Things That Make Me Smile

I spent some time the last couple of days going through my 2022 notebook and setting up the new one for 2023.  I came across this that I had written in the beginning of January.  Unfortunately, I have no idea who wrote this or where I found it, but it made me smile so I wanted to share here.

Of all the winter months, January unfolds like the deepest slumbers.  It closes in like the darkest part of the night; that utter blackness where dreams are found then forgotten by morning.  But despite its dark and sleepy facade, this month also brings us the gift of new beginnings.

Linked to the ancient Roman god Janus, this is the month of duality.  Janus has two faces; one looks forward and the other back.

Door opening and closing.

A death and a rebirth. 

A time to mull over ideas.

A time to work on being well rooted so we can bloom in the Spring.

Wishing everyone a safe and very Happy New Year!!  I hope 2023 will be a kind year for us all.

5 Favorite Pies

Pie is by far my favorite dessert. Growing up both my grandmother and Mom made delicious pies. When I moved out on my own apple and pumpkin were the first ones I made.  At that time, I used the Pillsbury pie crusts.  I don't know why, but I was intimidated by pie crust.  I finally got over that and realized just how easy pie dough really is.

A few years ago, one of my cooking challenges was to make a different pie each month for a year.  That was fun and I may do that again this year.

My top favorite pies in no particular order are...

Apple - I usually use an apple cookie cutter to make the top crust.  I didn't have a picture of one baked but it turns out really nice.

Pumpkin

Boston Cream

Coconut Cream

Cherry (this one I prefer in hand pies as they can be too much in a true slice of pie)

Culinary Adventures with Lori: Search results for cherry pie

Are you a pie fan?  What is your favorite?

My Weekly W's - Christmas 2022

What's top of my mind:  I had a little quiet time before the house woke up to think about Christmas past, present and future.  I'm missing family and friends who are no longer here.  While my heart is filled with Christmas spirit, the day does bring up all kinds of memories and feelings.

Where I've been:  I worked Monday through Thursday. Tuesday we were able to go to the Light show at Cedarhurst since the weather wasn't too bad.  Friday, we spent the day inside to avoid the brutal cold front and Christmas Eve we went out to breakfast.  It was actually very good which isn't always the case.

Where I'm going:  We both have the week off so the options are limitless.  Tomorrow we are doing a bit of grocery shopping.  Wednesday, we have a reservation at Firefly.  Other than that, we're going to take the week day by day.

What I'm watching:  I watched a LOT of Christmas movies this week.  If you have Netflix be sure to check out Love Hard.  It was a really cute movie and we both enjoyed it.

What I'm reading:  Not much.  I hope to have more time to read over the next few months.

What I'm listening to:  Right now, it's very quiet since I'm the only one up.  Binx is even still snuggled in bed.

What I'm eating:  

Chicken stir fry, veggies and rice

Beef sausage with onion and pepper and roasted cauliflower

Chili with jalapeno poppers

Poached eggs with toast

Moroccan lamb meat balls, rice and naan

Lasagna, salad and garlic knots

Today were having bone in turkey breast, ham and tons of sides

Who needs a good slap:  Skipping again for the holidays.  Next week I'll be bringing the slaps back.

What I'm planning:  I'll spend some time this week setting up my new notebook for the year with all of my lists and intentions for the year.

What's making me smile:  We rarely have snow on Christmas here so looking out and seeing the snow brings a smile to my face.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day no matter how you choose to spend it.

Merry Christmas!!

Baby it's cold outside!

I hope everyone is staying warm.  The next three days are way below average but starting Monday back in the 30's and 40's so I can't complain.  My heart goes out to all of you that live in places that go through months of this.  I don't think I could.

Below are Christmas scenes from my little corner of the world.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:

I remind myself of this daily.

Where I've been: I worked Monday thru Friday and am happy with what I was able to get done to prepare for being off 10 days between Christmas and NY.  We went to Target and the grocery store for a few things yesterday and had a nice lunch at Drakes in O'Fallon.  I can't remember going anywhere else.

Where I'm going: This is the last work week of the year.  Thursday we're doing lunch together to celebrate.  I also have a dentist appointment this week.  Other than that, I don't plan on going anywhere else if I can help it.

What I'm watching: I watched a couple of cute Christmas movies this week. Also a few Christmas baking shows.

