Monday, August 31, 2009

Fresh Corn and Chicken Chowder

Ingredients

12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or chicken thighs 
4 fresh ears of sweet corn 
1 32-oz. container reduced-sodium chicken broth 
1 small green sweet pepper, chopped (1/2 cup) 
1 cup milk 
1-1/4 cups instant mashed potato flakes 
  Salt and ground black pepper 
  Crushed red pepper (optional) 
Directions

1. In Dutch oven combine chicken, corn and broth. Cover; bring to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer 12 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken and corn to cutting board. 

2. Add half the sweet pepper to broth in Dutch oven. Stir in milk and potato flakes. Shred chicken using two forks. Return chicken to Dutch oven. Using a kitchen towel to hold hot corn, cut kernels from cobs. Place corn in Dutch oven; heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle each serving with remaining sweet pepper and crushed red pepper. Makes 4 servings.

Source: Better Homes And Gardens

Thoughts On Life


WORRY
Is there a magic cutoff period when offspring become accountable for their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, 'It's their life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my daughter's head. I asked, 'When do you stop worrying?' The nurse said, 'When they get out of the accident stage.' My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing. 

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher said, 'Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them.' My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing. 

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said, 'They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults.' My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing. 

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was still worrying over my  children, but there was a new wrinkle. There was nothing I could do about it. My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.
I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments. 

My friends said that when my kids got married I

could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my Dad's warm smile and his occasional, 'You look pale. Are you alright?  Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about something?'

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, 'Where were you? I've been

calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried.' I smiled a warm smile. 


The torch has been passed.
Author Unknown



Saturday, August 29, 2009

Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou

 

Design_50

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou

Maya is one of the most brilliant poets ever. She is definitely one of my top favorites. This really makes you realize that as women we are phenomenal and that each of us has so very much that we add to this life merely by our presence. As i have grown older I no longer appear as I did 20 years ago and that's OK with me. Every day and every experience, every line on my face, every tear I have shed or great laugh that I have engaged in has made this sweet life just that much more sweeter. Every day is a gift, every family member, every friend, every contact I have made with all the people that have come and passed have made me who I am, stronger and better than the moment before. Always remember, you are a phenomenal woman!

Best Chocolate Chips Ever!

Chocolate Chip cookiesThick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

Ingredients:
2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted & cooled until warm
1 c brown sugar, packed
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
-Adjust oven racks to upper & lower -middle positions & heat oven to 325. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
-Whisk dry ingredients together; set aside.
-With electric mixer, or by hand, mix butter & sugars until thoroughly combined.
-Beat in egg, yolk and vanilla until combined.
-Add dry ingredients & beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in chips.
-Roll scant 1/2 cup dough into ball. Holding dough ball in fingertips of both hands, pull into 2 equal halves. Rotate halves 90 degrees and, with jagged surfaces facing up, place formed dough onto cookie sheet, leaving ample room between each ball.
-Bake, reversing position of cookie sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft & puffy (about 17 minutes in my oven).
-Cool cookies on sheets until able to lift without breaking and place on wire rack to cool.
Makes about 24 give or take how much batter you eat before they get in the oven!

Source: Good Things Catered

Thursday, August 27, 2009


This is kinda the mindset in our home right now. Really cute I laughed very hard right in the middle of watching my paint dry. Kinda like watching water boil. I keep checking and no it's not dry.So here I sit.Today is my day off and what am I doing playing catch up on my blog and an extensive redo on my kitchen pantry. Well it has become much greater than extensive more like overwhelming. Leave it to mother. Yikes I really have our whole organized home in total disarray. It will be worth it. I keep telling them, have faith little people. We shall overcome. They really, really don't believe me. It will be OK. So in the meantime enjoy some music and take a look around. And come back maybe even leave a comment, we love it.



Here are a few of those things that make you go...yes, I love that so. My window seat slash blogging spot. And my most favorite of all my child's tea set. Nothing like relaxing with your feet up and a great cup of coffee just enjoying life. My poodles absolutely love, love ,love this spot as well. It's always warm and that's great. Thanks for stopping by have a great relaxing day at your home.

