Menu Plan Monday 8/1

Hello and welcome to another edition of Menu Plan Monday. Yes, it's Monday again. The weekend went fast as usual and It's already August! Don't forget to stop by organizing junkie for more menus. This morning I got myself all prepared to can tomatoes however, other than the blanching and peeling, I never canned them. Yes, only to realize I didn't have enough to make a canner full. I hate to process just 4 quarts. So in the refrigerator they went. I should have enough to make a canner full with what I got in the refrigerator now by tomorrow or Wednesday for sure. I then froze some broccoli and started my housecleaning. It's amazing what one weekend will do to the house. So, now for a much needed break....here is my menu for this week.

MONDAY
stuffed green peppers (See end of post for recipe)
leftover potato salad
sliced tomatoes/cucumbers

TUESDAY
grilled hot dogs
corn on the cob
sliced cucumbers/tomatoes

WEDNESDAY
chef salads with all the fixings

THURSDAY
out

FRIDAY
grilled garlic butter salmon
brown/wild rice
green beans

SATURDAY
goulash
garlic bread
peaches

SUNDAY
on our own

Stuffed green peppers

5 to 6 medium green peppers
3/4 cup uncooked brown rice
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (8ounces) tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon instant beef bouillon

Remove tops and seeds from peppers. In a large kettle, bring water to boil; cook peppers for 5 minutes. Remove and drain. Cook rice according to package directions. In a skillet; brown beef and onion. Drain, Add tomato sauce, herbs, salt and pepper; cook 5 minutes. Stir in rice. Stuff peppers with the rice mixture. Place upright in a shallow baking dish or casserole. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Yield 5-6 servings
If cooking for two: Leftover peppers will freeze well to enjoy later.

Wordless Wednesday

It's taco night at Dalton's house! For those of you who don't know...Dalton is our grandson.

No excuses, just extra busy

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. My weekend was a bit on the extra busy side and for the most part is always busy. Okay, okay I really have no excuses for not posting Monday. No excuses, just busy. Honestly, It has been a very busy summer so far. I don't understand why I can't seem to get caught up on anything. Sometimes I feel as if I am always playing catch up with my housework, my garden ect. So, I have come up with the conclusion I must be taking on too many things at once or it is just because I am getting older and it takes me longer now to do certain things. Whatever the case may be..I don't like it! Anyways, back to my amazing weekend... On Saturday DH and I decided to go to an auction in Spencerville, Indiana. We haven't been to an auction for quite some time and so instead of our usual day of having breakfast, farmers market, and hitting a few garage sales, we decided on a different approach. Now, I love auctions and to tell you the truth, if I had extra or should I say lots of bucks, because who has alot of extra cash to blow in these poor economic times? I would go to an auction or two every chance I could get. I enjoy those dollar or two junk boxes. There is most always some good stuff you find in them a person can use. The stuff I don't want or can't use will go in our flea market sale and we will make our money back and plus. The drive over was relaxing. as Spencerville was mostly a simple, quaint Amish community. Pure Amish country, It couldn't get any better than that. We aquired a truck load of stuff. DH and I had so much fun. I will have to clean and price everything that will go in our Labor day sale.

Yesterday morning I woke up early as my Sister, niece and Dad and I went blueberry picking. I enjoy picking blueberries, partly for the fact there is no bending down to pick them making it so much easier on my back. I had 14 1/2 lbs of blueberries to take care of when I got home. I put some away in the freezer, put up some blueberry jam and blueberry pie filling. I am whooped! Especially after cleaning up blueberry glop that boiled over all over my stove and down to the floor and then I splashed it all over the counter top and a bit on the wall by the sink. It took me an hour to clean up everything. Clumsy me!

My garden is producing many fresh veggies and this time of year I don't lack in this department for our meals. This is also good for my diet. It's about time to get a bit more serious on what and how DH and I eat. Well, myself anyways, DH will be a hard one to convert his eating habits. I hope it will make me a healthier, more energetic person. However, the weeds have decided to overrun my garden and it is so bad, I am sure it will take me forever to get my poor garden clean again. It looks like quite the weed patch for now. If the weather cooperates and it doesn't get too hot again, I may just be able to get out there to do it. Tomorrow I will be helping my Dad and sister pick beans and I hope to freeze a few this time around. I also promised I would help my sister make blueberry jam. So you see.....every day seems to be full with so much to do. It's no wonder I am whooped at the end of the day. No computer time then neither as I find myself falling asleep at the computer. This may be why I have been extra busy?......nope never...no excuses.

Baby Issiah

Baby Issiah Bradley has arrived! Our new grandson arrived at 2:16 am this morning. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 inches long. DH and I went to the hospital this evening to see mommy and baby. Both are doing very well. I took lots of pictures. He is so tiny and precious. I just love being a grandma. Here I am holding Issiah.

Menu Plan Monday 7/18

Whew! It sure feels good to be back blogging. Time got away from me. It seemed it took forever for summer to arrive and now it seems it is half over with. Really, it is going by way too fast for me. There has been so much to do this summer and I never seem to get much accomplished. My father said one day, that it isn't that we got so much to do, it is that we are just slower at what we do and that is why we never seem to get it done. Hmmmm.....sounds logical. While I have been gone, my garden has been providing us with lots of fresh veggies. Trust me, DH and I haven't been lacking them in our diet the past few weeks. We are enjoying them all so much and we are ever so thankful for all we get. We have been having a soaring heat wave here in Indiana and so because this week is supposed to be HOT all week, I am going to make my dinners easy and light as possible. Oh! and we just got word that our new grandson, Issiah Bradley will soon be entering the world anytime now. I can't wait. Here is my plan for the week. Be sure to head on over to organizing junkie for more meal plans.

MONDAY

egg salad sandwiches

sliced cucumbers and tomatoes

blueberry smoothies

TUESDAY

grilled pork chops

mashed red potatoes with garlic and Parmesan

green beans

WEDNESDAY

spaghetti with meat sauce

tossed green salad

garlic bread

THURSDAY

out

FRIDAY

Home style Cole slaw

pan fried bluegill

baked zucchini sticks

SATURDAY

hamburgers on grill

potato salad

sliced cucumbers/tomatoes

peach cobbler

SUNDAY

on our own

A good garage sale find

Anyone can tell you I love garage sales. I love going to them as much as having them. DH and I have been busy as we are planning another sale of our own this weekend but, this past weekend we found some extra time to a little garage saling ourselves and I am so excited and do you know why? I found these really cool jars and I got all of these jars for just $2.50! You see...I buy almost all of my spices, rice, oatmeal, unbleached and whole wheat flour just to name a few in bulk. I like glass for most of my storage needs. These jars look so pretty and kinda have a nostalgia feel to them. I can't wait to fill them. Do you garage sale? If so, what good deals have you found?

