About Janice

I love California, both in and out of my garden. My passions are gardening and photography. My goal is to make Plum Bird Corner a happy place to visit often.

A Healthy New Year’s Resolution

FullSizeRenderMy New Year’s resolution includes my mountain bike which has been in our garage unused, for a very long time. I can’t even tell you when I last rode it. At one time I competed in sprint triathlons, and enjoyed training six out of seven days a week. Each training session was different. I either swam, ran, or rode my bike, and because of the variety, it was never boring. Six years ago I had a serious bicycle accident, and if I hadn’t  been wearing a helmet, I would not be here now writing this post. So, first of all, if cycling, please wear a helmet. I wasn’t a novice to the world of cycling, but a small dip in the bike trail sent me flying. That was the end of my days as a triathlete. It took months to work up the nerve to get on my bicycle again, and when I did it was on my wide tired mountain bike. No more skinny tires, or racing for me. At the time of my fall, I was in great physical condition, which helped me to heal quickly, but since then I’ve been unable to stay with an exercise routine. I belonged to a very nice gym, but could not drag myself there and on top of everything else, I felt guilty wasting the monthly dues, so I quit, even though I knew how important exercise is for everyone. Those of you who read my blog, know that I have been a motor scooter rider for two years, and now, ride  a can-am Spyder 3-wheeler  motorcycle, but neither gives me any real exercise, and when I pass cyclists going up hill, I feel a little sad about the work- out I’m missing. Recently I was out on my scooter and saw a woman riding her bicycle and I knew then and there that I was going to get my bike out of its corner in the garage. Next, I had to locate my bicycle helmet and other bicycle gear that was stored away. When I found my helmet I was surprised to feel how light it was. I am used to wearing a motorcycle helmet now, and the bicycle helmet felt rather flimsy in comparison, even though my bicycle helmet is sturdy and covers more of the head than most. Here you can see my two helmets, side by side. Continue reading →

A Very Special Christmas

P1010714Our Christmas morning started with what has become a tradition, breakfast at the home of very close friends. These luscious homemade cinnamon rolls are part of the menu and a delicious annual treat.

P1010715This photo shows a lighted decoration that sits on our friends’ kitchen counter. It’s one of my favorites and I enjoy seeing it every year. I always plan to make one for myself, but so far haven’t. Maybe next year I’ll finally get around to that project!
P1010717Later in the day we went to Mom’s in Seal Beach. She loves to cook and entertain, and Christmas dinner at Mom and Dad’s house has long been a tradition. I mentioned in a previous post that we lost Dad earlier this year. This was our first Christmas without him, although I’m sure he was watching over us and smiling. Mom’s table was beautiful and this gorgeous centerpiece was a Christmas gift to her from our son and daughter-in-law who live in Austin, Texas. The ham dinner and accompanying side dishes were delicious. Everyone had a wonderful time and left for home thankful for this very special day.

Christmas Lights in Dana Point, California

Boat of lights

Last night we drove to Dana Point to see the Holiday Light Show we have been hearing about. It was beautiful. There were lights everywhere and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.The colors really were spectacular.

P1010650 Local merchants were giving away special 3D glasses that enabled you to see dolphins when you looked at distant lights. Unfortunately they ran out of the glasses by the time we got there, but someone had kindly left a pair on a post in the marina and we were the lucky ones who found them. That meant we were able to enjoy seeing the dancing dolphins. It certainly was an amazing night in Dana Point, and the weather was perfect for walking all around the harbor.

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As we drove home to Mission Viejo, we spotted this beautifully lighted tree and it was a lovely finish to a fun night. We understand that the Holiday Light Show is to be an annual event, and we plan to make it a family tradition.

Easy and Delicious Oatmeal Cookies

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Oatmeal cookies are one of my favorites. I love cookies and I think of oatmeal cookies as being a healthier choice. I’m smiling at myself right now. It has been a very busy week, but I’m finally posting the recipe I promised several days ago. These cookies are delicious and the recipe is easy.

Ingredients

1 cup margarine or butter softened                                 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup granulated sugar                                                     1 tsp baking soda

1 cup brown sugar firmly packed                                      1 tsp salt

2 eggs                                                                                3 cups oats uncooked

1 tsp vanilla extract                                                            2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup raisins or 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cream butter and sugars until smooth.

Beat in eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine and blend thoroughly flour,cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Beat these dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Stir in oats, and raisins or walnuts, which ever you prefer.
Drop rounded teaspoons full onto greased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges start to brown.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies.
Cool on a wire rack. Eat and enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of milk.  They are also great to give as a seasonal gift to friends, neighbors, and family. cookies