Hints, tidbits, and a little look inside

Outside my window...it is still dark and a cool 45 degrees. Finally the days are fall-like which is a balm to the spirit. Temperatures sink into the 40's at night and though it has been getting into the 80's on some days they are dry days.  The brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds of a northern autumn are lacking but without the sweltering heat and humidity I could almost start to like being here.

I am thinking...about the rhythm of life and connections between myself and the seasons.  Yesterday we went to a nearby orchard and picked apples.  Though I am really not an apple lover the taste and smell of them at this time of year is an absolute must.  The same thing is true of pumpkin.  The beautiful color of the orange rind and the mixture of pumpkin and nutmeg seems to be a fitting punctuation to the cooler temperatures and shorter days.

I am thankful...for the new car my brother bought for me. 

From the kitchen...there will be more apple and pumpkin smells coming forth.  I have a couple of large bags of apples to turn into sauce to be canned and a very large pumpkin to be cooked down and packaged for the freezer.  

I am reading...the authorized biography of Mother Theresa.  

I am hearing...silence.  Cocooned in the house with all the doors and windows closed it is blessedly quiet.  For a change the neighbor's dog is not barking, the increasing traffic noises on the highway are shut out, and my charge is still asleep.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I hope to get the sewing job that is on my table done by Friday and shipped out on the weekend.  God only knows if that will happen.  Today though I need to take time to put up the apples and pumpkin that we bought.  Although floors, bathrooms, and mountains of laundry call out to me too I find that they are more easily put off when it is cool and sunny outside. Perhaps an afternoon spent rocking on the swing with my knitting while chatting with my daughter is in order as well.

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

Yesterday in our travels we came upon this fellow standing in his pasture.  When I got out and lifted my camera to take his picture it almost seemed as if he struck this pose just for me.

Another place that I happened upon in my travels.  There is something about water that draws me to it.  The silence in this place combined with the ruins of some old building whispered a story of times gone by.

Hints, tidbits and a little look inside

Outside my window...it is still dark. Lately the mornings have been blessedly cool while the days warm up to the 70's. If the sights and smells were right I could almost close my eyes and imagine that I was back home.  Unfortunately when I take a sniff the scent of turning maples and poplars is sadly missing.

I am thinking...about schedules and places that I need to be today.  It is not often that I go out during the day since I haven't a car regularly but today is full of appointments and errands and my brother has graciously loaned me his vehicle so I must needs make the most of it.

I am thankful for...my sister Sharon and her listening ear, sympathetic heart, and affectionate hugs.

From the kitchen...the cooking will have to commence since there is nothing leftover from the weekend.  Perhaps some southwestern chicken stew and fresh biscuits is in order.

I am reading...Under the Banner of Heaven.  It is a story of religious zeal taken to the extreme. It certainly makes one think about faith and the authenticity of it.

I am hearing...crickets and the other night bugs murmuring their early morning greetings to each other.  The sound rises and falls as if there is some urgency to what is being said.  The neighbors behind us are up and about as the sound of their sliding glass door heralds the smokers out for their first cigarette of the day.  Next door another neighbor's dog gives a few morning barks as if to say "Don't forget I am here to sound the alarm if need be."

A few plans for the rest of the week...I need to get through today and all its concerns before the rest of the week can be contemplated.  There is always the usual, the routine, and the ordinary to keep me busy punctuated by the urgent, the unexpected and the novel that fills in the extra time.

One of my favorite things...learning something new.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you... (actually lots of pictures)

Two of my beloveds dressed in their best. That old man only gets better with age.

My daughter, Kim and Savannah. These bits of time that I capture with my camera are just snippets of the love that is celebrated when we are all together.

A rare picture of Jason sitting still and actually posing for the camera.

I don't know which of these two shots I like better, my guys being goofy or my guys being goofy.

Uncle and Niece reunion.  This touches even my not so tender heart.

The smiles of these ladies, just a moment captured for always. 

Hints, tidbits and a little look inside

Recently another of my sons got married out in Tacoma.  As with any large family any time together comes complete with all the essentials, food, high jinx, work, and more food.  This trip also contained a little of the elegant and a whole lot of time spent with people who love each other.

