Thanksgiving 2014

  We began the day at 7:30am at the local grocery store grabbing the last minute forgotten ingredients for our fabulous fresh Turkey. It happens every year....no matter how hard I think and think, and check and re-check the goods during our Thanksgiving shopping, inevitably there are a couple of rogue ingredients that jump ship and make a run for it. 

  Once we got back home my sweet man did the dishes and then made us a nice plate of chocolate donuts and cherry roll for breakfast. Then we got  the Memosas flowing...so the real fun began as were dancing around the kitchen while I prepared the Turkey for roasting.  I use fresh  garlic in my Turkey, so I'm over the trash trying to peel the garlic and decide to squeeze it to losen the skin, and I guess I don't know my own strength, cause the garlic cloves separate and go flying across the room with one sailing over my husband's head.  Go Memosas, go!

  So then I get the Turkey completely ready for the oven, pick up the pan, turn around and notice that I forgot to turn the oven on. So here we sit, still guzzling Memosas, waitng for the oven to heat up.  While we wait, my sweet husband offers to wash and peel the potatoes....well, he niavely offered to wash them not realizing I would be sneaking the peeling duties in with it. I am so thankful to have a man who loves to help me in the kitchen, plus he's an excellent cook himself.

  Around here Thanksgiving is a team effort.  Even our Bentley boy got in on the action, (safely from the sidelines of course). He's more of the "I'll lay here and watch the show" type of dog.

  Needless to say, although I miss my family and kids like crazy, this is turning out to be a pretty great day. I truly hope each and everyone of ya'll have safe and happy Turkey Day. Whether or not you are able to be with those you love, there is always much to be thankful for.  Don't forget to thank the one who has blessed us all with life. Thank you, Father God, for each day we live in the light of your love. Also, keep our service men and women in your prayers.

Enjoy the below photos of our little family in action.

Thank you for reading "All About My Business"
Crystal Crystal
Photographer/Writer

Party of One...

Sitting at my desk editing photos, drinking Dr. Pepper and listening to Christmas music.  That is my Thursday evening....alone.  The hubby is at a Mens Church Retreat for the next couple days, and it's my first time staying alone here in our AZ home.  Good thing  I have our dog, Bentley, to keep me company.  I don't do well when my man is not here.  I usually don't sleep and end up incredibly tired with bags under my eyes and looking oh so not sexy by the time my hubby returns.  Glad he loves me no matter what.

I haven't been able to edit photos since our computer crashed months ago and I lost my Lightroom 3.  I bought it online a few years ago for $300, but when I tried to find my order at the Adobe website, after reformatting my computer, it was no where to be found.  Really? Just gonna screw me out of $300 like that?  That is the last time I purchase a software download!!  It's software cd's for me from now on!!  Ugh...anyway, after I learned that my dinosaur of a computer will not support Lightroom 5, I found a free trial for Lightroom 3 again so here I am.

I'm editing photos from our trip to Sedona, Arizona last weekend.  We finally made it out there and it was even more beautiful than I imaged it would be.  I can't wait to get through all the photos so I can post them.  We drove around all day and through a huge mountain that housed many resorts, Inns and parks along the way.  We pulled off on a little turn about to take some photos of a babbling brook we saw down below.  It was quite a ways down, but we saw a few pathways so we climbed down to the water.  It was very challenging for me as I do not do well with heights; however, I knew I would get some great photos and I was determined to face my fear and get my shots.  My sweet husband helped me every step of the way and I am so thankful that I have such a sweet, loving man that supports my dreams.  He even helps scout great shots for me and doubles as my assistant and photog caddy.  LOL  We had a great time climbing over huge rocks & boulders for at least an hour.  I was so tired afterward, but it was exhilarating!  Not to mention a great workout.  I cannot wait to explore more mountains here in AZ and in Utah as well.

We ended up at the top of the mountain, (about 8,000 ft.), at a park where we could look down over cliffs while being kept safe by railings.  There was also a Navaho Indian Tribe there selling some beautiful handmade jewelry.  Of course I bought some as I am a sucker for anything that sparkles and glitters.  =)

Below is a sneak peek of our Sedona weekend.  There's lots more to come, so stay tuned.  Also, visit my Facebook page to see regular updates.  Have a great Friday tomorrow!

Thanks for Reading "All About My Business"
Crystal Campbell
Photographer/Writer
Crystal Campbell Photography

A Great Recipe

The other day we had a breakfast potluck at work, so I decided to make a breakfast casserole that was shared with me years ago by a co-worker.  It is my "go to" recipe and a hit everywhere I take it. It is light and fluffy, (not heavy like a lot of egg recipes), and full of wonderful flavor.  It's very simple, but very delicious. I posted photos if it on my Facebook page and got a few requests for the recipe...so here it is.  I hope it brings you as much eating enjoyment as it has brought me. 

                 Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

6 Slices White Bread

1 Package Sausage

1-2 Cups Shredded Cheese

6 Eggs

1 Pint Half & Half

Butter

Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the crust off the bread slices, butter both sides and line the bottom of a  casserole dish. 

2. Crumble cooked sausage over the bread. 

3. Layer the shredded cheese over the sausage. 

4. In a separate bowl, whip eggs and half & half and season with salt & pepper. 

5. Pour the egg mixture over the entire dish. 

6. Cover and place in the fridge overnight, or at least 8 hours. 

7. Cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Variations: You can use any bacon or ham as well and veggies if you choose. You can add a can of Rotel, (drained), to the egg mixture for some southwest flair, or just experiment with different spices. 

I think next time I make it I will use ham and mushrooms.  Sounds so yummy! Just have fun with it!  Share your variations and photos in the comments below. I can't wait to see how y'all's turned out. 

Thanks for reading "All About My Business"

Crystal Campbell

Writer/Photographer, and some times cook. lol