Menu Plan Monday 6/20

DH and I will be having our sale this weekend at the flea market. Yep, another one! This means another busy week for us. My menu plan is as always this time of year and especially whenever we are both so very busy. It has to be very simple, nothing fancy smancy and quick! Don't forget to check organizing junkie for more menus!

MONDAY
Homemade cream of broccoli soup
cold cut sandwiches
rainbow sherbet

TUESDAY
round steak (cooked in crock pot w/mushrooms)
mashed potatoes
steamed sugar snap peas

WEDNESDAY
sloppy joe sandwiches
sweet potato fries

THURSDAY
out

FRIDAY
BLT macaroni salad
strawberry/banana smoothies

SATURDAY
leftovers of this and that

SUNDAY
They always have a big meal prepared for everyone that participates at the flea market at the end of the day

Wordless Wednesday

My neighbor just planted this pine tree.....and guess what we found!

Menu Plan Monday 6/13

It is a beautiful morning here in Indiana. We are having a break from the real hot weather and that is good. I feel more like cooking and eating and not to mention working outside in the garden. I don't want to let my garden look like a weed patch so I have to concentrate on my weeding. DH and I are starting to eat quite a bit now from our garden. I love all this fresh stuff! It sure helps on our grocery budget also. This is my menu plan this week.

MONDAY
pan fried bluegill
sweet potato fries
tossed green salad

TUESDAY
chicken and veggie stir fry
fresh sliced strawberries

WEDNESDAY
spaghetti
tossed salad
garlic toast

THURSDAY
out!

FRIDAY
beef brisket in gravy
mashed potatoes
steamed broccoli
summertime strawberry pie

SATURDAY
grilled pork chops
wild/brown rice pilaf
asparagus

SUNDAY
we defend for ourselves

Thankful Thursday

It is Thankful Thursday and to tell you the truth I wasn't even going to write a Thankful Thursday post. Then I realized I should be thankful even though all week so far has been chaotic. Being thankful keeps me sane. Oh those wonderful turmoils! I was having coffee today with my Dad and we were talking about everything going on in the world. He seemed so frustrated. There are lots of crazy stuff going on in the world right now and lately it feels more and more like these chaotic times we are living in are only to get crazier. I am focusing on the positive. It is so important to keep our faith, salvation, and our eyes on God. I am thankful for my Salvation period! If you don't know Jesus as your savior it is so important! Don't wait until it is too late.
When it comes to everyday things....our house, a bed and I'm glad I'm not hungry when I sleep at night. The car, My poor car...... How are we supposed to say thank you when our car breaks down? Being thankful for the aid that was available. My fathers helping hand and rescuing me when I was stranded in 98 degree heat! I am not sure how much this will cost DH and I to fix the car but, with short on funds, I am grateful for DH's knowledge and skills. Perhaps I should be grateful for this car as if it wasn't for DH's boss's we wouldn't of even had this car. It was a gift.
Go home, hug your kids, kiss your spouse and be thankful. After all think about how much worse life could be and how much worse it is for others. What are you thankful for today?
For the month of June Iris at Grace Alone is hosting Thankful Thursday.

Wordless Wednesday

I love flowers! I love any kind of flowers! This picture was my Iris's beside the shed just before Memorial day and just before all the storms and heat took a big toll on them. They were so pretty. Today I picked a few of my peony's that still look decent and put them in a pitcher for my table. They smell so sweet and look so pretty on my table.

Book Review Unleased by Erwin McManus- Release the untamed faith within

This book was provided free of charge by book sneeze in exchange for my honest review.
When I received this book in the mail, I was excited to read it. However I discovered it to be boring, confusing and I lost interest in it rather quickly. In fact, it was very difficult for me to get through the book. I suppose this is why it has taken so long to read. This is not saying too much seeing how this book was a short book. McManus does have some interesting points. In this book McManus argues against faith that it has become too civilized. He stresses on the point that we need to be barbaric Christians. This is the message throughout the book. We need to live for God the way God would like us to live and follow him not our way but the barbarian way. McManus challenges Christians to be on fire for God, In other words we need to let ourselves become unleashed unique individuals that God created us to be. We need to stop trying to be what everyone else wants us to be and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. We need to live on the edge. I guess this book can challenge you to get out of your comfort zone in your faith Isn't it all too easy for each of us to fall into this so called comfort zone? Maybe say a few prayers, hit church on Sunday morning,maybe do a few acts of service during the week and think we're living as Christ called us to live?

Menu Plan Monday 6/6

Here it is month of June already! Honestly, where does the time go anymore? It was a very busy past 2 weeks for DH and I. We sold quite a bit of stuff at the flea market over Memorial Day weekend. The weather held up during the days and let loose in the evenings. This was okay. Our canopy enclosures held up well and saved us tons of work by keeping our stuff safe and dry, and not to mention easy to close up at the end of the day. It was like having a portable garage. I am ever so thankful for this investment. We have been invited back to participate during the 120 mile garage sales June 23rd thru the 26th and the July 4th weekend and Labor day weekend. Whew! are we going to busy! With us doing the flea markets this summer along with taking care of our garden, canning, freezing, and maybe hopefully getting a bit of fishing done I am sure my summer will be here today and gone tomorrow. I am excited. This flea market thing is so much fun. The summer may go fast but, isn't that the way all summers seem to go? However, now that summer is here DH and I eat lighter and I will spend less time in the kitchen to fit our busy schedule. Here is my menu for the week.

MONDAY
leftover BBQ spareribs
baked beans
strawberry shortcake

TUESDAY
taco salad
berry smoothies

WEDNESDAY
brats on the grill
potato salad
cantaloupe

THURSDAY
out

FRIDAY
grilled beef and veggie kabobs
brown rice
asparagus

SATURDAY
chef salads
strawberry/banana smoothies

SUNDAY
on our own

Menu Plan Monday 5/23

Another Monday and another plan! As always you can find more amazing menus at organizing junkie. This week is busier than ever because DH and I are getting ready to set up at the flea market this weekend. There is much to do. There is more stuff to take to the storage unit, pricing, packing, and setting up the whole thing initially. Phew...makes me tired just thinking about it. Hoping for a good sale and a good Memorial Day weekend. I am worried and I know I shouldn't worry. If you know anything about me, I tend to be a worry wart. The flea market is set up outside. With all the rain and thunderstorms we have been experiencing and devastating tornadoes in some states, Please, Please, pray for good weather. Financially we are depending on this sale. Since this is an extremely busier week than usual I will have to think easy and quick. I don't want to be tempted to eat out. This can be costly for sure and will eat up our profits from the sale. We are both going to be tired at the end of the day. Making some things ahead of time will be helpful when we get tempted to eat out. I will pack snacks, sandwiches drinks and so forth for our lunches there. For our dinners in the evening, well, this is what I have planned for this week.

