Awwwwww

This is the wedding print I had painted by Duda Daze for our sons upcoming wedding on Saturday. Its so beautiful. I'm putting it up tonight because I'm not feeling good. Its cheering me up and I'm praying whatever I have--is gonna go away. I'm drinking tea but by the minute i"m feeling worse. I dont want to be sick for his wedding....that would be awful. Time to head to the hot tub and pamper myself, and tomorrow lets hope when the sun rises....so do I--and feeling good once again!

The lesser of Two Evils???

Someones blog triggered me to finally talk about the upcoming election. I havent talked about it much this year at all. Normally, I'm pretty involved and discussions can get pretty heated. The last 2 elections I've chosen to bow out. Thats right folks, I've bowed out. I didnt vote. I had some folks tell me, if you dont vote, how can you complain? If you dont vote, your not doing what God wants you to do. I dont agree with any of that, nor probably most of what anyone would say anymore. First, let me say this and I know this will offend alot of folks but if I can accept others thoughts and opinions, the same should be given to me. Just because someone will call themselves a Christian, DOES NOT mean they are. We should NOT vote for a person just because they give themselves that title. I now run from that. I have lived long enough to know being a true Christian, we dont have to broadcast it, we just need to live it, and show it thru our daily life. I firmly believe alot of people in politics use that Christian stance to gain voters. I think they believe so many of us are naieve and will vote only on that phrase and sadly, many do and will. I wont anymore. The person I want in charge of running the country I live in, needs to live as a Christian without having to broadcast it. I want to know their entire life is about God, not just the election. John Mccain in alot of ways is no different than any other wealthy person, houses so many he cant count anymore, his actions at times havent demonstrated integrity, (read what he did recently with Dave Lettermen). If he cant show integrity in something so minute as to be honest as to why he didnt want to go on the show--how can he show integrity in bigger decisions that affect all our daily lives? And tell me again, why does someone need 7+ homes?

Obama, I have just basically ignored him, so I dont know of him. I've heard he's not a Christian, sooo does that mean because he said that I automatically should vote for McCain? Well, many Christians are saying yes---I say NO! Our decisions need to be based on an entire package of the candidate. Their history, their integrity, their life. In my mind, neither has touched me enough to even listen much. I've grown bitter and weary of most politicians.

God is in control no matter what--I read that on another blog and while that is true, we also must remember that God has given us choice, and free will and so that will ultimately affect our quality of life. To sit back complacently because we believe no matter what we do it dosnt matter because he is in charge is almost like a scapeboat of saying--Dont do a thing--because it simply dosnt matter. Some may say I've chosen to not do a thing by not voting....but I feel differently. I feel I've taken a stand as to letting it be known--I have faith in neither candidate anymore. I think most politicians stink and care for nothing other than power, and self. Its not about people anymore, its not about love of country and God and neighbor. Its all about attention, fame, power, control, lust and greed. So, I've backed away. I've taken a stand to take a stand against running to the voting booth--just because someone says--I'm a Christian. I wont do that anymore. I expect alot more from anyone that says " I'm a Christian". Your life better be a shining example of what that is. , especially when it comes to running a country and making choices that affect my life, my childrens, my grandchildrens. If it turns out McCain is truly a man of God and of his word, I will learn that and support him, the same would be for Obama or any candidate no matter their party name.

I'm not going to load my blog down with pictures of the Republican party nor am I going to make it a topic everyday, I just felt compelled to share my feelings today for some reason. I'm willing to learn more about each candidate but at this point, I wont be voting. I will be going to God and asking him for direction, guidance and help me continue to be the best human being I can be.

One Last Blast of Color

These are the roses on the side our house this weekend. It's almost as if they know this is it, our last chance to shine for awhile. For a few weeks I had nothing and then all of a sudden they went nuts again. I have at least 10 more blooms ready to pop. They are probably prettier than they have been all summer long. The color and the shape of them are nearly perfect. I wanted to show you a picture so you can enjoy the last blast of color to. I know here in the Midwest or at least Wisconsin, alot of our flowers are their prettiest in Fall.
Its Monday folks, I hope the week ahead of us--is a good one!

This was great to see tonight!

