DianesBlogg

Irish Soda Bread _ plus even more..

2012-02-26T16:05:00.003-06:00

I changed my page again, its pretty cool isn't it. At least Im happy with it..

I made it yesterday one of my big loves creating in PSP.

Here is one I took yesterday evening of the sky.

I know almost two weeks since my last post! Hope to finish this one today.

We have been busy and I don't know where the time goes, never a dull moment for me.. I sure do keep busy, with Bill and the two dogs. Doctor appointments and the Vet. were keeping them all rich.. :)

This weekend I will be finishing up with my turn for alter guild YAH!!! for the month of February, so glad its over.. Not that I mind doing it, I don't!! it helps me get Thru February, and its not far to our Church one big plus.. February's nearing the end of winter and the month goes faster when I have a lot going on.
One thing bad thing about it is its like working and I am retired.. LOL

Next month I'm the bread baker for the month of March. I also have a turn coming up in March to be the hostess for our Treats after church one Sunday.. Its also My turn this Wednesday to participate in the Wednesday soup suppers. I'm the chair for this weeks supper. I had no problem getting people to bring what ever they wanted, soup, sandwiches, dessert.. I even have a couple of Ladies who want to bring and I wasn't assigned them. So they offered to help with the clean up.. I know some are unable to help out that I was assigned. So Ladies if you read this I thank you for offering to help, I definitely wont turn down help.. When I called everyone on my list the other day I had them all finished and assigned what to bring, it worked out pretty well this year.
So Far...

We had our taxes done this week! got that over with for this year. Cindy, Bill and I took the ride to Orland so Ricky could do all our taxes, So happy about that! Check..

On the way I took pictures nothing all that great. I searched but nothing impressed me all that much..

It had snowed but we only got a small amount out by us. Not complaining mind you.

I have been working a lot on my Pinterest this week adding some of the photos I took over the years.

http://pinterest.com/dianelouise8/

My passion I love taking pictures Its a great hobby..
Keeps me from door nob polishing something I was really good at..

I also made two batches of cookies for the soup supper and Bill and I ate most of them.. I will have to make another batch tomorrow and hide them, so I don't eat them.. I am a HUGH cookie lover.. And Bill never turns down desserts.

Sharing a couple of pictures I took this past week.

Abbie with her new hair cut. She likes her comforts.

The girls got groomed this week also.. I like to keep every one in business,.

My other special girl with her new DUE dosent she look sweet.

And she is!!

Here is one I took this morning.

I liked that monochrome look today before the sun came out..

Winter!!

Here is another one across the street I have such beautiful scenery to look at.. I love it.

Thanks to the neighbor for there beautiful winter landscaping..

Julie at Beggers Pizza, Megan messed up her hair and she didnt mind..

Actually it put her in a better mood. She was pretty crabby until..:)

We were very happy with the food and will no doubt be going back..

My two girls having fun!

Across the street from Beggars Pizza..I love that OLD winter tree.

I know I am weird! I love the winter trees this winter..

How about this OLD tree, taken in front of Cindy's. What a great tree.. I love it..

Country Road taken last week any one reconize it..

This one was at a Farm in the park.

One morning this week I captured the Sun Rise.

Jupiter still hanging in there.

Here is one from the other day with the rain before we got snow.

One of the pretty sky taken the other evening..
I am a worshiper of the sky as you can see.

Here is one of G T he just flew into the tree as I was working on my Blog

I swear he is looking at me..

GT looking the other way I know he is up to no good..

Time to close I hope you seen something you like.

I have a lot to do and this is no way to get my work done.

Mother Nature Shining on the grass in Winter.

Irish Soda Bread

1/2 cup white sugar

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups raisins

1 tablespoon caraway seeds

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch round cast iron skillet or a 9 inch round baking or cake pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour (reserving 1 tablespoon), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, raisins and caraway seeds. In a small bowl, blend eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Stir the liquid mixture into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.

Use wooden spoon to mix/knead dough in bowl about 10 to 12 strokes. Dough will be very sticky, similar to a loose cookie dough. Place the dough in the prepared skillet or pan and pat down. Cut a 4″ x 3/4″ inch deep slit in the top of the bread. Dust with reserved flour.

Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool and turn bread onto a wire rack.

A Day at the Park.

2012-02-15T18:52:00.002-06:00

I know its been a while..

I have been doing so many things on my computer

deleting this and that.

I had so much stored in my external drive for years.. I know I will never use it so out it went..

Some of it just didn't make sense, it must have been when I was in the learning stages of saving.

I just haven't taken the time to Blog, so today Ill try to get some blogging time in.
Oh besides taking the dogs to the vet.
Last week was Sally's turn to mess up her back now that we have Abbie all straightened up.
The Vets just love us we are keeping them in business. Besides the dentist and doctors..

I'm on Alter guild this month, we didn't have communion last week but we are for the rest of the month. This morning I went over to check out the situation and glad I did.. I cant stand to do everything the last minute, now all I have to do is go over and put the wine out in the church. Its all ready to go and sitting in the refrigerator.. Mary will go over Saturday eve or Sunday Morning and clean up and set up for Church Sunday than we will both get it set up for the Ash Wednesday.

We start our soup suppers that day my turn is the 29th.. Bill and I already have planned what we are going to bring. I always bring way more because that's me.. I want to have enough even though I will have helpers don't know who except two of them. I just hope I get workers because Bill wont be able to help.. I just hope he doesn't have to go for a transfusion that day. Crossing my fingers, that always makes him tired afterwards.

Good News I got a jury summons again!!
Why don't they send them to people who are able! its crazy.. Now I have to go through the hassle of bringing it to the Doctor and they have to let them know I cant do jury duty.. what a pain..

Oh well such is life I cant understand why I always get summoned.. This has to be at least the 9th time I got a summons and 4 times on jury duty.. Some people never get called I never said I wanted to be a life time juror LOL

Enough crying!!

Sharing a couple pictures taken the past couple of weeks..

Hope you see something you like.

The wind the other day during the snow blowing Abbie's hair back.

She loves to go out there and eats chunk's of snow off the deck..

Here's a neat one!

The sun is half blocked over with clouds, that's the reflection it made on the tree.

I like this one the crows flying by.

Here is one of the lamp post reflection at night.

The snow has melted already so happy about that.

The Sun Rise from the other morning.

Below a few pictures taken at the Park on a cold dreary Winters Day.

I even found Green in the park.

I love Trees they are so beautiful, even in winter.

At least to me they are.

I love this row of very old beautiful trees.

On a cold hazy day.

This very important building is closed for the winter.

How about that beauty above..

To me Winter is just as beautiful as Spring, Summer, and Fall .

Of course there has to be a Trading Post some where and I found one, not far from the park.

They were watching to make sure I did it right..

Cant forget the lonely benches of winter just waiting.

And the lonely swing just waiting for Spring..

I hope you enjoyed some of my photos of Winter in the Park.

Time to close for now until next time..

Live - Love - Laugh and Be Happy.

Thanks Again for taking the time to look at my Blog.

2012-02-13T19:28:00.000-06:00

Chocolate Heart Cookies

(adapted from Martha Stewart)

3 sticks unsalted butter, room temp
2 1/2 C confectioners’ sugar
3 C flour
1 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
1 t espresso powder
1/4 t sea salt
2 large eggs, room temp, lightly beaten
1 1/2 t vanilla extract

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar together in an electric mixer until light and fluffy, for about five minutes on high. Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix together thoroughly, with the mixer on medium.

Turn the mixer to low, and slowly add in the flour mixture. Mix until just incorporated – the dough will be very thick, that’s ok.

Divide the dough in half, and shape into discs. Wrap each tightly in plastic and refrigerate for about two hours.

When you are ready to roll out the dough, preheat the oven to 350.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface (I just put plastic wrap down on my kitchen table, flour that, and rock and roll) to about 1/8″ thick. Cut out in your desired shape (hearts, duh!) and chill on a cookie sheet for 15 minutes before you bake (so they don’t spread and retain their shape).

Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then let cool completely on a rack. Decorate as you wish!

These cookies freeze very well, just pop some in a plastic freezer bag, and take out as you need/want them.

Enjoy!!!!

One Year Later..

2012-01-31T14:32:00.001-06:00

Today's Sun Rise

Isn't it a beauty!!

It was mild enough to stand out their this morning with a light jacket on.

I managed to get the whole Sun rise.

Last year I couldn't tell you what the sun rise looked like.

I checked back in my Blogg a year ago at this time and I was asking for prayers..

Bill was in critical ICU and almost dead. actually he did die.

They were trying to bring him back. They succeeded he wasn't ready to leave us..

Thank God..

We also had a record breaking snow storm we measured 43 inches in our front alone..

We didn't go to the back to measure, first we had to dig a path to the back to feed the birds and that took Steve and I a couple of days. It was deep and very cold out their.

I love this photo, It makes me happy.

Thank you Steve.

One blessing I had at that time was that Steve was here to help..

