Things That Make Me Smile-Memory Lane

When I run across photos of things I remember from my younger days I usually save them.  Why I'm not sure so I decided to do a post with some of them to delete them off my computer.  It's funny the things you totally forgot about that were so very important to you back then.  Maybe that's why I'm not much of a consumer anymore and don't like a lot of 'stuff.' I grew up and realized it's all not really important.  But a lot of things were different back then and I did like my 'stuff.'

I had a few pairs of these but Candies shoes were my favorites.  And remember Dr. Scholl's sandals?  I had quite a few pairs of them in various colors.

                                               

                                                      Yes, I had these exact same socks.

                                    A lot of birthday cakes had these on them.  They tasted horrible.

                                   

                                     I did use these.  I remember the watermelon flavor well.

                              I remember all of this from our kitchen and my grandparents.

                                      I can't tell you how many hours I spent doing this.

                  This was my bedroom set from 7 years old until I moved out at 18.  When I was about 15                              I decided I no longer wanted a canopy so it became a four poster bed.  I loved it.

What are some of the things that you remember from your childhood/younger days that are no longer around? 

Easing in to Fall

 

The first full week of September was nice.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Who doesn't like cool nights and warm days with no humidity?  I planted more lettuce and arugula and got rid of any weeds.  I didn't get many in the garden beds this year so that was nice.  The herbs are all still doing great, but the last basil planted will be it for this year.  I grew a LOT of basil, the pesto is made, and I have a large jar dehydrated so we're good there.  The Butterfly Milkweed seeds are in the refrigerator now, so I'll be able to plant them the first week of October before we get our first frost. We've only had one rain in a long time, and none is predicted for a couple of weeks so it looks like trimming is all TBG will have to do.  The grass isn't really growing now.

We watched Katrina-Come Hell or High Water on Netflix.  TBG told me he actually was in the army with Russell Honore and showed me his photo in his old army yearbook.  I didn't remember him telling me that before, but according to TBG he was a great guy back then too. We also watched the new episode of the Great British Baking Show and enjoyed it.  It seems like they have some really creative contestants.

Thanks for the compliments on the beef ribs we had Labor Day.  They were so flavorful. We enjoyed them with potato salad, deviled eggs and sliced tomatoes.  Meals the rest of the week were...

Bucatini pasta with veggies, chicken sausage and pesto sauce, garlic cheese biscuits.

LO beef rib sandwich, 'fries', deviled eggs.

BIG salad

Chili and cornbread

BLT and zucchini 'fries'. We only have a few more weeks to get enjoy these while the tomatoes and zucchini are still producing and I know I will miss them.  I cook the bacon and zucchini all on the same cooking sheet so it's an easy clean up meal too.

Since the days are rapidly getting shorter, I've started lighting a candle while I cook dinner again.  This apple cider donut candle is new favorite.

I noticed our neighbor two houses down had something go through their bin on trash night and strung stuff all over their yard.  I was pulling out when the garbage man came and he got out and picked almost all of it up and then got back in to dump the bin.  That really made me smile.  He very easily could have stayed in the truck and ignore it, but he cleaned it up.

I went in the office last Tuesday and there was a faint stench that has never been there before.  When the doctors came in one of them opened the refrigerator and told me it isn't working and that is when I knew where that smell was coming from since it poured out of the open door.  I asked why no one text me because I could have put in a ticket to have it removed or at least told them to get the bag of meat that someone put in the freezer out so that it wouldn't start rotting.  Well, they said they didn't want to bother me on my day off even though I got multiple texts from a couple of them on other things.  The refrigerator was replaced Friday afternoon, and I emailed the cafeteria to just stock it on Monday since there is also a doctor's lounge that is always fully stocked.  At 7:20 this morning I get a text with a picture of the refrigerator doors open, and the message said, "But it's empty."   I give two virtual slaps.  

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!!

Bone in beef ribs

For Labor Day we had a small BBQ and enjoyed potato salad, deviled eggs, and a few other sides but the beef ribs were the star.

Beef ribs are huge and they need to be cooked low and slow.  This is an extra large cooking sheet because they wouldn't fit on a standard size. 

