tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12452637086995037762024-03-13T01:59:44.173-05:00Kitchen MysteriesSherlock Holmes. Hercule Poirot. Lord Peter Whimsey. Ms. Jane Marple. Nancy Drew. I could go on and on. They all have one thing in common. A knack for discovering mysteries. On this blog, I will be exploring some mysteries in the kitchen as well as (hopefully) exploring some of the mysteries of life.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-38810390096795495452011-05-30T09:44:00.012-05:002011-05-30T10:48:55.296-05:00What's Up Doc?Oh me, oh my, lots of things are up here. We have been busy, busy, busy. My work has been crazy, but has now settled down a bit. Honey finished his trucking school, but then had a bit of a health issue, so now should be starting back this next week. Thought I would show you all a bit of what we have been up to! Sorry, sorry, sorry for the quality of the pictures, but a photographer I am not. <br /><br />Kitchen cabinets have been painted - still green, just a darker shade. We do still need to enclose the dishwasher, just waiting until we can put in the countertops. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURYFmoa-EIZyKNCG3zyDYKeJFHY0VKDEdE0V6Me6zNIMG1UyLrZTUlW-LGQ1NyHc6eQiX84LhyphenhyphenG6eWekxtN0eQaAsVosg55Qno5P6Cunlx40jaorFbFrKVdYpBFWuTIeTv5VLC34roSU/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURYFmoa-EIZyKNCG3zyDYKeJFHY0VKDEdE0V6Me6zNIMG1UyLrZTUlW-LGQ1NyHc6eQiX84LhyphenhyphenG6eWekxtN0eQaAsVosg55Qno5P6Cunlx40jaorFbFrKVdYpBFWuTIeTv5VLC34roSU/s320/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612526030735780434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ88V2HgqCK6Tzcm8w6Hk2N-XyhU3PyDfZTU7XziV4VMdiAz03yHDnk-ms712ihci1GrM_pwoygaNYoTvE8pwi3xiUDcpD8sJ8iklpQ2v6a52EUnjlauZPv79cYxmteW47sViC5JIVMZw/s1600/063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ88V2HgqCK6Tzcm8w6Hk2N-XyhU3PyDfZTU7XziV4VMdiAz03yHDnk-ms712ihci1GrM_pwoygaNYoTvE8pwi3xiUDcpD8sJ8iklpQ2v6a52EUnjlauZPv79cYxmteW47sViC5JIVMZw/s320/063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612526036676012962" /></a><br /><br />Roses have been blooming, blooming, blooming. I made a batch of rose petal jelly! So yummy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF1p9gxK05JbeXpMBwRBJfDAKPMvAcielD0SqFBWgymR4o8NFuslfdWogw5EEAvRu-_LN_tbiwq1S6wTv5YzJ-HPZrt799oNxGcj3b6z_QmVcbiGT0-lVfPSjvvJJuXjjU-AbUMgk-6o/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF1p9gxK05JbeXpMBwRBJfDAKPMvAcielD0SqFBWgymR4o8NFuslfdWogw5EEAvRu-_LN_tbiwq1S6wTv5YzJ-HPZrt799oNxGcj3b6z_QmVcbiGT0-lVfPSjvvJJuXjjU-AbUMgk-6o/s320/056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612526858217102482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCoziCKLmLI5cZa_Bc0naWATlwzOtThk8UTPeRg-cxLaHkWHG_JcHLESNkrAdXwltTz20sZ3Kn_C3L3zbyk7rLh7qmisUkFDuyY5ddo_no0AJRjYbGl-gEMO9C8_S5upKnXSGUMdxbCM/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCoziCKLmLI5cZa_Bc0naWATlwzOtThk8UTPeRg-cxLaHkWHG_JcHLESNkrAdXwltTz20sZ3Kn_C3L3zbyk7rLh7qmisUkFDuyY5ddo_no0AJRjYbGl-gEMO9C8_S5upKnXSGUMdxbCM/s320/066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612526860459783618" /></a><br /><br />Basement has been carpeted. Honey has been out of work while trying to get his health back on track, so he has been busy with some Honey do's! I thought I had another picture of this, sorry!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xBH5JekiyMu3gLSIgCZIZB8Jp72-lZbRvmUYQrDGzWkr2o5uh40HRB2xyDjbQwrx3uhDE1RQriSR8qCTVhR_rNUxfD0UpxlkQoBfKe7rhtpwNmPti7wCKoQuj8wWuJWUOh5zrZwhyFo/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xBH5JekiyMu3gLSIgCZIZB8Jp72-lZbRvmUYQrDGzWkr2o5uh40HRB2xyDjbQwrx3uhDE1RQriSR8qCTVhR_rNUxfD0UpxlkQoBfKe7rhtpwNmPti7wCKoQuj8wWuJWUOh5zrZwhyFo/s320/051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612527649914325778" /></a><br /><br />Stairs have been completed, carpeted and carved toe boards put in. II Peter 1:5-7. [5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;<br />[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;<br />[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. <br /><br />Honey carved in the boards, stained them and then back lit them with LED multicolored Christmas lights, which he then backed with thin metallic-covered insulation so that it looks like a prism. Then he backed the whole thing with plywood. Looks fantastic! My pictures definitely do not do it justice!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7i_inSrJyv71-WQpAhCbKP9EkqAysDrY4PiVdvk0Iv2b_mmteuuGkJwC-GJ_ZlkfjpNwlG6POyzL4NAXBL1VI_Kfx_4bW_dw0uOkjXoa8i7tDcsN1QHW9OJ3jphD5pR6RlolHmLCpV8/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7i_inSrJyv71-WQpAhCbKP9EkqAysDrY4PiVdvk0Iv2b_mmteuuGkJwC-GJ_ZlkfjpNwlG6POyzL4NAXBL1VI_Kfx_4bW_dw0uOkjXoa8i7tDcsN1QHW9OJ3jphD5pR6RlolHmLCpV8/s320/047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612528169321176466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBOeIfDjwoM9XpAQbwqddfUKReSXJFBQod0FsgcmPaWlBIvfHwZ6EJHCnagXGEx8SFvaFfRTOSPRwtMpuYtcNvxTLEgpSw5UWeoC7WFq19yJyJVFShn1WPTZOQ48I4T-e4Dga40oyiwg/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBOeIfDjwoM9XpAQbwqddfUKReSXJFBQod0FsgcmPaWlBIvfHwZ6EJHCnagXGEx8SFvaFfRTOSPRwtMpuYtcNvxTLEgpSw5UWeoC7WFq19yJyJVFShn1WPTZOQ48I4T-e4Dga40oyiwg/s320/043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612528163634660802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk10ukdp6UCNOMXXRLifkGZtiVgAqEvx-Dl2FxBfDqFqAVZoOHN5DSoYGASpdGiWRs_64KLCBvri9G_ScPWjk-luFjtZqY3Eh02RHAAZbA8is8cB1FxDokrzpAGLZsZW3U7-jjy046RQ/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk10ukdp6UCNOMXXRLifkGZtiVgAqEvx-Dl2FxBfDqFqAVZoOHN5DSoYGASpdGiWRs_64KLCBvri9G_ScPWjk-luFjtZqY3Eh02RHAAZbA8is8cB1FxDokrzpAGLZsZW3U7-jjy046RQ/s320/048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612528172838640546" /></a><br /><br />Kitchen floor has been replaced with glazed hickory laminate. What was there before was those stick tiles, the ones that are like linoleum, but they are tiles. Many of the edges were coming up and so we got this laminate and put down. It looks a little redder in these pictures than in real life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV8r6-RTdur3nw0wyajUvPXp93BH8y8y2fXY0U9KwaPbdeAuyBSevjClgU38lNZCOYPI4NMUTIG6OGq7AgAue2LTqqBxEaMHg7rIlqz2Q664doUhARORbtsnyc_4a2xSpa1G4F8exE4Y/s1600/061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV8r6-RTdur3nw0wyajUvPXp93BH8y8y2fXY0U9KwaPbdeAuyBSevjClgU38lNZCOYPI4NMUTIG6OGq7AgAue2LTqqBxEaMHg7rIlqz2Q664doUhARORbtsnyc_4a2xSpa1G4F8exE4Y/s320/061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529040288221522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnDcVkjWUt_edKx9mxqh2KRXhJ1r7URvaeT9Y2AIJ-WgRcSr4YC_dUFEAlXYEKWTwpKgaz6I4_5eS960bF4L2fa10Dx-ev3s1k0TGPqcF0O0h0XB4qTHFfusDTp40W7_n8pXxYRswNdw/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnDcVkjWUt_edKx9mxqh2KRXhJ1r7URvaeT9Y2AIJ-WgRcSr4YC_dUFEAlXYEKWTwpKgaz6I4_5eS960bF4L2fa10Dx-ev3s1k0TGPqcF0O0h0XB4qTHFfusDTp40W7_n8pXxYRswNdw/s320/062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529044519319634" /></a><br /><br />Now we just need to save up and get our new kitchen counters, faucet-sprayer and sink. And put up our new border - just have to get busy and do that. <br /><br />Bookshelves - built in - downstairs in the "den". Our basement stays nice and cool in the summer. When we bought the house almost 3 years ago, Honey built in a bedroom. I think it measures like 11x13 or so, nice sized. Closet and everything. Back behind it is a storage area, probably 10x6 or so. Where the bookcase area is, we are going to put in a sleeper sofa. There is a twin bed downstairs in the bedroom and we are going to put in a queen or full in the spare bedroom upstairs. We like to have plenty of room for folks to come visit! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhxivAb0AHS3RrM-l4wTA4A8yqXwxqSc6yxhkrXFcaxXLH1rqoAI-8HduhP6FjCwBQl0xNFwuXQRw238EtBn4cnZjNqWOow2_FAYMoSKMv1nCGejoXh99pVB3cBtBFUDhv4NdxYObMh0/s1600/050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhxivAb0AHS3RrM-l4wTA4A8yqXwxqSc6yxhkrXFcaxXLH1rqoAI-8HduhP6FjCwBQl0xNFwuXQRw238EtBn4cnZjNqWOow2_FAYMoSKMv1nCGejoXh99pVB3cBtBFUDhv4NdxYObMh0/s320/050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529516554037762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi171wGY1A7UU33jU6yIjXqIupC0NPttjORuXVQtbYjZpxHIxjjjLBy1-axRQ-pvI-63eN8YCiT23JYcDEWUE3ZjZnwlHLRPkvNw2p-mry9WKop98QG5YkxB3DcE2tFU9VlGRHkdi5N6nM/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi171wGY1A7UU33jU6yIjXqIupC0NPttjORuXVQtbYjZpxHIxjjjLBy1-axRQ-pvI-63eN8YCiT23JYcDEWUE3ZjZnwlHLRPkvNw2p-mry9WKop98QG5YkxB3DcE2tFU9VlGRHkdi5N6nM/s320/008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612529782028440978" /></a><br /><br />Downstairs bathroom. This is really a showpiece, I think. 48" shower, ceramic tile floor. Not very big, but quite functional. Still needs some trim work and touchups here and there. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO9bGgLPJl-FxtZXAElVyvgzKVMnk3qWXhifCdjX3jJWlXgcuP8QawM4LK9XApqSON-0lkzNn2iC0PPrg_69GVZydK0bc5V_9MjpVY86NMV9C20v8qdrLjsNrEYa2oE4ZE-Wrg4dmTWU/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO9bGgLPJl-FxtZXAElVyvgzKVMnk3qWXhifCdjX3jJWlXgcuP8QawM4LK9XApqSON-0lkzNn2iC0PPrg_69GVZydK0bc5V_9MjpVY86NMV9C20v8qdrLjsNrEYa2oE4ZE-Wrg4dmTWU/s320/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612530650010658338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknA-oRvCsfwtqb6hp8ZsKe0CmNScHLEFOJBG4AobSOCX4dzXCIKVUynhyxzon_W0W9e70N3RGgSdq0X2F3E3BDFkhElt5KSycpftclCELXDOErj7NwkcWI9DWXKUqnJwy16irDuEYTOc/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknA-oRvCsfwtqb6hp8ZsKe0CmNScHLEFOJBG4AobSOCX4dzXCIKVUynhyxzon_W0W9e70N3RGgSdq0X2F3E3BDFkhElt5KSycpftclCELXDOErj7NwkcWI9DWXKUqnJwy16irDuEYTOc/s320/016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612530643826390002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHu32bijfs9LQhj2OHVW6upnukxfhclNkPalS063FJT9il3BW0e5QeWS0_HxRdZmXyWfo9karibo56rZMtA74O9fEQ1S6mqEyjhxg0-wrWEm1KmWujTPLm30uwB68G4m24fFvUx7iqw4/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHu32bijfs9LQhj2OHVW6upnukxfhclNkPalS063FJT9il3BW0e5QeWS0_HxRdZmXyWfo9karibo56rZMtA74O9fEQ1S6mqEyjhxg0-wrWEm1KmWujTPLm30uwB68G4m24fFvUx7iqw4/s320/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612530639968353570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l0IBdylH_s0yD0YXDvBa8HJYAScRxqg5EogIFcelZUfIBEOt6V55nFVHd5JEhF89RBtxOPKZzluPoXVNlrqcZD61ga8EzcC5yWJewVnsoWpJQEzyZdnV7V6nmWpkxvDF8II_ys7-m2Y/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l0IBdylH_s0yD0YXDvBa8HJYAScRxqg5EogIFcelZUfIBEOt6V55nFVHd5JEhF89RBtxOPKZzluPoXVNlrqcZD61ga8EzcC5yWJewVnsoWpJQEzyZdnV7V6nmWpkxvDF8II_ys7-m2Y/s320/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612530632393006194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrjeHxdjcfSPBjHTfct5ldLvPlsYQNcgn5Mc4NNwOePSZXd-DExs8ZQRfc_TWrYKZT8iNHfl8ypeVyYDC6zBgK-8_E0OLtkqTg57RA5F7Zfko5cN14obuK7CTSF28YSLF6CWdiPpKo5g/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrjeHxdjcfSPBjHTfct5ldLvPlsYQNcgn5Mc4NNwOePSZXd-DExs8ZQRfc_TWrYKZT8iNHfl8ypeVyYDC6zBgK-8_E0OLtkqTg57RA5F7Zfko5cN14obuK7CTSF28YSLF6CWdiPpKo5g/s320/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612530651008117634" /></a><br /><br />I am happy to report that Honey's health is back on track, he has even been able to stop one medication. <br /><br />We did make a flying trip down to Oklahoma when Honey's former pastor passed away. Despite the circumstances, we had a good time visiting with friends and family. Here are the grandkids. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyy_8AV5OE1kexQK19I241xdU_Lb5yXmOmZH3i0OLFHxDW2PavtFH-hObjYpyRDI2KL8m706t71M4GYMI_3VoZ9Fa07LyDP3id2ru-4zmKkHi975HqfAIf8HC2jrav331bHNZwjQzcSA/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyy_8AV5OE1kexQK19I241xdU_Lb5yXmOmZH3i0OLFHxDW2PavtFH-hObjYpyRDI2KL8m706t71M4GYMI_3VoZ9Fa07LyDP3id2ru-4zmKkHi975HqfAIf8HC2jrav331bHNZwjQzcSA/s320/038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612530909912712354" /></a> <br /><br />Farmer's market has started again, fresh strawberries, rhubarb, spring onions - oh my! I planted tomatoes the other day, Mr. Stripey! <br /><br />Our weather here has been rainy and quite cool, interspersed with thunderstorms, more rain and tornados!!! None have hit here, thank the good Lord! We are about 160 miles or so from Joplin, but we have had several on the ground near here and in Sedalia, about 60 miles away, they had one the other day that hit the south end of town and did quite a bit of damage. <br /><br />They actually call the area right where we live the Golden Valley - because supposedly there is an Indian legend or something of the sort that a tornado will never hit here. We do have a lot of times storms will split and go around north and south of us. However, I know the Maker of the Rain and I know the Master of the Wind and he can who whatever he pleases, so we go to the basement whenever it storms. <br /><br />I will leave you all with a recipe, quick and easy, a crowd-pleaser!