The Life of Mrs. Miles

THE ELEPHANT ELEMENT

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I love the sound of it. The Elephant Element. Oh Yeah! The zoo is happening right here at my blog! I am just loving making these animals. I guess my thought is if I can't go to the zoo I will make the zoo come to me, and to you and to you and to you! I can't thank KAT enough for her fabulous reference photos for these elements. I could not have done them so well without her eye for detail! Thank you Kat – when do we go back to the zoo, huh huh huh?

I have to tell you this little story that happened to me yesterday. There is a little portable shack across the road, set up to show off the plans for a planned condo construction for the future. No one is showing at this time, the thing has been empty since last fall. Well, I had just arrived home after being at the painter's studio and as I opened my door ( directly across the street) I noticed some kids lurking at this shack... they were acting weird. So I came inside quick like and locked the doors. I looked out the kitchen window to see what they were up to... I thought they might try to torch the place because I saw smoke... but soon I realized they were lighting up.... and it was not tobacco... so... haha... I speedily opened the front door to our house and it started the landlords alarm. You should have seen them snuff and scoot fast... haha..... I know, I am soooo mean.....

MARVELOUSLY TALENTED MINA!

She paints, she pots (does pottery – not pot like what those two boys were doing across from my house), she creates unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelery... and she BAKES too. What can't you do, Mina?

Mina brought in these amazing tasting mini-muffins to the painter's studio yesterday and let me tell you, they are absolutely delicious. With some gentle persuasion (and much grovelling) I've persuaded her to allow me to publish the recipe for you all too! Thanks Mina! I hope one day in the future that I can point my blog to Mina's blog – as she intends on building one to feature all her creations one day in the future!

Mina Battagin’s “Oatapple” Raisin Muffins

Makes 12

1 egg
1 apple, chopped
¾ cup raisins (169 gms)
¾ cup milk (169 mls)
½ cup vegetable oil (113 mls)
1 cup quick cooking oats (I use the one that you have to cook for 8 minutes) (226 gms)
1 cup rye flour (for people with wheat allergies) All purpose flour may also be used. (226 gms)
1/3 cup sugar (75 gms)
1 Tablespoon baking powder (14 gms)
1 tsp salt (5 gms)
1 tsp nutmeg (5 gms)
2 tsp cinnamon (great for your blood sugar) (9gms)

I’m old fashioned and use the Imperial ingredients!

Beat egg, stir in remaining ingredients until well mixed, but not beaten.
Fill 12 greased muffin cups ¾ full with batter
Bake at 400 degrees F. (204C) about 20 minutes.

This makes 24 mini muffins or 12 regular. Sometimes I remember to throw in a few tablespoons of ground flax seed. Yummy either way. Enjoy!

PICASA CLASS OF 2007 (missing several people)

Miles and I hosted the 6th and final class on Picasa last night at the school. It was more or less a 'play' night and it was basically a fun night where we allowed everyone to create their own slideshows, printed posters and put photos into Google Earth using geotags. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. We delighted in meeting each and every one of you and look forward to more classes together in the future. Your 'class photo' will be emailed out to you tomorrow. For those of you who are heading back home after 'snowbirding' in Osoyoos, thank you for coming and we are glad we could be perhaps part of what you enjoy when you spend your winters here with us!

I have to tell you a funny story. Do you remember on March 5th's entry where I showed you the lovely teapot I purchased at the thrift store? Well, the very next day I received an email from a friend to tell me that SHE donated it! She promises to fill me in on all the history of this pretty set.

You know, this is not the first time this has happened to me before, and similar things to... such as, I've bought books for people and found out they donated them some time before (guess it says I DO know their taste pretty accurately tho, right?) Similarily, a week or so ago, when I was at 'the store' with my friend Rose, she and a friend picked out a purse for me... “Barb, this purse is YOU” and I had to confess not only was it ME, but I had given it in just days before... ironic, to say the least!

Rose, thanks for picking me up yesterday, on your way to the studio, and for spending the morning painting with me! I loved every minute.

BARB'S HANDY TIP #219
Listen to a Movie

Yep, you heard me right.... LISTEN to a movie. I did not say I would tell you WHY you would care to do this... I'm simply providing the link for if you do.

LISTEN TO A MOVIE