Blackberry Jam

Yesterday I picked a small bucket full of wild blackberries to make a batch of freezer jam.
This time, I used Sure Jell Pectin for Less or no Sugar Needed Recipes. I must say the resulting jam is very good. The recipe calls for just three cups of sugar, so the jam is not so sickly sweet as in the original recipe.
There was just enough left over after filling these containers, for a generous helping on my toast, this morning. yummmm!!

Where have you been, where are you going?

GLEANER

Yesterday I saw this tug boat cruising, quite a distance away, past the spa where I work. I thought to myself, this is a great opportunity to see what I could do with my new camera. I am sure I could have done better if I was more familiar with the settings on the Kodak, but I am still in the learning mode.
What an interesting boat, you can see potted plants on the back deck, and all kinds of other things for use in their daily lives. Just imagine what stories the folks on the boat could tell.

I HAVE A NEW TOY

A few days ago I received my early Christmas gift from MrC A Kodak Easy Share Z650 camera.

As soon as it was out of the box, and before reading the instruction manual. I popped a couple of batteries in the camera and went out to my garden and snapped a picture of this flower to see what the Kodak could do. Not bad EH? Just imagine what images I will be able to create when I finally figure out all the settings available for my use.

I am going back to New Zealand in November, for a visit, and I want to be able to remember all the features the camera has without consulting the instruction manual all the time, so in the meantime, I will be taking many, many pictures to find out what works best.

Thank you Santa Honey for the wonderful gift.

Cowboy Fast Draw

One of the side events at the World Steel Challenge, was the Cowboy Fast draw. I have to admit this was the most fun event to watch and participate in.

MrC's hero Quick Cal.

When MrC found out that the cowboy fast draw was going to be a side event he spoke about it with our friend, Damiphino, who shoots fast draw, with the result being, a left hand holster arriving in the mail, and plenty of instruction via telephone, so he could get in a little practice before going to Valencia, California where the event was being held.

Quick Cal adjusting the holster in just the right position.

You would think you could not miss a target which is two feet across and just fifteen in front of us. You can miss them alright as we both found out.

Put some cowboy boots, shirt and stetson on MrC and he would look the part.

Yes, I was talked into trying out fast draw by MrC. First they had to find a holster small enough, then I had to figure out how to shoot a revolver, never having done so before.
Quick Cal watching as I struggled trying to pull the hammer back one handed. My hands are so small, and did not have the strength to do it, so we went to drawing the gun from the holster with my right hand and pulling the hammer back with my left, and shooting two handed instead of one handed.

Gritting my teeth with the effort and concentration it took to shoot my first revolver

So now I know how to cock the hammer, all I needed to do, was get some coordination going, so everything would be smooth. Yeah sure!! easier said than done, but after a few shots I did hit the target and of course I let a whoo hoo! I am sure with a lot of practice I could probably be a cowgirl fast draw shooter.

These friends decided to have a "shootout" they sure had us laughing at their antics.

Well that is all from our adventure in California, and next year I plan on competing, though plenty of practice will have to be put in before then.

If you are interested in learning more about cowboy fast draw, click HERE

World Steel Challenge - part three

Here is one very dedicated blogger. The only place the laptop would work in our hotel room was in the bathroom.

I forgot to mention to MrC that I had washed all the range dust off my feet in the bathtub and when he sat down and swung his feet into the tub his socks got wet *chuckle*

On Friday night, most of the shooters, and their families, gathered in the hotel courtyard and two adjoining rooms, to enjoy a meal and fellowship. There was a whole lot of BS going on too.

We could choose chicken or beef, or as I did some of each. The food was well prepared and tasty.
For dessert there were several pies, cake, and mini cheesecakes to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Under the umbrella on the left, was the bar and vegetables, fruit, salsa and chips were on tables on each side. We sure did not go hungry or thirsty.

Mike P, Linda and Hawk, three shooters from the squad MrC was in. We sure did enjoy meeting these fun folks and hope to see them next year.

