Storing Up for Winter

Good evening! Have you ever had God move people into your life? This little lady is my neighbor, and has been for several years. She's married and has two beautiful children (except when they have Halloween out fits on... then their scary! LOL)  Tom used to visit with her when he was out in the yard. And we had hollered at each other a few times! But one day....I fell!! And I called her neighbor who wasn't home, but said he'd call her, that she could get me up! Well..that was the beginning of a wonderful God given friendship ! In the last six months she has been my friend and caregiver! Example, this weekend, she was busy cooking most of the day. She made little lasagna's (6 or so I think) and froze them...aaaaa not all of them. I had her keep one out, which I ate for dinner and supper! It was so yummy! She also made taco meat, loosemeats, and tater tot casseroles! Before, she had made chicken fajita meat and barbeque shredded chicken. Oh, and chili... Tonight she made meatloaves for me! Yes, thanks to Krystal...my freezer is full..and I should be set for the winter! (What a blessing she is!)

Also yesterday some of my friends from church stopped by.. she had brought homemade bread to have with coffee at fellowship after church! She knows how much I love her breads, so she shared some of them with me! They both have had health issues...and yet they just keep going. They are amazing!!

I have been watching the Christmas Hallmark movies since they started! Some I've seen before...and could watch again and again! I know their predicable but so clean, loving and refreshing! I also watch Poldark! I like the show (on Public television), but after watching it last night before going to bed, it was kind of unsettling. sad.... I guess I should always end my night with a Hallmark movie!! smile... Do you like the Hallmark shows? Do you think it's too early to be showing them? (not me of course..lol) How about Poldark..are you watching it? Would love to hear your option...

Time for rest...blessings to you all...

A New Day A New Year

 

How are your 'new' days?? I was texting my friend in Pennsylvania on New Years Day and she said the sun was up out there. While we were sitting in the dark here in the Midwest. Finally, I told her I had to go and get a picture of the first sunrise of 2015!! I thought it was pretty as the sun was rising, you could still see the house lights along with the Christmas lights..smile.. 

 

 

I tried to capture a different photo as the sun rose on 2015! Beautiful day!!

 

This has been a busy weekend. We made Chicken noodle soup and vegetable soup. I will be putting the recipes up for all the stuff we made. It all tasted so good!! Today I froze lots of those soups! It will be nice to have them available on days when we don't want to cook! smile.. (or go to the Senior Center..lol)  However, the banana crunch muffins went over so well that there wasn't any left to freeze...smile...

 

 

Don't they look yummy?? Well, they are. I found this recipe on line. (I put this recipe on my recipe page! You should try it if you ever have extra bananas!) It's so easy, I've been trying to make these for several days. First time I tried, my eggs weren't any good. (bummer) Friday, we bought some and made them yesterday.

 

Friday, we did lots of running around. Tom got his hair cut, we stopped at Taco Johns and had a taco, (I had a coupon to get one free!!) Then to Petco, we had gotten Rusty some (recommended) kangaroo jerky which he had a terrible time chewing and swallowing...so they always give you your money or in store credit back. (whether they have eaten some of them or not!), then to a store to replenish our paper goods and then the grocery store (which were in the same shopping center.) It was a little chilly (temps in the 30's), but I told Tom instead of him getting my scooter out and back in and back out, I'd just 'scoot' down the sidewalks (a little over a block) and he could meet me there. Well, it turned out it was pretty chilly... but I survived...lol Oh, and I got my drivers license renewed for another 4 years. (I didn't realize how busy they would be!) I had 11 people ahead of me...when it was finally my turn, the girl was so nice and yet she had been under pressure all day. She said it had been non stop all day and was going to be that way the next day! (Poor thing...)

 

We woke to the sound of scraping outside our window in our driveway this morning. We have someone doing our snow removal this year. And our temperatures were deadly cold! Bad temps and high winds produce terrible wind chills. And tomorrow we're suppose to get more snow (4-6" inches...sad..) and high winds again. I'm not looking forward to this kind of weather. But I guess it is winter in Iowa...smile..

 

Hope you're having some nice weather and not sharing ours..smile.. 

 

Where does time go??

 

Saturday when we came home from Lorelai's party, we spotted this beautiful sunset...

 

How has your week been going? Seems like, once again, we've had things that have kept us busy. The days go by so....so fast. Lots of people, of all ages say the same thing. Are we all too busy or are the seconds skipping by...meaning...is time skipping seconds? Instead of 1 second--2 second? Is it 1 second-3 second? ha..ha... (Sounds like a good excuse!)

 

Monday we 'almost' emptied the front room, since we had the carpet cleaners coming the next day. He said to leave all the heavy stuff, couch, chairs, TV, and tables, he would take care of moving them. I can't believe all the stuff we have on our end tables, but I know its  'necessary stuff''.. lol  Then Tuesday morning bright and early we finished moving the rest of the stuff. I'm so happy...the carpet and the rug look really nice and the house smells so good! smile...

 

 

Today again was an early riser..we took SIL to see the doctor. There was some good news. When we were there we saw our old neighbors, then when we were leaving, there was an old co worker. He was waving at me, so I went over and talked to him. He introduced me to his mother, telling her that I worked with him and I was one of the good guys..lol (I really liked him and his work ethics, so I got him a good raise!)

 

After we left it was raining...sad! I really wanted to go down to the Farmers Market. But, we just came home, I made a meatloaf and 'smashed potatoes! Ever make them?? We baked them, when they were done, we let them cool down a bit, cover them with olive oil--smash them! Then sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme, then more olive oil on them. Put back in the oven and back about 20 minutes. They were really good, especially with meatloaf. lol  Then my friend called and asked if she could come by and fix my hair. So, now I have pretty hair...smile.. 

 

Sounds like we're going to have rain again tomorrow. What kind of weather are you having??

 

 

After a Day at the Spa

 

Yesterday Rusty had his monthly spa day! smile... This is what he looked like when he got home! Handsome...  But check out that "look".  He's ready for his afternoon treat!!

 

 

Look at how happy he is to have his daddy get him! He's ready to go home and take a nap...lol  After he gets his treat of course. smile...

 

 

He's like, lets go dad!!! smile...

 

 

Not much going on here today, it was 'hot' and 'humid' so we stayed in. I made a meatloaf for dinner...I know...I know, I swore I wasn't going to cook again after yesterday's fiasco, but we needed to use up that other pound of hamburger. However, I should have listened to myself, I used the meatloaf mix and only used half of everything since the mix was for 2 lbs. of hamburger. Well, I did really good until I got to the milk and I put too much in. So, to compensate I added another slice of bread!! Yikes I really need to quit cooking...lol  No, it was okay, just a little loose. We all ate it though and there is none left.......so much better than yesterdays meal, that's for sure!..lol

 

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! 

 

 

Off for a Ride

  

 

The other day we had to get out and about. We had to pick something up at the doctors office and I said to Tom, lets run over to where the Canadian Geese live...smile.... BUT I only saw these two heading to the water.

 

Yep there they are...just sailing along, enjoying life!!!

 

This is a far away view...see just three of them in that whole (man made) pond! Many years ago, Tom worked on this building..putting the window frames in. Actually this building in a block long. He didn't think they'd ever get it done...smile...

 

See...across the street...not a one. Wonder where they all were???  Hummm, only they know for sure..

 

Last night there were fireworks going off around 10 o'clock and our boy was beside himself. We felt so sorry for him. Finally around 11 he calmed down, the fireworks quit and we headed to bed. Tomorrow I will share what those fireworks were for..

 

We made an arm roast and sweet corn for lunch today. It was so nummy... nothing better than home grown sweet corn in the summertime!

 

Hope you're having a good weekend.

Happy November

 

Can you believe it's November already? Where have the months gone this year? I do love the fall colors, so really enjoy taking lots of pictures this time of the year (smirk...I know what you're thinking...she seems to enjoy taking pictures all year long...lol)

 

 

I found this spot a month or so ago...and took a few pictures then. So when we were heading out to the doctors yesterday, I told Tom lets go early. I was really hoping the colors had changed. And yes, they certainly had!!

 

This view was taken across the road, the pictures are not as clear due to going into the sun!

 

And this one was taken with the sun at our back...smile...

 

 

Did you have a good day?? Ours started out so nice..we even opened a window or two! smile.. Well, we were running the oven, so it also made it awfully warm in here. Tom made bar-b-que country ribs and baked potatoes. We also, baked a cherry pie..(no not home made...at least not in our home..lol) It was a frozen one, but Karen and Tom said it is delicious! (I'll probably breakdown and have a piece tomorrow..smile..) What did you do today??

 

more as it happens here in the city.........

Our Friday

This was the dessert we made for dinner today. smile... You notice I used my Christmas glasses...ha..ha.. But I wanted to layer the pudding, Cool Whip and cookies crumbs, so you could see them. However, it didn't turn out as clean as I expected... I use to make this years ago, and I don't remember it looking like this..ha. But it tasted really good! Tom's sister came for dinner and I wanted to make it kind of special! We made a Runza casserole, it is so easy and quick to make. I can't remember if I've shared the recipe for it before...guess I need to figure out how to make a separate page for my recipes, then I'll know if I've shared them before and could link to them for those who haven't seen it before. I will work on that! In the meantime, if you'd like it I can share it with you. We had a nice visit and a lovely day. The temperature was 50 degrees. It feels like 'spring' has sprung! BUT they are predicting *snow* Sunday night. It certainly is March....smile..

It did thaw enough for Tom to get out (see his footprints?) and load the bird feeder again.  Boy did the birds come in to feed. Even the squirrels were happy...  I looked out there early this morning and there were robins hopping all over the garden, the rest of the birds were flying in looking for food. Tomorrow I hope to get a few pictures of all them! We had the window open this afternoon and could hear the birds chirping away out there. I love it...those are the sounds of spring!!!

I hope you had a good day and are looking forward to a beautiful weekend!

more as it happens here in the city...........

A New Year....

 I spotted this little snow bird in the tree today. I also saw other birds and wild life, but the Picmonkey site wasn't working tonight. And I wanted to do some collages, maybe it'll work tomorrow and I'll put them up then. smile... We had a little *snow* this morning, so Tom ran to the store and got a few groceries.

When he got home he made this roast, with potatoes and carrots.  He used the pressure cooker, which of course doesn't take that long to cook. Do you use one? I had never had one, but Tom thought they would be a real asset to his cooking skills. And he was so right.

I woke up New Years day with a bad sinus headache, but today was a little better. I hope you are all having a good start to the new year!

Story time on Saturday...

We tried something different today! I forgot I had this in the cupboard. And it was so easy to make and so good! Have you ever tried it?  It's made with orzo (one of my favorites...), and all you need to add is chicken. 

Tom went to the store and was buying some fresh milk, so to use up what we had I made some custard. It was so yummy!! Even have some for tomorrow!

I spotted this 'male' Downy Woodpecker today. Remember the female that Tom spotted yesterday? This must be her man!! smile....

And here is another picture I took the other night... (are you getting tired of these pictures??) smile... 

I was visiting with my daughter this morning and we were talking about my friend Mary (that I had lunch with yesterday..) I shared a story with her about when Mary and I were Juniors in high school, we were attending a high school in the city, (we lived in a small town about 20 miles south of the city) and we went to a school dance (in 1960), after the dance, when we got ready to leave, we went to pick up our coats and purses and her's was gone...along with the keys to her vehicle. We panicked...she called her Mom and she said her dad should be getting off work soon, so we called a cab (I must have had some money) and we went over to where he worked. When we got there he was already gone!! We were so scared...not knowing if the cab driver would take us back to school or what he'd do to us...smile... Of course he took us back and dropped us off... My folks didn't have a phone, but my uncle who lived in a trailer in my folks yard did. So, I called him and asked him to go over and wake up my dad. He said 'no' he'd just come up and get us. (Bless his heart..) When he got there he said we'd better tow the car to another area in case the thieves saw us leave, they might steal the car. What an adventure...  When Mary and I  were remembering this she was so disgusted that that happened...but I reminded her, that had we just went to the dance and nothing had happened we wouldn't have this great story to tell...smile.... I thought surely I had shared this story with my daughter at one time or another in her life...but I hadn't...smile... She found it really interesting...ha...ha...

Are you having a good weekend?? I hope you are doing something fun!

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more as it happens here in the city.......

Dogs..Dogs and more Dogs...

Yesterday our day lilies started to bloom... they are so pretty..amazing how they return year after year!! smile... Just another one of God's wonders...

Our granddaughter was telling us about a sunfish they caught and put in their fish tank along with their other fish. Here is their dog...Riley watching them...smile... isn't this just the funniest photo?? smile... Papa Tom told them they need to be careful that Riley doesn't tip the tank over! They had already thought about this and keep the door shut when their not in the room. I guess he puts his nose up to the glass, he's so mesmerized by them...

I just had to slip this photo of Rusty in... He was outside with me the other day...smile... I think he was wanting to go in...

Look at what we spotted today...isn't this just a riot?? The best part is the dog of course...isn't he cute?? Look at the goggles on him...aren't they just the funniest??? (Long story on how we got this shot...we were on our way to the Red Lobster for lunch with our church family when I spotted these people...but I missed the opportunity to take a picture of them. So...we let them pass us on the interstate...then Tom pulled up beside them so I could take this picture...lol)

Then we spotted this on our way home... "Overcoming Evil with Good"...(Romans 12:21) Perfect shot on SONday!

I thought I should end this blog posting by showing you how we used our fresh rosemary! Tom fried pork chops yesterday and threw a sprig or two of rosemary in the pan. We enjoyed the flavor very much! smile.... How do you use fresh rosemary??

Did you have a nice SONday?? How did you enjoy it??

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

June 1, 1939: I'm sure this will always be remembered as the happiest day of our wedded life. Francis Eugene was born at 12:00. He was born backward. Dr. Comney didn't get here in time.

*This was the last diary entry for the year 1939. 
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more as it happens here in the city..............

Lorelai is now 5 months old!

Just had to start this posting with our little Lorelai's 5 month picture! Isn't she just the sweetest?? And such a happy baby!! ...smile... "Precious"...

Sorry I've been missing for the last couple of days....I wasn't feeling very well the other day...and just couldn't get on here and tell you that... (not exactly what you'd want to hear right??) But the next morning...I was doing better...smile... We spotted this little Woodpecker at the feeder...doesn't he look like he's really going after that food??

So thankfully...since I was feeling better, yesterday was great, we spotted this beautiful cardinal waiting his turn at the feeder. Last night we went to a MS Seminar at Bev's on the River. The speaker Dr. Shaffer, was probably one of the BEST we've ever heard. He is a neurologist that specializes in MS. He put a humorist twist to it which was refreshing...we finally heard the rest of his story by the end of the seminar, he too has MS! He was from Greeley, Colorado and joked about the fact that marijuana was legal in that state... smile... His tongue and cheek comments were interesting and as well as humorous! During all of this, we were served a delicious dinner, consisting of a nice dinner salad, chicken breast, smothered in a sauce made with spinich, potatoes, and steamed vegetables. As I've said, Dr. Shaffer was so interesting that they just continued to ask him questions and get very knowledgeable answers. We got home later than usual. So...again no time to blog!

We ran some errands this afternoon and saw this accident but still don't understand how it happened!!

This morning Tom ran to the store, and while he was gone I decided to use up the milk we had in the fridge and make some Custard!!! I was rushing to get it done...first...trying to find the recipe...and remembered I had put it on my blog...so found it and quickly wrote a couple things down...(meantime Rusty wanted out..) then washed my hands again, gathered everything I needed, whisked it all together..(heard Rusty barking outside..so had to bring him in) washed my hands again...smile....I remembered I had to put them in a water bath..but wasn't really sure if I had to add "hot" water or regular water. So back to the computer and had to look the recipe up again..(I didn't write that part down..smile..) They turned out wonderful and looked so yummy! We decided to have one this evening and the first thing Tom said was...there is something terribly wrong with this! I thought he was joking..(he does that every once in awhile!) However, once I took a bite, I knew he was right! I had left out the sugar....yuck... lesson learned from now on...make sure you have the recipe in front of you before you start to cook or bake anything...smile... (This reminded me of the first time I made meringue for a chocolate pie...I forgot the sugar then too... smile... I think I was about 15 or 16 years old.) How about you...have you ever made a 'boo--boo' when you were cooking or baking??

