Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The doggy diaries: Mama's famous German chocolate cookies




My famous German chocolate cookies


1 box German chocolate cake mix
2 eggs

2/3 cup butter flavored crisco (this is important as it makes the cookies absolutely delicious!  if you don't like butter, use regular shortening.....but you are missing out!)


Preheat oven to 350. Combine cake mix, eggs and shortening. Roll into little balls and place on cookie sheet. 

Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.

I usually double the cookie recipe

For the frosting:

1-12 oz can evaporated milk
1.5 cups sugar
3/4 cups butter
4 egg yolks slightly beaten
1.5 teaspoons mexican vanilla (this is super important.  vanilla extract is NOT good enough. :)
1-7 oz package coconut (I add more, which is my preference)
1.5 cups chopped pecans

Place eggs, sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla in large saucepan
Stirring constantly, cook on medium heat for 12 minutes or until thickened and golden brown
Remove from heat
Add coconut and pecans
Cool to room temperature
Frost one cookie and then top with another cookie. 


Friday, November 15, 2013

professional photo shoot with jack

i hired Elaina Renae Photography http://elainarenae.com/ to take some shots of jack because she donates the sitting fee to a rescue of my choice (rescue rovers). he is a great subject. every pic turned out just completely perfect. he is just the most handsomest dog ever.

i love this pic. it shows jacks personality perfectly. he absolutely loves rocks and he found one as soon as we got to millcreek canyon.

this is one of my absolute favorite pics. it is the perfect action shot. he was running to me when this pic was taken.

such a gorgeous dog!

this was taken during a brief break in playing with his rock.

he is a great poser for pics. hard not to be when you are the best looking dog on earth.

this one is my absolute favorite. i can't get over how much i adore this dog! he is the best dog. he is completely loyal to me.

ok, wait. i changed my mind. this one might be my favorite. ugh. they are all my favorite.

tongue out mountain playing.

then we got some fun pics. he looks really good in glasses

my boy whom i love

the cutest professor. i am so incredibly thankful for this special boy. he is the best part of my life.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

the doggy diaries: jack rabbit

while i am cruising, my boy jack lives with my parents. my mom dresses him up to keep us all apprised of how things are going. told from the perspective of the dog.
Jack "rabbit"
i am not pleased that i am dressed up as a jack rabbit. but, i imagine my mama will love my fluffy little tail.

life of a cruise ship nurse: grand cayman

Hell. Grand Cayman
 you can't come to grand cayman and not go to hell. it is a unique place that is basically a bunch of black rocks.  or if you want to get technical, black limestone formations. i'm not going to lie, i'd never go back. not worth the money you spend on the cab ride.  although there is a post office there and now all your friends and family can get mail from hell.
7 mile beach. Grand Cayman
 i'd rather spend my day at the beach whilst in grand cayman
 the water is the perfect temperature of awesomeness
 you can rent all sorts of water-craft.  or you can just lay on the beach. :)
 such a gorgeous place to read a book
dinner
what a perfect day!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

life of a cruise ship nurse: eating at the tamarind

the tamarind is my favorite place to eat on the ships. it is an asian fusion restaurant. so yummy!
chicken pho, my favorite soup ever!
asian beef salad
wasabi beef. most excellent steak ever
coconut tempura ice cream
part of the medical team

Friday, November 1, 2013

the doggy diaries: going fishin

while i am cruising, my boy jack lives with my parents. my mom dresses him up to keep us all apprised of how things are going. told from the perspective of the dog.
going fishin with my papa in my mama's orange coat. neiner neiner neiner

life of a cruise ship nurse: half moon cay, bahamas

 the passenger doc and i are on the tender headed to the island. we will staff the first aid building all day.
 it is gorgeous here!
 the water is so amazing
 i love how calm the waters are here
 view outside the first aid building
 i was able to take a dip in that gorgeous ocean while on break.
my sentiments exactly! 
 this is the medical building on the island
 thankfully it was a slow day....
 views from our office
first aid
 storm is coming in.....
another gorgeous day on half moon cay

Thursday, October 31, 2013

the doggy diaries: jack's halloween costume

while i am cruising, my boy jack lives with my parents. my mom dresses him up to keep us all apprised of how things are going. told from the perspective of the dog.

lady doga.

life of a cruise ship nurse: st thomas, united states virgin islands part 2. sail away

 allister, monica, and myself are just waiting to watch the st thomas sail away.  it is a gorgeous day.
leaving st thomas.  i love sailboats and the scenery is just gorgeous! 
 beautiful mountainside
 good friends
 amazing how pretty it is here
 ship wreck
 beautiful cove



 the sun is setting on another gorgeous day here in the caribbean