What I'm reading: I did read a bit of Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies yesterday while riding to O'Fallon.  It's taking me forever.   Not that it isn't a good book, I've just been doing other things instead of picking it up and reading.

What I'm listening to:  Nothing in particular.

What I'm eating:  

Bacon, veggie and cheese omelet with toast and home fries

Cheeseburger and oven fries

Indian spiced meatballs, rice and naan

Fried chicken, mac and cheese and a salad

Beef and noodles, bread  (This was the best meal.  It was so tender and flavorful)

Grits and egg for the big guy.  I was still full from lunch.

Who needs a good slap:  On hold but will resume after NY

What I'm planning: Everything for the near future is pretty well planned out so not much to think about this week.

What's making me smile:  This gorgeous gift from a coworker This was at work when it was delivered. I need to take a picture with the candle in it here at home. So pretty.

Russian teacakes, Mexican wedding cookies or Snowballs?

I did a quick google search and found the term "Mexican weeding cookie or cake" did not appear in the American vocabulary until the early 1950s, after which the term appeared in virtually every basic baking cookbook.  At the same time, recipes for "Russian teacakes" began disappearing from the same books.  Both are virtually the exact same thing in both ingredients, method and final product.  Many historians speculate that the term Mexican wedding cookie/cake was used to replace the term Russian teacake due to strained US relationships with Russia at the time.

In English, they are referred to as Mexican wedding cookies or Mexican wedding cakes, which is slightly misleading as they are not cakes nor do they replace a traditional wedding cake in a Mexican wedding reception.  The cookies, known in Mexico as biscochitos, appear at either the dessert bar or on plates distributed among tables.  In Mexico they are made either in ball or crescent shapes.

My maternal Grandmother made these every Christmas.  I believe she referred to them as Mexican wedding cookies but I have heard both and also snowballs.  I've even heard them called Italian Wedding cookies.

This was her recipe:

1 Cup unsalted butter softened slightly

1 3/4 Cups powdered sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 Cups all purpose flour

1 cup pecans, chopped into small bits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and salt until well combined. (Can also use a regular mixer)

Mix in vanilla.

Blend in flour.  It will seem dry at first but keep mixing, it will come together.

Mix in pecans.

Scoop dough out 1 tablespoon at a time and shape into balls.  Transfer to baking sheet.  Bake in preheated oven for about 13-14 minutes.

Let cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.

Roll warm cookies one at a time in remaining powdered sugar.  Transfer back to rack and let cool completely then roll in powdered sugar once more to cover.  Store in airtight container.

What name do you associate with these cookies?  Whatever you call them, they are my favorite cookie of all time.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Staying healthy.  So many people are sick with colds, flu and covid.  One of the doc's told me there was a patient with both the flu and covid but she actually was less sick than some.  I have two very busy weeks ahead at work before I take the week between Christmas and NY off so I'm really trying to avoid everyone.  

Where I've been:  I worked all week, made a quick trip to Kroger for fresh veggies and fruit and the big guy and I had lunch at our local Italian place yesterday.  Other than that, I was home.

Where I'm going: Next Saturday we're going out of town to do some shopping.  We have a few things to pick up at Target, Barnes and Noble and get the rest of what we need for the Holidays.  

What I'm watching:  I watched both Christmas Chronicles movies again.  I just love them both.  The big guy prefers the first one, but I think they're both equally good movies.

What I'm reading: I pulled out a stack of my Christmas cookbooks and magazines to flip through.  NY eve we always have an appetizer night and I'm always looking for new ones to try.  I have always loved a big selection of tasty appetizers.

What I'm listening to: Right now I'm listening to Binx zoom through the house.  We've had 8 cats over the last 30 some years and I have never experienced anyone like him.  He has SO much energy.  He has started to spring off of the hallway wall and sliding glass door.  He has one toy that he hisses at when he can't get ahold of it.  I bought him a leash so when the weather is better I can take him out to roam around the backyard.  

What I'm eating: 

LO chili with jalapeno poppers I made the poppers the same way I usually do but used crushed nacho chips instead of breadcrumbs for the top and they were very good.

Egg rolls and rice

LO Brunswick stew with a slice of my favorite bread

Pizza and Salad

Meatloaf, baked potato and salad

BIG salad since we had a larger than normal lunch

Who needs a good slap: On pause still for the Holiday season.

