Week 25, June 12, 2016

Thoughts and Quotes:  Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

                                                                                                Henry James

Thunder: Summer is truly upon us here in the Ozarks, though it's still officially a week away. Hot and muggy the last few days, and then today the thunder roared and the deluge came and washed the earth and cooled the air and reaffirmed my decision to move back from California. There's nothing so fresh as the period following a good downpour.

Tears:  My son and daughter-in-law have come and gone - back to California.  I miss them already.  Thankfully they were here on Sonny's birthday.  For those of you who haven't been with me from the beginning, Sonny was my younger brother who died in February, the result of an auto accident.  We made his birthday cake - pineapple upside-down cake - one of his two favorites, the other being carrot cake.

We celebrated with lunch at Ocean Zen.  I wasn't thinking straight that day, or I'd have taken photos at this Asian flavor restaurant with unusual and original decor.  Chosen Brother Peter had a mai tai, which warranted a photo.

Sonny's friend, Linda May, had macadamia chicken, which she said was very good.  It's sitting atop garlic mashed potatoes.

Son Mike had lobster mac and cheese and it came with a small tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, a rather unusual combination, I thought.  The rest of us had bento boxes with miso soup. Steak for Brother Jim, teriyaki chicken for Chosen Brother Peter and myself, salmon for Brother Bill and Daughter-in-Law Kathy.

If ever you're in Springfield, Missouri, you might consider dining here.  You'll be glad you did. Click for website.  

We brought birthday cake for everyone to take home.  Happy Birthday, Baby Brother.  We miss you.

Thrifting: Kathy and I spent a day bargain hunting.  We went to my local thrift shop, the one with the new kitty, where I discovered that it's a "her", not a "him", and her name is Baby. She was sleeping in the office, so we missed seeing her.  I found a nice scarf for 80 cents (navy, not black as it looks in the photo).

I loved this mini-cup and saucer for holding sugar and sweetener.  Only $1.20.

Sadly, there were only three snack sets, $1.60 each.  I'd have liked four.

Then another thrift store where I found only these pretty bowls.  The avocado is to show perspective. Sixty cents each.  Small bowls are scarce.  You buy them when you see them.

Then a new-to-me thrift store, where they were having a sale - fill a paper grocery bag and pay $5.  I found these nice tops and they didn't fill my bag, so Kathy put some of her things in on top of mine.  So, $5 for five tops.  The black cardigan will be a bargain only if I have eight matching buttons, as a couple of these are peeling.

And I bought necklaces for $1 apiece.  Gee, I must have a weakness for white.  The brooch was 50 cents.  The necklace on the left is two hooked together.  I might take that middle part out.  What do you think?  Should I?

And I liked this tote for only $2.  Perfect for meeting Katie Sue for show and tell with our cards.

We couldn't miss one of Kathy's favorite stores - $1 Fashion Jewelry.  Inflation has struck. Most things are now $2 and up, but still a few $1 bargains.  So $2 isn't a bargain?  I'm getting to be a real cheapskate.

Tasting:  Dinner one night was at Famous Dave's.  Tuesday night is Feast for Two at a reduced price.  We had two for three of us, so we'd have leftovers.  LOTS of food.

The night before my kids were scheduled to leave, I developed a 100.8 fever and took to the couch.  The last day of their visit, my darling, patient daughter-in-law sat while I was stretched out on the couch, and we watched game and cooking shows on TV all day.  My very wonderful son went out and pulled weeds in my garden.  If they visit next year, I'll probably develop another fever.  I hate pulling weeds.