MONDAY
Brats on the grill
chips
baked beans
cantaloupe

TUESDAY

The best whole chicken in a crock pot

tossed salad

brown rice pilaf

WEDNESDAY

pan fried bluegill

sweet potato fries

pea salad

THURSDAY

we will be eating out this night

FRIDAY

southwest chicken wraps

southwest layer dip w/ nacho chips

frozen strawberry lemonade

SATURDAY

chef salads

strawberry/banana smoothies

SUNDAY

on our own???

Return of the Hummers

Hummingbirds are indeed back! It's great to have the hummingbirds back. I get alot of them at my feeder each summer and all summer long I have the best time watching my little hummers at my feeder. It starts out every year around the same time sometime the beginning of May I set out humming bird feeders. Do you have your feeder out yet? Don't worry it's not too late. However the folks who put out their feeders early seem to have the best luck attracting hummers. So ,if you haven't already, get out your feeder soon. Everyone seems to enjoy the humming birds. I marvel at the tiny size, at their flying skills, and the fact they are able to fly thousands of miles, and yet locate exactly the same feeder they ate from a whole year ago. Amazing! It's ironic that the birds can find our feeders when many of us can't. Did you know that while most birds mate for life or at least have a rock solid bond during mating season that this is not the case with hummingbirds? Yep, They hate all that mushy stuff. In fact they hate each other. Female hummers are extremely resourceful, independent and almost no use for males. When most female birds arrive on their breeding grounds they immediately begin to look for a mate. Not Ms. Hummer. Mating is the last thing on her mind. The first thing she does upon arrival is build a nest, and she does it alone. She doesn't need a mate telling her where and how to build it. Once her nest is completed, she takes a quick trip over to a males territory, does what she has to do, and is done with him. (Sounds like my kinda girl) As you can imagine, hummers nests are small built about ten to twenty feet above the ground, but it may be low. Most nests are located just below a layer of foliage. The foliage not only hides the nest from predators, but it also provides protection from rain and the heat of the summer sun. I have never seen a nest. I have tried numerous times to find one. Finding an active hummingbird nest is not an easy thing to do. Remember the female hummers are single moms. There is no male friendly neighbor or mother-in-law to watch her kids while she is off gathering food. Foliage is all she has to protect her babies when she is not there. The female rarely flies directly back to her nest.; she often makes several false stops along the way. I guess I could try to locate the nest in the fall, when the leaves are off the trees. I will have to put that on my list of things to accomplish this year. A few more thoughts: The formula for making hummingbird food is four parts water to one part sugar. Red food coloring is not required and not recommended. However, changing the food and cleaning your feeder twice a week is important. Why? If Ms. Hummer visits your feeder and it's not fresh, she may not return. She'll simply cast you aside like she's done to all of the males she's met over the years. You don't want to end up like them.

Menu Plan Monday 5/16

I hope to take today to rest. Yes, after an all weekend adventure with the granddaughters it feels so good to have a quiet Monday with just my lonesome self again. There was just too much going on the past few days and with two little girls, the youngest then getting sick Friday night and Saturday, Papa and I found it to be draining on us not to say the least. We took the girls as a favor to my daughter. She has new hours and training over the weekend for her job and finding a babysitter for those hours would be hard. The rest of this week and next DH and I have to get with the ball game and speed things up a bit. Memorial day weekend is approaching fast. Hmmmm......Where has the month of May gone? There is so much to do yet to set up for the flea market that weekend. As for my menu this week, this is my plan. Look for menu plan Monday at organizing junkie for more delicious menus.

MONDAY
pot roast w/potatoes and carrots
rhubarb pudding cake
TUESDAY
hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill
Michigan baked beans
fruit smoothies
WEDNESDAY
beef and noodles ( beef from leftover roast Monday)
green beans
THURSDAY
out
FRIDAY
nothing to it chicken
Michigan baked beans (leftover from Tuesday)
homestyle cole slaw
SATURDAY
grilled pork chops ( from last week that never made it out of the freezer)
brown/wild rice pilaf
steamed asparagus
SUNDAY
on our own!

Wordless Wednesday

I just love the innocence of this picture of our grand kids taken at Disney world on their vacation this past couple of weeks. It kinda reminds me of a Disney Ad.

Menu Plan Monday 5/8

Welcome to Menu Plan Monday! We had an amazing day yesterday weather wise and myself also. Hope all of you had the same. Even though it was Mothers Day, I chose to plant many of my plants and herbs DH gave me for Mothers Day. ( two flats). It was just a perfect day indeed! I worked so hard outside, I was too tired to eat my supper and I went to bed early ( it was still light outside) and I slept like a baby all night! We have another exceptional day on tap again today and I hope I can get more garden veggies and flowers planted. There is much to do yet for sure. While DH has many piers to install I have the house and garden to take care of. Spring has always been a busy time of year for us. This week will be know exception. My menu has to be easy and quick. This is what we will be having. Oh! and don't forget to check out organizing junkie for more menus!

MONDAY
sloppyjoe sandwiches
sweet potato fries
fresh rhubarb pie
TUESDAY
pan fried bluegill
pierogies
green beans
WEDNESDAY
pancakes
sausage
fruit smoothies
THURSDAY
out!
FRIDAY
beef and bean burritos
Spanish rice
SATURDAY
grilled pork chops
pea salad
brown/wild rice pilaf
SUNDAY
On our own!

Eating dandelion flower tops?

Dandelions....most gardeners detest this weed, But, did you know you can not only eat the greens but, the flower head is edible as well? Yep! Dandelions are in the perennial family. They are often referred to as weeds. Each dandelion has a bright yellow flower head that grows on a long skinny, hollow stem. The flower head can change from bright yellow to white seeds overnight. Now, never have eaten dandelion flower heads before I was a bit skeptical on serving fried dandelions flowers for my dinner table however, my niece and sister was telling me how yummy and good these were dipped in egg, dredged in flour and then fried in butter. My Dad said they tasted like mushrooms. We haven't found any of these wonderful fungi yet....I do see lots of yellow dandelion flower heads though. That did it! I would try these flower heads and serve them with my meal tonight. My sister and I picked a bunch today. I took them home. I first soaked them in salt water for 15 to 20 minutes.
I then rinsed them well. dipped in egg,
rolled in flour
and then fried them in butter until golden brown.
I wasn't sure how DH was going to take eating these flower heads and as I expected, he wasn't the least thrilled about this. He did eat 4 of them and said that was enough for him. I ate about the same. They were edible but to tell you the truth they did not taste like mushrooms. A little disappointment but hey, we tried. Fried dandelion flower heads on our dinner table again? Well, not unless we were totally starving. If I want mushroom taste i will eat real mushrooms! Okay maybe not. But, hey, go ahead appreciate them for what they are worth. Harvest them then fry them up for yourself you may be surprised. Word of caution though, Do not eat dandelions from lawns that have been chemically treated. My sister and I picked these in a field by my Dads house.

