Monday, March 31, 2014
Everybody Cut Loose!
Oh y'all, have you seen this? It is sure to make you smile on this Monday morning. (Let's not mention feel old when Jimmy says it is the 30th (*gasp*) anniversary of the original "Footloose."
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Meals on Monday on Tuesday
I was going to write this post yesterday and then I decided to clean a closet; finish up and send a column for the newspaper; research some recipes; clean out the garage; and cure the common cold. Oh wait. Not quite but I did get distracted and totally forgot that I really wanted to do a post called Meals on Monday. Creative, right? So what if it's Tuesday. You know that I talk about, write about , and generally spend A LOT of my time with food. Which I guess when you go into a marriage with a grocery man that is somewhat expected. So sign me up ... I knew what I was getting into. But I'm constantly thinking about what the next recipes will be, making lists, shopping for ingredients and yes, doing the actual cooking. And while many of the recipes over on cookingwithcrevolyn are what we are actually eating on a given week, sometimes I mix it up a little. So I thought it might be fun to document what I'm cooking. So here we go ...
D had been out of town on business over the weekend which included a snow storm, delayed flight, then another flight and let's just say, he was very glad to be home. So I decided I would cook up something good (for him) and easy (for me). I made these Chicken and Pineapple Sliders (recipe on the blog) and they were delish! I just served them with our favorite little fruit, Halos. In case you are unfamiliar, they are a sweet, seedless, easy to peel, mini-orange. We eat these all the time. D told me that they are almost at the end of their season so I am practically overdosing on them since I won't be able to get them soon. That was our Sunday supper!
So on to Monday. Last night I decided to try a recipe I've been seeing all over Pinterest. If you're on Pinterest you know how some recipes just keep coming to the top of your page all of the time. Well, I kept seeing this one and of course, I had to make it my own. It was wonderful! I served it with baked sweet potatoes and slaw. If you're wondering, the hoisin sauce is an Asian barbeque sauce and is very tasty.
Honey Garlic Chicken
So now it's Tuesday and this is what we we're having for supper tonight:
Shrimp Cobb Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined and de-tailed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Ole Bay seasoning
6 slices of bacon crumbled ( we personally love the pepper bacon)
3 large boiled eggs, diced
2 avocados, diced
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 small can shoepeg corn
1 cup feta cheese (can use blue cheese or goat cheese)
Dressing:
1 cup chopped cilantro (remove stems)
juice of one lime
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, olive oil and Ole Bay seasoning. Place shrimp on baking sheet. Bake for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink.
For dressing: Put all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer just until combined.
To serve, divide lettuce on individual serving plates and top with rows of shrimp, bacon, eggs, avocados, corn and cheese.
Drizzle with vinaigrette.
Wednesday:
I'm going with an old favorite today, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Baked Beans, and potato salad.
Thursday:
Another tried and true family favorite: Red Beans and Rice with Sausage.
Friday:
How about Fish Friday? We love Fish Tacos in our family. It's quick, easy and healthy. This recipe calls for salsa but I will substitute some fresh Pico de Gallo I think this time. I'm also going to make this Beef Enchilada Dip to go with it!
Okay and what we've all been waiting for .... the Dessert of the Week! Before I tell you about it, you won't want to miss the dessert over on the CookingwithCrevolyn blog on Friday. Check out the recipe for Texas Sheet Cake Cookies. You'll want to make them ...and eat them.
I made this pie yesterday and it is so very good. My husband deemed it a "keeper." It's a no-bake, well you have to bake the crust, if you're using frozen or refrigerated and toast the coconut. Take the time to toast the coconut. It makes all the difference. I think next time I'll try it with a graham cracker crust.
Coconut Fudge Pie
Ingredients:
1 deep dish pie crust
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 2/3 cups Cool Whip, divided
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
1 1/2 cups milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
Directions:
1. Bake the pie crust according to package directions. Cool completely.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Add 2/3 cup Cool Whip and beat together. Stir in 1 cup coconut. Spread in the bottom of the pie shell.
3. Whisk together the milk and pudding mix. Put in the refrigerator for 3-5 minutes. Spoon gently on the top of the coconut filling.
4. Spread the remaining coconut on a large baking sheet. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Cool.
5. Sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut on the chocolate filling; then spread remaining Cool Whip on top of that. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup coconut. Store in the refrigerator.
Doesn't that look amazing? and it is! So that's what we're eating around the Wiley house this week. What about you? What's cooking in your kitchen?