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pampered Chef Crab and Artichoke Dip</span><br />8 oz cream cheese, softened<br />1 cup mayo<br />1 clove garlic, pressed<br />1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped<br />8 oz crabmeat<br />3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated<br />1/3 cup green onions, chopped<br />zest of 1 lemon<br />1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground<br />1/3 cup red bell pepper, minced<br />Extra green onions, chopped for topping. <br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all in bowl except for red bell pepper and extra green onions. Put in casserole dish - I used a 9x 9 pan and bake 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with red bell pepper and additional green onions. Serve with crackers. <br /><br />Will be "seeing" you all again soon, as Honey is headed out on the road and I will have more time on my hands. Much love to everyone!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-27256752847286567842011-02-02T10:33:00.002-06:002011-02-02T10:34:50.479-06:00Lilla Rose GiftawaySuzanne over at <a href="http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry Cottage</a> posted about this giftaway. I love these, they are so elegant and pretty! Hop on over to <a href="http://www.lillarose.biz/greateights">this site</a> and comment for a chance at the giftaway!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-37352197250803879542011-02-02T08:12:00.004-06:002011-02-02T09:07:19.165-06:00Snowy Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T9-5wgldMPABbw0x4-fXNmbqlPGd1XESGG8f0uej7QQL3qFq46vmY66Jsd5E0ZrjDMLzJFlTG3lJiXkjuUDL_mZ3WnaFtmdPpuTYhjTa3abzinT_tiHD6g3VbfTSJU2T8jtSt_W2Kpg/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T9-5wgldMPABbw0x4-fXNmbqlPGd1XESGG8f0uej7QQL3qFq46vmY66Jsd5E0ZrjDMLzJFlTG3lJiXkjuUDL_mZ3WnaFtmdPpuTYhjTa3abzinT_tiHD6g3VbfTSJU2T8jtSt_W2Kpg/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569101666197590994" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY...<br /><br />Outside my window... Snow. Snow. SNOW!!!! Snow everywhere. We survived the blizzard of '11. I think we probably got at least 15 inches. It is hard to tell, as it has drifted so much. <br /><br />I am thinking... of how grateful I am to be considered "non-essential" personnel! Thankfully, I don't have to work today. <br /><br />I am thankful for... all of the blessings that my wonderful Jesus gives us daily. A warm house, good jobs, good health, travelling mercies - Those are but a few.<br /><br />I am wearing... black knit skirt, red t-shirt, cream sweater and pink housieslippers. I am dressed to stay home! I couldn't get out if I tried! <br /><br />I am remembering... snow days when I was young. Sledding outside - no matter what the temps it seemed - hot cocoa, wet things hung over heat vents to dry, curling up to read, hot chili or soup - those were the days!<br /><br />I am going... nowhere at all today!<br /><br />I am currently reading... a bit of this and a bit of that. Most likely will curl up with my latest Pennyfoot Hotel this afternoon!<br /><br />I am hoping... that Honey will stay warm today - he is at work, scooping out the lot so everyone can get in and out. <br /><br />On my mind... a precious co-worker - her mother is in the hospital after having had a stroke.<br /><br />Noticing that... the more I get to be home, the more I want to be at home!<br /><br />Pondering these words... Love isn't love until it is given away. You can't take it from someone, you can only give.<br /><br />In the kitchen... Hmmmm. . . I think maybe some lemon curd, a caramel cake, pork chops in the slow cooker with mashed potatoes, homemade bread . . . endless possibilities!<br /><br />Around the house... nice and tidy - for once!<br /><br />One of my favorite things . . . a nice, lazy day like today, a blank slate that I can use to write whatever I wish<br /><br />From my picture journal...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAs6zXFJk4g7tZNDzhlo_YIFszGVUxTTjctnjDpnbRwCDAk_t2bTAh1pTx7Kt0H3przhydEXrfkPrz9dkJp-M52ZIWYJgXKfaKcL3xCrsMjajF_RYOfOhOJfnYZDdWcCFaQA2XyLuJpE/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAs6zXFJk4g7tZNDzhlo_YIFszGVUxTTjctnjDpnbRwCDAk_t2bTAh1pTx7Kt0H3przhydEXrfkPrz9dkJp-M52ZIWYJgXKfaKcL3xCrsMjajF_RYOfOhOJfnYZDdWcCFaQA2XyLuJpE/s320/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569101697486749986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbUwvkSxNWaeB1N9zTbIXqmyp2C6vRAPiLf7gGVKau65icsRrrXTvrc4GaxymMBSVBRt23GzKlluDs6zbRbIQMHCKeDxZi_TRwueJ_7L_F0Cl2tb8jsG1oa4hdJtcC6qWsvtN21vo6pU/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbUwvkSxNWaeB1N9zTbIXqmyp2C6vRAPiLf7gGVKau65icsRrrXTvrc4GaxymMBSVBRt23GzKlluDs6zbRbIQMHCKeDxZi_TRwueJ_7L_F0Cl2tb8jsG1oa4hdJtcC6qWsvtN21vo6pU/s320/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569101685881677138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddogv_sxGhWySGSnSkGrm94AoNVQL7XOmaBHKZFFS6ILEPf6GQV8BlHZz_w57Z3u_TnFG03RCPpO9ecSVo1i1ucgHTmlMVC8QJXDGV5_PEgkoRmqjkGUk6eUUOF0WwbB1r1vLRiJOBbM/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddogv_sxGhWySGSnSkGrm94AoNVQL7XOmaBHKZFFS6ILEPf6GQV8BlHZz_w57Z3u_TnFG03RCPpO9ecSVo1i1ucgHTmlMVC8QJXDGV5_PEgkoRmqjkGUk6eUUOF0WwbB1r1vLRiJOBbM/s320/004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569101681202694994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl3lRm-LkBSqpNXv7wNSnD0OL5zzm-HEfMelUhARLK4uZ8frSMsJo-UAb54sBa5kYd_yH89ezezS3ASZs-vmqY2d74BAzOcpvUImgSrhK3_4L7f2Y_G5QY7oa3ifbHIsecbbBweJL8TE/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl3lRm-LkBSqpNXv7wNSnD0OL5zzm-HEfMelUhARLK4uZ8frSMsJo-UAb54sBa5kYd_yH89ezezS3ASZs-vmqY2d74BAzOcpvUImgSrhK3_4L7f2Y_G5QY7oa3ifbHIsecbbBweJL8TE/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569101673291849090" /></a><br /><br />Some friends of ours adopted 9 children from Columbia - after raising 2 of their own. They are going back to adopt 5 more! These children were orphans, I believe they are 2 separate families, brothers and sisters, whose parents died. Aren't they beautiful? Such precious children. <br /><br />Thanks to Peggy for organizing the <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook</a>. <br /><br />A quickie recipe to share - so easy crockpot meatloaf!<br /><br />2 lb ground beef<br />2 eggs<br />1 package stovetop stuffing - your choice of flavor, but beef is good<br />1 can golden mushroom soup - divided<br /><br />Mix beef, eggs, stuffing and 1/2 can of soup. Grease your crock. Mound the mixture in your crockpot- you don't want it touching the sides if you can help it, so mound it up in the middle. Spoon the rest of the soup on top - can mix with a bit of ketchup if you wish. Cook on high for 4 hours or so. I usually put this in at 8 AM on a Sunday morning, and when we get home about 12:30 it is done to perfection. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and butter and a nice fresh salad. A lemon pie for dessert goes nice. This is great winter, spring, summer or fall. If you put mashed potatoes in the crockpot as well before you go, all you have to do is heat up the green beans and toss the salad! <br /><br />I would love to say that I will be back tomorrow, but I do not yet know what tomorrow will bring. I have come to the conclusion that just like our lives, our blogs go through seasons. Some seasons we are prolific, some we are just now and again. So I WILL say that I wish each and every one of you a blessed day today. The sun is shining brightly here today - trying to make up for not even peeking out yesterday at all! I must be up and about, making bread, baking a cake, doing all of the little things that make a house a home. Much love to all who read this!<br />~Raquel~Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-45420006664864872792010-11-13T16:33:00.004-06:002010-11-13T17:18:04.694-06:00This -n- That<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoeEnVzz3K9_ub1pU83KKu7_pIXTgFvJD__T57oFOOeXgsK5vLbMLjRrDBNWgGKtzXqjc8NrmpmMy4UzKUZxQiyGdf3dgBiQNFVdOmaymBie0tHyUBu7VvZjTTLQUwN0fh20UKcYvmV8/s1600/autumn+leaves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoeEnVzz3K9_ub1pU83KKu7_pIXTgFvJD__T57oFOOeXgsK5vLbMLjRrDBNWgGKtzXqjc8NrmpmMy4UzKUZxQiyGdf3dgBiQNFVdOmaymBie0tHyUBu7VvZjTTLQUwN0fh20UKcYvmV8/s320/autumn+leaves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539166233269748370" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sooooo . . . . I have been away forever! Just busy, that is all. Now things are slowing up a bit and I can get back to regular blogging. Just wanted to blog about a few things that I am thankful for. <br /><br />* A warm house.<br /><br />* A warm house that is now refinanced, saving us almost $74,000 in interest - more than the price of the house.<br /><br />* A warm house that will be paid off in 15 years, not 30. <br /><br />* The beautiful autumn palette of colors . . . creams, yellows, oranges, browns, reds, burgundy, black, green. <br /><br />* My parents - we went on a road trip today and had such a good time. <br /><br />* A doctor who listens to me.<br /><br />* A hardworking husband who is working hard to install our new shower downstairs.<br /><br />* A really good ham sandwich at one of the Mennonite stores today - freshly cut ham, swiss cheese, fresh homemade oatmeal bread, pickles, mustard and onion. Wowsa - it was great! <br /><br />* Finding bargains.<br /><br />* Fresh hot popcorn with butter and a cold Dr. Pepper. <br /><br />* Kitty kisses.<br /><br />* Living in a land of freedom.<br /><br />* The men and women who have sacrificed so we can have that freedom.<br /><br />* Rain to settle the dust.<br /><br />* Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.<br /><br />* A real bargain on 820 count Egyptian Cotton sheets - like sleeping on silk! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjUchrmyjM65LIQxRcttelKpb2IjV20xR3VsKMCTyRE8qTShYogKaIjDZpqmlh9MoxO6UdvTgOYB2VppwTdHgy3rfb3mPBpY9QlzWQXJF4kLgMC85zk9kWU3GbIGWu1oAhNcFa8hWJ_I/s1600/167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjUchrmyjM65LIQxRcttelKpb2IjV20xR3VsKMCTyRE8qTShYogKaIjDZpqmlh9MoxO6UdvTgOYB2VppwTdHgy3rfb3mPBpY9QlzWQXJF4kLgMC85zk9kWU3GbIGWu1oAhNcFa8hWJ_I/s320/167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539177289196875794" /></a><br /><br />* Homemade challah.<br /><br />Until next time, my friends. Love you all much!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-69712236929756207362010-09-11T07:25:00.002-05:002010-09-11T08:10:58.884-05:00I RememberI remember where I was 10 years ago today . . . . about an hour from now . . . <br /><br />I was at work. It had started out as a normal day and then the secretary said something about the Twin Towers. We went across the hall to the doctor's lounge and watched the footage. I remember the sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach as the smoke towered up. Then, while we were watching live footage, the second plane crashed. The television reporter and everyone else in the room with me was talking about air traffic controller mistakes, which is what it was originally thought to be. <br /><br />I turned to the other girls and said - oh, girls, this is not just an air traffic controller mistake. That just doesn't happen - not with a building that big. Mark my words, girls, this is a terrorist act . . . . and the man behind it is Osama Bin Laden. Those words had to come from the Lord. There is no other way. I had heard of Osama Bin Laden - vaguely. But I don't watch the news and I had no real thought of him before I spoke. The words just came out. <br /><br />I remember the hurt I felt for those people, the outrage I felt that such a thing had happened. <br /><br />I know that America has not had to deal with the kind of terrorism that many other countries have. We don't have daily bombings everywhere and we can generally walk the streets without having to worry about snipers. We have been fortunate that way. <br /><br />I remember the outrage I felt as an American, even being so far removed from what happened. But burning the Quran isn't going to bring those people back. It will not reverse any of the damage that was done that day. All it will do is incite other terrorists and hate crimes. No, I do not think that they should be allowed to build a mosque at the proposed site. Both actions will cause further tensions in this world that is already riddled with them. But two wrongs don't make one right. <br /><br />Let's remember our brave heros and mourn our dead from that fateful day - not commit further terroristic acts. <br /><br />Sorry if this offends anyone, but this is my blog and this is how I feel.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-2800852789505895602010-09-03T16:21:00.005-05:002010-09-03T16:50:01.390-05:00Glorious Fall DayHello everyone! It is an absolutely be-yoo-ti-ful day here in Missouri. Fall is finally starting to peek its head around the corner. We have had a bright, sunny day with bright blue sky and warm temperatures. These kind of days could just last forever, as far as I am concerned. I had a great day (even tho my hay fever is in full swing) just out and about. I mailed a package at the post office, stopped in and paid the water bill, did a bit of grocery shopping, got breakfast from Wendy's (bacon panini, seasoned red potatoes and iced coffee - YUM)and have just been lazing around home, doing a bit here and there. Then my parents came over with my niece who is up visiting from South Carolina. We ordered pizza for lunch and had such a good visit. DS and his girlfriend, Liz came thru on their way down to visit Liz's parents. Such a great change from the hectic work week. Only thing is, I do have to work tomorrow and Sunday - blah. Then I am off Monday and Tuesday. Oh, well, it pays the bills I guess. <br /><br />Thought you all might like to see a few pictures from our sister's tea last weekend. I say sister's tea - it is actually my mom and her sisters. Alas, I have none. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nM5a8qFnwENSOw0fwxsfPTRFKlpXYW5R2kbCVUvDbVTMSBSjkOZC-2Rhs61qdWdSsDwpTeNhl5nhJVuSXkMH0WguESNPAb4dtZurA8QaGMN5JYAlnVID_zQCEe3yd6gFAsBlJQHdmoY/s1600/pictures+09-03-10+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nM5a8qFnwENSOw0fwxsfPTRFKlpXYW5R2kbCVUvDbVTMSBSjkOZC-2Rhs61qdWdSsDwpTeNhl5nhJVuSXkMH0WguESNPAb4dtZurA8QaGMN5JYAlnVID_zQCEe3yd6gFAsBlJQHdmoY/s320/pictures+09-03-10+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512802966388476610" /></a><br />This is a picture of my Mom's oldest living sister, Colleen. It was her house that we were at for the tea party. She polishs rocks and makes jewelry, etc. out of them. My mom is leaning over her shoulder. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvbR3u_ouneAJOVuegkeQj2-e1A0DplqE_C9fwWcGCYEYchjy-3Yh610ytX_K_ZpNtwtzQ-K0zUJHr0WDgkcs8sDfs0lx6AnyQk7XuHbMaxkMEJWt37fU9jaR5KVoGUPFH3HxF2YnTM8/s1600/pictures+09-03-10+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvbR3u_ouneAJOVuegkeQj2-e1A0DplqE_C9fwWcGCYEYchjy-3Yh610ytX_K_ZpNtwtzQ-K0zUJHr0WDgkcs8sDfs0lx6AnyQk7XuHbMaxkMEJWt37fU9jaR5KVoGUPFH3HxF2YnTM8/s320/pictures+09-03-10+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512802976766153122" /></a><br />This is my aunt Marilyn, the next oldest. She does house cleaning, etc. She is an ordained minister - Methodist, I think. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsEhTCAgI6hzyGkDAqNNpqZXXiT-8dpTISI5y-YVfmsKjZMv4u721tQhfc0eaC-60r3PokFOl6mLn-uBA9uQAF_xl7PM7ngcGIEEa_0BfAGh-2KDtUy7MwxDTJrS6G77OXCL2rxjI998/s1600/pictures+09-03-10+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsEhTCAgI6hzyGkDAqNNpqZXXiT-8dpTISI5y-YVfmsKjZMv4u721tQhfc0eaC-60r3PokFOl6mLn-uBA9uQAF_xl7PM7ngcGIEEa_0BfAGh-2KDtUy7MwxDTJrS6G77OXCL2rxjI998/s320/pictures+09-03-10+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512802989319901186" /></a><br />This is my aunt Naomi. She has a twin sister, Ramona, who lives in Nebraska and so was not at the tea party. Naomi is an LPN at a local hospital. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_5xQ0GXO9naetrKlJ2ekvkizyzxxgR-AHASDV8wkSHJY24EtSYOetcIu-gtnNoGbuHUWX5HmAQp5jedbLccmJEFsfyMkdSiFujjlXIRxq02LAPifGGq0XGueZiXxVGFI8UcI2Q6NDUA/s1600/pictures+09-03-10+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_5xQ0GXO9naetrKlJ2ekvkizyzxxgR-AHASDV8wkSHJY24EtSYOetcIu-gtnNoGbuHUWX5HmAQp5jedbLccmJEFsfyMkdSiFujjlXIRxq02LAPifGGq0XGueZiXxVGFI8UcI2Q6NDUA/s320/pictures+09-03-10+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512803000940182450" /></a><br />This is my aunt Charlene. She is a widow and works as a janitor at a local school. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB17QjHLu209npzl-N1dborxxxXjWJT89EODE8r9h-OxyJZY_4nBAUPxRl33Nq4XCACDMtOuqS3FCmrJwfD3oCGVUE1VWsjpSm0YSAiTk7VDQQnrTQkisZgUEc9wqHa8x4fF3DgnYM4c/s1600/pictures+09-03-10+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB17QjHLu209npzl-N1dborxxxXjWJT89EODE8r9h-OxyJZY_4nBAUPxRl33Nq4XCACDMtOuqS3FCmrJwfD3oCGVUE1VWsjpSm0YSAiTk7VDQQnrTQkisZgUEc9wqHa8x4fF3DgnYM4c/s320/pictures+09-03-10+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512803010669853186" /></a><br />This is my aunt Loqueeta. She and her husband farm-sit year-round for a jet-set couple. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqebPAj_7nKb6wHXRvLlUHAqdjeB4BIEkv3vhoQlcLrfpDOtuCagsUOPNMGSaCXVYRw_afyr8654w_3US4K00XTfpJaF0j_eUYzkcHtgWPX7mVUo2Sc8tybYKMKiF27N8tQnw-xrSZsYM/s1600/pictures+09-03-10+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqebPAj_7nKb6wHXRvLlUHAqdjeB4BIEkv3vhoQlcLrfpDOtuCagsUOPNMGSaCXVYRw_afyr8654w_3US4K00XTfpJaF0j_eUYzkcHtgWPX7mVUo2Sc8tybYKMKiF27N8tQnw-xrSZsYM/s320/pictures+09-03-10+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512803510829888946" /></a><br /><br />This is a picture of all of them together. They really have a strong resemblance, don't you think? <br /><br />We have a lot of fun, they gab and gab and gab. Well, me and my cousins do as well. <br /><br />Thought you might want to know what I whipped up to take!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ham Salad</span><br /><br />I am very bad about measuring anything, but here goes. This turned out very moreish. <br /><br />1 lb sliced ham<br />1 hard boiled egg<br />2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed<br />1 large or two small stalks celery - chopped<br />1 tablespoon (more to taste) chopped white onion<br /><br />Dressing:<br />1 tablespoon honey<br />2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (I used the country style with the seeds)<br />1-3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise<br />2-3 tablespoons pickle relish<br />Fresh ground black pepper, to taste<br /><br />In a small bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Throw everything else in the food processor and process until finely chopped. You can make this as chunky or smooth as you like. Pour dressing over top and mix well. Serve with crackers, like Ritz. I used the buttery garlic club crackers - oh yeah!<br /><br />Hope everyone is having a fantastic week.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-65182883138628557642010-08-28T06:32:00.006-05:002010-08-28T07:25:06.622-05:00Late Summer BusynessHello everyone! Sorry that it took me so long to get back, but we have been soooo busy! Had company from Oklahoma, Honey's daughter and her children, then Honey turned the big 5-0. We got a new (to us) car and gave our old(er) one to his daughter. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuqnerZ_fd7jw8iURI7qRg97pdjSvWFgxDz_pi7CM2092wx3m6wzgOI9DxkeOOA9qOrR8inTnXH1PFcUscoE0NJhb8_C4vg8dx3KnDdsMo_YhFjP56gDzNc7X-Qa8nADvUPYxOHI6DP4/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+081.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuqnerZ_fd7jw8iURI7qRg97pdjSvWFgxDz_pi7CM2092wx3m6wzgOI9DxkeOOA9qOrR8inTnXH1PFcUscoE0NJhb8_C4vg8dx3KnDdsMo_YhFjP56gDzNc7X-Qa8nADvUPYxOHI6DP4/s320/pictures+08-28-10+081.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510432166565120578" /></a><br /><br />A picture of our *new* car. <br /><br />Work has been crazy, our newest girl quit (thankfully, she just was not happy) and so with all of that (and just normal, everyday life) I have not been able to post. I do believe, now that things are settling down, that I can post more regularly. I am determined to do so. <br /><br />The weather is slowly, oh-so-slowly, (definitely turtle-like) turning to fall. We had several weeks of such high temperatures, 100+ every day. I do not tolerate heat very well, I do better in cooler temperatures, so I am so grateful. I would love to have my windows open, only thing is ragweed season is upon us. *Do pray for me in that regard, won't you?* My doctor will just want to give me a steroid shot - no thanks. I am praying for an early frost. But the skies have been getting bluer - have you ever noticed that in summer they have the look of an old, washed out pair of jeans? In fall, they slowly turn more azure overhead, with a blending to lighter blue at the horizon. We are having cooler temperatures and the locusts sing with all their might, a buzzing drone signaling the end of summer. <br /><br />Personally, I am ready for crisp fall leaves, pumpkins and all the other accouterments of fall. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzNPzDM-XX0jUU61-3CUbdp_yg_9g214qbe3Y-cJOlux_XVwD_hXd9NoRR9krFXa6xOw0La0ZRk5hLP8NXLzQRw4dvjh_lctBB56ZjXeQ6-1x7NUNGtdm9UwId5maW8aeF5W7ct3XeLU/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+079.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzNPzDM-XX0jUU61-3CUbdp_yg_9g214qbe3Y-cJOlux_XVwD_hXd9NoRR9krFXa6xOw0La0ZRk5hLP8NXLzQRw4dvjh_lctBB56ZjXeQ6-1x7NUNGtdm9UwId5maW8aeF5W7ct3XeLU/s320/pictures+08-28-10+079.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510432161115949810" /></a><br /><br />Poor kitty - he wants outside with me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVdcA26jaKA1ACHp___r4jDVFxtiwP1uGCL4kIeRjtiuhwgX1DI0qxC086g3AYKA_RtkTqpfcVtVSdbj_LJ-ZFq-kMY6TgqymQMOWY6xHDZcioIb1KbaJo9Rsp-P4QWInphOget5TPIw/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+080.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVdcA26jaKA1ACHp___r4jDVFxtiwP1uGCL4kIeRjtiuhwgX1DI0qxC086g3AYKA_RtkTqpfcVtVSdbj_LJ-ZFq-kMY6TgqymQMOWY6xHDZcioIb1KbaJo9Rsp-P4QWInphOget5TPIw/s320/pictures+08-28-10+080.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510432149728021090" /></a><br /><br />Books on the piano.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0y6VSy0zFeTDXabmcQWtMgmvrVH8PAIbWcF8HtJFd9VsO3CeiFJ_Gm3JNpfav0bFhJN3uZRUoVLwyCiaewClhVskhH2VGoJelJG24AE9_ybTZ3U67GVw52fwD-P6AUjsoYURhXhoKc_s/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0y6VSy0zFeTDXabmcQWtMgmvrVH8PAIbWcF8HtJFd9VsO3CeiFJ_Gm3JNpfav0bFhJN3uZRUoVLwyCiaewClhVskhH2VGoJelJG24AE9_ybTZ3U67GVw52fwD-P6AUjsoYURhXhoKc_s/s320/pictures+08-28-10+077.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510432148424158354" /></a><br /><br />My newest fleece tie blanket. Red and white stars on one side, navy on the other. These blankets are sooooo warm and they wash so well. They take about 3 hours to make. Easy peasy! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT7ffCy1lM-QeJFEtoP98SFuNsmOdiVxmz9dm0x2hT9kfcdGCeEF0k6TmRFdC64K7r3kkqqpMGCO7FtbE8_4KABCmaOCBdgl69d45l2a5O1BYrYv0D5axnLVpmGfiuxT2od15mv5JaM4/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+076.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT7ffCy1lM-QeJFEtoP98SFuNsmOdiVxmz9dm0x2hT9kfcdGCeEF0k6TmRFdC64K7r3kkqqpMGCO7FtbE8_4KABCmaOCBdgl69d45l2a5O1BYrYv0D5axnLVpmGfiuxT2od15mv5JaM4/s320/pictures+08-28-10+076.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510432137723766114" /></a><br /><br />A picture a dear uncle painted for me that hangs in my office. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKieExvbXTJPvZbdqZMinbBVwEtwF3XoczaTxPUoSZM5lL8aFemr6x31AfBaX1v7vn1moTY8Ix227ef-D7i0Wjkig3hs-8u3uqPu0DHxzeIenn0Dh-7kQS-n8Wq7np2fsEqggRgoqxhgo/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+072.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKieExvbXTJPvZbdqZMinbBVwEtwF3XoczaTxPUoSZM5lL8aFemr6x31AfBaX1v7vn1moTY8Ix227ef-D7i0Wjkig3hs-8u3uqPu0DHxzeIenn0Dh-7kQS-n8Wq7np2fsEqggRgoqxhgo/s320/pictures+08-28-10+072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510429709991660018" /></a><br /><br />Art. I found these at a flea market for $1. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKusAR1nOV01MCaarHSWxOSXjStEq10ClJ_ikzlJj-VjbmyA0ruvxSEAkEpr70qL8pgnPP7hYRAvl0OkATb3GH4AlNacu85iAMLwvn6jSlNs9DD_b2HoK7jmPRk0r-hP8s_NmL6rvzITo/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKusAR1nOV01MCaarHSWxOSXjStEq10ClJ_ikzlJj-VjbmyA0ruvxSEAkEpr70qL8pgnPP7hYRAvl0OkATb3GH4AlNacu85iAMLwvn6jSlNs9DD_b2HoK7jmPRk0r-hP8s_NmL6rvzITo/s320/pictures+08-28-10+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510429707810448802" /></a><br /><br />Honey's daughter, Kelilah and her sons, Dillon - green shirt and Austin - gray. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2txfHiOTmPU7X1kgQlt4dTIUKGiyLkvLqHpjpYqsgKOBokGJPZIwvI65X8NtUJ8agrLxW30Z6r-VMjMv-S5zYproVQ0ls36ya9L18k4YLU7S1M-iTKtjQJ11Z_-IxYS_h-X1V8l0r7uc/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2txfHiOTmPU7X1kgQlt4dTIUKGiyLkvLqHpjpYqsgKOBokGJPZIwvI65X8NtUJ8agrLxW30Z6r-VMjMv-S5zYproVQ0ls36ya9L18k4YLU7S1M-iTKtjQJ11Z_-IxYS_h-X1V8l0r7uc/s320/pictures+08-28-10+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510429698336881618" /></a><br /><br />Hot and sweaty Grandpa with hot and sweaty grandsons. Our backyard sits right against a soccer field and they were out playing soccer. You can see some of the bleachers in the background. The dividing line is where the grass looks different. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUAduo83a5c62Dr9Qgbv64rtIlyABY9EsHMS1G-FrWJxFjpAZnXGDawTt8HU88_MrJvFctzlrcoLlPxPAsdp4FWkrplTM5RvbqNjlf3mOZjb3vUoR96zISXK2uFyWMkJkHph1wJ_xH0A/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUAduo83a5c62Dr9Qgbv64rtIlyABY9EsHMS1G-FrWJxFjpAZnXGDawTt8HU88_MrJvFctzlrcoLlPxPAsdp4FWkrplTM5RvbqNjlf3mOZjb3vUoR96zISXK2uFyWMkJkHph1wJ_xH0A/s320/pictures+08-28-10+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510429688488895506" /></a><br /><br />Grandpa and Austin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8x9OwkuxGx0-iphWq_4G1g8wYuRmSVXziz1AhWaWyyj9IySe2HFknvU0nZOns5AKfrWmD77A67H0TZQGyOaHzbf8DH7v1SFoWqZ-Yuij-pBHabj8J5nn_DrPOfcUqlYPX6eHlpTmxd4/s1600/pictures+08-28-10+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8x9OwkuxGx0-iphWq_4G1g8wYuRmSVXziz1AhWaWyyj9IySe2HFknvU0nZOns5AKfrWmD77A67H0TZQGyOaHzbf8DH7v1SFoWqZ-Yuij-pBHabj8J5nn_DrPOfcUqlYPX6eHlpTmxd4/s320/pictures+08-28-10+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510429679748493314" /></a><br /><br />Dillon licking chocolate frosting off of the mixer beater. <br /><br />I do hope that each and every one of you are well and winding up your summer with fun. I am looking forward to going to the local orchard and getting some apples and just taking long walks in the crisp fall air. <br /><br />I am off today with Mama to her oldest sister's house for a tea party. Better get cracking on making some goodies!