Monday, February 28, 2011

For Today... Feb 28

Good Morning... what a weekend. We got a lot taken care of. The RV show, found 4 out of 5 Geo Caches on Saturday. Waited for a no show, to find out if the air stream could be used for a down on a Jayco. laundry and food shopping on Sunday as well as a stop for Cat food.

I have discovered which kitten is using Jerry's bed for his litter box. He tried to use my clean clothes and I caught him. He's now in kitten jail. triing to dig his way out and begging the others to let him out. I checked the litter box and it was hardly used so it's not because the box is filled. I'll take him out in a couple of hours and take him to the box. give him a chance to use it, then put him back in the kennel and that will be repeated every two hours, today.
*10am, can you believe it.. let him out and he went in our dirty clothes. I'm going to break him of this, or out the door !! going to let him go out again at noon. I need to find a way to block the hole to the tub over the catbox.. it's clean so no excuses.

looks like we are about to get hit with some wild weather today. We woke up to Thunderstorm and tornado watches. We left a couple of our window up all night and it was nice and comfortable. Oh yuck.. tomorrow night is going to be back in the 3o0's. Usually happens around here after a storm. once the front comes through, it cools off a lot.

Outside my door ... it's windy and we have some rain coming in as well. I have the door open and a couple of window's oopen and I'm wearing shorts.

The dogs ... have been doing good. We have walked pass a couple of dogs with no problems and they are getting better about not trying to pull me to people when they say "Hi" to us. I keep telling the dogs that just cause someone says Hi, it's not an invitation for pettings. I think they are starting to get the message.

The Kittens ... Strips is in kitty jail. The other three are doing well, but strips has a bad, bad habit to break and quick. three nights in a row, Jerry has found a wet spot on his bed.

From the kitchen... pork chops, not sure what starch yet. salad. and sugar free jell-0 with mandrine orange slices in i.

I am hearing... morning news on the tv, rain on the roof

I am wearing... dark grey shorts and a light purple top

I am reading... emails, I have over 900

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HolidayChannel/

Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them. Have great dreams and dare to live them. Have tremendous expectations and believe in them.
Norman Vincent Peal

15 Minute chicken and Rice Dinner

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

1 Tablespoon Oil
4 Boneless, skinless Chicken Breast
1 can Cream of chicken Soup
1/3 cup Water
1/4 teaspoon Paprika
1/4 Pepper
1 1/2 cups uncooked Minute Rice
2 cups Broccoli
Heat Oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook 8 minutes, or until browned. Drain off fat and set aside. Add soup, water, paprika and pepper to the pan, heat to boiling. Stir in broccoli and rice. Place chicken on rice and season with more Paprika. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

Curry Dip

Pink Ribbon Cookbook, Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

1 cup Mayonaise
4 teaspoon Curry Powder
1 Tablespoon worcestershire Sauce
3 Tablespoons Ketchup
1 whole Garlic Clove
1 teaspoon Onion, grated

Mix all ingredients together the day before you want to serve. Before serving, remove garlic clove. Serve with fresh Vegetables.

In memory of Andra Bishop.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Good Morning, and Hello.

I have had a busy morning already. Got up, got dressed, after a wild night of storms last night. We went to bed kinda late because of the Tornado warning sirins and storms. Plus Jerry was later going to be as he was waiting for a phone call that never came. My "New" phone came in. I got a blackberry. Now to figure it out. (got to read the book) So after a late night, but good sleep. We got up, dressed, walked the dogs put them in the van.. and off we took. First stop, Hardies for breakfast, then across the road for Jerry. (cigars) On to his job. I end up driving around the building since they are lifting up a huge tall tank. Not sure where they were setting it, but I had to drive out a differnt way that what we came in. But I know where to park to pick up Jerry.
Back home. walk the dogs, quickly. Put all the kittens in a kennel and and drive to the clinic. Found it but had to drive behind, turn around and come back up, go out one drive and back in the other to find a suitable parking spot. (the van is rather large) Walk inside, am told to fill out papers, one for each cat. So, I fill in 4 papers. there are 5 or 6 others in there filling or waiting as well. My turn. total $160. That's for the fix, the meds and the rabies shot. Not bad for 4 kittens. the dogs will almost be the same but I won't need to take in the kennels for them. Pick up at 4:30 this afternoon. With them "Fixed" I may be able to find a couple of them a home easier now. I do know that it would give them more time in a shelter. (or so I've been told)
after dropping off the kittens I stopped at the Walmart on Main Street.. I knew I should have gone in there before now. This one has a fabrics department. Wow. a nice one at that. now, to find that pattern I want and find out how much material I would need to make a top, and either a skirt or pants. Looked at the patterns that Simplicty has for historcal costumes... ugh. But I found material there that I want. A wide, blue strip. Now to find how much I need for a pettycote. But they didn't have the cat litter I wanted. They have the smaller container but I want the bucket. After it's empty, I can recycle it. Planning on planting tomatoes or peppers in it. I did pick up the ink we need and a cd I found of some Worship songs.
After I left there, I headed to the other walmart. The one closer to the camper. Picked up 4 new collars for the kittens. I asked that if they have to take off the collars, be sure to put each on the right kitten as they are color coded at home. smokey is the only one that is easy to know which one he is. I have to get closer to tell on the other three. I found a black collar (Smokey) Pink (Tupelo), Red, (Fuzzybutt) and blue (Strips) When they asked about Fuzzybutts coat I had to say short.. it was longer when she was smaller but she's lost her baby coat but she still has the white undercoat. Picked up new leads for the dogs. and a couple of boxes of tissues for Jerry and I.
Now I'm home until this after noon. I have to put the other kennel in the van. Depends on what time I start off, may stop at the dollar store or a thrift store. Pick up kittens, (have to take the dogs with me) Pick up Jerry, eat out again (ate at Torallines last night, good food) then either do the laundry or come home. Depends on how tired Jerry is.