D had been out of town on business over the weekend which included a snow storm, delayed flight, then another flight and let's just say, he was very glad to be home. So I decided I would cook up something good (for him) and easy (for me). I made these Chicken and Pineapple Sliders (recipe on the blog) and they were delish! I just served them with our favorite little fruit, Halos. In case you are unfamiliar, they are a sweet, seedless, easy to peel, mini-orange. We eat these all the time. D told me that they are almost at the end of their season so I am practically overdosing on them since I won't be able to get them soon. That was our Sunday supper!
So on to Monday. Last night I decided to try a recipe I've been seeing all over Pinterest. If you're on Pinterest you know how some recipes just keep coming to the top of your page all of the time. Well, I kept seeing this one and of course, I had to make it my own. It was wonderful! I served it with baked sweet potatoes and slaw. If you're wondering, the hoisin sauce is an Asian barbeque sauce and is very tasty.
Honey Garlic Chicken
3 large bone-in, skinless chicken breasts (2 1/2 to 3 pounds total)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup blackberry jam
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - if you don't like the "kick" these give, you can easily leave them out
Directions:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup blackberry jam
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - if you don't like the "kick" these give, you can easily leave them out
Directions:
Arrange the chicken breasts in the slow cooker so that they are not overlapping.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, blackberry jam, hoisin, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and then pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, blackberry jam, hoisin, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and then pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
So now it's Tuesday and this is what we we're having for supper tonight:
Shrimp Cobb Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined and de-tailed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Ole Bay seasoning
6 slices of bacon crumbled ( we personally love the pepper bacon)
3 large boiled eggs, diced
2 avocados, diced
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 small can shoepeg corn
1 cup feta cheese (can use blue cheese or goat cheese)
Dressing:
1 cup chopped cilantro (remove stems)
juice of one lime
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, olive oil and Ole Bay seasoning. Place shrimp on baking sheet. Bake for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink.
For dressing: Put all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with an electric mixer just until combined.
To serve, divide lettuce on individual serving plates and top with rows of shrimp, bacon, eggs, avocados, corn and cheese.
Drizzle with vinaigrette.
Wednesday:
I'm going with an old favorite today, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Baked Beans, and potato salad.
Thursday:
Another tried and true family favorite: Red Beans and Rice with Sausage.
Friday:
How about Fish Friday? We love Fish Tacos in our family. It's quick, easy and healthy. This recipe calls for salsa but I will substitute some fresh Pico de Gallo I think this time. I'm also going to make this Beef Enchilada Dip to go with it!
Ingredients:
·
1 ½ pounds ground beef
·
½ medium onion
·
2 cloves garlic, minced
·
2 cups enchilada sauce
·
1 cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese
·
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
·
Sour cream, optional
·
Tortilla chips
Directions:
1.
Brown
ground beef in a large skillet. Drain
the beef. Add in onion and garlic and
cook until tender.
2.
Stir in enchilada sauce and top with grated
cheese. Cover to allow cheese to melt,
about 3 minutes
3.
Top with sour cream and serve with tortilla
chips.
Okay and what we've all been waiting for .... the Dessert of the Week! Before I tell you about it, you won't want to miss the dessert over on the CookingwithCrevolyn blog on Friday. Check out the recipe for Texas Sheet Cake Cookies. You'll want to make them ...and eat them.
I made this pie yesterday and it is so very good. My husband deemed it a "keeper." It's a no-bake, well you have to bake the crust, if you're using frozen or refrigerated and toast the coconut. Take the time to toast the coconut. It makes all the difference. I think next time I'll try it with a graham cracker crust.
Coconut Fudge Pie
Ingredients:
1 deep dish pie crust
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 2/3 cups Cool Whip, divided
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
1 1/2 cups milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
Directions:
1. Bake the pie crust according to package directions. Cool completely.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Add 2/3 cup Cool Whip and beat together. Stir in 1 cup coconut. Spread in the bottom of the pie shell.
3. Whisk together the milk and pudding mix. Put in the refrigerator for 3-5 minutes. Spoon gently on the top of the coconut filling.
4. Spread the remaining coconut on a large baking sheet. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Cool.
5. Sprinkle 1/2 cup coconut on the chocolate filling; then spread remaining Cool Whip on top of that. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup coconut. Store in the refrigerator.
Doesn't that look amazing? and it is! So that's what we're eating around the Wiley house this week. What about you? What's cooking in your kitchen?
