The ghostly monk attending to an abandoned monastery, church in Scotland Inspired by local legends of the ruins, nearby, Inverness Scotland, and the cairns. This monk still maintains his garden, even after death, and he hunts the abandoned monastery church that he wants to have added centuries ago
Item is framed, ready to hang. Original Size is 16 in by 20 in but is a bit larger due to the frame. Ready to hang on the way. Varnished with a UV glaze for protection and long lasting. Original oil on cotton canvas. Solid brush strokes and hand painted, one of a kind original. Stories of folklore legends and ghosts. #ruins #monks #ghosts #spiritis #hauntings #paintme #parati #painting #haunted #hauntingseason
This quick meal is super filling and cheap. Let’s be honest. We all need quick, hot meals occasionally. This packs well for a lunch at work in a thermos or to-go container. It’s loaded with veggies, and lets be truthful, we could all use more veggies in our life. Pairs great with a grill
Tomatoe veggie soup with crackers Easy soup with veggies Quick meals on a budgetAutumn soup on the flyGoes well with a grilled cheese, classic American foodEat more veggies
Dining options are limited when visiting my parents in Eastern Colorado. The same cuisines dominate, mostly Mexican food or burgers and fries. There are one or two Asian-themed places a couple of towns over. So, what is a person to do? Pull ideas from their adventures and make a meal for the family!
I chose fresh caught wild- Atlantic salmon fillets, skin on.
Ingriedients:
4 Salmon Fillets
Lemon Juice
Salted Butter, Salt and Pepper (fresh cracked)
Thinly sliced red onions
Frozen Peas (the whole bag)
Saute the salmon in the skillet, skin side down in butter and lemon juice, basting the fish with the reduction in the pan. Steam the frozen peas in a side pan. Top the fish with the onion and cover with a lid, cook until desired level of doneness is desired. Served with a shredded cabbage salad, top with a creamy dressing and serve.
Scottish inspired Salmon and peas Saute the salmon in a heavy butter and lemon sauce. with sliced onions
A mid-day adventure! This adventure included my mother, it’s not often that I have an adventure buddy but today was spectacular! While I did snap a couple of really cute photos of my Mom, she asked not to be featured. It is a totally respectable choice!
Pawnee Buttes are located in Weld County, Colorado. It’s located beyond the “sticks”–and Mom commented that seeing anyone wasn’t a good sign. We finally stumbled across other adventure seekers once we arrived. We saw a grumpy lady in a vehicle. Another guy was there with a travel camper and his dogs. This was after we saw oil-rig trucks on the back country roads–all two of them.
The Pawnee Buttes were created by water, wind and time–through erosion not tectonic plates. It is part of the Pawnee National Grassland.
Located just 13 miles South of the Wyoming state line, here’s how you get there!
Directions
Start from Ault (Colorado) and head east on Colorado Highway 14. Continue for about 27 miles. Then turn left on Weld County Road 105. Travel about 4 miles north and continue onto County Road 390. Travel 2 miles, then turn right onto County Road 103. Travel 2 miles north, then take a right onto County Road 104. Travel 4 miles east, and turn left onto County Road 111. Turn right onto County Road 110, followed by a left onto County Road 113. Travel 0.5 miles to the trail head parking area.
Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Anna Potthoff, the adventure maker, is at Pawnee Buttes, Colorado. My Mom snapped this photo from her vehicle.
1 tsp each coarse salt and 1 tsp baking soda (not powder!)
1 3/4 cup buttermilk (or 1 3/4 cup cool water with 3 tablespoons powdered buttermilk)
Mix dry ingredients together, put a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour buttermilk into center. It works best if you use a ceramic or glass bowl and a wooden spoon. Mix thoroughly but don’t over do it. Plop all the dough onto a lightly floured, clean surface. Lightly knead as you shape the dough into either a boules shape or an elongated loaf shape. Dough can be split in half to make two smaller loaves for sharing or for gifting. This also works great for using one now and freezing one for later for quick use.
Score each loaf lightly on the top. Place on metal or stone baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Variations, if preferred.
Autumn Harvest Herb Bread Use classic Irish recipe, adding 1 tsp each ground pepper, basil, garlic powder, dried onions, and cumin seeds
Cranberry Spice Bread: Use Classic Irish Soda bread above, adding 1 tsp dried orange zest, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cloves, and 1/2 dried cranberries (Craisins) or raisins if you prefer cinnamon raisin bread.
