Oct 31, 2011

Good Morning...Happy Halloween, And Hello. Can you believe this weather? Snow in New York and other North East states. Yikes. Makes me feel better about living in the South. I should have put on a light jacket befor taking the trash out this morning, but I didn't get too chilled. I just set up my Halloween decorations and will take a picture in just a few minutes of it. (hope to post them when I send this out.) It's still darkish outside. The Sun is about to raise. Most of the leaves have fallen over the last couple of days. I asked Jerry if he liked picking up Subway sandwiches on his way home on Fridays. I could cook.. He said it likes doing it. I bought only one meal of meats this week, a roast, cause my freezer is full. You would think I'm the one getting ready for bad weather and not those that got the snow. Today, I'm fixing hamburger. Thinking of Meatloaf but I can change my mind. I have a nice crockpot meat loaf that we like. I'll line the steamer basket with a coffee filter if I do make that.

Barney made it onto the beds over the weekend. The first time was a fluke, I think. It took him a while to figure out how to do it again. Now Macon is going to really be having trouble with him when they play in the evenings. Macon will start it, Standing on the bed and just wrestling with Barney, who's on the floor and giving as much as he was getting. But then, Macon would sit back and rest while Barney would bark at him.. Now that Barney can jump on the bed, Macon is not going to be getting that little rest.

Oh boy. Barney is a high energy dog, when he's awake, Luckly he wears out rather quickly right now. Within 10 minutes, he's ready to sleep a couiple of hours. This morning, I had to clean both kennels and while I had the bottom of one in the tub, Barne was curled up, asleep, behind the top, in a dark corner. Now that the kennel is back together, He's on Jerry's bed, sleeping with Rocky. The last couple of days, Rocky hasn't been acting just himself. Panting and shivering at the same time. Very Clingy to me, and well, just not his normal. He's fine now and back to being his usual. I'm guessing he may have had a dog's version of a cold.

We bought yet another alarm clock.. Jerry was looking up front and I found one for less, that I liked more, and is smaller ( and cute-er) This one changes colors. (makes it easy to find in the dark) plays music when it goes off, Reverly (??) and tells the temp as well as the time. I saw something I might get Jerry for Christams for $35 in the same area. I asked him if he wanted it, but he said there isn't any room for it. Well, after Christmas there will be room on his side of the couch. It's a system that plays CD'S and can plug into a MP3 player, which I hope also means it will plug into his computer.

Outside my door ... (8am) The Sun is just now up and starting to top the trees at the other end of the row we are in. Not much warmth coming in, yet. Suppose to be in the lower 60's today. I'll need a light jacket when I walk the dogs here in a few minutes. Momma D is suppose to get me a new key for the post box, but don't know if it will be today or not. She said she has to go that direction anyway. She did give me the phone number for the local propane company so when we get low, we don't have to drive all the way to Dickson to refill our tanks.

The Dogs ... Are still sleeping, but I know, as soon as I rattle the leads they will be more than ready for that first walk of the day.. A real walk, not just a quick visit to the woods at the back of the camper.

The Cats ... Have been quiet, since I put them back in the camper to take the trash out and to fix up my Halloween decorations outside, I had to have the door open so I put them up before I even started. I do know they will want to find sunshine to sleep in, when I do let them out.

From the kitchen... Salad, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, (might even make some gravy) not sure of Dessert, just yet.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

2 lbs Ground Beef
2 eggs
2/3 cup quick oats
1 pkg dry onion soup mix
1/2-1 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 cup ketchup, divided

1.Combine ground beef, eggs, dry oats, onion soup mix, liquid smoke,
ground mustard and all but 2 Tbsp of ketchup. Shape into loaf and
place in slow cooker.

2. Top with remaining ketchup.
3. Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours or on high 4-6 hours.

I am hearing... Morning News, The heater cooling off.

I am wearing... Black Sweat Pants, my Pooh tshirt and shoes.

I am reading... emails and some notes I wrote myself.

I am hoping... That Jerry gets two days in a row off this week. There are just a few things we would like to do, that doing laundry or shopping seem to get in the way of. Looking for a house to rent is one. We passed a couple of signs and I just couldn't get him to turn around and go back and at least look.

I am creating... Well.. I have my pumpkins outside, and the rat I put some ribbons on is on top of them.. and the door wreath is hanging off one of the candle stands.. I'll take a picture.

One of my favorite things... watching the pets get along with each other. Barney is learning that Cats need their space. The Cats are learning that Barney does indeed chase them when they run down the hallway.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Cleaning the camper, work on a few crafts, take care of Jerry. cooking.

Creamed Corn with Bacon, oct 31

 

Creamed Corn with Bacon

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

6 Ears Fresh Corn
4 slices Bacon, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped Red Bell Pepper
3/4 cup Milk
1 (8oz) Container soft Cream Cheese with Chives and Onion.

 

Cut kernels from cob. In skillet cook bacon until crisp. remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 Tablespoon bacon drippings in skillet. To the bacon drippings add corn and red peppers. Stir in milk. Cook and stir for 6 to 8 minutes, or until corn is done.
Stir iin cream chees, cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese melts
stir in bacon pieces, Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://ult-tex.net/counts/christmas/index.cgi

Oct 28. 2011

 Hello
Hard to believe that this month is almost over with. Jerry got rained out yesterday. At about 10 am.. where almost every one else was rained out before 8 am.  I half expected him home already today since it was still raining when he left for work and only stopped raining a little bit ago. Looking at the weather map, though.. and it looks like still more rain on it's way here. So, either he'll come home soaking wet later, or come home in a bit and we will have to go back to pick up his check. For some odd reason they won't hand them out before 3 pm.. they could hand them out and ask that they not be cashed until after 3 pm.. but I'm guessing some guys just don't understand "Dont cash before 3."
It was nice driving around with Jerry, to Dickson, to pick up the heater. the contrast of the leaves to the darkness around (the tree bark, the wet ground and the gray skies) was just astounding. The yellows really popped out and the reds were just bright. Of course the rain was knocking off the leaves so most of the trees are really bare now.  I thought we would wake up to at least a bit of frost on things.. but it stayed warm enough to not freeze. We still have a bit of a puddle at the bottom of the step but the sand and the rug do help some. funny watching Barney trying to jump over both the steps and the water puddle. Poor puppy.. he's cold. He can't jump up on the bed to join the others just yet.. and I won't let him climb behind me on the couch. He will cuddle up beside me, when he's not being hyper.
The cats are back in Kitty jail, again. They were all asleep when I went back to bed.. only a few minutes later,, after all the lights were turned off, they started the running and jumping and getting into things. I yelled at them a couple of times.. then gave up and put them all in a kennel. They have managed to tear the screen out of three windows, now. I told Jerry I have to have the screws and washers to put the wire mesh in the screens so I can open windows when it's warm in here... and I picked up a box and had to put them back. He said we have a box in the van in a tub.. I reminded him that I have been asking him to get them out for me for almost three weeks now. He got them out, and I left them in the van when I got out yesterday.. along with the shower curtain hooks that fell out of a bag this past weekend. If I remember when he comes home, I'll go out and get them.
While Jerry was outside, working on the tank side of the propane heater, Bro came up, looking for a treat. I handed Jerry some of our dog treats to give to him. I think Bro is blind in one eye. And his sense of smell isn't all that good either.  Bro is a good dog though. He's very laid back.. today, while we were coming back from our walk, I let our three go up to him and they all got a good sniff on each other. Bro followed us back across the road but didn't come close, instead he headed over to Kims' camper to see if Chet is up yet. Chet will give him a hot dog or two.. all I give are dog treats.  Mary down and on the other side than we are, will also give him hot dogs. Not sure if Tom gives him treats or not.. the fellows in the drive along on the other side of Tom give Bro hot dogs as well.
I had to change a bit, what we had for dinner. I had the beans going, no problem... I forgot to get the meat out of the freezer.. so instead of making chili from scratch. I just empted a can of chili no bean into our beans.. I made up Corn Bread according to the instructions on the bag of corn meal mix, but instead of baking in the oven. I poured out, in 1/2 cup measurments,  into my waffle iron.  Next time, I'll add a bit of sugar to the batter. Jerry said, "Yes, do it again".  Much faster than waiting for corn bread to bake.
I am hearing... Barney barking at Macon, Macon growling (in play) at Barney over a toy.. and "The View".  Rocky is just laying on the bed, watching the two pulling on a toy. Oh, wait. Now Macon and Rocky are playing..
I am wearing... Dark Gray sweat pants and a white tshirt under a long sleeve pull over top.  It's warm enough in here, but the dampness makes it feel cooler.
I am reading...  emails...
I am thinking...  What we can do, if Jerry gets another short day due to the rain. At first, he was saying they were going to have two days in a row this weekend. That was before they were rained out.. now he'll have to work Saturday and I was in hopes of doing a couple of fun things together. There is a Corn Maze close enough we can go to, and I think there is an apple orchard there as well.

