Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Monday, January 25, 2010

Outside my window... Still inky black, up early today

I am thinking... of how I really enjoyed my weekend, even tho I had to work

I am thankful for... My job, even if it does drive me bonkers most days

I am wearing... pink bunny pajamas and a sweater - it's gotten COLD outside

I am remembering... such sweet kisses from my little Gwennie pig

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

I am currently reading... A Sherlock Holmes story

I am hoping... to watch the rest of Return to Cranford today

On my mind... organizing everything around here

Noticing that... I have been really lax in keeping this blog up!

From the kitchen... Leek and Potato Soup, lemon pie. Later on in the week - Green Chili Beef Burritos, chicken tetrazzini, teriyaki pork tenderloin

Around the house... sweep and mop - again! Otherwise, organizing my cabinets

One of my favorite things . . . food magazines! I am hopelessly addicted!

From my picture journal...


It's CAT TV! Honey put up a bird-squirrel feeder just outside the living room window. Constant, non-stop entertainment for the kittie!

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Chicken Tetrazzini

1 (16 ounce) package thin spaghetti (I like to use cavatappi)
1/3 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
1-2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (or use 1-2 cans sliced drained mushrooms)
1/4 cup whipping cream
3 cups chopped cooked chicken or cooked turkey
1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen peas
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

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).

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.

Recipe originally from Kittencal on Recipezaar. I modified just a tidge.

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!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY(January 19, 2010)... Pretend its Monday

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

I am thinking... of how lovely it will be when Spring arrives

I am thankful for...the day off today. It is now Friday!

From the kitchen... Roast Chicken, potatoes, broccoli and cheese, wheat rolls

I am wearing... jammies!

I am creating... a tax return!

I am going... to hopefully take my little great-niece to McDonald's for lunch later today

I am reading... 14,000 things to be happy about

I am hoping... that my dear SIL has a speedy recovery from back surgery

I am hearing...the quiet hum of the 'puter

Around the house...sweep and mop, vacuum, straighten up kitchen cabinets

One of my favorite things... sending something to someone - "just because"

A few plans for the rest of the week: Well, off today, work the weekend, off Monday

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A little gray squirrel we have - not sure if you can tell, but his ears are white!



And now for those pickles I was telling you about!

Jane Maynard Pickles

Hot, sweet, dilly, garlicky and incredibly crisp - oh Mamma!

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!

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.

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.

First, take a jar of pickles. The amounts I am going to give you are for a gallon 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.)

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.



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.



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.

You need to let these season for at least 2 weeks before eating.

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.



Amounts for the smaller jars:

juice - 3/4 plus 1/3 cup
garlic - 4 cloves
red pepper flakes - 1/2 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon
Tabasco - 1-1/4 teaspoons
sugar - 4-1/4 plus 1/8 cup

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... January 04, 2010

Outside my window... cold, cold, cold with fresh snow - so pretty

I am thinking... of how I dread work today

I am thankful for... a wonderful husband who is so patient with me

I am wearing... Jammies - gotta get ready for work tho

I am remembering... of how gorgeous it was watching it snow yesterday - so peaceful

I am going... to nip by Aldi's later and pick up some staples - milk, bread, eggs

I am currently reading... 14,000 things to be happy about

I am hoping... that my SIL's back surgery goes well today

On my mind... just realized today is my MIL's B-day and we forgot!

Noticing that... deliberately living simple is so much easier!

From the kitchen... soft tacos and yellow rice

Around the house... Not a lot, do need to sweep, mop and vacuum

One of my favorite things . . . putting up and taking down the Christmas Tree

From my picture journal... be posting this later, Must hurry off to work

Also I will be posting a recipe - and pictures - for the most beautiful pickles you have ever eaten!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... December 7th, 2009

Outside my window... cold, gray skies and the promise of snow - or ice tomorrow

I am thinking... that I really kind of enjoy working the early shift

I am thankful for... a nice warm house

I am wearing... black penny loafers, hose, black straight skirt, black turtleneck with my sage green work polo over top

I am remembering... how beautiful the birds are against the snow

I am going... to the British store - possibly - this weekend

I am currently reading... my new Appalachian cookbook

I am hoping... for a snowy winter

On my mind... a dear sister who lives alone - must go see her and take her some holiday cheer