Let us not become weary in doing good; for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. New Testament Galatians Chapter 6 Verse 9 NIV


Personally right now I'm going thru something and this was good for me to see. I have been questioning if once again I'm doing the right thing or better yet what God would want me to do. All my life I've tried to do what I feel is right, fair and just. Especially when it comes to my birth family. I have been pulled down by them for way to many years and I learned many many years ago in order to survive I would have to cut almost all contact and only have relationships with a few of them. That is very sad and hard because I am the oldest of 8. I have a Mother that is still alive and I believe also a father. I havent had contact with my Mother for probably close to 20 years other than minimal things here and there. At times I get very sad over it, but since so many years have gone by, I've also learned to live without a Mothers love or care and without my siblings contact. So much loss, so much ache. One of my sisters recently was sent to prison. She is the only one I do have some contact with. I've been helping get her affairs in order and trying to minimize some of the financial consequences for her. She appointed me Power of Attorney over her for now. I sometimes question should I be doing this, not because of her but because whenever I've tried to help anyone, it always has come back and hurt me. I know she wont intentionally hurt me, that she wont do...but already I've had to deal with some fall-out from some of these family members and believe me--I dont even want to hear there names anymore. I've just closed those doors. Seeing this verse, makes me feel as though I'm doing what God wants at this time....I have to believe he will look after me, guide me and be there when I need him. I hope and pray, what I'm doing will help her and when she gets out her life will be a better one and more fullfilling for her and for her children.

On that note, lets Welcome a new week! I have some recipes to share and some last blasts of color from my roses over the summer!

Isnt this adorable?

Isnt this cute beyond words? This is one of Telefora's Halloween bouquets. Normally, I order myself centerpieces for only Thanksgiving and Christmas so our dining room table is extra special. This year I decided to take a look at their Halloween flowers. FTD has more of candy and cookie arrangements than actual Flowers. Teleflora has many various and quite fun centerpieces for your home. The prices are pretty high, but hey...its once a year that we get to "spook" ourselves and really when you think about it,,,most of us really only get into decorating our homes in the Fall Season and Christmas holiday. I just may end up ordering this little guy and let him grace our table for a couple weeks!

Artichoke Dip

I've made this tons of times and everyone loves it. You cant go wrong, I have used Wheat thins, thinly sliced breads to dip into it. Its quick, easy and delicious!

• 5 tablespoons grated romano cheese (about 1 ounce)
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons light sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 14 ounces water-packed artichoke hearts , drained and chopped to 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• French baguettes , slices toasted

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk 4 tablespoons grated Romano cheese, light mayonnaise, light sour cream, dried marjoram, black pepper, onion salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl to blend.Stir in chopped artichoke hears.Transfer mixture to a 1 1/2 cup Ramekin. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.Cover mixture and refrigerate.).
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.Bake dip until heated through, about 20 minutes (about 30 minutes if chilled).
3. Preheat broiler.Sprinkle dip with remaining 1 tablespoon Romano cheese and paprika.Broil until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.

Dancing with the Stars

82? Can you believe Cloris Leachmen is 82? I think she looks great and should win an award for just getting out of her rocker and attempting this. Every day I see people that have given up on life--in their 40's, 50's, let alone 80. She's spunky, looks good and is definitely out there enjoying every second of her life that she has left. Her dancing wasnt that good--but what would you expect from this age???? The only thing I didnt enjoy about Cloris was when the judges gave her score, she called the lady judge the "B" word. While I enjoy her spunkiness, I felt that was totally inappropiate.


And we have Susan Lucci, I remember as a young Mom I would watch her on All My Children. She dosnt look that much different 30 years later! Amazing that she is 62 and looks like this. I've been feeling pretty down since I turned 50 this year and after watching these two women--I feel uplifted again. We need to keep living--keep going and fighting the aging process. I see to many give up because they feel they are old or cant look good anymore. Looking good or the best we can isnt just for the youth folks. I'm told everyday I dont look 50...but I wont lie. I out there trying new products for my skin, I dont drink, I dont smoke, I avoid stress at all costs. I do my best to make sure I rest often. I keep up on changing hairstyles, colors, and I am always up for trying new outfits. All I need to improve on is losing weight and exercising to keep myself limber. I'm not normally a fan of TV but I found myself drawn to this show just out of curiousity of these two "older" women. So far, I'm impressed!