My Little Mercedes Girl...I Always Knew





I call home last night after receiving a message that said, I really have to tell you something mom, from my youngest. Call home on your break as soon as possible. I'm a nurse now come on. I don't have breaks I have quick sits. Not to be mistaken with a real break where you sit and put your feet up and go aw, that feels so good. Our buts hit the chair and there someone stands before you, so and so needs pain medication, such and such wants to talk to you, and on and on. NO BREAK, its over. So back to my story, I finally call home and no one answers. Oh my. Then the news. My baby girl is now a model for Mercedes Benz. YES, did I say...YES. She has a year contract and I am just glowing with pride. The car is awesome. Have you ever said to your kid....hey honey can I borrow the Benz. Heated seats, neck warmers, leather and just as gorgeous as her. She is truly where she belongs. Best of luck to my baby girl. Just remember, momma always knew you were the most gorgeous girl ever. I guess my secrets out. I am so happy and just so proud. Show off that smile it's beautiful. But throw on some clothes per your father.

Roosters And More Roosters....Oh My!






I started a few years back saying, you know what, I really kinda like those roosters. My husband and I were at a little country shop and a few just caught my eye.  KINDA! I really did. Now I have become over run with the little fellows. They are here, there and everywhere.

My best friend in the whole world got wind of this and oh dear there were more and more and more. Last year at Christmas I finally said to everybody, lets just kill the rooster remark in its tracks.....now. I love the little fellows but there running all over my kitchen. They have even filtered into the other rooms in the house, dining room, mudroom and storage. I just can't house them all the coops to small for hundreds of roosters. My kids especially get a kick out of the sign above my sink. Dirty minds that they have at this age. So that's enough with the obsession...IT IS OVER my dear family and friends. I love you all for your donations. Here are a few of my little critters I do love them all but not enough to get them as PRESENTS FOR CHRISTMAS! So here are a few of my favorite things...my roosters.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Have You Ever....

Cut and paste then highlight those you have done. I have a list of my own. Everyone should have one. On Home Again Vintage Treasures, she refers to it as the Bucket List, loved the movie and I would say that's kind of what this is. Leave a comment. I put mine in red (my favorite color) Have a great day and God bless.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland 
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (This was one of my favorite things ever)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Guide Cookies
62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving (NEVER  WILL EITHER)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem*
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Paul McCartney  In New York City)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Please Outlaw Texting While Driving

Text Messaging While Driving...Stop It Now.

Push for those bills, push hard so we can stop this.

A Mothers Greatest Nightmare

This is the most powerful, saddening clip I have seen. This happens everyday all across the world. None of us are safe as you will see. Cell phones and texting while driving, we know its horrifying, what do we do. Contact your state reps, congress if you have to. They are currently in the process as we speak of making a law to stop it. We really need to push this one. Will it stop them, for the sake of everyone on the road, we would hope.

Show this to every teen and adult you know. Pass it around and then pass it back. Hopefully it will stick in their heads. For the sake of all please contact your state rep and say, what can I do. If there has not already been a law put in action push for one. This needs to stop and it needs to stop right now for all our sakes. The senseless deaths are astounding. It takes a lot to make me cry, this made me come to tears instantly. I have 5 children. They can say they don't do it but I know better. I can't even imagine the call from this. To see your child like this. I personally would never survive this heartbreak. Please view this with everyone you know again and again until they get the point, it's an important one and it may mean your child's life.