 

I am thankful for... What time I can share with Jerry. I didn't "have" to go to pick up the heater, I could have just given Jerry the money.. We went to get it, together. I found his yearly Santa on a bike, a bit more expensive than last years, but we got it anyway. I don't collect any one Christmas item,, but I should. For a while, Jerry was getting me stuffed animals but I have no place to keep them. We can't recall if we have his other two Santa Bikers here with us, or which storage they are in.  We ate at Long Johs Silvers for lunch. I ate way more than I should have.. so it was ok that dinner was almost an hour late, last night.

 

I am hoping... although it would mean a shorter paycheck that Jerry does get rained out today. I'm thinking of sorting the laundry here in a bit, just in case... we could do it this afternoon and then not have to do it after he works tomorrow.

 

I am creating... A Halloween display, outside.  I need to set another shephard's hook for an oil lamp.. then set up the pumpkins but I'll waiting until this weekend to carve the pumpkins. I have 5 of them. I never did find the pumpkin paints for them. I have a goose neck lamp over my bed that I'm thinking of using to help light them up.  I'll sit close by, on Halloween, for a while, on Monday night. I still need to talk to "The Boy" to find out which night Trick or treat is around here.

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://ult-tex.net/counts/christmas/index.cgi

Hello. It's been a while since I wrote just to my blog. I'm always sending in my morning "Hello" that I write to my chatty groups and people that I know.

I have yet to figure out how to email a picture to my blog.. when I include a picture it doesn't show up.

I love reading my emails but I'll tell you.. at times it feels like I'm working at a job, there are so many. Between crafts and recipes my box gets lots of emails. Most of which I save to my computer to read when we don't have a connection to the internet. The Wifi here is not great, it's good but not great. And today is a cloudy day so I'm expecting we will lose connection often.

First 5 Recipes in my mailbos this morning

 

 

1

10 (Easy) Halloween Snacks to try

 

1. Batty chips: Cut out Halloween shapes in soft tortilla's. Lightly spray
with vegetable oil. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes on both
sides
or until brown and crispy.
2. Edible eyeballs: Make simple deviled eggs with mayo, mustard and paprika.
Slice a pimento-stuffed green olive in half. Place a half on each deviled
egg.
3. Mummy hot dogs: Buy a tube of breadsticks. Roll a hot dog in each
breadstick leaving one end with a space for eyes. Bake according to
breadstick instructions.
Dab on dots of mustard for eyes.
4. Scary sandwiches: Layer Pastrami and deli meats with cheese on top cut
out with Halloween cookie cutters.
5. Worms on a bun: Cut a hot dog into narrow strips. Microwave until the
strips are curled, about 50 seconds. Place on a bun and serve with ketchup.
6. Chocolate frogs: Dip gummy frogs in melted chocolate. Let dry on wax
paper
7. Candy corn crackers: Cut white cheese into triangles. Place on
triangular-shaped chips or crackers. Cut a second piece of yellow cheese and
place on
top removing one corner so the white cheese shows through. Melt slightly in
the microwave.
8. Spooky spiders: Spread peanut butter between two round crackers. Add
eight straight pretzel sticks for legs and two chocolate chips for eyes.
9. Monster pizza: Spread a toasted English muffin with pizza sauce. Cut out
sliced cheese with Halloween cookie cutter and melt slightly on top.
10. Witches hats and broomsticks:
Hats: Place a Hershey's Kiss on a chocolate cookie held together with a bit
of peanut butter or orange frosting.
Broomsticks: Cut a fringe along a length of fruit rollup. Carefully roll it
around the end of a pretzel stick.
EDIBLE EYEBALLS
2 small packets yellow gelatin
1 - 1/4 cups boiling water
24 blueberries
Pour boiling water over the gelatin and stir to dissolve completely. Pour
the mixture into ice cube trays with rounded bottoms (there should be enough
to
fill two trays). Refrigerate until partially set, about 20 minutes. Push the
blueberry eyeballs into the partially set gelatin and refrigerate until
thoroughly
set. Dip the ice cube trays in warm water for 15 to 30 seconds and run a
knife round the edge of each ice cube. Turn the "eyes" out onto a serving
plate
and refrigerate until serving time.

*****************

 

2

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes-Low Calorie

1 pkg. Yellow Cake mix (sugar free)
1 pkg. Sugar Free Vanilla Instant Pudding mix
1 Cup canned pumpkin
½ oil (use applesauce)
½ water
3 eggs (use Eggbeaters)
1 ¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat all Ingredients with electric mixer on low.
Spoon batter in 24 paper-lined muffin cups.
Bake at 350 for 20 min. Makes 24 cup cakes.

*************

 

3

Linda's Marinated Chicken Breast

I always cook big for the holidays because that's when all of
my family gather. So here is an excellent recipe that is
requested by all. It's also healthy.

24 pcs. of boneless skinless 4oz chicken breasts
1- small bottle of red cooking sherry
5- bunches of fresh green onions
6 large containers of fresh mushrooms
1 or 2 large cans of Beef broth

Wash and season chicken with salt, pepper, and flour.
Heat skillet with the oil of your choice
Brown chicken on both sides and layer in baking dish, On top
of stove, put your beef broth, sliced mushrooms, chopped green
onions 1 bottle of cooking sherry in pot and let it come to a
boil and boil for at least 15 to 20 minutes. After the liquid
has cooked, take a soup dipper and broth over chicken and bake
in oven for about 45 minutes.

This chicken cooks so tender and has such a beautiful
presentation. They will be coming back for more. Serve on top
of wild rice. I also use this for my catering.

Linda

*************

4

 

Applesauce Banana Bread
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
2 medium bananas, mashed
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbs. canola oil
1/3 cup fat-free milk

 

Heat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine the flours, sugar, baking
powder, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and salt. In a medium bowl, combine
egg, bananas, applesauce, oil and milk. Add the banana mixture slowly
to the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overbeat.
Spray a 9x5" loaf pan with nonstick spray. Dust the pan lightly with
flour. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the banana bread
for 45-50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out
clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then turn the
loaf out onto a rack and cool completely. Makes 1 loaf.

