Scrapbook Generations Online Crop ...

It's been a productive month for me getting photos, past & present, scrapped all thanks to the month-long online crop going on at Scrapbook Generations! There are so many options to chose from .... layouts, cards making, even coloring! Just thought I'd share what I have been able to get done to this point ....

#1 

Yaquina Bay

#2

hangin' out!

#3 

We are 12's!

#4 

 feral family   

#5 

Carving Party

#6 

New Glasses

#7 

Lincoln City

I still have 9 to get to go and with the weather turning wet and chilly for the next week or so, I'll be hunkered down in my craft room and playing some more. Who knows, maybe I'll actually tackle some of the card challenges too!

Have a wonderful day and be the reason someone smiles today!

Godspeed 

Garden spaces!

Well, after some research on how to assemble a cinder block garden to the height I'd need to prevent too much bending and save my back, we found out that going three high would entail more "building" that we had anticipated. So, we started checking out galvanized stock tanks and VIOLA! We are now gardening in these two beauties!

We set them up just off the property line and next to front porch. The sun is abundant in this spot, when its not raining that is, and set back far enough that you really have to look in this direction to see them from the street. We plan on putting up a fence in our front yard this summer,  but planting time is now and we didn't want to wait. :)

Of course, we thought after we had the dirt all in them that we should ave laid down a fabric weed barrier before  placing the tanks! Live and learn, right?!  LOL! I'll just get a good mix of vinegar and water to spray the grass and we'll place gravel around the bases to clean it up and look nice. I'm so excited to have fresh veggies at our fingertips now and with our little greenhouse, we should be able to grow cooler weather veggies year round!

Our daughter, Nicole, told us we are now "trendy" because many people are starting to use them for gardening, especially in the front yards where ours is located. I had to chuckle at that ... Mom & Dad in their late 50's are "trendy"!  I like the sound of that! :)

Now to decide what to plant .... off to the garden supply store I go!
Godspeed

How does your garden grow?

Mine grows in POTS .... on my front porch! We don't have the space in our backyard for a garden since we made it into our "extended living space" and since the county took back the land where we once had a community garden, we have to come up with other options. For now, if we want our fresh tasting garden goodness, we have to grow in pots which is actually pretty easy if you know how. :) 

   White potatoes in these two ....

yellow tomatoes that a friend started from seed and so generously shared with us ....

& garlic flavored chives in my flowerbed, which she also shared in a plant exchange we did. :)

I've also planted two pepper plants, jalepeno and Anaheim chili, and zucchini in this flowerbed. We are in the planning stages of building two raised beds for more veggies and strawberries. Decided to use cinder blocks since they won't rot and look unsightly in a few years. Also hoping this pesky slugs don't like the roughness on their undersides either! ;) I'll definitely share once we start building!

Until then, happy gardening and see you in a few days!

Godspeed

OH, SO PRETTY!

I couldn't help myself this morning .... I'm suppose to be finishing up my chore list, but was drawn to the beauty outside my front door! The sun was shining ever so brightly, the birds chirping, bee buzzing in the neighbors beautiful flowered shrubs, hummingbirds making a visit to the peonies, and just a gorgeous morning here in the PNW! I grabbed a cup of decaf and took a sit for a bit just taking in all Mother Nature had to offer while enjoying my beautiful gifts from my children this past Mother's Day .....

My children know me all too well, and I am so Blessed beyond measure to have them in my life! Hope you also had a beautiful Mother's Day!  But then again, isn't everyday Mother's Day with all the love, kisses, hugs, dirty hands on the wall, muddy footprints, etc. But something we wouldn't trade for the world!

Now if I don't get off here, that chore list won't get any thing crossed off it today! 

Godspeed :)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

In keeping with the festivities of today, I have decided to try out this new recipe I found posted on the El Paso site, along with some tasty Sangria! Looks so GOOD and makes me hungry just looking at it!