Noticing that... people are so fearful - of so many things

From the kitchen... beef enchiladas, chocolate chip cookies, homemade rolls

Around the house... Just a bit of picking up here and there

One of my favorite things . . . making homemade gifts for loved ones

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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!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... November 23, 2009

Outside my window... inky blackness - Ha, I am up early this time

I am thinking... how blessed I am to have a savior who died for me

I am thankful for... a job to go to - even if it has been crazy this last week

I am wearing... blue knit nightie with stars on it

I am remembering... the noodles my grandma used to make - how I wish I could taste them again!

I am going... to be off Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, AND the weekend!

I am reading... nothing much right now except for the Bible . . . have some Sherlock Holmes pastiches ready for me, tho!

I am hoping... to get some cards made here soon - at least I will have time off to do it

On my mind... people with nowhere to go for Thanksgiving - no family

Noticing that... the older I get, the more precious my time with Jesus becomes

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

Around the house... not too bad, I will clean the bathroom tonite, vacuuming

One of my favorite things~ my little ceramic heater

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

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I will do some catching up and get some pictures going this week - promise!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... November 9th, 2009

Outside my window... Gray skies . . . nothing but gray skies

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!

I am thankful for... good friends and good fellowship

I am wearing... a white nightgown

I am remembering... Thanksgivings past - good times with family

I am going... to be busy, busy at work this week

I am reading... Stillmeadow and Sugarbridge - found at the thrift store for a quarter!

I am hoping... to get some organizing done this week

On my mind... the soldier's families at Ft. Hood - praying for peace

Noticing that... it gets dark SOOO early now - cozy evenings here I come!

Pondering these words... If you want to measure a man's integrity - give him power. I think George Washington said that.

From the kitchen... pancakes, eggs and sausage - by request of my menfolk

Around the house... not a lot - I think one more load of laundry and a bit of organizing

One of my favorite things . . .fixing my Honey's breakfast - knowing that I am giving him a good start to the day

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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.

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!

Fun with Frugality - Entertainment

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!

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.

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.

3) Use your friends. We borrow DVDs back and forth with our friends. And some books.

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.

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.

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.

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!

These are just a few low-cost things that can be done for entertainment. What are some of your ideas readers?

Hope everyone has a lovely day today!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 02

Outside my window... pale morning light - cloudless sky - supposed to be nice today

I am thinking... of how I cannot believe how messy my desk has gotten - quite shocking

I am thankful for... having the day off tomorrow

I am wearing... flannel nightgown, slippers

I am remembering... times spent with my cousins, playing at Grandma's

I am going... to the thrift store tomorrow - they moved and have tons of new stuff out

I am reading... not much, haven't had time lately

I am hoping... to make it thru this week - then things should settle a bit

On my mind... a dear friend who is hurting - prayers going out

From the learning rooms... ordered some card-making material!

Noticing that... the light is so different with this time change

Pondering these words... Psalms 102:25-28

From the kitchen... spagetti and garlic bread

Around the house... not much, sweep and mop kitchen

One of my favorite things . . .walking thru fallen leaves - crunching them

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Fun with Frugality - Eating Out

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Wishing you joy and happiness on this Thursday - Raquel

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 12, 2009...

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)

I am thinking... of what a lovely weekend I spent and I am sorry to see it go

I am thankful for... a loving Honey - we had our first anniversary yesterday and such a sweet day!

From the learning rooms...toilet paper roll pumpkins - pics to come later

From the kitchen...Potato and leek soup, old-fashioned molasses cookies

I am wearing... fuzzy pink PJ pants with stars on them, hot pink tee

I am creating...Teapot bookmarks - will post a pic when I am done

I am going...to run by Wal-Mart tonite to pick up some green pipe cleaners and some boucle yarn

I am reading...my new Tea Time Magazine

I am hoping...to get my relish done tomorrow - also a mini batch of peach jam and some apple chutney

I am hearing...just the quiet hum of the 'puter

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

One of my favorite things... is glitter. I love to decorate things with glitter. One can never have enough, can they? All different colors . . .