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Who Says You Can't Go Home Again
Well, how was everyone's weekend? To say that mine was fantastic would be a understatement. I mean it was really that good. Rarely does a weekend meet with so much perfection but this one just did. If you remember, this is the weekend that D and I were going to Illinois to attend our dear friends son's wedding. Just a little background. This couple was in our wedding ... 30 years ago. They were our "go-to" couple when we were dating. We loved hanging out with them. They were already married and responsible homeowners so we found ourselves at their house almost every weekend. We just love them so much. Well, 30 years and 450 miles can change a friendship but honest to goodness, it hasn't. As soon as we sat down with them this weekend, we felt like we had never left. We got to visit with them at the wedding, went for a late dinner after and then sat with them at our home church this morning. Now granted, a lot has changed in all these years but a lot has stayed the same. These folks are just as solid as a rock and good as gold.
Here is a photo from the wedding. This is their oldest child between us.
Okay so if that wasn't the best thing ever, on top of that I sat at Panera for 2 1/2 hours talking and laughing with my best friend from high school Saturday morning. Y'all seriously, what is better than having a history like that with someone and still loving them like crazy. Why we didn't take a photo I'll never ever know but trust me when I say, we still look the same as we did in high school. Yea, right. If only.
As we were driving up on Friday, we called another one of our long time couple friends just to let them know we were going to be in town. They immediately said, "meet us for dinner!" And we did. Again, we didn't have enough sense to get a picture but it was just the best time of catching up!
Mother went with us and believe it or not, she has a friend she has known since she was 5 who is still living (Mother says most her "people" have gone on to be with the Lord) and still living in Marion. She called her and this friend came to the hotel; picked her up in her car (yep - still driving at 89) and they went "visiting" another one of their girlfriends. Then Saturday night, a cousin of my daddy's came and took Mother to dinner. When we got in at 10:30, I knocked on her door and they were still sitting up talking. Mother was just crazy about all the fun she had. We heard about it all the way home. And that was worth the trip!
Here is a photo from the wedding. This is their oldest child between us.
Okay so if that wasn't the best thing ever, on top of that I sat at Panera for 2 1/2 hours talking and laughing with my best friend from high school Saturday morning. Y'all seriously, what is better than having a history like that with someone and still loving them like crazy. Why we didn't take a photo I'll never ever know but trust me when I say, we still look the same as we did in high school. Yea, right. If only.
As we were driving up on Friday, we called another one of our long time couple friends just to let them know we were going to be in town. They immediately said, "meet us for dinner!" And we did. Again, we didn't have enough sense to get a picture but it was just the best time of catching up!
Mother went with us and believe it or not, she has a friend she has known since she was 5 who is still living (Mother says most her "people" have gone on to be with the Lord) and still living in Marion. She called her and this friend came to the hotel; picked her up in her car (yep - still driving at 89) and they went "visiting" another one of their girlfriends. Then Saturday night, a cousin of my daddy's came and took Mother to dinner. When we got in at 10:30, I knocked on her door and they were still sitting up talking. Mother was just crazy about all the fun she had. We heard about it all the way home. And that was worth the trip!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
A Week's Worth of Ramblings
Okay, I'm hopping on here really quick to catch up from last Friday. E's birthday celebration at the Melting Point at The Foundry in Athens last Friday night was awesome. We celebrated my girl by laughing, talking, eating some good food and listening to some great music. The Melting Point is just the coolest venue for eating, dancing and overall having a great time - perfect for a Birthday Celebration!
Saturday, the Birthday Party/Spa Day Posse from church headed up to New Beginnings to love on those precious ladies for a few hours. We sang Happy Birthday; we ate cake and ice cream; we rubbed and scrubbed hands and feet; we laughed; we prayed; we hugged. As we were unloading the car, Granny (everyone calls her that, she's the Executive Director for NB) took us for a tour of their new Dormitory. It is such a blessing from above for this building to soon house 10 women and up to 25 children. In the past the ladies in the program couldn't have their children with them because of space issues. Well, now that has all changed. This will impact the way the ministry serves women and families in such an amazing way.