The mother of the groom got to spend an afternoon enjoying high tea in a VERY fancy hotel in Seattle.  The best manners came out of moth balls and a lot of fun was had by all the ladies present.

Of course there is always time for some real down home food and good times.  An evening spent at the Puyallup fair tempted appetites with barbecue, burgers, and cotton candy.

The high jinx included monkeying around while exercising.

Dad and daughter time was soaked in and stored away for later on.

Since we were in Starbucks country those of us who like coffee were tempted to indulge our fancies.

Lighthearted moments were hoarded with baby smiles and princess kisses.

The bride, though already beautiful, polished herself up in preparation for her groom.

And grooms got silly with nieces for the first time in forever.

New friends were made.

Laughs abounded and silliness spilled out of all the faces.

Grandpa and Uncle Ryan managed to get a little work done and a lot of chatting over a pile of stones and a truck load of pavers.

Uncle Jason cooked, and cooked and treated one and all to meatballs and sauce.

Of course a gathering of this family isn't complete without pizza.  Jokes, hugs, tears, and love were all spread around and shared over the family meal.

Hints, tidbits, and glimpses

Outside my window...it is still dark and cool, oh so cool! When we were out in Washington we had a taste of nice cool weather, sweatshirt wearing, snuggle under the blankets, hot tea drinking weather. For this native of the North it was refreshing to experience real mid-September cool mornings and evenings and warm-ish days. 

I am thinking...in pictures this morning. My head is full of falling leaves, sun dappled woods, and paths strewn with oak leaves and acorns. Yesterday's hikes took us into just such a picture.  There was a gentle breeze blowing which filled the day with the scents of oaks, evergreens, and the stream that flowed along the path.  The plop and plunk of falling acorns punctuated each step and gave the day its own unique song.

I am thankful...for a man who loves the mountains, forests, and adventure as much as I do. Yesterday we wandered our way along winding roads into the DuPont Forest in North Carolina.  One sign boasted that we were in the land of waterfalls and that didn't disappoint. The music of the water falling over rocks and making its way down cliffs and gorges sang its way deep into my heart and rests there now.

From the kitchen...I will be inaugurating the cooler weather with London broil, mashed potatoes, steamed zucchini, and perhaps something sweet for dessert. My husband is back at work and will no doubt welcome a hearty meal to finish up his day with.

I am reading...the Outlander series again for probably the third or fourth time.  I have been watching the TV series on Starz and I have to say they do a good job but it can never come close to the book.

I am hearing...the morning songs of the birds.  In the past half hour traffic has picked up on the highway as people head out to work and two planes have taken off from the airport.  Soon the bus will come through the neighborhood and the kids will be off to school.  All of these sounds that play in the background of life around here remind me of the sounds that I am missing.  Ian chopped corn this weekend and filled the bag for winter feed. I missed the excitement, smells, and sounds of heavy machinery running on the farm.  I missed the wonder and joy on Layn's face as he took it all in.  I missed the pride and excitement that Ian shows at this very visible evidence of his ownership and hard work.  It is the work that he loves and I revel in his satisfaction.

 A few plans for the rest of the week...work, order and routine that is what I have planned. Now that I have had such a glorious vacation it is time to get back to the daily tasks that mark my vocation and responsibility.

One of my favorite things...silent reminders of past joys.

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

The smiles on their faces says it all for me.  My kids are truly happy to be in each other's company.

New yummies!

On a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest I came into the possession of some really yummy recipes courtesy of my daughter-in-law.  Tonight's offering was a new twist on Mac and Cheese.

Aelpler Magrona

2 quarts of water
1 1/2 tbs salt
4 c potatoes (cubed 3/4" thick)
1 1/2 c elbow macaroni
1 med onion (chopped)
1/2 c butter
1 lb finely grated cheese (Gruyere or Emmthaler or a mixture)
1 pint of heavy cream

In a large pot bring the water with the salt to a boil. Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for four minutes. Add pasta and cook until tender.  Drain in a colander.  Brown the chopped onions in the butter  until caramelized.  Layer the potato/pasta with the cheese and onions.  Top with the heavy cream. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.