Hope you are not bored yet as there are probably enough pictures for one more post.
Standby I will get to the last post in the next day or so.

WORLD STEEL CHALLENGE -part 2

STAGE FIVE

Speed Option

MrC giving it his best shot, pun intended *grin*

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STAGE SIX
Smoke & Hope

The squad waiting while Linda is shooting.

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STAGE SEVEN
Outer Limits

Hawk, has his left foot off the ground ready to do a quick step into the box on the right, to shoot the last three, of the five targets.

MrC was concerned on this stage as down on the practice range, when he had to move from one box to the other, he was inclined to skid on the loose dirt and empty brass which were in the shooter's box. But here he did OK and did not skid at all.

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STAGE EIGHT
Accelerator

Doug showing how it is done.

MrC putting rounds down range as fast and accurately as he can.

Linda shooting the last stage.

Mike, Paul, Doug, Mike P, Eric, Hawk, Linda, Chase, Rich.

This was the end of the rim fire event, time for lunch before moving on to other events. I sure was ready for a break from the hot sun, so we walked down the hill to where they had a booth set up selling hot dogs a huge sandwich and ice cold drinks.

This little guy had both hands wrapped around a huge sandwich, and I was surprised to see him eat more than two thirds of it. The thought "hollow legs" came to mind.
After we finished our lunch we went to the Cowboy fast draw stage to try our luck at winning a gun. I will have more on this in part three.

Mr Completely's take on Part two HERE

WORLD STEEL CHALLENGE - Part 1

After a very early 4am start to the day, Wednesday 15Th, our flight to Burbank California, then a half hour drive to the hotel, we were both exhausted and ready for a long nap. The nap had to wait as MrC needed to get out to the range and get in some practice before shooting on Thursday morning.

Our rental car, a cute PT Cruiser with just 1400 miles on the clock had plenty of room for all the luggage we had brought with us. The car sure was dusty after our four days out at the range. I must say, I am sooooo happy we do not live in Valencia, the heat and dust almost did me in.

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STAGE ONE
Pendulum

The eight stages and the side events were spread out over quite a distance so we drove the car to a few of the side events as it was too darned hot to walk. The side events were set up so anyone could enter for a chance to win a gun either by shooting the best time or by having a raffle ticket for every time they entered drawn at the award ceremony on Sunday.

Erik, one of the squad members knocking the paint off of the targets.

Doug showing his expertise.

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STAGE TWO
Roundabout

After each squad member has finished his/her round, the targets are given a fresh coat of paint.
On a couple of occasions it was unclear if the shooter had hit the target, so the range was made safe and the range officer went out to double check the target in question. Sometimes the target is struck on the very edge and cannot be seen from a distance.

MrC and Keewee

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STAGE THREE
Show Down

Mike P putting time on the clock, and that does not mean he wants a lot of time on the clock when the round is over. The idea is to shoot and hit every target in the shortest time possible.

Rich making noise.

Paul doing his very best to shoot a good time.

Chase 19 years old, the youngest in our squad.

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STAGE FOUR

Five to go

The range officer going over all the rules before the match begins.

This stage is similar to one I have shot here on Whidbey Island, and I was thinking to myself about this time, perhaps I should have been shooting this year. Perhaps next year I will be ready, which means plenty of practice, groannnn!! I am not one to do a lot of practice, which makes MrC roll his eyes and say, " I don't know how you shoot so well with so little practice"

Click on the pictures for a larger view
MrC has his first part posted, so if you want to read a more in depth story about our adventure, then click HERE

For Steel Challenge results look HERE

We Are Back

MrC and I arrived back on the Island from the World Steel Championship VERY late last night.
I will have pictures of our fabulous time just as soon as I get the 146 pictures I took, edited. So patience my friends.

Life is Grand

There goes another weekend, and a busy one it was too.