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-58013551362294769862010-07-25T06:31:00.003-05:002010-07-25T07:30:44.918-05:00TraditionsMy friend Rosie did a traditions post, so I thought I would follow suit. Now that I am older and my son is grown, we don't do some of the things that we did when he was little. When (if) I have grandchildren, I am sure that will change! <br /><br />We have always been a close family. My Dad was in the military, got out when I was about 5, so we moved a lot. I was born in Germany and, until I was 5, we never lived close to any of my grandparents. In fact, I did not meet any of them until I was 3. Living away from extended family, we kind of started our own family traditions to celebrate holidays. From age 5 to 11, we lived near my Dad's parents, so we celebrated holidays with them. From 11 on, we lived near my Mom's parents. Now, my mom was 1 of 14 children, so holidays at their house was usually out, especially in the winter, too many people to fit in the house. We settled for a family reunion once a year. So, back to holidays with just our family. We usually ended up having some friends around as well. Then when I got married and was out on my own, I started some traditions of my own. <br /><br />Holidays at our house has always meant fun, laughter and lots and lots of great food. My mom is a great cook and cooking is my passion. There are still some things that she makes that are just better tho! Nowadays, with my brothers married and have families/children/grandchildren of their own, about the only holiday that we ALL get together for is Thanksgiving. My mom likes to do it at her house. We still get together for other holidays, just not all of us. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">New Years Eve/New Year's Day</span><br />New Year's Eve, we have a smorgasbord. Usually all kinds of snacks: fresh veggie tray, chips and dip, maybe pizza, cold boiled shrimp, bbq meatballs, sandwiches, cookies, fudge. I like to stay up to see the New Year in, but my parents don't like to drive that late. We play games - scattergories, catch phrase, taboo, etc. Sometimes we will watch a movie, Dad likes documentaries. On New Year's day, some of us will get together and have a meal. It is traditional to have some kind of greens (cooked with onion and bacon, served with a bit of vinegar) and black-eyed peas. We usually have cornbread, fried potatoes and maybe pork roast with this as well. Sometimes on New Year's Eve, our church will have a watch night service and we take snacks, play games, etc. Some times we have a foot washing as well. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Valentines</span><br />For Valentines, my Honey usually gets me the most beautiful card and roses. Sometimes I cook a special dinner, maybe ribeye steak and sometimes we go out - usually for steak. I usually make cupcakes to take to work. When my son was little, I would make a heart-shaped homemade pizza and we always had special valentine candy and cupcakes for him to take to school. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">St. Patrick's Day</span><br />Being Irish on my Dad's side, we have a lot of fun with St. Paddy's. We all wear green - you will get pinched around our house if you don't. As for dinner, either traditional Corned Beef or sometimes Reubens. Colcannon is a must, as is Irish Soda bread. I adore Celtic music, so we have plenty to choose from. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Easter</span><br />For Easter, we used to have egg hunts when my son was little. I don't color eggs any more now. We do, however, have a big ham dinner. We get our ham from Burger's Smokehouse in California, about 100 miles from here. Wowsa, it is good. AuGratin potatoes - which my son thought were old rotten potatoes when he was little. Homemade rolls and butter, usually asparagus and a good salad. Then for dessert, either cheesecake or carrot cake. When I was little, Mom would make a Rabbit cake. We of course go to church. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Independence Day</span><br />We usually have a big BBQ with friends and family. Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, cold sweet tea and watermelon for dessert. One of my niece's birthday is the 4th, so if she is around, we celebrate that as well! Sometimes it can really be hot here in Missouri at this time of year, so a lot depends on the weather. We have Olde Glory Days uptown on the square. It is kind of like a fair - rides for the kiddies, food booths, crafts, etc. The museum gives free tours, they have an art show, a quilt show, singing, etc. On Saturday they have a parade. I like to go up and get a funnel cake and maybe a fresh limeade. When my son was little, I would buy some firecrackers. Now that he is grown, we just watch the big ones that the City does. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thanksgiving</span><br />This is our big family get-together. Usually everyone is there. We eat at Mom's house. Honey and I usually go over early to help Mom and get the tables set up. Mom and I share the food prep, so I will make my things the day before usually and just bring them and heat them up if need be. We usually take family pictures at Thanksgiving. A tradition for me and my son was to go home and read in the afternoon, eat a turkey sandwich and pumpkin pie for dessert. Our menu usually consists of: Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls with butter, green beans, corn, pumpkin pie, cherry pie, pecan pie. We usually throw in a few extras that vary from year to year. My oldest niece makes some sort of fruit salad. My SIL Jill makes deviled eggs. Last year I made escalloped onions - yummie! Mom sometimes makes creamed corn and oysters, which I think is just gross. My Dad likes it. We have homemade pickles and cranberry sauce as well. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Christmas</span><br />Christmas is where the traditions got a little varied. On Christmas eve, I would let my son open one gift. Then on Christmas morning, we have a big breakfast, usually omelets and cinnamon rolls with juice, after opening the rest of the presents. We still have a big breakfast, Mom usually brings the cinnamon rolls - hers taste much better, I think! When I was growing up, Mom was allergic to real trees, so we always had artificial. We have just a small one and I decorate with ornaments I have kept for years. I would like to have a little fresh greenery, but I am afraid the kittie would not leave it alone. We like to do homemade gifts, Mom makes a fabulous chocolate chip cookie mix. Last year I did the pickles I posted about. We have a traditional dinner, usually roast beef with all the trimmings. When my son was little, I would buy up snack foods - pizza, chips, etc. that we liked and, instead of a big family get together, he and I would have breakfast, open presents and then just snack for the rest of the day. We would stay in our pajamas, maybe watch a movie or listen to a book on tape, read or whatever. I have always enjoyed making cookie and candy trays to send to his teachers and to give to all of our friends and family. <br /><br />I am the only daughter, so I do Mother's Day and Father's Day and I do birthdays for my Honey, my son and Mom and Dad. I usually ask the person we are celebrating for what they would like and then fix it. Mom likes sub sandwiches or maybe pizza. Dad likes roast beef or meatloaf. Honey likes chicken fried steak. My son likes pizza, but this year he requested Cherry-Glazed Ham. <br /><br />For Memorial Day and Labor day, we usually just barbecue. The last weekend in September, weather permitting, we have a family reunion on Mom's side. There are a lot of us - well over 100. We either bring pot luck or have a weenie roast. I like to make a big crockpot of nacho dip, that goes over well with the kids. <br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed hearing about our traditions. I would love to hear about some of yours. I promise I will be getting some pictures up soon, I just now got the camera back!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-60977404477380278162010-07-16T05:50:00.004-05:002010-07-16T14:37:51.772-05:00BlessedHere are some random thoughts on how God has blessed me over the past days . . . .<br /><br />1. Seeing a faun, about the size of a large dog, still had it's spots. It walked across the road in front of us while we were coming home after eating breakfast out last Saturday. So beautiful. <br /><br />2. Getting blue and green ceramic tile for our bathroom floors. They had a great sale and just the colors I wanted - we were able to get enough to do upstairs in blue and downstairs in green. It will be a while before we have time to do it, but when we do, the materials are at hand. We happened to have the finances and it was a great deal. Jehovah Jireh, my provider.<br /><br />3. The violent storm that came thru last Sunday did not damage any more than what it did. Some houses actually had trees fall on them - we had 90 mile per hour straight line winds and some tornadic activity. All we had was the top out of one of our maples twisted off and deposited in the back yard. Well, that and other numerous smaller limbs and leaves EVERYWHERE. Jehovah Nissi, my protector.<br /><br />4. For a good working relationship with our head surgeon. I had a small medical problem come up and when I called his office to see if I could get in, they were so nice, got me in immediately, even though I was a work-in. He was really good about it and said no charge. <br /><br />5. For the medication that my Mom is taking helping her. She has recently been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, which is a very, very painful condition of the nerves in the face. She is quite sensitive to medications and we were not sure if the medication the neurologist gave her would give her too many side effects or not. Thankfully, it works fine. Actually, prayer is what works, the medication just helps. Jehovah Rapha, my healer. <br /><br />6. For a situation at work resolving. Prayer made the difference in this instance as well. <br /><br />7. Ripe tomatoes right off the vine!! Plus I had enough to share at work. Last night we had bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Yummie!<br /><br />8. Our car is ready! We recently purchased a new (to us) car, but it had to have a few very minor things fixed. They called yesterday and it is done. Honey and his uncle are going tonight to pick it up. We got a really good deal on it. Now, we can bless his daughter with our current car, which is still a great car. <br /><br />9. That I did not kill my cat. Our cat is diabetic and is on insulin twice a day. He is really good about taking his shots, does not fuss at all. I usually use 0.5 cc syringes, which are marked in 1 unit increments. My dad gives me all of the syringes, he gets them free. Well, this last batch he gave me are 1 cc syringes, they are marked in 2 unit increments. I DID NOT NOTICE THAT RIGHT AWAY!!! So for a couple of days, I gave my cat twice the normal amount of insulin. Could have killed him, if their blood sugar goes too low, they can go into a coma, just like a human. I wondered why his appetite was off. <br /><br />10. That my friend, <a href="http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/">Ruth</a>, linked my blog to hers. She is so sweet! <br /><br />So that my friends are just some of the blessings I am sharing with you this fine day. <br /><br />Don't be shy, post me a line and let me know how I am doing.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-81752958760391242922010-07-06T07:22:00.004-05:002010-07-06T16:10:38.347-05:00Hello out there in Blogland!I really should apologize for my long, long hiatus - but I don't think I will. I have been so busy living life that my journaling was set aside for a time. I think that there are sometimes in life that some things become "less important" to us. Not that my blog is not important, I just refocused for a while. <br /><br />My dear mother-in-love has been visiting us from St. Louis. We have had such a good time - Went on a museum tour, the local carnival, out to eat, for drives and walks. Good times. <br /><br />God has been so good to us. We have purchased a new car. Well, not brand new, but new to us. Honey's younger daughter is in need of good transportation and so we will be giving her our current car. It is still a good car and will last for a good while longer. Through God's grace and Honey's relentless pursuit, we found a really, really good deal. We will go pick it up next week or so. <br /><br />I have thoroughly enjoyed yesterday and today - no set schedule, just the natural rhythm of things. Time spent cleaning, visiting, cooking, resting - very enjoyable. Peaceful. Time spent with family. Comfortable time. Loving time. <br /><br />As I had to work on the 4th, we had our holiday dinner last night. We had:<br />Brisket, cooked in the slow cooker until it was just falling apart - served with BBQ sauce on the side. <br />Fresh sliced tomatoes, the first we have had this year, sprinkled with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. <br />Potato salad, my Mom's is the very best I think. <br />Corn on the cob, oh-so-sweet and dripping with butter. <br />Baked beans, cooked slow in the oven with onion and little bits of smoked brisket.