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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Cat moments, a few old sketches, and a rice pudding recipe

Thibs needed his glasses to help me with some computer work.



Thibs and Molly sitting on my cluttered desk



Tux resting his head on my hand while I read




The next are some of my old sketches - mostly from books that I read and loved their watercolor illustrations.  





I'm self-taught so my attempt at watercoloring isn't so great, but I sketched this next page and then watercolored it.



I missed class Monday (yesterday) as I wasn't feeling 'up to par'... but doing better today. Not sure what it was, but didn't have the energy to get up and go to the studio. And usually I can't wait to get there and start working on my projects. It was probably the first class I've missed this semester. Of course I'll miss several when we leave on the cruise, but I informed the Instructor of that happening at the beginning of the Spring term. Made myself go to Yoga today and did fine. In fact, he put us into some difficult positions and I may feel the extent of those tomorrow. But still I'm glad that I went.

BTW, the rice pudding came out fine - not great - but good. DH liked it. I felt it needed *something*... like a touch of bourbon or some fresh sliced peaches, etc. But I will post the recipe. It's certainly easy enough to make.

7 oz Arborio rice
4 cups water
2 teaspoons sea salt
4 cups whole milk
6 oz cane sugar
1 vanilla bean, split in half

Combine rice, water, and salt and cook on medium heat until water boils. Boil for 2 mins (rice will get translucent on the outside).  Drain and rinse in mesh colander.

In medium pot, combine the rinsed and drained rice with milk, sugar, and vanilla bean. Cook on low to medium heat stirring occasionally until liquid slightly coats the back of a wooden spoon (this took a fairly long time, but it eventually got thick).

Remove from heat and serve warm or cool in refrig. and serve cold (it thickens quite a lot as it cools).




16 comments:

  1. Everyone in our house who wears glasses must put them in a drawer overnight. Toby, a black and white like Tuxedo, will carry them off otherwise, no matter, and put them in his secret hiding place under Laura's bed. The paw on the specs is just so classic cat.

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    1. The main thing to hide in this house is *yarn*. Our cats love yarn and will basically 'web' the house if they get hold of any. So I must be careful to put away any crochet or knitting items I'm working on...

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  2. I love your sketches, especially the mailman and the cat. It reminds me of the love-affair going on here between Sierra and her mailman.
    Yoga is great, isn't it. I always felt good after. Must get back to that.
    Thanks for the recipe. Hugs, Deb

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    1. Did I miss the story of Sierra and her mailman?

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  3. I felt a little off yesterday too. Still forced myself to go to my water aerobics class, and felt better by the end of it.

    I love your watercolor style!

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    1. Thanks, Linda. I was glad I went to Yoga... even though I almost turned around before I got there.

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  4. Pets do add to life, do they not?
    I have never made rice pudding but I remember my mother's. Maybe I will give this a try. It sounds like comfort.
    I hope you are over the sub-par feeling. It does seem to be that time of year.

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    1. Am trying my best to stay well before (and during) the trip... and yes, pets definitely add to our life. Can't imagine life without them (loss less work, but also a lot less laughter).

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  5. I also love your sketches. I am always impressed since I can't draw at all. I love that picture of Tux resting his head on your hand. So sweet! :-)

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    1. Thanks, DJan. Tux is a sweetheart... a wus, but a sweetheart non-the-less. He's a mama's boy with an attitude. If one of the other cats tries to crawl up close to me while he has my attention, he gets insulted and leaves.

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  6. Glad you listened to your body, and didn't do, what you just didn't feel like doing. Excellent!

    The kittie pics are so sweet.

    The sketch/watercolor makes me *green with envy.* Oh you are so, so, so, so talented a Lady, my Friend! I showed your sculpted chess set to husband. Had to show him, your water color too.

    Ahhh, the rice pudding is all on-top-of-stove. We really like them, made or finished in the oven. And still don;t have *the perfect* one. :-)

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    1. First, I like your new picture! Second, I'm glad I 'listened' too. Time to take advantage of this 'retirement' status - and not have to do something when we don't feel like it (as we had to do when working).

      Thanks for the compliment, but not sure it's a talent... more of an ability that brings joy (does that make sense? hard to explain)

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  7. I lost my glasses last week and also 20.oo I have got to be more careful of where I put things. My cats do not bother things...or do they? hmmmmm. Mine like also like to lay on papers of any kind even important ones. Your sketches are really good....do you still sketch?

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    1. Dee, my brother's dog actually ate several $20's he inadvertently left on the dresser. But a cat would more than likely play or hide these things, not eat them (I hope). As for paper, any cat person knows that one cannot read the newspaper without the cat lying right on top of the section you're trying to read.

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  8. I wish I could draw. I'm impressed. Take it easy so you're ready for vacation!

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    1. Thanks, Nana. I'm trying to take it easy and be ready for the cruise. The closer it gets, the more anxious I become. But I've convinced myself that "IT WILL BE A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE!"

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Thanks for reading and commenting! It makes my day...