Getting to Know Me

 

Maybe your curious about me?  Maybe you want to know a little more about me?  Maybe things like this are time wasters?  Most likely...my sister in law really, really wants me to do this...so here it is...AND she has to come over to my blog to read it!  Ha-Ha!!

What time did you get up this morning?
7:45 a.m
2. How do you like your steak?
Medium-Rare
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Night at the Museum 2

4. What is your favorite TV show?
CSI
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Right now...California on about 5 acres of land near good trails to ride dirt bikes!

6. What did you have for breakfast?
Granola cereal and 3 cups of black coffee

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
My own cooking

8. What foods do you dislike?
I'll try most anything.  My most un favorite food is food that is not prepared well at restaurants and you still have to pay for it or find that it is prepared better at home.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?
Years ago, my husband and I were on our way to a couples retreat and we stopped a a steak place we had heard about.  Where you could pick out your meat and grill your own (fish, chicken or beef) and it was served with baked potato and green salad.  It was excellent! 

The other place I liked is having a bowl of clam chowder at a restaurant called Ship Inn located in Astoria, Oregon.  That was a favorite date (usually on our anniversary) place! 

Oh yes, one other favorite, it's kinda a dive but it is a great date spot for us as a couple when we go see family in Kansas City...Smokehouse Barbecue.

10. Favorite dressing?
Virginia Brand Vidalia Onion Vinegarette...sold at Sam's Club

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2001, 7 passenger, white, dodge caravan

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Long, straight skirts from Christopher Banks and a top with comfy tennis shoes and white socks.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
I am going to be blessed to go on my Mediterranean Cruise for my 20th wedding anniversary and see an area of the world, I never thought I'd see!  I'm totally excited!

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
1/2 empty!

15. Where would you want to retire?
If money were no object?  Probably California...until the grandkids arrive, then I may change my mind!  I also love eastern Oregon.  If money were no object, I may have a summer place and a winter place!  Like summer in Montana/Wyoming/Alaska? and winter in the southern parts of the US...okay maybe even Costa Rica!

16. Favorite time of day?
bedtime

17. Where were you born?
Portland, Oregon

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Monster Truck races, especially freestyle competition!

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?
I am not tagging anyone...if you like this, feel free to copy and paste and answer, but let me know you did so I can read your answers!

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
Well, no one!

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
Curiosity is good...

22. Bird watcher?
Yes...I love to watch them all.  My favorite bird to watch is the hummingbird!  Eagles and Hawks are interesting as well.  Especially the eagles that nested on the lake by our home in Alaska!  Interesting!

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Day time person.  It takes a couple cups of coffee and a shower before I fell up to starting the day.  I get tired when it's gets dark/bedtime.  I am most productive during the day!

24. Pets?
Of course, Banjo our dog/child and Shadow the cat

25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share?
Ha! 

26. What did you want to be when you were little?
Everything!  When I graduated from high school I though I wanted to teach special education!  I've also wanted to be a beautician, detective and realtor.

27. What is your best childhood memory?
humm...there are so many.  I used to love going to Uncle Bill and Aunt Hazels house.  They had about 100 acres in the country with woods, pond horses, chickens, cows a garden.  It was wonderful to spend time there.  We rode bikes on cow trails, swam in the stock tanks played in the barn and she was a great cook!

28. Are you a cat or dog person?
Fish!  If I could always have Banjo as my dog I'd be a dog person.  I do love a nice cuddly kitty though!  I also loved my little pocket parrot.  But sadly not all birds, cats, fish or dogs are the same!

29. Are you married?
For 20 years in 6 weeks!

30. Always wear your seat belt?
Only because it's the law!

31. Been in a car accident?
Twice in San Diego.  I turned in front of a speeder and he clipped my back turn signal light.  And I rear ended someone but we were going slow, his little truck-no damage.  Mine...well about $2000 worth.  Both times!  I've never been in an accident as a passenger with anyone.

32. Any pet peeves?
Public speakers who say UM!  New Jersey drivers and several more if I had time to think about all of them!

33. Favorite pizza topping?
All the meats and add onion.  Second favorite, pepperoni.

34. Favorite Flower?
Jasmine  (but really there are too many favorites to list!)

35. Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate chip mint but I love Moose Tracks... and Baseball Nut from Baskin Robbins

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Right now...Baja Fresh

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Permit...2 times (this was before computers) road test, passed 1st time!

38. From whom did you get your last email?
Facebook

39. At which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Michaels Craft

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
  We ate a Burger King on Thursday.

42. Broccoli?
Yummy... with hot cheese and a few other ways!

43. What was your favorite vacation?
Costa Rica for 5 days with my manly man.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
OUT to dinner?  Probably 4 weeks ago when we went to Old Country Buffet after church as a family.  I need another date night!

