Gift For You _ 5 Years

First and foremost, Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!

Time does fly when you're having fun. This week marks 5 years since I entered the cyberworld with my first blog post and with discussions that followed on many things, a potpourri of economic and market issues, genealogy, travel, garden... and from that I found my voice as Voice In The Garden evolved. Thus, in the spirit of the holidays I'd like to do something fun and put a smile on someone's face.

Many years ago I had a Limited Edition made from two of my original paintings, The Train Station and The Eliot. They are signed and numbered fine art prints. Two years ago I gave away The Train Station in celebration of three years, and today I would like to offer either one or the other.

Art is a very personal thing and therefore not everyone is interested in a particular theme or style of painting. However, should you have an interest in participating in the drawing, simply leave a comment telling me which one you would prefer should you be the winner.

The Train Station

Image size......................... 20 5/8" by 17"
Paper size ......................... 25" x 22"

Unmatted and unframed
on museum quality acid free paper

Based on original oil 34" x 28"

The Eliot

Image size.............................. 18" by 24"
Paper size .............................. 22" x 29"

Unmatted and unframed
on museum quality acid free paper

Based on original oil 30" x 40"

Leave a comment by Monday, December 19 and a winner will be chosen at random. I will mail it right after Christmas.

This is a gift from me to you and my way of saying thank you for being such a wonderful community of thoughtful people and bringing an added dimension to my life.

PS: Don't forget, George has 2 songs currently available to listen and download: georgejohnson, and his Debut soon-to-be-released album, here, GeorgeJohnson.com which can be listened to in case you want to order. Some great music!

New Music Release and Debut Album

Today I am mixing it up a bit from my normal postings in order to introduce you to George Johnson, a talented young man and his music.

He has just released 2 songs, Santa's Wearin' Blue This Year and The Reign. 

The Reign by George Johnson with The Jordanaires & The Memphis Horns 88.2 wav (Album Version)

https://soundcloud.com/georgejohnson/the-reign-by-george-johnson-1



  

Santa's Wearin' Blue This Year

George's debut album will soon be released. You can preview it _ Listen to all of the songs for FREE at GeorgeJohnson.com, and sign up for the mailing list to receive updates on the release. I hope you love the music as much as we do... he has some great sounds, and we have had wonderful feedback from talented musicians who speak highly of George's talent.

Roasted Heirloom Squash and Apple Soup

Yesterday we picked most of the apples and pears from our trees, and last evening we delighted in the first of our winter squash soups. Made from one of the heirloom Butternut squash, it was filled with creamy sweetness like only a squash directly from our garden to the table can be. It had all the elements we enjoy: a little sweetness (squash) with some salty (cashew) and a bit of spice.


Roasted Heirloom Squash and Apple Soup from Diana's kitchen

1 squash (3-4 lb butternut), seeded, peeled, cut into 1 inch chunks
2 medium tart apples, peeled, quartered, core removed, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
2 Tablespoons good olive oil or organic coconut oil
4-6 cups chicken (or vegetable) stock
1 Tablespoon raw unfiltered honey
pinch or more cayenne pepper (to taste)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1/2 cup cream or half and half
salted cashews

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Into a large Dutch Oven, combine the chopped squash, apples, onion, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, ginger, salt and pepper and combine. Add olive oil or coconut oil to the melted butter, pour it over the squash mixture and fold to coat. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until the squash and apples are tender. Stir once or twice during the roasting.

Remove from the oven and add 4 cups of chicken stock (or just enough to barely cover the squash). Add the honey, cayenne pepper, nutmeg. Stir, and heat the contents to a simmer and until the squash and apples are tender.

Remove the pot from the burner, and puree the contents with an immersion blender. It will be slightly sweet and thick. Add the cream and combine. If you prefer less thickness, add additional chicken stock. Serve immediately and with a few cashews on top.