Welcome friends...thanks for coming by. We're seeking beauty in all of creation... in our faith and our families; our art and our music; our crafts and kitchens, and even in our own backyard. We'll share a poem or a recipe, a picture or a memory; maybe a dream of how we wish our life could be. And though we acknowledge that the world can be harsh, we're keeping it pleasant in our little corner; endeavoring to keep the words from the Book of all Books: ...Whatsoever things are lovely; think on these things.

I so enjoy hearing from you...so leave me a comment; it'll make my day!

Photo: Bee and thistle: Taken high in the Cascade Mountains where there is a bee buzzing on every thistle. by Debora Rorvig

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Apple Pork Chops

We rarely eat pork and beef anymore at the Rorvig household. It's not that we don't like meat; it's just that we want to keep those nasty numbers down; you know; the ones called calories and cholesterol. However, once in a while it's such a treat to have an old fashioned comfort-food dinner. I made this a great recipe for pork chops I found on http://www.allrecipes.com/  for supper today. It's easy, fairly healthy, and very tasty! I served it with mashed potatoes and a green salad; but I think it would be scrumptious with some cooked cabbage!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

4 (1/2-inch thick) pork chops

1/2 teaspoon salt

ground black pepper to taste

2 apples - peeled, cored and sliced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 cup hot water


Directions


1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2.Heat oil in large skillet. Saute onion in oil for 1 minute, or until tender. Remove onion and set aside. Brown pork chops on both sides in oil.

3.Place chops in an 8x12 inch baking dish and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cover the chops with the apples and cooked onion.

4.In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, cloves and water. Pour over chops. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information


Amount Per Serving Calories: 233
Total Fat: 11.4g
Cholesterol: 36mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Just Silly

I think my new dog has made a fool out of me; kinda like those new grandparents with a slew of baby pics-but what the heck!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

And the Light Shineth in Darkness


My friend Sharon redecorated her dining room last spring and generously gave me her old chandelier. I love chandeliers with lampshades, and have been waiting for months to decorate it for Christmas. As noted previously, we are not going all out on decorations this year in consideration of our new pup Koda-don't want her eating the ornaments! So I used fake greenery and berries with a bit of my favorite red and green tartan ribbon. It's very cheery and festive.

Looking at the pictures of my light reminded me of the Light of the World. John 1:5 says that ...the Light shineth in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not. My great friend and Bible scholar, the late Dr. Bert Dearden, used to tell me that the word 'comprehended' in this text would be better translated as over-powered. I love that. Jesus still shines in the darkness; and no matter how dark things appear; they can never overpower His light. So if, for any reason, you are facing dark times during this holiday season; take heart; the Light of Christ is far more powerful than your dark circumstances. Look to Him today; and find light for your life!
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Little Touches of the Season

My Christmas decorating will be a little subdued this year with the addition of puppy Koda to our pack. She has already confused balls of knitting yarn with her tennis ball-so I'm not going to tempt her with a tree laden with glass ball-shaped ornaments. This Christmas in the Rorvig household will probably be about small touches- little vignettes, carefully placed where playful paws can't get to them. These sweet vintage mugs were the first to come out. I imagine the couple on the mug as happy Christmas shoppers-he's offering to carry her packages. May your shopping be as festive and delightful.

And remember:

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur
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