Television:  The next morning, I still felt lousy and decided to continue my couch and TV routine.  After about an hour, the electricity had a hiccup - not even enough so that I had to reset the timer on the sprinklers - and then no TV, no telephone land line, and no computer. I used my cell phone to call tech support, and they said they'd be out between 1:00 and 4:00.  You guessed it - he showed up at 3:45 and didn't finish until 9:45.  He was running new wire across the back yard, going up in the attic, under the house, from the family room to the kitchen to the office and back again.  Finally, I had TV in the family room, phones, and computer.  He said that someone would come on Saturday and fix the TV in the kitchen and my Wi-Fi.  While he was working, I brought in the little TV from the garage, which plays VHS tapes.  I watched a long two-part biography of Mark Twain.  So at least I worked on one of my T's.  One tape down and a gazillion to go.  I waited all day on Saturday, and no one called, no one emailed, and no one came.  More TV, but by Sunday I was over my "bug", no fever, and feeling myself again.  I spent Sunday at Friend Joey's eating tacos and strawberry shortcake, so now I'm ready to get back to normal.

Time for Others:  I mentioned that I would show you some envelopes we make from magazine pages and calendars, here you go.

We usually use this template.

And sometimes we use this one.  Either will fit an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet.

Some calendar sheets require some maneuvering, due to that pesky hole in the top of the page.  Wallpaper (if not too thick), sheet music, wrapping paper, and even newspaper comic strips can be used.  Of course you have to use a label, as there's usually no space to write the address.  Carefully open out an envelope from a card someone sent you, and if it fits a 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" card, make yourself a template from an old file folder, and you're good to go.

Tidbit:  I'm so excited to share my news.  I have a new pen pal, or should I say, a new letter exchange lady.  I was matched with her through Lady Pamela's blog, The Jane Austen Letter Writing Society.  (Here)  Everyone is known by Lady Whatever, but I'm matched with an actual Lady for real.  How exciting is that?!  I've already received her introductory email and have responded.  If she's not totally put off by my response email, we'll soon have mail flying back and across from the USA to the UK.

Togs:  Moving on -

Day 15, June 6, this is one of the Bon Worth tops.  The pants are what we refer to as "sleazy" and the necklace is fresh water pearls.  I bought the necklace at my local jewelry store and wondered what I'd ever put with it.  I hate when I need a new watch battery, because I always end up with a new necklace, along with the battery.

Day 16, June 7, the pants are actually royal blue, which matches the ribbons on the top. Much better in real life.  My red pants don't work.  Ever notice how many shades there are of any given color?

Day 17, June 8, and we move the pants over to this top and sweater.

Day 18, June 9, nothing new here.

Day 19, June 10, I looked and looked for something to match these pants and nothing. Then I accidentally found it right in my own closet.  The grays are a better match in real life.

Day 20, June 11, nothing new.  Everyday, run-to-the-market clothes.

Day 21, June 12, more nothing new, run-to-the-store clothes.  Could use for going to a casual lunch.

WATCH WORDS FOR NEXT WEEK:

DISCIPLINE AND FUN

BUY A NEW BATHING SUIT

PLAN A VACATION

STAY HYDRATED

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE

Week 24, June 5, 2016

Thoughts and Quotes: The past is history – the future is a mystery.  Today is a gift from God – that’s why we call it the present.

                                                                                                Unknown

Thrifting: I had to run an errand near my favorite thrift store, so I dropped in and this was my best find.

Snoozing away, not a care in the world.  People were talking near him, and he didn't even budge.  I thought perhaps he couldn't hear, but when I moved my cart, some dishes jiggled (of course I bought some dishes), and he raised his head a little, gave a big yawn, and went promptly back to sleep.

When I checked out, I asked about him.  A couple of weeks ago, she followed a customer into the store.  They propped the door open so she could get back out, but she said, "No, thank you.  I like it here.  I believe I'll stay".  And so she did.

I found some nice bargains:

A purse for $3.20

Looks great, now that I've removed the doo-dad

Look inside - it's brand new.

