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. 

Sun and Front Door

I'm trying to follow a new blog type for the month of Feb.  It's to post a pic of an item from a prescribed list.  Yesterday's post:  SUN.  Today's post: Front Door.  I'm going to put them both on one because I couldn't get on the internet at the hotel last night.
The first pic is the front door of a house I wish I lived in.  It's right next to the pier on Naples Beach.  The whole area was like that.  One ritzy, glitzy huge mansion after another.  We looked up some info on our handy-dandy I-Phones and found out there is a significant "whose who" list.  Ophra, Judge Judy, the lead singer from Rush, sportz players, etc.
The second pic is from the balcony of our room on the third floor.  The sun was setting.  It was quite beautiful.  The people in the pic - well that's quite another story.  Quite funny.  This guy was taking pics of his woman.  Some of the poses were, well, quite interesting.  Let's just say I guess she thought she was hot.   The weather has been down right beautiful here.  Cool, breezy mornings and evenings - perfect for walking around, or on the beach.  Hot, sunny days.  Something we've not experienced on previous trips to the sunshine state.

Blue Skies Today

It was a beach kind of day.  So we rented 2 lounges and an umbrella and did the beach thing.  Oh, that's after we went to an orange store.  Picked up 1/2 gallon of fresh juice.  I think it reached about 78 degrees out on the beach.  Very warm.  Nice breeze.  Only a few clouds.  The hotel has music right at the beach bar.  There was a singer from 1 to 5.  It did get a bit old after a while.  Took a lil nap, had a shower and then dinner up on the hotel roof-top restaurant.  Crab cakes, split a shrimp basket dinner and Mich. Ultra.  The shrimp was deliceouso.  Now I'm trying to decide if it's worth a trip into town for some key lime pie.....

Back In The Land of The Sun

Ahhhh.  Had a nice flight on Airtran from Bishop.  2 hours and 30 minutes into the land of the sun.  Picked up our rental car and headed south.  The Sunshine Skyway was looking sparkly in the night sky.  We got in to Bradenton just in time for salad and pizza at the cousins house.  It was a balmy 68 degrees.  We had a fun packed day yesterday.  We started off with a pancake breakfast.  I wandered into the backyard and picked several oranges from the tree.  They were ripe and juicy.  I also picked a few springs of orange blossom and make a dainty little bouquet.  The sun was shining, so of I course I sat out on the patio to soak in as much as possible.  Later, we went to see a house that we had seen "for sale" on the Internet.  It just so happened they were having an auction - open house.  The home was in a gated community, on a canal, but the moldings were all chewed up from a fury beast.  Nice house though.  Wouldn't want to live in a gated community though.  They tell you what you can and can't do to your house.

Next stop was Mixon's fruit orchard.  Had a sample of fresh juice, looked at the wares and then settled for an orange/vanilla twist ice cream.  Well, I only shared one.  After a bit we went to a new Mexican joint called Tijuana Flats.  Pretty good.  They have the basics, tacos, quesidillas, burritos etc..  they you put in the desired fixings.  They have about 20 different kinds of salsas and hot sauces.  I split the nachos with Sarah.

After lunch we went back to the house to chill.  A little grocery trip, visit from the parental units and then it was time to go to Yogurt Mountain.  They have 12 different flavors of yogurt and about a million possible toppings.  Oh soo yummy.  We never did eat dinner.  LOL

Today's agenda includes, cinnamon french toast breakfast, a walk (which I had promised the girls yesterday_, a trip to the beach playground (public beach on Anna Maria) and a trip over to Grammies & Poppy's to watch the girls ride their bikes without training wheels.

Me and My Boo

Coffee, breakfast and quietness with my Boo.  Sometimes it's just Peyton and me in the morning.  Me sipping steaming cup of coffee, and him stuffing his face and making a mess.  today he is sipping apple juice & eating homemade blueberry muffins.  He seems to like them ok.  He enjoys food that he can eat by himself.  Ah the hush before the madness begins.  I've got a few errands to do.  Then I'm running down to Brighton to meet my sister and the chef for an early lunch.

Way Back Whens-Day

1. It’s that most wonderful time of the year…tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals?

It goes to the professionals.  Because we go to the pros for the business, I just lump mine along in there also.



2. Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain?

Probably pain.  It does funny things to you, like make you look at your life more realistically.  Gives you a chance to see where you really need to make some changes.  For the better.


3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you’re not sure what tangerine tango looks like click here.
It's kind of a pretty color.  Don't have it in my house; probably won't .  Hmmm, I do have a sweatshirt in my closet that is close in color.  Maybe Tangerine Tango will show up on my blog.