I can't believe that a Sprint Rep said he (or she) would call back within a hour and never called back. I usually get the call, asking about how our service call went and I'm going to give an earfull.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Holiday_Inn_Kitchens/

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.
Dale E. Turner

Thursday, February 24, 2011

For Today... Feb 24, 2011

Good Morning, and Hello.

I didn't sleep well last night and it finally dawned on me why. 8 years ago this morning, my Mom passed away. At times it was like she was here yesterday, talking and laughing with me over the phone or in an email. I'm still waiting for her recipe box from my younger brother. He "Knows" she said to send it to me, once he got all the recipes copied that he wanted and I still haven't heard from him. If he needed some money or would just talk to me, it wouldn't be so bad. It's been over 4 years since I heard from him. I send Jokes and things to both his and his wife's email and I don't get a notice that it was not delivered so I know they have good addresses.

Mom loved to cook. She loved it when the table was full, both around it and on it. She especally loved the cooking for the Holidays. Thankgiving, Christmas and Easter were all big food holidays for us, growing up. She did have a groaning table for those days. Sundays were also a big day of cooking for her. I think I miss her Fried Chicken the most. Sumgullian and Betty's dish are also missed. Betty's dish is a mexican casserole and I don't have that recipe any more. It was the only dish she used Cream of Mushroom soup in. Mom didn't like Mushrooms and when she and my Grandmother lived together after Grandma retired, Grandma would make pork chops smothered with mushroom soup. Mom ate it, but she didn't like it.

Mom didn't much like to travel but she did enjoy visiting "us kids". She was thrilled to visit me in South Carolina after Beth was born. She loved reading "Gone with the Wind" but had a few questions about what she read. When she visited us. we drove her around a bit. She got to see how thick the brush was and that really surprised her. We even saw a deer and she thought it was a fawn. No, it was full grown. She was use to tall deer, and the deer where we were, are much smaller, but the brush they browse off of, is much lower to the ground and they don't have to reach as high to eat.
we took her to the local sights, and were lucky enough to catch a re enactment at one of the local sites. She truly loved it.
Mom didn't really like camping out, but loved that us kids liked doing it. I took her to Kings Mountain State and National Parks to show her where Jerry and I had camped out, on our delayed honeymoon. She kept looking for "a MOUNTAIN" and just couldn't believe that "That" hill was called a mountain. We didn't walk around it, because by then her hips were starting to really hurt, and she just wasn't up to that kind of walk any more. We also visited the local nucular power plant and she enjoyed seeing all that as well.
When she visited my older Brother she got to go to another one and although it was cold. She loved seeing him in his historical clothing and seeing how every one got along so well around the fire.
I do think, that if she had lived longer, she may have even considered moving up to Alaska as well. Her father loved the years he spent in Alaska and had hoped that she would be able to see "His" Alaska.
Mom, you did good, raising us kids. You never thought you were goind a good job, but you did a great job. We all turned out well. We love the life we live and we live the life we love. We each are independent and able to take care of our self's. We miss you. I know you are no longer hurting and that you are with those you loved growing up.

Today I'm grateful for... Being able to understand my Mother a bit better. Mom didn't want attention paid to her, much. She just wanted to do well. Mom always did the best she could with what she had. We never "wanted". We knew things were tight but we never did without the things we needed. Luxuries were few, and so all the more respected and apprecated.

Outside my door ... Grey skys and rain. But with a high of 70 or so, my door will be opened most of the day. I'm so glade that Jerry got the screen on the door so I don't have to worry about the kittens going out or have to keep the dogs in their kennels while the door is open.

The dogs ... Are asleep on the beds. The kittens havee done their best to wake them up, and failed. They are getting much better about not trying to pull me to strangers to be petted. They "look" and they whine, but they don't pull as much as they use to. Not sure how much rain we will get today but will try to go out between the worst of the rain for our walks. Rocky really does not like getting wet.

The Kittens ... have setteled down for a while. I have one in the window behind me, looking out watching for birds I bet. the rest are cuddled up with the dogs where it's warmer on the beds.

From the kitchen... I have some hamburger I need to use. don't know what I'll fix yet. I'll post later what I come up with.

I am hearing... Morning news. Tupelo purring behind me. Birds outside, singing.

I am wearing... dark grey sweat pants and a light purple top.

I am reading... emails, recipes and I'm going to try to finish 'Exiles in Virginia' today. not that much more to go to finish it.

