Snow Day!

It rained all night and then it started to snow.  For all you who drive, you know that this is a recipe for disaster.  As a result, our homeschool co-op was cancelled.  In a way I was glad, because there is a lot that I need to get done at home, but I did want to turn my homework in.  

Here is my latest painting.  I wasn't sure if I should post it, because my grandma reads my blog sometimes and it is for my grandpa.  So grandma, if you're reading this, *ssshhhhhh*, don't tell please!  For those who don't know, my grandpa is an avid hunter.  He owns a cottage in Newfoundland and moose hunts up there.  This is his gift this year.

Since we are on the subject of art I posted the other picture.  No, I did not draw it.  My brother drew it.  It is a character in the story he is writing.  But I thought it was to cute to pass up.  Don't you?

~Joanna

Concerts

Recently my brothers had there solo recitals. They did a really good job and only had minor mistakes. All of the students at the Rockford College Music Academy had recitals, and all that I heard and saw were very poised and did a good job. The last photo is of my Dad, my brothers and I at the Church where my Dad, brother and I sung Handel's "Messiah" with the Rockford Choral Union. Hudson and Nathanael were ushers. It was really a blessing to be able to sing the Messiah, the lyrics of which is all Bible verses. We did not get any pictures of either the Saturday or Sunday performances, Sorry. :(

Jamie playing "Gavotte" by Luly

Hudson playing "Hunter's Chorus" by Von Weber

Nathanael playing "Perpetual Motion" by Suzuki

(L-R) Nathanael, Jamie, Joanna, My Dad, Hudson

Recent Happenings

    Ok, so there is this restaurant towards the middle of our town that is in a very bad location.  By bad I mean it is on a downhill and there is no stoplight, and it is just plain out of the way.  Over the past 7 or so years we have been here it has changed names 4 times.  It is my opinion that it did not change owners but just changed names.  Just recently it changed again.  What is it called now?  "The Undecided", how fitting.  I know that was weird, but I got a laugh out of it.

My mother posted what I thought was a pretty funny youtube video on her blog(for all you homeschoolers :) )  Here it is.  Tell me what you thought!

~Joanna

The Day AFTER Thanksgiving...

My Mom always makes "Mashed Potato Rolls" out of the leftover mashed potatoes.  They are REALLY good, so I thought I would share the recipe with you.  I don't know if this recipe already exists somewhere, but my Mom just made this version yesterday.

Mashed Potato Rolls

Ingredients

Makes approximately 24 3-inch rolls

• 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes

• 3 cups of milk

• 4 Tablespoons butter

• 7 cups white flour

• 1 Tablespoon salt

• ¼ cup honey

• 3 Tablespoons yeast

• 1 ½ cups spelt (optional)

Directions

1. Heat milk, mashed potatoes, and butter together on the stove until butter starts to melt.

2. Mix white flour, spelt, salt and yeast in a mixer.

3. Stir heated mixture.  After butter in melted, pour into the mixer and mix.  This will create a heavy dough.  Add more flour as needed.

4. Mix on high for 3 minutes

5. Spray two baking sheets that have high sides.

6. Pour/Glop dough into the sheets.  Flatten so the dough is an even height everywhere.  Cut into squares and let rise.

7. Preheat oven to 375°, and bake the risen dough for approximately 25 minutes.

*You may also use sugar instead of honey

**You will need a pretty large mixer

I hope you enjoy it!

---------------------------------------------------------

I was going to start an Etsy yesterday, but I just can't think of  a good username.  Any suggestions?  My family gave me lots of ideas, but you have to admit that "Joanna's Junk"  doesn't give a very good image!  Please tell me what you think!

~Joanna