Glimpses into a life, 19 September 2014

Outside my window...it is dark. It is the middle of the night, at least here on the East Coast it is. I think my body or my mind is having some difficulty adjusting to the time change. After 9 days out in Tacoma it just may take me that long to adjust back. In the meantime it is cooler here in the south than it was when we left it, which is good, and there is the barest hint of fall in the air.

I am thankful...for oh so many things. Thankful for the people that we met, got closer to, and were made happy by during our stay in WA.  Our family is growing and swelling with people that only make it happier and better.

I am thinking...about gifts and all of the different ways that a person can be gifted and can give to others.

From the kitchen...I am going to attempt my daughter-in-law, Kathleen's Swiss Mac and Cheese. That paired with a salad should make for a supper worth putting on the table.

I am reading...One Thousand Gifts. All of the time spent with family in the past couple of weeks and the time spent away from family has prompted me to continue to count my gifts.  Living a life that has been emptied and filled with thanks is becoming more and more my daily goal.

I am hearing...the night bugs outside singing their late summer lament.  The house and its occupants are all quiet for the time being and I am filled with the silence of beginning. 

A few plans for the rest of the week...well, since there is really little or no "rest of the week" to plan for I think I will just wing it.

One of my favorite things...pleasant surprises and grace that waits just around the corner.

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

My son, Adam and his new wife Maryanne.  There is little that is so gratifying than seeing your child so very happy.

baby feet

There's something about them! When my kids were little I spent countless hours kissing and loving on their little feet.  I have to admit that even when they got old enough to walk outside bare foot or got sand in their little toes I still loved to snuggle those grungy feet.

Baby feet made me think of possibilities. The represent potential and future hopes.  Once those little soles come into contact with the floor and learn how to navigate the big world of walking there is no stopping them.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 8 September 2014

Outside my window...it is dark! It's always dark when you wake up before the sun has had a chance to.  I don't know if it is "kid before Christmas" syndrome or the fact of our trip is finally sinking in but I didn't do a whole lot of sleeping last night. Now I am wired and haven't had any coffee yet. Let's home this energy succeeds in getting me to the end of this day in one piece!

I am thinking...in lists!  Now the secret is out! This is where MK gets that tendency only I have learned how to tone it down over the years. (or I am so experienced that I really don't need that many lists anymore?)

I am thankful...for my family. Thankful that my children still care enough to share their lives and the lives of their offspring with my husband and I.  I am thankful for Face Time and Facebook Chat so that I can be a part of the lives of my grandchildren. I am truly thankful every time that I hear Savannah say, "Hi Grandma!" or see Kaycie smile and blow kisses.  I am thankful that Ian and Melissa share Christopher's first steps and Layn's first day of school.  I am thankful for the ultrasound of my soon to be newest grandchild (what a miracle that is!) and for the smiles and laughter of my soon to be new daughter-in-law.

From the kitchen...we will be scrounging for meals today in an attempt to clean odds and ends out of the refrigerator before we leave in the morning. My dear sister ReNee' is coming to care for mom and she is a full service caregiver! She will grocery shop and cook fun and nutritious meals for the two of them.

I am reading...One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (again) I find it is a book that reveals more and more to me each time that I dig into it. At this time when family comes together to celebrate I want to be reminded to live fully every moment of our time.  I believe, as the author relates, that the concept of eucharisteo, or thanksgiving, is the key to a fuller, more meaningful, and grace filled life.

I am hearing...the crickets singing outside, the soft whirring of the ceiling fan, and the resting silence of the house before it comes awake.  It has been long in coming but this house is finally beginning to speak to me as I sit here in the early mornings. The house back on the farm was never reluctant to let me know its many moods.  Perhaps it is because this house is so new that it has little to say. The farmhouse had many decades of stories to tell and ghosts to reveal if only one takes the time to listen.

One of my favorite things...this picture of my daughter and her surrogate mother.  I thank God every day that my dear friend Mary and MK are close friends. I am thankful for the mothering that Mary gives to my daughter in my stead and for the love that she gives so freely to all the members of my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week...today will be packed with laundry, cleaning, hopefully a dentist appointment, and packing for our trip. Tomorrow we fly out of here for the west coast to spend a week with family and new friends celebrating Adam and Maryanne's marriage.

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

Tomorrow afternoon I will get to hug, kiss and generally cuddle these two little girls. What could be better than kisses from a grandchild.

