Catching Up

Well, I see I haven't blogged (that is a new verb) since the very end of September.  I really haven't been very creative, inspired, nor have I had much time.  Not to mention that my computer gets taken away from me a lot now.  We have doubled the size of the business, with 2 trucks going out daily and have hired office help to speed up the updating process and keep with with the 2 work teams that are going out daily.  Therefore, my computer is not always available for personal use.  Then, by the time evening rolls around I am just too tired.
Enough of that.
Here it is almost Christmas.  Thank goodness we did allot of our shopping early and are mostly done.  Now, just the wrapping.  That may have to be done late night since the kids are around most days.  The decorations ( only a few due to little hands and feet) and tree are up!  New recipes have been researched.  I'm hoping to try a few out at one of the various gatherings that are to be attended.  I find myself with a bit of hacking cough and sinus headache this week.  yuck!  So maybe, just maybe I will be able to keep at this blogging thing...

Where...

                               ?




Where........
Did the summer go?
Did the month of September go?
How do you wake up on a cool, crisp Saturday and realize the month of September slipped by you some how?

I did manage to squeak in a few of the Fall Activities.  Took the boys to Spicer's Orchard and Pumpkin Field to pick out their pumpkins.  However, that is kind of early.  I hope the pumpkins make it to the end of October.  I took a trip to Northville to go to the Farmer's Market and lunch at Rebecca's with my sister.  Wait, oh, I even hosted a Mary Kay Party.

 I just really wanted to manage one more camping trip.  That is not going to happen.  Sarah is having surgery on her arm in 2 weeks, so we have to get the camper ready for winter.  BIG SAD FACE.  We will also need to get all the summer items around the yard put into storage.  ANOTHER BIG SAD FACE.  I love FAll, just not what it is leading up to.  Don't you wonder how you're going to make it through another Winter?
Brrrrrrr

Yummy Lunch Salad

Romaine with Chickpea Salad
Chopped romaine lettuce
Chickpeas
Parmesan cheese
Baked pita chips
Dressing: mix couple tsp. hummus with olive oil to thin out & a little lemon juice and cracked pepper.
ENJOY

Group Camping

There are 7 travel trailers, 4 tents with 19 adults, 25 kids age 1 to 17 and 6 dogs. Hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, corn on the cob, pancakes and bacon - yum! Swimming, tye-dye, kickball, fishing, campfire, Saturday night dance- fun! Resting, chillin, lounging, sleeping in, - relaxing!

Fresh, Fresh, Fresh

Michigan produce that is.  Making:
stuffed peppers

corn on the cob
green beans
all from local Michigan gardens!
Yumm, yumm, yumm!
I use my mom's recipe for the stuffed peppers.  Secret recipe..... shhhhh.
Veggielicous!

The New Rock/Plant Garden

This is the beginning of the new garden.  I was not happy with the previous "look" of the area.  So the first step was to pile on loads (well load actually - one dump truck full) of black dirt.  Then a lot of helpers spread the dirt out and did the basic shape of the outline.  Then it sat for a while since we decided to camp with the camper in a variety of locations.  We had even bought some plants to go in the garden; but they even sat on the deck.  While on various trips we selected rocks from different bodies of Michigan water ways.  There are rocks from Lakes: Michigan, Huron, Superior and Otsego. 

Next, the placing of the rocks and plants.  Followed by the purchase and spreading of the mulch.  Local friends donated their 13 year old boy to help with that project.  Oh he was paid well for the job.  Poor kid though, it was one of those hot steamy days.  This is where it stands to date:

Help! Every Evening After Dinner I...

Help! Every Evening After Dinner I......
am craving a cup of

• Coffee
• Joe
• Java
• Cuppa
• Mud
• Bean Juice
• Go Go Juice

 

Hot or Cold.
Always sweet
Always with cream
Sometimes with Sugar Free Vanilla
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Tawas For The Weekend

Stay home? What? That would be a concept. Laugh. Decided to go to Tawas for the weekend. Had a rainy drive up. But the sun is out and about - it will turn out to be a nice day! Had a lazy morning , will probably go in to town for some lunch and to take Peyters to the park. For some reason I feel like eating a chili dog and some fries... 😭

Is The Heat Wave Over?

Man, I never - ever remember a summer with so so many hot days! And such high temperature, whew. This would have been the summer to get a pool! I was sorely tempted. Maybe next year. Lots of camping this July. We stayed in Byron until the 6th and then stayed for a week. Went up to Gaylord for the annual camping trip with the "Trees." had a great week. Except for the part where we almost didn't make it there because the truck was over-heating. Had to extend the week because it took 2 days in the shop to fix. Then the truck was still running hard on the way home. It was decided that the truck really didn't have a big enough engine for the new camper. Went directly to the FORD dealer and ended up with a 2006 Cadillac Escalade AND a One Ton Box truck for the Bizz. Been home for a week now. Trying to get back into the swing of regular life.