Resist that gardening urge

Where I live here in Northern Indiana, we have received rain, rain and more rain plus the colder temperatures this spring. Does this sound like where you live? You may be wondering if you ever will be able to get to your garden ( and fields) to plant. Hopefully, the weather will soon cooperate so we can get to planting! I have been trying so hard to resist this gardening urge. It seems my garden starts to dry out a bit and then comes some more rain. I was very lucky a few weeks back to get my turnips, onions, lettuce, carrots, spinach and radishes planted and then worried myself sick when it never stopped raining. I was thinking I thought I probably planted for nothing as the seeds probably all washed away. The little seeds are sprouting now. This sure is a load off my mind now. Many gardeners are getting that itch to get out that tiller and work up there garden soil who wasn't as lucky as me to get that tilling done early before all this rain. Many areas are still soggy from snow melt and rain, making soils too wet to work. Here is a little bit of info on reasons to wait for the soil to dry out before planting in your garden. My dad who was a farmer and is an avid gardener once told me whether you use a tiller or just a garden spade, working wet soil can badly compact soil, and will have negative effects lasting for many years. Working wet soil will pack soil particles tightly leaving less room for water and air to penetrate. Compacted soil also makes it more difficult for plant roots and gardening equipment to move through the soil. The compression forms tight clumps of soil that become hard as rocks upon drying and are difficult to break up. This is especially true for those with clay like soil. Compacted soil soils also tend to drain more slowly, in turn delaying the ability to work the soil after the next rainfall. Once compacted, it will take many years to rebuild a healthy soil structure, requiring annual applications of organic matter, such as animal wastes or perhaps growing a green manure crop, such as annual rye or winter wheat. The best course of action is to prevent compaction in the first place. To determine if your garden's soil is dry enough to work, dig a trowel full of soil and squeeze it in your hand. Soil that crumbles through your fingers when squeezed is ready to garden. I have seen my dad do this numerous times when growing up. If however, the soil forms a muddy ball, give the soil another few days to dry and sample again later. In the meantime, you can soothe that gardening itch by sketching garden plans, making a shopping list for your local garden center and browsing online. I have most all my plants bought now including my seeds. I will be ready for action when the soil does dry enough to work.

Menu Plan Monday 5/2

One of the best ways to save is by creating a simple weekly menu. To tell you the truth, I 'm not perfect and every now and then I slip upon my planning however, if I didn't do a menu each week or at least some kind of a guideline I would spend more at the grocery store and more tempted to eat out more and I would be more tempted to eat more convience foods in general. Making a menu every week has become rather important to me for just this factor. Stumped?? Organizing junkie has many more amazing menu ideas and recipes. Be sure to check her out. This is what is on our menu this week.









MONDAY




chicken and noodles




dandelion greens* ( my mom used to make this alot; every spring; when I was a little girl) Tastes like spinach




blueberry snack cake









TUESDAY




ham and beans




corn bread









WEDNESDAY




almond chicken




brown/wild rice pilaf




nonfat frozen yogurt









THURSDAY




out!









FRIDAY




Salisbury steak




mashed potatoes




steamed broccoli









SATURDAY




spaghetti




tossed green salad




garlic/cheese bread









SUNDAY




on our own!









Dandelion greens*









You want to pick dandelion greens before it flowers as is best then. Wash greens really well making sure you have all dirt out. Soak greens in water and salt for awhile. Drain, rinse well. Heat greens until hot and wilted. In a skillet melt a little bit of oleo or bacon fat. ( I like oleo as it's healthier than the latter) Put greens in, Beat egg, a little mustard,( about 1/4 tsp) 1 Tbls. vinegar and salt and pepper. cook altogether with greens. Cook until hot.

Thankful Thursday

It has been awhile since I did a Thankful Thursday post but, I'm back at it because it is good to share our praises and things we are so thankful for. Be sure to visit spiritually unequal marriage for more Thankful Thursdays. This week has been quite the week so far. I have been sick since last Thursday. Although I am much better now. The weather has been cold and rainy every day and it seems it has been one obstacle after another for DH and I. We have and will get through these obstacles as we always do. One of these obstacles was running out of propane gas yesterday. We both knew we were getting low but, with this crazy cold damp weather we still have had to run our furnace at times. DH was at work and this particular morning I hadn't heard the furnace run for quite some time. It was beginning to get a might chilly in the house. I smelled gas and realized the pilot lights had gone out on the stove. I called DH. It is what I feared...We had run out of gas. DH told me to shut off the gas outside on the tank. I did..so I thought...seeing how I never seen or looked under that little hood on the tank before. I called the gas company and they would have to make an emergency run which in turn would cost me another $150 more to have them come out that day or I could wait until next week. Sigh....My day was already getting worse by the minute. First rule of thumb..NEVER RUN OUT OF GAS on cold rainy days before a holiday! If this wasn't bad enough..a few hours later my Dad came over. As soon as I opened the door, he about fell over. The smell of gas was overwhelming. Having being congested some still from being sick I did not know it was that bad. Perhaps I was just used to the smell but, for whatever reason Dad said it was a wonder my dog and I wasn't on the floor unconscious. We opened windows, turned on the fan and we soon had the smell gone for the most part. Dad said I had went the wrong way and had turned the gas instead wide open. Rule number two..Please always know how and where to shut off your gas! It could mean life or death. I am thankful my father showed up at our house when he did. . I am thankful God watched over my little dog and I and that we were able to get some gas right away to keep our home warm and so we are able to cook our Easter dinner on Sunday. Speaking of Easter.. I thank God for the amazing gift that comes to us on Easter, and it is much better than that chocolate rabbit you plan to nibble the ears off of. Jesus death on the cross, his resurrection, and his ascension into heaven. God gave Jesus to die for our sins and he raised him to life so that we would be acceptable to God. HE loves us that much! Happy Easter everyone!

