What the mind dredges up

August Ladies
Copyright © Cheryl Coville 2011

Sometimes when we draw, we are as surprised as anyone else by what comes up. Sometimes, we start with an idea of what we want to show but often we just start doodling. This time, we started with an oval which got eyes and that became a head which went on to get a body. Often, it's a case of asking....now what would this one be wearing? and what's she up to? It's a meditational thing.... a stream of conscious process that is very engrossing, relaxing and entertaining. We thought this one was interesting and it pleases us but after we thought about it for a while, we realized that it also speaks to some things that have been percolating in our brain.

One lady sits in a deck chair .... on a beach maybe?....and she looks overwhelmed by something....some problem. The other lady has turned her whole body toward her....giving her her full attention....and great concern. She's touching her with both hands. She's a large figure....soft and comforting and substantial. It occurs to us that there have been several mothering souls (not all of them female) who have come to sit with us and hold our hand (metaphorically) during this trying time. We are very grateful to them.

Tomorrow we mark the 6th week since we got our prism and since the neuro-opthalmologist said the 6th nerve palsy ought to resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. We think we should have got that in writing. :)  However, we are beginnng to see some improvement. In the mornings when we awake to find Cassie staring us down from atop our chest, we think we can see ONE (blurry) furball. The doctor said our vision would return gradually, just as it left, so we are hopeful.

Santa suit progress ...

..... from toes to baby crotch. Done. :)

... and something delicious!

Tofu Cheesecake

Grandma Coco can't eat dairy....no cow's milk, no cheese, cream, ice cream. Nothin'! However, we've become quite adept at substituting and this tofu cheesecake is really delicious, simple to make and CHEAP!!!

Into a blender, chuck the following:

1 530 gram block of silken tofu (Mandarin Soy Foods - purple package)

3 eggs

1 Tbsp. flour

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup of sugar (more or less, as desired)

juice of one lemon

1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp. salt

Whizz this up until smooth. Pour into a prepared (uncooked) crust....graham cracker works well or we do this:

Into the food processor, chuck the following:

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbsp shortening, lard or margerine

1/4 cup coconut

2 Tbsp COLD water

Whizz this up and pat it into a pie plate. This will be crumbly and won't want to stick together. Just pat it into submission.

Bake the pie (cheesecake) at 350F for about 30 - 35 minutes or until it's starting to puff up around the edge and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. It's best chilled for several hours (or even overnight) and then served with fresh fruit.  Mr. Coco's got a bumper crop of raspberries this year. Imagine GC doing her best JC impersonation ....

 "Bon appétit!" 

Don't forget to check back on Tuesday

for details of the special project we're planning!

It's gonna be FUN!