Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Anticipating Spring!!

Wintertime is my least favorite time of year. I do not like being cold. I do not like the barren look. I do not like the gray overcast to everything. Right now I want to hibernate, then I get cabin fever. I am fine once I get going, it's the get up and go, that hangs up. I fight it it very hard during the winter time, but sometimes it feels as if my mind is in a fog that won't lift. But yet my mind is constantly whirling with ideas and thoughts.  Honestly, I remind myself of Goldilocks- I want everything JUST RIGHT! Of course, who doesn't?  I could use some sun, surf and sand therapy right now. Maybe, that is what Jimmy and I should do every February, hit the beach to break up the doldrums of winter.  I am so ready for spring and summer. That is my time!!

Jimmy and I are still reading the chronological bible together. The old testament is really hard to follow. When I was a young woman, much younger in my 20's, I used to pray for Job's patience, never realizing the full extent of his suffering. And I dang sure don't want God to just let satan loose on me. Now I am in the late season of 30 and I pray for Love, wisdom, God's will, guidance and strength.

Currently, I am reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I have made it to chapter 6 and am at the point that I need to slow down and reread to let the lesson speak to me.

On a bright note: Jimmy bought me a pair of mint green colored jeans. I am so excited, Hubsie loves me. I got a Tee to wear with it, but I need to go through my closet to put multiple outfits together.
 Monday night, Jimmy took me and the kids to Longhorn Steakhouse. We had an excellent time together and a great meal.  I had lunch today with my best bud, Tammy at Olive Garden in Knoxville. We had a great time.  This weekend I am anticipating my oldest daughter coming home for a visit. Life is good, God has blessed me well.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Life's activities

  So the last six days have been super busy. I have the best Valentine, ever!! Jimmy worked on Valentines day, so I went shopping. I planned out a nice dinner for the four of us to enjoy. My bestest Valentine brought home roses and chocolate!! He also brought chocolate for the girls : ). He loves us!

To accompany our dinner, the girls and I baked cupcakes. They were good, but could have been so much better. (My oven get super hot or something, even with adjusted times the bottoms get too done. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? They would be most appreciated)

Both girls stayed at friend's houses on friday. So we lounged in the alone time after Hubs got home from work. Saturday, we had the day together off. We got my 8 mile long run out of the way, then goofed off in Knoxville for the remainder of the day and evening. We had an evening dinner at Romano's Macaroni grill and Italian restaurant. The service was good, the fare not so much.

Sunday, Jimmy ran an 18 mile long run, while I chilled at home. Around 5, I fixed a large pot of chili. One of my favorite meals ever.
Hubs went back to work on monday, the girls were out of school for President's day. Boo and I went shopping, while Chey hung out with our next door neighbor. I picked up the cutest egg crate. (I had bought one on saturday, while Jimmy and I were out. I had to get another one, for a full dozen eggs, don't ya know.) Found a pair of flats at JC Pennys, because the family is hating on my poor oxfords. I really was on the search for a pair of mint colored jeans, that fits, to no avail. Then we went to Dillard's, to get my face wash and booyah, they were having an Estee Lauder gift with purchase. Yay, freebie for me. Boo was shaking her head, tsk tsk, you don't wear much make up. Yes, I know, but I still can't resist that girly call.  Then on to the grocery store....yikes. Mainly to get a few essentials, and restock a few things; ie Kidney beans. I need a list of the Ultimate Cook's well stock pantry.
Last night, I made an awesome chicken recipe from Weeknights with Giada; Chicken with Tarragon and White Wine. I had to tweak it some, for I did not have Tarragon, nor could I find it yesterday. I used a dry mix of Italian herbs. It was delicious! I am very pleased, the whole family approved.You can find the recipe here at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-with-tarragon-and-white-wine-recipe/index.html


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Time to Decorate

So what's on my mind on this BEAUTIFUL day, is decorating my front room. Right now it is a hodge-podge of pieced together furniture. In my minds eye, I see something far different. Here are a few things I want to do.

productDenim Couch....YES YES.. I can't wait...


  8 oz. #W-B-520 Glacial Tint Interior/Exterior Paint Sample Glacial Tint....upper wall coloring...


8 Linear ft. Maple Tongue and Groove Wainscot PanelingLined the bottom of walls and painted white... with trim...

Set of 3 Rustic Stars Wall Art I just love these stars....
Consiglio Antique Mirror Middle mirror..... Mirror on the wall!! 


This picture is a shot of the hodge-podge room... what will stay is the end table.....the rest...gone, baby, gone!!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Grandma's pickles

My Grandmother loved bread and butter pickles. I have found one of her written recipes, so I am going to share her recipe. Today makes 13 yrs that I have been without my Grandma. So this is for her.

Bread and Butter Pickles

5 C sugar
5 C vinegar
1 1/2 tsp turmeric
1 Tb celery seed
1/2 tsp whole mustard seed
1 med onion, sliced
7 lbs sliced cucumbers

Soak the sliced cucumbers in mixture of 1/2 c salt to 1 quart water and ice cubes for 2 hrs.
Combine other ingredients and bring to a boil. Then add the cucumbers. Let the mixture get real hot, but not boiling. Place in clean pint jars and seal. This makes 6 pints.