One of my favorite things... Opening the door and letting in the fresh air. Sure it's Febuary but for this area, it feels like Spring !!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Want to go to the R.V. show this weekend. Want to find a couple of Geo Caches.
shopping. laundry.

Billie C.

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Holiday_Inn_Kitchens/

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.
Dale E. Turner

Broccoli Dip

Pink Ribbon Cookbook, Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 stick Butter
2 (10 oz) Chopped Broccoli
1 Onion, Chopped
1 (6 ox0 can roundel semi soft Garlic and Cheese with Jalapeno (??)
1/4 cup Mushrooms, chopped
Saute Onions in butter. Cook broccoli by box directions. mix broccoli, onions, cheese, soup, and mushrooms in a large bowl. Mix well. Salt Pepperto taste.

In memory of Sue Franks

Easy Italian Chicken

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

4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Egg, beaten
1/2 cup Flour
Cook Oil
1 can Spaghetti Sauce
Cooked Linguini Noodles
Salt and Pepper to taste
Shredded Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheeses

Heat cooking oil in large skillet. Dip chicken in the egg, then coat with flour. Cook in the oil until chicken is just done. Put cooked chicken into a casserole dish. Cover with spaghetti sauce and top with the cheeses.
Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown. Place cooked linguini on each plate and top with chicken and some of the sauce.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Feb 23, 2011

Good Morning... I hope you slept well last night. I made appointments to get all our pets fixed. The kittens will be done this Friday and the dogs on March 9th. Every one will be misirable for a few days, but I'm hoping that there will also be some improvents in attitude and manners. No food for the Kitties after midnight.. not a problem. We feed at 8 pm, I'll just have to remember to pick up all the dog food dishes as well. Still thinking of how to transport them. In a kennel I know.. but one or two? I'll carry them into the clinic in one but I'll ask if I should bring both kennels to pick them up in. I'll have to carry the dogs with me, anyway. I don't leave them at home alone not in a kennel. Rocky will chew up stuff if I do that.

We lost one of our heaters last night. It stopped working, because it got warm. Jerry took it apart to clean it out when he saw how much dust it had in it.. took it apart to clean it out and couldn't get it back together.. It's one of the older ones. I don't know if we will pick up another this weekend or not. Not that it's that cold, right now. But we need one at each end of the camper to keep comfortable. I don't want to constantly keep turning on and off a propane burner. And I won't have one on after we go to bed.
I did well in my walking yesterday. I got in just over 6,000 steps. I "need" to keep an account of my steps better.

Today I'm grateful for... The ability to walk. I mean it.. really. Where would I be if I couldn't take steps? I couldn't be in this camper, the step is too high. I wouldn't have the pets because I wouldn't be able to take care of them. Such a simple part of life and I take it for granted.

Outside my door ... It's grey, but our high is to be in the mid 60's today. if it warms up any at all, I'll open windows and the door and let the fresh air in. We are suppose to be in the 70's tomorrow but we also have a chance of some storms tomorrow as well.

The dogs ... Are doing much better when I walk them past people and "intresting" things. Macon is now intrested in the squirels around here. He'll stare and stare but keep walking by me. Rocky looks as well but not as intense as Macon does. I keep telling Macon he's not a hunting dog.

The Kittens ... Slept at my feet all night long. As long as they don't touch my feet I don't kick them off the bed. I can't stand them touching my feet. Tupelo usually sleeps in Jerry armpit. Rocky sleeps at Jerry's feet and she will sometimes curl up by Rocky but she's adopted Jerry as "hers". smokey as adopted me as "his". the other two.. well. they just havn't made up their minds yet. Strips likes to sit on the back of the couch behind Jerry and look out the window. Fuzzybutt just ingnors us both, unless it's time to feed them She'll come sit between us, but only if one of the other kittens are there first. I have the blinds open in the back window and they all line up on the sink counter, looking out at the brush where the birds all flit from brush to branch.

From the kitchen... Going to have Chicken.. not sure yet, what to put with it. Don't want to do alfredo again. don't really want to do rice again either. But I also have a box of Fish portions and Jerry picked those out so I may go with that, insead.

I am hearing... Morning news.

I am wearing... dark gray sweatpants and my Waikiki shirt we bought last year at a yard sale. At times I wish we could go there to see the beaches. But I know I would want to see more than the beaches. I would want to explore much more. (Hum,.. wonder how many geocaches are in Waikiki)

I am reading... I'm about to finish up "the exiles of Virgina". Still not so sure I like it or not. It's not what I expected.

I am thinking... We need to go to Tuscaloosa soon and go through storage and pick up a few things and get rid of a few things in there. I would love to find a small trailer to buy and just carry everything with us in that.

I am hoping... That we can go to the RV show this weekend. I want to check out a few R.V's and see what's new, and how much.

I am creating... A more comfortable place for us to live. Keeping the camper clean and fresh smelling.

One of my favorite things... A fresh cup of coffee in the morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Get the kittens fixed, laundry, shopping. R.V. show.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com
6106

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Holiday_Express//

Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out. ~ John Warden

Easy Beef Enchiladas Ole

Easy Beef Enchiladas Ole

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

1 lb Ground Beef, (or boneless chicken breast, chopped)
1 Cup Salsa, divided
1 lb (16 oz) Velveeta Mexican Cheese
10 Flour Tortillas

Brown the meat, drain. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Salsas and 1/2 of the Velveeta Cheese, cook and stir on medium low heat, until cheese is melted.

