Friday, October 23, 2009

Me, Forks, & Twilight!

So last weekend we were in Georgia for my Grandma's 95th birthday! Woo, Hoo for her!!! Anyway, I talked with my dad's high school friend and his wife. They talked with me about how I came out to Washington when I was a little girl and visited them. They talked about the fun we had, and how much I loved it there, and cried when I had to leave.

On another story that will soon relate; ever since reading Twilight and watching the movie something has just drawn me to it. Sure you may think it's the love story between Bella and Edward, or the exciting life of vampires or werewolves, or even the hot guys in Twilight. Well, no, that was not what drew me in more then ever. When ever Bella/the author described what Forks looked like, what the weather was like, or what La Push was like I just felt it soooo familiar and comforting.

Well, who knew the two paths would meet. Me, Forks, & Twilight. Yep, that's right... I have been to Forks, Washington, and even been to all the places that take place in the book. Only it was 29 years ago. Wow! As my dad's friend and his wife told me I had been to all the places named/described in the book, it totally made sense why I felt the way I did when I read the book. She will be sending me pics of me standing in front of the "Welcome to Forks" sign, me playing on the beach of La Push, and me hiking in one of the forrest. As soon as she sends them I will post them.







So, am I a total dork for being excited about this??? Tell me what you think!!

Monday, October 5, 2009

B.R.P. Blueberry Muffins

So here is the story of the Blue Ridge Parkway blueberries. Whilst Brint and I were on the Parkway during our anniversary, I knew is was blueberry season up there and desperately wanted to pick some. At our first overlook stop, I spotted a tiny little bush just hanging on the edge with a hand full of blueberries still on it. Taking a little risk by leaning over to grab a couple for us, I popped one in my mouth, chewed, swallowed, told Brint "these are blueberries", but then had a second thought. Wait... was I totally sure that was a blueberry, and not some highly poisonous death berry?? I reexamined what was in my hand and just nodded.. yeah I was sure. Whew!
I knew it would be a zoo to pick at Graveyard Fields, boy was it ever crowded. So further we drove. Then I notice some Cherokee Indian ladies on the side of the road picking those blueish purple treats. We drove just a little further, as to not jump in on their berry turf. So Brint and I proceeded to pick.....



I think we got about a cup worth. Not much, but just enough to make blueberry muffins for the two of us! I looked up a "from scratch blueberry muffin" recipe on one of my favorite cooking blogs. Found one that I had already had the ingredients for, and went right to work. I delicately folded in those sweet little berries, as to not pop or smear them through the batter. Poured the batter into the muffin cups, set the timer, closed the oven door, and just crossed my fingers they would come out ok. After 18 long minutes, the timer finally went off, and peaked into to the oven and guess what I saw...



This next pic is my fav, because you can see that little blueberry explosion, and you know only yummy goodness can come from that!


Aren't they just gorgeous and lovely.


Now I just dare you click on any of those muffins pics, and try not to lick your computer screen! The golden treats were sooo good warm and just by themselves, with strawberry jam, with butter. The hardest part was waiting till Brint got home to eat one! It felt very rewarding to pick something from nature, bring it home, and lovingly put it into something that you and others can float off to heaven with. Next year I am going up to the Parkway early!!