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

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Will be posting these later


Daybook . . . it's what to do today!

I am also thinking about doing some frugal posts - giving you my ideas and views

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 5, 2009...

Outside my window... a bright, mysterious moon sails in a sea of scuddy clouds, riding on the coming waves of a thunderstorm

I am thinking...of how richly the Lord has seen fit to bless me

I am thankful for...an understanding Honey that took me to our favorite pizza joint for supper tonite!

From the learning rooms...teaching a student at work - keeps me sharp!

From the kitchen... probably Cetak's weiners tomorrow nite, need to make some oatmeal cookies

I am wearing...my celery green nightie, all lacy and feminine

I am creating...a splendiferous tea party

I am going...to be slipping off to bed right soon!

I am reading... an Egyptian short story mystery book

I am hoping...that my arm will not hurt too much- got my flu shot today at work

I am hearing...Honey gently snoring, the fan on the 'puter, my keys clicking away

Around the house... sweep and mop kitchen, get winter clothes out and put away, clean tub

One of my favorite things...is roses - I picked up half a dozen red ones today at Aldi for . . . . . $1.99!

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

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



My front door!

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...September 29th

Outside my window...inky darkness with just a few twinkling lights here and there

I am thinking...of how grateful I will be to get our current inspection at work over with

I am thankful for...the knowledge that my Savior loved me so much that he bled and died for me

I am wearing...big gray tee, blue paisley PJ pants

I am remembering...Autumns as a child, how beautiful the earth is at this time of year

I am going...to a fancy dress dinner on Saturday - WAAAAAYYYYY out of my element

I am reading...still in Psalms and reading The Twisted Root by Anne Perry

I am hoping... to get some cookies baked this evening

On my mind...a dear auntie with cancer

Noticing that...the air is getting quite chilly lately

Pondering these words...Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not lest ye be judged ...."

From the kitchen...Pork chops, mashed potatoes, cauliflower cheese, fresh tomato, biscuits, oatmeal scotchies

Around the house...little touches of autumn peeking out

One of my favorite things ... Being able to have my windows open

From my picture journal...





I will be back on later to give you a recipe and some pics.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY(September 21, 2009)...

Outside my window... Puffy clouds in a bright blue sky! I love the bright blue sky that autumn brings!

I am thinking... of all I want to do today versus all I must do today

I am thankful for...Jesus and all he has done for me

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!

From the learning rooms... putting together a Harvest Moon tea party - decorations, food, invitations, games . . .

From the kitchen... freezing pesto and marinara sauce, baking banana bread and wheat rolls, Roasting chicken and potatoes Anna, plus cauliflower with cheese

I am wearing...cream colored PJ's with roses on them - so girly! A gift from my dear mother.

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.

I am creating...teapots. Not clay ones, they are done on cardstock, but what fun!

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.

I am reading... Still in Psalms - just soaking it in. The Twisted Root by Anne Perry.

Noticing that ...it is starting to get dark so early in the evenings! Yep, fall is here all right!

I am hoping...that our family reunion coming up this weekend will go smoothly

I am hearing...just the fan on my computer and the soft ticking of the clock.

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.

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
"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?

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

A few plans for the rest of the week: working (of course), then getting ready as we have a family reunion on Saturday

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.

Not done yet, still have to add some glitz and such!



Peggy is our gracious host - go on and take a look at everyone else!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY(September 15, 2009)...

Outside my window... A cloudy sky - possible rain today

I am thinking...that I really need to be more organized and stop leaving this so late!

I am thankful for... A job that supplies my needs

From the kitchen... Chili with corn chips and cheese

I am wearing...my star-spangled nightie

I am creating... a Harvest Moon teaparty, to be held in October - having such fun with everything involved!

I am going... shopping at the Mennonite stores and to Burger's Smokehouse on Thursday!!

I am reading... Psalms - KJV, Breach of Promise by Anne Perry

I am hoping... that we can get a certain bill paid off by the end of the year

I am hearing... the fan running, the computer humming

Around the house... Hmmmm . . . not a lot, I do need to dust and wash the windows in the kitchen and the doors

One of my favorite things... is getting up early in the morning - I feel it gives me a good headstart on the day

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

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



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!