An arachnid!

I walked out the front door this morning to take out the garbage and got myself entangled in some spider web.  Not an unusual happening since they tend to build across short spans, especially ones that don't see too much traffic. (over night must have been just enough down time for this spider!)  When I looked up to see where the culprit was (not liking to actually come into contact with said spider) this huge specimen was just hanging there not bothering anyone.

I thought that taking the high road might be the best option for me since I am not a fan of multi-legged creatures.  I backed up into the house and decided to use another form of egress.  Out of consideration and affection for some of my more bug friendly friends I did get the camera and took this shot. (Thank you Jesus for zoom!) I think my husband will be doing a little spider relocation when he be getting home!!!!!

Mrs. Amelia and the woods

I frequently mention blessings and surprises that happen to me.  Things that I encounter around the corner that take me by surprise and bring a little joy to the day I consider means of grace for myself and for others.  One such means of grace happened this past Saturday.  We visited a park near here that had a trail leading to a waterfall.  Along this trail I took this picture, which doesn't do justice to the situation.

I have a friend who has a blog called My Forest Cathedral.  That name immediately came to mind when I walked through this little tunnel of tree branches.  I was instantly reminded of my friend Mrs. Amelia.  The sense of graciousness and peace that I get from reading her words and thinking about her filled me as I stood on this part of the path.  I knew that it was the Lord prompting me to pray for Amelia and give thanks to her for the friendship that she has bestowed on me over the years.

I truly believe that if one stays open to these happenings, these moments when that still small voice is speaking, there is a wealth of grace in store for the recipient.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 1 September 2014

Outside my window...the sun is making its feeble effort to shine and light up our world.  Though there is no call for rain today it is sure cloudy and gloomy outside.  

I am thinking....about age and changes and growing closer to the one you love.  As I sit here at the table across from the man I love I see not only his face as it is now but his face as a composite of all the times that I have gazed at him in this situation.  His beard is no longer red yet is still as thick and full as it ever was.  In younger years facial hair almost made him look like a boy trying to be a man. Now, however it makes him look like a man who is himself and content in that mantle.

I am thankful for...the life that he and I have gotten to live together.  There have been many ups and down but it is strange that the happy times and the love that we have shared predominate in my mind and memories and the bad times act like a frame that enhances the beauty of our love.

From the kitchen...burgers and fixins are on the menu.  I miss the Labor Day things that we did back on the farm.  In memory and honor of all those times I will cook like I have always done to commemorate this day.

I am reading...the Master and Commander books though I have to admit that it is a struggle.  Not because there is anything lacking in the storytelling but in the reader instead.  I am totally without knowledge or understanding of all things nautical.

I am hearing...the neighbor's dog barking her morning hello to whomever she scents on the breeze.  I hear the sounds that my mother makes as she eats her breakfast and my husband as he clicks through the pages of the online article that he is reading.

One of my favorite things...the little blessings and surprises that await us around every corner.

A few plans for the rest of the week...this week will be busy with finishing little projects, cleaning the house, and preparing for our trip next week.  We are in the final days before Adam and Maryanne get married and the Kraeger clan converges on Tacoma.

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

We came across this sign when we were out on Saturday.  This is one of those little blessings and surprises that I encounter in my days.  Seeing this sign conjured up an image of my youngest grandson and prompted heartfelt prayer on his behalf.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 25 August 2014

Outside my window...there isn't much sun but oh how glorious the temperatures! It is in the 60's and dryer than it has been for many a morning.  Today looks like a good day to hang my laundry on the line and bring that wonderful outdoor scent inside.

I am thankful for...my children and grandchildren.  Over the weekend I talked to all but one of my children and all of my grand babies!  Technology is the greatest thing next to sliced bread (though I rarely eat bread sliced or otherwise).

I am thinking...about all there is to do in the next two weeks before we fly out to Tacoma.  My granddaughter learned to count to 17 since that was the number of days until she got to be with grandma.  I feel the same anticipation about seeing her, Kaycie, and her parents.

From the kitchen...there will be salmon salad made with the leftovers from Friday on a bed of lettuce with steamed broccoli and tomato slices.  

I am reading...the Master and Commander series.  It is a challenge since I am not at all familiar with nautical language.  But the author writes a good tale and I have to say I am enjoying it far better than the movie...go figure!

