Winter Skies

Merry Christmas

From all of us ~ to all of you ... we hope your holiday is filled with the blessings of Jesus' birth.

The California Misconception

      Several years ago I went to North Carolina. While I was there I met several people who were just in awe of the fact that I was from California. Time and time again I was asked if I went to the beach every day and if I saw movie stars all the time? After I explained that I lived nearly three hours from the beach and ten from Hollywood a visible change took place and you could see the disbelief on the faces of the natives. The wheels of thought actually shuddering. Then they would ask if it was sunny year round where I lived and if it was like being at the beach? Again I dispelled the California misconception. I was thinking about this today when I woke for the second day in a row to 12 degree weather but considering it was minus 5 degrees in Missoula, Montana, (where most of my family lives) I guess you could say it was balmy here ... OK not really, but how can you complain about 12 degrees when you realize it is all relative.



Within an hour of pouring hot water into this water trough there was an inch of ice on top of it again. It is quite handy for the goats who want to nibble the dry leaves though.



It is hard to see in this photo but the bucket of water is frozen ~ and it is inside the barn! So much for providing a warm place for the goats to sleep at night. I can only hope they all put aside their differences and cuddle.

Pita Chips

You can make your own pita chips fairly easily. Not only are they delicious but they take very little time and the variations are nearly limitless*.

 

Ingredients: 

 

One package (or more) of pita bread

Oil* of your choice ~ typically we use Olive Oil

Salt

 

Preheat your oven to 375.  Then start preparing the pita bred.

First cut the pita bred or pocket in half as if you were planning on stuffing it.

 

 

Then cut again in wedges like you were cutting a pizza.

 

Each pocket should result in a total of eight wedges.

 

 Split the individual wedges in half and lay them on an un-greased baking sheet.

 

Coat each triangle with a light dab of oil and sprinkle with a tiny amount of salt (optional).

 

Bake at 375 for about eight minutes until golden brown. Enjoy! 

* You can use any type of oil or none at all. Sunflower oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor. My personal favorites are basil infused olive oil and the oil that sun dried tomatoes are packed in. The possibilities are endless. You can also use a milder oil, like canola and then instead of sprinkling with salt you can sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. It probably goes without saying but if you make your own pita bread these would even be more delicious!