Spoon 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each tortilla, then roll up. Place tortillas, seam side down, in microwavable baking dish. top with remaining salsa and cheese. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH 4 to 6 minutes or until velveeta is melted.

Billie C.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chili Dip

Pink Ribbon Cookbook, Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

1 pound Ground Beef
1 medium Onion, chopped
1 (15 oz) can Chili, no beans
1 small can Jalapeno Peppers
8oz Velveeta Cheese

Brown ground beef and onions in a heavy skillet, drain. Add chili and peppers. Melt in cheese stirring until hot. Serve with Corn Chips.

In memory of Windy Waldrip

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ground-Beef-Recipes/

May your troubles be less,
And your blessing be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door.

Crunchy Chicken Tenders

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

1 cup plus 1 Tablespoon Mayo
2 teaspoons Onion Flakes
2 teaspoon dry Mustard
1 cup Butter Crackers, crushed
2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
8 oz, Chicken Tenders
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Chopped Onion
1 Tablespoon Parsley (fresh)
3/4 teaspoon Seasoning Salt
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Preheat oven to 425F. Grease a baking sheet
Combine 2/3 cup mayo, onion flakes and dry Mustard in a shallow bowl, Mix well. Combine the cracker crumbs and sesame seeds in another shallow bowl and mix well. Dip chicken into mayo mix, then coat with cracker crumb mix.
Arrange on prepared baking sheet. Bake chicken until done, about 15 minutes
Meanwhile, combine remaining mayo, sour cream, chopped onion, parsley, seasoning salt and garlic powder in a small bowl and mix well. Serve with the chicken tenders as a dip.

Billie C.

Good Morning...

Good Morning... Wow,I'm asking for prayers for the people of New Zealand and for my on line friend, Caroline and her family. With no power, she can't get on line and let us know if she's ok or not. I can not even imange what it's like in Christchurch right now.

Sunday I was on my feet more than usual and I sure felt it. My right knee was in pain all Sunday night. Late in the night, I recalled that I have a knee brace and found it and put it on.. wore it all day yesterday. It did help a lot. I took it off last night and was able to sleep with no pain in the knee. I had my pedometer on Sunday as I had over 8,000 steps on it.. the most yet since getting this one. Yesterday, I still got in over 5,000 steps.

I think the kittens are going to be in time out today. While I was taking my shower, they dumped the dogs' food out all over the floor. Now they are playing with the broom, after knocking it down from where I put it after sweeping up the dog food.

Outside my door ... We have gray skies today.. with a chance of rain and a high in the upper 50's. That's not too bad.

The dogs and the kittens ... Are sleeping on my bed, trying to ignore the kittens as they are jumping bed to bed. playing "hockey" with the dog food they spilled and then having a race down the hall, jumping up by me on the couch, to turn around and race back to the bathroom, bashing into the wall back there. tumbling over each other on the way back again. stopping to bat at a dog food piece. Jumping up at each other, like pudgiest in a ring.
Poor Strips. Don't know how he did it, but he had a string from his collar caught in his bottom teeth. He finally got close enough I could catch him and fix it. The other three were also trying to help get it out for him but he let me do it. I then clipped off the loose string and petted him to calm him back down.

From the kitchen... Hamburger something. Not sure what I'll make of it. Jerry suggested Spaghetti, but I'm not interested in that.

I am hearing... Morning news

I am wearing...brown sweat pants and a light blue T-shirt

I am reading... emails, recipes

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ground-Beef-Recipes/

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~ William Arthur Ward

ponderings...

From watching the TV.. I wonder what ever happened to "The will of the people" in Wisconsin. Really. There are protesters about limiting what the ublic Service Unions can use to bargin with for their own members. When all but wages are off the table, there isn't anything left to bargin with. I thought our "Goverment" was to follow the will of the people.. they are not allowing "Us" to vote on anything any more. Why not put it to a vote? Let the people vote on each and every item of the budget to keep it or toss it. We really no longer have much voice left, I think. We are only mouthing the words and they have lost all meaning.

Tuscaloosa is going to have a vote on wether or not have Liquor sales in Restraunts on Sunday's between the hours of 1pm and 10pm... How silly is that? Oh well. People who drink, will drink and those who don't, won't. I think "we, the people" are being duped by how much attention is paid to all the little issues, blowing them way up and the hiding of the larger issues, hidden behind close door and little media presentation. Who runs our tv and radio any more? another curtailing of our voices?
Too bad, I don't know what I can do to change things. I wasn't around when Hitler was setting up his "New" Germany, but from what I read, this sure feels like what he was doing then. Without the hate speaches.

Confuse the people with little things so they don't realize the big things are being decided behind their backs.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Lasagna Rollups

http://www.mrfood.com/Pastas/Lasagna-Rollups

Put an end to trying to figure out how to portion the lasagna! Roll and cook up this easy recipe and serve everybody an individual rollup. Everybody gets an equal serving -- that is, until we start dishing out seconds!