I started by making a dry mix of cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder with black pepper and a bit of salt and covered them on both sides then let them rest for 30 minutes. After the charcoal grill fired up to a consistent 275 degrees I put the ribs on for 1 and a half hours.  Next came my favorite smokey BBQ sauce from Behrmann's which I brushed on liberally and let them cook another 30 minutes.  Then repeated again with BBQ sauce and another 30 minutes.

The total cook time was 2 and a half hours at 275 degrees and they turned out fabulous. 

The last day of August 2025

 

           I think most people are feeling this today.  I know I am.  How is tomorrow September 1st?  

This was a pretty good week. The weather has been great, but I do wish we'd get a good rain or two.  It's so dry.  We haven't had much rain at all in a couple of months.  We are supposed to have another cool down Wednesday, and I see more morning lows in the 40's which I love.  I'm getting ready to plant a few lettuce varieties and arugula in the next week or two, then at the end of September, I'll plant the garlic for next year.

Our seafood order and our local beef bundle arrived so the freezer is FULL for quite a while. TBG and I went and did a big stock up on household and bath and beauty products.  So, now other than produce and dairy, we shouldn't have to shop for much for a few months at least and then in November, we'll do a top off to get us through the rest of the winter.  I don't enjoy shopping, and in the winter, I absolutely despise it, so this has been my strategy for years and it works for us.

We have a friend that supplies us with eggs all year, but her hens haven't been laying as much as normal, so we went to a new to us farm for eggs this week.  Not only did we get 3 dozen for the same price, but we got a tour of the farm and had a wonderful talk with her about our area, FFA, food and more.  I also got to love on a lamb that wasn't even 12 hours old yet, played with and fed her goats and TBG had fun feeding the turkeys that were walking around.  I love meeting new people this way.  

Tomorrow we'll celebrate Labor Day and the end of another good summer with a BBQ on the patio since no rain is predicted.  While I love Fall and Winter, I will miss all of the fresh herbs and produce. I will miss my pool days too because tomorrow is the last day my happy place will be open.

Dinners this week were pretty simple.

Chicken fajita, basmati rice bowls with cheese and cilantro roll ups

Spaghetti and meatballs, salad and garlic cheese biscuits

BIG salad

Cajun spiced chicken with mac and cheese, summer salad.  Summer salad is tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions in this area.  

Beef cheeseburgers, with zucchini fries.  

BLT and salad

Tonight, we're having Northwest Petrale Sole with sides tbd.

A couple of shows that we watch have new episodes starting this coming week. Tuesday Bobby Flay's Triple Threat starts and The Great British Bake off starts Friday.  I also noticed a lot of good shows coming on Netflix and Prime this month. 

Next weekend we're going to Cedarhurst craft fair. Art & Craft Fair - Cedarhurst Center for the Arts  

This is their 49th year and we've gone every year since we moved here but one when I had a broken toe. 😀 Unfortunately, Cedarhurst has announced this year will be the last one.  I do not understand that decision at all.  It's a huge event that brings many people to our area.  I love and support Cedarhurst, but I do not like this decision, so I give two slaps.

Wishing you all a fabulous week!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  We are coming to the end of another summer.  I know technically we still have a few weeks, but Labor Day weekend has always been my signal that summer is ending, and it is next weekend. This summer we enjoyed a number of pool days, and I read a number of books sitting out in the sun. BBQs and grilling were the norm most weekends and we enjoyed a couple of road trips. The garden did well, and the farmers market was hopping every week. I have a lot of summer produce put up to enjoy in the fall and winter.  I love fall and winter but I also enjoy a lot that summer offers, and I intend to enjoy these next few weeks as she fades away for another year. 

Where I've been:  We had two appointments this week and I made a trip to the farmer's market.  Other than that, I've been between work and home.

Where I'm going:  No appointments this week which is always a good thing.  Next weekend we're either going to take a road trip or have a BBQ.  I'm waiting to hear the final plans for the others as either sounds good to me.

What I'm watching:  Fit for TV: Reality of Biggest Looser on Netflix.  We watched the Biggest Looser when it came on in 2004 and like all reality shows this one had a lot going on behind the scenes.  We also got caught up on Family Recipe Showdown.  