On Sunday, I went to a baby shower for a precious family and caught up with an old friend. I had so much fun shopping for that baby girl, Watch out world when I have a grandbaby! I've never seen such cute things and just for the record, I believe that it is a necessity for a southern woman to monogram everything humanly possible. So I do. :)
On Monday night, the family came over for dinner to celebrate Emily's birthday. I cooked the following: Sweet Baby Ray's slow cooker chicken; macaroni and cheese; Nana's green beans; asparagus; and a flourless chocolate cake. My friend, M has been telling me about this cake for months so I finally decided to try it and I must say it may be my new favorite dessert. It. is. delicious. I'll share the recipe very soon.
Tuesday found me back in Athens at The Foundry, this time for a meeting with one of our brides who is getting married there in October. Have a mentioned just how much I love this venue?
Yesterday was the day that I spoke at the Commerce Club meeting. Those ladies were so kind and complementary that I almost forgot how unnerving the whole experience was. We took Mimi to dinner last night to one of our favorite pizza and salad spots, Little Italy.
Which brings us to today. Mother was scheduled for doctor's appointment at 11:00 in Oakwood. We were there at 10:55 and at 11:45 we still had not seen the doctor. Needless to say, I was fit to be tied. I had a 1:00 meeting with a bride at the office so we had to leave. Without seeing the doctor. I could rant and rave about this but I'm not sure how much good it would do. So frustrating. So I took Mother back home and went to my meeting. She had a hair appointment later in the day because she is going out of town with us tomorrow and apparently you must have your hair fixed the day before you leave for any extended time period. And G is sick so I was picking up prescriptions and soup in between times. And I drove to Clermont to take the dogs to be boarded. Arriving back at the house just in time to change my clothes and go the Choices Pregnancy Care Center Banquet. Pam Tebow, mother of Timmy (as she calls him) Tebow was the guest speaker. Pam was advised to abort her pregnancy with Tim because of some potential health issues. Obviously she chose not to and the rest is history. Pam was a powerful and wonderful speaker. And now I'm home.
The End.
Saturday, the Birthday Party/Spa Day Posse from church headed up to New Beginnings to love on those precious ladies for a few hours. We sang Happy Birthday; we ate cake and ice cream; we rubbed and scrubbed hands and feet; we laughed; we prayed; we hugged. As we were unloading the car, Granny (everyone calls her that, she's the Executive Director for NB) took us for a tour of their new Dormitory. It is such a blessing from above for this building to soon house 10 women and up to 25 children. In the past the ladies in the program couldn't have their children with them because of space issues. Well, now that has all changed. This will impact the way the ministry serves women and families in such an amazing way.
On Sunday, I went to a baby shower for a precious family and caught up with an old friend. I had so much fun shopping for that baby girl, Watch out world when I have a grandbaby! I've never seen such cute things and just for the record, I believe that it is a necessity for a southern woman to monogram everything humanly possible. So I do. :)
On Monday night, the family came over for dinner to celebrate Emily's birthday. I cooked the following: Sweet Baby Ray's slow cooker chicken; macaroni and cheese; Nana's green beans; asparagus; and a flourless chocolate cake. My friend, M has been telling me about this cake for months so I finally decided to try it and I must say it may be my new favorite dessert. It. is. delicious. I'll share the recipe very soon.
Tuesday found me back in Athens at The Foundry, this time for a meeting with one of our brides who is getting married there in October. Have a mentioned just how much I love this venue?
Yesterday was the day that I spoke at the Commerce Club meeting. Those ladies were so kind and complementary that I almost forgot how unnerving the whole experience was. We took Mimi to dinner last night to one of our favorite pizza and salad spots, Little Italy.
Which brings us to today. Mother was scheduled for doctor's appointment at 11:00 in Oakwood. We were there at 10:55 and at 11:45 we still had not seen the doctor. Needless to say, I was fit to be tied. I had a 1:00 meeting with a bride at the office so we had to leave. Without seeing the doctor. I could rant and rave about this but I'm not sure how much good it would do. So frustrating. So I took Mother back home and went to my meeting. She had a hair appointment later in the day because she is going out of town with us tomorrow and apparently you must have your hair fixed the day before you leave for any extended time period. And G is sick so I was picking up prescriptions and soup in between times. And I drove to Clermont to take the dogs to be boarded. Arriving back at the house just in time to change my clothes and go the Choices Pregnancy Care Center Banquet. Pam Tebow, mother of Timmy (as she calls him) Tebow was the guest speaker. Pam was advised to abort her pregnancy with Tim because of some potential health issues. Obviously she chose not to and the rest is history. Pam was a powerful and wonderful speaker. And now I'm home.
The End.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Happy #28 to My Girl!