<br />Fresh cucumbers and Vidalia onion in Vinegar, so refreshing. <br />Fresh Bing cherries and cantaloupe. <br />Pickled baby beets, jewel-toned and sweet-sour. <br />Cheese cubes - Colby and pepper jack. <br />Coleslaw with vinaigrette dressing. <br />Deviled eggs, my SIL's specialty. <br />Watermelon, juicy and sweet. <br />Iced tea, liquid amber coolness, sweet and fresh. <br />No bake cookies - just the perfect ending, crumbly chocolatey goodness. <br /><br />Sorry for no pictures, DS has my camera just at the moment. <br /><br />I am going to leave you with my recipe for:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar</span><br />Fresh cucumbers - I bought small ones at farmer's market<br />Vidalia onion - I bought a 10 pound bag from the Shriners when they had a sale **<br />Sugar<br />Salt<br />Apple Cider Vinegar<br />Water<br />Fresh ground pepper<br /><br />Scrub your cucumbers well. I used regular Kirby cucumbers, the kind used for pickling, the ones with the bumps. Just slice off either end. A good way to check them to make sure they are not bitter - stick your tongue on the cut end. You will be able to tell if they are bitter, I guarantee! Anyway, slice your cucumbers fairly thin. You can do this with cucumbers from the store, just peel them first. <br /><br />Slice your Vidalia onion thinly. I used about half an onion to 4 smallish cucumbers, use more or less to your taste. My cucumbers were probably 5-6 inches in length, maybe 1-2 in around?<br /><br />Put cucumbers and onions in a bowl. <br /><br />In the bottom of your liquid measuring cup, mix together about 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and about 1-1/2 tablespoons sugar - more or less of these to taste. Then for the amounts listed above, I used 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Mix until salt and sugar are both dissolved. Pour over the cucumbers and onion. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate and let flavors mingle, preferrably for a couple of days. <br /><br />These are so refreshing in the summer. Low cal. Fat free. I like to put them on some bread and butter and make a sandwich - great at tea time. <br /><br />**Tip for storing onions: I leave mine in the mesh bag and store them on the floor of my basement or garage, out of the light. They stay fresh a long time that way.<br /><br />Well, I must be up and about, living and loving. Much love to you all - RaquelRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-17326528481353188132010-03-01T10:22:00.004-06:002010-03-01T10:40:47.991-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKAuXcvDhM06eLNsJccbh9U7CDqIdmPhc7oLK1cradzEJa_i4gqT-qSjIqq6tfjYDqueyDuRpD-Nsz_PMgVENqizbTDyzjvclEVskCmxym-dDujiAlMRYCvCA8I7Bg5qAj047S1yxHdg/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKAuXcvDhM06eLNsJccbh9U7CDqIdmPhc7oLK1cradzEJa_i4gqT-qSjIqq6tfjYDqueyDuRpD-Nsz_PMgVENqizbTDyzjvclEVskCmxym-dDujiAlMRYCvCA8I7Bg5qAj047S1yxHdg/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443701865416611394" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY . . . March 01, 2010<br /><br />Outside my window... gray skies, nothin' but gray skies - quite cool here this week<br /><br />I am thinking... of how glad I am that spring is coming!<br /><br />I am thankful for...a day off to do as I please<br /><br />From the learning rooms...beginning piano lessons<br /><br />From the kitchen... chocolate chip cinnamon rolls, marmelade rolls, 15-bean soup and cornbread<br /><br />I am wearing... black knit skirt, socks and tennies, t-shirt and gray hoodie<br /><br />I am creating... a clean storage room<br /><br />I am going... to Ladies' Retreat in April<br /><br />I am reading...Borrower of the Night by Elizabeth Peters<br /><br />I am hoping... to get everything done today!<br /><br />I am hearing...the fan on my little ceramic heater givin' me some love!<br /><br />Around the house...clean bathroom, sweep and mop kitchen<br /><br />One of my favorite things... is my new hours at work - 7 AM to 3:30 PM!<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Not a lot as I will be working and training - it really drains me<br /><br />Here is picture for thought I am sharing...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWedQJL0GKAwFx86bvn087Mpz786lkO-P9IUTnsAKSXNwvWEO4Mm5swzjVm_4c8qRowkl_Jk_qWgypaZKcNDPZ-GwV9HWKnZNfLbSwlmXgv6z13pD9EpVN3WRabc7fQqDks5ijRY6NSZ8/s1600-h/pictures+01-22-10+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWedQJL0GKAwFx86bvn087Mpz786lkO-P9IUTnsAKSXNwvWEO4Mm5swzjVm_4c8qRowkl_Jk_qWgypaZKcNDPZ-GwV9HWKnZNfLbSwlmXgv6z13pD9EpVN3WRabc7fQqDks5ijRY6NSZ8/s320/pictures+01-22-10+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443703563895704882" /></a><br /><br />Homemade candied rose petals - I can't wait for my roses to start blooming again!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hot Turkey and Mushroom Subs</span><br /><br />These are a quick fix and my guys just love them. They are patterned after a "Dive" sub. <br /><br />Turkey lunchmeat - I prefer the oven-roasted variety for this<br />Sub buns - I use uncut ones<br />Fresh mushrooms<br />Butter<br />Seasoning to taste - I use Morton's Nature's Seasoning<br />Sharp Cheddar cheese<br />Heavy cream<br /><br />Cut a v in the top of the sub buns, then pinch insides out, leaving about a 1/2 inch shell. Lay turkey in bun. Saute mushrooms in butter - however many you want - and season to taste. Spoon on top of turkey. In a small saucepan, cube about 3 oz. of cheese and then pour over top about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cream. Heat gently and stir until cheese is melted. Pour cheese sauce over mushrooms. Put "lids" back on top of buns and wrap in foil. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy! <br /><br />You can add whatever else you like, but my guys prefer these as is. In place of cheese sauce, I suppose you could use turkey gravy - mmmmmm!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-65035309473263087112010-01-25T06:32:00.005-06:002010-01-25T16:26:51.622-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLJ9ozc7iUeHnUTUGKBvz0ovoJ0uIJpaAEAA5HSzHaNeNxghbgkvfwH2gLZaJHJdr2QW0qDQo7IJRlz6FxBDf_fIdSylgeml1z7AazWr73uUOug2YU7kGuO5_IpR00gCwlfr-cEz3_vk/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLJ9ozc7iUeHnUTUGKBvz0ovoJ0uIJpaAEAA5HSzHaNeNxghbgkvfwH2gLZaJHJdr2QW0qDQo7IJRlz6FxBDf_fIdSylgeml1z7AazWr73uUOug2YU7kGuO5_IpR00gCwlfr-cEz3_vk/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430659267892650834" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY... Monday, January 25, 2010<br /><br />Outside my window... Still inky black, up early today<br /><br />I am thinking... of how I really enjoyed my weekend, even tho I had to work<br /><br />I am thankful for... My job, even if it does drive me bonkers most days<br /><br />I am wearing... pink bunny pajamas and a sweater - it's gotten COLD outside<br /><br />I am remembering... such sweet kisses from my little Gwennie pig<br /><br />I am going... to be staying home today until my Honey gets home this evening - then to Wal-Mart for a few things and out to eat<br /><br />I am currently reading... A Sherlock Holmes story<br /><br />I am hoping... to watch the rest of Return to Cranford today<br /><br />On my mind... organizing everything around here<br /><br />Noticing that... I have been really lax in keeping this blog up! <br /><br />From the kitchen... Leek and Potato Soup, lemon pie. Later on in the week - Green Chili Beef Burritos, chicken tetrazzini, teriyaki pork tenderloin<br /><br />Around the house... sweep and mop - again! Otherwise, organizing my cabinets<br /><br />One of my favorite things . . . food magazines! I am hopelessly addicted!<br /><br />From my picture journal...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSip752TyMqAetNV2nfsJEw8rVba-5nMh-WfKmSGlPOsWrfxonNAsWfUHDUTQos-zo7aao84po8OaV836XKm2mGFEg2Cz0X7AfJGEndSpgURH7rVHsLEI_mntxNJ-RsPIQ4-1fJTkUTY/s1600-h/pictures+01-22-10+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSip752TyMqAetNV2nfsJEw8rVba-5nMh-WfKmSGlPOsWrfxonNAsWfUHDUTQos-zo7aao84po8OaV836XKm2mGFEg2Cz0X7AfJGEndSpgURH7rVHsLEI_mntxNJ-RsPIQ4-1fJTkUTY/s320/pictures+01-22-10+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430668216364945698" /></a><br /> <br />It's CAT TV! Honey put up a bird-squirrel feeder just outside the living room window. Constant, non-stop entertainment for the kittie! <br /><br />got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chicken Tetrazzini</span><br /><br />1 (16 ounce) package thin spaghetti (I like to use cavatappi)<br />1/3 cup butter<br />1 large onion, chopped<br />1-2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic<br />2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (or use 1-2 cans sliced drained mushrooms)<br />1/4 cup whipping cream<br />3 cups chopped cooked chicken or cooked turkey<br />1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted<br />1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted<br />1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted <br />1 (8 ounce) container sour cream<br />1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese<br />2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided<br />1 cup frozen peas <br />fresh ground black pepper (to taste)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish (or a large oval casserole dish). Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (do not overcook the pasta, leave semi-firm as it will cook more in the oven) drain, then transfer to a large bowl. Add in whipping cream and all three canned soups, cooked chicken or turkey, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, 1-1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and frozen peas, toss well to combine. In a large skillet melt butter; add in the mushrooms and saute until done. To the skillet with the mushrooms, add in onions and garlic; sauté until onions are soft; add to the soup mixture. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Season with seasoned salt and pepper (I use Morton's Nature's Seasoning). Transfer to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake about 30-35 minutes (or until hot and bubbly); uncover and sprinkle with about 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, return to oven and bake until cheese is melted (about 5-8 minutes).<br /><br />I also top this with some french fried onions. Sliced almonds are a very welcome addition as well. You can use whatever cheese you like. This makes quite a large dish, will serve 8. <br /><br />Recipe originally from Kittencal on Recipezaar. I modified just a tidge. <br /><br />Well, Honey is off to work now, time for me to get busy doing all the myriad of little things that need doing. Wishing you all a warm and productive day!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-23600206614365403232010-01-19T17:12:00.005-06:002010-01-22T09:04:01.433-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg2PgMsH5mWK3_2F9znDLWt3KfssKAlibxcrVNxdU-zDLMDhtsd3uv3Wd2US_RJjJzoU9ai1-WNec4fNJD3rBKdHstS_dlchH_2YpMZQMH5-IrZ81ynJ1zTBx7WgmyF79LjKCkdsybVM/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg2PgMsH5mWK3_2F9znDLWt3KfssKAlibxcrVNxdU-zDLMDhtsd3uv3Wd2US_RJjJzoU9ai1-WNec4fNJD3rBKdHstS_dlchH_2YpMZQMH5-IrZ81ynJ1zTBx7WgmyF79LjKCkdsybVM/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428592986908086130" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY(January 19, 2010)... Pretend its Monday<br /><br />Outside my window... Gray skies and clouds - supposed to start raining later this evening. I can sure tell, my feet and hands are aching - I have early arthritis<br /><br />I am thinking... of how lovely it will be when Spring arrives<br /><br />I am thankful for...the day off today. It is now Friday!<br /><br />From the kitchen... Roast Chicken, potatoes, broccoli and cheese, wheat rolls<br /><br />I am wearing... jammies!<br /><br />I am creating... a tax return!<br /><br />I am going... to hopefully take my little great-niece to McDonald's for lunch later today<br /><br />I am reading... 14,000 things to be happy about<br /><br />I am hoping... that my dear SIL has a speedy recovery from back surgery<br /><br />I am hearing...the quiet hum of the 'puter<br /><br />Around the house...sweep and mop, vacuum, straighten up kitchen cabinets<br /><br />One of my favorite things... sending something to someone - "just because"<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Well, off today, work the weekend, off Monday<br /><br />Here is picture for thought I am sharing...