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!

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Peggy hosts every week and it is such fun!!!

Apron Giveaway

Hurry, 'cause the deadline is close. Scoot on over to Pansy's Cottage and enter to win this gorgeous apron!

Labor Day Daybook

FOR TODAY (September 07, 2009)...

Outside my window... Heavy fog, hazing everything with droplets of water, giving the world a sort of fantasy-like feeling - beautiful

I am thinking... of how thankful I am to have the day off today

I am thankful for... good friends, good fellowship at church yesterday

From the learning rooms... working on an Autumn Leaves devotional

From the kitchen... mostly leftovers from yesterday - BBQ, 10-layer salad, etc.

I am wearing... khaki skirt, gray tee, purple slippers, white sweater

I am creating... an Autumn Leaves tea party for next month

I am going... to spend most of my day with my parents - Honey is installing a new microwave for them

I am reading... Breach of promise by Anne Perry; Psalms in the Bible

I am hoping...that the fall weather we have been having will last for a good long while yet

I am hearing... Honey making the bed

Around the house... sweep and mop in the kitchen, quickie clean the tub and I am good to go!!

One of my favorite things... is hot chocolate - in the morning, at night, in the afternoon . . .

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, of course; hoping my roses will bloom so I can make some more candied rose petals; work on menu for tea party

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Idn't he cute? And look how fat he is! He comes up on our front porch railing and eats - the kitty can watch him out the window. We have a feeder set up on the back porch rail also.

Now for a goooooood recipe!

10-layer salad

Yes, this is just an embellishment on 7-layer salad, but I can't count very well!

Romaine lettuce or a nice mix
Chopped, seeded cucumber
Chopped onion
Chopped red pepper
Frozen peas, thawed
Hard boiled eggs, chopped
Shredded Swiss Cheese
Crispy bacon crumbles
Chopped, seeded tomato
Dressing

This is especially pretty in a clear glass bowl, so you can see the layers, but it works equally well in a 9 x 13 cake pan.

1. Chop your lettuce - not too fine. I used all romaine because that is what they had on sale, but you can use a nice mix. I don't use iceberg very much - it is low in nutrition. Put lettuce in bowl.
2. Then chopped cucumber. If you are not using seedless, then peel them and seed them. otherwise, just chop.
3. Then onion - this can be sweet, white, green, red, whatever you like.
4. Chopped red pepper - full of vitamin C and oh, so pretty! You can use yellow or orange for color if you like.
5. Hard boiled eggs next - for these put the eggs in cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat - boil for 5 minutes, turn the burner off and leave the pan on it for another 5 minutes. Then pour the water off and shake the pan to break the shells. Cover with cold water and let sit a bit, pour that off and cover with cold water again and let it sit. Then peel - oh, so easy and chop. Use older eggs, they peel better.
6. Frozen peas - just pop these in a colander and run some water over them and swish them around with your hands.
7. Dressing - I used about 3/4 to 1 cup of mayo, about 1 tablespoon brown sugar stirred in good and probably 1/3 to 1/2 cup ranch dressing. Stir it all up good and then refrigerate for an hour or so before putting on the salad.
8. Shredded Swiss cheese.
9. Chopped, seeded tomato. Just take out all the seeds and gunk that comes with it. this prevents the salad from getting soggy.
10. Crispy bacon crumbles.

I have left most amounts off, use more or less of each to your liking. I made a pretty big bowl, hence the dressing amounts. Just before serving, toss well. As I was making it for our church dinner, I assembled layers 1-6 the night before. Then, in the morning, I added the dressing and cheese. Just before serving, I added the tomato and bacon. This makes a really easy dish, and most everyone loves it.

Hope everyone has a good day off today.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (August 17, 2009)...

Outside my window... I can just barely make out a few scuddy clouds off in the distance. Down in the yard, I see the twinkle of the crackled glass driveway lights.

I am thinking...of how blessed I have been today!

I am thankful for...God's Word that sustains our very being.

From the learning rooms... Always trying something new - this week a clone of Harry and David's red pepper and onion relish!