One Last Show

Baldyman took this picture for me, its one last showing of beautiful color before the cooler temps hit and they wittle away. They look so beautiful and peaceful dont they? The sun was hitting on just the right spot for alitte brightness in color. If you look at the left...you can see where baldyman forgot to move his foot! No news that both of us still need to work on our camera use.

Sometimes in fall some flowers will look their best and you want them to go on forever,,,,other ones need the heat and long sunny days and begin to wilt and not look to good. Each year I tell myself which ones I need to plant and where and then Spring arrives and I forget! These flowers here,,,didnt even begin to bloom until July and are looking great with the cooler nights and less sun. I doubt I will remember that by May!

Peanut Butter Apple Crisp

This is some GOOD stuff. Its been passed down from my MIL and I've used it now for nearly 30 years....cant believe i willingly admit that! I've seen many apple crisp recipes--tried many and this still ranks my favorite. The difference is clearly the peanut butter. I normally also mix my apples, I normally use 3 various types of apples,,dont use Delicious its not a cooking apple. Your going to need anywhere between 8-10 apples of decent size. I hope you enjoy this, my family does every fall! Oh, dont forget the best way to eat apple crisp is right out of the oven with vanilla ice cream.

Peel and slice enough apples to fill a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar over the apples and mix well.

For topping:
Blend until Crumbly 1/2 cup sugar, 2/3 cup flour, 5 T margarine or Butter--( I never use margarine) 1/2 cup peanut butter. Bake at 350 until apples are tender and topping is nice and crisp. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream. I'm warning you--this is GREAT!

Thinking Girl

Isnt she sweet? She's one of my favorite little pieces of art. It reminds me of every woman who just has something on her mind, something really cumbersome or something trivial. A place to sit and refect about lifes daily travels. My grandaughters like her to, they asked what she was doing and I told them....she's thinking...dont you ever just sit and think? Whats on your mind today? I hope its not something troubling or sad or heartwrenching, I hope its something that brings you joy and peace and a smile.

Have a great weekend

Friday has finally arrived. Here in Wisconsin its suppossed to be a great weekend...great temps and lots of sun. Hubby and I are gonna go out for dinner tonight and maybe make a quick stop in the Casino. Tomorrow--its errands and for me chillin at home. I might take in a movie, who knows. Sunday afternoon we pick up our grandaughters and bring them here. Its amazing how fast the weekend goes, but I'm sure all of you know that.

I hope to take some pictures this weekend to add to my blog. We have alot going on the next couple weeks with our oldest son getting married and all my childrens birthdays are coming also. Its an expensive time of year for us. I hope everyone has a relaxing fun weekend!

Banana Bread by Martha Stewart!

UMMMMM dosnt this look great? I baked this alittle bit ago. I saved a couple bananas from a few days ago that were starting to go bad. You know the worse the banana the better the bread. I have been using the same recipe for nearly 30 years from The Joy Of Cooking Cookbook. This year I decided to give Martha Stewarts recipe a try and its pretty dern good. You can freeze bad bananas to use at a later date if you dont have time to bake. In the fall, I bake quite a bit and our older children end up with quite a few goodies. This bread tastes good warm or served toasted. I did add walnut pieces and chocolate chips. Enjoy!

1/4 butter (unsalted) 1 cup mashed banana ( I use 2)

1 cup sugar 1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tsp baking soda 1/4 chocolate chips ( I use mini ones )

Cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs beat well. Mix dry ingrediants and combine with the butter mixture. Blend well, add bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Stir well
Pour into greased bread pan. Add nuts and chocolate tips if desired and use a knife to stir in.
Bake 350 for about an hour. Bread will be dark on top. Spread butter on top when done if desired and enjoy! Thanks from Martha Stewart!

Crate and Barrel

If any of you have a crate and Barrel store in your area, here are some goodies they have going on for Halloween. The Witches Hat has candy corn in it.....very cute!

Of course you cant have cooler Fall Temperatures without a hot cup of cocoa to end your day. Curl up with a good book or movie, a warm blanky and some hot chocolate! I think their canister is adorable and the witch hat is to! They have a ton more stuff for the Holiday if your into cutsey stuff for the table or kitchen. Even with all this adorable stuff
i'm finding myself still NOT into the Fall mood. I just dont want summer to go away. Is it possible to have the cold weather holidays with the warmer temps of summer?????

