Violet's Culinary Creations

 Violet has been cooking lately. She made pasta with a homemade sauce, cooking down the tomatoes from our garden for the sauce.

She and I worked together on these fried chicken tenders; it was my first time "deep"frying and they were yummy.

Here's a shrimp stir fry she made.

We had a lot of lemons from my parents' tree, and a few boxes of (store-bought) strawberries, so she made strawberry lemonade. 

Then she got a bee in her bonnet to make macarons, for the challenge, as they're known as a difficult thing to master. Her first attempt, using butterfly pea tea to color them, is on the left. 

She was very disappointed with them, and then found another recipe using the same ingredients, and nailed it. Technically, the second recipe was for Swiss meringues cookies, and not macarons. But they ALL tasted amazing! 

Cora's (Hand-)Crafted Costume

Cora was invited to a birthday party where the guests were asked to dress up and create a character, kind of like role-playing in Dungeons and Dragons. 

She took the invitation seriously, and decided the outfit she envisioned for her character would be easier to make than buy. She downloaded a pattern, taped it together (see photos here), bought fabric, and went to work.  

She made both a gown and a cape, and painted a mask.

It came out beautifully, and Violet painted the wings on her back.

She used the same vinyl she used for her corset (leftover from our dining chairs) to make the mantle, which she painted, trimmed out, and attached jewels to.

She has some incredible creativity, drive and talent.

Meanwhile, Stace and I joined my parents at a huge car show in Glendale while Cora was at the party.

There were some beauts!

Malibu Day Away

Violet and I had another "escape the heat" outing on Friday, headign this time to Malibu. I'd looked up hikes in the area, and found several options. Our route took us next to Pepperdine, and it was the perfect time to stop by and give Violet a little tour.

There was a lot happening on campus, with summer programs and new student orientation. The bookstore was crowded, but chock full of various apparel, so we chose a replacement for my ancient, paint-stained green sweatshirt.

We also looked at the art gallery, named for Frederick Weisman, whose art house we toured in May. Weisman funded this museum before he died.
 

We then drove north to Solstice Canyon, and walked around for a bit. Not a full hike, but a nature stroll with an ocean view.

Malibu Creek runs year round through the park, providing that a lovely sound of flowing water.

Violet spotted a huge skink!

We were able to find a great easy parking spot at Zuma Beach, and enjoyed a barefoot walk along the water's edge.

We stopped for coffee/tea at a local spot before heading home.

One last sea view, from a pull-in on Kanan Dume Road. Another lovely day out with Violet!

Weekend Work and Play

 On Friday night, we went over to my friend Liz's neighborhood, where she organized an HOA food truck night. We got some yummies and visited with friends.

On Saturday, Stace helped at the tiny house, while Cora and I went to Culver City to help Melanie with a wedding.

We were mostly in charge of laying down the greenery on the dining tables.

Meanwhile, Stace and Violet went to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Violet took this photo of a monkey (on a sign) because it reminded her of a particular gray cat.

They got Japanese food on the Santa Barbara Wharf after their zoo trip. I'm so pleased they had a great day together.

Stace watched the England-Spain Euro Cup Final, and was disappointed with England's loss Sunday. 

Winston took an interest in the Argentina-Colombia Copa America final later that day. 

We've not seen him take this kind of interest in the television before, so it was quite entertaining. He was trying to get the players as they ran.

I got to take home extra flowers from the wedding, and had some helpers as I made a couple of arrangements. (See Winston in the middle, underneath?)

Winston was licking Seb's head here. So cute! Winston generally licks his friends the wrong way, against the grain of the fur.

On Sunday, after the England game, I met up with my girlfriends for lunch for Sue's birthday. It was great catching up.

Thursday Away

 It's been a normal summer week - some at home days, some days with shopping and lunch out. Both girls have been working on their summer school classes - Cora's college statistics, Violet's health class.

On Thursday, Violet and I got out of the heat and headed back to the coast. We are so, so blessed to have this escape hatch relatively close. 

We researched Ventura hikes, and went to Arroyo Verde park, which has lots of nice trails. It was still warm, but we were able to be outside. There were lots of flowers, and some wildlife, like a colorful skink and a snakeskin.

The trail was warm enough that we decided to go to the beach with our lunch, and it was cloudy and noticeably cooler just a few miles away.

Violet had a blast watching the baby ground squirrels near the water's edge.

We then went to Main Street, did some shopping and got drinks for the ride home. It was a lovely summer day with my younger teen.

July Fourth Weekend

 After a few temperate July Fourths, this one was a hot one, and it already felt hot when we got on our bikes to ride to the parade route. Thankfully, we found my parents and Ellie, who had a shady spot. 

Still, little Eloise was feeling too hot and bothered to smile for a photo.

Stace and I rode home (the girls hadn't come with us) and we went to the neighborhood Independence Day BBQ. I felt bad for the volunteer HOA board members manning the grills, but the food was good!

Later, after we rested and tried to cool down, we had the family over, and my friend Kelly. Mel brought chicken thighs, which Stace grilled. 

In the evening, my parents and Mel, Nick and Ellie went to see the fireworks at the mall. 

Cora didn't want to see fireworks at all, and Violet wanted to find a quieter, less crowded spot. So she, Stace, Kelly and I went to the Ironhorse Bridge trailhead, and it was a perfect location. 

We stood on the bridge and watched the Magic Mountain show to the west, and then, as we walked to the car, the city show to the southeast. We weren't alone, either, as there were groups here who had clearly set up hours earlier. Perhaps we've found a new tradition.

On Friday, we decided to flee the heat and meet up with friends in Ventura.

Rigo had left before 7 a.m. to snag a beachfront spot for their trailer, and he managed to park in such a way to save us a spot, too. 

Our friends Lynnette and James were visiting from out of state, so it was great to see them again and see their girls. 

On Saturday afternoon, we went to Colleen and Rigo's, and we all hung out again.

We brought a nectarine crisp to Colleen's house, cooked in the barbecue to save heating up the house. We also made the same dessert for July Fourth. Our nectarine trees are overflowing! And with the heat, they're ripening too fast.

Nectarines on nut butter on toast - with homegrown fruit, home ground nut butter (almond and peanut) and home-baked bread. I just need some chickens and a couple of goats! (Alas, the HOA won't go for it...)

Week in Review

I got a new wheat bread recipe from a friend that involves several odd ingredients, including mashed potato, but it worked! Softer, better rise. 
 

The girls agreed to haircuts. They both have such long hair, they can take off 3-4 inches and it looks healthier, but it's still long.

Violet had her school friends over for a pool date. They had a great time, and we're all happy that Vi is making plans with friends. 

Hard to draw when you're on her arm, Winston!