A Grand Adventure

I convinced my niece Karen and her 2 lovelies to jump in their van last minute and head "up north" here ro the campground in Byron. They arrived just in time for lunch and a huge surprise for JoyBoy. The Thomas the
TRain table that we had just picked up from a friend of a friend. (awesome deal~ $60). We convinced him he could play later and we all headed to the beach. Miss Rilze and I spend endless hours up to our necks in the water playing princess and also mermaid. Dinner was yumolicious turkey burgers. Later more fun on Noah's ark and the swings. S'mores over the campfire to complete a perfect day! Everyone snuggled in our spacious camper. Next time I hope they sleep better. Oh and Rilze loved her private top bunk quarters.

It's Been a Long While

 I really havn't found the time to blog let alone any "thinking" time.  My world has been quite busy.  working and babysitting, etc.  Father's day weekend was spent vacationing in Mackinaw and Tehqumenon Falls with the Renee's.  There were celebrating their 15th anniversery.  We arrived on the Island for the Lilac Festival, but alas the lilacs were not in bloom.  It was very cool.  In fact some folks at home commented on a pictue of us in sweatshirts ~ cuz it was 90 degrees at home.  We rode around the island on tandem bikes.  That is a story in itself.  Let's just say the whole island on main street heard me laughing!  On sunday we went to Tehquemenon Falls.  Beautiful!!  Sunday night we went out to dinner for Sarah's Birthday in St. Ignace.  We ran into the loverly couple in the pic below.  Talk about a weird cowinkydink!  Now, we are camping in Argentine for the next week. (already been here a week)  I am really enjoying having the camper in one place.  I've had several visitors ~ very enjoyable.  The boys, Mike & Chris, Sarah's parents.  Today the Renee's are coming to swim.  AND, Syd the kid has been here for the past couple days.  Whew!  Did anyone say vacation?  haha

April 30th ~ Seriously?

Time it is a flying!  Peyton's 1st birthday has come and gone.  Doc put me on insulin.  All the workers quit and had to hire more.  Took a flash trip to Grand Rapids for a training and a minute R & R.  Now it's time for the BIG garage sale.  There is tons to sell.  Need to see about getting a tent.
I have to tell you that I've been keeping trac of what I eat and exercise on an "App" on my I-phone.  It's called "My Fitness Pal."  IT's been very helpful in keeping me on the right track.  It's so quick and easy.  It even scans boxes and cans etc. if they have a bar code.  So far most of the foods have been listed.  I guess it has a huge database.
Stay tuned to my other blog http://creativecookeryhealthfullyso.blogspot.com/.  I've been trying some new recipes and I will be posting those soon.

Bye

Stuff

Man I so have not had time to write.  There is just clusters of stuff circling around in my head.  Life is very busy right now.  Between working and babysitting and trying to get the housework down.  Whew!  Then there is the whole taking of the insulin 4 times a day.  I had to set the alarm on my phone just to remember that.  Going on a tiny little break on Monday.  There is a training for work in Grand Rapids on Tuesday.  We are going one day early to do something fun.  Maybe the Meijer Gardens, or golfing.  Or maybe just NOTHING> 
Peyton keeps me busy on the days I watch him.  He is quite active now adays.  So much fun & really, he brings joy to my life.  So cute and so funny!
Really trying to watch the diet and then to get the exercise in.  My new activities are: walking, badmitton and tennis.  Not sure if the badmittion will work out.  Too much laughing and then........  Oh dear.
Oh, and I got a new "Life is Good" hat AND Tee today.
Going to wrap up so I can chill for a few.

My New Favorite Apple

Pink Lady.  I had one today that was from the Door To Door basket.  It was so good.  A little tart which is what I like.  We are doing well at diving into the goodies.  Sarah made baked pears last night.  Very tasty.  (even tho I NEED Marlene's recipe.)  [So when you close down your food blog it takes all the recipes right with it.........]  Grin.
Check out my other blog for today's recipe.

Throwback Dinners

For some reason lately I've been making comfort food "throwback" dinners.  A couple weeks ago I made corned beef hash with the left over St. Patrick's Day corned beef.  And last night I made chicken and dumplings.  Both are something I rarely ever make.  What's up with that?  Tonight's planned dinner is beef w/gravy over noodles.  Huh.  Some kind of weird streak.  Maybe it's because I'm trying to make food that the little guy can eat.  He sure loves my cooking!

Eastern Redbud

What?  My Eastern Redbud is blooming in March?  Crazy.  All this HOT weather we're having.  I know we are all enjoying the "summer-like" temps. but I wonder if it's going to put nature out of balance.  In fact I heard yesterday that the fruit flies havn't had time to hatch properly and that it might affect the growing season of some fruits.  The fruit might be tiny or hard.  And then what happens if we get a freeze?  Yikes.  Plus all the severe weather that some states are experiencing.  So while we're all enjoying the nice warm days; keep others' circumstances in mind.