In Pennsylvania and these areas, Michele Brooks, State Representative for the 17th District. 17th District comprises part of Mercer County, consisting of the townships of Coolspring, Deer Creek, East Lackawannock, Fairview, French Creek, Greene, Hempfield, Jackson, Jefferson, Lake, Mill Creek, New Vernon, Otter Creek, Perry, Salem, Sandy Creek, Sandy Lake, Sugar Grove, West Salem, Wilmington and Worth, as well as the boroughs of Fredonia, Greenville, Jackson Center, Jamestown, New Lebanon, Sandy Lake, Sheakleyville and Stoneboro. The district also includes part of Crawford County, consisting of the townships of East Fallowfield, Fairfield, Greenwood, North Shenango, South Shenango, Vernon, West Fallowfield and West Shenango and the borough of Cochranton. In addition, the 17th District also includes part of Lawrence County, consisting of the townships of Washington and Wilmington and the boroughs of New Wilmington and Volant. Please mother to mother, stop this.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Let Yourself Feel

let yourself feel. from Esteban Diácono on Vimeo.


Beautiful Clip!

Georgia Pecan Brownies


Not that I was thinking chocolate today or anything, but here is something that just may get you saying, darn that looks so good! I just have to make that! So hey...go and do it! Everybody will love you for it and when its done, bring me over some because I'm really hungry now to.

Georgia Pecan Brownies

Adapted-Virginia Willis; BON APETIT, Y’ALL

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups dutch cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons homemade baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon homemade vanilla extract
12 ounces best-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or pan with butter
In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat; add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Keep mixture warm.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
Add the butter mixture and stir to combine.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, chocolate and the nuts.
Stir until the chocolate is almost all melted and the ingredients are combined. (This is a thick batter)
Spoon the batter into a prepared pan and spread the top to even the mixture in the pan.
Bake until set, 25 to 35 minutes.
Remove to a rack to cool.
Cut into pieces and serve.
Store into an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frankly, they won’t last 3 days!













Monday, August 17, 2009

TRIP TO COSTCO


 Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog
chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout
line when woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had an elephant? So since I'm retired and have
little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I
was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't,
because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50
pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming
out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way
that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and
simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is
nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it
again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was
now enthralled with my story.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog
food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an
Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was
laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore..

Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in
the world to think of crazy things to say. Forward this (especially)
to all your retired friends......it will be their Laugh for the day

(Now I just had to share this I found it this morning in an email from a friend.)
I don't think that she realizes how hard of a laugh this caused! I will be sure and tell her! We met over some free pears how crazy is that. Just shows friends are made at the most unexpected times! Mary you are so great!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Thoughts On Life...


Thoughts On Life
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried,
for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive.

Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.

Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.

Find the one that makes your heart smile.

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with,
never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back!
Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.



It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

Who's That Girl???


Where is this girl? My how time flies when you are having fun! Everyday goes by faster and faster as you begin to get older. This picture seems as if it was forever and a day. I can remember posing for this the kids running around me. What a beautiful day this was and what a beautiful and happy life this has been! Everyday is a blessing and everyday I am thankful for. Hope you are all having a great summer!


Rosie Thomas

Listen to Rosie Thomas and see what you think. She has a beautiful voice. Once I heard her she instantly became one of my favorite singers. 



Saturday, August 15, 2009

Just Enjoying Summer!






I love to watch my teens, enjoying just being little kids. This world is just so tough on them. Their peers push them to conform. You really hope they make all the right choices. Sometimes they do and a lot of times they don't. It's hard as a mom to watch them struggle between right and wrong. Its hard to watch them grow up and make mistakes that sometimes are not only difficult for them but for you as a mom as well. I frequently question their thoughts, but it's all part of the process of growing up. I wish there could be more happiness and less hardship but unfortunately that's all I can do is wish, they have to make their own way.