Saturday MrC and I drove over to Kitsap to attend a steel challenge match. The weather was nice and warm, the other competitors a nice friendly bunch making for a fun filled day.
After the match some of us stopped at The 19th Hole, a bar/restaurant for something to eat and drink while all the match scores were tallied.
After all the scores were added up and placed in order, I was thrilled to see I had placed second after MrC.
Sunday we drove up to Coupeville to the CWSA range for a hanging plate match, but only five shooters turned up. I placed third.

Today I have to come back to earth and put in a couple of days work, then at 5am on Wednesday morning we are flying down to Burbank, California, to attend the World Steel Challenge Championship held at Valencia.


Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.
Confucius

I used to remember

It didn't seem that long ago, that I could remember almost every date and time, I had to go places or do something important. I'm wondering, am I growing older, or do I have way more things to do?

I find I need to write all my activities and appointments in my calendar or I just plain forget.
I also use a color code, so at a glance I can see when we have shooting matches, the days I am working, doctor or dentist appointments, lunch with friends etc.
The calendar for the rest of the year, is a rainbow of color, indicating all that will keep me busy until Christmas. Now all I have to remember is what all the colors are for *chuckle*

A little This & That

Some days you just don't have much to say, or really don't want too sit at the computer racking your brains for something somewhat intelligent to write. For me, this is one of those days.

There is a light drizzle wetting everything down, and by golly we sure do need some moisture. It is always a concern when the land becomes a dry fire hazard just waiting to be ignited by a discarded cigarette from a careless smoker, or an out of control campfire. My friend Hostagirl and her husband JW, who live in Darby, Montana, are experiencing discomfort from all the fires burning in their area.

The last two days at work have been extremely busy, and thankfully I now have five, yes, that is five, days to recuperate. Next Wednesday MrC and I are flying down to California to attend the World Steel Challenge, so I will have to give some thought to what to throw in my suitcase in the way of suitable clothing. I believe the weather is going to be very warm, therefore I had better be prepared.

My visit to New Zealand is coming up in November and I have been spending time on finding the least expensive accommodation and a rental car for the 15 days I will be there.
Spending oodles of cash on fancy accommodation is not my thing, I would rather have some spending money for treating my daughter or to buy goodies to bring back with me.
Lucky for me, I have two brothers living in New Zealand who are helping with the arrangements.

Today, is going to be a day of R&R. A few household chores will be done this morning, and in the early afternoon I am driving to the spa (where I work) to enjoy a 90 minute massage sighhhh! I will be next to useless for the rest of the day. How perfect a day is that?

I am off to enjoy my LAZY day, you all have a wonderful day too.

The future

Another weekend is drawing to a close. Amazing how fast they go by when you are trying to do as much as possible in two days. Saturday, MrC and I went up to CWSA range for a pin shoot. It was not one of my better days. I timed in near the top of the pack, which was good, but then came up against Al L in the first match. I was well and truly beaten, and retired to the spectator bench.

Darian, being coached by her dad.

Darian came with her family to the match, and did quite well, at her first attempt at bowling pin shooting. It is great to see youngsters taking an interest in the sport. These are the ones us "oldies" are going to have to watch out for in the future.

Orange-Cranberry Turkey Fettuccine

Let's not heat up our kitchens, place all the ingredients in your slow cooker, then go outside and enjoy the sunshine.
When you come back indoors, you just need to finish a couple more steps, and you will have dinner on the table with little or no effort on your part.

1 lb skinless turkey breast and/or thighs
1 green onion, chopped
2 oranges, peeled and cut into small chunks
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp. water
Cooked Fetuccine
chopped pecans

Cut turkey into thin strips. In slow cooker, combine turkey with green onion, oranges, cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Cover and cook on low about 4 hours or until turkey is tender.
Turn control to high.
In a small bowl dissolve cornstarch in the water and stir into the turkey mixture.
Cover and cook on high 15-20 minutes, stirring once.
Serve over hot fettuccine.
Sprinkle with pecans.