Cheesy Bread: Using the classic Irish Soda recipe above, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Colby shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tsp of sesame seeds
These breads make great toast, chunks for dipping into stews and soups, or just eating with a charcuterie board. My mom likes to eat it with her eggs in the morning. The bread slices up well and stays really fresh for days, despite not having any filler or preservatives in it. It also works nicely to be crumbled up and used as croutons or as a stuffing base for the holidays. Each loaf costs less than $1.75 per full sized loaf or about $2 per loaf with add-in options.
Mixing the ingreidentsShaping the doughScoring the breadBaking the breadLetting the bread cool a wee bitServing up the Bread!
It’s autumn and things are back in full swing after the joys and adventures of summer. Did you forget to set out meat to thaw or plan for a meal in advance?
This is super easy and can easily be doubled, tripled or quadzillioned into easy meals to feed yourself, a family or the group of friends that showed up at the last minute to study (because, as continuing education adults, when do we ever have time?)
I always keep some kind of frozen fish in the freezer. Usually, I buy the kind that is on sale at the local grocery store. These include buy one get one free, coupon, or club card deals. Whatever fish you may have, this recipe will work!
In the example below, it’s Tilapia fillets, skinless, boneless.
It’s super easy!
Get 1 (or 2 pieces, if they are smaller) fillet for each person, put into a skillet on medium heat with some oil (olive oil or sunflower oil is best!)
Put in frozen veggies of your choice (the California blend is seen below). Add a dash of salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and heavy on the dry dill.Splash some lemon juice on top, let cook through for approximately 20 minutes, covered with a lid and then serve. It’s seriously that simple and it’s delicious. I like this particular dish with hot peppermint tea.
An easy breezy meal in less than 20 minutes, start to finish
Whether you are on a road trip or driving to work, music is always an essential! It is important whether you are working the fields or doing housework. Music is also essential when planning your next great adventure.
Below is a choice of just some of my favorite music, in case you need some variety or inspiration!
The pioneers are making their mark again along the Oregon Trail here. It is just outside of Jackolope City, Wyoming. The trail is along the I-25, so it’s easily accessible now!
Looming gently over LaPrele Creek, Ayres Natural Bridge provides beautiful splendor amongst the red rocks of Converse County.
According to the tourist site,is only one of three natural bridges “LaPrele Creek flows beneath the rock formation. It creates one of only three rock archways in the nation that span water.” I feel so fortunate and blessed that I got to see one of them!
While driving up to the location, it’s clearly posted that any animal, leashed or not, is not welcome onsite. Tickets with fines will be issued for those bringing in an animal with them. So please, remember to leave Fido and kitty at home.
The drive is an easy method, with wide open colorful views and spectacular scenery. While most of the path to get there is unpaved, it’s still manageable-just take your time!
The area also hosted a small flock of wild turkey.That is the bird, not the alcoholic beverage, just for clarity.
Bring a picnic basket or other goodies. It is an ideal way to spend a lovely afternoon here at Ayres natural bridge and park. Do you want to enjoy it longer? Camping is also available here. I am not sure if I would want to brave the Wyoming chill in the winter for camping. I would consider it if I were in a recreational camper toy. Nonetheless, I am a princess who likes the amenities, and I might not even brave it then.
Watch this little youtube video I made of the area. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it!
La Prele CreekAyres Natural Bridge LaPrele Creek Runs wild under the bridgeBluffs along the way Ayres Bridge Park-Perfect location to enjoy a picnic and moreRed Rocks at AyresSpectuculars views at Ayres Enjoying the LaPrele Creek and Red Rocks, Glenrock, Wyoming
While the beach is located on private property, it’s open to the public, near Guernsey, Wyoming-
Located along a very full North Platte River, the lovely, secluded location is perfect for enjoying a walk. It’s also a great spot to have a picnic or to take a date with your sweetheart.
There are a few rules and requests made, posted on the sign (read the picture carefully for a good laugh!)
Located not but 2 miles from the Register Cliff historical site, this beach is well worth visiting.
Madison BeachNorth Platte RiverGuernsey, WyomingAnna PotthoffWyoming Wildflowers along the North Platte
My Travels 