Finished Bran Muffins

Our Savory Cayenne Muffins are spicy! So what possessed us to use cayenne pepper in muffins? No idea, but these are the BEST muffins we’ve ever eaten. Not only do they have a surprise kick, but they are also healthy. We didn’t use any processed sugar in them. The sweetness comes from the raisins, carrots…

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Spectrum of pink quartz colors

I’ve collected gemstones and minerals for many years, but have always gravitated toward rose quartz. My interest in this stone is because of its broad range of pink hues. I like both the amazing jewelry it makes as well as the raw stone itself. Rose quartz has become more popular in recent years and is…

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Water lily

If you’ve seen someone in a park exercising with very slow, flowing movements, you’ve probably seen Tai Chi Chuan (also called taijiquan). In China, it’s not uncommon to see large groups of people practicing together. Tai Chi has been around for centuries and there are good reasons so many people enjoy it. It’s a low…

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Metal scarab on exhibit at the National Ornamental Metal Museum

If you’re looking for something interesting and off the beaten path, visit the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. We recently visited and enjoyed learning about its history and checking out the exhibits. Background We were on a Mississippi riverboat cruise when the guide pointed out the museum. It’s in an area which was…

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Side view of Victorian Commode

This may look like a set of steps, but it’s actually a Victorian commode. We recently stayed at the Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Covington, Georgia. The home was built in 1836 and this piece is probably pre-Civil War. Mary the innkeeper showed us this unusual item. She explained when it’s closed, it acts…

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Amethyst, Sodalite, Red Jasper, Amazonite, Copper ore, Aventurine and Rose Quartz

If you’re looking for something new to try, visit Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, North Carolina. We recently spent a day there not only mining, but also enjoying the beautiful area. It’s an activity anyone can enjoy and we highly recommend it. The drive there from any direction provides views of mountains, trees, old farm…

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Knife rest examples with birds, bears and a fox

I hadn’t heard of knife rests when I ran across my first one at an antique show years ago. The dealer told me their purpose was to keep food off a tablecloth. I was familiar with rests for chop sticks because I’ve seen those at restaurants and in Asia. But I hadn’t seen anything like…

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Emaciated Buddha Statue

Although it’s not widely recognized, this is an example of an emaciated Buddha statue. I’d never seen one when friends gave it to me as a gift in the 1990’s. They got it in Thailand from an antiques dealer in the 1970’s or 1980’s. They were told it is originally from Thailand, although I don’t…

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This recipe for blueberry lemon muffins was adapted from several others we’ve tried. We think adding lemon enhances the blueberry flavor. Blueberry muffins with a twist! Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. I don’t use cupcake liners on muffins because I think they tend to stick to the…

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