Babysitting

This week I am babysitting, cat sitting, house sitting, fish sitting...  My friend is on vacation in Florida, and I am on vacation at her place. 

I think he is doing well... :)

She called me asking how everyone is doing. Well, here is how: in the morning kids woke up, had a breakfast and drove themselves to school. Yes, those babies I am watching are teenagers, her daughter and my son. 

Wishing them a safe drive, I went outside to check a weather, fed the cat and played with him until he walked away.
Then I did some chores around her house, and went home to do chores around my house, including making some food for the teenagers and The Husband. 

Yeast dough, ground meat...

place the meat on the dough, wrap around... fry on both  sides...

By the time kids called me to let me know that they are home, I was almost done with my cooking.  
I told them what I made for them and they eagerly waited for me and the food. :) 

Although they had some soup when they came back from school, they didn't hesitate to finish up that plate. Kids, I envy your metabolism!

Belyashi, pickled beets and tomato juice with lovage

My calories I had to work out, this time I did it in the pool. 
I do feel as I am having a little vacation on my own...






See you,
Marina

Cake Napoleon, and a Renaissance Getaway

My Mother's Day started with a slice of cake Napoleon, that I made, following my mother's recipe. 
The day was promising a good weather for some outdoor activities. What kind? Well, have a piece of that cake, and get comfortable: we are going to Oklahoma Renaissance Festival.

                              Where am I?

Really? Do I need to dress up? Which one shell I choose?

Amm? May be not this time...

That's better...

That way!

Transportation option:

That is one of the "high-tech" brooms, if you ask me...

My head is spinning and I am hungry. 

What do they serve in the Castle?

Turkey leg!

A Turkey leg and a root beer "to go" XV century style...

As good as it could be...

See you,

Marina

Happy Mother's Day!

Cake Napoleon, my mother's favorite, with berries she loves... We love you, Mom! 

To my Mom and to every mother...

See you,
Marina

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

With Mother's Day just around the corner the hot question is "what to give?" to a mother, grandmother, wife, sister... I made a small list to cover any wallet.


1. Spend some time with your mother, if you live near. Take her to a restaurant, go to a movie (her choice), go for a walk in a park. Take a picture of all fun things you do together: she will cherish it forever!


2. Gift certificate to a spa: from one hour to a whole day. Everyone loves to pumper up!


3. Does your mother has a hobby? Gift certificate to a quilt shop, gardening center, craft store, or a hobby retreat. 


4. Amazon Kindle  is easy to use and a real pleasure to read. 

Source

5. A nice Le Creuset pot would make your mother very happy, and each time she cooks in it, her heart would smile.

6. A lemon tree in a pot: grows indoors as well as outdoors (in warm climates); smells delicious (even without the lemons).

Source

7. Flowers make every mother happy... 

See you,
Marina

Fried Green Tomatoes, Catfish and Cornbread

Whistle Stop Cafe, Alabama

"By now, the name of the cafe was written on the walls of hundreds of boxcars, from Seattle to Florida".

"For lunch and supper you can have: fried chicken; pork chops and gravy; catfish; chicken and dumplings; or a barbecue plate; and your choice of three vegetables, biscuits or cornbread, and your drink and dessert - for 35c."

Fried green tomatoes and catfish...

"She said the vegetables are: creamed corn; fried green tomatoes; fried okra; collard or turnip greens; black-eyed peas; candied yams; butter beans or lima beans."

Inspired by the Fannie Flagg's book 

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

See you,
Marina