What I'm reading:  Sadly, I'm still not finished with the book I've been reading for a couple of weeks.  Hopefully this week I'll get the last few chapters in and start a new book.  

What I'm eating:

Blackened chicken, garlic smashed potatoes and sliced tomatoes

Chicken sausage with peppers, onions and tomatoes over pasta with bread sticks.  SO good.

BLT with zucchini 'fries'

Fried hot honey chicken sandwich with coleslaw

BIG salad

Pizza and salad

Tonight, we're having Coho salmon with tbd sides.

Who needs a good slap:  I had to go in at 4am on Monday to round in the hospital.  I asked why and was told all leaders are required to do it twice a year to touch base with the night shift.  I already come in at 5:30 every morning to see the two in my department that work nights but that doesn't count.  Departments that do not have their manager need rounded on.  What?  Have everyone occasionally come in to see their staff.  It was pointless and a waste of time.  I give this project three slaps.  Waking up at 3am is brutal.

What is making me smile:  This is the second box of these chocolates that I've been given, and I think they are now my new favorites.  They are so delicious, and the bite size pieces are perfect for a quick treat. 

It's a lot cooler today and low temps this week are high 40's and low 50's with only high temps in the 70's.  I know we'll get more hot days but I am going to enjoy this cool front while it is here.

I hope everyone enjoys their week.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  My community.  I really do love it here and I wasn't quite so sure I would when we moved here 20 years ago since I had never lived in a small town before.  One of the best things about this area is the number of farmers, gardeners and people that make and sell local products.  Roadside stands are still a thing here, but they are evolving quickly.  We have so many farms that you can visit to buy local items and visit with all of the animals.  Sheds and small buildings are being converted into self-serve stores.  Not only do I love the local products, but I love supporting local families and getting to know them as friends.  Here are a few photos of one of the newest 'shops.'  She sells dozens of different baked goods, canned goods, mixes and more.  I really love this option for our town.

Where I've been:  Monday-Wednesday I worked.  Thursday was dentist day.  That was not fun at all, and I hope to never have to do that again.  I have to say the actual pain was very minimal, but the sound of roots and bones and loud pops was way too much for me.  Friday, I did feel well enough that we went to the farmers market and stopped by the bakery.  No road trip today though since checking out a new BBQ place is on the agenda and I'm not up for that yet.

Where I'm going:  We have only two appointments this week.  TBG has a 3 month follow up with his cardiologist and we have a follow up with our lawyer to sign our wills.  Both of those should be a breeze.  

What I'm watching:  I didn't watch anything special this week on TV.  Our crepe Mertle is in full bloom and it's more gorgeous this year than any other times.  We had rain a couple of times this week and it perked everything up.

What I'm listening to:  I usually always listen to music when I'm home alone working around the house.  I have a very diverse taste in music.  This week it was Fleetwood Mac, Kid Rock and Annie Lenox.  

What I'm eating:

Even though it is hot as hell outside I was craving chili, so I made a batch, and we had it with garlic cheese biscuits. Culinary Adventures with Lori: Savory Drop Biscuits

Chicken legs, mac and cheese and salad.  I halved this recipe for the mac and cheese.  It made two perfect sides for us with just enough left over to make a few mac and cheese balls for lunch one day. Culinary Adventures with Lori: 52 Recipes in 52 Weeks #11 Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

BIG salad with Coho Salmon

Thursday, I heated up left over chicken legs for TBG and made a pot of rice.  I had chocolate pudding.  I am so glad I made homemade pudding Wednesday night because that's all I could handle.  Luckily, we went to breakfast before I had my teeth pulled so I had at least one good meal that day.

I heated up LO sloppy Joe's that was in the freezer and cubed a couple of potatoes to roast int he oven.  It was the first solid food I had since Thursday morning and I am so glad I was able to eat it.

I'm not sure what is on the menu for tonight, but salad is out for a few more days.

Who needs a good slap:  No one comes to mind

What is making me smile:  Checking things off of my to do list.  I managed this week to clean and straighten up the laundry room, the hall closet and the laundry room on top of everything else that gets done in a week.  

