I take lots of photos. I keep the best and organize them into various file folders for easy retrieval should I want to find something in the future. The others I delete. Usually I keep up, but inevitably fall behind in this task each fall when I get extra busy with projects.
That’s what I have been working on these crazy weather days. After the new year we had an eight-inch snowstorm. A few days ago there were -30 wind-chills. Then is warmed up and all the snow melted. This morning is was freezing, icy rain that caused accidents everywhere and even a salt truck overturning. Tomorrow it is going up to 60 degrees F.
Like the random weather, I am sharing unrelated photos and throwing in a recipe that I spontaneously made when I saw the recipe posted on facebook.
This adorable photo is of our youngest grandchild, Jethro. His mama took the picture and I couldn’t resist sharing. I didn’t make the hat – it was in a hand-me-down container of clothes he received.
Icy precipitation covered these lilac branches yesterday.
So I didn’t expect to see this robin land on a branch as icy raindrops fell.
Almost through a cord of wood already as we stay warm in frigid temperatures. For the first time I had frost on the inside of my windows. Noah and Silas bundled up and braved the chill long enough to build a dapper snowman
Cambrie asked if she could make her favorite Silly faces as I snapped photos.
Our oldest grandson was nominated for Student of the month and his mom received a certificate for National Criminal Justice Honor Society from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia
We worked very hard liquidating Aunt Marie’s sweet little Sears Kit house bungalow and readied to sell.
A fun selfie pic of John and I enjoying a stay-at-home date-night of wine and pizza while we watched the old movie classic, Roman Holiday
My sister and I at her daughters birthday party
My favorite pup
I couldn’t share this patchwork quilt prior to Christmas because it was a surprise for our daughter, Jill who is providing foster care for a dear baby boy. With the extra fabric I made the soft cube toy for him as well.
I didn’t know this photo was taken until I saw it on our churches website. Baby Jethro in the glow of candlelight as we sang Silent Night on Christmas Eve. Abbey is in the foreground with Caleb, Chloe and Jamie in the background.
And finally, no sooner did I see a recipe on my facebook feed, I went straightway to the kitchen and gave this Banana Oat Bar a try. It caught my attention because it was suggested as an alternative to wrongful cravings (which I was having). The original recipe contains no sugar, butter or eggs and since I had ripe bananas on the counter, I whipped it together and popped it into the toaster oven in little time.
The recipe wasn’t detailed so I wasn’t sure if it would bake up like a bar or be more like baked oatmeal. I sprayed the dish prior to spreading the mixture and was happy that it came out easily and cut neatly.
I can’t say that my sweet tooth didn’t think of spreading the bars with peanut butter and (heaven forbid) pipe some melted chocolate on top but I subdued that impulse and found them to taste, well, healthy. They had a pleasant banana flavor, hint of sweetness from the raisins and a soft, chewy texture. I got 12 4-inch x 1-inch bars and with my substitutions, I figured each to be about 70 calories. A good, healthy alternative to curb a snack attack. If calories aren’t a concern, stirring in some mini chocolate chips and/or nuts would be a nice addition.
Banana Oat Bars
3 ripe bananas, mashed (I used 1 cup)
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (I used 1/2 cup since I didn’t have 3 bananas)
2 cups oats
1/4 cup almond milk (I used 2% milk)
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
optional (I added 1 Tbs Splenda)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
lightly spray an 8-inch square dish
In mixing bowl, Stir together all of the ingredients until well combined. Pour into prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Cut into bars.
Yield: 12 1-inch x 4-inch bars
Dear Lorraine,
It's always a joy to see your grands. Baby Jethro is just so cute. Noah and Silas have had fun it seems and Cambrie is just adorable :). My favorite picture is that church service picture :).
What wonderful pictures, Lorraine. I love so many of them. That one of the baby at church is a great surprise for you. And the honorary pictures are great, too.
I am saving that banana bar recipe, too. My new ovens should be here in a couple of weeks.
LOVE that first baby picture. You take great shots! xo Diana
I love your photos, Jethro is such a sweet baby and the hat suits him well. I love the candle lit photo of you both. Thank you for sharing the recipe, I think I can make his for my husband who has just been diagnosed with diabetes and I'm on the look out for recipes for the occasional treat for him 🙂
Your pictures are captured in such a special way, that every visit to your blog is a gift to me. I love seeing all the dear little smiles. I am proud of your grandson and daughter, and no, it does not surprise me one bit. Look at the gifted ones before them:) The one of you and John is so good!
Every visit here, adds joy to my day. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
What a beautiful and sweet face that Jethro has! All your pics are lovely. I cannot seem to keep up with all the pictures I take and then can't bear to delete them. But they sure are fun to look at.
Looks like another good recipe and I enjoyed your random set of pics!
Beautiful photos! That first one of Jethro is precious!
Very sweet pictures and the bars sound like a good for you treat!
We've had weather from one extreme to the other this past week!
well this post has it all. So many wonderful pictures and top it all off with a yummy snack. I love the picture of you with Jethro in the candle light
Oh my goodness! Little Jethro is SO adorable!!!! Love that photo!
That house is so charming, I would love to see pix of the inside! Bars sound really good, I have none of the ingredients, except raisins! Need to do a big shopping and restock the pantry and fridge. Baby Jethro is a cutie. xo
Beautiful pictures. Boy that little Jethro is such a cutie!!!
All pics are fun! Aunt Marie's house is adorable and I'll bet some lucky person buys it in no time:@)
Such fun! I loved seeing everthing you shared. I need to sort my millions of photos. Baby Jethro is darling!
~Adrienne~
Oh goodness, I had to come and check out that Little Jethro…ADORABLE! You have a gorgeous family and I know where that came from too! Loving that récipe and thanks for sharing, I'd love to do it son! Enjoy your weekend.
FABBY