From the kitchen... oven baked pork chops, long-grain and wild rice, cucumbers and onions in vinegar, fresh corn on the cob, fresh home-grown tomatoes - life is good!

I am wearing...black skirt, gray t-shirt, slippers

I am creating...a menu for the rest of the week

I am going...to be slipping off to bed in a few short minutes

I am reading...Cain, His Brother by Anne Perry, Psalms and Falling in Love with Jesus by Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli

I am hoping...that I can get everything caught up tomorrow at work - almost made it today!

I am hearing...various noises - DS music and Honey's video he is watching

Around the house... clean the bathroom, a little vacuuming, sweep and mop the kitchen

One of my favorite things... is creating a daybook!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Canning a few things tomorrow, then we have company coming this weekend, so general cleaning and such

Had a lovely weekend, just wasn't long enough! We had a nice, rainy Saturday and a nice, slow Sunday. Weather has been somewhat humid but cooler here. I love the coolness, but it is not good for my tomatoes. The roses are loving the rain, however. There is a definite hint of fall in the air - YAY!!! I am planning on having a rose tea and then later an autumn leaf teaparty for the ladies in my church. Will be posting about those later.

Now . . . a nice recipe for all of my wonderful readers (thank you all for the comments - much appreciated!)

Skillet Scramble

1 smallish summer squash, chopped
1/2 cup frozen hashbrowns with onions and peppers
3 slices of thick cut bacon, chopped
1 TBSP olive oil
3 eggs
1 slice cheese

In a medium skillet, saute bacon until some of the fat renders. Then toss in the hashbrowns and squash. Cook until bacon is pretty good and done and squash and potatoes are starting to brown. Drizzle in olive oil. Break eggs into a bowl and stir all together with a bit of water. Pour eggs into the skillet and quickly scramble. Remove skillet from heat and top with cheese. Let it sit a bit to melt the cheese. Serve with toast and juice.

This makes a quick breakfast - and a sneaky way to get some veggies in! We love it! You can use a bit of sausage instead of the bacon - or ham.

Hope everyone is enjoying summer as it winds down!


Verse for Today: II Timothy, Chapter 1, Verse 7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear I know can be a crippling thing for many people. I can remember as a teenager waking up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding. My lamp was at bedside, but I was too afraid to reach over far enough to touch it. I would desperately close my eyes and try to regain sleep, while nightmare thoughts raced through my brain. A spirit of oppression, of raw, naked fear was there. Thanks to God, that spirit of fear no longer troubles me. I keep this verse handy in my mind and if that spirit ever tries to trouble me, I quote it. Because God did not give us that spirit of fear. He has given us power, love AND a sound mind! Whoo! So face that fear and tell it how big your God is!

Have a great week, I will try to be back on sooner next time!

FOR TODAY (August 10, 2009)...

Outside my window... Gray skies and clouds, rain gently wending its way down

I am thinking... of how majestic this day is!

I am thankful for... a day to myself to do whatever I want

From the learning rooms... always learning something!

From the kitchen... Hmmmm. . . ribeye steaks, fresh corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes from our own vines, sauteed summer squash - doesn't get much better. I will also be making some cookies and canning some Spicy Plum Sauce.

I am wearing... my leopard print PJs - how lazy am I?

I am creating... a haven of peace and contentment in the midst of a chaotic world

I am going... to take a shower and run to the grocery store in a few minutes

I am reading... Psalms - makes my heart sing; A Sudden and Fearful Death by Anne Perry

I am hoping... that this day will last a good long while

I am hearing... the occasional rumble of thunder - I love the sound of thunder, don't you?

Around the house... just a little, scrub the tub and a teensy bit of laundry, maybe mop the kitchen floor I do need to clean out the trunk of the car, it has gotten rather jumbled

One of my favorite things... is the sky this morning - we have gray, glowering thunderclouds floating over - but over yonder a ways there is a patch of blue sky

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hmmm . . . . working, of course. If I can get enough tomatoes, canning some pepper and onion relish, then Book Sale at work Wednesday and Thursday, then the weekend cleaning out the garage

I hope that someone still reads this, but if not, I will keep on anyway. I have been absent for a good long while, devoting my time instead to my family and to experiencing the joys of summer - melon gobbling, corn feasting, air conditioner loving. We have had a beautiful summer here in Missouri, which is quite rare. Then too, I just have not felt a huge urgency to blog. I am ready now to have this month over, as I will quite likely be working from home again then, at least most of the time, I may still have to work at the office one or two days a week. And now that I have that to look forward to, I feel like blogging again. So, sorry if I have been gone long, I have missed hearing from everyone.