45. What are you listening to right now?
the AC

46. What is your favorite color?
Hot pink, purple, teal green in that order...

47. How many tattoos do you have?
Are you kidding me?  NONE.  I can't imagine myself as a 75 year old fat lady, that has birthed children, with a tatoo anywhere on my body.  Can you picture it on the cleavage, or on the small of the back or across the stretch marks on the belly?  GROSS!

49. What time did you finish this quiz?
Afternoon

50. Coffee Drinker?
Um-Um good! The only thing I don't drink, straight shots of espresso.

 

Flashback Friday

 

Momma and baby #1 early-early summer 1991.  And I'll say it again...I am a product of the 80's.  I love that big hair and shoulder pads...'like totally'

Hubba-Hubba...this is why I fell in love with this guy! He's handsome and he's about to be taken off the market. This is aboard the ship he was stationed on. He is giving a tour to his family, a few days before we married, September 1989.

I have to say, Sully looks at all these pictures, and recognizes Mom and sees the pictures of Daddy from so long ago and says, "Is that Aaron's (#1 son's) Daddy?"

 

It's Thursday!

 

(this is how dark it seems this morning!)

Outside my window...It's very dark this morning...there is supposed to be a big storm today with lots of rain.  I'm ready for it!

I am thinking...That summer was awful short.  My sister said she felt fall in the air and was ready for apple cider.  I feel the fallness in the air as well.  I am starting to watch for the leaves to start turning.  I am also thinking about all the good food that comes when the temperatures drop.  Having the oven on right now makes it very hot in my house.  I love soups and casseroles though, so cooler temperatures make me happy!

I am thankful for...A great man who provides well for our family so that I may stay at home!

 From the learning rooms...The letters Y and Z and number 17.  We're almost done with the alphabet.  Tomorrow will be our last day!  We'll start classes again, Tuesday, September 8th

From the kitchen...Time for a quick trip to my favorite farm stand for corn on the cob and maybe a watermelon.

I am wearing...I'm in my pj's still and clutching my cup of black coffee!

I am creating... Not much going on in the creativity department this week.  I did purchase some pink beads and crafted a pink watch this week.  I love relaxing and making watches.

I am going...To the farmstand after school work.

I am reading...Another tea shop mystery...  At the end of these books she posts tea party ideas and tea party recipes!  I love books like that.

I am hoping...I'm always hoping that the Lord will answer prayers, mine and others!

I am hearing...Sesame Street...one of #2 sons favorite shows.

Around the house...I did laundry on Monday and have yet to put it away...Yikes...dishes in the dish washer also need to be put away!  The bathroom floor needs to be swept before the clean rugs are laid down.

One of my favorite things...Quiet moments at home!

  A few plans for the rest of the week:  I'd like to give myself a manicure this weekend.  The boys are planning to go see a baseball game with a group from church.  (Baseball is not my favorite.)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...The pictures today are from mushrooms in my yard.  The little bit of occasional rain this week have made these mushrooms sprout.  They develop very quickly and are so fun to observe.

 

Monday

 

Yep... it's a Monday.  It's a slow starting day...motivation is not high on the priorities with anyone in my house!

Not sure what the menu plan is for the week.  The weather will be a big factor concerning cooking this week!  I think I'll make a pasta salad for tonight.  I have some fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from my garden to use!

My plans for the week include~ finish school with #2 son!  We're on the letter W.  I need to order some books for our next homeschool adventure!  I think I am going to combine Kindergarten and first grade for him.  We'll see how that goes when I look at the books a bit more and see what I think he accomplish.

Maybe the heat will be bring a big thunderstorm this evening.  I love those!

Enjoy the day!

Flashback Friday

1995 Camping in Washington State with my sweet sister.  That is her in the picture with my guys and our wonderful camping truck!

This is winter or spring 1996.  Probably having coffee over at a friends house after church!

 

August Recipes

 

Here are a few recipes for my dear blog friends. 

Here is a perfect way to use up one of those big zucchini's that hid from you yesterday and today weighs about 4 pounds and seems useless!

Zucchini "APPLE" Pie

Two prepared 9 inch pie crusts.

4 cups sliced zucchini that has been peeled, seeded and sliced to resemble apple slices

2 T. lemon juice

 dash of salt

1 1/4 c. sugar

1 1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 t. cream of tarter

dash nutmeg

3 T. flour

3 T. butter (optional)

In large bowl combine all ingredients except pie crusts and butter.  Toss gently to incorporate all ingredients.  Place one layer of prepared crust into a 9 inch pie pan.  Add filling ingredients.  Dot with butter if desired.  Top with second prepared pie crust.  Flute edges, brush top with milk or egg wash if desired.  Poke a few holes to vent.  Cover edges of crust with foil.Bake pie in 400 degree oven 30 minutes remove foil bake 30 minutes more.---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zucchini Cobbler (Courtesy of: A Firefighters Wife...thank you for posting this!)