What I'm planning:  I've started my list of things to get next week.  I want to make sure I get everything, so I don't have to go inside of a store until after the NY.

What's making me smile: There is a nursing home two houses down across the street from us and they put up a free little library.  It is so cute and now I have another place to take books I've read.  

I hope everyone is staying healthy and enjoying the holiday season.  I know this time of year can bring us down which is ok as long as we don't stay there too long and wallow.  Remember to look for the joys no matter how small.

It's beginning to look like Christmas 2

The tree looks a bit different this year.  There are no ornaments on the bottom foot or so and I didn't put everything on it like the crystal icicles because it is just too much temptation for Binx.  All and all he has done pretty good for as much energy as he has.

I gifted Binx the use of Jet's stocking.  It's still hard to believe he's been gone almost an entire year.  I still miss him.

It's cold and rainy so what better day to start my Christmas baking?  I'm making pecan, chocolate chip cookies and pecan nut cups that will go in the freezer.  Next weekend I'll make the peanut butter blossom cookies and the wedding cookies then I'll get all of the tins filled for delivery.

I've added the links for two of the treats and the first It's beginning to look like Christmas post.  I love looking back, especially this time of year.

I hope everyone is staying warm and has a great Saturday. 

Pecan Nut Cups   Culinary Adventures with Lori: Five days until 2021    

Peanut Butter Blossoms   Culinary Adventures with Lori: Peanut Butter Blossoms

Christmas Past  Culinary Adventures with Lori: It's beginning to look like Christmas

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  How much I love this time of year.  For me, it's not just about Christmas day but the entire Christmas season that makes me happy.  I love having the house decorated inside and out almost giving off a glow from the lights and candles, making being home on these cold, dark nights cozy.  We bought a new tree this year for the living room that I love and so far, knock on wood, Binx has been pretty good about leaving it alone.

Where I've been: I worked all week which was a bit difficult after a couple of short weeks.  I have 10 days off at the end of the month, so I have a lot to make sure I get done before then.  I did a bit of food shopping yesterday and made a trip to Hobby Lobby for a couple of things. 

Where I'm going:  Other than work I'm not sure what we're doing yet.  It is supposed to be a pretty chilly and rainy week so we will see.

What I'm watching: Christmas movies.  

What I'm reading: Looking through various cookbooks for ideas.  The seed catalogs are arriving as well, but I'll save those for February Garden planning. 

What I'm listening to: I pulled out my Christmas CDs to listen to in the car while riding around.  Stevie Nicks version of Silent Night is one of my favorites.

What I'm eating:  Sunday I made a big pot of Brunswick stew with all of the leftover turkey.  It was delicious and now I have a few lunches or dinners ready in the freezer.

I pulled out the uncooked pan of stuffed shells that I made a couple of weeks ago and we enjoyed that with a salad and garlic bread.

Chicken Tikka Masala, rice and Naan

BIG salad x 2

Lamb burgers and oven fries.  It's been a while since I've made one and it hit the spot for us both.

Last night I made a big pot of beef and bean chili adding more leftovers to the freezer for easy meals over the next couple of weeks.

Who needs a good slap: This is on pause for the Holiday season.

What I'm planning: This week I hope to finalize the holiday meals for Christmas and New Year's. I will also start my holiday baking next week.  I make 3 or 4 things that freeze well and will make the things that do not freeze well right before putting the tins of sweets together for our friends.  We'll have one tin to snack on between Christmas and New Year's for us.

What's making me smile: Our community is filled with loving people that are there for each other.  It is so nice to see the town rally around anyone that is in need. This is the first small town I have lived in and while it was culture shock at first, now almost 18 years later I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else.

I hope everyone is staying warm and safe.

My Weekly W's

I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that it is already the last Sunday of November.  When they say time goes faster as you get older, they are correct.  No matter how much I try to focus on the 'moment'...time seems to fly.

What's top of my mind: We're in that magical time of year between Thanksgiving and the New Year that I love.  I pulled out all of the decorations yesterday to turn the house all cozy.  The lights and candles are so comforting to me during this time of year.  I'm also watching the deer.  According to folklore, the darker their fur gets, the colder the winter will be. Honestly, in 17 years here, I have never seen them so dark.  I'm hoping the folklore is incorrect.