I have learned so much going down this road called life, one of the hardest lessons I've learned is listening. It pretty much applies to all, friends, family as well as your teens. It has probably taken me years and I'm not sure at times I still do such a great job but I do it. Teens don't always want you to talk they just want your ear. They will tell you when it requires more then, "I'm so sorry to hear that honey, is there anything I can do?"(Hardest words I've ever spoken) If there isn't they will be the first to let you know. I would guess this allows them to then work it out for themselves. I think the greatest injustice you can do for your children is be a "do it for them parent." You can jump right in and change the tide, then they do not get to experience what life is really all about, happiness and sorrows, ups and downs, learning and maturing. They never grow up and they never become responsible adults. Take a look around at our society. What are we teaching them? What is the difference in our generation and in theirs? The difference is we were told to work it out, decide what we were going to do about a situation. We were given reasonable suggestions but never solutions. We worked hard to save for things and really appreciated them. We were proud of what we had and treasured it. We were allowed to live with our mistakes, right or wrong. Crying was not something we were put in counseling for nor was feeling sad. I agree there is a degree of being sad that needs immediate attention, I am a nurse I had better understand, clinical depression is a very serious situation. But what are these teens so saddened by? They can't have a new cell phone. Well do they have a job?Because cell phones are expensive. I didn't have a cell phone until I was in my 30's (late 30's) When parents learn to just say no, they will take a lot of the sadness and weight from these children. Soon enough they will be adults, soon enough they will have jobs. Soon enough they will pay bills. I have paid my own bills in this life and they should have that opportunity as well. Luxuries are just that, luxuries! Sometimes we have them, sometimes we don't! They will appreciate what they pay for,  not what we pay for. Today's teens live like millionaires compared to the teens of yesterday. Seeing things that their parents had only dreamed they would see. When you dream about something and work hard for it, it becomes precious. Parents are willing to go under just to give their child the world, there by creating a society of debt. What makes our teens so sad and so depressed? They miss the one thing they need the most and it doesn't come from a shelf, its called parents. They miss mom and they miss dad. If they don't have that, they miss out on life and they miss out on love. That is what makes this life memorable, love. When it all comes down to it, 30 minutes of undivided attention is worth far more than an Ipod touch, more then a game system. It is priceless. They can't take a cellphone away from this world, but they will always remember how you loved them. My teens always recall stories about our times together and smile. They have never recalled a story about something that was bought, with a smile that goes from ear to ear. It's always, remember when we would cuddle and remember when, we went here or there, just the 2 of us?

I love my children, I cherish every second of everyday I have with them and every one I have left. If God allowed me just one wish, it would not be for money or for worldly possessions, it would be to have those happy moments to spend again with my children. Nothing fancy, just that simple wish. When they say "mothers rock your babies and let the housework go!" That's one of the greatest lessons mothers need to learn. Cobwebs and all, you cannot build a home and family on a foundation of anything else but unfailing love.

The day we took these pictures I remember thinking, oh my God he could break an arm or leg, he could slip and fall, he could, he could, he could. My heart said, just let him be a boy and you just be a mom. My son had the greatest time this day, just being a LITTLE BOY again  and my heart was so happy. Happy momma, happy babies!



Awesome Headboard Bench!

Here is a great idea for using those old headboards that you have seen and maybe passed up or have laying around. I may have one myself and if not I sure will look now. It never stops amazing me the great ideas that you can come up with and everyone is capable of this. So take a look and see what you think.



Thursday, August 13, 2009


I'm always working on something! This was made from a little this and a little that! Just messing around with some very old material I had and this is what came of it. This is my most favorite thing to do after kayaking. My new found love. Well then there is painting. If its there it has to be painted. This was an old project but it came out really well. Found it on my pics somewhere on PC. Wondered where those went. Now we know! I need to find more me time. Work takes up a lot as well as the kids. They are always a little more important at times. Especially the kids. Now that they are teens I think I'm gaining more time. They just don't want to hang as much with mom! That really sucks! Have a great day!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Friends That Inspire Us


People come into our life disguised as angels, and sometimes angels come into our life disguised as people. It is possible to see God anywhere. All it takes are open eyes and ears and the willingness to see miracles. They are everywhere. God is as available as we are. Having friends that inspire us to rise to higher and greater levels is an awesome gift. Surround yourself with people that inspire you to do better and inspire your friends as well. It is a profound truth that the people we hang out with will shape the path that we travel.

More Great Ellen Moments From YouTube



Ellen Favorite Moments


These Are 2 Of My Favorite Ellen Videos

I have to admit I just adore Ellen! She makes me laugh till I could just cry...shes awesome!

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