Also our amazing family did so much to make every thing better.

I cant tell you all how much the love that was shared helped us get through.

Thank You.. Thank You!

You know who you are..

We are so Blessed!!

We have been really busy this past week.

Bill is tearing up his room! don't ask!!! LOL
Right now there are speakers, computer towers connected and dis connected
moved here and their.. guitars moved to other rooms and cords every where.

Looks good I think I just might leave it their.

A Good Sign

Bill tearing up the place,moving this and that..

Something he did a lot before he got so sick

A Definite Good Sign..

I cant believe he said he was going to straighten up his cords

LOL

This is how it looks when he said he was almost through..

What a difference a year make for sure!!

I have also been working on my Pinterest something new I love to do..

Forget the wall washing I used to do during the winter months. :)

Sharing some photos I took this week..

Hope you see something you like.

This is whats left of the snow on the deck this morning along with Sally's toy,

she just loves to grab and take out side with her.
She will even go get it and bring it back in most of the time..

Lonesome Dove sitting in the sun early this morning.

Mr Woody looking for suit I filled it up after I took his picture.

He has been living near by all winter, I finally got a close up.

We had a lot of Fog the other night.

By the time we got to our friends house it was clear,

amazing isn't it.
We almost didnt go it was so foggy here.
So glad we did.
They are all such great people and wouldent want to miss sharing some great conversations with them.

The Ice and snow storm from the other day.

Its Winter in Illinois so everyday weather is a surprise.

Our sky early befor the official sun rise

you know how I love those sky photos..

Last night sky !!

OK Folks

I wont bore you with any more about the birds, snow and sky for this week..

I just came in from replacing the bulb in the lamp post AGAIN 6 times last year.

First time for this year.. Of course its only beginning.

It was warm enough to drag the ladder out 60 here.

Freaky weather we are having, we will pay Im sure..

The Ladder I used happens to weigh 100 lbs I swear, its so heavy..

I love having a lamp post that lights up at night.

Some thing Bill designed on the inside of it, his self..

Using malibu bulbs instead of the gas the original design.

the whole sub division has them and the gas ones just dont work.

we are one of the few with working lamp post in our sub division.

Thanks to his design.

Just had to share this one.

I actually seen the Ren yesterday in the tree..

That's his house covered with snow earlier in the week..

Until Next Time.

Hope you seen something you like..

Thanks For Looking

Another Snowy Day.. Buttery Short Bread Cookies.

2012-01-20T18:47:00.002-06:00

Its snowing out their pretty heavy.

not a lot compared to some.

but we are finally getting our share for January..

I think we got seven inches.

I did take a few pictures so here they are..

This one above was posted on our local weather for Chicago.

As was the one below.

Two Doves in our tree yesterday..

I know your probably thinking the bird lady..

So glad I filled up the bird feeders they have been coming in droves.

The one above made the 5:30 news..

He looks cold

Lonesome Dove..

He was hanging around yesterday with the two that were together in the tree.

Abbie and Sally seen a rabbit run from under the deck, thats where he lives.

A Lady leaving the school stopped to clean off her car.

This one would make a great Christmas card..

Bill going out for the mail again.

Sorry thats the best I could take with his movment..
He used the cane just in case! snow can be slippery..

One More

I think you get the picture.

I took a few today

I would still be adding if I showed them all..

I hope you seen something you liked.

I also made these

Short Bread Cookies they are so so good..

Taste just as good as the ones at Panara and at Starbucks..

Short Bread Cookies

3 1/2 cups cake flour

Regular flour can be used
but I like the cake flour for this recipe.

3 sticks softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla or lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
granulated sugar

Pre heat oven to 350
Place parchment paper on cookie sheet or spray lightly with Pam.

Mix together first 5 ingredients in food processor or hand mixer.
I used a Mellon scoop and roll dough into hand and place on prepared cookie sheet.
Flatten each cookie with fork slightly until desired thickness not to thin.
sprinkle tops with granulated sugar
Bake 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned around edges
Do not over bake.
after slightly cooled remove to wire rack

optional
melt 3 bars Hershey's chocolate in microwave
drizzle over cookies.

ENJOY

Slow Dance _ Winter Beauty..Southwestern Ranch Chicken Salad

2012-01-16T10:03:00.000-06:00

I made the tag above this morning!

Its actually the sky out side my window I'm calling it A winter sky,

because that's just what it is..

Winter Sky's have a beauty all their own..

The verse isn't mine

I just happened to have it saved on my computer and thought I would share it..

Thank you to all our church friends for admiring my photos.

And encouraging me to keep taking pictures. because they like them.

It always was nice to hear.

It doesn't take much to keep me from doing just that..

I love taking pictures and sharing them.

It gives me a reason!!

Sharing a couple I took over the weekend..

That's Bill scrunched down so he can be in the picture with the girls.

He has his gloves on because his hands are always freezing.

After effects of the chemo.

Abbie is doing wonderful she starts her special diet Wednesday.

Ill pick the food up at the vet than.

Sally was limping yesterday

She will never learn to stop jumping off high places..

I haven't been giving her her meds for a few days

so Istarted back again with the hip and joint syrup that seems to work for her.

The three above all taken this morning

all in front just turning the camera to the right

amazing sky isn't it..

Taken yesterday!

Abbie insist on sleeping on the top of our couch cushions

Yes she snores loud.

Solar lights, And foot prints in the snow

I think most of the snow will be gone today.

I hope..

We are expecting temps in the 40s so that will help a great deal.

I am always so delighted when one of my Orchids is in bloom.

This one is blooming now!

I wish I had the room for more than the three I have.

Because I would fill up the house here and their with them..

I dont know where this came from but I like it.

enjoy!

It seems the trend is to send messages so this is mine for today.

Now On To

Southwestern Ranch Chicken Salad

I have leftover baked chicken this recipe sounds good to me.. YUMMM

2 c. shredded cooked leftover chicken
¼ c. Ranch dressing
1 Chipotle pepper in Adobe
1 garlic clove
2 T. Lime Juice
2 tsps. Chopped Cilantro
¼ c. corn (cooked or use canned, rinsed and drained)
¼ c. black beans (cooked or used canned, rinsed & drained)
¼ c. sliced red onion (caramelized – cooked in a bit of oil until soft but not burned)
¼ c. diced avocado
¼ c. diced tomatoes
Salt & Pepper to taste
Shredded lettuce, flour tortillas, chips or anything you’d like to serve it.

In food processor, combine Ranch, chipotle pepper, garlic, lime juice & cilantro. Process until smooth.

In large mixing bowl, combine chicken, Ranch mixture, corn, beans, onion, avocado, & tomatoes, tossing until evenly coated in Ranch mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve on shredded lettuce as a pure salad, put in tortillas as a wrap, or use with chips as a dip. You can even serve this warm!

Four inches of Snow..

2012-01-14T18:39:00.000-06:00

Our first measurable snow for the season this week.

We got 4 inches.

I know that doesn't sound like much, but last year we out did our selves with the snow fall..

So a little is just fine with me..

I wish I could capture the snow flakes slowly trickling down they look so Serene..

I have tried turning the camera all different ways and against different back drops and I just cant get it.. It looks so magical and I'm loving it.. The white you see is actually the snow flakes coming down.

That was early this morning.

The magic didn't last long but I did enjoy it for a little while.

Bill going out to the mail box.

He used a 4 prong cane for support those drive ways can be dangerous.

Just thought I would share today's early morning sky.

A close up of the sun rise in a wintry sky.

Pretty!

I was busy today cutting Bills hair and nails hes all groomed for a few weeks..

I do a great job cutting his hair I wish I would have taken up hair trimming in my youth..

But then we make a lot of crazy choices when we are young.

Sharing a couple of the snow pictures from this week.

Taken by Me of course..

Rain Sleet or Snow life goes on..

They were dive bombing the bird feeders this morning.

Hungry little critters.

Where did everyone go..

I guess that's all for today I hope there was something you liked..

Before I close I want to Thank our next door neighbors

Millie and John

For being so kind and cleaning up our side walk and drive way this morning.

Thank You!!

We have been blessed with wonderful neighbors on both sides..

I cant say it enough times how lucky we have been..

I remember all those years living in Chicago how Bill and I would go all over the block

shoveling snow for certain neighbors who we knew weren't able..

Its pay back for all our good deeds way back when we were younger..

Thanks For Looking

Diane Louise

A Special Suprise for Janet's Birthday.

2012-01-10T18:24:00.001-06:00

Had to share, a neighbor of Cindy walking her 3 horses.

On my way to meet Cindy at her house..

I had a great day today!

Cindy and I visited with two old friends from years ago during our working days.. And from the old neighborhood so to say.. It was a great visit.. Pam made us an amazing HUGH lunch.. I couldn't believe how much food she had prepared.. Sorry we had to get back in our own territory be for the rush hour and Julie was out of school.