 ***********

5

Hi...
I have been baking breads for my Christmas baskets so I thought I would send on the recipes to you all. These are all TNT ("tried 'n true") recipes....so if you are getting into the baking mode, you can have some new recipes to try! These are all yummy! I will try to post them all today instead of one day at a time....just because "Christmas is coming soon"!!
hugs,
peg
Banana Bread
½ cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 very ripe bananas)
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350.
Cream butter and sugar together. Add one egg at a time and beat until smooth. Blend in the mashed bananas.
In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nuts.
Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture until well blended.
Grease (or use baking spray) one regular size loaf pan or 4 mini loaf pans. Add batter and bake for 1 hour for the larger loaf or 35 minutes for the smaller loaves. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes then remove from pans and let cool on wire rack.
　
Recipe source: A thru Z crafts and recipes yahoo group, submitted by Shawn  

 *************

 

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://ult-tex.net/counts/christmas/index.cgi

October 23, 2011

 

 

Good Monday Morning, and Hello.
I just spent the last 1/2 hour or so, making up our Halloween candy bags to give out this year. I am in hopes we do get a few kids to our door but doubt we will see more than just one or two who live here.  Two of the kids, are leaving today. The two who like to play behind the camper all the time. They are home schooled. They are leaving today to go to Virginia. I don't know what area they are moving to... oops.. be right back, wanted to make up treat bags for their two dogs, as well. There, That's done as well..
Right now (5:35) it's about 47 outside. A bit cool but not tooo bad. Our high is suppose to be around 75 to 78. I checked out the forcaste.  No nighte below freezing but a couple are going to be close. We went looking at Propane heaters yesterday. Think we are going to pick one up at Lowe's.  It's the same one offered at Home Depote for about $50 less.  I had Jerry pick up the round hole saw that goes on the drill, so we have that already. We have a slight chance of rain mid-week, but we all know how things can change the closer we get to mid week.
Barney got to sleep with me again. last night. At least for part of the night. He woke me up around 1am and I took him out, the put him in bed with me. When we got up at 3:30, I found two messes he had made (not in my bed) so he's going to have to spend a few more nights in a kennel until he gets the idea of going outside. The last couple of days, he'd been fairly good about going outside. The only exception was when we ignored him.
We took the dogs for a ride, last night.  When we got back to the RV park, I asked Jerry to let us out at the top of the driveway so I could walk them... when I opened the back door.. oh man. One of the dogs, most likely Barney. had opened up the bag of sand and it was every where.  Jerry cleaned it up, as much as he could anyway. and put the sand under the rug by our door. The reason we got the sand in the first place  was to fill in a depression just outside the door where, when it rains, we have a water puddle. Hopefull we won't be stepping out into rain, now that we have the hole filled in a bit. it seems that ever place we park the camper, we end up with a large puddle of water just outside the door.
I picked up three more pumpkins yesterday. I also picked up a toy black rat as well. At first I thought about getting a purple glittered skull but decided to go with the rat instead. I have some battery tea lights that I'm going to use in the pumpkins I carve. I also have candles so if I don't have enough for all of them, no big deal.  I walked past Momma D, and asked her, when do the kids trick or treat around here? Sat, Sun or Monday?  Some places will have the kids do their trick or treating on the Weekend before Oct 31st.. other still go with Oct 31 no matter what day of the week it falls on.  She really didn't know, and said that they don't get many kids out here for it. I told her that's ok, I was planning on the kids in the R.V. park, at least, showing up... that was before I found out that the two at the end of the driveway are leaving today.
My heart is breakng for my on line friend Jackie. Her Mom died over the weekend and she's just lost withoug her.  Dot had been sick for a long time but the last couple of weeks were the worse for her and her family. She is at peace now, though, and the family knows she went without pain, in her sleep.
Outside my door ... When I took the dogs out for "first" pee.. I noticed that it's a little foggy already. Perfect for end of October and Hauntingness, Earie looking. I also noticed that the light at the laundry house was off.
I picked up a small wreath to go on the door. I'ts only got a couple of leaves on it and a small scarecrow.  I figure I can either add more leaves to it, or, after Halloween, remove the Scarecrow and add in some natural's from the area to dress it up more for Thanksgiving. I can also strip off all the fall stuff and then use it as a base to make a wreath for Christmas.
The Cats ... are happy to be out of the kennels. They are all asleep on Jerry's bed. I had to wash out one of the kennels this morning. What a mess.

 

From the kitchen... Planning on Hamburger tonight. Maybe some fries as well. Salad, of course.

 

I am hearing... The TV, of course.. it's always on if we are awake. The Fan on the heater. A car warming on before the man leaves for work.

 

I am wearing... Still in my long blue housedress and a robe on top of that. Will be wearing Grey Sweat pants and a tshirt when I change my clothes

 

I am reading... Emails  many, many emails

I am creating...  I made up some bags of Candy to give out Halloween. I made them up now, because two of the kids I wanted to give to, are leaving the RV park today.

 

 

One of my favorite things... Spending time with Jerry. We did get new phones over the weekend. Not sure if I'm going to be keeping a connection any better, but I can at least hope. I thought I would love the blackberry but with all the different things going on in it, I was constantly charging it. I don't need a camera. or web browsing, or any of the apps that were offered.  We did look at an ipod but it's not something we need since we already have laptops.
A few plans for the rest of the week... keeping the camper clean. Carving pumpkins, cooking meals. walking dogs, doing laundry and shopping. Praying for all my friends and family.

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackOfTheBox/

Oct 22, 2011

Good Morning...  We got downright cold last night. Down to around 36.. And the power went out around 2 am. What woke me up, was the back up beeping of a truck, That's when I noticed the power off. Jerry got up, pulled on some clothes to check the box outside. Wasn't at the box, but he smelled "something" burned outside and then said the transformer for our box much have been it. A few weeks ago, While watching my Favorite Soap (Y&R) The power was turned off for about 20 minutes to take care of a power routing problem to the lower section. I bet that was what they were working on. Not everyone here was without power. That sure explained why I woke up cold, though. I've had a burner on, on the stove to try to warm up. I boiled up a couple of eggs for my breakfast, and now have a cup of hot Green tea, in front of me. It's helping..

 

Barney is right up against my hip, trying to absorb the warmth from me. Macon and Rocky are on the beds, under covers no less. The cats are close by, almost on top of the dogs.. Thats telling me, they are cold as well. Strips (cat) is in big trouble with me.  I caught him munching away on Elephant Ear plant. Any one ever grow one of these??  If I cut off the one lone leaf that left and let the soil dry, will it come back next spring?  Should I remove the bulb from the dirt?  Any ideas?
I know they grow in the Kansas City area but I don't know how they are taken care of.. Do they tolerate Cold at all or are they dug up each fall.
Outside my door ... I just looked out the window and it's FOGGY.. very Foggy. I can barely see the camper next to us.. and it's not that far away. So I'm hoping that the sun burns off the fog before mid day. Our high is suppose to be in the mid 60's (I think) Which means I can open the door and windows for a while this afternoonl.
The Dogs and Cats ... Besides sleeping, are just now starting to stir.  I did take the dogs out at 5am when I got up (again). After putting Strips back in a kennel after I caught him trying to eat my plant.  I now have that plant "guarded" by a bottle of cola in the only way he can get to it (I hope) Soon as I find another empty cola bottle, I'll cut it in pieces and use the top as a cover. Hum.... wait, I think I can use a plastic jug to cover it.Just need the jug.
From the kitchen... I'm not sure what we are going to have. If Jerry works only 8 hours, we will eat out.. if he works 10, I'll cook. I didn't fix the chicken soup after all. The sandwiches were more than enough.  Jerry always knows what I want on mine. Full of everything. Double the vegies. He barely gets tomatos and lettuce. yet he's the one who's lost over 60 pounds, now.
I am hearing... Got the tv on.. Barney snoring, Cats jumping on and off the bed. The water steaming in the pot on the stove.  Hum.... I have a cast iron tea kettle... it's heavy... it would put off lots of heat if I put it on the stove. I may bring it in, clean it up and put it on the stove.
I am wearing... Maroon sweat pants and a purple sweat shirt.  I'll be changing later into something, umm, nicer. 
I am reading... emails.. so far. I opened up a binder I brought back from Missouri with us and found one of my old pattern enevelopes.. I think it may have my cap pattern in it.. I sure hope so as I want to make at least two more.  I may also have  the pattern for a baby cap.
I am thinking...  Jerry may want to go back to Clarkesville today, if he only works 8 hours. I know "I" got cold last night and I'm sure he felt cold as well since it was easy to wake him up when the power
I am thankful for... Jerry, for letting me sleep in on Saturday Mornings. He will buy egg and sausage biscuits on his way to work. He really is a sweet heart that way. If I wake up feeling really bad during the week, he'll do that, as well. When we woke up 20 minutes last this past week, He bought instead of me cooking that morning. It saved him about 15 of those lost minutes.