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 35 min

Ingredients

1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (2-pound) container ricotta cheese
2 (8-ounce) cups mozzarella cheese, divided
¹/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
12-14 lasagna noodles, prepared according to package directions

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour half the spaghetti sauce over the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, and salt until well blended.
Spoon cheese mixture over lasagna noodles, distributing evenly, and roll up tightly. Place roll-ups seam-side down in prepared baking dish; top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until heated through.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Grandmas_Recipes/

I urge all of you to enjoy your life, every precious moment on this earth. Spend each day with some laughter. Don't be afraid to feel; to get your emotions going. Be enthusiastic, because nothing great can be accomplished without enthusiasm. Live your dreams. ~ Jim Valvano

Bow Ties Florentine

http://www.mrfood.com/Pastas/Bow-Ties-Florentine

Here's a great pasta main dish. Best of all, Bow Ties Florentine calls for a jar of pre-made Alfredo sauce so you can spare yourself time in the kitchen!

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 10 min

Ingredients

1 pound bow tie pasta
1 (7-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
2 (9-ounce) packages frozen creamed spinach, thawed
¹/2 teaspoon black pepper
¹/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and return to pot.
Add Alfredo sauce, spinach, pepper, and nutmeg; mix well. Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently. Serve immediately.

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed-Shells-from-Mr-Food#

The only thing better than pasta? Cheesy, rich baked pasta! Try this great recipe for Stuffed Shells and see for yourself.

Serves: 6

Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
1 (32-ounce) container ricotta cheese
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 eggs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 garlic cloves, minced
¹/2 teaspoon salt
¹/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (28-ounce) jar pasta sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray. Cook shells according to package directions; drain.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, the eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well.
Spread 1 cup spaghetti sauce evenly over bottom of prepared baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture into a pastry tube or large resealable plastic storage bag with a corner snipped off. Squeeze about 1 tablespoon cheese mixture into each shell; place filled shells in baking dish.
Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over filled shells, cover with aluminum foil, and bake 40 minutes.
Remove foil from dish, and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Bake 10 to 12 more minutes, or until shells are heated through and cheese is golden and bubbling. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Now for the rest of our day, yesterday

Now for the rest of our day.

we started out around 9 am. and stopped looking for Geocaches around 2pm. We took the dogs back to the camper, then headed to the store. That usually takes me an hour to pick up every thing we need. One of the managers packed up our grocries and man ,did it not do it "right' had meats in with dry packages, had a sausage in with the milk and the milk didn't want to stay standing up.. A bag of chips in with the eggs and the bread in with other chips. He also didn't double bag the cola's. Two of the cola bags broke. At least they went "south" in the house and not out in the driveway.

Anyway. we brought home the food and put it up. A Friday night, after we ate dinner (out, Cici's) we had gone to Lowes and I told Jerry my idea bout fixing the screen door to keep both kittens and dogs in the house. Between the two of us. we came up with a good idea. We bought some 1/4 inch wire screen. won't keep the bugs out but will keep the dogs and kittens in. well. Jerry brought home his cutters so we could cut the wires in the screen. and he started on that.

Boom !!! BOOM.. boom boom..... BOOM !!!

There is a junk yard kinda close by and it was on fire.. and the fires was in the brush across the creek and headed toward the campground. Jerry went to check where the smoke was coming from while I rounded up all the animals and put them in the van. grabbed my med's case and put it under my seat, the grabbed my camera to take a few pictures of what was going on.

I know of at least 5 different fire departments who showed up. They did a great job of containing the fire. I didn't go down and look, I'll take the camera tomorrow and take a few picture. Jerry told me it was up to one of the dog walking area.we use all the time. I'll be sure to take my camera out tomorrow while I walk the dogs and take some pictures.

Once we were sure the fire wasn't going to come this way, Jerry put the screens on the door for us. I helped by holding the screen in place and by putting the washers on the screws and handing them to Jerry.. that took us almost an hour as we had to do three pieces and each one had to be cut off the roll. Now I still have a part of the roll left.. I know what I'm going to do with some of it. I'm going to make a Cholach and put over my flower pots and keep the kittens out of anything I'm growing.

We had a long, intresting day.

We found 5 out of 8 Geo Caches today. I found three on my own. So funny. We decided to look for some we have missed, after I had gone to the Geocache site and re-read the navagation numbers and the details.

We have tried to find Bel Aire several times. every time we were close to the golf course, we would stop and Jerry would look. I found it right off. I walked straight to the tree and looked around the base and there it was, behind a piece of bark.

I all but forgot that I had my camera with me. I took this picture first, I like taking pictures of flower, I just wish I knew what these were.

Can you see where the cache is?

From Bel Aire we went to look "One more time" for the one at the big valve.. Oh my.. we looked high, we looked low, we looking in the holes. and we looked around the edges.. and Jerry found it I had to retrieve it because he couldn't get his fingers in to it. They are just a tad to big to reach in. I used my pen to help push it where I could get it.

Our next stop was Ballard Park. We've been here before as well, twice before. We ran into another Geocacher here. He's was looking and looking.. and we all gave up. I went back to look, one more time after I went to the van and got out my notebook. Jerry was in the woods and I asked him to move some brush aside for me.. there it was. I thought it was another empyt can of Red Bull (the blue can) and Oh my.. it was the cache. the other man had just left when we found it.

our next look was not one we had been to before. I figured it was close to where we would be, and wrote it in the book. I was working on my notebook and Jerry took off. I got out of he van and followed him. He found it before I could get close. Here it is, though.

