Sheriff Bear

I decided to dedicate this weekend in honor of our law enforcement agencies. The project was fun from start to finish. I picked a bear that’d easily stand upright with some props. I decided to make him a Sheriff’s Officer.
I started off by making a paper pattern based on the measurements of my bear. I found an old pair of black pants that no longer fit me (Mmmm, wonder why?) and cut the various pieces, using my patterns.
I first prepared the patches for the sleeves using red ribbon as beading. I used yellow and white fabric paint and painted the details on the two patches. Next I cut a piece of leather to make a belt. A ‘D’ ring from my husband’s old watch ended up as a buckle for the belt. I turned a gold colored plastic button bought from Wal-Mart into a badge. I assembled all these to finish dressing up my bear.
I gave my Sheriff’s Officer a suitable name and propped him up on a stool by my front door. Every time I go in and out my door, I smile at my bear. He smiles right back, reassuring me that he’ll keep an eye on my home when I am away!


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Eggplant Fry

Ingredients
1. 2 lbs of fresh egg plant (purple) - cut them into 4 pieces, lengthways.
Leave them in a water filled dish to prevent them from turning brown/black.
2. 2 onions (purple) - cut them into thin wedges length ways.
3. 2 Tsp finely chopped ginger.
4. 3 Tsp Sambar powder. ( Refer glossary for details )
5. 6 Tsp cooking oil.( use smart balance oil for low fat )
6. Add Salt as needed.
7. 2 Tsp chopped coriander leaves.

Directions

Heat 3 tsp oil in a heavy pan or skillet, add the chopped ginger and onion, and fry for 2 minutes. Add the cut egg plant and fry over low heat. Add salt as required. Cover it for 3 minutes; open and stir frequently, until cooked.
Add the rest of the oil and Sambar powder and stir until the egg plant is tender and cooked. If you like it real spicy, add 2 more spoons of Sambar powder.
Garnish with coriander and serve with plain boiled rice.

Nature trek…right in our own backyard - Episode 2 !

Early Sunday morning I was eager to get out to the yard and see what my bird was up to. I was amazed to see her sitting right where I left her yesterday. Camera in hand, I continued my morning stroll and spied another nest in my 2 year old Saucer Magnolia ‘tree’. The 3 foot tree had been in full bloom (lovely purple blooms) only a month ago but now was covered with lush green leaves shining in the golden sun. I went nuts with my camera.

I am yet to see the bird that built this nest and cannot wait to find out. I have done my best to capture nature in all its glory and uploaded some photos here to share with all of you. Hope you like them.

Nature trek…right in our own backyard!

It was a sunny Saturday morning and I was strolling around in my backyard, sipping my cup of hot Tazo Chai. I walked around aimlessly, admiring my roses and enjoying their sweet fragrance. I turned around when I heard a sudden flapping of wings and saw a dove taking off from my hanging basket.

I set my tea down and ran inside to grab my camera. I went as close as I could to the basket and clicked a few pictures. The bird just sat there and watched me with unblinking eyes. Curious, I tiptoed over to the basket and peered in. There lay a small egg nestled between the soft ferns. As soon as I moved away, the dove flew right back and settled down in the basket, over the egg.

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