 

I am hoping... That Jerry only has to work 8 hours. He said something about He's not going to work Sunday, unless he just has to, and if he's told he has to, he will call in "Sick". Sick of working anyway. He "needs" that one day off  a week.. That's because we have to do all the shopping and laundry and such while he's off. I sure wish I could go get new Glasses. I could then drive him in to work one day of the week and get the laundry and shopping done while he's working then we could do more "Play" on that one day he's not at work. Doing the errands is as much work as working.,

 

I am creating... A warmer camper.  I am thinking of picking up some bubble wrap. I want to put it in the windows and see if that will work as well as plastic on the inside.  With the three missing wire right now. I'd only have to Open the ones in the front, to slip in the bubble wrap.
A few plans for the rest of the week... I'm hoping that, tomorrow, we can go find a few Geo Caches. We haven't had time to do that in a while. I hope to find a better way to protect my plant from the cats. I would like to find a couple of Mums to put outside the camper. After tonight predicted low of 34, the rest of this weeks low arei n the mid to upper 40's so any I get, would be safe from any freeze for a while. I'm even considering putting a couple up at the sign. If I see Momma D, I'll ask her if I may. She's soo tired. She would love to decorate but she's just been run ragged getting water spikets protected from the cold weather. Add in last night lose of power, oh man.. And they have "Family" plans for today. Their son wants to pick up his Halloween Costume today, and there's a fall festival or two they want to go to, this afternoon.  I sure hope they can take off that time and go. They all deserve it.I'm going to ask her, if there is something I can do, to help. I noticed some pink foam board and asked about it. going to make boxes to cover the water faucets.  Hum. I can do that.

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackOfTheBox/

October 21, 2011

 Hello.  I got Jerry off to work, as usual. Got hungry for Breakfast so I went ahead and took my morning shot and ate.. then ended up going back to bed, with the puppy in my arms.. He stayed there the whole time. As soon as I got up and some sweat pants on, I had all three dogs outside. I've just put the cats back into the kennels after their rousing game of "Catch the fly", and almost knocking the tv off the counter. Barney is in with one of the cats. Neither one is happy. I half expected Jerry home all day yesterday because of the wind.  Nope. instead of using the lifts, they had to use ladders (like that's any safer in wind)
Today is payday.. and Jerry will pick up Subway sandwiches.. right now they are doing a special 2 for $9 or any foot long for $5.  That includes the flat bread sandwiches as well, I think.  We don't get the chips and drinks so it's just the sandwiches. We have the others here at the house. I'm half thinking of fixing some soup to go with those, tonight. I cooked up some chicken yesterday so i wouldn't lose it. and the package I have calls for diced up cooked chicken. Not sure I can do it in the crock pot, but since it's going to be another cool night, using a pot for 1/2 an hour or so will help make it comfortable in here. I saw other packs of this soup going for $7 at the same store. I paid $1 for this one so thinking I better hurry up and use it or it's going to go out of date.
We woke up to a frost warning. Good thing I brought in my elephant ear plant last night. I should put it outside again and bring it back in late this afternoon. thinking I've got it in a bad place and its not getting enough sun, I'll put it out front.******

 

*****  There, it's outside, and I've done up some dishes wihile I was on my feet.
It's nice and bright outside now. We have a few clouds late yesterday. When I took the dogs out a bit ago it was foggy, now its all been burned off by the sun.
Yesterday afternoon, about 4 pm, I decided I wanted to clean up around the couch.. I was just finishing up when Jerry called me at 5:30. We have an extra printer right now... although I've replaced the black ink cartarage,, its still not printing text. Soo... I'm going to print up a few pages to use for snail mail, and when it's very low, will take that printer over to the laundry room and put a "free" sign on it. Since I did finally find the cord to my camera charger, I'll not have to see if the cord to this printer will fit my charger. The cord was under the couch... go figure, no idea how it got under there. We picked up a Canon printer. Getting rid of a Kodak one.  I started off just wanting to put my beading box under the table by my side of the couch. It won't fit under the table. fits in the space but the table won't go over it. Thinking that, if the heater we want to get won't go where "I" want it to go. the couch can be turned but I'll leave the bookcase where it's at, and put the couch right up against it. it's going to really cut short the leg space but there isn't any other place for it to go.
I am wearing...  sweat pants. and a heavy tshirt. with the sun shining, it's warm in here.  By this afternoon I'll be opening vents and maybe even the door. wish there was some way I could store the extra heat to use late at night when I'm getting chilled.
A few plans for the rest of the week...  I think I'm going to have Jerry look up a few Geo Caches in the Clarkesville area to look for on Sunday. We don't have to look for all of them,, just have a list of a few.  It's been a while since we did any Geo-caching.

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackOfTheBox/

October 20, 2011

Good Morning, and Hello.
Yesterday afternoon, Jerry got rained out (finally) and was home just before 4pm. I asked him to take me to the the Wal-Mart in Waverly TN. It's a bit closer than going to one in Clarkesville Tn.  We ended up spending just over $200 on things we have been needing/ wanting for a while. Sock and Shirts and a watch for him. A bra, Vitamins and iron and cinnamon for me. Some added things to the list.. I had ink on my list, we got a printer instead.. and heard from a few others who have the Kodak printer that they are not happy with it, either. My main issue with it, is if your out of ink in one of the cartages, it won't print at all. You can be out of color ink, and it will not print a document that just needs black inkl..  My problem with this one is... I have two black ink cartages that have ink in them and altough it's printing, it's not using the black ink. I have to change the color of my text to a dark purple to get it to print anything at all out. So, after months of this, Jerry picked up another printer. while there, he also looking into finding a heater but the kind we want is not at Wal-mart. I'm guessing we will look for one at Lowe's or Home Depot this next weekend.  The last one we had of the kind we want, I picked up at a farm supply store so we may be checking into those, as well.
I told Jerry we can remove a vent that goes to under the sink and run a propane hose in through that hole, and mount it to the side of the cabinet by the door. From what I've seen of the blue prints to Air Streams that is where most of the heaters are mounted in the first place. We don't need as large of one as we had on the farm. Jerry said we may have to get another tank of propane, just to be sure we don't run out in the middle of the night on a really cold night.  I know for cooking a tank lasts us a really long time. lets see, we filled both tanks back in November and although I'm on the second tank we haven't used up both just yet. We refilled one of the tanks just after we left Dickson and when we need to refill will take our tank back to them to have it filled again.

 

(10:30) It's nice and sunny this morning. I have removed the shields from the window to let the light in on the east side of the camper. All morning, I felt like I had  a piece of grit in my eye.  It drove me up a wall. I did every thing I could think of to get rid of it. I was fianlly able to rinse it out with some warm water and my sprayer hose.  It still stings a bit but it's not near as bad.  I fell asleep on the couch again this morning, and I think that helped my eye the most. Hey, We got  new printer and the power cord fits the opening in my camera battery charger. I can take pictures, again. yeah !!! Not sure where I have lost the cord at.. could be here, or in Missouri. Hopefully I have it stashed here somewhere. 
Barney fell asleep beside me on the couch and it was his falling off the couch that woke me up.. Outside as soon as I could get up and he did what I expected him to do.... and he's now back on the couch beside me again.. that is after each of the cats have had a nose to nose with him, and two gentle swats.  While we were out yesterday, we picked up three chewy toys for the dogs.  One a purple flea that says "Bite me" on it's back. it "Had" big (cloth) googly eyes.. note the HAD.. Rocky chewed of one and Macon the other. The cat's have been having fun with them ever since, batting them all over the place. The other two toys, One is an orange  nubby dog and the third is a colorful  long armed and leged monkey.  This morning I was trying to gather all their toys into one place, out of the way, and Rocky kept taking the purple flea out of the pile of toys.
I swear, Barney's legs seem to have sprouted longer over-night.  He's been very good at learning from the other two the very basic's.. He's getting better about going outside to potty and he's got sit down without me having done much at on that right now. I had to pick up more treats to work on commands with.

 

From the kitchen...  Well, it's either Pork Chops or Chicken as I have both thawed out. I'll cook both. It's going to be the pork chops cause I need to boil the chicken and I have a soup mix that calls for diced up chicken. That will make a good lunch for us on Sunday.