Discombobulation

Man, I'm all out of whack!  Not on my regular schedule at all - and it's kind of making me crazy.  I simply hate the time change.  My sleeping is off, my eating is off.  I'm not babysiting is this week, so my whole schedule is just OFF!

We've been running back and forth between work and Sarah's grandma's house - she took a turn for the worse 2 weeks ago.  Saturday, after struggling with breathing (her heart ) she passed away about 5:00 p.m.  The visititation is tomorrow; funeral on Wed.

Oh How The Winds Do Blow

The temp is supposed to reach 52 degrees today.........  However the wind is a brisk 20 - 30 mph, making the temp feel oh so much colder.  What is that saying about March?  " In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb."  Tomorrow we're supposed to hit 60 degrees.  We shall see!  Maybe I will take the boy (s) for a walk tomorrow.  Well, that should be interesting.  A lively 3 yr old into the mix.  Check my Creative Cooking blog for a new recipe!

Afternoon Tea & Crumpet

It's a bit blustery today even though the sun does poke out now and then.  I just felt like having a spot of tea and something a little sweet.  I chose green tea and a Nature Valley Granola Thin.  Just right to hit the spot.  90 calories and a bit sweet/salty since it was a peanut butter granola.
That's all ~ gotta run!

It's March, Yay, It's March, Yay...

Keep repeating frequently!  I am waiting for warmer weather so I can take Boo outside.  I think he will like that.  I want to start walking and riding and wait ~ just sitting in the sun!  Good ole Feb. kind of flew by for me.  Being in FLORIDA for 12 whole days certainly did help allot. 
Now it's time to start planning the big birthday bash for the little guy.  Pared the guest list down to about 40 people (from 57)  Yikes!  Thank goodness it is NOT going to be held here at the house.  We will be holding it at JoJo's club house. 
That's all for now.

Leap Year Hodgepodge

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?
Nothing different; that's for sure.

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?
I don't know really.

3. We’re one week into the season of Lent…are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How’s it going so far?
No, I've never really done that or understand why people even do that.  Growing up I remember all the catholic people that I know had to give up sweets, or chips, or stuff like that.  I don't even think they knew why they did it.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?
We had a couple bonfires this fall.  I love bonfires in the fall.  Ahh, the smell of logs burning.  And there is just something magical about the flames dancing.  Besides, many times in the summer we had bonfires camping.  One of my favorites was with my neicopher and her kids.  We had a blast making smores in the fire.


5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?
Would normally get the surf.  But, I do love Surf  & Turf.  I just can't eat all that!

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?
I can't even think of any.  See #7!  ha ha  Maybe Lost.  or Jericho.


7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?
Oh my word.  gnat for sure.  I can't remember stuff at all.  Worrisome!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I can't wait for warmer weather.  I'll be taking the lil man outside to play and walk and swing, and the park, and, and...

Sunrise ~ Sunset

Today's sunrise: 7:13 a.m.
Today's sunset:  6:19 p.m.
I witnessed some beautiful sunsets in Florida.  The hotel was right on the beach.  I sure do miss that.  I am though very happy that the days are getting longer.  Not long till spring will be sprung.  We of course are finally experiencing winter.  Much to every one's dismay.  They are talking more snow and ice this week.  There was a county wide snow day last week.
Yesterday I went to BB & B to purchase a little insert to my Keurig Koffee Maker, so that now I can use ground coffee instead of the little pods, if I so desire.  I finally got to try the Pecan Pie coffee that I received for Christmas  from my sister.  It was very tasty!

What Is The Date Today Anyway?

Why is it when you get home from vacation, you need a vaction worse then before you left?  I have been so busy trying to catch up, it's way crazy.  Havn't had time to read, to blog, or do any relaxing what-so-ever.

It sure was nice in Sunny Florida.  The temps were mostly great.  Just one little northern clipper.  Well, actually not so little.  IT was the coldest day I've ever experienced down there.  High of 48 degrees with northerly stiff winds.  But, it only lasted about a day and a half.
Yikes, I started this post on Tues. and didn't even get to finish it.
Well, it's official.  Check out my little video on FB.  Peyton calls me Mimi.  He loves yelling it all the time.  Mostly only when he wants me to pick him up.  So now not only do I have Bailey constantly underfoot, I have a crawling 10 month old!

Makes You Happy

So today I've chosen 2 different things that make me happy in 2 different ways.  The sun & warmth in Florida warms me up from the outside and my little Peyters warms my heart!

I'm thinking that anyone who knows me; know what pictures I would have posted for today.