Janet,I and Pam

I hadn't seen Pam for 28 years she was pregnant with her son Danny at the time..

Pam and I worked together for 6 years we had our little work group, Pam, Dianne, Valery, Art, Tom, John and I.. What fun lunches! no worries with the long lunches especially Tom being the manager didn't hurt, when we all came back to work late, because he was with us every time. We also had an occasional party on the weekend evenings with our husbands, girl friends and wives included.. We all had a lot of fun together way back then.. Its been 28 years since I seen Pam of course we kept in touch now and then, a lot has happened over all those years.. I quite the paint and wallpaper store where we all worked together and got a job working at a company across the road with Janet.

Who just happened to be Pam's Aunt, what a small world..

Janet and I became very good friends we worked together for 15 years sitting 3 feet away from each other 81/2 hours a day 5 days a week. Until our company made a big move and we decided not to go with and moved on to other chapters in life.. Of course Janet and I still talked on the phone but hadn't seen each other for 17 years. Thanks Pam for getting us all together and thanks Cindy for driving me..

Cindy also worked with Janet and I..

I know it was fun for her to do the walk down memory lane also..

I can remember when some of the girls would come over and Cindy would trim their hair..

Ma by that's why she didn't pursue a career in hair cutting LOL

A special Thanks for our special visit with Pam and Janet.

Who I know that either of them is not all that into computers like I am.

Hopefully some day they will be able to reflect back on this special Blog post.

Thanks For Looking At

I hope their was something you enjoyed.

2012-01-05T13:38:00.003-06:00

Here we are into the first five days of the New Year

Now Behind Us!

I have been running to Vets with Abby and Sally for months especially Abby. I cant say how much money Im afraid to add it up... This week Abby finally had bladder stones removed from her bladder. Hope fully the results will be in her favor..

I switched Vets in the beginning of the year a place closerto our house about a mile away compaired to 4 miles.. silly me.. They just kept trying to desolve them to no advale. The place is a Natural Healing Vet.. my family didnt like the new vet they thought they we taking advantage of me. I wouldent listen I kept thinking they were OK .. The Vet told me Abby needed surgery it wasent desolving and wanted me to go a long distance to have them removed and said their wasent any one around here that would do it.. I knew better!! our old vet was an animal hospital they must have thought I just arrived from outer space and didnt know what was going on.. I finally got my sences and called and went back to my old vet and they removed the stones right away after messing aroumnd for 6 or more months with the Natural vet..

Poor Abby what she has been through..

Thats enough about boring me..

Ill share a couple of photos hope you like something I will post..

Sally really missed Abby.

Thats Abby the pouch in recovery..

Taken her first day home..

Soaking in the Sun..

She seems to be doing nicely so far..

Keeping our fingers crossed.

Something happy to look at

my Christmas castus in bloom.

Pretty arent they.

I have a white and a pink, its the time of year for them to bloom.

Always a delight during the long winters in the Mid West.

One of my Orchids in bloom, the other two will be ready very soon.

How about that Sun set last night, they are always pretty to me.

Of course some are more spectacular than others..

Me I like them all.

Here is a photo share of Mr Tremont I named him last year.

Our local TV stationed posted his photo that I sent to them..

I thought I would share him on here as well.

Almost time for us to head out the door we are going out to dinner

Probably Panara its something to do and it gets us out of the house for a while.

Next week Im visiting with a couple friends from my work days, back in our old neighborhood.

That should be a fun time..

Sharing a meatball sandwich recipe I plan on making that tomorrow.

I seen the recipe on TV last night and thought I havent made that for a while..

One of my favorite sandwiches.

Spaghetti & Meatballs plus Meatball Sandwiches

Nick Stellino

My new favorite Chef..
He cooks my kind of food
Enjoy!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
2 cups stale bread, cubed
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 eggs
2 cups freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground pork
8 tablespoons Pompeian® Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil

For the meatball gravy:
3 cups tomato sauce
¾ cup beef stock
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 pound DaVinci® pasta—spaghetti, rigatoni, ziti or tortellini
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped

For the meatball sandwiches:
1 cup shredded provolone
1 cup grated Romano cheese
8 warm meatballs, cut in half
4 Italian rolls, split in half
2 cups warm meatball gravy
To prepare the meatballs:

Place the cubed bread in a stainless-steel bowl and cover with the milk. Let sit for at least 20 minutes, pour off the milk that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl, and squeeze the bread cubes to get rid of the extra milk. Break up the softened bread into small pieces; they should look like wet oatmeal.

Mix the pieces of bread with all the remaining ingredients except the olive oil, working until the ingredients are completely incorporated. Shape the mixture into oval meatballs, using ⅓ cup of the meat mixture for each ball.

In a large saute pan set on high heat, heat the olive oil until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Brown the meatballs for 2 to 3 minutes

on each side. Don't crowd the meatballs in the pan when browning; you will need to brown them in several batches.

Remove the first batch of meatballs from the pan and drain on a paper towel or brown paper bags. Repeat with the remaining meatballs. Set aside.

To prepare the meatball gravy:
Combine the tomato sauce, beef stock, salt and pepper in a big pot, stirring well, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pot and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes.

While the gravy is simmering, add the pasta to boiling water and cook until just tender. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot. Add half the gravy from the meatball pot and toss it with the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl or platter, and top with the meatballs and the remaining gravy. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley, and serve.

To prepare the meatball sandwiches:
To prepare the meatball sandwiches:
Preheat the broiler.

Mix the provolone and Romano. To make each sandwich, place 2 meatball halves on each half of an Italian roll. Moisten each sandwich half with a tablespoon of tomato gravy.

Divide the cheese mixture among the 4 sandwiches.

Place the meatball sandwiches, open-faced, on a baking tray big enough to hold all 4. Cook under the broiler until the cheese begins to brown.

Divide the remaining meatball gravy into 4 portions. Serve each sandwich with a side of the gravy for dipping, along with lots of paper towels - it will be messy!

Until Next Time

2012-01-01T08:44:00.001-06:00

Happy Healthy 2012 to all my Family, Friends and You.

Peace On Earth..

Thanks For Looking!

Diane Louise

Happy New Year (New) Cream Cheese Kolache.

2011-12-28T09:27:00.005-06:00

Cold this morning 26! I think this is the coldest morning for the winter season so far..

Of course it just began.

A frosty door this morning..

Say good by to the holiday dishes until next Thanksgiving and Christmas..

Right now the sun is shining and I feel so warm and cozy writing this post..

Whooops the sun is gone behind the clouds..
Winter in Illinois..
And

The ever changing sky..

The sky was so pretty at least to me it is so I'm sharing a couple of photos I took this morning.. I'm also wishing you all a Happy, Healthy, New Year.
Our year last year at this time was very UN certain Bill was diagnosed with acute leukemia and in and out of the hospital in Dec 2010 three times alone.
In another hospital Dec 28th until the first week of March, than into a nursing home for eleven weeks.

He finally came home in May 2011.. He was gone four months..
Cindy was in and out of the hospital in December 2010, a pretty scary time for us..

We made it through that very bumpy year.

I will share a recipe later on down the post.

Today I want to put away some more of my Christmas decorations. I have been going through the 19 containers for the past two days and getting rid of the light sets that only half light. Why keep them I only have three large containers of them, so time to toss.. it gets pretty cold in the garage where I have been working the past two morning.. I come in just to warm up every now and then.. Although the garage dosent get past 50 even in the coldest winter, try working out their for a few hours in winter..

BURR BURR BURR

I have been using that tin for probably 50 years!

Thats all thats left!

I'm going to miss all the Christmas cookies. I have a couple a day they are delicious.. I found a new recipe I like for kolaches that I made and really enjoy.. Ill post it again in a few days.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day. We spent the eve with the Lutz, Kuta families it was great to visit with them. last year we couldn't go Bill being sick and the weather was terrible.

Christmas day Cindy and family came over and we pigged out on Prime Rib a Christmas tradition with all the great trimmings. Thanks to all the family for helping, by bringing food to share to make our Christmas so very special..

Abbie is sick!

Tomorrow morning she is going for surgery, hope fully all her problems will be over and she will be like new again..

Here are a couple of sky photos taken this morning..

All with in a half hour interval amazing sky isn't it..

Say good by to the wreath its packed away until next year

This is all thats left of the out side Christmas lights.

Not a good picture but you get the Idea how busy I have been..

A couple more of that amazing sky this morning..

One final Sun Rise for this morning!

Very Merry Punch

1 1/2 cup(s) water

1 cup(s) packed light brown sugar

2 bottle(s) (750-ml) hearty redwine, preferably Cabernet Sauvignon

1 apple, sliced

1 orange, halved and sliced

1 cup(s) pineapple chunks, fresh or canned

4 whole star anise

1/2 cup(s) orange curaçao

Place water and brown sugar in a Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Add wine, apple, orange, pineapple, and star anise. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in orange curaçao and cook for 5 minutes more. Discard star anise. Serve the punch in heat-safe wineglasses or coffee cups, spooning a little fruit into each glass.