Today is my beautiful, talented, smart, sassy, funny, sweet girl's 28th Birthday! This girl is my heart. She is my other female half. She is my sounding board, my encouraging word and most of all, my best friend. What an amazing gift God gave me when He packed her in 8 pounds and 11 ounces of love. Crowned with a ton of black hair, the girl was the baby of my dreams. She filled a place in my heart I didn't know I had. Oh how I love you, beautiful one.
In your honor, I thought we'd have a little photo fun. What a journey these last 28 years have been. You have made my life so much better.
2004
2008
2010
2011
2011
2012
I adore this photo - look at that face!
Love you more ....
In your honor, I thought we'd have a little photo fun. What a journey these last 28 years have been. You have made my life so much better.
2004
2008
2010
2011
2012
I adore this photo - look at that face!
Love you more ....
Thursday, March 6, 2014
It's the Gift that keeps on Giving
I'm going to try a new approach to blogging and blog more often. Where have you heard that before? Ha! Can't blame a girl for trying ... again and again. So to share the day ...
The good news is that I feel much better after my bout with the plague. The bad news is that D now has the plague. It's a gift that keeps on giving. So you can imagine how much fun it is at our house right now. Since I hadn't been out of the house since last Saturday, except to go the BGE cooking class, I decided I must run a few errands today. So I did the usual (bank, cleaners, post office), then went by Mother's to dispense her drugs (that makes me sound like some sort of dealer which I'm not except to a legally prescribed 88 year old woman).
Made a few more stops then went to the office where I had a wonderful planning meeting with a mother of the groom preparing for an upcoming engagement party. I met this sweet lady almost 9 years ago when we bought our current home. She was our real estate agent and we have just stayed in touch through the years. I was beyond excited to be called into action when she had a shindig to plan for her oldest son and his fiancé. After that I headed out to the Chattahoochee Country Club for a planning meeting with our April 5th bride and her mom. Oh this is going to be a good one - outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour in the Patio Pavilion and then dinner and dancing in the Ballroom with a fabulous band. I might have said this once or fifty times but I love how each bride has this specific and distinct vision for her wedding. We laughed and talked for over two hours. What a joy.
So now I'm back home with my sweet pitiful husband and Sadie. I'm headed into the kitchen now to bake a cake for a certain birthday girl for her big day tomorrow!
Just for smiles, look at these two precious faces.
The good news is that I feel much better after my bout with the plague. The bad news is that D now has the plague. It's a gift that keeps on giving. So you can imagine how much fun it is at our house right now. Since I hadn't been out of the house since last Saturday, except to go the BGE cooking class, I decided I must run a few errands today. So I did the usual (bank, cleaners, post office), then went by Mother's to dispense her drugs (that makes me sound like some sort of dealer which I'm not except to a legally prescribed 88 year old woman).
Made a few more stops then went to the office where I had a wonderful planning meeting with a mother of the groom preparing for an upcoming engagement party. I met this sweet lady almost 9 years ago when we bought our current home. She was our real estate agent and we have just stayed in touch through the years. I was beyond excited to be called into action when she had a shindig to plan for her oldest son and his fiancé. After that I headed out to the Chattahoochee Country Club for a planning meeting with our April 5th bride and her mom. Oh this is going to be a good one - outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour in the Patio Pavilion and then dinner and dancing in the Ballroom with a fabulous band. I might have said this once or fifty times but I love how each bride has this specific and distinct vision for her wedding. We laughed and talked for over two hours. What a joy.
So now I'm back home with my sweet pitiful husband and Sadie. I'm headed into the kitchen now to bake a cake for a certain birthday girl for her big day tomorrow!
Just for smiles, look at these two precious faces.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
What I Love about March 2014
So March. Here we are. Already two months of 2014 in the books and wow, it's already been a fun ride. Life is just an interesting journey every day, isn't it? How we get to where we are never ceases to amaze me. What you thought you would be doing last year at this time is in no way sometimes where we are today. I know, some days stink. (trust me, I've had the stomach virus since Saturday. I know all too well). But most days are just the best combination of fun, work, life-giving to others and learning. My precious father-in-law taught me years ago to never stop learning. There is just so little that I know. Yes, some days I think I know it all but I guarantee that's so not the case. So the point? Never ever stop learning. I've even been reading about Russia and Ukraine today trying to figure out what's going on over there. Have mercy, this is a great big world.