As soon as TBG and I have our daily game time, I'm off to do a bit of dehydrating and odd jobs around the house.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend doing what makes you happy.

What's top of my mind:  I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that it is August.  But I know it is because every year these beauties pop up out of the ground the first week.  Around here they call them paper lilies, but I've heard them called many other names.  

Where I've been:  It was a pretty low-key week here and I didn't go anywhere outside of work.  There was a festival downtown that we considered going to but it was nice and comfy at home in the AC so we opted out.

Where I'm going:  Thursday morning we're going out early for a big breakfast so I can have a full stomach to get two back bottom teeth pulled at 8:30. I usually go by myself, but TBG offered to come with and I think knowing he's out in the waiting room will take a bit of the edge off.  I'm hoping so anyway.  Saturday if I'm feeling ok, we're going to take a quick day trip.

What I'm watching:  Not much at all.  I didn't really watch TV this week other than Master Chef and Secret Service.  The last will make you not want to eat in a restaurant ever again.

What I'm reading:  I'm still reading The Dirty Life and enjoying it.  I have her other book Good Husbandry waiting to read next.  

What I'm eating:

BIG salad x2

Sloppy Joes and 'fries' my recipe is here Culinary Adventures with Lori: My Week

Chicken fajita bowls with cheese roll ups.  SO good.

BLTs with zucchini 'fries'

Steak for me, chicken wings for TBG, rosemary potatoes and coleslaw with garlic cheddar biscuits

Tonight, will be left over wings, slaw and tomatoes

Who needs a good slap:  Insurance companies again.  I'm sure everyone has wanted to slap them at least once or twice.  TBG has been on Entresto for his heart since November 2023 when his heart issues started.  Saturday, he called the pharmacy to reorder, and they told him insurance wasn't going to cover it anymore now that there is a generic substitute.  Well, his cardiologist does not like using generic for whatever reason, so his office is fighting with them.  Insurance companies arguing with physicians is crazy to me.  I'm just thankful that this is a minor issue with them and not some of the horror stories you hear about where they've denied surgeries and other procedures that will help someone live.  

What is making me smile:  Being able to fill my cabinets and freezer with so many local veggies and herbs for the winter really does make me smile.  The 'ber months will be here before we know it and I'm stocking up all that I can to enjoy over the winter.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoys the day!!

My Weekly W's

Happy August!!  We had a huge cool down that has brought zero humidity and lows in the 50's.  It has been beautiful weather.  Summer weather comes back late next week but that's ok, at least we had a really nice break.

What's top of my mind:  Slowing down.  At home, I'm pretty good with this but work is a bit of a challenge.  Between the cell phone ringing or text messages coming in and then the email, office phone and the dreaded messages that anyone can pop up on my computer at any time it can get a bit frustrating.  This was a really good reminder to see.

Where I've been:  TBG and I went out for a weekday lunch which is always a treat.  Stopped by the farmer's market which is hopping with so much local goodness this time of year. That's about it except for regular errands.

Where I'm going:  Today we have a birthday party to go to, TBG gets his stitches removed Wednesday and other than that no solid commitments.  That is always a good thing in my mind.

What I'm watching:  Tuesday I went in to work and had to leave at 6:15 am to go to the other hospital and this is what I saw when I walked out the back door.  It was so beautiful the picture doesn't really do it justice.

What I'm reading:  Dirty Life A Memoir of Farming, Food and Love by Kristin Kimball.  I started it yesterday and really am enjoying it.  Her style of writing really pulls you in.

What I'm listening to:  This morning when I got up at 5:30 I opened up all of the windows to get the fresh morning air and the birds were all singing away.  The house was totally quiet except for them and it was a really great way to start my day.

What I'm eating:

BLT with zucchini fries

BBQ chicken with smashed garlic potatoes and coleslaw

Chicken sausage, tons of veggies over pasta with a small salad.  Peppers of every kind, onions and garlic smell so good when they're cooking.

BIG salad x 2

Nachos

Yesterday I made a big jar of Bread-and-Butter pickles from my grandmothers' recipe.  They were always my favorite.  