<br /><br />A little gray squirrel we have - not sure if you can tell, but his ears are white! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalkPw9KVL2jjbLzCsjXlRjhp2JhNwHEi7u7DHKKGQu3WbHLQGTKD-9IDSUUwwG4_kkTdrCNTblsASdQND1yNcQN-aib_BWEUCjJRkIC6zSTVaIcQVAbHQVFhyolASuku6FRZ_yBD5sog/s1600-h/pictures+01-22-10+038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalkPw9KVL2jjbLzCsjXlRjhp2JhNwHEi7u7DHKKGQu3WbHLQGTKD-9IDSUUwwG4_kkTdrCNTblsASdQND1yNcQN-aib_BWEUCjJRkIC6zSTVaIcQVAbHQVFhyolASuku6FRZ_yBD5sog/s320/pictures+01-22-10+038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429574515463543810" /></a><br /><br />And now for those pickles I was telling you about! <br /><br />Jane Maynard Pickles<br /><br />Hot, sweet, dilly, garlicky and incredibly crisp - oh Mamma! <br /><br />My boss brought some of these to work and I fell in absolute love with them! Everyone who tries them likes them - if you like sweet pickles that is! <br /><br />Our local coffeeshop serves a similar pickle with their lunch sandwiches - they are sooo good. I asked them how they made theirs and it involved a 5-gallon bucket of pickles! While not up to making THAT many at a time, I do the following recipe by the 2 quart, 1 pint jars. <br /><br />Anyway, these are a cinch to make and very, very tasty - by themselves, on a relish tray, on sandwiches . . . . I am looking to try some in potato salad later this year. <br /><br />First, take a jar of pickles. The amounts I am going to give you are for a <span style="font-weight:bold;">gallon</span> jar of pickles. You want whole dills. I use Vlasic, they have them in the bulk foods section at our local Wal-Mart. The jars I get are just over half a gallon. (I am going to post the amounts I use for the 2 quart,1 pint jars below.)<br /><br />Drain off the juice, reserving 1-2/3 cups of the juice. Remove pickles from the jar and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Or spears. Or cubes. Or however you like them. Put the reserved juice back in the jar. Add 6 cloves of garlic, chopped, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons hot sauce (I use Tabasco) and 7 cups of sugar. Stir it vigorously. Yes, it will be a sludge. It should look like the picture below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiGoz0HH9-3PFiWoKC62OhNDBuU6RUPwcS8x5ENDgnbTVPiKottfXZ0k9npNP4hY6we5XYwnBbKf5viPjc1EFr8iUtHco2SfMna1XZP_3BK-0kRPaCN2XbdDzK9LRv9FqkS7cxeHX7pc/s1600-h/pictures+01-22-10+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiGoz0HH9-3PFiWoKC62OhNDBuU6RUPwcS8x5ENDgnbTVPiKottfXZ0k9npNP4hY6we5XYwnBbKf5viPjc1EFr8iUtHco2SfMna1XZP_3BK-0kRPaCN2XbdDzK9LRv9FqkS7cxeHX7pc/s320/pictures+01-22-10+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429574525441007714" /></a><br /><br />Now, take the sliced pickles and put them back in the jar, mushing them down a bit as you go. Yes, they will all fit. Yes, they will fill the jar. First time I thought - no way those sliced pickles are going to take as much room as the whole ones. Silly me. Then when putting them in the jar I thought - oh dear, are they all going to fit? Silly me again! Here are my sliced pickles. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXX65l19rxV_vv0gvMaIt3BgBmHDw4yMt9j7ggl1x86fAZ7yeyySzdK_5fRKcLC9GgdVJSEfmD4WwbIWCnpxlAJAv0d5SlcZnUaAhAfs91Zh-Tf_V9OkVL7FAKJkUjkWlJK4tRxq-kMk/s1600-h/pictures+01-22-10+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXX65l19rxV_vv0gvMaIt3BgBmHDw4yMt9j7ggl1x86fAZ7yeyySzdK_5fRKcLC9GgdVJSEfmD4WwbIWCnpxlAJAv0d5SlcZnUaAhAfs91Zh-Tf_V9OkVL7FAKJkUjkWlJK4tRxq-kMk/s320/pictures+01-22-10+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429574532654406802" /></a><br /><br />Now, put the lid on the jar and roll it around. I just rolled it around on my lap until the sugar was good and dissolved. Otherwise, and this is what the original recipe says to do, lay the jar on its side on the cabinet and roll it occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. I will tell you if you decide to do this - get your hubby to tighten the lid, because mine leaked a bit. I made several jars of these for Christmas presents - my total cost was around $5 a jar. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You need to let these season for at least 2 weeks before eating. </span><br /><br />They are edible after 1 week, but oh, so much better after 2. Just let the jar sit on the counter and stir every once in a while. If you are making them to give away, you better make 2 jars - one for you and one for who you are giving them to. Just telling you - they are that good, you will want them all for yourself. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vyPbi0T2rRw2S6Vl94ImPmL9GcAHAmANeixsR4HWNl_5-2kanMrODVvXsr0g1foj56ZAr1-CzWJ4VWXcPvoeGm1knf4wCU0UcU9CJuJdo1HfbJ4p7CJvMuI9QvPiSIF9HXNmkI0Pwco/s1600-h/pictures+01-22-10+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vyPbi0T2rRw2S6Vl94ImPmL9GcAHAmANeixsR4HWNl_5-2kanMrODVvXsr0g1foj56ZAr1-CzWJ4VWXcPvoeGm1knf4wCU0UcU9CJuJdo1HfbJ4p7CJvMuI9QvPiSIF9HXNmkI0Pwco/s320/pictures+01-22-10+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429574540616570210" /></a><br /><br />Amounts for the smaller jars:<br /><br />juice - 3/4 plus 1/3 cup <br />garlic - 4 cloves<br />red pepper flakes - 1/2 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon<br />Tabasco - 1-1/4 teaspoons<br />sugar - 4-1/4 plus 1/8 cup <br /><br />got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-51943503006298364872010-01-04T05:15:00.002-06:002010-01-04T05:24:16.822-06:00Simple Woman's DaybookFOR TODAY... January 04, 2010<br /><br />Outside my window... cold, cold, cold with fresh snow - so pretty<br /><br />I am thinking... of how I dread work today<br /><br />I am thankful for... a wonderful husband who is so patient with me<br /><br />I am wearing... Jammies - gotta get ready for work tho<br /><br />I am remembering... of how gorgeous it was watching it snow yesterday - so peaceful<br /><br />I am going... to nip by Aldi's later and pick up some staples - milk, bread, eggs<br /><br />I am currently reading... 14,000 things to be happy about <br /><br />I am hoping... that my SIL's back surgery goes well today<br /><br />On my mind... just realized today is my MIL's B-day and we forgot!<br /><br />Noticing that... deliberately living simple is so much easier!<br /><br />From the kitchen... soft tacos and yellow rice<br /><br />Around the house... Not a lot, do need to sweep, mop and vacuum<br /><br />One of my favorite things . . . putting up and taking down the Christmas Tree<br /><br />From my picture journal... be posting this later, Must hurry off to work<br /><br />Also I will be posting a recipe - and pictures - for the most beautiful pickles you have ever eaten!<br /><br />Got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-29957480911937148252009-12-07T15:58:00.003-06:002009-12-07T16:13:07.848-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AEJDzHiCWPsBL310jKUp8NpbecE9JwcEArW4r7-5gv26cG2-CJfZw0sQYuT8HXdMK8cjcuRl0Z8ruHY196_ZyCR5eM9l66nYQ9zdmh7y_mKl-Y-FHKqMU0xF6kFrQIx845Rk7vxVkjM/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AEJDzHiCWPsBL310jKUp8NpbecE9JwcEArW4r7-5gv26cG2-CJfZw0sQYuT8HXdMK8cjcuRl0Z8ruHY196_ZyCR5eM9l66nYQ9zdmh7y_mKl-Y-FHKqMU0xF6kFrQIx845Rk7vxVkjM/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412617664220070546" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY... December 7th, 2009<br /><br />Outside my window... cold, gray skies and the promise of snow - or ice tomorrow<br /><br />I am thinking... that I really kind of enjoy working the early shift<br /><br />I am thankful for... a nice warm house<br /><br />I am wearing... black penny loafers, hose, black straight skirt, black turtleneck with my sage green work polo over top<br /><br />I am remembering... how beautiful the birds are against the snow<br /><br />I am going... to the British store - possibly - this weekend<br /><br />I am currently reading... my new Appalachian cookbook<br /><br />I am hoping... for a snowy winter<br /><br />On my mind... a dear sister who lives alone - must go see her and take her some holiday cheer<br /><br />Noticing that... people are so fearful - of so many things<br /><br />From the kitchen... beef enchiladas, chocolate chip cookies, homemade rolls<br /><br />Around the house... Just a bit of picking up here and there <br /><br />One of my favorite things . . . making homemade gifts for loved ones<br /><br />got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a><br /><br />Please don't give up on me yet . . . I have been busy making Christmas gifts and such. Hoping that you all are staying warm and healthy!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-74129880471600242952009-11-23T06:07:00.003-06:002009-11-23T06:21:26.986-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bLpYTh_cKAduqwlQ30ob-RUIh6yf3J1E1fGqugXE0Y9UAKuQEj0OhuWzUQkDb58uevSYaWfIG7m1NAhYhwdG0p64azS5yHyOc7FUlqlPIyWYaSTlL8peZ_NTVlH7cuB5K3pgm96zxMQ/s1600/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bLpYTh_cKAduqwlQ30ob-RUIh6yf3J1E1fGqugXE0Y9UAKuQEj0OhuWzUQkDb58uevSYaWfIG7m1NAhYhwdG0p64azS5yHyOc7FUlqlPIyWYaSTlL8peZ_NTVlH7cuB5K3pgm96zxMQ/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407269683830398914" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY... November 23, 2009<br /><br />Outside my window... inky blackness - Ha, I am up early this time<br /><br />I am thinking... how blessed I am to have a savior who died for me<br /><br />I am thankful for... a job to go to - even if it has been crazy this last week<br /><br />I am wearing... blue knit nightie with stars on it<br /><br />I am remembering... the noodles my grandma used to make - how I wish I could taste them again!<br /><br />I am going... to be off Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, AND the weekend!<br /><br />I am reading... nothing much right now except for the Bible . . . have some Sherlock Holmes pastiches ready for me, tho!<br /><br />I am hoping... to get some cards made here soon - at least I will have time off to do it<br /><br />On my mind... people with nowhere to go for Thanksgiving - no family<br /><br />Noticing that... the older I get, the more precious my time with Jesus becomes<br /><br />From the kitchen... leftovers tonight - we have spagetti, ribs and baked beans and some roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. I need the fridge emptied out for Wednesday when I make my pies<br /><br />Around the house... not too bad, I will clean the bathroom tonite, vacuuming<br /><br />One of my favorite things~ my little ceramic heater <br /><br />A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Work today (regular shift), work tomorrow (early shift), Wednesday bake pies - pecan, cherry and chocolate, Thursday Thanksgiving at Mom's, Friday - some house cleaning and possibly a bit of shopping<br /><br />got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a><br /><br />I will do some catching up and get some pictures going this week - promise!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-80306685851226760872009-11-09T06:59:00.004-06:002009-11-09T07:10:10.048-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjrbRQ6YUEYoOGa2gGDUgqqGAkS15qEc7bzzFfqT3J5BKJlzRiq_hGOKHATinYzFMIr74fQpmx6rLrHpvnc1ifpaBxR0upweXCBZmYv5JUUTFcBMq_ymgGfUsq0mbzDC9CwV8qJrTaeU/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjrbRQ6YUEYoOGa2gGDUgqqGAkS15qEc7bzzFfqT3J5BKJlzRiq_hGOKHATinYzFMIr74fQpmx6rLrHpvnc1ifpaBxR0upweXCBZmYv5JUUTFcBMq_ymgGfUsq0mbzDC9CwV8qJrTaeU/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402090239084818626" /></a><br />FOR TODAY... November 9th, 2009<br /><br />Outside my window... Gray skies . . . nothing but gray skies<br /><br />I am thinking... of how grateful I am to have an industrious Honey that got around and got all the leaves up out of the yard this weekend. Even if he did get his truck stuck when he went to dump them!<br /><br />I am thankful for... good friends and good fellowship<br /><br />I am wearing... a white nightgown<br /><br />I am remembering... Thanksgivings past - good times with family<br /><br />I am going... to be busy, busy at work this week<br /><br />I am reading... Stillmeadow and Sugarbridge - found at the thrift store for a quarter!<br /><br />I am hoping... to get some organizing done this week<br /><br />On my mind... the soldier's families at Ft. Hood - praying for peace<br /><br />Noticing that... it gets dark SOOO early now - cozy evenings here I come!<br /><br />Pondering these words... If you want to measure a man's integrity - give him power. I think George Washington said that.<br /><br />From the kitchen... pancakes, eggs and sausage - by request of my menfolk<br /><br />Around the house... not a lot - I think one more load of laundry and a bit of organizing<br /><br />One of my favorite things . . .fixing my Honey's breakfast - knowing that I am giving him a good start to the day<br /><br />Got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">Daybook</a>?