Where I've been: Monday I was off work and the big guy and I went out to lunch.  It was a nice day together.  Friday, we went to the Christmas craft show at the mall. We really do have some seriously talented people in the area.  I found a couple of cute gifts. The alpaca farmers wife was there selling all of her knitted items.  Gorgeous! The big guy was in need of a new pair of winter boots and tennis shoes.  So while we were at the mall, we decided to check in the shoe store.  We hit the jackpot with their black Friday sale.  For less than $200.00 he got boots, tennis shoes, I got a pair of boots and we both got a pair of slippers.  We easily saved over $250.00 so I'm happy.  Before coming home, we went and had a nice BBQ lunch.  The brisket was delicious.

Where I'm going:  This will be a full work week and then Saturday we'll do a grocery shop.  The local Christmas parade is Saturday and depending on the weather, we will go to it.  

What I'm watching: I watched Wedding Season on Netflix and a good number of Christmas movies this week.

What I'm reading: Cookbooks.  

What I'm listening to: The rain.  It is pouring hard!  Thankful I don't have to go out today.

What I'm eating: 

Pasta, salad and garlic bread

Chicken fajita, rice, cheese roll up

BIG salad

Thanksgiving - Turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, Brussel sprouts and dinner rolls. Pumpkin and sweet potato pie for dessert.  

Cornbread stuffing waffle, mashed potatoes, turkey and gravy.  SO good.

Today I'm making a big pot of Brunswick Stew to knock out the rest of the turkey.  There was SO much turkey left over but nothing was wasted.

Yes, that is what was left over from the 17-pound turkey.

Who needs a good slap:  With everything going on in the US right now, it's too hard to pick just one.

What I'm planning: Home - Cedarhurst Center for the Arts has an amazing Christmas tour that we will be going to in the next week or two.  They also will be having a Christmas Market that I'm excited about.

What's making me smile: I've always given my cats a bit of roasted chicken or turkey breast when I make it.  Seeing Binx go crazy over turkey for the first time was priceless. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!!

Things That Make Me Smile

Ever since 2020 people have come and done various chalk art on the sidewalk in front of all entrances.  It's not as often now but someone is still doing it occasionally and it always brings a smile.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving.  We sure did. 

My Weekly W's

 

What's top of my mind:  It was a MUCH better work week. Monday it was announced there had been some 'hopefully' positive restructuring at the top level that was very much needed.  I also found that I was given a VERY nice raise.  I've never had issue with the department I am in, I adore all of my doctors, but issues with corporate policy in general, so I want to believe this will make a much better environment for all employees including the docs.

Where I've been:  Other than work, I went shopping for a few new winter sweaters and stopped by the grocery store to top things off before the holiday.  I will not go near a store on a holiday week.  If I find I forgot anything, I'll send the big guy. He's odd and actually enjoys it.

Where I'm going:  Monday I have a dentist appointment.  Tuesday and Wednesday I work.  Thursday is Thanksgiving and we are celebrating here.  Saturday there is a Christmas craft fair and food truck festival that we're going to.  That is all I have planned so far.

What I'm watching:  I caught up on this season of Family Karma.  I just love that show.  We watched the finale of British Bake Off.  I was a bit disappointed this year with the level of baking. I also watched a couple of cute Christmas movies.

What I'm reading:  I still haven't finished the book I started last week.  I've really noticed the last couple of years that I read so much more when the weather is nice, and I can sit outside reading.  

What I'm listening to:  Nothing special.

What I'm eating:

Wings and veggie for Sunday night football.  Wings are not a favorite of mine, but the big guy was craving them.

Ham and cheese hand pie with baked potato

Chicken Tikka Masala, rice, naan

Big Salad X 2

Eggs Benedict

Home alone last night so I ordered from our favorite Italian place.  I had their delicious hot Italian sub with a side salad and had them throw in one of their frozen pizzas for one night this week.  

Who needs a good slap:  The murderer who killed the four college kids in Idaho.  What a tragedy for all of the families and the entire community.  I hope whoever is responsible is found and held accountable with so much more than a slap.

What I'm planning:  I have a good handle on things right now so not much to plan at the moment.