I am hearing...insects chirping in the trees, the soft sound of the poplar leaves as they fall to the ground, and the skittering noise of a mockingbird as it runs back and forth in the lawn.

One of my favorite things...learning new things.  Yesterday we took a drive into Oconee County and visited the first presbyterian church built in Pickens Courthouse.  This church has been there since the 1790's and truly was built to stand the test of time.  But the most moving and touching part of the experience was the cemetery that was there. It was full of graves that were relocated when the Keowee dam project was built.  Most of the stones merely had a family name on them. Others simply said "15 graves of the .....family"  I felt compelled to say many prayers for these people who possibly remain unremembered.

A few plans for the rest of the week...complete all my wedding sewing, ship a package to Tacoma so I don't have to pack those items, clean a much neglected house, and get ready for my sister to come visit.

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

This phone booth was in a museum that we visited on Saturday.  It is so indicative of a lot of memories and history that the younger generation will never experience.

Dressing the girls for a wedding.

Savannah's dress for the wedding.

Kaycie's dress for the wedding.

                                                         There is a place that calls to me
                                                    white sand, dappled shade and solitude.

                                                               This place is new to me
                                                                 a weekend discovery;
                                                     stumbled upon and known in an instant.

                                                                   Grace led me here
                                                         in answer to the cry of my heart.
                                                       A cry made in silence and intensity
                                                                  both inward groan
                                                                and outward scream.

                                                                  Though alone here
                                                                      never lonely.
                                                                  The silence wraps me,
                                                                    cradling my aches
                                                         and the yearnings of my empty heart.

                                                       The answers both elusive and at hand
                                                                    dwell in this spot.

Escape

There is nothing wrong with escape.  Taking time away from the usual, mundane, ordinary, is often necessary to help the soul and mind reset.  

Sometimes the only way to assimilate and evaluate the happenings of daily life is to step back, walk away, and get a better perspective.

Perspective helps the mind to realize that angle is everything.  Incidents and insults, delivered close up grow to mountainous proportions.

But when the soul and mind can step back, view the larger vista.  That is when truth is revealed and peace can be found.

Escaping, stepping back and letting peace wash over aids in being able to see the little surprises and blessings that are bestowed "just because."

It is the little "just becauses" that inspire a stop to pause. These little gifts are more than what is seen.  They are gifts that are heard and felt as well.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 18 August 2014

Outside my window...the rain is coming down in buckets! Every time that I have ever heard or used that phrase all I can picture is buckets falling from the sky and piling up on the ground.  The rain is piling up if not the buckets.

I am thinking...about family and how relationships change as your children grow older.

I am thankful for...the visit that we had with Ryan this past weekend.  It may seem stupid but I could sit and look at any of my children for hours on end. They don't have to be talking or doing anything profound. It is the fact of their existence that makes me so very happy.

From the kitchen....something will come forth. Right now I have no plan and no real desire to make one. 

I am reading...Father Alfred Delp's prison writings. I thought it appropriate since I too am incarcerated. 

I am hearing...the rain falling.  Even that is so different than back home that I can't help but notice the difference.  I recall when they put the steel roof on the farm house.  The first few times that it rained at night it sounded like rapid gunfire.  Now that I am gone I would happily settle for the sound of machine guns while I am sleeping.  The comfort of familiar sounds, smells, and sights cannot be over rated.

One of my favorite things...being in the woods.

A few plans for the rest of the week...survive.

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

If it weren't for this man in my life this difficult situation would be unbearable.

More zucchini goodness

I couldn't find my carrot zucchini muffin recipe but I did find this one which is just as good.

Carrot and Zucchini Bars

2 eggs slightly beaten
3/4 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c canola oil
1/4 c honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c shredded carrot
1 c shredded zucchini
1/2 c chopped walnuts
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, honey, and vanilla.  Don't worry about clumps of the brown sugar, those will dissolve.  Then fold in the carrot, zucchini, and walnuts.

In another bowl combine the flour, powder, ginger, and soda. Whisk to blend together.

Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Spread batter into an ungreased, 13x9x2inch baking pan.

Bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.  It is suggested that these be frosted but my guys like them bare and they are certainly moist enough without.