Thanks For Looking!

Here is that recipe I promised.

Like I always say
I'm not perfect dont expect me to be
If you see a mistake here and their
Oh Well Sorry...

Christmas Tree Link - Christmas Cookie Share..

2011-12-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

Christmas is almost Here!

I have had a lot going on running here and their, baking, visiting friends and relatives.. Working on making a Christmas link.. (Called) O Christmas Tree from my family and friends..

I think it turned out wonderful.

Thank you to all who sent out there Decorated Christmas Trees, to make my link amazing..

With out you it just would not have happened..

https://picasaweb.google.com/115586775486734831298/OChristmasTree2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaDv5j-nce3ew#slideshow/5683552740544134466

After opening link, Press between two arrows to start Slide Show

Since this is the busiest time of the year.

I will cut my post short and share a couple of recipes, plus one of my favorite Christmas songs..

I have been making these cookies for many years.

I hope you enjoy them as much as our family does...

2011-12-06T09:08:00.001-06:00

Hello

I know if you are a follower of this Blog I haven't posted for a few days..

I have been busy not that I am never not busy!! that would be the day..

Not complaining mind you..

I changed the page getting into the spirit of the moment..

I had to get that all straightened out so it works smoothly.

it was giving me fits!! but think I have it working half way smooth..

I sure hope so..

I took a few pictures of my trees and lights.

I didnt look at them on my camera yet just didnt take the time so if they dont look all that professional hope you dont mind..

I just wanted to throw this blog together to get away from the Thanksgiving post..

The sky is so pretty this morning as you know I Am a worshiper of the sky its always changing just look up and out and its different, amazing.. I love it..

Just in case you wondered yep there still working out their..

They are just pulling up and trucks are flying all over the place heavy action this morning..

My out side at night pictures dont look all that great this time.

Here is one just to give you an Idea how much I cut back on the out side decorating this year..

At least I wont have to go climbing out there in the cold and snow like all the other years.

Than letting everything dry off in the garage befor I pack it away..

Getting wiser in my old age..

Sharing a couple of the neighbors houses, sorry not the best but you get the idea..

Here is one of Abbie and Sally watching the line men working.

That sure keeps them busy..

Sally and Abbie playing.

They are best of friends, Most of the time.. :)

Sorry my photo share wasent that great this time.

I have a lot to do today so I better get moving..

I want to make a page of the Christmas Share,

my family and friends have sent in from my Face Book..

Thanks by the way to all who have shared their beautiful tree creations..

I hope you will like my page when I get finished with it..

Now on to my Recipe Share..

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

We are headed to the Old Neighborhood to pick up a few of our Cream Cheese Coffee Cakes.

This is a recipe of a great one from Taste of Home..

Ingredients

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
GLAZE:
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
Toasted sliced almonds, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the sour cream, sugar, butter and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes or until well blended. Cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sour cream mixture and eggs. Beat until smooth. Gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough (dough will be very soft). Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Punch dough down. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead 5-6 times. Divide into fourths. Roll each piece into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle. In a large bowl, combine the filling ingredients until well blended. Spread over each rectangle to within 1 in. of edges.
Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams and ends to seal. Place seam side down on greased baking sheets. Cut six X's on top of loaves. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla; drizzle over warm loaves. Sprinkle with almonds if desired. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 20-24 servings.

2011-11-23T18:28:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We were busy yesterday WHEW!!! cant believe we made it through the day..
With the help of Tylenol..

I was taking bird seed out to the feeders, something I do all the time. I fell on the deck the day before.. I don't know how but bammm!! I went down in a flash.
All I know is I tested out the wet spot and seen there wasn't ice and the next thing I know I was struggling fast to get up.
I bumped the back of my head! wow that hurt, of course I was shook up all day over that..

Cindy came over and I cant believe we actually went to wall mart after that and walked through the store shopping.
MAN I must be crazy... I guess I had to prove I was OK..

To my self and them..

I got the trusty old matts out after that. I dont care how wierd it looks..

Yesterday I was really sore my neck and back, we did a lot of running in the morning.

Bills apt with his Dr, today it's sore but not like yesterday..
I think I can get by with out the Tylenol.

I am not going to be doing any heavy lifting Ill save that for next week, when I will go to farm and fleet and buy bags of bird seed to stock up.
Hopefully I will be a lot better.

We also went to the Vet to pick up Meds for Abby. She is such a brat dog. She ate her dog food and Sally's yesterday after we got home, something she never does..

Yesterday while still out we stopped at Dunkin for coffee and donuts, thru the drive through..
Ya that's us we are for ever doing the drive Thru at Starbucks or Dunkin..
One of life's little pleasures..

We finally got home and started chopping vegetables, onion, celery, for the dressing for our turkey on Thanksgiving, and making bean soup for dinner it turned out fantastic.
Bill made that all on his own, his special recipe..

I was cutting and trimming the broccoli, carrots and brussels sprouts and putting them all in a plastic zip bag for roasting on Thanksgiving..

Cant wait I love roasted vegetables in butter and olive oil just a little oil to coat with home grown chopped garlic chopped fine. YUMMM.

I also made up my mashed potatoes yesterday and put them in a casserole,
something I have been doing for a few years. So we don't have tons of pots all over the place we still have loads of dishes any way no matter how many short cuts you do the days ahead.
They turned out amazing just a very simple basic recipe nothing to fancy..

I used two different kinds of potatoes Yukon gold and Idaho that's what I had out in the garage.
That's where I keep them.

I mashed them with a stick of butter drained them first of course and used a small can of evaporated milk, salt and pepper, they turned out delicious.
They are all ready to pop in the over to heat up on thanksgiving..

Thats our little tree from the out side looking in..

So Happy the sun is coming out to day we haven't seen the sun for a couple of days, I love it..

Today's going to be another busy day. dragging out the dishes and getting the table all set up.

We have to make a trip to the store as well. We ran out of spray for the carpet a long story you dont even want to know LOL..
We'll probable stop at Barns to say Happy Thanksgiving to all our buddies who ever is there.

We have had construction going on and off behind us for a few days and yesterday they were out there all day with their three trucks and equipment running, so loud!! I sure will be glad when they are finished. Oh my god its so annoying at first it was something to watch, but not when those trucks run non stop all day...

The truck is back today again!!

Picture three of them lined up and running all day...

OK they left early Thank you Thank you..

I sent another photo to Tom Skilling on WGN weather! he will post it hes my buddie.. I send in photos now and then and he post them. Some I see and some I miss.. Usually some one in the family will catch it and let me know.

OK Folks Im back!!

Our internet was off all day due to work in the area, so in the mean time we got to do a lot of prepairing for Thanksgiving..

WHOO perfect timing..

We even went out to dinner to TGI fridays not my favorite but just ok..
I just about had it eating left over's so we decided to hirt the road, it was great..

I also stopped in at Sears just to pick up this special spray for when Abbie gets mad at us when we leave the house.. She dose not like it one bit so she gets even.. Need I say more..
While there I bought these red adorable bells to hang below the lights out side on the garage.. I need more Christmas decorations I only have 16 containers in the garage..

I said to the cleark this one is slightly scratched and he said ok half price, so I thought cool!! and I looked at the other one it was also slightly scratched he said half price, I thought whoooo this is a good thing..
Oh by the way Liz he said Hi from him..

I dont think he remembered me but I told him I was going to become Liz's Grand mother and I thought he wasent going to charge me for anything LOL Just kidding..

The Bells

I added a skirt and a little house and church benieth my little tree.

Today I also put out my wreath in the back

I turned the lights on the one in the front, Im in a festive mood..

One more wreath over the garage door the family will do that tomorrow.

Thats all for our Christmas decorating out side this year, Im cutting way back..

I made up a cranberry cherry jello salad

for my recipe share today..

I got the Idea from my Niece Robbie..
Of course I didnt make it exactly like hers.

Thanks Rob!

1 can whole cranberries

1 box cherry jello made with 1 1/2 cups of boiling water

mix the two together until well blended

add one small can of drained manderin oranges

1 small can drained crushed pineapple.

fold in and refrigerate until set

Enjoy so tart and refreshing..

I want to thank everyone for there special thanksgiving greetings
on the computer and through the mail.
We received a very beautiful card from our niece Sue.
Thanks Sue and Ted.

What are we Thankful For

We are so lucky we have a big family they are all so loving caring.

A year ago this time we werent sure if we would all be here together.

Here we are, we made it through the year.. It was iffy for a while.
But were still hanging in there together..

Thanks to you for all your prayers and well wishes..

Thanks For Looking

If you see any mistakes I am not perfect and I dont pretend to be..

2011-11-12T07:49:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Blogg Land

I bought a tree yesterday

It came with white lights, I have to have colored so I added a string of colored I think I will decorate it today.

Im really happy with it!

I always liked my big tree but this year I changed..

to much work and for such a short time.