What's making me smile:  I found this at the store this week.  I doubt if the cookies will be very good but for $3.99 I couldn't have bought the 4 cookie cutters.  I've actually been wanting something like this to make cookies when the big guy has a promotion at his TKD school.  Little things like this make me smile.

I hope everyone is staying warm and looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Have a great Sunday!!

Canned or Fresh?

When I was growing up, we always had Thanksgiving at my maternal Grandparents.  Gram always served both fresh and canned cranberry sauce.  Honestly, back then I typically reached for the canned that she served sliced on a small crystal platter.  When I started making Thanksgiving dinner myself, I decided to ditch the can and only serve the homemade version she always made.

Cranberry Sauce

2/3 Cup of Sugar

1/2 Cup fresh orange juice and zest (this is about 1 large orange)

1/2 Cup of Water

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Pinch of salt

12 ounces of cranberries

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring up to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15 minutes.  Let cool before serving.

The windchill is making it feel like 6 degrees outside.  Yes, 6.  The big guy is gone until Monday, so I have the house to myself and am going to clean from top to bottom to be ready for Thanksgiving and the official start of the Holiday season.  It's perfect weather for it.

So, do you prefer canned or fresh?  Inquiring minds want to know.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  My mind is a bit all over the place today.  Work is brutal. The US is a mess. The big guy's truck has been in the shop for 5 weeks waiting on a part and while I know I have it better than a number of people it's still draining and taking up a lot more of my patience to get through the day than it should.

Where I've been: Tuesday I took Binx to the vet for neuter day. Wednesday, I had lunch with a friend and Friday, we picked up things we needed from a couple stores. 

Where I'm going: I'm thankful I have no appointments and nowhere I really have to go this week other than work.  

What I'm watching: We watched this week's British Bake-Off episode.  For some reason, this season hasn't seemed as interesting as usual.  I also broke my own rule and watched The Holiday.  I figure there is only so many days between now and Christmas so I should get a few movies I love in when I can.  I also had fun yesterday watching Binx see snow for the first time.  He was mesmerized by it.

What I'm reading: Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies.  I'm a little over halfway through it and it has been a really nice story so far.  I love the character, Cecily.

What I'm listening to: Peace and quiet as much as I can.

What I'm eating:

Leftovers from the freezer: Pinto beans, spicy chicken sausage and rice with naan

Leftover beef strips from Sunday turned into BBQ beef on buns with chips and dip

Honey maple chicken, baked potato and asparagus

BIG salad, Texas toast

Stuffed shells, salad and garlic knots

Steak for me, wings for the big guy with sweet potato and green beans

Yesterday I made banana pudding.  Homemade pudding is just SO good.

Who needs a good slap:  Tuesday I dropped Binx off at 7:45am and was told I could pick him up between 3:30 and 4.  When I showed up at 4 they told me everything went well and gave me the instructions.  They told me they would meet me at the back door with Binx. He couldn't hold his head up and was flopping around in his cage.  I took him back in and asked what was going on.  The vet checked him out and told me they got behind and he was the last one neutered around 2 and he was still coming out of the anesthesia.  It was 7pm before he could even walk a straight line.  I give one slap because even though she seems to be a very caring vet I never expected this.  We've had numerous cats over the years, and I've never picked one up in this condition.  Thankfully he has completely recovered and is back to his old self, but it was a stressful 4 hours for us both that I wasn't prepared for.

What I'm planning: Working on Thanksgiving and Christmas lists today.

What's making me smile: Friday we went to Kroger and I realized as I was checking out that I had forgotten to get milk.  I asked the big guy to take the groceries to the Jeep while I went back to get it.  I left him with my purse and took my wallet.  When he drove up to pick me up, I didn't see my purse and asked him where it was.  The look on his face told me he had no idea.  I went and looked at the cart drop off and no purse.  I went into the customer service line and patiently waited 10 minutes.  When it was my turn, I asked if someone had turned in a brown purse and she lifted it up from the counter below her.  I was SO thankful.  Whoever found it and took it back in to the store gave me a huge smile and the hope that maybe there is a bit of hope for humanity.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and that you're all doing well.

sNOw

For weeks the temperatures have been in the 40's overnight with highs in the 70's which is pretty typical for this area.  Today I woke up to this:

The 10 outlook is about the same. And so it begins.  