 

I am hearing... the tv (of course) The View is on. I keep hearing  (and feeling) booms. not sure if there is a quarry near by or what.. but it almost sounds like the sonic booms I recall from when I was a kid in Colorado... I am wondering if we are close enough to Fort Campbell to be hearing anything from there... could be.

 

I am wearing... Brown Sweat pants and a white t-shirt. I had on a purple sweat shirt until just a bit agol. The sun is doing a very nice job of warming things up, in here. yesterday's rain had made it do dark and dreary that today is totally different.
I am reading... emails
I am creating... Well, considering how I want to carve my three pumpkins. I will try to find pumpkin paint but am thinking I'll not be able to find it any more around here. I will still look at Dollar General and the other Walmart before I give up on it.
One of my favorite things... The changing weather. Sure I don't like cold and I'm not fond of windy either. but each makes me happy when we have good days of sunshine and apprecate that we do have changing weather.  In a way, I'm hoping the wind will keep up, because if it's over 25 mph, Jerry may be sent home early. Although we bought every thing on my list, I can always shop more.  We do need to check Lowe's and Home Depot for a porpane heater for the camper.  I also reminded Jerry last night, that if we are going to go visit Beth and Baby Heather, we need to take Christmas gifts with us.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... Another shopping list. sort and wash dirty clothes. Maybe some early morning baking. Keeping the Camper clean. It's just like having a house in much less space.

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackOfTheBox/

got to try this soon !!!`

Taco Ramen Salad

1 package beef ramen noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1 small tomato, chopped
1/2 cup onion chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Thousand Island dressing to taste

Cook noodles according to package directions and drain. Brown beef
and drain. Stir in 1/2 seasoning packet. Mix all ingredients
together. Add dressing.

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LadiesCoffeeBreak/

Recipe Challange

In my "Ladies Coffee Break" group, I set out a challenge to post the first 5 recipes that are in your morning email .. Here are the first 5 i had.

 

 

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http://www.pioneerthinking.com/gfgh_nutmuffins.html

 

Honey and Nut Muffins
BY THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH 
There's no better way to greet the morning than with a fresh-from-the-oven homemade muffin. Unfortunately, far too many muffin recipes today resemble calorie-laden cakes or other sweet treats. This week, AICR offers an exception: A delicious and hearty muffin that truly packs a nutritional punch.
Starting with a foundation of half whole-wheat flour, the recipe offers superior nutrition from the first bite. Whole-wheat flour provides more fiber, vitamins, minerals and natural plant compounds than refined flour. And, according to experts, a diet that features foods containing dietary fiber can probably decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Honey, which is manufactured in some of the world's most efficient factories – beehives – adds a unique, subtle sweetness to the muffins. Up until the 16th century (when sugar cane became more widely available) Europeans enjoyed honey as their sweetener of choice. Because honey takes on the tastes of the flowers that supply the nectar, honeys from different regions can taste vastly different.
The flax seeds, walnuts and sunflower seeds supply the crunchy textures needed to round out the muffins. Beyond texture, they also provide valuable sources of heart-healthy fat. Flax seeds supply the only significant plant-based source of omega-3 fat, which researchers believe may offer protection from heart disease, dementia and inflammation that can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
A note to cooks: During preparation make sure to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Over mixing can negatively impact the fine crumb texture you desire.

 

Honey and Nut Muffins - Makes 12 servings.
Vegetable cooking spray
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated
1 cup low fat buttermilk
3 Tbsp. honey
2/3 cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp. canola oil
2 large egg
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds, shelled and divided
3 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
1/4 cup oats
Place rack in center of oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Spray a 12-mold muffin pan with cooking spray.
Combine white and wheat flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into large bowl and stir well.
Using separate bowl, combine buttermilk, honey, sugar, oil and eggs and whisk well. Add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
In separate bowl, mix raisins, walnuts, half of sunflower seeds, ground flax seeds and oats. Fold mixture into batter until combined. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups. Sprinkle remaining sunflower seeds on top of muffins. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until tops are golden.
Transfer pan to rack to cool for 5 minutes before removing muffins and placing them on a wire rack to further cool.
Makes 12 servings.
Per serving: 260 calories, 11 g total fat (1 g saturated fat), 38 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein, 3 g dietary fiber, 165 mg sodium.

 

 

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Herbed New Potatoes
Source: Best 1001 Short, Easy Recipes

 

Ingredients:

 

1 1/2 pounds New potatoes
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, sliced
1/4 teaspoon Thyme
1/2 cup Chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon Rosemary

 

Instructions:
Scrub potatoes and cut in halves but do not peel.

 

In medium saucepan, boil potatoes in lightly salted water for about 20 minutes or until tender and drain.

 

Add butter, thyme, parsley and rosemary and toss gently until butter melts.

 

Serve hot.

 

 

 

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Auto Parts Chicken

 

1 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 leek, chopped
0.5 white onion, sliced
4 large potatoes, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced diagonally
1 (10.75 ounce) can herb seasoned chicken broth
2/3 c water
1 bay leaf, crushed
pepper to taste
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tbs flour
2 tbs water

 

In a skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Lightly brown chicken. Add garlic, leek and onion; saute until softened. Add potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, water and bay leaf. Combine flour and water Turn up heat under skillet and add flour/water mixture to thicken the juices.

 

 

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Basic Sugar-Cookie Dough

 

Makes enough for 4 varieties of cookies

 

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons salt
5 cups all-purpose flour

 

Directions

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt; mix on medium speed until combined. With mixer on low speed, add flour in 2 batches, mixing just until incorporated.
Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Place each on a piece of plastic wrap; flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 1 week.

 

Santa's Snowflakes

 

Makes about 2 dozen

 

1/4 Basic Sugar-Cookie Dough
Sanding sugar or colored sprinkles, for decorating
Directions

 

Divide dough in half. Roll out each half between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer each half to a baking sheet; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks on upper and lower thirds. Remove one sheet of dough from refrigerator, and let stand 1 minute. Using a 3-inch snowflakeshaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes. Place shapes 2 inches apart on parchment- lined baking sheets. Gather together scraps, and reroll as above; chill until firm, 10 to 15 minutes, then cut out more shapes. Repeat process with second sheet of dough.
Decorate cookies with sanding sugar or sprinkles, as desired.
Bake cookies in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions of sheets halfway through, until golden around the edges and slightly firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets 1 minute; transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers at room temperature, up to 5 days.

 

Chocolate-Raspberry Thumbprints

 

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen

 

1/4 Basic Sugar-Cookie Dough
3 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
4 ounces walnuts, finely chopped (1 cup)
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam, warmed
Directions

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Place dough in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Set a small heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water; add the chocolate, and stir until melted and smooth. Drizzle chocolate over dough; mix on low speed until just combined.
Place walnuts in a shallow dish. Form dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in nuts, coating completely. Place balls on parchment- lined baking sheets. Use your thumb to make an indentation in center of each ball. Chill 20 minutes.
Bake cookies in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions of sheets halfway through, until firm to the touch, 12 to 16 minutes. Remove from oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, press indentation of each cookie to redefine shape; fill each with about 1/4 teaspoon jam. Transfer sheets to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers at room temperature, up to 5 days.

 

Orange Spritz

 

Makes about 2 dozen

 

1/4 Basic Sugar-Cookie Dough
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Directions

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks on upper and lower thirds. On a piece of parchment paper, pat out dough to �� inch thick. Sprinkle zest evenly over top; knead to incorporate.Transfer to a cookie press; pipe shapes, about 1 inch apart, onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake cookies in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions of sheets halfway through, until edges are light golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Set a small heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water; add half the chocolate to bowl, and stir until melted and smooth. Add the remaining chocolate; remove bowl from heat. Stir until smooth. Transfer chocolate to a pastry bag fitted with a very small (less than 1/16 inch) plain round tip, such as Wilton #1.
Transfer cookies to a sheet of parchment paper. Pipe chocolate in a zigzag pattern over tops. Let stand until chocolate has set. Store in airtight containers at room temperature, up to 5 days.