Who needs a good slap:  K the cashier at Kroger.  For many years I have ignored this womans rude, miserable, bossy attitude but Wednesday I finally couldn't stay quiet.  There was a woman probably in her 80's in front of me with a cart full of groceries.  K visibly was very annoyed that she was taking a while to unload all of her groceries.  The look of distain was all over her face and it wasn't lost on the woman.  She looked at me an apologized and I told her to take her time I was in no hurry.  Then she told me she is getting too old for all of this.  K then started scanning the woman's coupons and harshly told the bagger to find this, and then this from the 20 plus bags that were in the cart making the woman feel even worse.  When all was said and done I planned to keep quiet but she hit a nerve. She told me I didn't need to have both packages of water on the belt and to take one off.  I told her no, just slide it down to the bagger.  She huffed and puffed 'and said why are you cranky.  That's when I told her I was horrified by the way she treated the woman and the bagger and let her know she was rude.  She disagreed and so I told her she may not mean it, she may not realize it but yes, she is rude and makes people feel bad for disturbing her. Funny thing is the next day I was telling a friend at work and she asked if it was the 50 ish woman with long stringy hair and glasses and I said YES. She agreed and said she's been like that for years and I don't know why they keep her.  I give her 5 slaps. I have no problem ignoring this kind of behavior but making that woman feel the way she did is just wrong.

Who needs a huge thank you: Ameran Illinois.  Last Sunday during the severe heat warning we heard a loud boom and the power went out.  My heart sank knowing that was a transformer.  I immediately called and notified them of the outage.  I was worried because I've heard horror stories that a new transformer can take days to weeks if they do not have any in storage.  Well, 3 hours later we had a new transformer and power.  We both went out back when it came on and thanked them and took them a drink.  

Well, I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the weekend.  I'm off work tomorrow so I'm excited to not have to get up tomorrow morning at 4:30.

The last Sunday in July?

It was a hot and humid week here with feels like temps at 115 every single day, but after this Tuesday the humidity is supposed to be low and the temps only hitting 80 for a bit.  I've been keeping everything watered and the heat hasn't hurt a thing so that is good.  My back rosebush is still looking good.  I have noticed the days are getting a bit shorter.  It isn't as light when I go to work at 5:30 now. 

Monday TBG had an outpatient surgery to remove a cyst.  Everything went well and we were back home in less than two and a half hours.  I'm thankful for the hospital staff that took care of him and made everything seamless. We also had our will done this week.  Not exactly a fun thing to do but necessary and it is finally checked off my list.  

This next week I have a much-needed three-day weekend. Saturday we're going to meet my brother and his girlfriend for lunch at a new place in Effingham and then Sunday is a first Birthday party for a special girl. 

I already started my fall sweep in the house.  Two or three times a year I like to go through EVERYTHING and re organize and spruce things up.  I already have a huge bag of miscellaneous items to take to the thrift shop.  I also got the freezer re organized and all cleaned up.  Everything in it now is from 2025 since I'm using the last of the blueberries from last year today to make a cake.  Try this recipe if you haven't.  It's delicious.  Culinary Adventures with Lori: 52 New Recipes in 52 Weeks #2 Sour Cream and Blueberry Coffee Cake

I follow this blog Olla-Podrida: The St. Louis Gerber Sandwich – A Cheesy, Toasty Discovery and this recipe screamed out to me because I love Provel cheese.  Well, what did I find when I went to the store Thursday?  This is the first time I've ever seen it here. We usually have to go to a store almost an hour from here to get a block.  This is ropes but it was really tasty.  We had it on stuffed peppers this week (and it was delicious) and this week we'll try the Gerber.  She has a lot of great recipes so be sure to check out her blog.

Between our garden and the farmers market I've been getting a lot put away for winter by either dehydrating or freezing.  It's been a banner year for almost everything.

I mentioned before we have a lot of baby bunnies in our yard this year.  We've had so much fun watching them running and jumping around.  Believe it or not they have shown no interest in the garden or even in the pots on the patio.  I'm sure that will change soon but they are so stinking cute.

Dinners this week...

BIG salads x3

Chicken sausage with pesto pasta and salad and Texas toast.  I sliced the homemade bread a little thicker and it was so good with garlic butter toasted on it.