My one and only recipe

I am not a great cook nor am I a consistent one.  My way of cooking things is to throw a little of this and a little of that and see what comes of it.  That is not to say that I don't use recipes. I just don't ordinarily follow recipes.  I have two whole shelves of cookbooks (what was left over when I weeded out before moving here).  Most of them I use as a framework for doing my own thing.  There is however a recipe that I follow, to the letter, and never have I varied from it.  The first time that I made this sauce I knew that it was made in heaven and there was really nothing I could do to improve it.

Mario Batali's Sausage, basil and Sun-dried tomatoes

Makes 4 servings
1/4 c etra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6 ounces sweet italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
6 sun-dried tomato halves, thinly sliced
5 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 c dry white wine (I use Pinot Grigio)
12 fresh basil leaves

In a 10-12 inch saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the garlic and cook until light golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes and cook, stirring, until the sausage is cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the fat from the pan, then stir in the tomato paste and wine and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. Cook your pasta (tastes best over homemade) and drain. Add to the pan with the tomatoes. return to the heat, toss in the basil and stir gently for about 30 seconds.  Serve immediately.

The bright fresh taste of the basil with the intense flavor of the tomatoes is truly a match made in heaven.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 11 August 2014

Outside my window...it is dark, gloomy and very misty. According to the weather people it isn't likely to improve any time soon.  While I am thrilled with the automatic watering of my gardens, the rain and damp shrink my world to the confines of this little house and that is not good. I was born to live in the great outdoors.

I am thinking...about the fact of my shrinking world.  How to remedy this situation. 

I am thankful for...a brother with a hot tub, nieces and nephews that are full of life, and a sister-in-law who is funny, lovely, and interesting.

From the kitchen...there will be some Mario Batali cooking going on today. This kind of weather always prompts the need for some good, hearty, and tasty Italian cooking.

I am reading...poetry. My mind and soul need some serious food.  Shakespeare's sonnets, a little bit of Shelley, and a lot of Donne are just the kind of diet that I have been craving.

I am hearing...the ice maker dumping its latest load of refreshing coldness, the whoosh and splash of rain falling against the window, and the general hum of a house becoming fully awake for another day.

One of my favorite things...open spaces, stately trees, and the sight of mountains rising up from the horizon.

A few plans for the rest of the week...carry on with the life that I am currently leading.  Friday is a holy day of obligation so I must find a way to attend mass.  That hour will be an oasis in the midst of the rest of my week.

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

A happy moment on our abortive attempt to take a walk in the woods on Saturday.  My mother may not be able to remember her name but she still remembers that she hates the outdoors! So much for that trip.

Lazy is as lazy does.

I really like to cook. I like to eat and since I don't appear as if I have ever missed a meal I think my affinity toward food shows.  But I enjoy sewing even more and since there aren't a lot of people to cook for in my current situation too much cooking can be a bad thing...so I sew.

That being said my husband and mother still have to eat and my conscience won't let me be too neglectful of that duty so there is a lot of lazy cooking going on around here some days.  One day a week I will plan and prep as much as I can for the week's meals.  A new favorite here is what I call egg cups.

I don't remember where I got this idea or even what the original is supposed to be like because I have made so many modifications.

Ingredients:
1 doz. eggs
milk
ham (this can be leftover from another meal or deli slices) or it can be cooked bacon, pepperoni, or shredded up cooked chicken.
cooked potatoes leftover (again this can be leftover mashed, boiled or baked)
cheese of your choice

Either grease or line with silicone baking cups 2-12 count muffin tins. Preheat the oven to 350. In the bottom of the muffin cups place your meat, followed by the potatoes.  Beat the eggs and milk together until it is all uniform in color.  Pour egg and milk mixture over the meat and potatoes being careful not to over fill the cups.  Top with cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the egg is set and the cheese is melted. These are good both hot and cold.  I find I have a hard time keeping them around even now that my husband is the only one eating them.

This same idea can be done using crescent roll dough, tomato sauce, and cheese.  I line the cups with the dough, put sauce and the topping of choice in on top, and top with grated cheese.  Bake the same as for the egg cups.

Two easy make ahead meals or snacks that take only a few minutes but yield a great reward.

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.