First fishing trip of the Spring season

Here in the Midwest, the weather is finally warming up. The sun is shining....Yes, Spring is in the air. The daffodils are in bloom..Gosh, I have been aching to go fishing since the ice left the lake. There is nothing like the taste of fresh pan fried bluegill! My dad, sister and I decided today was the day. We would go to the pond. I like going there because I always catch a mess of bluegill, good sized ones too! Being on a private pond you don't need a fishing licence as, I don't have mine yet. In the beginning we weren't sure we would be able to go as my dad wouldn't be able to drive back to it with his truck, being so wet and all. We decided later that he would drive out to the pond with his lawn tractor with his wagon behind it to carry the bucket, bait and fishing poles. My sister and I would walk. It is a way to walk but, we didn't mind it as walking after all, would be good exercise. Even though at 60 degrees, the sun shone brightly,however, the north wind cut right through us. This made for a difficult time to cast our line out. Our lines at times got tangled a few times from some tall weeds amongst the shore line. The fish were hungry! It is no wonder as they do not have mosquitoes and such to eat yet. We used red worms and wax worms but the fish prefered the red worms today. It seemed my sister and I were reeling all the fish in until my dad got out his small cane pole and used it and then he was reeling them in right and left. No one got skunked .I am sure if I hadn't had to go to the bathroom so bad we would have stayed longer. Our pail was packed with fish! It was time to head back to the house. 51 fish=102 pieces divided by 3 = 30.6 pieces each to be exact. We all had enough for a meal and one batch for each of us to freeze for another meal, another day. Now, we had to clean all those fish. Most city folk would have to wonder at the sight of my dad, sister and I outside at the table cleaning fish with chickens walking all around us. My dad throws a piece of chicken gut now and then as the chickens scramble for that one piece. We laugh and talk. I had an amazing time and I really look forward to my next fishing trip on the pond. But, next time it will be 60 degrees and no wind!

Book Review- The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews is quite the storyteller! The final summit is a story about a quest to find the one principle that will save humanity. David Ponder at 74 years of age sits and reflects back over his life. David has been feeling pretty lonely and somewhat depressed. He is summoned by Gabriel, the archangel. David Ponder sits at the table with people from history. Some of your greatest thinkers.There is only one chance to save humanity. Each chapter introduces another principal for leading a successful life. This is man kinds last chance. Centuries of greed, pride and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. To me this book wasn't exactly nonfiction nor was it fiction. This was a very different kind of book I have ever read. It has so much truth and inspiration. I tried to get into this book but, since I didn't read Andy Andrews earlier book The travelers gift I found myself a little lost at times in the story. This is the first of any Andy Andrews books I have read. This book is very well written. The historical information presented was very interesting. I might or might not read more of his books but, if I did I would definitely read this book again as I feel I would get a better understanding out of it. As a member of the Book Sneeeze blogger review program, I was recently sent a free copy of the final summit by Andy Andrews in exchange for my honest review.

Menu Plan Monday 4/11

We had a beautiful day yesterday, sunshine, warm and breezy. It sure does make it hard to stay in with weather like that! DH and I got alot done over the weekend. I spread some new mulch in my flower bed around my tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. DH got the patio cleaned up and cleaned the patio table and chairs. We spread mineral salt over our asparagus bed. Did you know this helps keep the grass down? and is actually beneficial for the asparagus? I had boxes and tubs filled with junk for the flea market this year , Memorial Day weekend. This was all taken out of the house and brought out to the trailer, ready to be hauled to the storage unit and flea market. I took down some of our storm windows and I am so glad I did as it got pretty warm yesterday and opening some of the windows was a must. As you can see, it was pretty busy around our household. I loved it! I hope your weekend was good as well. With the days a little brighter my meals get a little lighter for spring. Here is my menu for this week. Go ahead and visit organizing junkie for more menus.

MONDAY

goulash

Dr. Oz beet salad*

TUESDAY

taco salad

blueberry smoothies

WEDNESDAY

sauteed pierogies

kielbasa

steamed broccoli

strawberry pretzel salad

THURSDAY

out

FRIDAY

chicken and veggie stir fry w/ brown rice

SATURDAY

chicken marsala

roasted brussel sprouts

Quinoa pilaf

SUNDAY

defend for ourselves

Dr. Oz beet salad*

ingredients

beets

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

garlic

salt

pepper

gorgonzola cheese

Directions

Boil the beets until they become tender. Pull off the skin under cold running water. Chop them and toss lightly with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper. Crumble gorgonzola cheese on top for extra flavor

Do your homework

Phew! I have finally been able to get my Internet up to do my posting. Yes, I know, I am constantly apologising to you guys why I haven't made any postings or why I am late posting.I hate it I really do. I don't want to have to apologise all the time. I am trying hard to post at least 3 times a week if I can't post everyday. It is my fault that I did not do my homework. You see it is like this....After an hour of trying to just get my e-mail up last night. I finally just gave up in tears. What I thought was going to be a good thing turned out to be worse. I was so upset about our wild blue Internet it was amazing I could even calm down enough to sleep. I feel cheated and robbed. When I first got wild blue ( broadband) it was last month on the second. For 2 weeks I had no problem. It was nice to have Internet that even though wasn't "fast" per say, it was at least faster than ole' dial up. After about 2 days according to wild blue I had used over half of my allotted bandwidth already. You see...this has me wondering, as the most I did on my computer for the first few days was read, delete e-mails, did a few surveys. I was playing catch-up. Caution! Do not exceed your bandwidth! If you do, you will have slower than dial up speed for as many days as it takes to fall below 70% of your allotted cap. How much pipe would be recovered by simply staying off line for 24 hours? the answer? not much! They just turn down your speed until you're out of FAP violation, but what they don't say is that slowed down speed is so slow that when combined with the interest lag of satellite access, and the heavy traffic on their system, it makes your satellite access completely useless while in a FAP violation period! The bottom line is you are very limited as to what you can do. The basic plan was sold to me as being able to surf the net, read e-mails Do my surveys, blog, play farmville ( which I have discontinued...and another story) It was disclosed there are thresh holds, but it is not explained well how fast those thresholds can be met and that there is a penalty when you can surpass them. Wild blue requires a 2 year contract and will impose a $15/month early termination fee if you break it. The way I have been feeling lately, that $15/month doesn't look bad! Sometimes your only option is poor and nothing if you happen to be in a rural area that is not serviced by DSL or cable, your options are pretty limited. With wild Blue you have the option of 3 packages the value or basic/512 kbps (this is what I have) at $49.95/month, The select /1kbps at $69.95/mo or the pro/ 1.5 kbps at $79.95/mo all are very expensive! Trust me, Just be sure to do your research before choosing their services or any service. It may not really be for you. Wild blue is truly "out in space" If you are into self torture you may want to try them out! I have learned a valuable lesson.

Menu Plan Monday 4/4/2011

It's April already...gosh time certainly does fly by fast doesn't it? I am back atcha with another menu plan and this week I plan on making a new dish. Beef sirloin steak with baby spinach, I can't remember what magazine I got this from but, this sounds easy and different. I love trying new recipes. How about you? So what's for dinner this week at my house? Check this out! For other menu inspiration see organizing junkie's blog for menu plan Monday!

MONDAY
Bean and cheese burritos w/spanish rice ( I make alot of these and what we don't eat, individually wrap and put in freezer for another time or to grab quick, microwave and eat)
TUESDAY
Potato soup
tuna salad sandwiches
jello salad
WEDNESDAY
beef sirloin steak w/baby spinach*
mashed potatoes
THURSDAY
out!
FRIDAY
salsa chicken
corn souffle
small tossed green salad
SATURDAY
spaghetti
garlic toast
tossed salad
SUNDAY
Defend for ourselves!