Chicken Enchilada Bundt Bread

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup diced onions

2 minced garlic cloves

1 - oz can Old El Paso™ Green Chiles

1 tsp Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix

1 1/2 cups chopped/shredded rotisserie chicken

1 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

1/2 cup diced green bell peppers

2 (8.5 oz) boxes cornbread mix

2/3 cup milk

3 eggs

1/2 cup Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce

1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

** Sliced green onions or scallions for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray.

Saute the onions in the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add in the green chiles and cook 3 minutes to evaporate the liquid. Add the taco seasoning and the chicken, stirring to mix well. Remove from the heat. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.

Prepare the cornbread by whisking together the two mixes with 2/3 cup milk and 3 eggs. Pour half into the prepared bundt pan. Spoon the chicken filling evenly in the middle of the pan on top of the cornbread batter, leaving space along the edges and the tube of the pan so the filling will stay tucked inside of the bread. Cover the filling with the remaining half of the cornbread batter, spreading evenly to make sure the sides have filled in with the batter and there aren’t pieces of chicken or cheese poking through the cornbread.

Bake 30-35 minutes, until the cornbread is browned on top, the sides have started to pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread portion comes out free of crumbs. Cool 5 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate. Pour the enchilada sauce over top of the cornbread, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese and the chopped green onions before slicing. 

How you celebrating your May 5th? 

BUSY weekend!!

This whole Spring Cleaning thing has really been so worthwhile! I am lovin' the way things came out and can't wait for the temps to turn up on a regular basis to sit, relax after a long day, and enjoy a cool drink! We decided that we will keep the patio furniture we already have, but rearrange it to open up the area and make it more useful. 

Unfortunately, Saturday we had to remove a couple trees. One was getting way too tall, appearing to begin splitting in the middle, getting top heavy, and leaning in towards the house. We've watched it for a few years, but it was definitely time to take it out. Sadly, the one next to it was getting choked out and dying, which we didn't realize until the larger one was removed.  So, we are now down to one and hopefully that will fill in pretty good. I will say though, the little red maple does look pretty happy now that it has full sun!

Sunday was a play day for me while Butch finished the pressure washing, he wasn't up to tip toeing thru the tulips with the rest of us! LOL!! But we had a great time looking at the pretty flowers, picking our bouquets, and sampling the foodstuffs from the various vendors. 

The girls and I will compile an order together since we have to order at least 50 of each variety. Here are my top three that are on my order list:

The grounds are absolutely beautiful with small grouping of tulips and various trees and shrubbery:

And one can not go to the Tulip Festival without bring home a bouquet of their own!

We met up afterwards for lunch with Butch and it was the perfect ending to a great afternoon! I just love having our families living just a few minutes away! We can just decide at a moment's notice to make plans happen. :)

Have a pleasant Monday & Godspeed

Ideas please!

Today our temps climbed to the mid 80's so I got a head start on my day and the final pressure washing I can reach! Its a good thing too because my neck is saying "OUCH!" and my hand says "No more, please!" LOL!! You actually find all these little muscles you thought had left you in the aging process! I'm so ready for a dip in the hot tub, but I'd have to clean it first .... NOT! LOL!!

So now my dilemma is, decorating! Here is the corner I'm claiming ....

I'm looking for a 5 to 6 foot privacy screen to put in the corner to cover that electrical box.  I'll add a lounger and small table so I can just sit, chill, read, etc.  I have some outdoor artwork I've been checking out to hang on the privacy screen and with the addition of a few pots of pretties, it'll be a bit comfy and cozy! 

And then there's this side ....

I'd like to have a wooden step built to cover that ugly gray one that exists here now. I've contemplated painting the concrete, but it sounds like a bigger job than I had intended. Wonder how ceramic tiles would look?! I can hear Butch now!!! LOL!!

Okay, now that I have all these ideas running around in my head, what do you suggest? Since this will be our "forever home" I really want to make it something to be proud of and livable. 

Godspeed

Spring Cleaning!

