Week 26 Monday (7/7/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Kale Pasta Salad

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/07/kale-pasta-salad/

         Did you look at the picture? This is one of those recipes that I wish I could eat. It is such a pretty salad, but I know that the kale will affect my blood level and that would be a problem. After reading Ree’s commentary as she describes how to make this salad, I like that it is good hot or cold. That makes it easier to prepare it because it can go to a picnic or be served as part of a dinner.  Sounds good to me, even if I can’t eat it.

Random Reflections - Bucket List

  

         One of my future goals is to move to Kentucky and own at least five acres. So, one of my most important Bucket items is to begin to save as much money as I can to put down a 25% down payment on my future home. That way, I won’t have to have P.M.I. and I can purchase the next house while owning the Illinois house – that way, I have somewhere to live until the next house is purchased. Hopefully, there will only be a small amount of time between the new purchase and selling my current home. Sounds like a plan, Stan.

Becky’s Bucket List #15

Save up enough money for a down payment on my Kentucky house

Research every town in Kentucky in hopes of relocating

Work on learning calligraphy and bettering daily penmanship

Begin making my own clothing using a mannequin

Volunteer at an animal rescue

Visit all 50 states

Photography courses

Complete all of Mom’s and my scrapbooks

Go skiing again in Colorado

Meet the Duggar family

Watch every nominee and winner for the Academy Awards to date

Remodel my kitchen

Take piano lessons

Write 2 books for my great-nephews

Travel to Wales

Travel to Scotland

Alaskan cruise

Why Weight?

         6/29                Sunday                         2,603 calories         nothing        

         6/30                Monday                        1,515 calories         Curves        

         7/1                  Tuesday                        1,566 calories         nothing        

         7/2                  Wednesday                    1,580 calories         Curves        

         7/3                  Thursday                       1,581 calories         Curves

         7/4                  Friday                            2,436 calories         nothing

         7/5                  Saturday                        1,574 calories         nothing

Goal:          91.1   lbs.         (100 lb. loss between 6/1/14 – 6/1/15)

                  - 4.4   lbs.         this week’s loss

                  86.7   lbs to go

         This was a great week. I lost the 2.8 pound gain from last week and a little more (1.6 lbs). I had one challenge and that was going out to eat with my Mom and my wonderful Aunt Doris. I was really careful but I had to estimate the exact calories. I know I was close but it wasn’t an exact measurement. I am back on the road.

Wants and Wishes

         Today, my wish is for a productive week. I am sorting through school materials and purging a great deal. I am also religiously researching Kentucky, which is just darn right fun. I want to finish sorting through the files in my office so that one room is 100% organized.  I think that may be a huge undertaking as there is so much to go through in a week.  My last wish is that I want this whole damaged roof thing settled. The roofer and insurance appraiser are coming on Wednesday, and I want an answer one way or the other if we are replacing the current roof.  Oh how I dislike hail!

Week 25 Sunday (7/6/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Grilled Veggie Burrito

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/06/grilled-veggie-burritos/

         Whoa Baby I love a burrito.  Now this one is a healthier version than I am used to eating. This grilled burrito is filled with the typical lime rice but then goes much deeper into veggie goodness. Try it!

      

Trivial Triffles

         Two weeks ago I went to the eye doctor. I had been there three years prior and at that time he said everything was great and that he would see me in three years. My visit was great and I just love Dr. King. He has a practice in Geneva. When I was in the waiting room, I realized that the average age in the room was 80. I felt so young. I usually also feel that way when I am at the cardiologist’s office.  My suggestion – if you ever want to feel vital or young – drop in to a eye doctor or cardiologist and just enjoy sitting in the waiting room.

Memory Musings

         When I was in high school, I received my first typewriter and correction tape for Christmas.  The typewriter was a powder blue color. I loved this machine because it was the first one our family had at that time. I was taking typing in high school and liked the extra time to practice my skills. 

         I learned to hate that correction tape.  For you old timers, you remember putting in the correction tape and retyping the letter. Of course, it didn’t completely cover the letter and after retyping the new letter, the paper never looked as nice.

         At that time, that is the best we had to use. Ah-----memories.

Week 25 Saturday (7/5/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Greek Salad

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/04/greek-salad/

         Here is a bright colorful salad for your summer buffet table. The veggies are summery and how can you go wrong with feta cheese and olives?  The purples, red, greens, and whites call to you – unfortunately not to me. Sorry, Ree.  It does look wonderful.

                  

Random Reflections

         Yesterday was the Fourth of July and Sage’s birthday. She is a real firecracker so it seems appropriate. As I was home working on schoolwork, decorating the back garden, and watching a movie called The Ultimate Gift I realized how happy I was. The movie was about a spoiled rich kid who has to complete some tasks to receive a major inheritance. The gift was the ability to work hard, make a true friend, understand his father’s death, and discover his own dream. This movie leaves the viewer feeling good.                                                                                                                           I am so happy with my life right now. I have a loving family, good friends, a wonderful home, and a job I love which all combined give me great happiness. What a great day!

Happy Birthday Baby Sage!

Helpful Home Hints

         This week I had Good Call Plumbing come to the house and replace the hose to my washing machine. I read that the hose should be replaced every 10 years and it has been 16 years since it was installed. Think about scheduling Good Call Plumbing to change your hose to the washer. I couldn’t afford a flood and I bet you can’t either!

