Thinking Back

Some of you know the big guy and I lived in Ft. Myers for over 20 years.  We loved it there but wanted a slower paced life closer to our family, otherwise we would have never left.

We of course have a lot of friends still living there, many of whom we still haven't heard from.  I'm hoping and praying it is because of loss of cell service and power.  The ones we have heard from are physically safe but most have lost everything.  Homes, vehicles, personal belongings, businesses and jobs.  ALL GONE!  They all are of course happy they are safe but this is going to take a huge toll on many.  Some will not rebuild in Florida but the ones that do stay have years of work ahead of them.  

Hurricane Charley in 2004 was the worst we lived through and it was nothing in comparison to what damage Ian did.

Ft. Myers, Cape Coral and Sanibel are some of the most beautiful places in the US and it now makes me terribly sad that people will not be able to see what I was used to seeing.  Thomas Edison's home seems to have faired ok from what I've heard, but there are many of the trees and plants on the estate that Thomas Edison planted himself that are now just gone.  McGregor Blvd. that leads from downtown FM to FM Beach was lined with tall gorgeous palm trees that were all lit up every year for Christmas.  Many of them fell so that is something you will not see again. FM Beach is unrecognizable.  The colorful restaurants, shops and homes are gone.  Time Square is destitute.  I used to love going over the bridge and getting to the middle point where you could see the entire colorful square with miles and miles of gulf behind.  That will never look the same. There is only one way in to Sanibel and Pine Island and those causeways are washed out. While I know the area will be rebuilt, it never will be quite the same.  Some landmarks are forever gone.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire community of Lee County and to everyone that has been affected by this horrible hurricane.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: My project list.  I have a number of items that I really want crossed off by Thanksgiving, so I need to make this a priority and get busy.  Even though I try to be mindful of time, it slips by so quickly sometimes.

Where I've been:  Other than work and home, I ran to the library to return books and pick a few up.  I really do love our library.  It's an old brick building with gorgeous stained-glass windows.  There are large cozy leather chairs all over for reading.  They have a game table and a puzzle table set up and there are always people working on puzzles.  It's just a really special place. We had dinner Wednesday night at our favorite Italian place.  It was a nice change of pace to have a midweek dinner out.  I also went clothes shopping and bought 5 or 6 new tops for Fall/Winter. Then I went to Walmart for a new crockpot.  Mine died last year and I thought between my Dutch oven and stock pots I wouldn't need to replace it but to make stock the crock pot works best.

Where I'm going: I need to run by the pet store this week for Binx's food.  I will also probably stop at the Farmers Market for a few things.  The season is almost over and I will miss going.

What I'm watching: We watched the two new British Bake-Off episodes and as always, they did not disappoint.   I finished the new season of The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, which was OK, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first season.

What I'm reading: I'm about halfway through The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs and I'm enjoying it as much as the other three that I read.  I'm so glad I stumbled on her books because she is a very good author.

What I'm listening to: I'm listening to the local weather right now and the next 10-day forecast is highs in the 70's and lows in the 40's.  YAY!

What I'm eating:

The pumpkin pie I made last Sunday was delicious and really hit the spot.

Korean Beef with rice and naan.  This is the first time we've eaten this with naan and it was a hit. 

BIG salad

Joe's pizza and salad

Chicken legs, mashed potatoes and green beans

Beef chili with mozzarella cheese sticks and oyster crackers.  It was very spicy but good.

Fried chicken sandwich with zucchini chips.  I usually serve this on buns, but I decided to make Texas toast instead and it was really good this way.

Tonight, I'm roasting a whole chicken with sides to be determined. For our sweet treat this week I'm making banana pudding.  I'm also making another one to take to work tomorrow.  One of my doctors requested it since he's never tried it.  Who has never eaten banana pudding????

Who needs a good slap: I'm in a peaceful state of mind so no slaps this week.

What I'm planning: This week I will be decorating the front porch for Fall/Halloween.  There is a farm stand a mile away and their pumpkins and mums look really good.

What's making me smile: All of my blog buddies.  Even though we've never met in person, I've gotten to know a number of people through our blogs and keeping up with you all is something that makes me smile.

Have a wonderful Sunda and week ahead!!

So long Summer 2022

Thursday officially brought us Fall and Mother Nature seems to have been paying attention because we went from a high of 97 degrees on Wednesday afternoon to a high of 71 degrees Thursday afternoon.  We may have a few more warm days, but another Summer is in the books.

Even though Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons, Summer has a lot to offer. I mean who doesn't love walking outside to get veggies or herbs for dinner? The side flower bed that I've been working on for two years is finally really filling out and it looked gorgeous all summer.  The rosemary bush that I planted in Spring 2021 made it through the winter and is thriving.  The garden and herbs did very well this year also.  Much better than the heart break of 2020.

We ate our summer favorites with relish.  BLT's, fresh salsa, summer salads, corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad and so much more.