Some napkin rings, and yes, I have wooden, but they're carved, and I could afford 25 cents less Senior Day discount of 20%

A cute trivet for 40 cents

Some dessert plates: 4 just right for a slice of cake or pie and 4 to use under dessert dishes and only 40 cents each

A sweet cup and saucer for $2.60, and no, it's not bone china

Tips:  I had a little panic attack this week, because I thought I'd lost my address book.  I hadn't.  It was right in the drawer where it belongs, but it made me realize the problems I'd have if I did lose it.  First of all, a lot of those addresses and phone numbers are only in my book.  Second, not thinking, I put relative birth dates and social security numbers right next to their names and addresses.  If I had accidentally knocked my book off into the waste basket and then dumped it into the recycle trash, it could have been found and identities easily stolen. I'm duplicating the addresses and phone numbers on my computer and making a list of the other info and putting it in a safe place.  I have also cleaned out my desk, so that I don't think things are lost when they're only buried.

Tasting:  Our monthly Very Exclusive Cooking Club lunch was at Mim's. For those of you who don't know the reason for the name, it's because we limit the group to four.  Here are the results to make you hungry.

VERY EXCLUSIVE COOKING CLUB

June 2, 2016, at Mim’s

THE TABLE

THE MENU

Tossed Garden Salad

Chicken Curry with Assorted Condiments

White Rice

Steamed Fresh Asparagus

Sister Shubert Rolls

Strawberry Dream Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream

Iced Tea and Lemonade

THE FOOD

THE PARTY FAVORS

THE RECIPES

MIM’S CHICKEN CURRY

Serves 4-5

4 large chicken breasts (thighs can also be used) -1.5 lb of chicken

Fine sea salt and pepper

2 1/2 - 3 teaspoons curry powder - I use McCormick’s hot madras

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/4 cup butter

1 medium onion, chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

Scant tablespoon of fresh grated ginger (optional)

1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup whole milk or half/half

1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1/2 cup raisins

Cut chicken into strips or chunks. Sprinkle chicken with fine sea salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon curry. Lightly brown in coconut oil until all the pink is gone. Place chicken in a bowl.

Using the same skillet, cook onion until translucent. Stir in garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of curry powder and cook another minutes until ingredients are well blended.

Whisk cornstarch with chicken broth and add to skillet with onion-spice mixture. Add sugar. Cook several minutes will mixture begins to thicken. Add chicken and raisins and simmer until cooked. Stir in milk or half & half. If broth is thin, remove 1/2 of the broth and whisk in 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch.

Serve over rice and with condiments.  Suggested condiments: diced bananas, diced onions, mango, pineapple, coconut, cocktail peanuts, cantaloupe, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced tomatoes. 

STRAWBERRY DREAM CAKE

(From Southern Living Magazine by way of www.myrecipes.com)

Recipe HERE

CAKE LAYERS

Shortening

Flour for pans

1 cup (8 oz.) salted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, separated

3 cups (about 12 oz.) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon table salt

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 (16-oz.) containers fresh strawberries

DREAMY WHIPPED FROSTING

1 (8-oz.) container mascarpone cheese, softened

2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1. Make the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease, with shortening, and flour 2 (9-inch) round, 2-inch-deep cake pans. Beat the butter with a heavy-duty stand mixer at medium speed until fluffy; gradually add the sugar, beating well. Add the egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

3. Beat the egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold about one-third of the egg whites into batter; fold in remaining egg whites in 2 batches. Spoon batter into prepared cake pans.

4. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 28 to 32 minutes. Cool in pans on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire rack, about 1 hour.

5. Meanwhile, cut a thin slice from stem end of each of 20 to 25 whole strawberries to form a flat base; set strawberries aside.

6. Make the Dreamy Whipped Frosting: Gently stir together the mascarpone cheese and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Beat whipping cream and vanilla and almond extracts with an electric mixer at medium speed until foamy; increase speed to medium-high, and slowly add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of the whipped cream mixture into cheese mixture; gently fold in remaining whipped cream mixture in 2 batches.