How's the weather in your area?  I hope you have a wonderful Saturday!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Fall cleaning.  The last couple of weeks I've gone through every closet, drawer, cabinet, pantry, etc.  Two large boxes of 'stuff' have been taken to Good Will and I'll be starting another box today.  I give it another week or two and this year's Fall cleaning will be done just in time for snuggling up for the winter.

Where I've been: I went to have my hair cut on Thursday. I had him take a good four inches off, so I'm set for a while.   I picked up a few groceries on Friday and met with a friend for lunch on Saturday.  

Where I'm going:  Tuesday I'm taking Binx to the vet to be neutered. He is finally starting to slow down a little bit and even take a nap during the day.  This little guy just has SO much energy.  The last two weeks have seen a huge improvement on the biting so that is wonderful.  He wasn't biting out of aggression or over stimulation but wanting constant attention. I learned to just walk away and not give him any attention or eye contact for about 10 minutes and it seems to have worked.   We're planning on a Saturday Road trip also which I'm looking forward to.

What I'm watching:  I noticed a lot of Christmas movies are already on but I refuse to indulge until the day after Thanksgiving.  I did watch Home for the Holidays which is an old favorite of mine that shows how Thanksgiving is for one family.  Hilarious.

What I'm listening to: Friday night into midday Saturday was cool, rainy and WINDY.  The wind seemed to be roaring yesterday. Today it's nice and calm outside and I can hear the birds chirping away.

What I'm reading: I finished From Scratch and really enjoyed the book.  It gave me all the feels.  I started the Netflix series last night and the book is SO much better which is almost always the case.  I'm starting a new to me online book club and the book this month is Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies so I will be starting that after it arrives Monday.  I'm looking forward to it.

What I'm eating: 

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and asparagus with Texas Toast.

Hatch chili and cheddar cheese chicken sausage with pinto beans and rice. This was SO good.

Bucatini pasta with portabella, veggie sauce with a salad.

Pizza and salad

Chicken Tikka Masala, rice and naan

BIG salad and Texas Toast

For Texas Toast, I use a slice of my regular white bread and just add butter, granulated garlic and a pinch of salt since I use unsalted butter.  Toast it in the Ninja and it is just delicious.  This bread freezes well so it's easy to just pull out a slice when needed.  This week we ate the whole loaf, so none made it to the freezer.

Who needs a good slap: The local sheriff's race has been pretty ugly.  I give a slap to the current good old boy in office.  He needs to go.  He came to our house last weekend, and I didn't open the door.  I figured it was nicer than opening it and telling him I would never vote for him.  

What I'm planning: Lists and lists for the holidays and planning out a couple of road trips.  Our favorite restaurant has a new menu after spending time in Italy and we have to get there soon.  It looks delicious.

What's making me smile: The big guy has a student that makes all kinds of T-shirts, cups, etc.  She has now added painting on shoes.  He told me about them and asked what I would put on mine.  I said a big bright cupcake.  Well, he ordered them and surprised me with them, and they are SO cute.  It makes me smile to see the younger generation being creative and a smile to the big guy for surprising me.

That's all I have this week.  I have a couple of recipes to try out and share here next week.  How are things with you?  Stay safe everyone!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I can't believe it is the end of October.  I'm reminding myself to live in the moment because it all goes by too quickly and I don't want to miss a thing.

Where I've been: Monday thru Thursday I worked, and it was brutal.  I'm so glad I had scheduled a three-day weekend because I really needed it.  Friday, we went to Garden of the Gods and spent the day walking and eating a delicious lunch.  It was gorgeous even though the trees do not have as much color as usual because of severe drought in the area.  Saturday, we went shopping in our favorite town about 45 minutes west of us and went to Drakes for lunch so I could cure my club craving.  Both days were wonderful spending time together enjoying the Fall weather.

Where I'm going: I have a hair appointment this week and other than work no solid plans yet.

What I'm watching: This week I watched Bettle Juice again and Cruella for the first time which was pretty good.  I also found a new Netflix series Easy Bake Battle and watched a few episodes that I really enjoyed. It is home cooks competing in different challenges.

What I'm reading: I gave up on The Ten Thousand Doors of January.  It kept skipping around and I just found it frustrating.  I started From Scratch by Tembi Locke and am loving it.  It's brought me to happy and sad tears a few times.  I can't wait to watch the Netflix series.