Zucchini Cobbler
Boil 8 cups of zucchini that has been peeled, seeded and diced (bite size). Drain and then let it cool. Add a 10 oz can of crushed pineapple (juice and all)

Mix together 1 cup of sugar ( I use raw), 3 Tablespoons of flour, dash of salt, 2 tsps of cinnamon, 3/4 tsp cream of tartar. Stir this into the zucchini mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Pour a yellow cake mix on top and then drizzle half of a cup of melted butter onto it.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

((I wish I had some zucchini so I could try this recipe!))

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These recipes come from a blog I have linked on my main page...go visit her sight, she posts some great recipes!  The Real Mom's Kitchen

Italian Chicken Roll Ups

4 oz. softened cream cheese

1/2 c. chopped green pepper (or chopped onion)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thick

4 slices American cheese

1 cup prepared spaghetti sauce

Mix cream cheese with green  peppers.  Spread 1/4 of cream cheese mixture onto each pounded breast.  Add one slice American cheese roll up.  Place seam side down in prepared casserole dish.  Pour spaghetti sauce on top of rolled breasts.  Cover with aluminum foil.  Bake 400 degrees 20 minutes.

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Easy Cheesey Sloppy Joe's

1 pound ground beef

1 C. chopped green pepper

1/4 C. chopped onion

1 C. prepared barbecue sauce

4 hamburger buns, (toasted?)

4 slices of American cheese

Cook ground beef on medium high heat with onions and green peppers.  Cook until no longer pink.  Drain.  Add barbecue sauce.  Stir until combined.  Put sloppy joe meat on 4 individual bun halves top with one slice American cheese.  Serve.

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This is from a recipe book I borrowed from the library.  I believe from a Sandra Lee cookbook.

Ravioli Stroganoff

1 (25 oz. pkg) refrigerated cheese ravioli

2 T. oil

1 pound lean ground turkey burger

1/2 t. italian seasoning

1 (10 3/4 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 C. milk

3/4 C. sour cream.

Prepare ravioli according to package directions.  Drain, set aside and keep warm.  Brown meat in oil in medium saucepan on medium high heat until cooked.  Season meat with italian seasonings.  Stir in soup.  Bring to simmer.  Remove from heat.  Stir in sour cream.  Gently toss in pasta to the sauce mix.  Serves 4.

 

It's Thursday

 

It's Thursday!  Yes it is... Thursday...all day some may say.

Summer has been keeping us busy and I haven't been blogging much.  Today will be a two post day with RECIPES!

Outside my window...Overcast, maybe a storm coming through tonight?

I am thinking...I am thinking about what to fix for dinner!

I am thankful for...People who are serious about prayer.

From the learning rooms...The letters U and V and number 14

From the kitchen...Trying to find inspiration...even turning on the burners of the stove heats the house up another 2 degrees!  I grilled a whole chicken outside last night and made mashed potatoes inside.  It was so good!  The house took a while to cool down though.

I am wearing...Gray capri's with a black tee

I am creating... I tried to hem some pants for my manly man over the weekend with a cuff.  Didn't look so hot on him and he was saying the cuffs are flipping over.  Okay, time to rip it out...he will have a regular hem, no cuffs.  I also bought some pink beads to make a pink watch.

I am going...nowhere today.  I am blessed to stay home, I do that most days anyway, I just like it here!

I am reading...A tea shop mystery...

I am hoping...Winter doesn't come...

I am hearing...Kitty Shadow crying for #1 son who just left to run an errand for me.  A load of laundry in the washer.  And a planning #2 son on which colors to color his paper.

Around the house...Around the house, my dishes are done, bathrooms are clean, dust bunnies are picked up.  My bed is NOT made!

One of my favorite things...A gentle hug from my manly man!

 

(Auto shop classes start young around our house!)

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I think there is some serious car repair and fix up going on over here the next couple days.  We are going to put power steering in the Toyota to make future 4X4 adventures more pleasant!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This is betheelou's garden!  For the first time in 20 years I have been able to grow tomatoes successfully!  I am thrilled!  I have been harvest a couple tomaotoes every other day and picking them a bit green otherwise the squirrels eat them first.  I've also grown cucumbers this year at the request of #1 son.  I suppose if we had more than one plant, we'd be able to can pickles.  One cucumber every other day is ripening.  That is enough for an addition to a salad.  I have a zucchini plant that keeps blooming but I haven't seen any fruit yet.  In the back yard I have a spaghetti squash coming in volunteer!  I'd love to see it it produce.  I love spaghetti squash!

Tomato and cucumber.

cucumber

Beautiful zucchini blossom.

Recipes to FOLLOW!