My Week In Pictures

There have been a few likes and dislikes in my week.  I've got nothing better to do so I figured I would show you.  I'll begin with the things I've disliked all week.



1. Drought




2. Overpriced sleepwear.  Are you kidding me?!?




3. Hours with NO water while at home….bored…restless…and jobless.




4. Expensive Vets (Sofie just hates vets period...notice the tongue!).




5. ‘May Cause Drowsiness, Dizziness and Blurred Vision’ medications



Lucky for me I have just as many Likes to make up for the dissed ones!



1.  My husband’s ‘Feel Better Soon (a.k.a. Get over your hormones)’ breakfast.




2.  Brainstorming Buddy (Keeps me company all day long).




3.  Grocers with good teabag selections.






4.  Workouts with my favorite person.



5.  *Sigh*...my favorite person!

6.  Facebook changes. (Ha! I just thought I would be the exception to all the current complaints)



 I hope you all had a great day and hope you have an awesome weekend!

Quote of the Day: "If you look for the good in life, you will find it". ~Anonymous

and because I can and want to, I will add another:

"Have a sense of humor about life - you will need it. And be courteous." ~Peter Jennings

Sentimental Baking Journey

I've set aside today to do some baking.  I intended to start with the Pumpkin Pecan bread but nixed it for a Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake instead.  Anyone that knows of me and my love of baking know I have a fond attachment to the Pound Cake.  Though they might not know why.  I first started sampling recipes when I stretched the apron strings by leaving home permanently.  It was just after college as a matter of fact.  Anyway, at the time I said I like the sturdiness of the cake and it's short list of ingredients.  In actuality, it had more to do with the fact that it made me smile and think of spending time in the kitchen with my Mama.  Of the five girls, I was the one that picked up the kitchen skill.  My little sister got all the sewing.  The other three...well...one can do both but grudgingly so.  The other two are pretty useless with both but I'm sure they must have picked up a trait somewhere in there. 

So baking today has taken me on a journey that I did not expect.  I felt good because I was doing something I loved.  At the same time it made me think of my Mom and made me a little sad that I couldn't call and share it with her. It didn't help that I was listening to Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson  and Etta James....also my Mom's favorites.   But as with most things, I work hard to turn that into a positive.  I have nothing but fond memories of baking with her.  We always had fun in the kitchen.  Even those pressing moments and short tempers when we were working on a particularly large dessert menu for the holidays.  Those late nights made for sharp-tongued words for anyone that came in to steal a taste or offer up their opinion.  Nope...that was never acceptable! 

Then there was the time I was helping her mix several sweet potato pies for church and we were chatting.  I wasn't paying attention and got my finger caught up in the beaters. Well, that resulted in a trip to the ER to remove the screw from my finger and get stitches.  Upon returning home, my Dad thought it would funny to pretend I lost my finger.  He instructed me to look sad and bend my finger before showing my sisters and brothers.  They were horrified and my little sister cried.  My Mom just shook her head and told them we were just joking.  I didn't realize it at the time but my Mom made sure this wouldn't discourage me.  We cleaned up and got right back in the kitchen to start new pies.  She was just cool like that.

Through baking I have also been blessed to come across some good people who also share this love.  My friend T is always open to trying a new recipe.  Luckily she also has a willing preteen daughter that lets her sample without always having to do the work. Beverly, my friend from my days at the doughnut shop, is a wonder in the kitchen.  I can't even begin to think I have even half her skills but it gives me something to strive for.  She is and always will be one of the greatest bakers I know.  Definitely up there with my Mama.  Big props to you Bev!  It is with good memories that I use my Mama's recipe today.  Like her I'm not a big fan of making lowfat cakes (unless of course it's and Angel Food).  So if you try it, you might want to plan some extra time in the gym.
Well, looks like the cake is done! Not the prettiest but it is moist and not too sweet.   My Mama would be proud.

Quote of the Day: I feel a recipe is only a theme, which an intelligent cook can play each time with a variation. ~Madam Benoit

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1 C. Unsalted Butter (room temp)
8 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
2 1/2 C. Sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
6 Eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. lemon extract
3 C. Sifted Flour
1 tsp. Salt

Mix the zest and sugar in a small bowl.  (I used a pestle to crush some of the zest into the sugar just so the oils would be released) and set aside.  Place the butter and cheese in large mixing bowl and mix until smooth.  Add the lemon sugar and mix on high until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).  Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each.  Add the vanilla and lemon extracts.  Finally add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.