7. Place 1 cooled cake layer on a cake plate or serving platter; spread top with 3/4 cup of the frosting. Working from the outer edge of cake layer toward middle, place strawberries, flat base sides down and pointed tops up, on top of frosted bottom layer.

8. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups frosting into a Ziploc plastic freezer bag; snip 1 corner to make a small hole. Pipe frosting between strawberries, filling in spaces completely. Gently spread about 3/4 cup of the frosting on top of berries.

9. Place second cake layer on berry layer; spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with whole and sliced strawberries, if desired.

 KUDOS TO MIM - GREAT JOB!

And don't you love her beverage dispenser?  Gonna get me one.

My kids are coming from California today, so short post.  I've made a hearty soup, because the'll probably be hungry.  In case you missed this recipe earlier, you might want to print it. Everyone loves it.  

LIBRARY SOUP

(Dana from the Children’s Section)

1 can each:

Whole kernel corn, drained

Kidney beans, drained

Seasoned black beans, drained

Rotel with lime and cilantro

Chicken broth

2 chicken breasts, cubed

Mix together in Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high/regular for 4-5 hours.

Serve with tortilla chips and grated Monterey Jack cheese.  Crush the chips in the bowl, add the soup, and top with cheese.

Note:  I used 2 cans of broth for more liquid, and used pinto beans instead of kidney beans.  I love this soup and will make it often.  I call it Library Soup because Dana was heating it  for lunch when I was at the library, and it smelled divine.  She let me have the recipe and now all my friends make it and we all call it Library Soup.

Mike, my son, has ordered several things I used to make when he was a child.  Some are still favorite recipes.  One is called Magic Pan Salad.  I tried to duplicate a salad we ate at a restaurant where everything was crepes, hence the name "Magic Pan".  They went out of business long ago, but I'm still making this salad.  I have everything ready to put together for my baby boy.  Copy this.  You'll be glad you did.  Easy, make ahead, and men like it.

MAGIC PAN SALAD

Copy Cat Magic Pan Restaurant (out of business) Recipe

Tear up enough Romaine lettuce to serve the number of guests.

Add to taste: Mandarin oranges from a can and finely sliced green onions

Toss with vinaigrette

Top with toasted slivered almonds

Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup oil

3/4 cup white vinegar

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all dressing ingredients together in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stir to make sure sugar is completely dissolved, then cool.

Tip:  When I talk about another blog or a product, it's because I feel it's worth mentioning.  I don't get paid by anyone, and I haven't made any deals with other bloggers.  I just want to share what I feel is worthwhile.  One of the blogs I discovered recently has the best recipe index I've seen.  I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but I can tell by just looking at a few there are many I feel deserve a try.  There are also how-to's and cooking tips included. When Friend Joey sees the number of cookie recipes, she'll want to turn on the oven immediately.  Take a peek HERE. 

Tip:  Friend Audell told me about Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (I think that's what they'r called). They're perfect for cleanup.  I just cleaned the grimy handle on my garage refrigerator, and it looks like new.  Try them.

Togs:  Friend Joey and I made another run to Bon Worth.  Memorial Day sale going on, so I bought a few more tops.  I'm having so much fun with this project, and when I finish, my closet will be organized without my spending a week exclusively on clothes.  Here are the next seven.

Day 8, May 30

Day 9, May 31 - I found this top to match the pants a friend gave me several months ago

Day 10, June 1 - And then I discovered that I also had other pants to match the top

Day 11, June 2

Day 12, June 3 - Color is distorted.  The light-colored beads on the top match the pants

Day 13, June 4 - Maybe for 4th of July?

Day 14, June 5

We will celebrate Sonny's birthday this week.  He's our brother who died on February 9, the result of a car accident. How I miss him.  I still answer the phone and expect him to say, "Busy?".  Life can come to an end swiftly and unexpectedly.  Enjoy every minute of yours and show your loved ones how much they mean to you.  

STAY HAPPY

STAY WELL

DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE

TAKE IN A GARDEN TOUR

THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY LIFE