslide.

 New foster puppies.  They just turned 6 weeks old.  Tinker, Evans and Chance.  Below is Chance.

 Chance is on his back here, Tinker and Evans are playing.

There is nothing like having puppies.  These guys are THE most people oriented ones that we've ever had.  They look in your eyes and love to be held.  Gonna be big though.  Hope you're all having a good weekend.  As for me, I'm seeking serenity.

The ALL TIME best bread ever! Seriously, I can't stop baking.

I am in the pits.  Dark dark days in my personal life.  So, what do I do?  I Bake!  I've make 12 loaves of this bread in the past 3 days.  Good thing we have an extra freezer.  Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas.  Yes, bread.  Hey, at least I'm not eating them all.  Weird thing though, tonight I was at a meeting and talked w/ someone after the meeting who has similar "darkness" going on.  Guess what she did all weekend?  Yep, she baked.  Also, her husband piped up and said, "And she made big delicious meals each night too".  Guess her stuff is darker.  Pray for us.  Meanwhile I'm Baking On! Simple Whole Wheat Bread

Rated: Submitted By: Nita Crabb Photo By: LynnInHK Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Ready In: 3 Hours Servings: 36

"This honey wheat bread is proof that wonderful flavor, texture and aroma can be had if you just follow a straightforward game plan."

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 1/3 cup honey 5 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted 1/3 cup honey 1 tablespoon salt 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1.	In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
2.	Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.
3.	Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
4.	Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely