Winter Wonderland

Hello there from snowy Missouri!

We finally got some snow, to the tune of around 6 inches or so! It is still flurrying a bit.



This is the snow piled up on our back deck railing.

While I usually LOVE snow, I was not particularly wild about this one - I had plans. We were going to go to the Mennonite stores and get some cheese and then down to Burger's Smokehouse and look around, then had a Sister's Teaparty later in the evening.

So, instead, we went out for breakfast - oh how nice. Then we slushed and sloshed around and went to the bank, Walgreen's, the grocery store and Sears - all in the snow! It was so pretty, big fluffy wet flakes.


This is looking across the neighbor's back yard to the corps land across the street.

We ordered our dishwasher! It will be in on the 10th. We also looked at a microwave/vent hood that is very nice - I think maybe once we get the dishwasher paid for . . . . . And of course I looked at new refrigerators and a new stove with a double oven - doesn't hurt to dream - right? We had a lot of fun, tho.


This is our table on our deck - you can't even see the ear of corn that we usually keep in the middle hole for the squirrels!

So, since we are nice and snowy today, I am going to bake something good - probably get started on those chocolate-peppermint scones - and then work on my journaling a bit. Stay warm, everyone!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (February 23, 2009)...

Outside my window... Bright sunshine but still pretty chilly.

I am thinking... of how grateful I am that God looked down on me, a sinner, and chose to give me mercy.

I am thankful for...bills paid off! In the past month, I have paid off 2 bills of mine - now I only have one left and I can make double payments on it!

From the learning rooms...still working on quilt top placement and some scrapbooking this week!

From the kitchen...Calico Bean soup, cornbread with honeybutter and sweetheart cupcakes.

I am wearing... red capri PJ bottoms with crocheted lace trim and an old white T-shirt, my plaid flannel robe.

I am creating... an idea for a heart quilt. Some chocolate-mint scones.

I am going... to go bless my ex-sister-in-law with some groceries as she is going thru a hard time.

I am reading...I got some new old books the other day - have not had a chance to start on them yet.

I am hoping... to be working from home within a couple of weeks!

I am hearing... the hum of the computer fan - it is nice and quiet - DS is gone and honey is at work - I have the day off as I worked the weekend.

Around the house... Not much, Do the breakfast dishes.

One of my favorite things... is purses! I love a new purse!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today - clean out freezer (finally, I have been planning it for weeks). I do need to clean out my closet and rearrange a few things in there. Clean out storage area in the basement. Weekend plans - going to the Mennonite store again, then to Burger's Smokehouse and a Sister's Tea.

You know you wanna . . . go ahead . . . go over to Peggy's and check out everyone else!

Rest for the Weary

Hello on this beau-ti-ful sunny day! At least it is here. Our weather has been up and down here lately, but warmer than normal. Brings thoughts of a beautiful spring. I have the day off today, but I have to work the weekend.

I would love to be a homemaker and be at home every day, cooking, cleaning, sewing, crafting. But at this point in my life, that is not what God would have my life to be. Having been a single mother for many, many years, I HAD to work. Along with working came bills - student loans, car loans, etc. So now, I have a few bills to pay off before I could ever think of reducing my work hours.

Believe you me, I cherish the days when I do not have to be in the workplace or tied to my computer! Those are the days I live for. Some people live to work - I work to live.



Rest. God gives us such sweet rest in Him. His is the rest which causeth the weary to rest. "But ye, brethern, be not weary in well-doing". His is the rest that is so complete that it feels like you can just step off of a high cliff and rest assured that he will catch you before you even start to fall. Rest so complete that you are refreshed every day, going forward into each new day with purpose and zeal to conquer whatever tasks may come to you that day. Rest so complete that, while your worries have not disappeared, they no longer cause you ulcers - because you are resting in Him! Rest so precious that not all of the jewels and gold in this world would cause you to leave it. Rest uplifting - knowing that He is your soon-coming King. Rest so wonderful that it becomes hard to leave off communing with Him to go back to mundane life here on Earth.

I pray that everyone who reads this post will know that rest.

Speaking of rest, here is a recipe that will let you rest - while the Crockpot does the rest! (Tee Hee - sorry, could not resist that pun!)

Cranberry Pork Roast

2-3 pound boneless pork roast (I buy a whole pork loin and have it cut into about 4 roasts)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
A big spoonful of honey
1 can whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 large onion, diced
Salt and Pepper to taste

Bung all of the above in a crockpot big enough to hold it all and cook on high for about 6 hours, or low for 10 or what have you. I usually turn it on high for about an hour or so, then on low for the rest of the day. Can add a splash of worcestershire sauce. Serve with peas and home-made mashed potatoes.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (February 16, 2009)...

Outside my window... No windows here, alas! When I peeked outside earlier, however, it was bright sunshine - but cold!

I am thinking... that I am going to buy some lotion from my son's friend who makes it - he gave me a trial of orange-spice lotion - MMMMmmmmmm!

I am thankful for... A thoughtful husband. He took me out for breakfast on Valentine's day and then out for frozen custard later!

From the learning rooms...working on laying out a quilt top later this week.

From the kitchen... lasagna, garlic bread. Apple-spice cupcakes with either caramel or cream cheese frosting. Making some blueberry granola later.

I am wearing...long black straight skirt, pink turtle neck, black overblouse with bright flowers on it. My old black penny loafers. Pantyhose - ugh!

I am creating...a procedures manual for work.

I am going... to be off Friday and next Monday! But, I have to work the weekend.

I am reading... not much, anyone have any good suggestions?

I am hoping...that my day off will go as planned.

I am hearing...not a lot, everyone is at lunch.

Around the house... not a lot, we did a good clean Saturday. Need to start spring cleaning, getting in those crooks and crannies.

One of my favorite things... is bath salts - my son suprised me with some rose-scented ones for Valentine's!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today - make granola. Tomorrow - clean out freezer. Wed - Bible Study. Thu - clean out pantry. Friday - cook birthday dinner for Dad, go to new Amish store, make dessert for Saturday. Sat - work, then dinner with friends.

Hop on over to Peggy's and see what everyone else is up to!

Daybook

FOR TODAY (February 09, 2009)...

Outside my window... A gray, drippy, rainy day - but that is a blessing, because it has been soooo dry here!

I am thinking... of a menu for the week!

I am thankful for... good preaching and teaching at church this weekend, good inspiration from bloggy friends - thanks Caryn!

From the learning rooms... It is my belief that we should never quit learning. This week, I am going to try to perfect pain au chocolat!

From the kitchen...sliced ham, cheesy potatoes, broccoli and applesauce.

I am wearing...blue patterned turtleneck with hearts, straight black skirt, penny loafers.

I am creating... a Valentine's Menu a'deux!

I am going... back to Versailles on the 28th - my cheese was all gone and I have a rain check!

I am reading... Not much, I really need to do a good Amazon shop!

I am hoping... that our tax refund comes back this week!

I am hearing...computers humming, clicking of keyboard keys - I am at work!

Around the house... not a lot, I do need to straighten up my pantry and clean out the freezer. Otherwise, I have a project for work that I am working on!

One of my favorite things... is garage sales! I got several nice tops and a brand new pair of sandals this weekend at a garage sale!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today - Wal-Mart for bi-weekly supplies, tomorrow - baking, Wednesday Bible study, Thursday shopping, Friday - no plans yet!

No picture today, that will have to wait until I am back home.

Pop on over to Peggy's and take a look at everyone else!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (February 02, 2009)...

Outside my window... it is dark, sad to say - I am frightfully late getting around to this!

I am thinking...of how blessed I am in life. God is so gracious and he blesses us each day - abundantly!

I am thankful for... Patient friends! Whom I hope are reading this and realizing I AM still alive and kicking!

From the kitchen... chocolate cream cakes for Honey's lunch, Chef Salad

I am wearing... *blushes* my pink house robe

I am creating...a Valentine for my Sweetie

I am going... to go shopping at the Mennonite Stores this weekend!!!

I am reading...The Bible, Sherlock Holmes Pastiches - I need some new reading material!

I am hoping... that we will get our tax refund by this weekend - at least state!

I am hearing... the blower on the humidifier running.

Around the house... vacuuming to be done, not a lot else.

One of my favorite things... is granola! I am going to try a new recipe tonight!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Working early tomorrow and possibly Wednesday. Not a lot else, possibly a library run tomorrow after work. Then on Saturday, shopping and we are having the pastor and his wife over for a buffalo roast dinner.

No picture, as I have sent my old 'puter back in and I am using Honey's for this!

I do want to share a good quick recipe with you tho!

Spicy Crackers

1 package oyster crackers
2 sleeves Ritz crackers
1-1/4 cups oil
1 package Fiesta Ranch Hidden Valley Dip Mix
1 Tablespoon (or more!) of crushed red peppers

Place dip mix, peppers and oil in a large ziplock bag. Pour in crackers and squish around gently until all good and seasoned. Pour onto 1 or 2 large rimmed cookie sheets and bake at 225 or so for about 20 minutes.

These are great with creamy soups or with salads.