I was so looking forward to last Saturday to have a few hours at home to catch up on some much needed housework, bills, etc. You know, that usual Saturday stuff. However, my plans changed when a friend called to ask me to go with her to see something fun. Of course, I'll go. Then G says, let's go to Dawsonville to the Outlet Mall and do a little shopping. And let's call Nana to go with us. And then let's call Dad to meet us for supper. And oh, let's take Sadie because I don't want to leave her by herself all evening. Now, seriously, how could I refuse that offer? Well, okay. That trumps housework any ole day. So that's how March started off but then it. hit. You know. It. The dreaded stomach virus. So I stayed in bed for the next two days. I got out last night for the first time since Saturday. Today, I'm still not feeling great but much better. Having something like that makes you realize just how much you appreciate your health. Thank you Lord for healing and feeling good!
So that bring us to today and what I LOVE about March, 2014!
1. The Big Green Egg cooking class at Cook's Warehouse last night was awesome. So pretty much this is my new favorite thing. If you can't find me, please just call any Cook's Warehouse location and I'll be there. A little back story ... when choosing Christmas gifts for family members these days, we like to do "experiences." Like D got me the Jennifer Nettles tickets for last month's concert, I got him Big Green Egg cooking lessons at Cook's Warehouse. We don't need much stuff. We just like to do things together. Honestly, I wasn't at the top of my eating game to enjoy all of the delicious things he cooked on the Egg but everyone else seemed to enjoy it. And we learned a lot. Even though I didn't feel great, I sure got excited about the dessert he made on the BGE. He took Granny Smith Apples, cut them in half and cored them. Then added a fun-size Snickers bar and smushed in the spot where the core was. Laid them in an aluminum pan. Then took panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese and sprinkled over them. Then drizzled with butter and put those on the Egg for about 20 minutes. Judging by my husband and everyone else's reaction in the class, he pretty much created a dessert they'll serve in heaven. I can't wait to try it.
2. Tonight is our Family Birthday Celebration for E's 28th Birthday! Traditionally this is when I cook E's favorite things and everyone comes to our house for dinner. But since the plague hit me, we are going to go to Plan B. Some sweet person in a restaurant is going to cook for us and make E feel special instead of me. Honestly, I'm thinking next week (when hopefully I can eat more than a popsicle), I'll cook up her favorite meal. I just can't stand not cooking for my girl.
3. Friday, March 7th, E will officially be 28 years old. I'm just not sure where the time has gone. What a blessing she is. We are headed to Athens for a little family fun (I'll share more about that later - I told you that our gifts these days are experiences) on Friday evening. Can't wait to celebrate her special day!
4. Saturday is New Beginnings Day! This rolls around about every quarter and I couldn't be more excited to go see our friends there and love on them awhile.
5. Wednesday, the 12th, I'll speak to the Commerce Club. Our date last month was cancelled because of the snow event. Of course, I was going to speak last month about Valentine's Day but I'm pretty sure that is old news now. I think we'll talk about Spring. That's a wonderful subject!
6. Next Friday, the 14th, we'll head to Illinois for our dear friends' son who will be getting married. We've been gone from Illinois for almost 30 years but have been lost touch with special friends. We're so excited to be getting to be a part of this very special time for them.
7. On the 19th, I'll take the speaking platform again ... at Brenau University. I'll be speaking to Bruce Burch's event planning class. I'm really look forward to being in the college setting again. It's always interesting to get a bunch of college students opinion on what you're doing.
8. Tis the season for showers. I have three to attend in the next two weeks but what a joy to celebrate brides and babies.
9. Wedding season is in full swing as we have two weddings in April and one in May. So lots of planning meetings, tastings and paperwork is going on right now for those. What a blessing to continue to be able to do what I love in the wedding business.
10. My daddy would have been 90 on March 9th. I can't say much about this. I already have big tears in my eyes. I just can't imagine how much he would have enjoyed being a part of what is happening in our lives, especially E and G. He was always my biggest cheerleader. Honestly, I can see him now, getting out of his car in his coveralls, checking everything in my yard to see if anything needed to be fixed or painted; walking into my garage to see if my car needed anything done to it (he was a mechanic by trade) and then in my house asking for a cup of coffee ... before he started any of those so-called projects that needed to be done. What a wonderful man he was. I miss him every single day. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Love, your baby girl.