4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly?

Yes, a wee bit.  I think I picked up the habit from my mom.  I do have a collection of "Cherished Teddies."  It is in the curio cabinet.  I also have a collection of lighthouse figurines.  It is in the other curio cabinet.  I do collect genealogy information on both my mother's and father's sides of the family.


5. February is National Heart Month…besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare?
I've been making a white chicken chili for several years.  Good for you.  Lowfat.  Chicken, beans, cilantro.


6. When was the last time you had car trouble?
I had a flat tire on the expressway several years back.  I was by myself and it was quite scary! 


7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend?
Maybe a little less.  I am starting to realize the limitations, ie health, tiredness etc... that come with getting older.  I am trying to not be such a stickler about the house being spotless ALL the time.....



8.  Your own random thought
Today, I add a 3 year old to the mix of babysitting.  I must be out of my mind!

Four Days to "Get Er Done"

My mind is spinning this week of all the things that need to be done before flying the friendly skies on Friday.  I am mostly packed, but then there are all those things that must wait until the very end.  Medicines, forgotten "must have" clothing items, hairbrush, phone & plug, etc... Then there is leaving a clean house.  A must. 
Then getting everything ready for the business.  YIKES!
Make sure there is enough dog food....
Last minute laundry....
Taking all the "yuckies" out of the fridge
Oh MY!  I best get busy!

Sure Fire Way to Weight Loss

But, not so fun.  I've been sick for the past 3 weeks.  I'm not sure what's going on.  I thought I just had the flu.  But, I am now thinking I am having some sort of reaction to meds.  I'm working with the doc to figure out what is going on.  I simply don't feel like eating.  Well, not simply.  I also have nausea,headaches, dizziness and chronic diarrhea.  Hoping to get to the bottom of this before leaving for FLORIDA on Friday!!  Don't forget to check out my new, other blog:     http://creativecookeryhealthfullyso.blogspot.com/  I think I like it better then this one.  It might be my new main blog.

Wednesday HodgePodge ~ 1/25/2012

1. Have you ever been ‘asked’ to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed?
Yes, twice.  I was not chosen.  I was very disappointed.  I would love to be on a jury and be a part of the legal process.  Just once.  How come the people who want to be chosen are not; and the people who don NOT want to be chosen: are.



2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer.

Not, not, no not.  Maybe 3.  I get all jumbled up.  I am WAYYY to impatient.  That it gets in the way of simple tasks.  For example opening lids, screwing in screws, putting the vacuum peices back on the vacuum, etc...

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash….of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable?

Um, probably cabbage.  but i do like the rest also.  Love cabbage and sausage, or cabbage and corned beef.

.
4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity?
Get involved in a project that takes the focus off of yourself.  Focus on someone else.



5. Do you enjoy classical music?

Yes, some of it.  I probably have a few favorite peices.Jesu Joy is one of them.    I also enjoy fuges.    AND Handel's Messiah.

6. October is National Book Month…what’s on your reading list this month?
I plan to start the latest Janet E. book in FLA or the latest Sue Grafton novel.




7. What is your idea of ‘cute’?
Kids!  Kids are so so so cute!  All of them.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Nada.  My brain is mush.

Ups & Downs of 9t.89 the Weather8888888888888888885

.If you see letters and numbers that don't belong it's because a monster baby was helping me compose my63  blog today.
 The extreme changes in the weather is causing me to have great headaches & the great headaches are causing dizziness.  Had a bad headache and dizzy spell at IKEA yesterday.  Saw many cool things but only bought a 2 - pack of cutting boards and some containers for food storage.  They do have a lot of neat items that are organization helps.
Went to bed very early because of the headache last night.  In the middle of the night I got the chills.  I was very afraid that I was coming down with something icky.  I'm doing a little better today.  Have a milder form of the headache.  No dizziness or chills.
I need to try and grocery shop later this afternoon.  It may just have to wait until tomorrow.

A Little Trip

                                                                  IKEA

Decided to get a little walking exercise today.  Going to take a trip to IKEA down in Canton.  Renee, Syd and Sis are going with Sarah, Peyters and me.  I was trying to decide between walking around at Frankenmuth, Great Lakes Crossings or IKEA.  I decided I needed to get out somewhere and walk.   Renee said she'd like to go to IKEA so that was that.  I'll be reporting tomorrow on all the cool things I saw.  Maybe I'll "pin" them up on "Pinterest."