To add some summer flavor to winter meals I've made arugula pesto and basil pesto to add to soups and stews and pasta dishes. I have corn, green beans, jalapeno, poblano and bell peppers, tomatoes and blueberries in the freezer. I've dehydrated onions, celery, rosemary, Thai oregano, oregano and Mexican oregano, Thai basil, basil, dill, mint, a variety of peppers and more. And I canned pepper jelly, bread and butter pickles and dill pickles. It all takes time but is so worth it when I can use these down the road.

I sat outside in the sun a LOT reading many, many wonderful books. I started doing that when I was probably in 5th grade, and I've done it my entire life. We grilled many, many times and enjoyed meals out on the patio.  We made a few trips to Yellen Helen's for the best chicken salad sandwiches and ice cream.  We also went to our favorite place Firefly Grill and enjoyed their local bounty many times on their amazing patio. And I can't forget watching the fireworks on July 4th and the fun of seeing fireflies for the first time every season and celebrating the big guys Birthday in July and promotion in TKD.

All and all it was a great Summer. 

There are a lot of reasons to be sad to see another summer end but I'm looking forward to what the Fall and Winter has to offer.

Enjoy your Saturday!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I'm a list maker and a planner but sometimes I get way ahead of myself.  While I'll still plan for the future, I'm trying to put today on the top of my mind. Like they say, it really is all we have.  Today I am going to clean up the flower beds, and the pots on the back patio.  I plan on finishing the book I'm reading, pay a few bills and I'm going to bake a loaf of bread and a pumpkin pie.  I have been craving one and there is no way I can wait until Thanksgiving.

Where I've been: I made a trip to Joannes to pick up a few more Fall decorations and a few Christmas items. Found the perfect Halloween door sign for the front door.  Last night we met Dr. J for dinner at a new Mexican Restaurant in town.  He is the doctor that left for Florida a few months ago.  He came back to work a week and catch up with us all.  I've missed him so much.

Where I'm going:  We're having dinner at our local Italian place on Wednesday.  Other than that, and work all week, I have no plans yet.

What I'm watching: We finally watched the finale of Master Chef.  It was good but I was sad that my fellow SW Floridian Derrik Fox didn't make it.  He is so talented.

What I'm reading:  I finished The Lost and Found Bookshop and give it a 10/10.  I'm almost finished with The Beekeepers Ball.  I'm enjoying it as well.

What I'm listening to:  Right now it is blissfully quiet in the house and I'm loving it.

What I'm eating:

Fried Chicken sandwich with zucchini fries

Veg pasta, salad and garlic knots

Big salad with cheese roll up

Chili and cream cheese, pepper jelly wontons

Thai chicken, veg noodle bowl

BLT with chips and dip

Tonight I'm grilling a steak for myself and wings for the big guy.  I'll also throw on a couple potatoes and have loaded 'baked' potatoes, Texas toast and slice a couple of tomatoes.

Who needs a good slap:  Mother Nature.  I've lived here long enough to know it can get pretty warm for quite a bit longer but teasing me with lows in the 50's and highs in the 80's for over a week and then hitting us with heat and humidity again is just rude.  I give her one slap.  We all know she's fickle.

What I'm planning:  I have dinner planned for Halloween night and Thanksgiving.  I want something different yet special for Christmas so it's still up in the air.

What's making me smile: 

Binx of course.

I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday and a fantastic week.

A good source for all things Fall!

https://food52.com/mini-guide/cozy-weekends

I thought this was a great article filled with cozy recipes, home goods, activities, etc. to get you in the mood for Fall

Enjoy!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  On top of my mind today is September 11 21 years ago.  We were still living in SW Florida.  I knew one of the airline attendants who took the plane down instead of having the terrorists hit their intended target.  She left behind a husband and 4 small children.  They are always in my prayers.  The events of that day and the many months following are what made me realize I wanted to move to a smaller town outside of Florida which we did four years later.

Where I've been: Friday I made a trip to the Farmers Market.  There are still a lot of fresh veggies and fruits.  The fall produce has replaced the spring and summer variety. Still a lot of tomatoes and peppers and now the squash, apples and pumpkins are everywhere.  We probably have a good 3 or 4 weeks left of the season. 

Saturday the big guy wanted to have lunch out so we went to our local Italian place for a bite.  It was delicious as always.

Where I'm going:  No plans this week so far other than work Mon-Fri and a grocery run next weekend.

What I'm watching:  We watched Hocus Pocus to refresh the big guy's memory of it so we can enjoy the second one when it comes out at the end of the month.  

What I'm reading:  I read two or three chapters of The Boys and I just couldn't get into it.  So, I started reading The Lost and Found Bookstore by Susan Wiggs and I'm loving it.

What I'm listening to:  Right now Binx is running up and down the hallway and into each room chasing something.  How can a little cat make SO much noise?