I was so looking forward to last Saturday to have a few hours at home to catch up on some much needed housework, bills, etc. You know, that usual Saturday stuff. However, my plans changed when a friend called to ask me to go with her to see something fun. Of course, I'll go. Then G says, let's go to Dawsonville to the Outlet Mall and do a little shopping. And let's call Nana to go with us. And then let's call Dad to meet us for supper. And oh, let's take Sadie because I don't want to leave her by herself all evening. Now, seriously, how could I refuse that offer? Well, okay. That trumps housework any ole day. So that's how March started off but then it. hit. You know. It. The dreaded stomach virus. So I stayed in bed for the next two days. I got out last night for the first time since Saturday. Today, I'm still not feeling great but much better. Having something like that makes you realize just how much you appreciate your health. Thank you Lord for healing and feeling good!
So that bring us to today and what I LOVE about March, 2014!
1. The Big Green Egg cooking class at Cook's Warehouse last night was awesome. So pretty much this is my new favorite thing. If you can't find me, please just call any Cook's Warehouse location and I'll be there. A little back story ... when choosing Christmas gifts for family members these days, we like to do "experiences." Like D got me the Jennifer Nettles tickets for last month's concert, I got him Big Green Egg cooking lessons at Cook's Warehouse. We don't need much stuff. We just like to do things together. Honestly, I wasn't at the top of my eating game to enjoy all of the delicious things he cooked on the Egg but everyone else seemed to enjoy it. And we learned a lot. Even though I didn't feel great, I sure got excited about the dessert he made on the BGE. He took Granny Smith Apples, cut them in half and cored them. Then added a fun-size Snickers bar and smushed in the spot where the core was. Laid them in an aluminum pan. Then took panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese and sprinkled over them. Then drizzled with butter and put those on the Egg for about 20 minutes. Judging by my husband and everyone else's reaction in the class, he pretty much created a dessert they'll serve in heaven. I can't wait to try it.
2. Tonight is our Family Birthday Celebration for E's 28th Birthday! Traditionally this is when I cook E's favorite things and everyone comes to our house for dinner. But since the plague hit me, we are going to go to Plan B. Some sweet person in a restaurant is going to cook for us and make E feel special instead of me. Honestly, I'm thinking next week (when hopefully I can eat more than a popsicle), I'll cook up her favorite meal. I just can't stand not cooking for my girl.
3. Friday, March 7th, E will officially be 28 years old. I'm just not sure where the time has gone. What a blessing she is. We are headed to Athens for a little family fun (I'll share more about that later - I told you that our gifts these days are experiences) on Friday evening. Can't wait to celebrate her special day!
4. Saturday is New Beginnings Day! This rolls around about every quarter and I couldn't be more excited to go see our friends there and love on them awhile.
5. Wednesday, the 12th, I'll speak to the Commerce Club. Our date last month was cancelled because of the snow event. Of course, I was going to speak last month about Valentine's Day but I'm pretty sure that is old news now. I think we'll talk about Spring. That's a wonderful subject!
6. Next Friday, the 14th, we'll head to Illinois for our dear friends' son who will be getting married. We've been gone from Illinois for almost 30 years but have been lost touch with special friends. We're so excited to be getting to be a part of this very special time for them.
7. On the 19th, I'll take the speaking platform again ... at Brenau University. I'll be speaking to Bruce Burch's event planning class. I'm really look forward to being in the college setting again. It's always interesting to get a bunch of college students opinion on what you're doing.
8. Tis the season for showers. I have three to attend in the next two weeks but what a joy to celebrate brides and babies.
9. Wedding season is in full swing as we have two weddings in April and one in May. So lots of planning meetings, tastings and paperwork is going on right now for those. What a blessing to continue to be able to do what I love in the wedding business.
10. My daddy would have been 90 on March 9th. I can't say much about this. I already have big tears in my eyes. I just can't imagine how much he would have enjoyed being a part of what is happening in our lives, especially E and G. He was always my biggest cheerleader. Honestly, I can see him now, getting out of his car in his coveralls, checking everything in my yard to see if anything needed to be fixed or painted; walking into my garage to see if my car needed anything done to it (he was a mechanic by trade) and then in my house asking for a cup of coffee ... before he started any of those so-called projects that needed to be done. What a wonderful man he was. I miss him every single day. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Love, your baby girl.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Catching Up
So I've got to get caught up with all that has happened since I last posted on ... when? Valentine's Day. Wow, that was weeks ago. We went to the Dillard House for the Valentine's weekend and it was fabulous. The food was incredible, the weather was perfect and the company was well, you know, the best. It was restful and we loved it. I highly recommend that if you need a little weekend mountain getaway that you check into the Dillard House. It just can't be beat.