Country Living

Isnt this entrance beautiful? This is in the October Issue of Country Living Magazine, a favorite of mine for probably 15 years or so. Its their 30th year of publication. This is alittle more elegant than I am personally, but I still love it. I guess i'm still in the "scary fun" part of Halloween because I like to spook the grandchillins. I love spray painted pumpkins and the dried arrangements. Fall is so beautiful and our homes can be so cozy, I guess nothing beats a warm blanky, a fire and a good book or magazine. Oh, and lets not forget the apple pie, this year I've been making mine with a caramel topping....UMMM!!!

Meet My New Man!

He moved in last night,,,Mr. Skully. Baldyman and I picked him up at Target and brought him home. He talks to much so I had to shut him up because he got on my last nerve. He does have some romance about him though,,he likes candles as you can see and he dresses well. Thing is, He for some reason stopped eating and he's just a bag of bones. He is standing right between our dining room and living room. I want to put him on the porch but i"m afraid someone will steal him in the night....ya know there are alot of women looking for men that dont talk, eat or move around. He's a definite catch!

YIPEEEEE Its Friday!

Thats right do the happy dance. For those of us who work outside the home, Friday normally means we have a couple of days to do what we want--play play play! I plan on seeing Tyler Perry's new movie AND some shopping for my Annual Halloween Party that I have with my grandaughters. I'm looking forward to putzing around my house, maybe sprucing up the yard with some Fall Mums, pumpkins and maybe even some baking of Fall desserts. I hope everyone has a relaxing, fun weekend!

Tyler Perry's New Movie

HUGE Fan I am of Tyler Perry. HUGE-HUGE-HUGE! I have loved just about all his movies so far and his portrayal of Madea gives me great laughter. I love the messages he has in the majority of his work and how he takes his movies and shows just what real life is. I will be seeing his new movie The Family that Preys tomorrow...hopefully I will be first in line!
Real life, we all live it, for many of us while maybe we can hide some of our imperfections or pretend they dont exist...they do. Simply they do. For our extended families, the same applies, we can wish some people didnt do what they do or behave the way they do, make choices that they do....but again--they just simply do. Its real life folks, we have to deal with it, even when we dont want to. Thats what I love about his movies, there is no hiding, no pretending, its all there...all of it and it shows how no matter what--we can overcome and keep our faiths.
As for Madea, well she is just a rockin, packing, spitfire of a Grandma....NO she is not ordinary in any way and very naughty. Its not something I would want a child to see, Madea is purely for adult entertainment. If you need a laugh, she's gonna give you one.
Tomorrow the Family the Preys begins--I'm so excited!

Soon to be Wed

This here is my son, my oldest who turns 30 on October 3rd! Toshina is his fiance, they have little Ms. Ellie our 3rd grandaughter who is now 2. On October 4th, they will be getting married. I'm amazed that my son is going to be 30,,forget about the getting married part. I still remember turning 30....this is very spooky for me! Nothing will force you to deal with your aging as your "baby" turning a milestone age. Its just alittle over 3 weeks until the big day and I havent even found a dress to wear yet. I dont want to look matronly and thats all i've seen so far. Dont these shops realize that yes even at 50 some of us ladies still want to strut our stuff? This will be our 2nd wedding, our 2nd son got married 4 years ago. We are all looking forward to the big day, even me, EVEN if I have to wear the same dress i wore to my 2nd sons wedding. Who would remember right? Well, it could make it self known thru pictures but heck someday that could be the joke in the family--look at how cheap mom was, she kept wearing the same dress!

Witch's Shoe

Isnt this adorable? This is my dining room table all decorated for Halloween. We just painted the room, cleaned it up real good, bought some thermal drapes for the patio doors and put out all the new goodies for the Season. I found this shoe at Marshalls and fell in love with it. I might fill it with candy for our annual Halloween party that baldyman and I have for our grandchildren. Every Halloween for the last 3 or 4 y ears now
we have a overnight party with them. All the food is made special for Halloween, then we play games, head out to check our decorations people have up...and end the night with a kiddie Halloween movie. This year we are thinking of getting up the following morning and heading to a hotel with a waterpark. The girls have come to enjoy the tradition and look forward to it. Last year I sent out their invite with an invitation that said--Ghouls just wanna have fun and had the song playing. This year so far I cant find any invitations that I like...I just might have to get creative and make one!