 

Hawaiian Snowballs

 

Makes about 4 dozen

 

1 cup salted, roasted macadamia nuts, finely chopped
2/3 cup finely chopped dried pineapple
1/4 Basic Sugar-Cookie Dough
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks on upper and lower thirds. On a clean work surface, toss nuts with dried fruit. Sprinkle over dough; knead until just blended.
Form into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake cookies in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching positions of sheets halfway through, until edges are barely golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Dust with sugar. Store in airtight containers at room temperature, up to 5 days.

 

 

 

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Slow Cooker Savory Beef Stew

 

This recipe had a photo and I resized it over and over but when I tried to add it to this email it took up most of the top half of the email. I have no idea what was going on with that. If you want to see what it looks like, you can click this link.
http://www.dashrecipes.com/recipes/dr/s/slow-cooker-savory-beef-stew.html
Slow Cooker Savory Beef Stew
Servings: 6
Active Time: 10
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
This slow cooker classic is comfort food at its lightest and very best. This version is loaded with vitamins A and C, and each serving contains 9 grams of fat and 35 grams of protein.
2 lb beef chuck bottom round roast, cut into chunks (preferably boneless beef chuck)
1 onion, cut in 8 wedges
3 stalks celery, cut in large pieces
4 carrots, peeled and cut in large pieces (or 1 1/2 cups baby carrots)
1 1/2 cups tomato juice
1/3 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried basil
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
Thyme sprigs for garnish, optional

 

1. In a large slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, celery and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, combine tomato juice, tapioca, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Pour over the meat and vegetables. Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours.
3. Add the potatoes. Stir the stew. Cover and cook on Low for another 4 hours. Garnish with thyme, if desired.
KITCHEN COUNTER:
Serves 6. Per serving: 350 calories, 33g carbs, 35g protein, 9g fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 700 mg sodium, 3g fiber

 

 

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Billie C

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LadiesCoffeeBreak/

October 18, 2011

Good Morning... Can you believe that October is 2/3rd of the way over?  Where did this month go? Seems like I was just visiting that new grand baby of ours a few days ago, and not a couple of weeks ago.

 

Outside my door ... It's a gray, dreary Rainy day.. Hopefully Jerry will get rained out this afternoon. He could use some extra time off.  His job is now on 60 hours a week. That means I'll be cooking dinner on Saturdays. (unless we change our mind) If he gets rained out, I have already asked that he take me to the Walmart in Waverly. Not that anything now on my list is Needed, it's all wanteded.  Heather called, asking me to call her back... I was so ready to throw my phone into the lake. I had to recall her phone number even though its on my phone because it won't dial it. I can manually enter it but it will not dial from the phone book. No idea what's up with that. Same thing this morning when I paid up two bills over the phone. I had to come inside and write the second number down, I just could not recall it long enough to dial it.
Anyway.. Heather has found a job. Part time, working at McDonald's. Bailey is happy cause that's her favorite place to eat. "R" is still job hunting. I did Remind Heather that Volvo in Chattanooga may be hiring again. And I don't know how far she is from Springhill, but the auto plant there is about to hire a lot of people as well. (At least according to the news.) 
Beth got her box in the mail yesterday. I sent her a newborn "Cat" halloween hoody for Baby Heather. It got there quick. It was sent out on Saturday. I texted Beth that she can wear it more than just on Halloween day. She answered back. Yeah.
We picked up three pumpkins over the weekend. I'm not going to carve them until the Saturday before Halloween. I plan on painting them before hand, if I can find the pumpkin paints

 

The Dogs ...  Rocky and Barney just got in a tussle. Barney wanted the toy Rocky was playing with. In the end Barnely got it. but Rocky got to eat all the treats out of the treat ball, so Rocky came out on top. Poor Macon just didn't know where to go when the two of them got into that fight. I know Rocky won the argument. cause he didn't want the toy. He just wanted Barney to leave him alone. Barney is going to be a high energy dog, I'm afraid. He's already figuredo out how to tease the cats, as well. He'll sit just out of reach outside the kennel they are in, and bark at them, when I feed them. He want's what they are eating (canned and dry food mixed together) Then he'll get a toy and lay just within reach and chew the toy until they tag him.

 

The Cats ... Are really pushing it to go outside.  I've emptied the spray bottles twice on they yesterday, just trying to keep them out of the doorway.  Smokey has been so bad that I'm half tempted to leave him out, next time he runs out. (not really)  I can't blame the cats for wanting out. It is a bit cramped in here with all the pets.  I've changed up from all four sharing one can of catfood to giving them two cans. I do it by placing two cats per kennel then empty a can of the canned food into the bottom of the food dish then cover with dry cat food, and mush it down into the canned stuff.  Makes them work a bit for it, and that gives each at least a good taste of the canned stuff. We do have a pecking order with the cats. Smokey is top, then Fuzzybutt, Strips (who does not have visable strips but a couple of spots) and Tupelo is on the bottom. There are times, I'll leave Tupelo out and give her some food without having to wait until the last minute for it.

 

From the kitchen... I'm undecided. But leaning toward fixing the roast today. At first the forcast was for a high today in the 70's now, it says we won't make it to the 60's but for about an hour, if that long. So now I'm thinking the roast again.  Otherwise it would be a hamburger helper.
Today will be one of those days when I'll be opening the door, closing the door, turning on the heater. turning off the heater.

 

I am hearing...  Rachel Ray just went off and "the View" is now on. And I am going to have to close the door, agian. The door is open (for now) This morning, I heard lots of different noise. Truck starting and leaving, Dogs barking, then Tom's dogs and our dogs decided to have a bark off. not sure who won.  I even heard a cat fight, out side.

 

I am wearing... Sweat pants, Dark Blue ones. and my purple flowered shirt.. and it's starting to look really faded and well washed.

 

I am reading... Emails, 

 

I am thinking... How are we going to put a heater in this camper, Electrical box heaters are not going to cut it, this year.  I'm also thinking about how to seal the window up better than they were last year. I read about using bublle wrap, but wonder how I'll keep the cats away from it.

 

I am thankful for...  Fall. Yes, I know it's a season. But it's cooling off and more comfortable. I don't like cold, to be sure, but Heat was getting old. I like Spring for much of the same reason. It's not cold and it's not Hot. it's in between.

 

I am hoping... Although it would cut into the paycheck, That Jerry gets rained out this afternoon.  I would love to get away from the camper for a while.

 

One of my favorite things... I like decorating for a holiday. Right now. I'm working on Halloween. If I paint the pumpkins then I can wash off the paint and use them for Thanksgiving as well as being able to use the pulp for cook with, later.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... I need to change the day I change the sheets on the bed from Monday to Saturday, (when we do the laundry)  I took the small hand brush and brushed the dust bits and cobwebs out of the corners and off the ceiling yesterday. Still need to  get into a few corners but it looks much better.