So Im cutting back on the decorating..

We were out for lunch Bill, Cindy and I.

I wanted to get a small tree for our family room instead of the big one we always put up. The family will put the big one up in our living room on Thanksgiving.. There Idea so I will let them.

I made peanut butter cookies with Reese's peanut butter candy bar cut up and mixed in the batter.

So Delicious.

Ill post the recipe after I share a couple of photos I took this week, around the house.

This time we didnt go far to much to get caught up with this week to go searching all over for photos to take.

Abby & Sally

They are having trouble waking up this morning.

Com Ed is doing some work behind our property

They are working all the way down the line a big project..

Thank God they didnt have to dig up our property on the other side of the fence..

This one was taken yesterday, the sun under a heavy cloudy sky in the morning.

This is there weather its been cooler and they are back,a lot of them all over the place squawking away. I really enjoy when they fly over.

How about that georgous photo I love the sky, it looks like something stormy is going to happen.

And it did! we had snow, but it didnt last it melted after it hit the ground.

This is one of our beautiful sun rises this week, I thought you would want to see it.

I tried to capture the snow coming its always exciting the first snow for the season.

But that excitnment gets old after a few months of snow.

This is the end of my flowers until next spring, the frost will probably get them this week.

I like this one so peaceful and eerie looking.

The neighbors fall trees they always look so pretty.

And last! all the birds were out in full force the other day hundreds of them

here are a few on the ground.

My LittleTree All Decorated..

Now for the Recipe I promised you.

Peanut Butter Cookies

INGREDIENTS;

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup shortening

1/4 cup butter

1 egg

1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 bag peanut butter cups cut into pieces and stired into batter.

1 Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

2 Heat oven to 375ºF.

3 Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped into sugar.

4 Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

2011-11-11T08:05:00.001-06:00

Happy Veteran's Day.

Please give thanks to all the men and women past and present who served and are serving.

May God continue to bless them and their families.

Thanks For Looking

Diane Louise

Halloween Memories! Fall Photo Share & Orange Yogurt Pancakes

2011-10-31T10:07:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween

Today's the day all the children in the neighborhood and many neighborhoods all over

the U. S. go out to have a little fun

Be safe out their little Guys..

Sharing a photo of the great pumpkin our neighbor has on their front lawn for Halloween.

It really is a lot of fun, when they have it put out on there front lawn.

Im sure it helps to get the kids into the happy Halloween spirit, I have to confess Me to..

I hope this will be a fun time for all the little guys out there.

That's our old house in the middle.

The houses on the right and left were like all the houses in our neighborhood,

up and down all those steps to collect our bag of loot, but it was worth it..

I remember when we were trick or treating age we lived in the Big City Chicago..

We didnt know there were bad people out there no one ever heard of such a thing.. My sister and Brother and I would get all dressed up in home made costumes (there was no such thing as a store bought costume ) No one ever heard of that back then, at least we didnt. We would head out with our friends as well as with my Brother and Sister with our shopping bags and hope that they would be full. After we got tired of going up and down all those steps in the neighborhood we would head home. The three of us would dump our bag full of loot on the living room floor and compare and pick out our favorites.. and trade off!

What great memories we had..

Sharing a couple of photos take this past weekend.

He is becoming a regular visitor in our back yard.

Beautiful fall colors across the street.

There is nothing ugly about fall around our house.

Enjoying a drink in the bird bath..

Some of our flowers are still hanging in their.

More fall beauty in our neighborhood.

The ones below were taken out near our daughters area.

The picture above the man who lives there thought I was the tax accessor! so funny LOL

I like this one, there are four houses in a row and nothing else around.

They all have there American flag flying in front.

A peaceful swampy area in Willmington, I love the ducks gliding around the water.

The pictures above were taken at the Kankakee State Park.

The dog above chased me back to my car.

I was taking pictures.

Then he layed down in the road..

Actually there were two of them and they own the road..

They both looked 100 years old..

We picked up Julie from school and of course stopped at her favorite place.

We helped Steve celebrate his birthday.

If you see any mistakes Sorry Im not perfect! but I sure do try..

Orange Yogurt Pancakes

Serves 4
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. orange juice
orange gratings (optional)
3/4 c. plain yogurt
1 egg
6 Tbsp. butter, melted, divided
In a medium bowl, stir together dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together juice, gratings, yogurt, egg, and 4 Tbsp. of the melted butter. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined (batter will be quite thick).
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium high heat until quite hot. Brush pan with some of the remaining melted butter and spread batter with a spoon onto pan in 3-inch pancakes. When pancakes bubble and are browned, flip and continue cooking until cooked through and browned on the second side. Brush pan with melted butter before each batch. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Photo Share & Fontana Dip

2011-10-26T11:17:00.002-05:00

Good Morning or maybe its Afternoon or Evening

What ever it is I hope you are happy and having a super fantastic day..

I was out there and took a few more pictures this past week and weekend.

I also had a recipe to share a friends daughter gave it to me when we all went out to Breakfast the other morning..

I down loaded a new Music list or I should say Cindy did it for me :)..

Im listening to Rod Stewart one of my favorites

I love his music..

Im giving away my age arent I..

We took a ride yesterday and went to one of our favorite restaurant's for lunch, Cindy, Bill and I. Something we like to do now and then, of course we made a stop at one of our favorite bakeries to stock up on favorites to freeze for the winter if they last that long. And I have to place an order at another favorite bakery in the old neighborhood for a pick up for Friday. Cindy is going to be passing through and will pick up for her and us to freeze for the winter. we dont get out there that often so we do miss them.. Of course we sure dont need it..

I share a coffee cake with the neighbors they love them as well..

So all in all its for a good reason.. paying back to some wonderful neighbors..

I carved a couple of pumpkins yesterday after we got home now to go to the store and buy a lighter, cant find one any where.. we will need it for the fire place this winter also. I probably hid it so Julie wouldn't be tempted to play with it and get hurt..

I better get busy sharing a few picture taken this week..

Here is one I managed to light safely, it was so windy last night I couldent light the other one safely. maby tonight..

The gazebo in the next town.

The farmers market is held during the season.. It was donated by a famous celebrity.

its a really cool place for everyone to gather and buy all kinds of fresh home made goodies..

Im back we had a short power outage..

That came in handy..

Another Halloween display in the old part of town.

We didnt seemany any in that section.

How about that sky the other morning.. Love the sky photo.

Home Sweet Home

A Beautiful Gazibo in the park by the Kankakee River..

Beautiful Tree Lined Side Streets.
The second one was taken from inside of the car.

Two workers fixing the wires.

Sharing a photo of our lonley Train Station on a Saturday.

I think thats all the picture share today. I have a lot more but there is always tomorrow.

I hope you seen something you liked.

This recipe I got from my friends daughter

Fontana Cheese Dip

1 brick of fontana cheese

place in oven proof dish sprinkle with olive oil

sprinkle on top Oregano, Basil and Parsley.

Not to much you dont want it to be to over powering.

place in 350 oven until melted serve with desired bread sticks or crackers

Enjoy!

2011-10-21T16:09:00.004-05:00

Good Morning

I hope to finish this Blog this morning.

Its a beautiful sunny calm morning a little cool in the 40s.

But so much better that it has been for the past few days, rainy windy and cold..
I will take this day..

I took a few photos to share, I hope you enjoy them.

Its afternoon now hope to finish..
The sun is still out there and its a beautiful day..
We just got back from running around all morning befor noon.
Bill, Cindy and I..
Barns for a coffee break, Target, Jewel, The Salty Beef and Hot Dog stand.
It hasn't closed yet for the winter, but oh so good..
And last the vet to pick up meds for Abby..
Abby is pretty sick I sure hope her meds help.

Im locked in my computer room with the dogs so our comcast service man can get our box fixed again for the second time..

How about the colors in that tree, amazing! still hanging in there.
Probably not for long..
That's Cindy in beige top waiting for our food..

Isnt that the prettiest tree, I love the colors.

Mr Moon this morning.
Taken when I was letting the dogs out.
That's the time I get to see all the beauty in the sky.
Its just amazing the stars that are out there.
So Pretty!!
I haven't learned to take a picture of the stars yet.
I know you need a try pod and we gave ours away years ago.
I guess I will invest in another one.

Our local ducks cruising around in the water..

Some of my flowers still around but not for long. The frost will get them soon.

He was on the deck the other day, I dont know what was on his mind..
A creepy crawler or maby its creepy hopper, I didnt stay long enough to find out..

The other morning, some of the buses headed back to the barn until afternoon.

Sharing a couple of houses in our neighborhood with there Halloween decorations.

The one directly above was built by the man who built our house.

We call it our sister house..

They went all out this year with the decorations.

The houses sure looks cute dont they..

The two butterflies were taken in my neighbors flower garden, she has amazing gardens.

I hope you seen something you liked

Until next Time.

I made the above halloween tag.

I love doing that but just dont take the time any more..

