A change of pace.

I have gotten boring here and inside my head as well.  This morning I came to the conclusion that too much sewing makes Ann not only boring but stupid.  So my way of doing something about that is to spread the food love around.  Food is a drug that I often use incorrectly to soothe myself. (anyone who has seen me in person can tell that!) However used correctly food, or more accurately cooking, can be a means of self-expression.

Because I am here taking care of my mother, which is a full time job some days, and I spend a huge amount of time at my sewing machine, I tend to do a lot of prepping meals ahead and using the small appliances that my wonderful man has provided for me.  Not a week goes by that the slow cooker, rice steamer, griddle, and freezer come into play in my food prep. (yes folks the freezer!)  My husband like meals to be fuss free, filling, and easy for him to choose from and re-heat for himself.

Since I never know when Doug will be here after work, a sit down meal for all of us is out of the question.  Things like egg cups, pizza cups, pancakes, barbecue, quiche, and pasta dishes are options that he enjoys because they can be re-heated quickly whenever he gets home from work.

Hopefully I will try to chronicle some of my recipes for anyone who is in a similar situation.  I am now way an expert at anything, nor am I all that great a cook, but after 31 years of cooking for a farmer and a large family I have a few tricks up my sleeve that others might like to learn.

First and probably one his favorites is my crock pot corned beef.  Once it is ready it is great hot over biscuits or rice and makes some really good cold sandwiches the next day.

In a slow cooker mix together 2 cups katsup, 2 tbl. yellow mustard, 3 tbl. vinegar, and a generous handful of brown sugar.  Put 1/2 a beef brisket in and roll it around in the sauce ending up with it fat side up.  Turn on the cooker to low, cover and let cook for 4-6 hours.  30 minutes before serving drain and add a small can of sour kraut.  To serve take out the meat and shred it up.. Serve over biscuits or hot rice with slices of Swiss cheese.  A nice salad on the side makes for a fast and easy meal.

The next day the cold meat, cheese, and the sauce can be put over rye bread for a very messy and delicious open faced sandwich.

Loving family visit!

Saturday my brother, Tom, his wife, ReNee', and their daughters, Erin and Rachel came to visit.  I love these members of my family.  

Erin brought me this drawing she did of one of my favorite singing groups from the 70's.  She is quite a talent.

They brought these screens for the garage so I can leave the door open when I work and not have to swat at flies.

And most considerate of all, they brought me a gift from Bath&Body Works.

Beyond the gifts the day was spent in great conversation, lots of hugs, and plenty of laughs. Unfortunately, as it has been said before, all good things (this side of heaven) must come to an end.  We didn't say good-byes though, only till we meet again.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 4 August 2014

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly, the birds are singing, and it is a cool 58 degrees. I am really thankful that God is sending this nice cool weather.  I feel quite at home here when the temps cool down and the humidity abates. 

I am thinking...in colors, bright, vibrant hues of tangerine, gold, russet, and emerald.  Inside my head there is a kaleidoscope whirling around.  Everything that I look at is no longer its real color but rather the color that my mind assigns to it.  It is going to be difficult to stick to the chores at hand this week.  My brain is in creating mode which makes it hard to resist.

I am thankful for...the love of family.  We had a great visit from my brother, his wife and their two girls on Saturday.  It is heartening and humbling when you are loved enough to merit a 5 hour drive one way.  I love all of you guys.

From the kitchen...there had better be some cooking going on today.  The larder is bare!  

I am reading...nothing currently but hopefully my brother is going to lend me some books to read.  He recommends Master and Commander.  I am not a fan of the movie but I trust my brother's judgment when it comes to reading material.

I am hearing...morning sounds.  The sound of waking up from the birds that live around here.  The neighbors are beginning to emerge from their homes to head off to work and the amount of traffic on the highway has increased a great deal in the last half hour.

One of my favorite things...porches!  I love long, deep, welcoming porches.  I am of the opinion that every home, in order to be a home, should have a porch.  If that porch has a rocking chair on it all the better.  

A few plans for the rest of the week....I need to wrap up as many projects as I can this week.  Saturday I managed to get a bunch of commissions which will need my attention soon.  So this week is designated finish things up week.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

A view of Ashtabula Plantation home.  We have taken to visiting historic places on a Sunday afternoon.  These gracious, old southern homes are my favorites.  We couldn't afford to tour the inside of the house but the grounds were beautiful, albeit not as extensive or as grand as they once were but still gave the feel of the vastness of of their size when they were in their heyday.