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

March 19, 1937: Mrs. Lines came this morning. She stayed for dinner. Abe came, Mr. Davis came and took dad to Salix to sign "ground allotment." Dad and Abe went to look at cows. Mama and Mrs. Lines went to visit Days. It snowed hard.

March 20, 1937: I cleaned up the house. Bill was down to see if his mother could ride to town with us. He brought me a magazine. Mama and Faye went to Luton. Melvin, Elaine, and Cecil came tonight. Went to show. Ate supper at the "Dixie". Got home 1:30.

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more as it happens here in the city............

Cooking on a Cold Day........

It was so cold today, started at zero with wind chills of 14 below......however, we shouldn't complain as we've had such a wonderful winter (almost fall like)...  Early this morning we looked out the window and saw our tree full of birds!! They were heading to the feeder....smile...

We baked cupcakes for church tomorrow...I thought I'd try to frost them like I've seen on Cupcake Wars...smile...filled a ziplock bag with frosting and snipped the corner of the bag off and started frosting...just like on TV...wrong..........smile... I don't think I'd win a prize with this one...ha...ha...

So I did a few like this...just ole plain and simple...smile...with a few sprinkles.... But they tasted 'oh so good'...we had to sample them...

Tom was busy making homemade potato soup...our granddaughter had made it and shared the recipe with us. It turned out pretty good.... It really made a lot...so he is filling containers and freezing them for another cold day!...smile...

Blessings and goodnight!!

Candy Cane Pie...and more.....

Holiday Candy Cane Pie Recipe

1 graham cracker pie crust (I used chocolate Oreo crust)
2 cups cold milk
2 boxes (4 oz) instant pudding (I used 1 chocolate and 1 vanilla)
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
crushed candy canes, mini candy canes, peppermint balls


Directions:
Pour 2 cups of milk into a bowl or measuring cup. Whisk in pudding about 2 minutes, mixture will be thick. Gently fold in 1/2 tub of Cool Whip (about 1 cup), mix completely. Spoon into crust.


Note: you can add crushed candy canes to the pudding mixture before adding it to the crust, or even crushed candy bars are great too. I kept mine plain because not all my boys like peppermint.


Place in fridge to set for about 5 minutes. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Place back in fridge for 4 hours. Garnish with candy canes or peppermint balls.


You can easily make this pie a day or two ahead. But DON’T add the candy canes until a few hours or right before serving, as they weep a little.
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I finally got a picture of my candy cane pie...just before I cut it..smile... I told you I'd let you know if it was any good and yes it was!!! smile... Tom had two pieces...so you know it was pretty tasty!!!  smile....

Tom spotted this Northern Flicker this afternoon at the feeder. Isn't he pretty??? God is amazing isn't he???

It was so funny...after lunch...Tom and Rusty took a much needed nap...lol Karen and I visited while the boys snored away...smile... After they woke up, the rest of the afternoon was spent visiting! No cards today...sad... But just sitting and talking with each other is worth so much more!

After Karen went home, we bundled up and headed out for our walk up the street and back!! I did better today and walked a little farther....smile.... I checked the temperature when we got back and it was 38 degrees out with a wind chill of 23!!! brrrrr ..smile...

What are you doing this New Years Eve?? We are watching a movie, while I put this post up!!!

Blessings and Happy New Year to all of you!!!  Especially my friend Betty from down under where it is New Years already and they are havinig very warm temperatures...in the upper 90's...doesn't that seem amazing?? But I'm sure it is the same for her...to think about us lagging behind here in the states...while they are enjoying 2012....soon...I will see each and everyone of you in the new year of 2012!!!

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"The Many Thoughts of Grace"

February 20, 1937: Mr. Brown came after me to keep Molly Jean and clean the house. Did it need cleaning!

Bill J. went with Brown to the tournament. Lawton won! Mary came home with Mrs. Brown. Walton brought them. Brown had to deliver us.

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more as it happens here in the city..................