Well, of course I knew of yet one more in this area. Only a couple of miles down the road.. but which road.. we took some back road and byways to find it. Loved the backroad drive. it's here in these signs.. can you tell which one it's behind?

Hint.. not for us "short" people. I had to go back to the van and get a pencil because the pen I had was too fat to hold he container in place so I could inch it up some more. then I also had to watch for traffic and not let anyone see what I was doing. I wonder what people though as they drove by us and me standing outside the van, near the back. I was kinds hoping they thought we were arguing and I was cooling off (ha ha)

here is what it looks like

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Check out Junkyard fire contained, fire crews remain - WTVA.com

Junkyard fire contained, fire crews remain - WTVA.com

a bit too close for comfort. The campground was full of smoke from this fire.. it came too close to one of the dog walk area's s well.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GoodOleDownHomeCooking_Recipes/

"Most of us plateau when we lose the tension between where we are and where we ought to be." ~ John Gardiner

Friday, February 18, 2011

Feb 18,c 2011

Good Morning.
Did you miss me posting, yesterday? I spent most of the afternoon updating my Geocache logs on their site. I'm not done but I got a good amount of the ones we found logged and a few of the ones we havn't found as well. If I saw that Jerry had logged missing caches, I didn't add to it.

I had the vents up, and the back window open and the door open. I had the dogs on leads outside for a while. Rocky got in trouble (barking) so I brought them in and put them in kennels and left the door open..
the kittens were little terrors though. I have a flexable screen that I can put in the doorway. the screen door that we have, has no screen in it. I want to fix that this spring. Anyway. they would jump on to the middle (where the screen ends) and jump out.. then try to get back in, trying to move the screen out of their way.. fight each other through the screen and just kept making me get up off the couch and re-set the top corner that kept coming loose. When I put the dogs out, I took down the screen.. 5 minutes later, all 4 kittens were fast asleep on my bed.
That was before the dogs got in trouble. They can rough-house while outside but they also love to ride and will bark at trucks or cars. It's their way of asking for a ride, I think. That's why they ended up back in their kennels. Rocky tried to get loose.
I put the screen back up a bit later so I could let the dogs out of the kennels and the kittens were back at it again. I'm going to do some measuring and see how I can fix the door so the dogs don't have to be in the kennel all the time.
I doubt a simple screen will keep all the animals in. I'll going to see what I can find I can fasten to the frame that will keep everyone in. Bars of some sort at least. That means a trip to either Lowe's or Home depot. (Jerry won't mind that, one bit)

I have a bit of work I got to get done today. sorting laundry, washing up dishes, making beds and picking up in the living room. The kittens have really made the living room area a mess last night. Ah.. I love them, and picking up is just something that has to be done.

Today I'm grateful for... This great weather we are having. it's going to be in the 70's again today.

Outside my door ... We have lots of clouds, but less than 20% chance of rain. We didn't get rain yesterday, but it sure got muggy there for a bit. I can go outside without a jacket on and in short sleeves while walking the dogs. Love it. I'll sit outside at the table this afternoon.

The dogs ... Are sleeping now that they've been taking outside this morning. I took them to a different area this morning to do their early morning potty and they just wanted to explore.. Sorry dogs, it's too dark for me to want to let you do that. We will go to the area past the entrance later today so they can stretch their legs a bit more. I try to walk that way at least two times a day and can usually get in three times most days. It's a nice walk and then after they do what needs done in the taller weeks, we will walk the long ways back to the camper.

The Kittens ... After an hour of running, chasing, jumping, eating, drinking, running, chasing, jumping some more, are now fast asleep, on my bed curled up next to the dogs.

From the kitchen... I'll have to cut this recipe in 1/2 as there is only the two of us.

Burger - mratloaf
Good Meatloaf
"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004
1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
1/2 cup Dry Bread Crumbs
1 Egg, beaten
1/2 cup finely chopped Onion
1/2 cup Ketchup
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Pepper

Combine all indredients thoroughly, form into a loaf ( 8 x 4 ) in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Spread top with 1/3 cup more ketchup, bake 15 minutes longer. Let meat loaf stand 5 minutes before slicing. (6 servings)

I am hearing... Morning news on the tv

I am wearing... right now, my blue housedress, but after I shower plan on some sweat pants and a blue tshirt.

I am reading... emails and recipes

One of my favorite things... watching the antics of the kittens as they try to best each other. I tossed a couple of paper balls at them last night. They loved it. One of the kittens had to pull it apart to see what it was.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Well, Jerry may have to work Saturday. Won't know until he gets off work tonight. Some say they are working this weekend and others say not.. this is normal and that's why I don't make plans for the weekend.
laundry, shopping, geocaching are on the agenda.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FandIWomen/

"Most of us plateau when we lose the tension between where we are and where we ought to be." ~ John Gardiner

Quesadillas

Pink Ribbon Cookbook, Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

2 (8oz) Cream Cheese, soften
10 Medium Flour Tortillas
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, chopped
1 pkg. Ranch Dressing Mix
1/2 cup Green Onion. sliced thin
1/2 cup Black Olives, sliced thin

Mix cheese with ranch dressing, mixing until smooth. Add chopped peppers, onions and olives. spread on Tortillas, Stack five high. Chill. cut into squares.