2011-10-18T08:31:00.004-05:00

A pixel creation of mine.

I have to get back into doing that, its been a while..

Mr squirrel checking out the basket of nuts and pumpkins.

I took a few more photos over the past week.

I'm excited I actually moved away from my house and ventured out, not to far just a little :).

My sister said you have to move away from the house, so I did.

I hope you enjoy them.

Just thought I would show off my monkey I made a while back..

Next Day Sorry!

I hope to actually finish my blogg for this week.

Its been a busy time don't ask what just a little of everything and it seems like I'm getting no where. One of those crazy weeks so far.
I have been spending a lot of time in our recipe group just sending in recipes and answering e mail from the group I belong to..
It takes up a lot of my time.. Of course I did venture out to snap a few photos of course.
Bill is my assistant.. He holds the camera in the car..LOL
He keeps me company..

Thank You Bill!!

I made this over the weekend.

I wanted to have a ghost as a Halloween decoration.

Hes a friendly guy and I think he turned out pretty cute.

Below are a couple of Fall Displays from our Village.

They always have wonderful displays for the different seasons.

We love checking them out.

Across the street from the town decorations.

The fall colors on a few trees are still hanging in there, at least for a few more days.

And looking behind me while taking pictures of the town display.

The Dairy Queen! a very popular place year round..

I love this one, across the street from us in front of the pond.

No one pays attention. I still see them going there with there fishing gear..

The geese (correction ducks) enjoying the water at sun down..

This pond is two blocks over from our house.

I love it..

Most of the time the neighbor next to the pond chases them away..

The two photos above are just a few that surround the pond across from us.

The amazing sun set was taken the other evening.

We parked in the parking lot and got out of the car to capture this one.

Looks like a tail gate party! actually it is sort of.

Down the road from us at the ball fields, it was non stop games in all three fields, from early morning until dark.

I wasn't kidding the people out here are crazy for there games..

The farmers across the road are putting there machines away for the night, it was Saturday evening and they don't farm the fields on Sunday.

Its starting to look like the corn dessert out here .

I think that's all for today to be continued tomorrow!!

P.S.

Like I always say Im not perfect so dont expect me to be..

Have a great Day.

2011-10-13T08:59:00.002-05:00

Good Morning All

I sent out a request to all of my family and friends from Network blogs, can you do me a favor and except me I would appreciate it.

This way it looks like someone reads me even if they dont..

That's OK if you dont just pretend. ..

LOL

OK on with the few photos I took this week

not many as its only Wednesday and I have been kind of busy this week dont ask what I cant remember (just kidding) :)

This morning its!

A drizzly morning..

We haven't had rain for a while, weeks actually, so not to complain I am so tired of watering. I did that yesterday evening in a big rush like I said, ready for that season to be over, watering everything BAHHHH

LOL me being crazy....

Oh and by the way I finally seen another one of my photos posted on Tom Skilling's weather. I do send in photos now and then but dont always watch for them. Monday by chance he showed one I sent to him this weekend, Bill and I happen to be watching the weather and so were a few other people.. Thanks for taking the time to let me know by your phone calls or post, it was like I was famous or something.. what a kick....

So exciting when I dont miss and Tom or the news anchors post my photos..

I want to thank them so much for admiring and thinking my photos are worthy of being posted on National TV

thank you thank you what fun..

I have a Dr. appt this morning so Im going to make this short just a few pictures on here today.

And one little thing!!

Im not perfect so dont think I am I try but thats all I can guarantee..

If you see a mistake it was put there delibertly just to see if you are paying attention..

Rain or shine the school bus keeps rolling.

I think this one must have been having trouble he sat there for a while.

Remember that tree I posted last week here it is this morning It didnt take long.

That's it last week!

I entered it into a contest wish me luck.

I want to win the two night at a hotel down town that would be fun..

I have never stayed overnight down town hard to believe isn't it when you live in and around Chicago its just something you dont do..at least we never did.

I took this one last night of the beautiful moon and clouds.

Here is one taken the night befor, beautiful isnt it..

At least I think so..

There it is all PLOOMED out, so pretty.

Of course it would look a lot nicer if the sun was shinning

instead of raining.

You havent seen this view yet of our pretty maple tree in the front.

Here it is with some of its leaves that are falling to the ground.

What a difference when the sun isnt shinning on it.

Another moon shot

amazing how many different ones day by day

this was taken this week also.

My lights at night, kind of blurry but you get the picture..

Ill take a better one tonight Im embarrased LOL.

And of course couldent leave one of my spectaular sky photos out,

taken the other day..

And last Photo for today a cup of my coffee

Pumpkin Spice Coffee.

I made it up..

It taste pretty good..

Strong!

To the

3/4 cup of Eight O Clock coffee grounds

I added 1 tesp of Cinnamon

1 tesp of Pumpkin Pie Spice

10 cup pot of water.

Thanks For Looking

Hugs From Me

Its so beautiful and still.

2011-10-08T09:17:00.001-05:00

Thanks for stopping by!

The Saturday morning bikers didn't let me down and they added a couple more to their group.

Thanks Guys for adding to my page..

Its so beautiful and still this morning, if it wasn't for the occasional car going by and the farm equiptnment sound out in the field, it would be absolutely irie.

Its that time! and the farmers are out in there fields doing what ever they do, collecting the corn and soy in our area. This is a Hugh area I live in, for corn, soy and hay. Pretty soon about a month or more it will look like the dessert. Bill and I refer to it as the corn dessert.

I let the dogs out about three this morning and I could here one out there some where across the road no doubt. This is the time we also see the big farm equiptnment going down the road out into the fields and the Hugh trucks going out there to collect what the farmers plowed. Its really kind of awesome something we never seen before coming from Chicago.. I did take a few more photos I know you will enjoy especially if you enjoy the fall colores as much as I do.

Sharing a couple more taken by me this morning and last night.

Yesterday at sun down I tried to capture the beauty in the sky.

The moon was behind me to I took his picture.

A field of fallen leaves.

It was just at the right time and the solar lights were appearing.

Our white and magenta mums are at there peak.

Giant beauty in fall.

My Tall grass in front, the plumes are finally opening up.

Our local dove in our tree, he's looking right at me.

I'm in the window taking his picture.

The next door neighbor is sprinkling there lawn.

Maby I should do the same..

My burning bush just starting to change.

The beautiful burgendy color fall leaves on the neighbors tree.

I dont know, but hes screaming about something this morning.

Today is the fourty year open house celebration at the career school behind us.

There getting ready.

The students and workers at the school are parking at the church lot and walking .

Thats all for today

I hope you seen something you enjoyed.

Fall in my Home Town & Toffee-Pear Sticky Pudding

2011-10-06T15:09:00.005-05:00

Its a sunny beautiful October day!

We are expecting some great weather for the next couple of days in the 80s, we will take it.. like I said yesterday I have a few more photos to share of our beautiful fall colors.

Taken all around me I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for looking I think you get the picture.

we are into a beautiful picquarest time of the season.

Toffee-Pear Sticky Pudding

Makes: 9 to 12 servings

ingredients

1 1/4
cups water
1 1/4
cups pitted whole dates, preferably Medjool dates
1
cup chopped peeled fresh pears
1/2
teaspoon baking soda
1
cup all-purpose flour
1
teaspoon baking powder
1/2
teaspoon salt
1/4
teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4
cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3
cup butter, softened
2
eggs
1/2
teaspoon vanilla
1
recipe Toffee-Pear Sauce

directions
1. In a large saucepan combine the water, dates, and pears. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook, covered, about 15 minutes or until fruit is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Mash with a potato masher, fork, or immersion blender until as smooth as possible. Stir in baking soda; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg; set aside. In a large bowl combine brown sugar and butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until combined. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Stir in date-pear mixture. Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack. Immediately use a long skewer to prick top of cake all over. Spoon the portion of Toffee-Pear Sauce without pears over cake. Bake for 3 minutes more. Cool on the wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm with the portion of Toffee-Pear Sauce with pears.
Toffee-Pear Sauce: Peel and core 1 fresh pear; thinly slice pear. In a medium skillet melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced pear; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, turning pears occasionally and reducing heat to low if pears brown too quickly. Set aside. In a small saucepan melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil gently, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Carefully stir in 3/4 cup whipping cream. Bring to boiling. Remove from heat; stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Divide sauce in half. Stir pears into one portion.

I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Like I always say!

Im not perfect and I dont pretend to be..

How much fun would that be.

Smile and have a great day.

Our Visit With Brittney & Pumpkin Spice Cake I

2011-10-05T11:22:00.000-05:00

I know its been a few days since I posted a Blogg,

we have been busy getting ready for fall and going out for lunches and dinners all week.. so its been a busy time. Today Im taking the time out to do a little posting and I did take a lot of photos of my flowers for fall they look so pretty I hate for it to end.