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LadiesCoffeeBreak/

Oct 17

I picked up three pumpkins over the weekend. As we were checking out, the cashier picked each one up, by the stem... if the stem of any had broken off, I would have left it at the store. One has a really cute stem that I'll use as the nose when I go to carve them out, soon. That is, if I carve them. I may just use some pumpkin paint so I can save the insides and cook down for pumpkin pie, muffins and such, later. With only one day off a week. We have to scramble to get everything done on my Hubbys' day off. That's not to say we don't also try to work in some fun. We did some back road driving around yesterday. Sadly, a lot of the leaves have fallen and there isn't much color left is the ones that are still on the trees. But, it's been a dry summer and fall so I'm guessing that's the reason for it. Our High yesterday was 83. Today's high looks to be 78. Tomorrow, it looks like we will be good if we get up to 60.. Yes, it's truly is fall. I'm waiting for that first frost, then I'll be taking a bag with me into the woods to pick up fallen nuts and pine cones. Great for making all sorts of crafts with. Got to get this out. Will chat again soon.
I really did not mean to ignore my own groups last week. I was trying to catch up on emails and I'm still working on that. I may have to change computers for a bit, I hope not, since that would mean having to hand over another $10 for the internet use on it. (sigh) But, if I have to, I have to. I've had this lap top almost a year now and I've saved a lot of emails in the aol files and although I compact often, seems I may be filling in the alloted space. I'm up before Jerry, this morning and expect I'll end up taking an afternoon nap. (it's just a bit after 3 am) hate when I do this but at least now, I don't wake him up when I get up. And his alarm is going to go off soon, anyway.
For fun, we decided to drive some of the road in the area and we drove in the Palmyra area. The last couple of weeks, we've been doing our shopping at the Hilltop Store between 10 and 12. Jerry likes going to Clarksville for Breakfast (Golden Corral) and then taking me to Wal-mart so I can pick up things I want to get. We then do the shopping on our way home.
By the time we put take in a put away the grocries, we just want to sit and relax. Which is all well and good, but it was rather warm in the camper, even with the air on. So was so much cooler in the van, that we took the dogs for a ride. Barney was not so sure about riding, but the other two loved it. After a bit, Barney figured out, the other two were not fussing so it must be good.
We are going to have a change in the weather, according to the weathermen and Weather Channel. I'll be doing more baking and such, with the roaster oven, to help keep the place reasonable warm(ish) I picked up a nice large steak that I'll cook roast style for the two of us. Picked up a couple of nice pork chops for under $5.00.. A bit high, but they are nice and thick. Tonight's dinner is going to be the left over Pizza from yesterday and salad. We've been craving Pizza for a couple of days. We tried out the Pizza Pit. just outside of Erin. I ordered the house salad and the pizza box nachos to go along with my share of the pizza... She gave me a funny look when I did that.. and now I know why.. What I thought would be small was huge. and it is the small.... I brought home most of the nacho's, and I'll have them for lunch today. I ate only one slice of the pizza last night, cause I was filled up on that salad. Jerry ordered Bread sticks and I'll have to warm those up for dinner, as well. I have a use for the box they came in, though. Our microwave plate broke, long ago and I've been trying to figure a way to put something over the spinner. I'm going to cut a hole in the middle of the smaller box and place that over the spinner so I can cook more in the center of the thing.
(update) The pizza box works great.  The pizza was ok.  I mean, it was left over pizza. We had salad with it, and some graham crackers for dessert. 

 

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October 12

Good Morning... Happy Birthday to my Father in Law, may he rest in peace.  He would be over 100, but not sure how much over since I have been told three different years of when he was born.   Outside my door ...  It's mid morning. I thought I had my crafts newsletter sent off before I went back to bed, only to get up at 7:30 and find it still on my computer. I'm guessing this foggy morning is not helping the internet out any. I think we are past the "Prime" of the fall colors.. and it's sad. Most of the leaves didn't change color all that much. They just fell off the trees after drying out.  This morning, while walking the dogs in the back.. an acorn fell off a tree and hit me in the shoulder. I'm surprised I don't have a bruse cause it stung for a bit, afterwards. I swear, I thought I heard a squirrel  laughing, as well. the dogs enjoyed our walk yesterday evening, that's for sure. First off, they got people to pet them. More than one person... one a kid... now if I can just get them to stop jumping up on people.. expecally Macon cause he's so big. They love attention.. Then, when we finally got over to the grass they get to pee on, another dog was walked past us. A femalie (in heat no less) and Rocky was allowed to meet her. I held tight to Macon as he'd had enough attention and I was afraid he'd get a bit more aggressive if he got close to her. Barney stayed by me. Well, between me and the dog and owner but closer to me.  Finally, we got down toward the lakes edge. I had to slow them down.. They can jump down the bank, but I can not, I have to inch my way down a steep (three large steps otherwise) side, then over a tree with lots of stobs on it (broken off branches that stick out in all directions ) And of course, I have to then untangle two of the three leads from around those stobs. By then, We are at the waters' edge. Man on man, Barney loves to get wet. I mean full out, over his head wet.  Then Macon decided that ,"Hey, water isn't all that bad, when your playing in it".  and he jumped into the water, as well.. Rocky only got his lower legs wet. and watched the other two make fools of themselfs in the water. He then went and found himself a stick to chew up. Of course then the other two have to find a stick to chew up.  Getting out of that area is easier as there is another path up. The dogs just didn't want to go that way and it was easier to follow than pull them around. The Cats ...spent most of yesterday in the kennel. And even today they are still trying to stay at the door and are totally soaked from the squirt bottle.  I brought in the wire mesh. Now i have to find out if I have the self tapping screws here in the camper or if they are in the van ... I may just have to buy more. I have three windows to place the mesh over. We have a fan to move the air and it went out on us, yesterday.  I told Jerry when he called but he didn't want to stop on his way home. either tonight or tomorrow night, he's going to have to stop and pick up a bag of dog food. I'm sure it will be tomorrow cause "Survivor" is on tonight, and he hates to miss one second of that. I had a bit of corn meal in a bag in the cupboard and I wanted to get it out of my way. I made corn bread from it,, and ended up feeding most of it to the dogs, it was too stale and although it wasn't bad, it wasn't all that good either. The dogs and cats loved it, though.   From the kitchen... Chicken, potatoes, salad. Green Beans   I'm going to use this recipe, tonight. I will have to cut the recipe in 1/2 though. I'll use the roaster oven to bake in and will add in a couple of potaotes, as well. I'm also thinking of adding in a can of green beans. I have a small pan that I can put those in, to the side the baking potatoes so everything is seperated.   Crispy Baked Chicken  from the back of a instant potatoes box.   4 boneless, skinless, Chicken Breast 1 cup Instant Mashed potatoes (not made up) 1 1/4 teaspoon Seasoned Salt 6 Tablespoon Butter or Margarine, melted    Cooking spray   Gallon sized plastic Bag      Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse chicken in cold water, drain but do not pat dry. Spray a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan with the cooking spray. In the plastic bag, combine potato flakes and seasoned salt. Shake to blend. Pour the melted butter into a small bowl. Coat the Chicken with butter, Place one piece of chicken in the bag with the seasoned potatoe flakes and shake well until coated. Place chicken in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.            ****** I would make this, if I had the cream of chicken soup. Jerry is not fond of any "cream of " but I keep trying to find one he's ok with. BUTTERMILK BAKED CHICKEN   1 frying chicken (about 3 lbs.), cut up 1 1/2 c. buttermilk 3/4 c. flour 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 c. butter 1 can cream of chicken soup   Dip chicken in 1/2 cup buttermilk and roll in flour seasoned with the salt and pepper. Put butter in 13x9x2 inch baking pan and melt in hot oven (425 degrees). Put chicken in pan skin side down and bake 30 minutes. Turn and bake 15 minutes.   Mix remaining buttermilk and the soup and pour around the chicken. Bake 15 minutes longer until tender.            ***** I want to make up some cookie dough and keep it in the freezer. I wonder if this one will be a good recipe to freeze now and bake later? Butter Cookies Two sticks of butter (1/2 lb) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 egg 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 2 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: Place butter in mixing bowl, and with electric mixer, beat until smooth. Add the sugar, beat on medium speed about three minutes, until fluffy. Add the egg, mix well. Add vanilla and salt, mix well. Stir in the flour a little at a time, using low speed. Mix just enough to incorporate the flour. Using a cookie press, press into desired shapes onto ungreased cookie sheets, an inch apart. Sprinkle colored sugar on them if desired, bake in a 350 degree F oven, for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom and at the edges. These cookies hold their shape and don't spread. If you don't have a press, you can take 1 tsp. of dough, roll into a ball, and press flat with a fork. Makes about 4-5 dozen cookies, depending on size. ********** I am hearing... "The View" is on. and I'm hearing birds outside, and the cats mewing at each other. Billie C http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quick-N-Easy-Recipes-4-BusyMoms/

October 11, 2011

Good Tuesday Morning... I hope you slept well, last night. I was not doing so good until after 1 am. Finally, I fell asleep. Don't know why it was such a struggle to fall asleep. I was in a dream when the alarm went off. I always know that, when I don't sleep well, that sometime during the day, I'm going to fall alseep on the couch. and I did between 6:30 and 7:30 this morning. Luckly I had already taken my shower so all I had to do was get out of my robe and into some clothes to take the dogs out for the first walk of the day. 