In honor of Margaret Castro (Survivor)

Billie C.

Corned Beef Brisket with Cabbage

(serves 6)

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

3 lbs Corned Beef Brisket
1/2 cup Chopped Onion
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Bay Leaves
1 Medium head Cabbage, cut into wedges
1 Cup Maple flavored Syrup
1/2 cup Pure Mustard
1 Tablespoon Prepared Horseradish

Place meat in large saucepan with onion, garl and bay leaves. Add waer just to cover. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, simmer 1 hour. Drain. Cover with fresh water, Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours or until meat is tenter. Remove meat from pan, reserving liquid in pan. Add cabbage to reserved liquid and cook until tender. Meanwhile, mix syrup, mustard and horseradish. Place meat in shallow baking pan, spoon 1/2 of the syrup mix over the meat. Reserve remaining syrup mixture for serving with meat. Bake meat at 350F for 20 minutes, or until meat is well glazed, brushing frequently with remaining syrup mixture. Heat pan drippings, the pour over meat. serve with cabbage.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Evening Update

Well, I just wrote a whole long note and lost it. Drats.
I spent most of the afternoon updating my Geocache log. I found where we had made a few mistakes and I made a new list of caches for us to go look for our next time out. I'll post more if we find any, or not.
I changed what to fix for dinner tonight. Instead of baked chicken, I ffried it. Instead of Rice, I fixed instant Mashed Potatoes, and we both had a big salad. Not sure what I'll fix tomorrow for dinner. Most likely a Meat Loaf. I have he burger down I found a reipce to try, or I may go back and do the one for the crockpot.

Billie C.

Feb 17 2011

Good Morning...

Yesterday was my Granddaughter's birthday. Happy Birthday Bailey. I hope you got your cards on time. Thank you for the Valentines card you sent to Grandpa and me. It made us giggle.

Woke up to heavy clouds this morning. but at least it's warmer.
Hard to believe that the month is over half way over with. I have always said that the best part about Feb is that it's the shortest month on the calendar and that winter therfore had to be the shortest season. I can't complain about the weather here, though. The last few days have just been heaven. No need for a coat to walk the dogs during the day and only need a light jacet at dark. We didn't even have the heaters on last night. (9am) it looks like it's going to pour from the sky at any minute. I knew we had a chance of rain today. The kittens "LOVE" going outside. They don't want to come in at all.. when Jerry got home he called the kittens and they all came running. Smokey came in wet, though. I think he fell into the small creek that is behind the camper. He had help getting dried off. two of the other kittens helped him right off.. by the time I could get a towel,he was dry enough to sit between Jerry and I. I don't know the how's or why's but I bet he don't do it again, at least for a little while.
Rocky and Macon were "desperate" last night so I walked them so Jerry could watch all of Survivor. I don't know what I missed. I know that Boston's Rob's tribe lost a member. But I'm not sure who it was. A woman is all I know of. When Jerry and I "heard" how Redemtion Island works we both said, We could do that.. Set up our own camp and keep our own fire going, and find our own food, and not deal with the other people.. the only thing that would be a struggle is the dual when the next person shows up. Looks like a great twist to the game.

I need to get up and pull some chicken out of the freezer. That, rice, salad and jell0 will be dinner tonight.
Since I have the roaster oven out, I'll most likely use that to bake the chicken instead of frying in a skillet. The rice, I'll cook in my rice cooker. maybe... as long as I don't blow a breaker that is. Guess I can bake the chicken first, leave it in the roaster and then cook the rice.. or just do it in a pan on the stove.
Don't know what our plans are for the weekend yet. I'm sure Jerry has a few ideas of what he wants to do.I do know that laundry will have to be done. and we will have to food shop as well. but beyond that, not a clue.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Family-Recipes/

"Make a list of all your dreams, and - live the list."

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Coca Cola Fried Chicken

Coca Cola Fried Chicken
"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene
2004
1 cut up fryer or approx 3 lbs Chicken Breasts
12 oz Coca Cola
1 cup Ketchup

Remove skin rom chicken and place in skillet. Mix Cola and Ketchup together. Pour mixtures over chicken. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer. Let simmer until chicken is tender

Billie C.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

For Today... Feb 15, 2011

Good Morning, and Hello.

Jerry "surprised" me last night by bringing me a Valentines gift. We had talked about not giving each other a gift. He brought me home a stuffed white and red puppy with a bone Pillow that says hugs on it.

I Was surprised. Dinner turned out well. I was a bit late starting it, but baking the chicken in the roaster oven gave me time to walk the dogs when they needed it, then I was able to fix the rest when I got back inside.

Yesterday's weather.. Man oh man.. I had the window's open, the vents up, and the door open as well.. and it looks like I'll be able to do the same again today.