After coming off such a fabulous weekend, I had a little personal misfortune. I dropped my phone. And it died Actually, it wasn't completely dead as I could use Siri to call and retrieve messages. I have never been so thankful for Ms. Siri as I was for those few days. It took about 5 days to get my new phone and then get the stuff transferred over and then we got a new service provider and let's just say I was about over the whole process by the time I got my new phone. But all is well with the technology world now and I am back from the remote island far away from civilization. I'm sorry. That was a sad tale of woe.
Anyway, the next weekend was our Ladies' Bible Study Intensive at our church and it was amazing. I could go on and on about the whole thing but honestly, I'm still processing how wonderful God is through it all.
As soon as I finished up the Bible Study, I rushed home to meet my hubby to go to see Jennifer Nettles at the Fox Theatre. Y'all she's a Georgia girl and she's just so warm, bubbly, funny ... I just loved her and wanted to invite her for dinner. And man, that girl can sing, as if that wasn't already obvious. I've got to tell you this funny story. We sat in the balcony and when the show was over I had to go to the restroom (no surprise) so I went to the one on that level. I waited and I waited and I waited. It was the longest line ever. It's one of those times you think, should I just get out of line and go somewhere else?, no I'll just wait, surely I'll be there soon. I waited so long that when we came down to the main level to go out, the folks at the merchandise table already had the t-shirts and things packed in boxes. Half of the lights were out in the building. It was hilarious! Darrell was worried sick but since I didn't have a phone, he couldn't call me. Anyway, moral of that story, if you find yourself sitting in the balcony of the Fox, do not under any circumstances go the restroom on that level. March yourself right down all of those stairs to the very bottom level. I'll guarantee you will be glad you did.
So what else? Oh I got to speak to the South Hall Kiwanis on the 26th and that was great! That's a wonderful group of folks who welcomed me with open arms. I enjoyed it so much.
Oh a another note, our furry girl, Kirky, has had to make her way up to Holly's House of Horrors for you know what. That's all I'm going to say about that but we sure do miss her.
February was a great month full of weather, work and wonderful days spent with my sweet husband in a few getaway spots. Now, let's March on!
After coming off such a fabulous weekend, I had a little personal misfortune. I dropped my phone. And it died Actually, it wasn't completely dead as I could use Siri to call and retrieve messages. I have never been so thankful for Ms. Siri as I was for those few days. It took about 5 days to get my new phone and then get the stuff transferred over and then we got a new service provider and let's just say I was about over the whole process by the time I got my new phone. But all is well with the technology world now and I am back from the remote island far away from civilization. I'm sorry. That was a sad tale of woe.
Anyway, the next weekend was our Ladies' Bible Study Intensive at our church and it was amazing. I could go on and on about the whole thing but honestly, I'm still processing how wonderful God is through it all.
As soon as I finished up the Bible Study, I rushed home to meet my hubby to go to see Jennifer Nettles at the Fox Theatre. Y'all she's a Georgia girl and she's just so warm, bubbly, funny ... I just loved her and wanted to invite her for dinner. And man, that girl can sing, as if that wasn't already obvious. I've got to tell you this funny story. We sat in the balcony and when the show was over I had to go to the restroom (no surprise) so I went to the one on that level. I waited and I waited and I waited. It was the longest line ever. It's one of those times you think, should I just get out of line and go somewhere else?, no I'll just wait, surely I'll be there soon. I waited so long that when we came down to the main level to go out, the folks at the merchandise table already had the t-shirts and things packed in boxes. Half of the lights were out in the building. It was hilarious! Darrell was worried sick but since I didn't have a phone, he couldn't call me. Anyway, moral of that story, if you find yourself sitting in the balcony of the Fox, do not under any circumstances go the restroom on that level. March yourself right down all of those stairs to the very bottom level. I'll guarantee you will be glad you did.
So what else? Oh I got to speak to the South Hall Kiwanis on the 26th and that was great! That's a wonderful group of folks who welcomed me with open arms. I enjoyed it so much.
Oh a another note, our furry girl, Kirky, has had to make her way up to Holly's House of Horrors for you know what. That's all I'm going to say about that but we sure do miss her.
February was a great month full of weather, work and wonderful days spent with my sweet husband in a few getaway spots. Now, let's March on!
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