Picture a Day #313 – Search for the Perfect Cookie Recipe

My test kitchen has been the site of numerous recipe variations, searching for the perfect (in my humble opinion) oatmeal cookie. Today I produced another one. I do not use fancy gadgets. I am old school. I use wholesome ingredients and a wooden spoon.

This is not a rich, greasy confection, designed to destroy the diet in one bite. It is wholesome, nourishing, and addictive in its subtle flavor and eatability. Try it, I dare you!

Oatmeal Drop Cookies

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly oil a baking sheet.

Mix together 2 and 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Add 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 eggs.

Blend in 1 grated apple (1 cup), 1 cup milk, 2 cups oatmeal, 1 cup golden raisins, and 2/3 cup chopped walnuts.

Drop the batter by rounded tablespoonfuls.

Bake 10-12 minutes (do not overbake). This recipe produced 3 dozen cookies.

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Picture a Day #312 – In the Middle of Nevada

Nevada is surprisingly picturesque, given its barren topography and harsh climate.

A recent trip across the state on Highway 50 produced these photos, capturing a variety of topography and vegetation.

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Picture a Day #311 – A Lone Pine

This image of a lone Pinon pine was taken near Highway 50 in the middle of Nevada on our recent fall trip. It makes me feel that anything is possible!

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Picture a Day #310 – Fall Moon

Here is another view of the moon that I photographed at the end of October. Looking at the moon in the morning is so different from viewing it in the evening. It is soft and peaceful, full of the freshness of a new day.

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Picture a Day #309 – The Last Leaves

The last leaves on the tree are there for a reason. It is not yet their time to let go.

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Picture a Day #308 – A Message in the Forest

On our recent trip to Colorado, we spent a day exploring on the San Juan National Forest north of Mancos, in the southwestern part of the state. We took a short hike, and then visited a fire lookout that is now rented out seasonally to visitors. We were hoping to see some fall color, but most of the Aspen leaves had come down in a wind storm a week or so before our arrival.

We still enjoyed some color, and the beautiful trees without their leaves. Two in particular caught our attention.

Aspen love

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Picture a Day #307 – Back on the Road

The weather is closing in, and fall is fading fast. There are signs that it is not giving up without a struggle, but the temperatures have plummeted here in the past week. I am thinking about the trip that we managed to squeeze in only three weeks ago, and I am grateful.

looking ahead on Highway 95 in southern Utah

I am grateful for the company of family in Colorado, and grateful for the sun and the pristine air, the peaceful travel on nearly deserted roads and highways.

an outcrop at Hovenweep National Monument in southeastern Utah

A getaway should get you away from everything that is stressful and tedious and take you to beauty and serenity, don’t you think?

a couple keeping it simple bicycle touring in the redrock of Utah

Ute Peak in southwestern Colorado

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Picture a Day #306 – Teachable Moment

Yesterday morning I substitute taught middle school students. I have been a middle school teacher for many years, but due to circumstances both within and beyond my control, I am, at the moment, unemployed.

It had been over a year and a half since I spent classroom time with this age group. I have missed them, even though they switched seats and tried to convince me they were being good.

One student thanked me for teaching them. I am learning to enjoy the moments that matter as I encounter them.

image courtesy of Zazzle

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Picture a Day #305 – November Clouds

Often there is a break in the weather at sunset. Here is the view from where I watch the clouds.

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Picture a Day #304 – Flower Power

The nasturtiums in my garden are still going strong.

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