Beef sirloin steak w/baby spinach*
Prep 20 min cook 20 min Makes 4 servings

2 Tbls. olive oil
1 boneless beef sirloin steak, 3/4" thick
(about 1 lb) cut into 4 pieces
1 lg. onion, sliced
1 small red pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 3/4 0z)Campbells condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
2 Tbls. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbls.chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 1 tsp. dried rosemary leaves crushed
1 bag (about 7 oz.) fresh baby spinach
Heat 1 Tbls. oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until well browned on both sides. Remove beef from skillet. Pour off fat.
Heat remaining oil in skillet. Add onion and pepper and cook 1 min., stirring occasionally, add garlic and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring often.
Stir soup, water, vinegar, and rosemary in skillet and heat to a boil. Return beef to skillet.Reduce heat to medium. Stir in spinach. Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until desired doneness. Serve beef and vegetable mixture with potatoes.
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Wordless Wednesday

These two grandaughters always have so much love to give!

Menu Plan Monday- March 21

Welcome to another Menu Plan Monday. I am off to a late start. I decided to boil my chicken for my chicken and noodles for tonights dinner and make cookies. DH loves my chicken and noodles. He claims they taste like the apple festival's chicken and noodles. ( I don't know about that) But, he often requests this dish. Spring is in the air so I decided my menu should be well ....Springy as well as trying to keep it healthy somewhat and simple. Check out organizing junkie and while you are visiting, stay awhile and check out the many great menus. I get alot of different ideas from these, along with many amazing recipes.

MONDAY

chicken and noodles

steamed asparagus

galletes blance/caramel fudge frosted cookies ( Canadian french cookie)

TUESDAY

omelets ( veggie for me)

sweeter muffins

apple sauce

WEDNESDAY

chicken pot pie w/bisquit crust

fruit smoothies

THURSDAY

out!

FRIDAY

grilled garlic butter salmon

brown rice pilaf

steamed broccoli

SATURDAY

sloppy joe sandwhiches

cole slaw

michigan baked beans

SUNDAY

On our own!

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The Shelter of Gods Promises- Book review

This is my very first book review ever! Book sneeze sent me a complimentary copy of the Shelter of Gods Promises by Sheila Walsh. This has been a while ago and I finally got thru this book. This book was not what I envisioned it to be. I found this book hard to read, in fact I found it a bit boring. Perhaps it is due to the fact that this is a completely different kind of book that I am used to reading. I am more of a fiction book gal. In this book Sheila Walsh is a storyteller using her own personal experiences with scriptures. Each chapter covers a different promise of God. There is ten promises of God. Sheila Walsh searches scripture for what God has promised us and in turn what these promises mean Whether you are going through the feeling as if you don't believe anyone can love you or you are afraid and feel alone. If you know God's promises but, not sure how they apply to you,. This book is for you. She reminds us that no matter what we are going through, we are not alone. This book can lift your spirits. Oh! and this book includes an in-depth bible study plan in the back. For me, this was extremely helpful. This book would be wonderful for small bible study groups. To sum it up I find this book honest, and challenging with biblical truth. This is not a book however I would read again unless I was reading it for a bible study.
I received a free copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.<>

MENU PLAN MONDAY 2/28

Whew! I just have to say this has been a strange and frustrating past weekend for me! I feel very fortunate to have my Internet up and running at the moment for it had turned for the worse Saturday. I suppose it is time to step up with technology. For the moment my son fixed this getting online experience by unplugging the modem and plugging it in a different port. I talked with my Internet provider and they actually was more interested in directing me to broadband or DSL...hmmmmmm....I am sure this dial-up thing is phasing out is why they are steering people towards this and away from old school dial-up. After this incident, I feel I have no choice but to move forward that is, if I want to have Internet. I will now have broadband by this Wednesday if all goes well. So now let's talk about the menu....and....be sure to visit organizing junkie for more menus!

MONDAY

spaghetti

tossed green salad

garlic bread



TUESDAY

fried pork chops

brown/wild rice pilaf

steamed cauliflower



WEDNESDAY

macaroni and cheese

green beans



THURSDAY

homemade chicken noodle soup

grilled cheese sandwiches

jello with fruit



FRIDAY

Swiss steak

mashed potatoes

steamed broccoli



SATURDAY

pancakes and sausage



SUNDAY

Defend for ourselves





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We find contentment in the promises of God

The role of money in people's day to day lives is quite amazing when it's put into prospective. The primary reason Americans get up in the morning is so they can go out and make money. Money buys things. Money influences people. Money keeps us alive. Money makes us happy, or does it? Have you ever noticed contentment is an illusive commodity today? In fact, much of the business world works hard to breed discontent so that we will buy their product and keep the economy healthy. They tell us something is new and improved so we will feel that we have less than the best and are somehow "behind the times" so to speak. Gambling institutions (including lottery officials) show us pictures of what we could do with the winnings of the lottery. They are deliberating trying to make us feel dissatisfied with life playing to our greed. They want us to believe that we are not significant if we don't have the best and newest. Let's be honest, It is hard to be content in the difficult times. We look around and see others who seem to be doing better than we are and we feel cheated. It is hard to feel satisfied, confident, joy, when our plans are suddenly changes, when life is not going the way you want it to be going. For me this past 2 weeks has been just that. Living in a rural area can sometimes have its pitfalls especially when it comes to Internet service. Broad band or dial up is our only option. I love my computer. I spend alot of time, maybe too much on it. But, dial up is ....SLOW....! I am so limited on what I can do and trying to do my surveys take forever if I can even do them. I could go on and on and I have to tell you I have done my share of moaning and groaning. If broadband wasn't so expensive and didn't have that up front cost maybe I would have had it by now. DH has given in and agreed to let me set up broad band for my computer., which is exactly what I have done...well...supposedly..One of the providers that I decided on never got back with me after they said they would. I could call them back, but somehow I suddenly do not feel comfortable about this. I have the cash in my hand..I can finally have my "fast" Internet...But why can't I just be content with what I have? This is going to break us for the next two weeks even though this can be done. I mean just because my Internet doesn't do all I want it to do, I still have Internet right? I have been praying about this. One thing I have learned about this world we live in is how fast it is developing. We now have so many technologies that has helped us control places that we might never be. One of the great technologies is the Internet and with only decade ago dial-up Internet was the prevalent form of Internet connection. Today, dial -up is totally irrelevant. Dial-up is already going into extinction. Maybe for the moment, broadband Internet isn't for me. Perhaps later, In God's timing and that's alright with me. I should be content on what I do have. Waiting for God's timing is probably one of the hardest things we have to do, but it's worth it. Too many people believe happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction is found in power, possessions, promotions and pleasure. But, these are roads that lead to dead ends. There is only one road to contentment and it goes through Jesus. Are you content with what you have from the Lord?-not seeking more or complaining of less?
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Menu Plan Monday 2/21

Welcome to yet another edition of Menu Plan Monday. Just when the glimpse of spring begins to make an appearance, it suddenly turns into old man winter again. Well, at least for a little while longer. Here in Indiana you never know what it is going to be like. Last night we got hit with an ice storm. There seems to be more freezing rain coming and then turning to snow up to 5 inches of that white stuff! Winter is not about to loosen it's icy grip! For my menu this week it's all about easy warm and comfort. Be sure to visit organizing junkie for some more amazing menus!