<br /><br />Will be doing some posting on here of recipes - as soon as I get my organizing done. I have a whole slew of them ready to make and post. <br /><br />I would like to thank you all for your kind comments - know that I do check up on your blogs, I just may not comment every time, but I do read! Keep up the good work!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-89445878516281099472009-11-07T07:46:00.003-06:002009-11-07T08:08:08.217-06:00Fun with Frugality - Entertainment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNbOvVbScoe82pWrzy_i6sJ_fLigGd8GRxaNm3tPob4T9j8PmKrb3kMUPpeJAH0qpdOIUMXJGJOm0-4yKr73SOvTjG0oqofhNpid9YYv_8QlxeYE5U54__28WVETQJi0O3efMS1ThEGM/s1600-h/penny+pinching.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 95px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNbOvVbScoe82pWrzy_i6sJ_fLigGd8GRxaNm3tPob4T9j8PmKrb3kMUPpeJAH0qpdOIUMXJGJOm0-4yKr73SOvTjG0oqofhNpid9YYv_8QlxeYE5U54__28WVETQJi0O3efMS1ThEGM/s320/penny+pinching.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401357963061590914" /></a><br /><br />Ok - here to talk about entertainment. Before I get started, please allow me to explain something - while we have a television set, we do not have cable or satellite service. We are not set up for "TV" at all. While there are a lot of good things to watch out there, I think the bad outweighs the good. And the commercials - for anything and everything, most of them just trash. We do, however, have internet. I know - advertisements on there - but I can control them a little better. Now on to the post!<br /><br />1) Use your local library! Ours has an online feature where you can look and see if they have a particular book, renew your current checked out books and probably several other things I don't even use. It is all free. Our library has magazines you can check out, Wilton cake pans you can rent, puzzles . . . many, many features. We go once or twice a week. They also have an internet room for people who do not have internet at home, you can go and get on a computer for 2 hours per day - free. We utilized that a lot before we got internet at home. <br /><br />2) Read a book. While DS and I LOVE to read, Honey does not. So sometimes, I read aloud. As far as books that your library may not have, ours has a program where you can request a book - I think it costs $0.50 and you get it for 2 weeks. Or, if you just have to buy - check out e-bay or amazon and see if you can't find it used. I have bought many books this way - used - and 99% of them have been just like new. Check your local thrift stores for books.<br /><br />3) Use your friends. We borrow DVDs back and forth with our friends. And some books. <br /><br />4) Try Netflix. This is a great low-cost option for movies. Or check with your local movie rental place - we get 1/2 price on all movies for about $10 a month - and end up spending maybe $20 total. <br /><br />5) If exercise is your thing, check out your local YMCA or civic center. Our civic center is free, doesn't cost a thing. They have a walking track, basketball courts and a great exercise room with all manner of weights and machines. There is also an aquatic center that is low-cost. <br /><br />6) Take a drive. Out in the country. Just get away for a bit. Doesn't have to be a long drive - you can drive to the local nature preserve or what have you and just park and look. <br /><br />7) Have a bonfire-hot dog roast. This is good for people who have school-age children - children usually love a bonfire. Roast hotdogs and marhsmallows. Sing songs. Tell stories. Sit and watch the fire crackle. Please use safety precautions when doing this!<br /><br />These are just a few low-cost things that can be done for entertainment. What are some of your ideas readers? <br /><br />Hope everyone has a lovely day today!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-32347439108932640102009-11-02T06:32:00.003-06:002009-11-02T06:41:19.084-06:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqI1Y-StjqMrDKPQDJyx83N41Zuut1UjIMgOEEOW0kehtrNKlg8mnveOx7Yy2xmZWhhIJkwNxQPmjNTXf7STR40ZdFi_XyrU_Jsj-RyyFvM5ZX1X281FGAE7hTnnl5M1OJPNHTsi-u3c/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqI1Y-StjqMrDKPQDJyx83N41Zuut1UjIMgOEEOW0kehtrNKlg8mnveOx7Yy2xmZWhhIJkwNxQPmjNTXf7STR40ZdFi_XyrU_Jsj-RyyFvM5ZX1X281FGAE7hTnnl5M1OJPNHTsi-u3c/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399483347112661794" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY...November 02<br /><br />Outside my window... pale morning light - cloudless sky - supposed to be nice today<br /><br />I am thinking... of how I cannot believe how messy my desk has gotten - quite shocking<br /><br />I am thankful for... having the day off tomorrow<br /><br />I am wearing... flannel nightgown, slippers<br /><br />I am remembering... times spent with my cousins, playing at Grandma's<br /><br />I am going... to the thrift store tomorrow - they moved and have tons of new stuff out<br /><br />I am reading... not much, haven't had time lately<br /><br />I am hoping... to make it thru this week - then things should settle a bit<br /><br />On my mind... a dear friend who is hurting - prayers going out<br /><br />From the learning rooms... ordered some card-making material!<br /><br />Noticing that... the light is so different with this time change<br /><br />Pondering these words... Psalms 102:25-28<br /><br />From the kitchen... spagetti and garlic bread<br /><br />Around the house... not much, sweep and mop kitchen<br /><br />One of my favorite things . . .walking thru fallen leaves - crunching them<br /><br />got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook</a>?Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-11389022463178454592009-10-29T08:19:00.006-05:002009-10-29T08:51:34.512-05:00Fun with Frugality - Eating Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpmNVI_1R-C8vdxqcL2vPvZ3jma1OvJFNmcqEg0hocYgcnSSJQ9_J0QVEF6OO2LXqmkrH2hfs80Z7lBqDceP9s16z6rWK4SVfujWKp3mHMWIe70pX5zMb9xDP_x4nceAJslTisy6PbvY/s1600-h/penny+pinching.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 95px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpmNVI_1R-C8vdxqcL2vPvZ3jma1OvJFNmcqEg0hocYgcnSSJQ9_J0QVEF6OO2LXqmkrH2hfs80Z7lBqDceP9s16z6rWK4SVfujWKp3mHMWIe70pX5zMb9xDP_x4nceAJslTisy6PbvY/s320/penny+pinching.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398011540412108786" /></a><br /><br />I am here to give you my take on the economy. Now, granted, I am no expert. But I have been pretty frugal all my life (out of necessity) and now, while not so much of a necessity, it has become habit and I enjoy it. Today I want to speak about eating out. <br /><br />I know, the first thought is - What? She is telling me to be frugal and then telling me to eat out? Not at all, dear readers. What I would like to tell you is how you can fit a little eating out now and then into a frugal food budget. <br /><br />First of all, I would like to explain that I live in a small town (10,000) in the Midwest. We do not have a lot of options here. Also, while I know that a lot of fast food is not healthy, once in a while it will not kill you. I am very time crunched a lot of days and I think that my crew appreciates a change now and then.<br /><br />1) Try ethnic restaurants. Often, small ethnic restaurants have cheaper menus than other franchises. Plus, you get the added bonus of trying something that you might really discover you like. Here in the Midwest, we do not have a lot of ethnic restaurants, so this is not much of an option for us. <br /><br />2) Order off the lunch menu. A lot of times the dinner menu is just too much food for me. Another thing I would like to explain here is that I dislike eating in a restaurant. I prefer to get my food to go and eat it at home. So, for example, sometimes if we order Chinese for lunch, I will order an extra. Then, I take it home and heat it up for supper. <br /><br />3) Order takeout or carry out or delivery. Usually - not always, but usually - you get more food with a takeout option than you do if you eat in the restaurant. Example - our local Chinese restaurant lunch specials (around $6) will easily feed me for 2 meals. One of our local Mexican restaurants has a fajita special - you get beef, chicken, shrimp and chorizo with onions and peppers, refried beans, rice, guacamole, fresh salsa, chips, tortillas, lettuce and sour cream (around $12)- will feed 4 people easily. There is usually a delivery charge, so if possible, go pick your food up.<br /><br />4) Drinks are always costly. Ice water with lemon works nicely for me, if I am eating in. If eating at home or work, grab a can of soda or glass of water - much cheaper. <br /><br />5) Clip your coupons. We regularly get coupons in the mail for Arby's, Hardee's, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Sonic. Some places will let you use the coupons more than once. <br /><br />6) Buy a local discount card. I work with a lady who has a son in Boy Scouts. They sell a card every year for $10. The card is good for all year. It has all kinds of discounts on it, some of them a one time use, but most of the restaurants listed are multi-use - you can use them all year, as many times as you like. Granted, some of them are only 10% off, but that at least pays for your tax! Check with your schools to see if they sell any such thing. <br /><br />7) Order off of the children's menu. This is great for me, especially at a fast food restaurant - just enough food, not too much and I get a toy - I have a Sunday School Class and this goes into the grab bag for treats. The kids love it!<br /><br />8) Check out local fundraisers. We are always seeing adds for local chicken dinners, hog roasts, etc. Some of the food is quite good and the price per plate less than what you would pay for fast food. <br /><br />9) Sometimes buffet to go is the way to eat. For example - at our local chinese buffet you can get buffet to go for around $7 a pound. To eat in at the buffet costs $14 per person. Now, I don't know about you, but if I eat at a buffet, I tend to over-eat and be miserable. So get the buffet to go, usually a pound or less is plenty for me - 2 pounds if hubby is eating as well. There - 2 people ate for the price of 1. <br /><br />Well, there you have them, my biggest tips for Fun with Frugality - Eating Out. Do any of you have any tips to add? We all need to stick together in these hard economic times. <br /><br />Wishing you joy and happiness on this Thursday - RaquelRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-11153713375936384902009-10-12T06:23:00.004-05:002009-10-12T06:38:24.267-05:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkWiflhUKmcICS7f0hLM6x2N3n_5pSIX3Vx4CXhD7rE4QDRdxSIa5kTtkWSHrvU0wkNkYqFMSoQk9Z6gcv6GGaDbydQ1ouGih4ky_LRofeAZmQQT9RUw6x-iHehepiW0uPcjuHrLmNE8/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkWiflhUKmcICS7f0hLM6x2N3n_5pSIX3Vx4CXhD7rE4QDRdxSIa5kTtkWSHrvU0wkNkYqFMSoQk9Z6gcv6GGaDbydQ1ouGih4ky_LRofeAZmQQT9RUw6x-iHehepiW0uPcjuHrLmNE8/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391672900890906898" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY October 12, 2009...<br /><br />Outside my window...Hmm. . . it is still too dark to see anything, I will be glad when the time changes (although I just wish they would leave it one way or the other)<br /><br />I am thinking... of what a lovely weekend I spent and I am sorry to see it go<br /><br />I am thankful for... a loving Honey - we had our first anniversary yesterday and such a sweet day!<br /><br />From the learning rooms...toilet paper roll pumpkins - pics to come later<br /><br />From the kitchen...Potato and leek soup, old-fashioned molasses cookies<br /><br />I am wearing... fuzzy pink PJ pants with stars on them, hot pink tee<br /><br />I am creating...Teapot bookmarks - will post a pic when I am done<br /><br />I am going...to run by Wal-Mart tonite to pick up some green pipe cleaners and some boucle yarn<br /><br />I am reading...my new Tea Time Magazine<br /><br />I am hoping...to get my relish done tomorrow - also a mini batch of peach jam and some apple chutney<br /><br />I am hearing...just the quiet hum of the 'puter<br /><br />Around the house...*embarrassed* quite a lot actually - I spent a nice lazy weekend. I need to vacuum, clean the bathroom and wash another couple loads of laundry<br /><br />One of my favorite things... is glitter. I love to decorate things with glitter. One can never have enough, can they? All different colors . . .<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Working of course - make pumpkins and bookmarks, decorations and snacks for tea party on Saturday, Bible Study Wednesday (as well as my birthday!)finish putting away winter clothes and pack summer ones, making relish and chutney, jam<br /><br />Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Will be posting these later<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">Daybook</a> . . . it's what to do today!