What I'm eating:

Roasted chicken, whipped potatoes and corn

Left over Moroccan lamb meatballs, zucchini fries and naan

BBQ chicken, tomatoes and summer squash

BLT and oven fries

Cheeseburgers and zucchini chips

We were still pretty full from lunch yesterday so I made us a few Jalapeno poppers and they hit the spot.

Dessert this week was brownies with ice cream, walnuts and caramel sauce.

Who needs a good slap: The powers that be of Illinois that have passed the SAFE T act which will eliminate bail for some very serious crimes starting January 1,2023. While I understand that it may not be fair to people with little money to have to sit in jail while others with money can bail out, I do not think this is the solution to that.  Blatant crimes have escalated in states that have tried this.

What I'm planning: In January I plan to make a big decision on my current employment.  I want to enjoy my holiday season so it's on the back burner until then.

What is making me smile:  We've had cooler temperatures.  We still have some warm days ahead but the feeling of fall in the air in the mornings and evenings is making me smile.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and week ahead.

Breakfast Wrap Tip

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz6sjRTCBCk

I've been eating breakfast tortilla's for years. I tried this a few weeks ago and it really does make a difference to cook it this way instead of just adding the ingredients to the tortilla. 

The options to add are endless.  I used peppers, onions, baby bella's and cheese.  The Big Guy even commented on how much better it tastes.

Have you given this a try yet?

Peanut Butter Blossoms

 

Yesterday was a rainy day so I took the time to make a batch of cookies.  I haven't seen Brach's chocolate stars in many years, so I was a bit excited when I found them.  My paternal Grandmother used to always pop a big bowl of buttery popcorn and drop a few of these in.  Chocolate and salt are a flavor I love to this day. This is not the 'best' chocolate that is available but when you turn them into these cookies, they have a lot of flavor.  Their shape and size also make eating and storing easier than using Hershey Kisses.  

1 3/4 cup of flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 stick of butter room temperature

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together flour, baking soda and salt.  Set aside.  Cream together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars.  Add egg, milk and vanilla and beat until well blended. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing thoroughly.

Roll dough into approximately 1-inch balls.  Roll in sugar and place on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 for 8-9 minutes until a very light brown and puffed.  Remove from oven, place the chocolate in the center of each cookie then remove from pan onto a cooling rack.

Enjoy!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: We've already lost 4 long term physicians this year and now 3 more are leaving by the end of the year.  Personally, this breaks my heart to lose people that are part of this community and have become family but I understand.  Administration has been made aware of their various issues for 2 years now and no changes have been made. This seems to be the situation all across the board in the work force now.

Where I've been:  Friday I went to the Farmers Market and then went to Hobby Lobby and Newells in search of a few Fall/Halloween decorations. Saturday the big guy and I went to Firefly for lunch and had a wonderful time.  The chicken was delicious!!

Where I'm going:  No plans or appointments this week except for working Tuesday thru Friday and I'm fine with that. 

What I'm watching:  I watched a couple of episodes of the Junior Bake Off on Netflix.  It's the same tent and format as The Great British Bake Off but different judges.  It's just amazing to see kids produce such beautiful desserts.  So much talent.  I'm also watching Binx grow before our very eyes.  He turned 6 months old this week.

What I'm reading:  The Boys by Ron and Clint Howard.  

What I'm listening to:  A heavy thunderstorm.  We had plans on working outside today but I don't think that is going to happen.

What I'm eating: 

BLT's a zucchini chips

Pesto chicken pasta, salad and garlic bread

Honey mustard ham, red potatoes and tomatoes

LO Sloppy joes and oven 'fries'

Grits and eggs

Firefly

I made a batch of dill pickles and they are so good.

Who needs a good slap:  The semi driver that first almost ran us off the road yesterday and then rode WAY to close to a group of motorcycles.  Did I mention it was raining?  It was a bit scary how fast and reckless he was driving.

What I'm planning:  Since it's raining, I guess I will do a bit of baking and a few things inside today.  I'm keeping the next two days simple and relaxing.

What's making me smile:  My maternal Grandfather took home movies all through his life.  A number of years ago my Mom had a VHS tape made for me with some of the footage of me as a child, a bit of her childhood days and a few of the trips and miscellaneous things on his movies.  I had plannned on getting made into a DVD tape but it was one of those things that seemed to never get done.  Friday the Big Guy surprised me with the DVD.  Best. Gift. Ever!!

Happy Labor Day weekend to those that celebrate.  Stay safe everyone!!

Things That Make Me Smile

I love this sign! I may have to make one myself.

I don't put up any fall or Halloween decorations until the second or third week of September but I'm starting to get the itch.  I bought a few new decorations and pulled the current ones out.  The nightly candle has been a new one I picked up Midwest Harvest and it smells SO good.

I consider Halloween thru New Years my "holiday season" and I have to say I'm really excited this year as always.