Day 323: Strangler Fig

We drove around Miami so that I could collect research for my novel. We saw these gigantic trees all over Coral Gables. (I learned the name later.)

Day 322: South Beach

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale, picked up the rental car, and headed to Miami Beach. After checking into the hotel, handing off the keys to valet parking, we ate dinner, and then headed for the beach. Obviously we didn't swim, but after flying all day, we had to get our feet wet. Yay for vacation!

Day 321: Ready for the Beach

Day 320: Last Exam

The spring semester is finally over. Just one more class and I'm done forever!

Day 319: Sunshine

Day 318: Spring Flowers

Looks like spring is finally coming.

Day 317: Happy Easter!

I saw the Easter Bunny this morning. I love how the photo is like the Lochness Monster or Big Foot--vague and hard to see. ":)

Day 316: Chicken Parmesan Cheat

This is super easy. You'll need chicken patties or chicken nuggets, spaghetti sauce (homemade or store bought) and
Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated). 

Heat sauce on stove or in microwave. Sprinkle cheese on chicken and cook as directed on packaging. Top chicken with sauce and enjoy with garlic bread or pasta.

Day 315: Earth Day

Finally some green in the yard. Come on spring! Happy Earth Day!

Day 314: High 5 Day

We had lunch downtown at Diamond Jim's. While we were there, we saw a guy on stilts walking down the street. After lunch, we gave him high-fives and got our picture taken with him.

Day 313: Still Have Homework

Even though today was the last day of class for the semester (exams are next week), I still have homework. I have two papers that I have to finish. ":(

Day 312: Daisy Chili

I don't know when spring is actually going to get here. Today was another cold and crappy day, complete with rain. It was the perfect day to make chili. I used some of the Daisy ground beef to make it and tomato sauce we canned last fall. I have to say that it was the best chili I've ever had.

Day 311: Cuddle Bugs

Day 310: More Snow?!

Mother nature is really pissed at Michigan it seems. Even though it got up to 80 last week, it actually snowed today.

Day 309: Jewelry

I made the set for Ashley and the other two are for me.

Day 308: Bags & Purses

Made a purse for Ashley too. I modified the pattern and made a bag for me. I'll make one for Ash too. Can't wait for Miami!

Day 307: MHS T-Shirt Quilt

Work in progress.

Day 306: New Purse

For my Miami trip, I thought I needed a purse, so I made this one I found online.

Day 305: Rodney the Homework Helper

I was working on my draft for a paper for school when Rodney decided he would help me.

Day 304: Mexican Lasagna

This is a perfect meal when you have leftover taco meat. Layer prepared taco meat with tortillas, frozen corn, black beans, salsa, and shredded cheese. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Day 303: Mmmm steak!

Yay! It's grilling weather! Dinner was fantastic!

Day 302: S&W Days

Ashley, Sarah, Kevin, Scott, Dennis, Marc, and I went to a gun shop in Bay City for Smith and Wesson Days. Reps from S&W were on hand with plenty of guns to test. I tried out a .40, a 9mm, and a .38 special. It was way fun. After that we had lunch at Los Quatros Amigos, played games at the Flatts' house, and then went to a play at Delta.

Day 301: Fried Chicken Cheat

Chicken Thighs Oven Fried

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 T half-and-half (I just used milk)
• 1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 c instant potato flakes
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 3 T butter, melted
• 1 T vegetable oil (I didn't bother with this, but I did spray the pan with cooking spray)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Wash chicken, pat dry and set aside.
3. In bowl beat half and half with egg.
4. In another bowl combine bread crumbs, potato flakes, garlic salt and pepper.
5. Dip chicken in egg mixture and then in bread crumb mixture.
6. Sprinkle with butter and oil.
7. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
8. Increase heat to 450°F and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Day 300: I Wear My Sunglasses at Night

We went to Pi's for Kelly's birthday. Lily visited me for a bit and we wore our sunglasses. Not only did she say my name but she also said "I love you".  ":)

Day 299: T-Shirts

A week or so ago, CafePress had a coupon to get two shirts for $10 each (they are regularly $22). I ordered two shirts that I've had my eye on for over a year.

Day 298: Fabric

I looked online for a sundress for Miami and couldn't find anything I liked, so I decided to make one. This is the fabric I picked. I have it cut out, but haven't started sewing it yet.

Day 297: 66666

Day 296: So much for spring...

Day 295: Princess Sophia

I made a tutu for Sophie for her first birthday.

Day 294: The Schuch Hotel

For John's birthday, we went to The Schuch Hotel in Saginaw for dinner. The place was old and interesting. We had a lovely laid back dinner and then later (perhaps 11ish) the atmosphere completely changed when the bar turned into a club. The people watching was extremely interesting, to say the least... lots of interesting clothing choices. As Sarah said, we were under-dressed in style, but over-dressed in quantity compared to the rest of the guests.