My Fall Fireplace

Yep, Fall has arrived. Its announcing its arrival pretty boldly this season and quickly to! We already have seen low temps, leaves falling from the trees and the brisk mornings where the breezes feel cool and not warm. I'm having mixed feelings this year. I'm just not ready to say goodbye to the warm weather. I wonder is that just a common feeling as we get older? We know winter can be brutal, dangerous and just lingering. I love winter, I love the snow, the nights when the moon is full and you can take a walk and follow footprints. Problem is, it lasts about a month or so longer than what most of us can take. This April we were still dealing with piles of snow and wondering if we were gonna get more of it.
The perfect winter would be one where it makes its exit quick and lets Spring arrive.

Busy, Busy Sunday!

Funny Animations provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

We've been busy redoing our dining room. No pictures yet, sorry. I just wanted to paint the ceiling, one wall and clean it up alittle. Its been an all day process..you know how it is,,,you move something and you find dirt,,,dirt and more dirt. Then I decided I really need to keep decluttering so I'm packing stuff up to move outside until we find the right size shelf for my cookbooks and other things. Its been an all day process and we about an hour away from being done. Its so nice having a clean, bright and cheery room but the work is unbelieveable!

Beef Tips

Here ya go! I made this for dinner tonight and it rocked. Compliments of Sept/Oct Issue of Paula Deens Magazine. I've had very good luck with her recipes.
2 TB Olive Oil
4 lbs Sirloin Tip roast cut into pieces ( I used Beef Stew Meat)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 TB butter
4 Large Sweet Onions
4 cloves garlic--I use always minced garlic in my cooking
1/3 cp flour
2 (10.5 oz) cans beef Consumme
1 (14 oz) can Beef Broth
2 TB Worchestire Sauce
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme ( i use dried)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 (14 oz) package french bread cut into 1/4 in thick slices
1-1/2 shredded mozz cheese
Heat Olive oil and add meat. sprinkle with salt and pepper. brown, remove and set aside. in same pan melt butter and add onions..cook em down and carmelize them. about 15 to 20 minutes. Add garlic and flour. Add meat back to this, consumme, broth, worchestire, bay leaves,and thyme. Simmer for about 1 hour until meat is tender. Stir in cream and simmer another 30 minutes or so. Remove bay leaves. Place mixture into a pan sprayed with Pam. Place toasted French bread on top and cover with mozz cheese. I baked it for about 15 minutes and then broiled it for a couple more. I served it over noodles. I always use No Yolks noodles,, they cook fast and perfect every time! I also cut this recipe in half for baldyman and I. It rocked!

Instant Human

This is my new sweatshirt. I didnt think I would be able to wear it for quite some time considering 2 days ago it was 90. Strangely, I did wear it yesterday. We dropped over 20 degrees and it was actually cool enough to throw on a sweatshirt. Today, its even cooler. We are now 30 degrees cooler than 2 days ago. Thats Wisconsin for ya. You can see I still need to learn about my camera, because this picture stinks. The sweatshirt is pink with gold and chocolate colors. I was thinking yesterday after visiting a blog that i dont have anything pink in my house....BUT i do! And actually, i'm sitting in my office which is also 2 different shades of pink...men dont see pink???? I dont get that either. Baldyman painted it--he surely saw something.

Empty Lake

Well folks, this may very well be most of your only chance to ever see an empty lake. This summer Lake Delton emptied out in Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin. I'm sure many of you read about it in the news. The levee broke and the lake was gone. This top picture is where the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski show normally is. The lake is now growing grass. They expect by next Spring to have the lake repaired and filled again.
This is Peter, our favorite bartender. He went along camping for a day with us this past Labor Day Weekend. k, I'm trying to look only at the lake because Peter is my absolute dream guy.....and if......oh well, gotta back to the lake right?
He is standing at a place where some water remains...but nothing what they need to boat, ski, etc. They are repairing the breach now and I guess its pretty closed up. I wish I had a picture of the breach. It was amazing, the entire road was gone, just gone. It was like a bomb was dropped and pulled out the middle of the road. That was what held the lake in. I dont think they are doing it that way again. Some businesses lost 80% of their income this year due to this. It was amazing to see, but also very sad. The lake is a huge part of this favorite tourist spot. Sad to say, but we made it thru didnt we? Mother Nature really showed us her strength this summer.