Pour into two prepared 5x9-in loaf pans.  Bake 1hr 25 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.  Cool on rack 20 minutes and then remove from pans to completely cool.

Blue Skies

'Blue skies smiling at me.  Nothing but blue skies do I see...'

While I appreciate this song, I'm inclined to believe that too much of a good thing can get old very quickly. I believe these here blue Texas skies got old about 100+ days ago. I guess I should correct that and say the heat brought on by those blue skies.  I'm watching the live Doppler (brought on by gray skies outside) with hope in my heart that the claim of rain might be stopping in for a visit.   The trusty little meteorologist said there is hail, gusty winds, lightening and rain somewhere near.  The dogs and I are sitting here wishing and hoping and wishing some more.

Oh well.  Even though the 1st day of Fall has come and gone and yet we are still feeling the burn of high temps, I am obligated to find a positive.  One positive is the shopping.  While the big box stores corporate powers that be have put out the word that summer wear must make room for fall, me and my thrifty self benefit.  You see, where their location may be experiencing cooler weather and Fall wear is needed, we are not. So all the 80% off summer wear can be worn right now! I purchased 2 short sleeve tops and some athletic shorts for less than $20 today.   Oh and a $2 pair of sturdy flip flops.  See, a positive!

I'm sure there are several more positives but they aren't coming to me right now.  I think the current gray skies and hope of Fall is blocking them.  I want yellow, orange, red, and brown leaves littering lawns.  I want to go to bed knowing I need to use the warm quilt my Mom gave me.  I want to attend a cold football game that requires blankets and a thermos full of spiked hot chocolate. I want my outdoor workout gear to include long sleeve T's and pants and maybe even earmuffs. Gasp!  I just said 'I want' and 'workout' in the same sentence.  You hear that Fall?  Find us because it's clear I'm losing my mind!

Well, I guess I will need to just be patient. In the meantime, there's nothing that says I can't at least make the house smell Fall-ish.  I'm testing another recipe for my fundraiser.  It's a Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Streusel I found on Ezra Poundcake today.  I saw the picture and it immediately made me wish for Fall.  That and it has pumpkin in it.  You just don't get more Fall than pumpkin! 

Hope you all are having a good day!

Quote of the Day: As a rule man is a fool, When it's hot he wants it cool, When it's cool he wants it hot, Always wanting what is not. ~Anonymous

Beyond Relaxed

I'm such a baby.  Last night I was reading the bottles on the meds and each said take one three times a day.  I asked the husband, 'Do you think that means take both at the same time?'  He said yes.  I don't think he was really listening to me though.  I hemmed and hawed 30 minutes before opting to take just the relaxer.  I sat there a while thinking on it and finally decided to call my little sis. She's got tons of experience with pain meds due to her arthritis issues.



My Thrifty Gift Process

 I asked her the same question.  She told me to take them both.  As we are discussing other things, I get up and take the pain pill also.  Then said says, 'Wait. Do you get drowsy when you take the 800 milligram ibuprofen?'  Eight-hundred!  I get drowsy on the 200 milligrams if I take two of 'em.  After telling her this she says  I should just take the relaxer and see how I feel later before taking the pain med.  I freaked out a little telling her I had already taken it while we were talking. Then she tried telling me it would be OK and I'll just sleep until noon. 
There was no sleeping in for me.  I slept soundly but got up at 7am to take Baxter out. I forgot to give him a leash and I'm almost sure I fell asleep standing there watching him. Luckily he just stood there waiting for me to notice he was done.  Needless to say I went back to bed and slept until 11.  It's been years since I've slept in.  I tell you I was beyond relaxed. Still am actually.  Oh well. 

The sleep in caused me to forget I had accepted an invitation for a 5 mile walk this morning.  Luckily I got a phone call from them but they had read last night's post and realized I might not be up for it.  On top of that, I forgot  we were suppose to get the twins birthday gifts today.  Since I was still feeling woozy and we are on a budget, I decided to make something instead of going out to shop.  By regifting and a little big of crafting, we have a decent gift for the girls.  Now, I think I'm going to catch a few winks before the squealing fest called a birthday party.  Joy....

Quote of the Day:  If I can see it, if I can visualize it, I know quite simply, that I can do it….and it will be…

Bah....Bursitis!