What I'm listening to: We listened to a lot of 80's music on our road trips this weekend.  Nothing like a blast from the past.

What I'm eating: 

Big Salad

Pancakes and Bacon

Fried chicken sandwich and sweet potato 'fries'

Chili, jalapeno poppers (one for each was enough because the peppers were HUGE) and all the typical chili toppings

Coho salmon, big salad

Crackers, cheeses, pickles, dip (we were still pretty full after our lunch)

Who needs a good slap: Fresh Market Thyme which used to be my favorite grocery store has changed to ALL self-checkout and I didn't realize it until we had completed our shopping.  I am all for the self-checkout for those that want to use it but to have that as the only option is not cool to me.  I had a ton of fresh fruit and veggies which all has to be looked up individually.  A worker came up and I asked her when they went to ALL self-checkout, and she said a couple of weeks ago.  I told her that this could not be customer friendly and that I would not be coming back.  Her reply was a very snippy, condescending SORRRRREEE. I looked at her and said no you're not and you can put everything that doesn't have a barcode up because I'm not doing this.  Now I know why the store was not as crowded as it usually is on a Saturday morning. We won't be going back, and I give that wench 5 slaps.

What I'm planning: I made a huge dent in my Fall cleaning last weekend and will be continuing with that. Exciting, I know.

What's making me smile: The weather has been wonderful and that always makes me smile.

I hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful Sunday.  Happy Halloween to all that celebrate!!

Flashback Friday

Today I'm reposting about an appetizer that I love more and more each time I eat it.  I originally posted about them in 2020 when I first tried them. I was a bit skeptical at first on whether I'd enjoy them or not because honestly, the combo sounds a bit odd.  I've made them many times since and I just love them. So if you're looking for a new appetizer or light snack option this is a good one.  

 https://culinaryadventureswithlori.blogspot.com/2020/08/an-appetizer-and-score-at-farmers-market.html

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Time gets away from most of us.  It's already the last week of October so I'm really focusing on each day and appreciating every moment. My motto has always been "Run the day or the day will run you."  This is the left corner of our backyard showing all of its fall glory.  Today I need to get a photo of our burning bushes that are at their peak.

Where I'm going: Hopefully my new glasses will be ready this week so I can pick them up.  Friday I'm taking the day off so we can go for a hike through Garden of the Gods and see even more Fall beauty.  Saturday we're going out of town to do some shopping, have lunch at Drakes to cure my club craving and pick up our meat order.

What I'm watching: We watched this week's Great British Baking Show. 

What I'm reading: I finished The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches which I really enjoyed.  I'm about halfway through The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow and am also enjoying it. This passage really caught my attention: "If we address stories as archaeological sites, and dust through their layers with meticulous care, we find at some level there is always a doorway. A dividing point between here and there, us and them, mundane and magical.  It is at the moments when the doors open, when things flow between the worlds, that stories happen."   I also bought From Scratch, and it should be here tomorrow.  I want to read it before I watch the Netflix series that just came out. 

What I'm listening to: Right now, I have the patio door open, and I can hear the leaves rustling around from the wind.  It is a comforting sound.

What I'm eating: 

Red beans and rice with cornbread x 2

Beef chili with garlic bread

I made a "pizza" out of two naan's that I had in the freezer, and it was delicious.

Grilled chicken, loaded baked potatoes and corn

Bacon cheeseburgers with fries (the big guy's request)

I'm not sure about tonight yet, but I'm thinking some type of pasta dish with a big salad.

Who needs a good slap: I kept myself pretty sheltered this week without news, FB or any other outside influences, so I'm happy to report no slap this week to anyone. 

What I'm planning: November has a good number of appointments and commitments so I have to keep an eye on my schedule.

What's making me smile: Michael, the dear, from Spo-Reflections | To live is to battle with trolls in the vaults of heart and brain. To write; this is to sit in judgment over one's Self. Henrik Ibsen (wordpress.com) and I have been exchanging Good Morning memes for a couple of years now.  This month we've shared Fall/Halloween inspired messages all month.  Yesterday I scrolled through the month looking at them again and it brought a smile to my face. Thank you Spo!!

Well that's it for today.  I hope you all have a lovely Sunday and a magical week ahead.  Any smiles you want to share? I believe we all need to smile as much as possible.

 

Things That Make Me Smile