Last Saturday we went to Taylor Street, Greek Town area to visit our youngest grand daughter, who is going to Collage in the area, UIC we went out to lunch back in our old neighborhood. The area were she goes to school is safe but isnt the friendliest to be wandering out of...

Below are a few pictures from our visit..

Us eating one of our favorite Pizzas back in the old neighborhood..

Thats a photo of my indiviusal one looks good dosent it..

St Francis of Assisi

One of the famous jobs Bill was in charge of back in the working days.

So of course we had to take a picture of that one. in the UOI neighborhood.

This of course is one I took while on our way to our visit.

the metro chicago area from the expressway..

The streets around the UIC neighborhood had the look of small town USA in the big city

The building where Brittney lives.

Beautiful tree lined streets.

I think you get the Idea we had a great visit.

On our way home the sky was amazing.

A few pictures I took around my house of fall in full bloom.

More to come tomorrow.

One of my Irises reblooming.

Alyssiums still hanging in there usually they are finished by now

I started to decorate for Halloween.

More photo share to come tomorrow.

I have a lot to do today and I cant get it done sitting on the computer.

Sharing a great fall recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cake I

Original Recipe Yield1 - 10 inch Bundt pan

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups shortening
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, eggs, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin puree. Beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Thanks For Looking

2011-09-26T13:46:00.003-05:00

Pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes & Photo share taken by me..

Photos taken by me this week!

And a great recipe.
Pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes.

I was busy this week starting to put away some of my yard decorations and did some serious cooking. which turned out pretty good.
We are having rain showers this morning and we needed them.. I'm sure happy my Son in law and Grand son got to finish the project on the side of our house, and got to put a coat of paint on it, befor all the rain..
Its Pretty windy out their now the sun is trying to stay out.

I hope I can finish this Blogger is acting crazy this morning..

Here are a couple of pictures I took this morning while checking out the Ever Changing Sky.

We had storms last night and the sky looked pretty threatning this morning.

The birds are here for a while, they fly in big groups from area to area every year.

I dont know why, maybe because the corn fields all around, and its getting close to harvest season.

I took this one of General Tremont!

I wasent to happy what he was doing but couldent pass on the good shot.

Enough about the birds for now!

Julie came over one evening, with her cute outfit on that she had worn for her class pictures.

Julie and Her Great Grand Pa Bill.

They have a very special bond.

I love the smell of burning leaves

It reminds me of many years ago when we lived in Chicago.

We used to burn leaves at the curb when we were very young.

Something that you cant do any more..
Its against the law.

I think thats the day care class at the school playing ring around the rosey!
or something like that.

Its on the grounds behind our house in from of the school.

Always something happening here we never had so much action,

Living in Chicago..
Or maby because its just different things going on here

Saturday Morning Runner

Now for the Recipe Share.

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Pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes

Ingredients:

CINNAMON FILLING:

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

CREAM CHEESE ICING:

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter

2 ounces cream cheese

3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

PANCAKES:

3 cups whole milk

1 cup pure unsweetened pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

2 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (see Tips below)

1/2/ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small, microwave-safe bowl- heat butter, brown sugar and cinnamon for 40 to 60 seconds, just until butter is melted. Whisk the filling ingredients together and then pour it into a sandwich-sized zip baggie. Zip up the baggie and lay it on the counter while you prepare the pancake batter.

2. Prepare the Icing: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat butter and cream cheese 30 to 60 seconds, just until butter has melted and cream cheese has softened. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla and combine until smooth. Set the icing aside.

3. Prepare the pancake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin, eggs, oil, and vinegar. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt and brown sugar. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir just until all is moistened.

4. Check on your cinnamon filling: Open up the baggie again and give it a good stir to re-incorporate any butter that may have separated. You want the mixture to thicken a bit- it's best when it's similar to the squeezing texture of toothpaste (which will eventually happen if you leave it on the counter long enough, but refrigerate for a few minutes if you need to). Don't try to use the filling for the pancake swirl unless it has thickened as it will be too runny! Snip off a small piece of the corner of the baggie.

5. Cook the pancakes: Preheat a large skillet or griddle to medium. Use an ice cream scoop (or ladle) to add the batter to the pan. Use the bottom of the scoop or ladle to spread out the batter into a nice, even circle. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pick up your cinnamon filling baggie and squeeze the filling into the corner. Starting at the center of the pancake squeeze the cinnamon filling on top of the pancake batter in a swirl (just as you see in a cinnamon roll). Cook the pancakes 3 to 4 minutes, or until bubbles begin popping on top of the pancake and it is golden brown on the bottom. Slide a thin spatula underneath the pancake and gently but quickly flip it over. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the other side is golden as well. When you flip the pancake onto a plate, you will see that the cinnamon filling has created a crater-swirl of cinnamon. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, and repeat with the remaining pancake batter and cinnamon filling. Serve pancakes topped with a drizzle of cream cheese icing.

Tips:

*If you do not have pumpkin pie spice, use this combo of spices instead: 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Thanks For Looking

Diane Louise

Changed the background (AGAIN)_ Pink Lemonade Cake Recipe.

2011-09-17T09:45:00.004-05:00

The Sun Rise wasn't that spectacular this morning

But here it is any way..

I also took a picture of the sun set this morning.

Nothing spectacular there either!

Just getting ready to disappear into a cloud.

I did take a few of the Harvest Moon this week and Ill post them.they were pretty awesome..

Day one Harvest Moon peeking through the tree..

A close up of day two of the harvest moon.

One of the sun sets this week worthy of showing..

If you followed me you have figured out by now.. I get bored and thought I would make a change, now that we are creeping into fall and everything goes grey, black and orange.

That's OK I dont mind, I love creating any way so just in case you haven't figured that out yet!!
YEP I love to create.

Bill had his transfusion last Friday he goes every 6 weeks now. This time It took him a little longer for him to recover. It does take its toll but slowly he is feeling better, the pain today isn't as bad as it was for him all week. Yesterday he even cooked so that made him happy, he loves to cook.We did a lot of going and running around this week visiting friends at our favorite hang out Barns, we always run into friends or friends of friends.. The people who work their are always so friendly and great to visit with. Most of them know us especially since we have been going in their for 9 years now.. They always have a few words and a big hello and smile it make it all worth it to be going in there..

We also had our great friend Joanne meet us there she fell a few weeks back and is recovering from hip surgery, so we haven't seen her for a few weeks. She is amazing she is out driving already what a trooper she is. Cindy also went with us yesterday, we always like that.. She drives it gives me a break. Not that I dont mind driving, its nice to be chauffeured also. So all in all we are lucky to have a place like that in our life.. Along with our Church. Life is good..

I was so mad at my self the other day I forgot again our ladies group at Church was Wednesday.. I forgot again.. I need a secretary to keep me posted on these things.. LOL I didnt realize until one o'clock that they were over at Church and then it was to late.. I happened to look out the window and recognized there cars and thought dang I missed again.. Next time!! sorry about that.. I guess the Dr. visits had me in a tissy the beginning of the week. It dosent take much to tissy me..

Enough about what I did this past week.

I better go out and check the tomatoes today I havent been out their all week.

Im sure they are rotting on the vine..

Almost forgot !

Aletha and I are running a recipe group on the internet.

Called GOF

Garden of Friendship

We dont own this one we are just members.

We would love for you to join us in the recipe group we belong to.

Its fun

The link is at the top of my page just click it on and join in the shares.

Here are a couple of more picture shares from me this week.

Two bikers out early this morning.

Actually there were a couple befor them they were trailing behind.

You can see in the background the fall colors are starting to appear.

We all know what that means..

Friday evening the school buses are heading back to the barn for the weekend.

You cant see it here but their were about 12 to 13 in a row.

I love it! watching them go in single file..

One of our beautiful sun rise glowes for this week.

I bought a couple of pumpkins yesterday getting into the mood for fall decorating.

I will carve them on or around Halloween with some cute faces,

put a light or candle in them. like I do every year.

I guess I just never grew up.

Hydrangeas from me yard trying to preserve them a different way using glycerin in the water.

We will see how that works..

Im going out to buy a square clear vase here im using a bowl.

This is one of the recipes I shared this week that I thought sounded good.

Pink Lemonade Layer Cake from miss Paula Deen

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more, for coating pans

1 (18 1/4-ounce) box white cake mix

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 tablespoons sweetened pink lemonade drink powder

1 pound confectioners' sugar

5 tablespoons frozen pink lemonade concentrate

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 2 (8-inch) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper or waxed paper.
Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions. To the batter, stir in the lemon zest, vanilla, and pink lemonade powder. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the confectioners' sugar and remaining 1 cup butter until fluffy. Beat in the remaining frosting ingredients until combined.

Transfer one cake to a cake stand or large platter. Using an offset spatula, spread the top of the cake with a layer of frosting. Place the second cake on top of the first. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of both layers.

2011-09-10T09:49:00.004-05:00

Good Morning Foggy here this morning!