So went to the Dr. today and it seems I have bursitis in the shoulder.  I've been going 3 weeks with an annoying ache and telling myself it was ok.  The husband convinced me that even though I thought I knew what the problem was, sitting here popping ibuprofen without getting a proper diagnosis was probably not a good idea.  Sadly every time the pain got stronger, I would consult WebMd.  I knew better but I did it anyway.  It's addictive.  Unfortunately I can be a worrier and after checking symptoms you can darned near diagnose yourself to death! 

I finally gave in and called and they got me an appointment the same day.  I just want to say I have one of the best general practitioners out there. She listens, she asks questions, she even remembers what we talked about at my last Well Women's check up.  And I don't necessarily mean medical questions.  She asked me how my husband's classes were going and asked if my Sofie finally passed her obedience classes.  She rocks. 

Anyway I was sitting there in the waiting room watching the television that only shows health related shows. These little clips I can tolerate. They are pretty informative and always hold my attention.  Today there was a 10 minute story on outdoor gyms.  I had no idea putting these things in parks cost so much money.  I'm convinced the ones the husband and I frequent at the park near our home didn't cost half as much as the ones shown.  After all, they are all made of treated lumber and steal bars. Nothing special but very effective. 

Back to my diagnosis.  Shoulder Bursitis happens when there is inflammation of a particular area within the shoulder joint that is causing my painful symptoms.  I'm told I have at least 4 weeks before it gets better.  That sort of sucks but at least there's nothing something terribly wrong with me.  I'll refrain from walking Sofie with that arm and stop lifting heavy objects.  Not sure about the pain meds (Vicoprofen) and the muscles relaxers. I will be trying one tonight.  If they don't make me too loopy the following day, I will at least use them to finally get a good night's sleep.

Good Samaritans

I was reading a book last night and found this part the story of the Good Samaritan.  It states:
"Psychologists tested the story of the Good Samaritan. What they learned gives us reason to pause. The greatest determinant of who stopped to help the stranger in need was not compassion, morality, or religious creed. It was those who had the time. Makes me wonder if I have time to do good. "

Funny how I just read that last night and was perusing my regular Good Morning America stories and this Story caught my attention.  It is definitely a good read and makes me feel there is hope to be had for our youth. 

Today I will see what I can do to make time to do something for someone. Hope everyone is having a good morning!

Quote of the Day:  The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lunch in Saigon

OK.  So I feel a little weird about all the eating out I've done this week. I haven't gone out this much in years.  Today I stepped out with my friend Ya-Ya in search of bathing nets.  My husband and I use them and I was game to get more. She said she new of a Korean Store that had them so we made a date to go in search of them today.

Well, when we got to the location we learned the Korean Store has since become Hispanic Grocery.  There were no nets to be found.  So much for that.  Since we were there, we decided to venture across the street to the Veterinary Clinic to see if they still had her 'resting-in-peace' dog's ashes.  That was a bust too because it was now a brokerage office.  At least that's what the guy said.  It looked a little shady and he said they had been there two years now. Well, if you have been there two years, how about removing the giant sign announcing you are a veterinary clinic? 

Steamed Rice w/Charbroiled Chicken

We gave up and decided to make the trip back north to the large Asian Market Place.  Deciding we were going to buy tofu and sprouts, we headed for the grocery only to be stopped by the noodle house sign.  We scrapped the cooking idea and decided to spend a nice leisurely lunch at Pho Saigon Noodle House.   We had good conversation to accompany the Steamed Rice and Charbroiled Chicken.  Of course I made the mistake of tasting the chili sauce only to have it travel down the wrong side of my throat.  I didn't do the gag-cough but the fit was there all the same.  It was all good though because someone else apparently made the same mistake as they had a coughing fit too.



Incognito Ya-Ya

 In any case I had a great time and will chalk this up to another great day. I snapped a couple of pics with my phone and she told me she'd better not find her picture on Facebook.  I told her I wouldn't.  I'll put it here instead. Lol.   Later I will be marking some miles on the treadmill thanks to the fact that my clean plate did not require a doggy bag.  Oh well.  If spending a good time with a friend means sweating it out later, I'm down for it.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Quote of the day:  “One of the delights of life is eating with friends, second to that is talking about eating. And, for an unsurpassed double whammy, there is talking about eating while you are eating with friends.”  ~Laurie Colwin 'Home Cooking'