Now.. to convince the kittens to stay closer to the camper. And to come in when they are called. Smokey looked at me when I called, then turned and walked away. I brought out the cat food.. tossed a couple of handfuls into the kennel (a sound he know well) and he still ignored me. I put the 1/2 screen in the door and went on about my cleaning.. about 15 minutes later he was up on the screen, coming in, and meowing for me to now feed him.. I told him. You Snooze, you lose. Hopefully today, when I shake the cat food bag and call kitty kitty, he'll come running.

Today's dinner will be a pot of pinto beans and cornbread, Salad and left over cake from yesterday. I didn't frost the cake yesterday. and I don't have any powdered sugar to make my own. I had bought a small container of strawberries and I had some of them on my cake. Jerry loved his cake ,"bare".

I offered to pack him a lunch for today and he said no. I asked if he wanted tea for his lunch.. and again he said no. He said it's too far to walk to the van, eat, then walk back to his work station. He'll pick up something to drink on his way to work (Diet Cola) and will just have that at lunch while he's smoking his cigar. No wonder he's losing weight.

Today I'm grateful for... Jerry loving me for who I am. I asked him if my not working was a problem and he said no.

Outside my door ... Sunny skies and warmer weather. I expect to see lots of buds swelling and breaking open within the next few days. I love that very first sign of Spring. And the smell that comes with it.

The dogs ... Are enjoying our walks. They also got a ride last night. Jerry has lost a tool, and we had to go buy a replacement for it. A holding screwdriver runs close to $30. Yikes. But he's had the last one for over 10 years.. and the tip was getting really bad as well, because he uses it so much.

The Kittens ... Loved going outside yesterday. They have each gone to the door and looked at it, then at me, then at the door again.. asking for me to let them out. Not until this afternoon,

From the kitchen... Beans with burger, Corn bread, left over cake

I am hearing... Morning news on the tv. a crow is close by, as I can hear him (or her) over the tv. I love it when we are walking and I can see all sorts of birds around. The campground feeds the wild birds and when we walk past the office, Macon gets all excited because he gets to see birds. I reconize Cardnals (of course) red wings, titmouse and a couple of jays are here.

I am wearing... Still in my morning dress.. going to put on dark grey sweat pants here in a bit, and my Grey tshirt.

I am reading... Greatest Knight on my pc.. so far it's a bit dry. Jumps over a lot of assumed stuff. one minute he's talking to his sponser (who is paying for his training into knighthood.) then he's talking to his brother, talking about some tournies he's been in, with not giving any details about them.. then he's talking to his Uncle, then a Queen and her son's.. now.. he's been taken hostage when the Queens party was attacked on their way to someplace I can't pronounce.

I am thinking... I'm glade I didn't pay for the book I'm reading. It's a freeby off of Amazon.

I am thankful for... Jerry being ok that I don't work outside our home. I can work or not on anything that's needed here in the camper.

I am hoping... That we can find a few Geo Caches this next weekend. I found two of the 7 we found over the weekend. We found 7 out of 9 we looked for. not a bad average, really.

I am creating... A Cleaner, fresher smelling home for us. with 4 kittens and 2 dogs that can be a challenge.

Billie C.

Layered Bean Dip

Pink Ribbon Cookbook, Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

Layer 1, Refried Beans
Layer 2, 8 oz Sour Cream mixed with 4 oz Picante Sauce
Layer 3, Guacamole
Layer 4, Diced Tomatoes and diced Green Onions
Layer 5, Cheddar Cheese toped with Black Olives

Chill and serve with Nacho Chips.

In Honor of Margaret Castro

Billie C.

Coca-Cola Beef Roast

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

2 to 3 pound Beef Roast
1 12oz Cola
4-6 teaspoons Flour
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 Tablespoons Fat

Rub Salt and Pepper into roast. Flour all sides and then brown in hot fat. Place roast in baking pan and pour cola ovlier the roast. Cover and roast at 325F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Until tender.

Billie C.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Bright Snowman Can Cozy

By: DecoArt

http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/Bright-Snowman-Can-Cozy-from-DecoArt

Keep your hands warm and your drink cold. Make yourself a bright snowman can cozy for the winter season. Foam paints and adhesives make this craft so cute and fun to make.

Materials:

DecoArt Products Required
Foam Paint
- FP01 - White
- FP03 - Orange
- FP05 - Apple Green
- FP09 - Black
Bright pink can hug, MSI/Creatology #363227
Large white star, Darice Foamies #1031-14
Black stick-it adhesive back felt, CPE
Lo-temp glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors

Steps:

Preparation: Remove all labels or tags from products before beginning. Cover work area with waxed paper.

Cut off one tip of star, cutting point approximately in half.
Refer to photo for placement and glue back of star to can hug.
Cut 1" x 3/4" rectangle from black felt. Refer to photo for shape and cut notch into each side of felt above rim width, then cut straight from top to form hat shape. Peel off felt backing and attach hat shape to can hug, with bottom rim edge against straight edge of short star point.
Use Apple Green to paint scarf.
Use Black to dot on eyes and coal buttons.
Use Orange to paint carrot nose; let dry.
Use White to paint snow dots on cup around star shape; let dry.

Helpful Tips:

Use as can hug or as treat bucket fill with small holiday goodies.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

a group I'm in
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/
"It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from followers." ~ Warren Bennis & Bert Nanus