MONDAY

chicken and noodles

tossed green salad

chocolate pudding w/bananas

TUESDAY

pizza/veggie for me

WEDNESDAY

sausage

macaroni and cheese

green beans

THURSDAY

split pea soup

grilled cheese

jello salad of some sort

FRIDAY

garlic butter salmon

brown rice

steamed peas

SATURDAY

spaghetti

garlic bread

small green salad

SUNDAY

on our own/leftovers

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Menu Plan Monday 2/14

Good Morning and Happy Valentines Day! I am a bit under the weather with a scratchy throat and the general yuk feeling. This is not how I want to start the week off but, there is not much I can do about it. I have taken some meds but, I don't seem to feel any better so I guess it will just have to take it's course.... sigh...! I realized all I have left in meat for this week is hamburger, venison burger and bluegill. I don't feel like spending the money for other meat this week...so guessing this will do. What is nice about hamburger, it is very versatile. There is so much you can do with it. Be sure to visit organizing junkie and while you are there you might want to hook up with her with your own menu plan.

MONDAY

out? I am on strike today!!

TUESDAY

meatloaf

baked potato (for DH) baked sweet potato (for me)

steamed peas

WEDNESDAY

meatloaf sandwiches

potato/broccoli soup

THURSDAY

Spanish rice

bean and cheese burritos

FRIDAY

scrambled eggs

blueberry pancakes

SATURDAY

sloppy joes

baked fries

SUNDAY

defend for ourselves!

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Menu Plan Monday 2/7

You guessed it! It's Monday, time for another round of menu planning for this week. I've got an unusually busy week planned. My dad and I will be getting together for a couple of days to make elderberry/grape jelly. The elderberries and grapes were some we picked this last summer. I put the elderberries in the freezer and my dad made juice from the grapes and put them in his freezer. At the time we thought this was best as dad's hip was really bad and we had so much other canning and freezing in the works. We figured this winter was the best time to make jelly; and together we should have some awesome jelly! At our local Meijer store this past week, they had the Ball brand pectin for 75 cents a box, marked down from $1.50. The expiration date is dated 2013. Between my dad's purchase and my purchases, we should have enough pectin to put up jelly for the next 2 years! This was a good price for sure and couldn't of come at a better time when we needed some for this jelly. My menu for this week looks like this..

MONDAY
chili
homemade bread
yellow cake w/milk chocolate frosting

TUESDAY
veggie omelets
sweeter muffins w/ jelly*
apple sauce

WEDNESDAY
beef sirloin steak w/baby spinach*
glazed carrots
mashed potatoes

THURSDAY
french meat pie*
green beans

FRIDAY
crunchy apple salad
beef pattie melts

SATURDAY
leftovers

SUNDAY
defend for ourselves!

Now, if you go to organizing junkie, you will see many yummy menus for inspiration!

Sweeter Muffins
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted shortening
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Grease bottoms of muffin cups. Beat egg slightly with a fork. Measure and stir in milk and oil. Measure and blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add all at once to liquid mixture. Stir just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Wipe off any spilled batter and place pan in center or preheated 350 degree oven. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. remove to a cooling rack. Serve piping hot. Makes 12 muffins


Beef Sirloin Steak w/baby spinach
prep time 20 min. cook time 20 min. makes 4 servings

2 Tbls. olive oil
1 boneless beef sirloin steak, 3/4: thick (about 1lb), cut into 4 pieces
1 lg onion, sliced
1 small red pepper, chopped
3 cloves, garlic, minced
1 can (103/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water 2 Tbls balsamic vinegar
1 Tbls chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 1 tsp. dried rosemary leaves crushed
1 bag ( about 7 oz) fresh baby spinach
hot mashed potatoes

Heat 1 Tbls oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until well browned on both sides. Remove beef from skillet. Pour off fat.
Heat remaining oil in skillet, add onion and pepper and cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally, Add garlic and cook until vegetables are tender crisp, stirring often.
Stir in soup, water, vinegar and rosemary in skillet and heat to a boil. Return beef to skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in spinach. Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until desired doneness. Serve beef and vegetable mixture with potatoes.

French meat pie

2 Tbls. cooking
1 lg onion, thinly sliced
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup mashed potatoes
2 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
pastry for double crust pie (9 inches)
1 egg beaten opt.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium.Saute onion until tender. Remove and set aside. Brown beef and pork together. Drain, Combine onion, meat, potatoes, and seasonings. Line pie plate with pastry. Fill with meat mixture. Top with crust. Seal and flute edges. Make slits in top crust. Brush with egg if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown yield 6-8 servings


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Think Spring.....Think Dandelions

It seems we are all longing for an early Spring. It has been a long cold winter. Coping with Arctic wind chills and snow, lots of snow for some of us; well, most people including myself are fed up with winter period! The good news is that Spring will come in fact early this year. Punxsutawney Phil predicted this by not seeing his shadow. In my eyes, there is still 6 more weeks of winter any way you look at it. But, with the skies so beautiful baby blue and the sun shining ever so bright yesterday and today, and as i was sitting in my chair enjoying the warmth and soaking it all in, I seemed to forget for a moment my winter weather doldrums.
My dad and I love to do much of the same things and try to help each other out with freezing and canning, putting out a big garden. This year we have been talking about dandelions. Yes, that little so called weed with the yellow flower that everyone hates that seems to take over your yard. We plan on digging up a bunch of them this Spring to eat. Mom used to hate it when he would dig up a bunch and had her clean them. Oh! How I used to love eating them! Did you know the dandelion is not native to the United States? It's true! It was brought here by the European settlers for food and medicine. The fresh young leaves and flowers are a great addition to every salad. They are classified as a "bitter" which aids in digestion by helping the pancreas, spleen and stomach. They also increase bile, improve kidney function and contain high amounts of potassium. This can make them helpful for water retention and high blood pressure. Both leaves and root cleanse the blood and kidneys, along with liver and gallbladder functions. The root has been roasted for years and used as a healthy coffee substitute. In the bible it mentions that "they shall eat with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" The dandelion is one of the most common plants in Egypt and Western Asia. It is quite possible that it was eaten at the time of the passover. Chinese herbal practitioners wrote about it's medicinal value in the seventh century. The Roman scholar knew and wrote about it in the first century. How's that for years of testing? So, think about this the next time you get the urge to eradicate that "dandy" weed....maybe it grows in such abundance because we could all use more free food and health benefits that it so devotedly offers. After all, the Creator does not make mistakes.
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Wordless Wednesday