Stuffed poblano peppers with beef and onions over rice, homemade salsa and a cheese rollup with cilantro and Provel cheese. My salsa recipe. Culinary Adventures with Lori: Salsa and some good news

I hope everyone is doing well and staying cool.  If it's winter where you are, I hope you're warm and cozy. I'm off to tackle a few things in the house and then it's mani, pedi, facial day.  Enjoy your Sunday!!

Corn Sweat is Real

 

Happy Saturday!!

Everything in my world has been going pretty well.  Busy, but well.  I keep reminding myself that Fall and Winter will be here before I know it and I'll be able to slow way down and enjoy the cozy season.  We've been working on projects around the house.  We decided instead of sharing an office like we've been doing, to each set up our own so soon I will have my very own personal space.  The bedroom we've been using is a good size and worked well but I think we each deserve our own room to personalize a bit. I haven't had an entire room to myself since I was 18 and I think TBG is pretty excited to have his own room too.  

Last weekend, I bought a new laptop for personal use and I'm still trying to get used to it.  I think I'm going to really like it. It's smaller which is what I wanted, but the smaller keypad will take a bit to master. 

We celebrated TBG's birthday this week.  He chose to have lunch at La Fuente which was delicious, followed by going to see Superman.  We all thought the movie was really good with a heartwarming message on humanity and then we ended the day with cake and ice cream which all birthdays should have.

It's summer so it's been hot and humid.  We've had a few afternoon storms that have rolled through.  I watched this one come in as I was at the office Thursday.

It dropped a ton of rain but ended right as I was getting ready to leave. When I got out to the Jeep, this is what I saw. 

How gorgeous is this?

Meals this week...

Lamb burgers with Havarti, red onions and garlic aioli and zucchini fries

Steak for me, Cajun spiced shrimp for TBG with baked potatoes and a salad

Chicken sausage with peppers and onions and pesto pasta with a salad

BIG salad

Poblano peppers stuffed with ground lamb, onions and cheese with rice and a cilantro cheese roll up.  SO GOOD!!

We started watching Family Recipe Showdown on Food Network and enjoyed the first two episodes.  I can't help it but every time I see Octavia Spencer I think of her making her chocolate pie in The Help.  IYKYK.

Well, I'm off to get a few things done and then hopefully sit outside for a bit.  I haven't finished The Finnish Way yet and it is calling my name.

I hope everyone is well and enjoys the weekend!!

The long days of Summer

Summer is in full swing here and we've had some really nice weather.  We've spent a lot of time outside talking about our day over an ice cream cone or having lunch/dinner out on the patio table. There have been some really hot and humid days but that's expected, and we just roll with it. 

I've started dehydrating and canning things for the winter. Strawberry season and blueberry season are over here, and we really enjoyed them.  I was able to put about 3 or 4 pints of each in the freezer for later.  This is one batch of garlic dill pickle spears that I water bathed.  Today I made pesto for the freezer. It really livens up a dish in the winter.

We've been eating our share of summertime meals.  

BBQ chicken thighs, potato salad and a small side salad.

BIG salads

Spach cocked chicken on the grill

Chicken, red onion and poblano pepper skewers with beans and rice with a delicious avocado crema.

BLT's with zucchini 'fries'

Pepperoni, green pepper, onion and mushroom pizza with a ton of fresh basil cooked on top.  SO good.

This is before and after cooking.  The basil really shrinks up, doesn't it?

I started watching Son of a Critch on Netflix. It has three seasons right now and I'm about halfway through and really enjoying it.  It is set in Newfoundland during the 80's and follows the Critch family, particularly the youngest son.  If you want a fun, feel good series, this is it.   

I'm about halfway through the book The Finnish Way by Katja Pantzar.  "Discover the simple, nature-inspired ways that Finns stay happy, healthy and strong, no matter what life has in store."  

This post ended up being pretty photo heavy, but I have to share these two pictures of Binx.  The first one is of him sitting on his perch watching rabbits running around the yard. The second one cracked me up.  I hadn't seen him for a while, and I asked TBG if he was in his tunnel.  Just when I looked at the back of it, his eyes popped open so I could see him.