Azoresgal~Life on an Island

Our trip is slowly coming to an end, we have had a wonderful summer. This trip was about making memories, for everyone involved. I believe we have done just that....we had the time of our life. xo,Diana

While in Toronto a couple of days ago, I was stopped in my tracks, by the sound of a beautiful melody. We encountred this gentleman playing an instrument and bringing people to stop in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, to actually take a listen. Everytime someone placed money, in a little bag he had, he would stop, place his hands together, bow his head and say "xie xie".  After a very long day of sight seeing in Toronto, the music he played truly was "music to my ears". a gentleman playing the Erhu xo,Diana

Time is the longest distance between two places. ~Tennessee Williams xo,Diana

Did some baking today, with ingredients I usually can't buy on the island, dried cranberries and white chocolate chips ( both of which I will be smuggling  back with me....SHHHHHH). They came out fantastic. If you take away the cranberries and the white chocolate chips, you are left with a basic muffin recipe . One I just usually add 2 cups of frozen/fresh fruit to (raspberries, blackberries etc). Hope you give them a try. Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Muffins 1/2 cup oil 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs grated peel of 1 orange 1/2 cup orange juice 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 small bag dried cranberries (soaked in 1/2 cup boiling water 5mins. then drained) 1 bag white chocolate chips Pre-heat oven to 180º/350. Line two muffin pans with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix oil,eggs,sugar, orange juice, and orange peel. Add in flour, baking powder, and salt, stir till combined. Stir in drained cranber

Chocolate Éclair Dessert 1 box graham crackers 2 (3 oz.) boxes vanilla pudding 2 cups milk 1 (12oz.) container Cool Whip 1 container chocolate frosting In a large mixing combine vanilla pudding, milk, Cool Whip; set aside. In the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking place a layer of graham crackers; spread ½ of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, top with another layer of graham crackers then the rest of the pudding mixture,  top with another layer of graham crackers. To melt frosting, place in microwave for 15 to 20 seconds;  pour over top of last layer of graham crackers in dish.  Refrigerate  before serving. Enjoy ! xo,Diana

I miss you..... xo, Diana

my slowest eater & his fast-food xo,Diana

The great thing about coming to visit my family, is that I also get to visit with some of my oldest and dearest friends. We have all known each other since grade school, most of them I have know since I was 8 years old. This morning I made brunch for some of them. It was wonderful to see them once again, and it was fantastic to see all of our children play together. Perhaps making new friendships of their own. For brunch I made   this casserole   and this Granola Trifle. It was a pleasure to cook for all of them. Granola Trifle 1 tub greek yogurt 1 tub cool whip (or whipped cream) granola cereal of your choice fruit of your choice ( strawberries,blueberries,pineapple etc) Mix greek yogurt and cool whip/whipped cream together ( equal proportions  ex. 2 cups to 2cups) Layer in a bowl (or individual cups) yogurt mixture,granola,fruit  repeat yogurt mixture, granola, fruits till finished. Best served right away, or prepared the morning of serving. Enjoy,Diana

can also be made ahead of time I served it with this yummy salad  xo,Diana

xo,Diana

xo,Diana

xo,Diana

“ If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people. ” Family Camping Trip My Parents & their Clan xo,Diana

  xo,Diana