I posted a photo of the blue lights where the twin towers stood, to remind us all of that tragic event we all were effected by 10 years ago 9/11/2001 a day I hope none of us will ever forget, because it effected us ALL in so many ways.. Prayers to all who lost loved ones that tragic day..

Its been a few days not much to write about. I did take some pictures so I'll post a few, I think Im going back to the old way of blogging. I dont like change its to much work trying to figure out what the heck to do next..LOL I just dont have the patients for it..

I like this one you can see the fog and the birds are every where.

On the bushes on both sides lined up all the way down as well as all over the arbor.

Here are a couple more birds waiting or just hanging around..

The Fog always makes for interesting photos i like it any way hope you do as well.

And as long as we have our birds we always have pictures to take.

This one was taken yesterday I know you can tell it wasent foggy..

A big bird flying over our house the other day..

Our newest bird house held down with a bungie cord until we get the screws to bolt it down.

Thanks Aletha I know they will be fighting over it..its so adorable..

On a different note!!

I made another batch of pickles yesterday I hit the neighbor for more cherry leaves in return she wanted the recipe so I sent her the original and also my version..

We love them both YUMMM

I definitely have to get a crock my friend said try the antique stores so I will do that.

I had them years ago but dont know what I did with them..

This one taken yesterday I love sky photos here are a couple i hope you enjoy taken this week.

A couple more taken today..

Cookies and home made fudge from my neighbor Whats left of it..

She sure does spoil us with her goodies..

Thank you Florence.

The fog this morning out in front.

Sharing a couple from my garden.

Pretty isnt it different colors all on one plant.

another resent bird house I bought this week.

I keep correcting the line above and it just keeps going back, it has a mind of its own :)

My beautiful grass, flowing in the breeze.

And last of all our resent sun rise.

Thats all for today I better get moving, the girls are all coming over for a visit.

Thanks for looking

And like I always say dont expect me to be perfect that would just be no fun at all.

Pray For Peace On Earth!

Dill Pickel! And More.

2011-09-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

Something New!

Blogger has a new look so here I am trying to get used to it..

It doesn't take much to throw me off, between FB and Blog changing all the time.

HELP LOL

Aren't they pretty

I went outside early this morning I watered the pots in front last night. Today I watered the pots and corner flower garden in the back early.
I also put the pickles I made the other day into sterilized jars.
I wanted to get that all done because we are expecting some pretty hot temps for the next few days. And I dont like to have the stove going to much,

When sterilizing you have to boil water and that just heats up the room..

I know Im wierd I pride my self on that... :)

The body shop called to bring back our car, Bill invited him in, he happens to be our neighbor across the street. And naturally the kitchen was a disaster doing that procecc with the pickles.. OH well..
Thats life.

T hey did a beautiful job now to go for the test.. It looks fantastic..

I did take a couple of pictures this week not many, because I was busy doing other projects..

Some of us in our family on FB are all joining a link called, "I grew up in Clearing on the South Side of Chicago".
Its really fun seeing all the photos of old stores and different buildings.
The different people have shared, then we talk about it..
Everyone so far seems to be enjoying it..
I know I am..

This week I didnt take many photos, sorry about that.

Hope you enjoy the ones I did take.

Four Joggers one evening.

Our beautiful Sun Rises this week.

A Guy practicing his golf game..
In the grassy area behind our house.

Always something to take a picture of, even if its out in the distance..

I missed my hair appointnment this morning!
I dont know what I was thinking, makes me so mad.
I had the hot weather on my mind instead of my appointnment..

Oh Well!!

Next week
She is so understanding!!

I love these people out here.
They are so so nice..

We went out to dinner with friends the other night it was pretty good, we really enjoyed the time out with friends and going out to breakfast as well. Just being around friends brightens up your day..

Even if it is for a short few hours.

OK enough about me today, here is my Recipe Share!

MY
Pickel Recipe Share

The recipe below
is how I made my pickles.

Adapted from my Niece Robbies Recipe.

20 small not to small to medium pickles

1 slice of rye bread

1 cup salt

8 cups water

2 cups vinegar

testing to see if you like the amount of vinegar or not add more if you think it needs it.

3 cloves of garlic chopped
I used my home grown garlic that was exciting

2 Talb of sugar

A large bunch of cherry leaves rinced and dried

a large bunch of Dill heads from the stalk

1 Talb of pickling spice

In Crock or Large glass bowl

place bread than alternate with cherry leaves, pickles, dill. chopped garlic

until you have added all of the leaves, dill, garlic and pickles.

On stove heat but dont boil all remaining ingredients.

Pour over ingredients that are in bowl or crock
place cover I used a large plate to weigh everything down and placed it on a tray
so their wouldent be any spilage in the refrigerator..
refrigerate for three days.

On the third day I sterilized 5 pint jars

adding the pickles some leaves and dill from the bowl

I than ladled the liquid from the bowl to cover and put on the lid and refrigerated.

Of course testing a pickle to make sure its as good as you think it should be..:)

Thats all for now If you make the pickles I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

And last but not least
Dont expect me to be perfect, Im Not.
How much fun would that be any way..

Hugs From Me

Summer Flowers & Fresh Peach Pie.

2011-08-25T15:20:00.001-05:00

What to do with the peaches the neighbor gave me is my dilemma for the day..
I dont have a lot of time to play Suzie home maker, we are going out for dinner with our book club friends tonight. I want to make something with them befor Bill eats them all. (he he) sorry Bill..

I was out their watering my flowers early, now my back is killing me dragging the hoses all over the place, and wearing my camera around my neck.. I know sounds weird its me what can I say.. I even trimmed one of our conifers in the front, when it rained the other day it really showed that it needed to be trimmed, so that's what I did. First thing befor the pick up,It looks so much better.

I think Ill go out and buy a little bird house and hang it in there, you know me when it comes to bird houses, Im the bird house queen..

Yesterday I went walking at the mall just to get out of the house and do something, also to get Bill out so he wont have to stay shut in all the time. Now that everyone is back to school for the season.and won't be coming over all the time, like they did all summer.

Our two friends that we always met up with at Barns are in the hospital, one is in a rehab facility for Alzheimer's, we will definately miss him, I really cant believe what happened to him one very inteligent sweet kind man, so sad for him..

Our other dear friend broke her hip. Her story is a miracle.. she was picking up leaves on the side of her house and fell. She managed to boost her self up against her house, she was screaming at everyone who drove by to no advale. A Nun in a white habit drove by on her three wheeled bike and came to her rescue. She was there for hours and it was starting to get dark. The Nun said that was the first time she ever went that way, she always rode her bike the other way and something told her to go that way.. a great story isnt it..

So our dear friend will be out of commission for a long time.. We sure do wish them all the best and a speedy recovery.. We are still going on Friday's. We still have a few friends their and its a good excuse to get out and do something besides work around here, dont you think.
Below are a couple of picture shares, while I was out there this morning early befor it got to hot! one thing I cant stand is the heat.. Oh dont get me wrong I love love love summer but do not like it when it get's to uncomfortable.
While I type this blogg Im drinking coffee with crushed ice, taste pretty good never tried it at home befor.. I like it..

Here are a few picture from me..

Enjoy.

My white hydrangea finally looking good.

I didnt think it was going to make it to hot in front all summer.

but it did.

Its official there back.

This one I got down on the ground to take a different angle.

Im glad you didnt see that it wasent a pretty sight, me trying to get up..

He was getting ready to fly into the bush, got him..

This is one half of my flower garden

He was kind of hanging around.

I hope I dont find him dead out in the yard one day..

Or maby I woke him up.

Sorry if I did.

The birds really hang around the sun flowers, they have been

reblooming every year now for over 8 years.. The perfect place..

I guess you have seen enough of my flowers for today.

Last nights sun set..

Recipe Share

Fresh Peach Pie

Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie

Prep Time: 25 min

Cook Time: 60 min

Ingredients:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
Double Pie Crust (your favorite recipe, or store-bought)
8 to 10 large fresh peaches, pitted, peeled and sliced
1 egg whisked with 1 Tablespoon water
course sugar for topping, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, use a fork to combine flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Mix until crumbly.

3. Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Scoop in one layer of peaches. Top with some of the crumbly sugar mixture. Layer more peaches and more crumbles. Continue until you've used up all of your peaches and crumbles. Top the pie with your 2nd pie crust, as desired. I cut mine into strips and created a lattice topping. If you'd like to cover the pie completely with the 2nd crust, just be sure to cut a few slits into the top crust to give that crust a chance to breathe while baking. Crimp the edges decoratively.

4. Brush the top with the egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you wish.

5. Bake on the center rack in the oven for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. I start checking on my pie at 45 minutes, just to make sure the crust isn't browning too quickly and all looks good. Then I check every 15 minutes until I'm satisfied that it's done. Mine took an hour and 15 minutes, and it was nice and golden brown along the crust with the peach filling bubbling a bit in the center.

I hope you enjoyed my blogg and found something you liked.

Like I always say

Im not perfect so dont expect me to be.

Hugs From Me