Here we go!

It's that time when trips to the beach seem like the norm and the sun seems to shine every day and this little grasshopper thinks that summer will never end. I have been back to work for a few weeks now, after my glorious Vancouver Island holiday/Anniversary surprise getaway, but it still feels like play time to me. I have managed to squeeze in a trip to the outdoor pool and the bowling alley, which were promises made and kept for summer outings. I had a long list of outings but when it came down to it, we were either too busy, or too tired from all the other fun stuff we have been doing! We have managed to get the most out of the summer and I think it's wonderful. I did get my school supplies organized and bought a few clothes, so even if I do nothing else, I think I can manage the first day of school. One day at a time right? Chalk one point for only having one kid to worry about!

Sea life at Ucluelet Aquarium

AAAH!

I am also working on a project for my Grandma's birthday and finally I feel like it may actually come to fruition, now that some key pieces of information have come my way. It will be a furious push at the end to get it done the way I want it, but I think I have it under control. I sure hope it comes out as well as I expect it to. Smokefest is just around the corner, I am super excited for it. I just love when my family gets together and this party has become the social event of the year! With so much to look forward to, it's hard to stay in the every day and get the basics done, like laundry and dishes. I just want to sweep it all it the dumpster and buy new dishes and clothes. That's not very frugal, is it?

Happy Trails!

Strawberry in my Aunt's garden

Grandma after her dip in the Shuswap August 2012. I sure hope I look as good in a bathing suit at her age!

We heard a bear going down this trail and saw his leavings!

We had a little adventure this long weekend in the Shuswap.
My aunt and Grandma along with my little cousin came from the North to visit my aunt at her cabin. We brought our tent and stayed two fun nights. The lake was absolutely to die for. On the second night we all went for a night swim just before bed. That was wise thinking because temperatures were in the high thirties. We also had a water gun fight and numerous trips to the beach due to the heat. Suppers were potluck affair with everyone contributing whatever they had. We had some nice salads, wraps and beans.


 My aunties and I were in charge of about 12 lbs. of moose meat which we formed into meat loaves and meat balls (mooseballs, hee) and patties. We had more food than we needed but I'm sure it all got divvied up. My other Aunty drove in from Kamloops for the afternoon and we all had a game of string golf. Sunday we all had a game of bocci which was good fun, before a last trip to the beach for a picnic and an ice cream cone for the road.



What a fun time with my three aunts and my Grandma.

Million dollar view.

Summer Breakfast Frozen Cheesecake

 Oh yes, cheesecake for breakfast!
 It's the only way to go. I'm writing this one down because it's a keeper.
In a rectangular Ziploc plastic container mix up a cup of graham cracker crumbs with a 1/4 sugar and add 1/4 cup melted butter. Press to form crust. In a bowl mix 2 cups cream cheese with 1 cup vanilla yogurt and 1/4 cup icing sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla until smooth. Pour over crust. Place frozen berries evenly all over the top, then puree some (or just mash with a fork and a bit more sugar) pour evenly over all. All measurements are approximate because I never measure things like this. Freeze over night. Eat it for breakfast! YUM!

This turned out like an ice cream cake, so delicious. I let the big block thaw a bit, popped it out, cut it into squares and returned it to the container and put it back in the freezer. Let individual servings thaw a bit on the plate before digging in. This way, no worries about leftovers going bad, they are safely stored in the plastic container until the next cheesecake craving strikes!

I did not feel like baking, turning on the oven and I did not have any gelatin/jello to make this a fridge cake. This solution worked out great. I think this is my new go-to cheesecake method for the summer and the yogurt gives it a nice tang. It is also slightly healthier than adding whipping cream to cheesecake. Not much, but a bit.