Boston Cream Pie

W asked me what kind of Bday cake I wanted and I told him my recollections of my younger years when Mom would make 2 Boston Creme pies. One each for my twin and I. W found a great recipe online and the result surpassed my dreams. You can learn the secrets of the great cake here
 

Perfect Birthday

Gorgeous afternoon for a winery birthday. Debbie created a “Manhattan” bundt cake soaked in bourbon. Cake contained sweet vermouth and cherries. I’ve corrupted her into the Manhattan cocktail club. Her culinary creativity knows no bounds. Lots of dogs, mirth and fun. Today we kayak to work off some of the excess.

 

Ben Irving Springtime

A very lovely paddle around Ben Irving reservoir yesterday.  

Back Seat Garden

We took a trip to our favorite nursery and picked up a bunch of stuff for the back yard. Some of the new finds we are going to try this year are Japanese Kerria and Rock Rose cousin Sun Rose.

Gaffer63: Rock Rose

Poo Tin

An editorial comment found this morning.
 

Banco in Situ

 

Uncovered

While doing some heavy weeding, I uncovered a rock garden border running the length of the southern side of the property. With excavation complete, it looks the other many rocky slopes and areas in the backyard.
 

Banco in Situ

Bouton and Banco rough house while W works to clean up RK's computer.
 

Spring Paddles

Weather has been nice enough to get out and paddle a bit. Two times so far, Lake Selmac and Willow Creek Lake.
 

New Neighbor

A guinea fowl appeared one day in the neighborhood. Some folks have been feeding it and one person put a dog house out for it to weather some of our cold nights. It seems to be here for the duration and likes its new digs. It prefers to hang out on fences and roof tops during the day.
 

Valley Afternoon

Gorgeous day to venture into the valley with some friends for lunch and a few bottles of wine.
 

Banco in Situ

 Bouton and Banco confer on a passing black lab.......

Ellen's Big Night

Ellen received the lifetime achievement award last night in Hollywood. First woman in the organizational to bag that honor. Her sisters were in attendance and Simone captured the fun.
 

Banco in Situ

A day of tamales and banana bread for humans and a communal meal for all the pups.
 

A Few Thoughts of the Day

Grape Pies

I brought home some Finger Lakes grape pie filling last Fall and last night, W made the pies. He used an all butter puff pastry dough instead of the normal pie stuff. Amazing result that has the kitchen smelling of butter and grapes.

Gaffer63: Grape Pies

Banco in Situ

 

Banco taking Chinese New Year in her stride last week.

The Cake Didn't Stand a Chance

70 years of stabbing cakes and being Queen!

The Year of the Tiger

Happy New Year!