Week 25 Friday (7/4/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Rhubarb Cobbler

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/rhubarb-cobbler/

         I dedicate this recipe to my Grandma and Mom. Can you dedicate a recipe that is someone else’s? Okay, I dedicate my review. My Grandma frequently cooked with rhubarb as does my Mom, so this seems like a great idea. Grandma always grew rhubarb in her garden. I remember going out there with her to pick some for her rhubarb crisp.  This seems like a great summer recipe to me.

      

Fabulous “Family and Friends” Food

Baked Enchiladas

(these are from my volleyball coach  - I

don’t remember her name)

Ingredients:

2 lbs. hamburger meat

1 onion

1 garlic clove

3 teasp. chili powder

¼ teasp. oregano

2 teasp. sage

¼ teasp. cloves

¼ teasp. ginger

1 teasp. dry mustard

salt and pepper

1 jar of enchilada sauce mixed with bread crumbs and water to make a paste

tortillas

cheese – your choice

Directions:

Cook the first 10 ingredients together.

Make the enchilada sauce with the water and bread crumbs

Next, take a frying pan with oil. Heat the oil until extremely hot. Put the tortilla in, turn it fast, and take it out.  Don’t leave it in too long.

Now, dip the tortilla in the enchilada sauce, add the meat and cheese and roll. Continue until all are rolled and placed in a baking pan. 

Over the top add more cheese and meat. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.

Week 25 Thursday (7/3/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Caprese Salad

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/caprese-salad/

         If you are tired of whipping up a salad to go with your steak, try this idea. This is so beautiful and easy to make, and would compliment any meal. How can you go wrong with tomatoes and mozzarella?  This could be your new summer favorite!

Random Reflections

The Glorious Garden – Mrs. Cholmondeley Clematis

The camera flash made this bluer than it really appears

            I love clematis. They are so full and beautiful and I love how they climb up a trellis. This clematis has amazing large lavender flowers. This one is quite hearty and last year bloomed in the spring and fall. I helped the stems start up the trellis is multiple places so it wasn’t one-sided. I planted this in full sun and it thrives. The soil is pretty good and doesn’t hold water – good drainage. The height can be up to 300 cm. and will spread up to 100 cm. The tag said to prune it in February or March, but here it depends on the weather. This plant does flower from May until about September.

Irksome Ideas and Images

         I always dread the Fourth of July. This is a three-day period where people enjoy shooting off fireworks, which terrify my dogs. I hate trying to calm them down and reassure them that it is okay. 

         I also have an unrealistic fear of fire. I read a newspaper article last year that said that a house was set on fire by a fireworks display. That is my worst nightmare.

         During my childhood, one of our neighbors lost their home and children to a fire. I know that this was the catalyst for my fear of a blaze. I would enjoy fireworks a lot more if people would not do them in a neighborhood, but in an open area where no one would be affected.

         Let’s have a safe Fourth of July!

Week 25 Wednesday (7/2/14)

Recipe Review      

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Kale Citrus Salad

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/05/kale-citrus-salad/

         I think it’s about time to include a salad in the recipe choices. This salad is primarily kale. Did you know that kale is really great for you? It helps detox your body. It can also be good for you if you have high cholesterol.  The interesting part for me was the goat cheese. I am new to this and have enjoyed it during the two times I have used it.  Enjoy!

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         On June 25^th I had a colonoscopy. After age 50, everyone should have one to protect and preserve your health. This was my second one and I am so glad that I did so. I am so grateful that my colonoscopy came out great. Most people I have talked to complained about the prep for the procedure. They have come miles in the last three years. You get to mix the powder with Gatorade instead of the vile tasting drink. This procedure is no big deal, but it can change your life.  Okay, all of you over 50 – make that call today!

Memory Musings

         One of my favorite people in the world is Laura Stopka, Kathy’s sister. I have always called her Lola, because it just seems to fit her, and I am big on nicknames. When I lived in Florida, I used to spend a lot of time with Kathy’s sisters, Laura (Lola), Mary (Mert), and Suzanne (SuSu). Laura gave me the nickname of Ethel Fitzgerald Ramstein. To this day she will occasionally called me Ethel.

         When I was in my first year teaching, I told my class that I had an evil twin named Ethel Fitzgerald Ramstein. The kids believed me when I said we were identical twins. I even proved my claim with a letter that I received from Laura, mailed to Ethel.  My kids questioned it, but I think I had a few of them fooled. One day I came in and acted angry and one of them asked me if I was Ethel. I replied that I was and that I was filling in for my sister for the first hour of the day because she was at the dentist. While they were in P.E., I changed my clothes and reappeared as myself.  We discussed the differences in my two identities, and then I “fessed up” and told them the truth. We all had a great laugh.  Sometimes school can be fun!

Week 25 Tuesday (7/1/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Pizza – Ree - A

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/08/pizza-ree-a/

         Here’s a recipe for all of you pizza + veggie lovers. If you are fearful of making pizza dough, you can always buy it and then top it with these veggies and cheese.  Oh, to love pizza and be healthy. I love pizza more than life itself – a huge exaggeration – but adding veggies in not in the cards for me.

      

Craft Corner

         I haven’t done a crafty thing since I got out of school.  Oh well – there are still 48 days left of summer for me.

My Gorgeous Girls

      

         Yesterday, the girls had their teeth cleaned and Willow had that growth removed from behind her ear.  I also picked up her ”special food.”  I dropped them off at 7:40 and rushed home to cook in the morning because the landscaper was coming in the after to weed, edge, and spread the new mulch. I am really behind this year. Yikes! 

         Follow-up – The girls are great and we have to wait for the biopsy results.  Life always has drama.

Sweet Willow

Baby Sage