<br /><br />I am also thinking about doing some frugal posts - giving you my ideas and viewsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-84223376150750759922009-10-05T21:12:00.004-05:002009-10-05T21:25:06.668-05:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr7-eTy1uFmuLUBqJRnnjC8V8uisLGAqIAMiebMYuuq6fRSyUUUuHSHVJWS-6PkLIYY0R7RcArola-S3NMFavZZeLz6DRQXsD6sf1Bfkhh-xpaYWJa524UJO_kHE37TOgKLJYAT7l5c8/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr7-eTy1uFmuLUBqJRnnjC8V8uisLGAqIAMiebMYuuq6fRSyUUUuHSHVJWS-6PkLIYY0R7RcArola-S3NMFavZZeLz6DRQXsD6sf1Bfkhh-xpaYWJa524UJO_kHE37TOgKLJYAT7l5c8/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389304217997688034" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY October 5, 2009...<br /><br />Outside my window... a bright, mysterious moon sails in a sea of scuddy clouds, riding on the coming waves of a thunderstorm<br /><br />I am thinking...of how richly the Lord has seen fit to bless me<br /><br />I am thankful for...an understanding Honey that took me to our favorite pizza joint for supper tonite!<br /><br />From the learning rooms...teaching a student at work - keeps me sharp!<br /><br />From the kitchen... probably Cetak's weiners tomorrow nite, need to make some oatmeal cookies<br /><br />I am wearing...my celery green nightie, all lacy and feminine<br /><br />I am creating...a splendiferous tea party<br /><br />I am going...to be slipping off to bed right soon!<br /><br />I am reading... an Egyptian short story mystery book<br /><br />I am hoping...that my arm will not hurt too much- got my flu shot today at work<br /><br />I am hearing...Honey gently snoring, the fan on the 'puter, my keys clicking away<br /><br />Around the house... sweep and mop kitchen, get winter clothes out and put away, clean tub<br /><br />One of my favorite things...is roses - I picked up half a dozen red ones today at Aldi for . . . . . $1.99!<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Wednesday night we have a small fellowship at church, so Tuesday I will be doing some cooking, then Friday night we are going to a dear aunt and uncles to do some cast iron cooking over the campfire, Saturday - not sure then Sunday is our Anniversary<br /><br />Here is picture for thought I am sharing...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwN48NEtSoI_VVkiZ_8GLWXmAt9Ml1hPkAXvxoFoz_DjwoAC5bryQS6gnN4DjqBtEDUpnLLvjK99GH49wWjvKQV89OdOxKypuqorKAkOlwjZFkc6qqEgVV8fvdO5V_O4v6O8DmU1-qlk/s1600-h/pictures+09-21-09+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwN48NEtSoI_VVkiZ_8GLWXmAt9Ml1hPkAXvxoFoz_DjwoAC5bryQS6gnN4DjqBtEDUpnLLvjK99GH49wWjvKQV89OdOxKypuqorKAkOlwjZFkc6qqEgVV8fvdO5V_O4v6O8DmU1-qlk/s320/pictures+09-21-09+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389306783189405538" /></a><br /><br />My front door!<br /><br />Got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-62547059925658634532009-09-29T06:25:00.004-05:002009-09-29T06:38:34.951-05:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOzFIeYRr7CRqp-7JeVrP20BHDtXipg2CGRN-xzZzcQ5pnU69LBiY54QP3KmqMpqkWRKtiCR5x0njWcv2hGnduehVQMLWH4trar_IKn37_GBEeQg_fuHf-KBxyLMwu5nd7dqD_USeiIY/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOzFIeYRr7CRqp-7JeVrP20BHDtXipg2CGRN-xzZzcQ5pnU69LBiY54QP3KmqMpqkWRKtiCR5x0njWcv2hGnduehVQMLWH4trar_IKn37_GBEeQg_fuHf-KBxyLMwu5nd7dqD_USeiIY/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386849622145599058" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY...September 29th <br /><br />Outside my window...inky darkness with just a few twinkling lights here and there<br /><br />I am thinking...of how grateful I will be to get our current inspection at work over with<br /><br />I am thankful for...the knowledge that my Savior loved me so much that he bled and died for me<br /><br />I am wearing...big gray tee, blue paisley PJ pants<br /><br />I am remembering...Autumns as a child, how beautiful the earth is at this time of year<br /><br />I am going...to a fancy dress dinner on Saturday - WAAAAAYYYYY out of my element<br /><br />I am reading...still in Psalms and reading The Twisted Root by Anne Perry<br /><br />I am hoping... to get some cookies baked this evening<br /><br />On my mind...a dear auntie with cancer<br /><br />Noticing that...the air is getting quite chilly lately<br /><br />Pondering these words...Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not lest ye be judged ...."<br /><br />From the kitchen...Pork chops, mashed potatoes, cauliflower cheese, fresh tomato, biscuits, oatmeal scotchies<br /><br />Around the house...little touches of autumn peeking out<br /><br />One of my favorite things ... Being able to have my windows open<br /><br />From my picture journal...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTckIS_BnstIikXP00cjnLPT9sWX_w2p6QzXbUySfC_7uVo_Wk0N7dsh_rCdMjWAGf7pveyWFb_VV4llZ8bo8Du1Gn125Iiq0jwmnv2z-C1B7zJQne_NaxPOaDkB-7TzxmvyYjKK75a8/s1600-h/pictures+09-21-09+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTckIS_BnstIikXP00cjnLPT9sWX_w2p6QzXbUySfC_7uVo_Wk0N7dsh_rCdMjWAGf7pveyWFb_VV4llZ8bo8Du1Gn125Iiq0jwmnv2z-C1B7zJQne_NaxPOaDkB-7TzxmvyYjKK75a8/s320/pictures+09-21-09+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386851847061701682" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KhZvRuNhnm_RXFv_0KNm1qeenCQC9bRK8vGKnfNH9UN462WkJPHhOPoYWawPsADdM4XRXe0BxMuZvkACyqjnGkHFM7f7nrvLRuGLKmzRffSPcO90wa0gc9zTfKajQu09B-bGt8BOOuk/s1600-h/pictures+09-21-09+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KhZvRuNhnm_RXFv_0KNm1qeenCQC9bRK8vGKnfNH9UN462WkJPHhOPoYWawPsADdM4XRXe0BxMuZvkACyqjnGkHFM7f7nrvLRuGLKmzRffSPcO90wa0gc9zTfKajQu09B-bGt8BOOuk/s320/pictures+09-21-09+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386851835331577346" /></a><br /> <br />I will be back on later to give you a recipe and some pics.<br /><br />Got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-45622211319979510242009-09-21T07:27:00.005-05:002009-09-27T07:17:22.377-05:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FqW3FAnZcMV4f2rc2GiYXZw95d1pEYR4qSI0RuTsvG8tclTlOS-fgfF4rGzkWCkMAZtX-KFaw2pnfG0lPUd54y-gQOetRy52UbbHyaBpSD_CAVF2Kos1eYTq2Pqm7eFT3wXIr-ODNT8/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FqW3FAnZcMV4f2rc2GiYXZw95d1pEYR4qSI0RuTsvG8tclTlOS-fgfF4rGzkWCkMAZtX-KFaw2pnfG0lPUd54y-gQOetRy52UbbHyaBpSD_CAVF2Kos1eYTq2Pqm7eFT3wXIr-ODNT8/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386119361856038402" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY(September 21, 2009)...<br /><br />Outside my window... Puffy clouds in a bright blue sky! I love the bright blue sky that autumn brings!<br /><br />I am thinking... of all I want to do today versus all I must do today<br /><br />I am thankful for...Jesus and all he has done for me<br /><br />I am remembering ... wow - has it been almost a year since I got married? Less than a month to go to our anniversary. I remember how unsure I was - silly me!<br /><br />From the learning rooms... putting together a Harvest Moon tea party - decorations, food, invitations, games . . . <br /><br />From the kitchen... freezing pesto and marinara sauce, baking banana bread and wheat rolls, Roasting chicken and potatoes Anna, plus cauliflower with cheese<br /><br />I am wearing...cream colored PJ's with roses on them - so girly! A gift from my dear mother.<br /> <br />On my mind ... A dear sister who had been coming to church and now won't even accept our calls. Praying that whatever is wrong will come out and be dealt with.<br /><br />I am creating...teapots. Not clay ones, they are done on cardstock, but what fun! <br /><br />I am going... to take my dear kittie to the vet this afternoon - oh he hates that. He needs his blood sugar checked and if it is okay, does not have to go back for another year.<br /><br />I am reading... Still in Psalms - just soaking it in. The Twisted Root by Anne Perry.<br /><br />Noticing that ...it is starting to get dark so early in the evenings! Yep, fall is here all right!<br /><br />I am hoping...that our family reunion coming up this weekend will go smoothly<br /><br />I am hearing...just the fan on my computer and the soft ticking of the clock. <br /><br />Around the house... Vacuuming, clean the tub, sweep and mop the kitchen, a couple of loads of laundry. Then I am cleaning out and organizing my pantry - it has gotten a bit of a mess.<br /><br />Pondering these words... Psalms 46:2 "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas." Amplified version<br />"Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" KJV -- Wow - what a promise - what do we have to be scared of?<br /><br />One of my favorite things... is my new parallel Bible. KJV on one side of the page and amplified on the other - much easier to understand that way<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: working (of course), then getting ready as we have a family reunion on Saturday<br /><br />Here is picture for thought I am sharing...no pictures today as blogger will not allow me to upload any images at all. Bummer - I was going to show you one of my teapots and my candied rose petals. Hmmmm . . . maybe I can do this later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUCpOc4R91uWHO7g_JAHhDGBy9xV6iRIHkjeStLD8Pc9szS4x4MLOn2Ru8VlDZVmS9u-DmQwAhOEyPNuEuYS_5PhthBx1X0SG82k6fnvr7bxGGbqzMLP9VZiVWXe9TnUy1MFCzsPMD2s/s1600-h/pictures+09-21-09+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUCpOc4R91uWHO7g_JAHhDGBy9xV6iRIHkjeStLD8Pc9szS4x4MLOn2Ru8VlDZVmS9u-DmQwAhOEyPNuEuYS_5PhthBx1X0SG82k6fnvr7bxGGbqzMLP9VZiVWXe9TnUy1MFCzsPMD2s/s320/pictures+09-21-09+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386119716153630338" /></a> Not done yet, still have to add some glitz and such!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-Tmx2GP2IyP1zgpNVo8PXVA2AdyOA3nBV5b7_NHEJXqBY4W-MmxnK1gG1RYGK8Z5lh_FeFsw1ImkgCX28eVK0Zl7NNKlVCqwXWWdMhbW5RVnGtaAQS6hf_-UlZdmdC7en_HpiTCRsqY/s1600-h/pictures+09-21-09+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-Tmx2GP2IyP1zgpNVo8PXVA2AdyOA3nBV5b7_NHEJXqBY4W-MmxnK1gG1RYGK8Z5lh_FeFsw1ImkgCX28eVK0Zl7NNKlVCqwXWWdMhbW5RVnGtaAQS6hf_-UlZdmdC7en_HpiTCRsqY/s320/pictures+09-21-09+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386119722226363106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">Peggy</a> is our gracious host - go on and take a look at everyone else!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1245263708699503776.post-60716523661663820862009-09-15T06:50:00.003-05:002009-09-15T07:02:45.468-05:00Simple Woman's Daybook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4ptM0L6ZHAviACf6bd2kPTPGTJwqJvRX2JzdJmM685hqrmPp7kW_KNcfoRJfm0qmqBNmsqJSXD9yMuGLyrzBPFRGvZ7ifw-0CEvxeMiFStirMSMligGLYyTW63nVk_-bQ73jLPI3Ve0/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4ptM0L6ZHAviACf6bd2kPTPGTJwqJvRX2JzdJmM685hqrmPp7kW_KNcfoRJfm0qmqBNmsqJSXD9yMuGLyrzBPFRGvZ7ifw-0CEvxeMiFStirMSMligGLYyTW63nVk_-bQ73jLPI3Ve0/s320/simple-woman-daybook-large-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381660592516225282" /></a><br /><br />FOR TODAY(September 15, 2009)...<br /><br />Outside my window... A cloudy sky - possible rain today<br /><br />I am thinking...that I really need to be more organized and stop leaving this so late!<br /><br />I am thankful for... A job that supplies my needs<br /><br />From the kitchen... Chili with corn chips and cheese<br /><br />I am wearing...my star-spangled nightie<br /><br />I am creating... a Harvest Moon teaparty, to be held in October - having such fun with everything involved!<br /><br />I am going... shopping at the Mennonite stores and to Burger's Smokehouse on Thursday!!<br /><br />I am reading... Psalms - KJV, Breach of Promise by Anne Perry<br /><br />I am hoping... that we can get a certain bill paid off by the end of the year<br /><br />I am hearing... the fan running, the computer humming<br /><br />Around the house... Hmmmm . . . not a lot, I do need to dust and wash the windows in the kitchen and the doors<br /><br />One of my favorite things... is getting up early in the morning - I feel it gives me a good headstart on the day<br /><br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Work today, Bible Study tomorrow, Shopping Thursday, Work again Friday and the weekend and then off on Monday<br /><br />Here is picture for thought I am sharing...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7ZPwA_p_cH1d3Wea9Uva6AFfOv4nYcPjqjpyRMBvzzFOZwb5I52Wa4xMjkSVaXRkF5-X6LNVTUo5AC0N2X9LSTg-FOneX8Zj7hKiB_qN_35MqDQaKtsZp2E0cD2-edHf_i3MCQ37wXg/s1600-h/Picture+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7ZPwA_p_cH1d3Wea9Uva6AFfOv4nYcPjqjpyRMBvzzFOZwb5I52Wa4xMjkSVaXRkF5-X6LNVTUo5AC0N2X9LSTg-FOneX8Zj7hKiB_qN_35MqDQaKtsZp2E0cD2-edHf_i3MCQ37wXg/s320/Picture+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381662116343711010" /></a><br /><br />One of our tomato plants. They have done so well, around on the west side of the house. We got them planted so late, I wondered if we would get anything, but we are quite pleased. In fact, I need to freeze some more. We have eaten so many fresh - they are so good!<br /><br />We had Jewels' Dijon Chicken last night and it was soooo good. So simple - just brown sugar, grainy Dijon mustard, a bit of lemon juice and boneless, skinless chicken breast. Bakes so quickly and what flavor! <br /><br />Got <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">daybook?</a><br /><br />Peggy hosts every week and it is such fun!!!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05926021350441597268noreply@blogger.com1