The Blue Madonna

This is my most favorite painting at The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota Florida. The Blue Madonna (oil on canvas) by Carlo Dolci a Florentine painter during the 17th century. Dolci was a child prodigy and he actually did this painting at the age of 16, he lived most of his life in Florence Italy and actually became internationally famous in his own lifetime. This photograph taken on a recent trip to the museum really does not do it justice - the light that comes off of this painting in person is hard to describe. Mable Ringling was a huge fan of Baroque art the gallery is filled with some elaborate pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries and forward. This piece just stands out to me above the rest - if you ever get a chance to go to the museum make sure you find The Blue Madonna she will take your breath away.

HAPPY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DAY!

To all of my fellow admin assistants I say have a Great Day and remember things in your office/company/business would not run as smoothly or be as organized if it wasn't for all of your hard work and dedication. Just in case your boss forgets to say it Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

Woodpecker On The Run!

This mommy woodpecker has recently moved into one of our birdboxes one evening I caught her looking out and when she saw me snapping her picture she took off and this what I captured! Pretty neat she's a very beautiful pileated woodpecker - now we are just waiting for the babies to arrive :)

Crab Cakes with Spanish Rice and Corn Bread

Crab cakes one of my husbands favorites here's a simple recipe:

8 oz lump crab meat
1 egg yoke
1tsp dry mustard
2 tsp Worcestershire
1 Tsp mayonnaise

Mix altogether in a bowl -- the mixture will feel a bit dry - form into patties place on a cookie sheet (covered in parchment paper) bake in the oven on 350 for 5 minutes - flip and leave in for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately. Your family will love these all meat no filler :) They taste great with rice and corn muffins or with coleslaw and french fries or whatever! Can even be served as an appetizer.

Happy Easter - Happy Spring!

Glorious Spring has Sprung! Happy Easter Everyone :)