It's that time of year to clear out all the dead ick of winter from our yard, sidewalks, flower pots, and get this yard back in shape. My first project was the front flower bed. After a few hours of turning the dirt, rearranging some bulbs and plants, I decided that I had way too many bulbs and they've all found homes in various locations of Clark County, LOL!

Then it was onto the next phase ....

It hasn't been an easy task with all the steady rain we've had since the first of the year, but it has finally subsided, at least long enough for us to get some major cleaning done! And my major cleaning, I'm referring to pressure washing! We started with the front porch & furniture, moved onto the sidewalk, front of house, and eventually stopped on the one side of the house ..... and that was just Sunday! Monday & Tuesday I tackled our looooong driveway and outside fence.

Today I have Ruby here so we are planting some pretties for the front porch to give it that homey touch! :)

Have a beautiful day!

Godspeed

A scrapbooking kinda day ....

The weather outside is transitioning from "Oh, not again!" to "What a gorgeous Spring day we're having!" One minute its beautiful & sunny, the next its cloudy & cold. So, what's a girl to do you ask? Scrapbook!

I've decided to get the old ones pretty much on paper and in the appropriate albums before starting on our most recent vacation a few weeks ago. This one is a bit on the "rookie side" but its getting me back in the grove to get out my papers & tape roller and get those photos scrapped!

So, without further ado, I present to you our Pumpkin Patch photos from this past October 2015 with some oldie but goodie papers:

Bella Blvd's "Family Tree"

 The ScrapRoom kit club 2008

I'll be back tomorrow with another, its time I got ready for the first ball game of the Little League season! Oh boy, more photos!! LOL!!

Godspeed

Happy Easter!

Blessings to you & yours for a Very Happy Easter surrounded by the ones you love!

Godspeed

Chicken, YES CHICKEN!

Last week we took the plunge and ordered our very first 40 lbs. box of chicken breasts from Zaycon Fresh. Since hubby and I are changing our eating habits and making healthier choices, this is just what we needed.

At $1.69 per pound, we just had to see what others raved about. Well ..... it is awesome! Although it took about two hours to split, trim, and package, its definitely worth the time and effort! These breast were HUGE, so I filleted each one and we ended up with 39 individual meals costing us approx. $1.73 per meal for the two of us!

So what does one do with all that chicken you ask? I have been scouring the internet and have found some rather tasty make-at-home meals! Here are the three I've tried so far and all three were amazing!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Orange Chicken

Honey-Lime Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps

And since we'll have the girls tonight and they LOVE their chicken nuggets, we have to check this healthier method for their favorite food. I'll let you know what they think!

Baked Chicken Nuggets

And now, I'll get back to searching! Have a great day!

Godspeed

An Online Crop!

This is something I haven't done in a few years and was excited when I came across this one from the fine ladies of Scrapbook Generations! Join the Scrap Squad and you'll find so many different challenges to get those scrappy, creative juices flowing again, and numerous way to use up those scrap papers we all are hoarding!

They did a Party With The Squad on Super Bowl Sunday and there's still plenty of time to participate with the challenges being due by February 21st. Here is a sampling ....

My "ingredients" were:

Bun - PP & CS

Meat - Stencil

Extras - washi tape, wood veneer, chipboard (alpha)

Dipping Sauce - ink 

So far I've managed three layouts and one card, and tomorrow I continue! Come on over and join us!

Godspeed

Simple Homemade Goulash

Since retiring and taking on the role of Domestic Engineer, I have more time to search the internet and my endless supply of cookbooks for new and different recipes. For some, they may not be anything spectacular, but for me they are new and being the adventurous type, I like to explore. 

That said, I remember goulash from my childhood, but didn't remember what went into it besides hamburger and macaroni. I knew it was a start, but there had to be more to it! The recipe I found was from a blog called Simply Homemade. I did make a change since I wanted to use what I had in my pantry and not make that extra trip to the store. I left out the ground turkey and added a bit more hamburger. Next time, I think some Italian sausage in place of the turkey would be a nummy change. 

And the final results .... hubby LOVED IT!! The recipe does state that you can freeze for later, but with all the seconds he had, let's just say, we have leftovers for one night this busy weekend! 

During the cooking stage ... the smell was DEVINE!

Simply Homemade Goulash

Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound lean ground beef
1 -2 small onions, diced ( I used red onions)
1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
3 cups water
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
3 T soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 T seasoning salt
course ground pepper to taste
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Directions:
Brown meat and onions in a large pan, I used my cast iron Dutch oven, it's the perfect pan! After the meat is brown, spoon off any excess grease. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, water, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy or worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything together and put the lid on your pan and cook for 25 minutes. Add macaroni and simmer for another 20-25 minutes over low heat. Let it sit about 30 minutes with the heat off. Remove bay leaves before serving. Be prepared to eat it with a spoon so you get all of the sauce! Enjoy!
Makes about 8-10 servings. Freeze in airtight containers. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

Allie-Kat

11/17/04 - 11/27/15

It's been eight weeks today that I had to say "See you on the other side" to my faithful friend, Allie-Kat. We snuggled, she purred, and she looked at me with reassuring eyes that told me she was ready to rest. I rocked her as she leaned against me and she took her last breath.  

There was something special about her, I can't quite put my finger on it. She's not the first pet that we've had to lay to rest, but for some reason its been the hardest on me. I get comfort in knowing she's basking in the sun, waiting with our other kitties and puppy dogs sharing stories of their time with us, and no longer in pain. Maybe in time it will get easier .....

Rest, my Sweet Allie-Kat, rest.

Godspeed

A day for baking ...

Since I am no longer working outside the home, I had the time to make pie crusts from scratch. Its something I haven't done for over 13 years and just hope they come out okay! If not, they can eat the yummy filling which I know they all enjoy!

I just couldn't resist taking photos of the process .... apples, sugar, 

cinnamon, a splash of nutmeg, and a bit of flour is all it takes! 

VIOLA! A beautiful Apple Pie!

And what is Thanksgiving without the traditional Pumpkin Pie!

A dollop of whipped topping and its heaven!

Now I just need to get the rolls thawed and in the oven and we're ready with our portion of the Thanksgiving Feast! This year our son & daughter-in-law will be hosting for both sides of the family!  Is it time to pass the torch? We'll see .....

Wishes to You & Yours for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Godspeed

Can you believe it!?

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only one week away?!? My word, time is getting past me in a FLASH! This year my daughter-in-law and son are being the hosts for the big Thanksgiving Dinner and my job is pies, of course! LOL! I am thinking of going off the grid and making baking a few new deserts instead of the usual pumpkin & apple pies. 

The first one that came to mind is this ....

PUMPKIN PECAN COBBLER

Yield: 8 servings  Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 40 minutes  Total Time: 50 minutes 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

topping:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups very hot water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium sized bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and spices. Set aside.

In a smaller bowl, stir pumpkin, milk, melted butter and vanilla together to combine. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix to create a thick batter. Pour into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides. 

In a separate bowl, stir sugar, brown sugar and pecans together. Spread over the top of the batter evenly. Pour hot water over the entire thing {WITHOUT STIRRING A THING!} and bake for 40 minutes or once the middle is set. {Be sure to place on a baking sheet incase it bubbles over.} Cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with more pecans and vanilla ice cream.

***********

Doesn't that just look scrumptious!! I'm going to give it a "test drive" today without the pecans, because I know the little ones will just pick them out! ;)

Have a great day & Godspeed

Dearest Blog ....

I haven't meant to ignore you, I've just been crazy busy with so many activities that I haven't been able to visit with you. I sincerely apologize and will be more attentive from here on. I still haven't touched a piece of scrap paper, made a card, painted on canvas, or anything else creative since my last post in May, and I can tell .... I just feel different, empty, not quite whole. So I promise from today on, you will see me visit at least once a week and creating as before.

Until then ..... Godspeed