 

Outside my door ... It was so foggy this moring that I couldn't even see the water when we were by the lake. Only seeing a few yards in front of us. I need Jerry to help me find the cord for my camera's battery charger. I'm sure he knows where a cord that will fit it, is. Once I get my battery re-charged I want to take it on a morning walk to take some pictures of the spider webs that are bejeweled with dew drops. 
The Dogs ... Because of the fog, we didn't go down the road along the lake, but only around the back side of the R.V. park. I let the dogs have full leads for a bit, but only Barney seemed to really want to play. Macon didn't even roll much. I think they miss the amount of open space there was before the lower section was opened up and now it's all but filled up. I think there are only 2 sites still empty. All three are asleep. Macon and Rocky on my bed and Barney in the kennel.
The Cats ... Are trying to wake up the dogs, now. Jumping on the beds and running down the hallway, between the beds. two are playing hocky with a piece of dog food. When they are not teasing the dogs, they are under my feet. I have to tell them to move or Kennel. They move.
From the kitchen... Ham steaks. Salad, Chicken pasta (from a box) and  Brownies for dessert. I found a Sugar-Free mix and we are going to try it. If we like it, I'll get more, if we don't, it was on sale so I'm not out all that much.
I'm also thinking of making these as well.

 

Cheese Melt Aways

 

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

 

In a bowl, blend together butter, sour cream, baking mix. Spoon into greased mini-muffin tins (1/2 full). Place a bit of the cheese on top of each.  Bake at 450º for 10 to 12 minutes.

 

Makes about 2 dozen.

 

I am hearing... "The View" on the tv. my fan about to go out on me.. not turning as fast as it should be.. Ut oh..Maybe I can find one on an end of summer sale this weekend.
I am wearing... Gray Sweat pants, can change into shorts if it gets much warmer, and a purple flowered top.

 

Billie C

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quick-N-Easy-Recipes-4-BusyMoms/

October 10, 2011

Good Morning... And Hello.  It was a slow weekend. Jerry had to work on Saturday but we don't know if his raise started as soon as he finished his test or if it starts today.  So, we are not sure how much his paycheck will be this week. Next weeks is going to look very good. I can't believe that we spent over $160 on Grocries this week. But then again. I picked up extra meats and some canned goods we are a little low on. But by the time I put it all away, is still didn't feel like I had bought all that much more extra than our usual weekly buys.  To say how "American" I am.. Each year, I forget that October 12 is not only Columbus Day, but also  Canadian Thanksgiving. Only they Celebrate it the Monday before.  Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all my Northern Friends !!1

 

Outside my door ... If I didn't know what the day was according to the calendar, I would say we were in mid September. I mean really... We need rain (again) I need to water my lone elephant ear. and figure out where I'm going to store it so I remember to take care of it, over winter. I may just cut off the one leaf that is growing and un pot it, and keep in a dark place over winter. That dark place would have to be under the kitchen sink. I've never raised one before so I'm not sure if that's what I'm suppose to do with it, or not. I can't just put it in the ground here. Anyway.. back to the weather. Our high for today is suppose to be around 82. Unless we get some clouds, I'll have to run the Air (yes, in October) this afternoon. Last night, while driving home from our dinner, we saw a most unusual sight. I wish I had my camera with me, but I didn't.  There was a Sunbeam very visable in the western sky. A brighter streak in the sky from where the sun was shining as it was setting. I'm not sure what caused that, but it sure was nice to look at.  There were just enough clouds in the sky to reflect the light and show up that streak.

 

The Dogs ... Barney is in TROUBLE with me. We had him out, and he even pooped while out, only to come in and poop in the bathroom, again. Ugh. I can see that house breaking this pup is going to take a bit more time. He's about 14 weeks old, now. So, every two to three hours, we will be outside, and not come in until he poops, then he'll be allowed to drink some water and eat some food, then back in to the kennel. He'll have plenty of exercise while we are outside, I'm sure. I looked up both sides of him and man am I going to be busy.. both are considered high energy dogs. Rocky and Macon are both doing well. Macon is learning that if he barks, people will not pet himl. A younger "kid" came up and pet him, but jumped when he barked. He looked at me as if to say, "SORRY, Mom, I forgot". 

 

The Cats ...  Smokey is in really big TROUBLE with us. I had him in with Rocky and Barney while we were out for dinner. I left the screen door open and instead of his heading to the back of the camper, Dashed outside, instead. An hour later, I found him.. on top of Tom's camper. Tom's dogs would bark every time Smokey cried to be let down. After three hours, I asked Jerry to at least appoligize to Tom about our cat being on his camper. Tom has a ladder and let Jerry use it to get the cat off. Smokey was so scared though that Jerry dropped him rather than get clawed up. I don't blame him there in one bit. About 1 1/2 hours later, Smokey finally came back into the camper. So his next few days are going to be .. allowed out long enough to potty, eat and drink water, then back into a different kennel that Barney is in. As long as the other three are behaving themselfs, they will be out of the kennels.

 

From the kitchen... Salad. Ham steak. Baked Potatoes, Brownies
I found a Sugar Free Browning mix at the store. I want to try it. Jerry loves Brownies but I've not been making any since the sugar amout is so high in them compaired to how much flour is used. I do need to get up and make this bread in the bread maker.

 

 bread

 

3 cups flour
1 tsp. yeast
1 cup + 3 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. margarine
1 tsp. salt

 

Water, then yeast. Flours, salt on top, margarine dotted about.

 

Do check doughball while mixing and adjust (dough will be stickier than
usual and more "loose").
********
Ah, there, I have that started as well as a few other things taken care of.. like cleaning the cat box and taking the trash out to be picked up soon. I keep forgetting that they pick up the trash early on Monday's. We can put our trash out three days a week. Monday, Wendsday and Saturdays. That's the days the trash recycle and convience center is open. Next time Jerry gets a Saturday off, we plan on cleaning the van out. I would rather not have to have the campground owner take all that trash to the center when it's "our" trash. Know what I mean? I will seperate the plastic bottles out from the rest of the trash when we do that.
I am hearing... Morning news and the bread maker and Smokey mewing cause he's not allowed "out" today. Barney was fussing a bit ago, but that's because the cats were sitting and staring into his kennel.

 

I am wearing... right now. my blue house dress. Later, after I shower, I'll put on shorts cause it's going to get rather warm in here.

 

I am reading... emails, mostly.

 

I am thankful for... The ability to take care of my own home. I heard a lady say yesterday that she charges $12 and hour to clean a small to moderate sized home and up to $100 for a larger home. Makes me glade that I can clean my own camper and have it done in about 3 hours if I'm really pushing myself.. Yes, I do a "chore" then sit down for a few minutes, then get up and do another "chore".  If i was to just DO it, I think I could be done, back to front, in just over 1 and 1/2 hours. That's scrubbing sweeping, bed making, picking up and putting away, cat box, dog care and all. But when I do "do" the cleaning. I have to stop and do other things, like pick up something the cats have knocked over, or pick up the trash from where the puppy got into it while I was cleaning a different area, or taking the dogs out.. but all in all, it's good cause I know I can do it for myself. and in the end, I know I didn't have to pay someone else to do it for me.

 

I am hoping... That Jerry does get this next Saturday off. Besides cleaning the van, we want to go some more Geo Caching.  I had hoped we could on our trip to Missouri, but Jerry left the Garmin at home. (oopsy)

 

I am creating... A pleasant home to live in. A baby dress for Baby Heather. Instead of making over a body suit or onesy, I found a really cute Cat outfit for her. It will go in the Mail Saturday.

 

One of my favorite things... Morning Coffee.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... making some cookies later in the week. Working with Barney on a couple of commands. Sit and lay mostly. Taking a few pictures.  waiting for my order for a card kit to get here . I forgot and left the mailbox key in the van. I'll have to get it when Jerry gets home, tonight.

 

Billie C

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/