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Menu Plan Monday 1/31

I am a bit late but, DH and I went to town this morning for a few supplies. The weather forecast is predicting snow and lots of it! ....Grrrrrr..When ever people hear a snowstorm is coming, as always, the grocery store does a booming business. I am thinking this morning I was just as guilty. I am sure with all I have in the freezer and pantry, DH and I could eat well for awhile if we did get snowed in for a spell. We had to go to town for other business so it made sense to stop at the store for a few things we needed while we were in town anyhow. Yesterday the sun was shining ever so bright and it made me hunger for spring ever so much...sigh...Heres what I came up with for this weeks menu. For more menu ideas stop by organizing junkie.

MONDAY
pulled pork sandwiches
michigan baked beans ( this is my sisters recipe. It's new for me and I am so anxious to try it out)
carrot and celery sticks

TUESDAY
pan fried bluegill( DH has been ice fishing about every day so we have been getting an abundance of this fish)
green salad
baked sweet potato fries

WEDNESDAY
salsa chicken
corn cakes with fresh corn and chives
bread pudding ( this is a great way to use all those crust or odds and ends of bread that need used up)

THURSDAY
chicken/veggie stir fry w/brown rice
tapioca pudding

FRIDAY
blueberry pancakes
sausage

SATURDAY
pork chops
glazed carrots
baked potato

SUNDAY
Defend for ourselves!

Michigan baked beans

16 oz (2 cups) dry navy beans
2 Quarts cold water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup molasses
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
4 oz salt pork, bacon,or ham ( may substitute a half cup of butter or shortening if your'e going meat free)
1 med. yellow onion

Rinse beans, add to water in a saucepan. Bring to boiling and simmer 2 minutes; remove from heat. Cover; let stand 1 hour ( or let beans to cold water and soak overnight)
Add salt to beans and water; cover and simmer until beans are tender; about 1 hour. Drain, reserving liquid. Measure 2 cups liquid, adding water if needed; mix with molasses, brown sugar, and mustard. Cut salt pork in half, score one half. Grind or thinly slice remainder.
In 2 quart bean pot or cassarole, combine beans, onion and ground salt pork. Pour molasses mixture over. Top with scored pork. Cover; bake in 300 degree F oven for 5 to 7 hours. Add more liquid if needed. Makes 8 servings

NOTE* I just cooked the dry beans for awhile and added everything together in crockpot. I also used bacon in the place of salt pork. It is cooking and it is starting to smell AMAZING!

Bread Pudding

3 eggs
3 cups of milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4-1 cup of sugar ( depending on your taste preference and amount of bread used)
dash of salt
dry or old bread
1 tsp cinnamon
raisins (optional)
Mix together all ingredients except for the cinnamon in a cassarole or baking pan. Size depends on how much bread you have
Sprinkle cinnamon on top
Bake at 350 degree F oven for about 45 minutes. Poke with knife, if it comes out clean then it's done. Baking time varies.
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New Year's Resolutions

Every year I try, I really do. I try to make wonderful and inspirational New Years Resolutions and most years, they trickle by the wayside in just a few short months. I either can't stick to my guns or I find I never really wanted to in the first place. I was sure this was year I would stick to my resolution because I even got a head start on it way back last year. Yep, I thought it would go smoothly because I have already succeeded by losing a few lbs, eating healthier, exercising by walking when ever I can, just being more active in general. But, I had a game plan and I had already been working on it....so this was a piece of cake. I had it nailed. I pledged to myself that 2011 was the year. I have entered the year sure of myself. Sure until, lets see, what's today's date? Yep, it's true. I have already managed to find a slew of excuses and reasons why I haven't managed to make my regularly scheduled workout times. I am so steamed at myself! Seriously? Okay, so I still have time to recover and go on to keep this resolution, but already my heart feels like it's failed and why bother..
Yesterday something occurred to me. I have been trying to do this all on my own. I have been deciding what I was going to do, how I was going to change myself, and going about it in my own human power.
Don't we all do that in some form or another? Maybe it's not a new years resolution and workout for you, but haven't you ever tried to do something that feels big under your own power?
To make it work, and have a sticking power, there is only one driven force that has the ability to change anything of value. And that force is God. I know, I know, sounds a little preachy when I say it out loud. But hear me out....
Only God has the power and strength to take something tired, worn, dirty and old and change it into a whole new clean, whole, and life filled beginning. It doesn't matter what it is- name anything- and God can bring new life into it. Be it your finances, your job, a relationship, or even plain ole you! He can make all things new. He can strengthen, renew and grow us. But there is something important in having this happen...we have to want it, and then ask for it. He has to be invited into the changes we desire, into the new beginnings we crave, into relationships we hold dear. Like anyone of us, He won't jump in where He's not wanted. But, He'd jump at the chance to be part of your life if you asked! It's what he desires most.
I know if I truly want to become a more healthy person this coming year, I won't resist the temptations that lead to failure without the sustaining strength that God at my side will bring. So I've invited Him into my New Years Resolution. I know that He will motivate me and help make 2011 amazing!!!
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My Noodle Adventure

As I promised, I want to share with you my noodle adventure. In my effort to eat more whole foods, eating healthier and saving dollars on our grocery bill. I decided to try my hand at making noodles. This noodle making thing was a whole new challenge for me. Making noodles isn't really hard. DH and I love homemade noodles but, I never considered making them because I thought....well..just that...Hard! We always bought our noodles at the store and if we wanted homemade we would buy from the local Amish. There are many recipes out there but, this is the recipe I used. This simple recipe requires only flour, eggs,salt, baking powder, and water. How simple is that? To start I took 4 beaten eggs with 2-3 Tbls. water. In another bowl I took 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. baking powder; mix together......I then made a well in center of flour mixture and poured my beaten eggs into the well....

I stirred in the flour mixture by hand until a soft dough formed. Does it look a bit on the dry side? Yup, looks like it to me.

I continue to roll out the dough into a very thin layer on a lightly floured surface and I cut into 1/2 inch strips.

After cutting in strips, the noodles need to dry at least 4 hours before using. I hung my noodles over chairs on a towel. I was told that if you do not use right away, you should put them in the freezer until you are ready to use them ( I did this) as they will mold otherwise.

So there you have it...My noodle adventure! I suppose I am just being critical of myself but, these noodles just don't look pretty. The Amish noodles we buy don't look like this.This won't stop me from making them again because there is no rule that says they have to look perfect or pretty to taste good!

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