Much love - Raquel

Daybook

FOR TODAY (May 18, 2009)...

Outside my window... pale sunlight tinging a cloudless sky

I am thinking... about the awesomeness of God - to think that the Lord of all creation would deem me worthy to serve him - WOW!

I am thankful for... beautiful times spent with family - shopping with my Mama, sweet baby kisses from my great-neice - these are the things that make the world go-round!

From the learning rooms... making some rose petal jelly today

From the kitchen... Pork chops, cheezy potato pancakes, sauteed spinach, chocolate chip croissant bread pudding

I am wearing... green pajamas with cupcakes on them (not real cupcakes, printed ones!)

I am creating... a surprise package for a sweet friend!

I am going...to enjoy my whole day today!

I am reading... the end of the book of Job, Thomas Costain's the Last Plantaganets

I am hoping... that my storage room is completed this week!

I am hearing...the hum of the computer and the twittering of the Baltimore Orioles - they want MORE jelly!

Around the house... not a lot - change the sheets, mop kitchen floor, vacuum. Otherwise, we are pretty good.

One of my favorite things... is making a menu - so much easier to shop.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today I am going to Moms and make Rose Petal Jelly. Working of course, hopefully finishing storage room and getting tomatoes out.

Here is picture thought I am sharing..



My sweet little Woogie cat wanting out!

Got daybook?

Sorry it has been so long since I posted. I have been busy living the seasons!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (April 20, 2009)...

Outside my window... A clear sky! Thank you Lord, it has rained ALL weekend!

I am thinking... of what to give to my supervisor - she just became Gramma this week!

I am thankful for... the fact that we had business at our garage sale this weekend - Rained all day and there were 97 other garage sales in town the same day.

From the learning rooms...studying up on roses and begin cutting out a new apron.

From the kitchen... Dark chocolate cherry muffins, chicken enchilada bake.

I am wearing...yellow shorts, gray t-shirt (my night clothes)

I am creating...surprise bags for the ladies I am traveling with later this week!

I am going... to go to a Ladie's Retreat on Thursday - Can't Wait for Floodgates!

I am reading... The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry.

I am hoping...that the weather will be nice this coming weekend.

I am hearing...the dishwasher, my little ceramic heater taking the chill off, Honey running water in the bathroom.

Around the house...Vacuuming, ironing, just a little general straightening.

One of my favorite things... is raspberry jam!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tonight straighten up house. Tomorrow take boxes of left-over garage sale items to the Samaritan Center. Thursday - off to the Ladie's Retreat!

Here is picture thought I am sharing..

Aren't they beautiful - precious sisters in the Lord praying for one another!

Got daybook? If not - go get it!

Hope that you all had a good week last week - mine was pretty consumed with the garage sale and we had inspection at work. Also, our cat was diagnosed with diabetes and was quite sick all last weekend. He is much better now, but we are having to give him insulin injections twice a day. Anywhoo - we are back on track now, weather is gorgeous today. We have planted 2 rose bushes - a Charlotte Armstrong and a Touch of Class. We also planted a Japanese cherry tree - a gift to me from Honey for our 6-month anniversary!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

This is the dessert that I made for Easter - very rich!

1 1/2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (or chocolate wafer crumbs)
3 tablespoons melted butter

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk (such as Eaglebrand)
3 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon flour

Mix oreo crumbs and butter in a bowl. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan on the bottom.

Heat oven to 300F.

In a bowl mix cream cheese, milk, eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup chocolate chips with flour. Stir into cheese mixture. Pour into springform pan. Top with remaining chocolate chips.

Bake for 1 hour (i had to make mine a bit longer, maybe 10 minutes or so)

Cool and chill overnight before serving.